Karalynn Otterness, MD

After completing my emergency medicine residency training at NYU/Bellevue, I joined Stony Brook’s EM Faculty in 2015. My time at Stony Brook has been dedicated to teaching and fostering resident development as an Assistant Program Director of the emergency medicine residency program. As someone who is passionate about resident education, I find joy and fulfillment in guiding the next generation of emergency physicians toward excellence in patient care, leadership, and lifelong learning.  

As an emergency physician, my duties extend beyond patient care to encompass cultivating a nurturing learning environment for our residents. I am actively involved in their weekly didactics and have a particular interest in small group learning sessions, simulation sessions, and procedural education. Through mentorship, case-base discussions, and simulation exercises, I aim to provide residents with a well-rounded understanding of emergency medicine and equip them with the skills and confidence necessary to navigate the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of our field.  

Furthermore, I am actively involved in the recruitment of graduating medical students to match into our residency program each year. In this role, I am driven by a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the residency program. I recognize the importance of creating an environment where residents from diverse backgrounds feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, I believe we can enrich the educational experience and better prepare residents to serve a diverse patient population.