The International Federation continues to expand and consolidate its position as an umbrella organization to promote emergency medicine internationally and support national organizations develop and improve emergency care for patients in each region.
There are now 45 national members and 5 regional organizations, representing organizations that provide emergency care for the most of the planet. Most countries with a recognized specialty of EM and a specialist society are members and a number of other countries without specialty recognition are affiliates or represented by regional organizations. It is important for IFEM to include and support these countries with fledgling EM systems.
A principal goal of IFEM has always been to support collaboration, cooperation and collegiality between national organizations and also between individual Emergency Physicians. An important vehicle for this has been the ICEM. This year we have trialed three symposia on specific subjects to expand this role. A symposium was held in Mexico on resuscitation, one on international residency programs in New York and a further symposium to be held in London on EM quality Indicators. Although numbers have been less than expected, the concept is being developed and will evolve over time. An important benefit of the Mexican symposium was the Spanish language content and bilingual translation. It is likely that in the future, these symposia may lay the ground for international consensus statements on important issues. A further way of facilitating this type of exchange will be for IFEM endorsement of regional activities.
A major achievement for IFEM has been the publication of curricula in undergraduate and postgraduate EM. This will assist many national organisations as they implement and refine their training programs. Although discussed, there is no intention at this stage for IFEM to accredit training programs. Through a collaboration with the UK College of Emergency Medicine, IFEM is exploring the possibility of on-line educational materials for EM training. This also lends itself to international examinations.
Within the Clinical Practice Committee a number of special interest groups are developing. A pediatric group is developing standards for Pediatric EM, a disaster special interest group has formed and an ultrasound special interest group is also developing. This seems an excellent way to encourage participation and engagement from committed individuals. There is also a collaboration being forged with Guideline International Network for the development of emergency specific guidelines that are relevant across national borders.
The Governance Committee, led by Bob Suter, has reviewed the governance structure of IFEM to ensure more regional representation. This will be reflected in new positions and opportunities when re-election of office bearers occurs in Dublin 2012.
To maintain the IFEM financially, we are dependent on the support of member nations. Each country provides a membership fee and supports their IFEM office bearers. In addition we rely on the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine to support the secretariat and the American College for Emergency Physicians to support the annual Board meeting.
There is much to be done within the IFEM and most of the work is voluntary. However we are fortunate in having many committed individuals who are willing to donate their “spare time” to improving emergency care internationally.
I would like to acknowledge their contribution, and on behalf of the Board and Executive, express our gratitude for their ongoing commitment.
Prof Peter Cameron
President IFEM
October 2011
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