During my summer preceptorship, I faced something I'll never forget: my first pediatric code. I was on rotation with the pediatric trauma team when we received a call that a 4-year-old had drowned. EMS was actively performing chest compressions en route. As we prepared the trauma bay, organizing supplies, pulling meds, and running through our roles, there was a noticeable stillness, a collective holding of breath before the storm hit. That moment, heavy with anticipation, was the first time I truly felt the weight of being in emergency medicine.

I had been assigned to chest compressions. I was nervous, overwhelmed-like it was my first day working on the EMS ambulance all over again. And then I saw the child. He looked like me. Southeast Asian, small-framed. His parents stood nearby, both wearing amulets that mirrored the one I've worn my whole life. In that instant, I didn't just see a patient, I saw family. My heart dropped.

Matthew Leclaire, the RN I was precepting with, stepped up to take the first round of compressions. It wasn't a power move; it was leadership. He later told me, "In these moments, emotions run high. I try to set the tone early; once everyone's in rhythm, we focus". And that's exactly what happened. Despite the chaos, there was no shouting, no panic. The entire trauma team moved like a single, well-oiled machine, clear, calm, and precise. It was the most organized chaos I've ever witnessed.

Matthew wasn't just technically excellent; he was emotionally grounded. He calmly assigned roles, ensured all equipment was accessible, and modeled how to lead with presence. It didn't matter what your title was; everyone respected him. There were multiple times we accompanied patients during transports throughout the hospital, and it became clear how well-known and admired he was. Staff on other units would ask, "When are you going to apply here? We have openings". He had that kind of reputation. This pattern conveys a significant message. Matthew reveals that even across different departments, he has maintained strong relationships with colleagues throughout the hospital. He's someone people want on their team, not just for his clinical skill, but for his character.

When caring for patients, Matthew brings not only clinical skill but also a thoughtful presence and calming bedside manner. He is incredibly effective at comforting and de-escalating distressed families, always ensuring that both the patient and their loved ones feel seen, heard, and cared for. Matthew exemplifies what it means to be a caregiver, a leader, and a mentor. His passion, dedication, and commitment to the Pediatric Emergency Department are truly inspiring.

Matthew is not only an exceptional RN but also a generous and patient teacher. I recently completed my preceptorship under his guidance, which gave me the opportunity to see his expertise and leadership up close for three months, whether he was leading in the trauma bay or supporting colleagues on the floor. Despite his full workload, he volunteered to precept me out of his own goodwill, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have learned from him.

With 17 years of service at UMass Memorial, Matthew's loyalty to the hospital and its mission is evident. He's deeply invested in the well-being of both patients and staff. Beyond bedside care, Matthew is a strong advocate for staff well-being. He participates in the hospital's CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) peer support program, checking in on fellow clinicians after high-acuity or traumatic cases, an act that speaks volumes about his compassion and commitment to nurse wellness. He also contributes to clinical research education, supporting the Vista curriculum by helping connect real patients and standardized actors to first- and second-year medical students during their early clinical encounters at our Memorial Campus. This is yet another example of his leadership and commitment to education.

As I continue to grow into a nurse, this will be a cornerstone memory that reminds me exactly what it means to be a leader and role model.  His passion, dedication, and commitment to the Pediatric Emergency Department are truly inspiring.