Officers
Jennifer Unis Sullivan, DMD, JD, FCLM
President
Dr. Sullivan is the first female dentist in Pennsylvania to earn a law degree and pass the bar. She received her D.M.D. from Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry in Philadelphia, and J.D. from the Thomas Kline School of Law at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She cofounded Unis Dental Associates and continues to practice general and cosmetic dentistry as she has over the past 37 years. She has been routinely named one of Pittsburgh’s “Top Dentists” in Pittsburgh Magazine as voted by her patients and dental peers. She was appointed to the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry by Governor Tom Wolfe, and was recently unanimously elected to serve as Chair of the State Dental Board. As an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, she teaches the Legal Aspects of the Practice of Dentistry, Dental Licensing, Risk Management, and Ethics. She was also Chair of the Membership and Credentials Committee, and during her tenure had been instrumental in approving over 225 new members. She served as Co-Chair of the ACLM Dental Conferences in 2022 and 2023, and was the Co-Chair of 2024 ACLM 64th Annual Conference in San Diego, California. Dr. Sullivan serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Legal Medicine, the only dentist currently serving on the Board. Most importantly, she is a recipient of the ACLM Gold Medal Award. She is the first female dentist, and only the second dentist to receive this highest honor.
Richard Kelly, MD, JD, MPH, FASA, FCLM
President-Elect
Dr. Kelly is a full professor in the Department of Anesthesiology as well as a Senior Associate of the Health Policy Research Institute at the University of California in Irvine. His academic credentials include degrees from Harvard, Stanford, and Berkeley. His career has been characterized by a deep commitment to advancing knowledge in the areas where medicine and law overlap. With invitations to speak at conferences around the world, Dr. Kelly has been instrumental in shaping the discourse on critical issues of healthcare policy and medical ethics. His participation as a medical expert witness has helped shape the way the law approaches issues of medical negligence. His current research interests include the medical, medicolegal, and scientific implications of marijuana and psychedelics. Dr. Kelly is Emeritus Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Legal Medicine and a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. He was the Co-Chair of ACLM’s 2024 64th Annual Conference in San Diego, California.
Josanne (Jan) O’Dell, DDS, MFS, JD, FCLM
Treasurer
Dr. O’Dell is currently an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Endodontics at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. She completed both her BS and Masters in Forensic Science before Dental School and received advanced training in general dentistry, implant dentistry and her specialty in Endodontics. After 20+ years in private practice she pursued her JD. She has held leadership positions in multiple local, state, and national organizations.
Amirala Pasha, DO, JD, FACP, FCLM
Secretary
Dr. Pasha is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He currently serves as the Practice Chair for the Executive and Development Health Section. His research focuses on health law and policy with a special emphasis on FDA law and health policy education for clinicians. He is the editor of the recently published book titled Laws of Medicine: Core Legal Aspects for the Healthcare Professional and currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Legal Medicine. Dr. Pasha is the Chair of the ACLM 66th Annual Conference, to be held on March 6-8, 2026 at the Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
Michael Vinluan, MD, JD, FCLM
Immediate Past President
Dr. Vinluan serves as a medical-legal consultant and consulting expert witness for plaintiff and defense law firms on medical malpractice, product liability, and wrongful death cases, and has worked on several high-profile multidistrict litigation cases. Recently, he has been consulting with generative AI companies to develop accurate and ethical artificial intelligence systems. He is the 54th President of the American College of Legal Medicine and a recipient of its highest honor, the Gold Medal Award. He served on the Editorial Committee for the 8th edition of the preeminent Legal Medicine textbook and authored chapters on medical malpractice and product liability in several textbooks. In 2023, he chaired the ACLM’s 63rd Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Board of Governors
Mert N. Aksu, DDS, JD, MHSA, Cert. DPH, FCLM
Governor (2026)
Dr. Aksu has been serving as Dean of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry since July 1, 2008, making him the longest-serving dean in the school’s history. At the UDM School of Dentistry, he has been a faculty member and administrator since 1993. He earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences and Psychology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, a D.D.S. from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, a J.D. from Wayne State University, and a Master’s in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. Most recently, he completed his specialty certificate in Dental Public Health at Case Western Reserve University. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health. He has served as a national consultant, working on cases involving both professional liability and criminal misconduct. He has been a highly regarded regular contributor to the American College of Legal Medicine as a program presenter for over 10 years. Additionally, Dean Aksu serves on numerous boards and advisory committees, most notably as a non-executive board member for Great Expressions Dental Centers/Roark Capital Group.
B. Chandler May, MD, JD, FCLM
Governor (2026)
Dr. May is a clinical scientist in private practice in Santa Barbara, California. His practice encompasses more than thirty-five years of experience in General Otolaryngology with an emphasis on respiratory medicine, infectious disease, and trauma. Dr. May is a past of Chairman of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery at Cottage Health, Santa Barbara, CA. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, Council Member of the American College of Legal Medicine, member of the California State Bar and an Agreed Medical Evaluator for the California Workers’ Compensation system. As a recognized international speaker, he has delivered hundreds of lectures to health-care audiences over the past twenty-five years. The past ten years have been increasingly involved in the research and development of the combination of levocetirizine and montelukast to treat a myriad of inflammatory diseases and conditions. Dr. May has authored original science in eight different medical disciplines. He presently holds 72 issued patents across 15 countries.
Christopher Meredith, MD, JD, FAANS, FCLM
Governor (2026)
Dr. Meredith was raised in the Netherlands and moved to the U.S. to attend Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Connecticut where he majored in neuroscience. He went on to attend the University of Connecticut School of Medicine where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree. He then completed his general surgery internship and neurosurgical residency at the University of Kansas Hospital. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Dr. Meredith saw an opportunity to matriculate in and graduate from Mitchell-Hamline School of Law, in St. Paul, MN. He works as a full-time neurosurgeon at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. He also serves as a neurosurgical expert witness in medical malpractice cases. In addition, he performs peer-review, insurance pre-authorization work. Dr. Meredith is married to his wife Lisa Meredith, an O.R. nurse. Together they have two children, two dogs, and five cats. He and his wife enjoy running and completed 7 marathons together over the years.
Michael Lee Brooks, MD, JD, FCLM
Governor (2027)
Dr. Brooks is a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College (now Drexel University College of Medicine) who completed a Diagnostic Radiology residency at Mercy Catholic Medical Center, in Darby, PA. Following residency, he completed a Neuroradiology fellowship at the Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women’s Hospital and worked as an Instructor at Harvard Medical School and Staff Neuroradiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. From 1988 to 1998, Dr. Brooks was Associate Director of the Graduate Hospital Imaging Center and Neuroradiologist for The Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia. From 1998 to 2020, Dr. Brooks was the Neuroradiology Section leader for Mercy Medical Imaging, now Mercy Diagnostic Imaging, and an instructor at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital and Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia. In 2020, he joined Riverside Radiology and Lucid Solutions as a Neuroradiologist. In 2006, Dr. Brooks received his JD from the Temple University, Beasley School of Law and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 2007. He teaches medical topics and ethics to attorneys and is the Chair of the ACLM Ethics Committee. Dr. Brooks is a past Member of the Board of Directors of Mercy Health System, Co-Chair of the MFH Ethics Committee, and Chairman of the MCMC Bylaws Committee. He co-directs the Peer Learning Program for Lucid Health.
Ellia Ciammaichella, DO, JD, FCLM
Governor (2027)
Dr. Ciammaichella is a neurophysiatrist and passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities. Combining her legal and medical expertise, she champions patient rights and equitable healthcare access. As a leader in disability medicine, Dr. Ciammaichella is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their maximum potential. She is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, brain injury medicine, and spinal cord injury medicine. Her unique understanding of common complications of injuries and anticipated quality of life allows her to create a framework for understanding the extent of damages. She is also on the editorial board of the journal Sexuality and Disability, and a Clinical Assistant Professor, at the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine.
Stanley W. Fronczak, MD, JD, FAANS[L], FACS, FCLM
Governor (2027)
Dr. Fronczak is a retired neurosurgeon and a practicing attorney. He is a member of and Past-President of the Illinois State Neurosurgical Society. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons (Lifetime), and the American College Legal Medicine. He is licensed to practice law in Illinois. His current interests are medical malpractice litigation, medical ethics, and neuroethics.
John (JD) Daniels, JD, DO, MBA, MPH, MT (ASCP), FCAP, FCLM
Governor (2028)
Dr. Daniels is dually certified by the American Board of Pathology in Clinical Pathology and Transfusion Medicine and is an Associate Professor/Clinical at the University of Texas Health San Antonio (UTHSA). In addition to being a Fellow of the American College of Legal Medicine, he is a Fellow of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serving on the CAP Federal and State Affairs Committee. Dr. Daniels has proudly served in the military for over 37 years, most recently as Commander of a U.S. Army Reserve Field Hospital. Dr. Daniels’ professional interests include optimizing graduate medical education and medical ethics.
Hamid Latifi, MD, JD, MA, FCLM
Governor (2028)
Dr. Latifi is Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Education, at Texas A&M University School of Medicine. He is a practicing nuclear radiologist, specializing in oncology imaging, at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He also has an active solo law practice, focusing on estate planning and medical malpractice. He received his MD with highest honors from Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, where he also completed his residency in diagnostic radiology, and fellowship in nuclear medicine. After practicing nuclear radiology and teaching medical students, residents, and fellows for almost two decades, he decided to pursue a law degree. Dr. Latifi obtained his JD cum laude from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and has been practicing both law and medicine since graduating from SMU. He has volunteered with RAD-AID International, and finds his service with RAD-AID extremely rewarding and enjoyable. He was the Chair of the 2025 65th Annual Conference of ACLM, held at the Hilton University of Houston. His personal interests include flamenco guitar, and spending time with his family.
Adam McLaughlin, MD, JD, FRCSC, FCLM
Governor (2028)
Dr. McLaughlin is a practicing ophthalmologist and retinal surgeon in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He is an assistant professor within the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Ottawa Eye Institute/L’Institut de l’œil de l’Université d’Ottawa. As a dual-certified physician who has practiced in both Canada and the United States, his interests include understanding and explaining the different models of healthcare delivery between these two countries. Within the ACLM he has been involved in the Student Writing Competition Committee.
Robert Buckman, PhD, FCLM
Ex-Officio Board Member – Education Fund Committee Co-Chair
Dr. Buckman is a practicing Clinical Pharmacologist who served the State of Illinois as the Chair of the Drug Formulary for the Department of Public Aid for 25 years. He served as a Senior Consultant for the Illinois State Medical Society Drug and Therapeutics Committee. He also served as Senior Vice President, Director of Medica Affairs Worldwide, for the global Interpublic Advertising Group of Companies. Dr. Buckman was privileged to be one of the Navy’s first Medical Scholars named under the Health Professions Scholarship Program whereby he was able to complete his Clinical Pharmacology training. During active duty, Dr. Buckman was on the adjunct faculty of the Naval Academy with an adjunct clinical appointment at the National Naval Medical Center as he served as the Clinical Pharmacologist for the 3rd and 7th Naval Fleets. Dr. Buckman is an adjunct faculty member of the University of Wisconsin and lectures in the area of pharmacological therapeutics. Dr. Buckman is the second recipient of the ACLM President’s Distinguished Service Award in the 50-year history of the College.
Tony S. Quang, MD, JD, FASTRO, FCLM
Ex-Officio Board Member – Education Fund Committee Co-Chair
Dr. Quang holds the rank of Clinical Professor of Radiation Oncology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. He is the 52nd President and Gold Medal Award Recipient of the American College of Legal Medicine, 16th President of the Association of Hematology/Oncology (AVAHO), Board of Trustees of the Washington State Medical Association, and current President of the AVAHO Foundation. He has been inducted as the prestigious Fellow of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (FASTRO) and Fellow of the American College of Legal Medicine (FCLM). He stands as a distinguished national figure in legal medicine with a 20-year tenure as a board-certified Radiation Oncologist. A recent milestone in his career is the editing of a groundbreaking textbook titled Understanding the Principles and Practice of Legal Oncology. Dr. Quang is renowned for his proficiency in cancer treatment, his influential role in educating the next generation of medical and legal professionals, and his pioneering contributions to clinical research.
Amirala Pasha, DO, JD, FACP, FCLM
Ex-Officio Board Member – JLM Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Pasha is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He currently serves as the Practice Chair for the Executive and Development Health Section. His research focuses on health law and policy with a special emphasis on FDA law and health policy education for clinicians. He is the editor of the recently published book titled Laws of Medicine: Core Legal Aspects for the Healthcare Professional and currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Legal Medicine. Dr. Pasha is the Chair of the ACLM 66th Annual Conference, to be held on March 6-8, 2026 at the Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
Peter H. Rheinstein, MD, JD, MS, FCLM
Ex-Officio Board Member – ABLM Chair
Dr. Rheinstein has chaired the American Board of Legal Medicine since 2011. He has been a Fellow of the ACLM since 1973 and is a recipient of the Gold Medal Award. Since 2012, he has chaired the USAN Council, which assigns all US generic drug names. He also represents Maryland at the US Pharmacopeia. Within the AMA, he represents the Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research, where he serves as Treasurer and is a past President. Dr. Rheinstein is the past President of both the Drug Information Association and the Academy of Medicine of Washington, DC. He has held executive and board positions in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries and served as an FDA executive for over 25 years. Additionally, he serves on the University of Maryland School of Law Alumni Board and is the publisher of Discovery Medicine.
[Year after name denotes end of term at Annual Meeting.]
Current and Past Board of Governors
2024-2025
Back row: Hamid Latifi, MD, JD, MA, FCLM; John (JD) Daniels, JD, DO, MBA, MPH, MT (ASCP), FCAP, FCLM; B. Chandler May, MD, JD, FCLM; Stanley W. Fronczak, MD, JD, FAANS[L], FACS, FCLM; Michael Lee Brooks, MD, JD, FCLM; Peter H. Rheinstein, MD, JD, MS, FCLM; Amirala Pasha, DO, JD, FACP, FCLM; Adam McLaughlin, MD, JD, FRCSC, FCLM
Front row: Santos Ruiz-Cordero, MD, JD, FCLM; Richard Kelly, MD, JD, MPH, FASA, FCLM; Jennifer Unis Sullivan, DMD, JD, FCLM; Michael Vinluan, MD, JD, FCLM; Eli N. Avila, MD, JD, MPH, FCLM, DABLM; Josanne (Jan) O’Dell, DDS, MFS, JD, FCLM; Tony S. Quang, MD, JD, FASTRO, FCLM
Not in picture:
Mert N. Aksu, DDS, JD, MHSA, Cert. DPH, FCLM; Robert Buckman, PhD, FCLM; Elizabeth Valencia, MD, JD, FCLM; Ellia CIammaichella, DO, JD, FCLM
2023-2024
Back row: Stanley W. Fronczak, MD, JD, FAANS[L], FACS, FCLM; John (JD) Daniels, JD, DO, MBA, MPH, MT (ASCP), FCAP, FCLM; Adam McLaughlin, MD, JD, FRCSC, FCLM; Santos Ruiz-Cordero, MD, JD, FCLM; Elizabeth Valencia, MD, JD, FCLM; Josanne (Jan) O’Dell, DDS, MFS, JD, FCLM; B. Chandler May, MD, JD, FCLM; Amirala Pasha, DO, JD, FACP, FCLM
Front row: Richard Kelly, MD, JD, MPH, FASA, FCLM; Rey Gonzalez, Jr., MD, JD, FCLM; Michael Vinluan, MD, JD, FCLM; Eli N. Avila, MD, JD, MPH, FCLM, DABLM; Tony S. Quang, MD, JD, FASTRO, FCLM; Jennifer Unis Sullivan, DMD, JD, FCLM; Robert Buckman, PhD, FCLM
Not in picture: Michael Lee Brooks, MD, JD, FCLM; Peter H. Rheinstein, MD, JD, MS, FAAFP, FAPCR, FCLM
