P032: ISAEM and the push for emergency medicine worldwide

Abstract

Introduction: The International Student Association of Emergency Medicine (ISAEM) is a non-profit organization composed of medical students and student groups who believe that everyone deserves high-quality emergency care. Our aim is to promote and foster the concept, philosophy, and art of Emergency Medicine (EM). More specifically, we seek to 1) create an international network of medical students interested in EM, 2) support EM Interest Groups (EMIGs) and medical students in accomplishing their goals, 3) call for the recognition of EM as an independent specialty in countries where it does not exist, 4) help medical students learn, practice, and advance EM in countries where it is already established, and 5) carry out international projects for the benefit of medical students interested in EM. Methods: ISAEM tries to accomplish its goals primarily by connecting interested medical students and EMIGs with each other, as well as with EM professionals and organizations around the world. Additionally, we support medical students and EMIGs financially, offer them extensive benefits through a free membership, represent their local interests through our National Ambassadors, and advocate on their behalf at the local, national, and international level. Results: ISAEM’s membership base is rapidly growing and our organization is currently represented by students in over 20 countries. In areas where the specialty of EM is not yet recognized, such as in Cameroon, ISAEM helped create the first EMIG and assists students with local projects. In countries where EM is new, such as Brazil, ISAEM helps students discover, explore, and advance this specialty. In countries where EM is thriving, like Canada, ISAEM offers students academic and personal opportunities to advance their careers and the specialty of EM internationally. Additionally, with the help of EM leaders worldwide, ISAEM has recently launched the FOAMed (Free Open Access Medical education) Translation Project and the International Observership Program. In the future, we aim to offer students international research, clinical, and mentorship programs, as well as more financial support. Conclusion: ISAEM is the international voice of medical student interested in promoting access to and expertise in emergency medical services worldwide. Through international collaboration, we hope to create an extensive network that will benefit medical students and the specialty of Emergency Medicine for many years to come.