Position Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM) is a federation of over 70 national and regional emergency medicine organizations that connects global networks of doctors and teams who practice Emergency Medicine.

IFEM’s vision is to create a world where all people, in all countries, have access to high quality emergency medical care.

The effect of discrimination on our global patients

We acknowledge the negative impacts of discrimination, conflict, and poverty on the healthcare needs of individuals and populations and seek to advocate for equitable access to high quality emergency care for all people in all countries, regardless of gender, race, religion, politics, or socioeconomic status.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within our Organization

 IFEM strives to be equitable, inclusive, and representative of our already diverse membership. It is our policy not to discriminate based on race, color, country of origin, resources, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other quality that makes one unique.

We seek to actively promote equity in our organizational structure by consciously creating diverse workgroups and creating space for representatives from a wide range of perspectives, resources, and languages. To ensure diversity, equity and inclusion, quotas will at times need to be applied. When necessary, IFEM leaders will provide mentorship and sponsorship to encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for opportunities in leadership, awards, and speaking engagements.

IFEM acknowledges that implicit bias exists and will collect and publish data relating to all our endeavors including leadership positions, special interest group membership, awards, and speaking engagements.

Benefits of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on our members and patients

By striving for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of our work, we can collectively create, nurture, and sustain a culture that is global, just, and inclusive; where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our members so they can provide the best emergency care for all our patients.