EuSEM 2008, Munich, Germany ACEP and People to People China Trip with Rick Blum Caribbean Emergency Medicine Congress (CEMC) ASAMUP/ASPAME Meeting Report: January 12, 2009 3rd International Congress of the Polish Society for Emergency Medicine 2009 Scientific Assembly Scholarship Program Call for Nominations - Section Leadership Opportunities ACEP International Ambassador Program E-mail Bag Calendar of International Conferences Section News

EuSEM 2008, Munich, Germany

Tareg Bey, MD

The medicine conference in Munich, Germany September 15-18, 2008 was a great success. 

More than 800 participants from around the globe attended the 5th Congress on Emergency Medicine and the 3rd Annual Meeting of the DGINA, which took place September 15-18, 2008 in Munich, Germany. The EuSEM2008 conference, organized and co-sponsored by The European Society of Emergency Medicine (EuSEM) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft Interdisziplinäre Notaufnahme or DGINA (German Society for Interdisciplinary Emergency Departments), was held at the Munich Gasteig Conference Center. The conference featured excellent educational presentations in English and German and many hands-on sessions. 

The European Master in Disaster Medicine (EMDM), a second-level master degree approved by the European Union, were also represented and held several symposia and disaster training exercises at EuSEM2008 (http://www.dismedmaster.com). Dr. Kristi Koenig, an internationally recognized expert in the fields of Homeland Security, Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Emergency Management, and Emergency Medical Services,  and I lectured on concepts of surge capacity and principles of disaster medicine.  

EMDM staff also presented at EuSEM2008 a computer-based exercise in the pre-hospital setting, entitled I SEE RICELAND. "I SEE," Interactive Simulation Exercise for Emergencies, was developed within the framework of a "Leonardo da Vinci" project in the European Union. The presentation was made under the guidance of Profs. Francesco Della Corte, Herman Delooz and Michel Debaker, together with the IT staff from the University of Piedmont in Novara, Italy. 

Dr. Koenig and I were invited to participate in the World Health Organization-Regional Office for Europe (WHO Barcelona) to discuss the organization’s Emergency Medical Services Programme. Bob Suter and Brian Keaton, both former ACEP presidents, also attended this meeting. The program’s mission is to develop and support the WHO European regional member states with emergency services reforms in their healthcare systems.  

Additionally, I lectured about seizure disorders and the new hot topic, Global Warming and Disasters. DGINA also invited me to participate in a German press conference to discuss why Germany needs hospital-based emergency medicine. DGINA was represented by Drs. Barbara Hogan (President), Thomas Fleischmann (Vice President) and Prof. Christoph Dodt (Congress President for DGINA). (http://www.dgina.de)  

As ACEP’s ambassador to Germany, I was excited to witness the progress emergency medicine is making in that nation. DGINA announced during this press conference that the organization had made an official request at the German Medical Council (equivalent of the ABMS) to introduce board certification for Emergency Medicine. Additionally, DGINA presented a workforce analysis for German emergency departments and a core curriculum with core competencies in accordance with the recommendation of EuSEM and the UEMS (Union Européenne des Médicins Spécialistes). 

I emphasized that with the diminishing numbers of primary care physicians, the rapid downsizing and consolidation of hospitals and the introduction of DRGs, Emergency Medicine will be introduced as its own specialty in Germany. The press echo from this topic was tremendous with over 20 national newspapers reporting on it the next day.  

On a lighter note, the social program was of course excellent, given that the conference took place in Bavaria’s capital, the "City of Beer."  Congratulations to the European Society of Emergency Medicine and DGINA for organizing such a great conference and promoting Emergency Medicine in Europe. Thank you also for outreach and collaboration with ACEP. The current EuSEM president, Prof. Gunnar Öhlén of Sweden, did a phenomenal job coordinating this conference, which was attended by 800 registered participants from all 27 European member states and Switzerland, Israel, Turkey, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Canada and the U.S. 

 

(left to right) Prof. Christoph Dodt, Congress President for DGINA; Dr. Tareg Bey, ACEP Ambassador to Germany; Thomas Fleischmann, Vice-President DGINA; Dr. Barbara Hogan, President DGINA

 

(left to right) Robert E. Suter, DO, FACEP; Kristi L. Koenig, MD, FACEP; Tareg A. Bey, MD, FACEP; Brian F. Keaton, MD, FACEP

  

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ACEP and People to People China Trip with Rick Blum

Kerry Forrestal, MD

West Virginia, Argentina, Maryland, New Zealand, Utah, England, Illinois (By way of Nigeria), Texas,  Pennsylvania (By way of Poland), California, Florida, England, New Jersey (By way of France), Delaware, Connecticut, Tennessee and Canada. 

This diverse gathering of Emergency Medicine physicians from all over the world represents the American College of Emergency Physicians delegation to China in November of 2008 as part of the People to People Ambassador’s Program. 

The People to People Citizen Ambassador Program was founded in 1956 by Dwight D. Eisenhower, then President of the United States of America to promote peaceful international relations.  

"I have long believed, as have many before me, that peaceful relations between nations require mutual respect between individuals,"- Dwight David Eisenhower

Coming from a man who led troops in the bloodiest conflict of the 20^th century, it is a worthy sentiment that carries a unique weight. 

It is in this context then that this eclectic delegation made the long journey to China; to learn and to teach about Emergency Medicine and to participate in President Eisenhower’s efforts for international peace. Though the primary focus of this article is the medical aspect, it is difficult to discuss this experience without some mention of the social experience. 

First Stop: Beijing

We began our journey in Beijing, formerly Peking, the nation’s capital, and the site of the 2008 Olympics. We were met by a young woman by the name of Ms. Hou Liping, our national guide and Mr. Liu Ping our local guide. Both had adopted western names, perhaps because western tongues have a singularly difficult time with the intonations required by the various dialects in China. Ms. Hou took the name Wendy and Mr. Liu used Leo. 

After an "In country briefing," the professional delegation met with the first colleague, Dr. Dru, a professor at the medical college, who came to our hotel and did a presentation on the Peking Union Medial College. PUMC is a 900 bed tertiary care center and major center for medical education in China. This was to be our only interaction that was not in the field. It was here that we started to get oriented to how different the Chinese way of doing things can be. We were surprised to find that the term "Doctor" does not always equate with a doctoral level education. In fact all levels of educational degree in medicine from the Associates level on up, can carry the title doctor. We learned that perhaps 10% of the hospital’s staff, depending on facility, are what we would consider the doctoral level. 

Post bachelor physician training is available and Dr. Dru indicated that ‘Residencies’ in Emergency Medicine had been started in 2001. He also told us of his visit to Maryland’s ‘Shock/Trauma’ institute and indicated that there is no such formal trauma training in China. 

The following day we had our first trip out to a facility, Beijing Puxiang Community Hospital. This modest facility serves its local community of 3,000 households, or about 10,000 persons. The conference room was cold and spartan. It most reminded me of the old Quonset huts from my military days. Actually, more like my father’s military days. Interestingly, after the tour, as we were milling about outside the facility awaiting the bus, a gentleman walked up to us and, in very good English, began to extol the virtues of the hospital and its impact on the community. We asked him where he had learned such excellent language skills. He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota. Curious, that in a city of 17.4 Million people, we happen upon a "Gopher." 

The next stop was Beijing Hospital No. 6. As we walked in, we were greeted by a very large backdrop proclaiming the "2008 Sino-US International Forum on Emergency Medicine."  While somewhat grandiose, taken in its literal meaning, I suppose it was quite true. Dr. Blum was invited to address this forum and represent ACEP without any forewarning. He did so seemingly effortlessly and to an enthusiastic response. 

One of our members, Dr. Boyer of Canada had done work in Beijing in the past and surprised our Chinese hosts by asking them to sing their hospital anthem, the equivalent of a college fight song. His knowledge of their tradition of such songs gave our hosts a terrific opportunity to show their pride in their hospital and they readily agreed to share the song with us. 

This brings us to the concept of "Face which is a central and abiding tenant of Chinese culture. One can "Lose face" by acts that are considered minor annoyances in our culture such as being a few minutes late for something. More importantly, admitting error creates a very large loss of face. While at first blush this might seem to be a cultural quirk, it becomes a very central issue in advancing the art and science of Medicine. Our first experience with this hurdle came when we asked about the experience of the Olympics. 

As anyone who has ever tried to plan an event of any size can attest, there are always areas that can be improved. In our profession we use the M&M and the "lessons learned" exercises, for example, to leverage our experience into process improvement. When we asked the question, "What problems did you encounter preparing for the Olympics" there could be only one answer. "None". To admit otherwise would involve a loss of face. 

The following day we experienced some of the cultural aspects of Beijing. Rather than simply being a sightseeing tour, this aspect of the journey was important to understanding our hosts. China is the oldest continuous civilization in the history of the world. Though the countries initial unification of the Warring States under Emperor Qin (Or Chin in our language hence Chin-a) in 221 BC bespeaks a two thousand year story, it’s culture dates another two millennia back to the Xia Dynasty in 2200 BC. They know this well and it frames the way they look at the world around them. 

We went to Tiananmen Square, a very central place in the thinking of westerners about China. The student protests and subsequent actions of the government have become synonymous with human rights. To the Chinese, it is not spoken of. Our guides have had extensive experience with the questions outsiders bring to the Tiananmen experience. 

Here I note that in this culture it is as often what is not said as what is. Additionally, and you need to experience this to completely understand it, it’s sometimes how things are not said. Our local guide told us that according to the government (His emphasis) no one died in Tiananmen Square that fateful day; though official Chinese Government estimates to western agencies place the number at 234. (Other estimates, including the Chinese Red Cross range as high as 6,000 killed and 30,000 injured) We are told by another guide that it is not culturally acceptable to speak ill of the living. The suggestion is that perhaps when the leaders of the government who were around during the 1989 uprising have all passed, there will be a new telling of the history. 

After this we travel to the Great Wall and climb until our legs are shaking. It’s paradoxical to see vendors all along this section of the wall hawking souvenirs, but they are there in force nonetheless. 

Xian

Our guides like to tell us that if you want to experience 20 years of history, go to Shanghai, if you want 200 years of history, go to Beijing, but if you want 2,000 years, go to Xian. It is the home of the Terra Cotta Warriors, Emperor Qin’s Tomb and the second leg of our journey. 

We visit a small village in Xian called Nansu where an artist named Mr. Zhang Qinyi creates astonishing works of art. After dropping off our guests for a visit to the newly renovated People to People library, we visit the Clinic in Wuzhou Town. Here we meet the clinic director Dr. Li and the Communist party representative Mr. Chen. 

Throughout our stay we have been aware that there are "watchers" and that a Communist Party representative is in attendance, but in Xian, it is not subtle. Mr. Chen answers all but a few of the questions regardless of the nature of the inquiry. Be it administrative or medical. While frustrating the exchange of medical information, it is here that we get a very good understanding of the layout of the central planning of the medical system. 

Every village has a clinic and if a place is large enough to be called a town; it has a facility that can be best compared to a small community hospital. For every four of these centers, there is a coordinating center. When Dr. Bauman, a Texas Emergency Physician with our group, brings up the subject of recruiting doctors to small towns, we are surprised to find that doctors are told where to go after graduation. I wonder if that would work here in the States. 

The experience of the Wuzhou Town Clinic is the most overt presentation of the Communist Party being in charge. Up till now the hospitals and clinics flew national flags in much the same way any western country might, but here, the communist party flags were displayed in any direction you looked in the conference room. Note that this is not the national flag of China, this is the party flag. Dr. Langsam, from Delaware, and I note that the one most prominently displayed still had sharp creases in it as if it had been unpacked and hung that day. 

Shanghai

The last leg of our journey brings us to Shanghai city of 24 million people. When we were asked about how large for example New York was, it really gave us a perspective on the challenges they face as New York City is approximately 8 million people. (As a New Yorker though, I could assure them we could generate 24 million separate opinions on any given subject)  It is here that we visit the Emergency Medical Center with a setup for dispatch that would have most EMS providers in the US salivating. It is not yet in full operation, but the huge video screens on the main wall promise real time video of major operations from the field. In the afternoon we have our final site visit to the Shanghai Tongren Hospital. Here we meet with a relatively youthful team that is energetic and forward looking and want to actively engage with their western counterparts. It is here that the groundwork for exchange programs and the sharing of knowledge may have found fertile soil. 

After a visit to the Shanghai Museum and a farewell banquet we make the long trip home richer for the experience and with more questions about China than when we started. 

Stateside

I’m home as I write this with my usual cup of coffee and still processing the events of the trip. Our experience will take a long while to sort through. Certainly what we saw was controlled, but when you fill a room with physicians who are expert in perceiving the things that aren’t being said, a lot of learning goes on. 

Communication in the field of Emergency Medicine nationwide is questionable. We are told in one meeting in Beijing that there is no Chinese equivalent to ACEP but they are hoping to get one started as soon as the new year. In a different meeting in Shanghai that there is CCEP and that the gentleman we were talking to was the president of it. 

In our first meetings, the question of what happens if a patient can’t pay was answered by saying "They don’t receive care" plain and simple. You can imagine our reaction. Day by day as we visited, it appeared the system of uncompensated care improved until it was asserted by Mr. Chen of Wuzhou Town Clinic that farmers insurance was available for a nominal fee (20 Yuan or about 3 dollars per year American), it would cover 80% of medical costs and 95-98% of the local people were covered. The remaining 2-5% had moved out of town and hadn’t registered in their new locality yet. On the other side of the conversation, they seemed a bit confused when we told them that we address uncompensated care by distributing the costs, in effect charging those who can pay a bit more to help pay for those who can’t. 

Societally, our guides point out again and again the freedom to any practice any religion an individual desires. Falun Gong, a peaceful philosophical movement, is outlawed for "Public safety reasons" related to the five individuals who self immolated in 2001. They point out that the "One child" policy is actually the one birth policy (Bring on the clomid) and then enumerate exception after exception to the policy. At the end of the day however, if a woman becomes pregnant who "shouldn’t" abortion is "encouraged" and expected. Failing this, there is a large fine that amounts to several times an annual salary. 

Finally, we have a perception that there are 1.4 Billion Chinese communists. This is not so. The Communist party is about 70 million strong (The same number interestingly as Falun Gong). This amounts to about 5% of the population. I think it’s fair to say that most of the rest are simply people trying to live their lives as best they can. 

China has been around in one form or another for a long time and they are re-engaging the world in ways never anticipated by Mao or even his successor Deng. They are now and will be a significant part of the future. This initiative by ACEP is still in its beginning stages, however one thing I took away from this experience is that the Chinese have very long memories both for good and bad. We have much to teach and much to learn in this relationship. I have no doubt we all will be the better for it. 

At the end of the trip I asked our small group to sum up the trip in a single word. I believe Dr. John Heyward of England may have single best answer: 

      (Insert English accent) 

      "Fantastic." 

      Quite. 

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Caribbean Emergency Medicine Congress (CEMC)

Indrani Sheridan, MD

Idealism seems to be the driving force behind the remarkable work being done in Emergency Medicine, in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean. CEMC, the Caribbean Emergency Medicine Congress was a joint effort between the University of the West Indies and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. The conference brought together faculty from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and all across the Caribbean. CEMC was held in January 2009 at the Barbados Hilton Hotel, right off the beach and the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. While the tropical setting, good food and vibrant, friendly people lent itself to a wonderful mid-winter break, the conference also offered an unparalleled opportunity for academic and scientific exchange, providing physicians from around the globe a venue to interact, exchange ideas and present the latest research in the field of Emergency Medicine.  

Major areas addressed were trauma, resuscitation, pediatrics, toxicology, pre-hospital care, disaster preparedness and handling life-threatening illnesses. The program ran the gamut from the universal problem of Crowding to Hospital Design to a panel discussion on Establishing a Caribbean Federation of Emergency Medicine. The clinical topics highlighted a broad range of interests, covering many aspects of both adult and pediatric Emergency Medicine. There were helpful hints for educators on Resident Remediation and Getting Published. There were phenomenal tips for the experienced practitioner on Difficult Vascular Access and Interactions of Commonly Used Medicines. And there were numerous reviews of important topics such as Pediatric Head Trauma and Non-Traumatic Joint Pain. 

On the international front, Emergency Medicine continues to grow and to play a pivotal role in saving lives. There are now more than 40 countries including Barbados, that recognize the essential part played by Emergency Medicine in public health. As always, conscientious financial support is needed both from the government and private sector, as well as ongoing, realistic needs assessment and balanced resource allocation. The advancement of EM in the Caribbean serves as a model of how well an idea can take off once its time has come. Our Caribbean colleagues have done a phenomenal job advancing the specialty of Emergency Medicine on the islands. We can certainly expect much from them in future years.

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ASAMUP/ASPAME Meeting Report: January 12, 2009

Gladys H. Lopez, MD, MPH, FACEP

In agreement with my promise, this e-mail has the specific purpose to inform you about the important meeting between ASPAME and ASAMUP and their respective IFEM applications. 

This meeting was thought during earlier December and it was created as a way to facilitate this important process in Panama. 

The formal invitation to both associations was sent during middle December with supportive answers from both groups. At the same time, I considered convenient to invite ALACED to this conversation and I received an affirmative answer from Dr. Hector Topete (president of ALACED) initially but because of lack of resources and short timing on my part about this meeting, he decided to decline the invitation. 

Finally, 4 members of ASPAME (Dr Manuel Gonzales del Rosario, Dr. Aurora Vernaza, Dr, Andres Dewitt and Dr. Ricardo Hughes) and 3 members of ASAMUP (Dr. Legson Tejada, Dr. Elis Gonzalez y Dr. Luciano Guerra) came to the scheduled appointment. 

This group also counted with the important presence of Dr. Rafael Aparicio, current president of the Panamanian Medical College, entity that includes all the medical associations in Panama. 

The development of the meeting followed the created agenda allowing both associations to ventilate issues such as: 

1. ASAMUP expressed its willingness to be a member of IFEM   with no established difference between affiliate and total status in their application. Dr. Haywood brought this application to IFEM directives during ACEP-Chicago 2008 meeting.
2. Second time application for total membership from ASPAME (ASPAME's members expressed they sent a first time application for full membership to IFEM during the MEMC IV conference in September 2007) presented by Dr. Ricardo Hughes during ACEP-Chicago 2008.
3. Evidence of excellent work and trajectory by ASAMUP during the last 14 years to improve and provide continued medical education to emergency medicine health care providers with deep connections within the Panamanian governmental entities.
4. ASPAME represents the group of Panamanian Emergency Medicine specialists and it is a new associations but it has shown to have the leadership in the academic growth of the recently founded Panamanian Emergency Medicine (EM) specialty.
5. In fact, the recognition of the specialty happened due to the arrival of an EM-trained-specialist to this country and the Panamanian Medical College sees in the near the future the use of only EM trained specialist as an Emergency Department (ED) leader piece all throughout the country,
6. The Panamanian Medical College has already started a process of national certification and recertification based on the standards given by ASPAME that will contribute to the enhancement of the emergency medical care and guarantee of academic suitability to all providers in the Panamanians EDs.
7. ASAMUP has already reached multiple rural settings with its continued medical education programs for general practitioners not trained in EM improving the access to information to these underserved areas.
8. ASPAME sees as a threat not to become a full member to IFEM because this will decrease credibility and respect to the recently created residency training program and recent graduates in EM.
9. All three parties are willing to sit down and talk about these issues for one more week and send to IFEM a position letter from each one of the associations and the Medical Panamanian College on January the 21st.
10. Both groups were also informed that the last decision regarding their membership will be taken by the IFEM directives based in all the exposed facts and that there is a big chance for the associations to be selected as affiliated members to stop the conflict if they are not able to resolve it within themselves.
11. Examples of memberships in Mexico, Argentina y Colombia were extensively discussed during this meeting with multiple points to take home to the Panamanian process.
12. We closed the meeting in good terms with the idea that this dilemma needed to be resolved "from the Panamanians for the Panamanians". They agreed on concerting and try to reach a decision that will satisfy both parties about this delicate situation related to their IFEM application. 

As a corollary, I would like to thank each of the participants of this meeting: 

Dr. Legson Tejada for his passionate presentation about ASAMUP's history, vision and mission and his great commitment to continuing educating Emergency Medicine providers in his country. 

Dr. Elis Gonzales Portugal that with his great charisma made me understand how both associations are closer in their principles that any other time in the history of the Panamanian Emergency Medicine development process. 

Dr. Luciano Guerra (past president of ASAMUP) and the first person to offer peace and personal apologies during this meeting in order to conciliate differences between both associations. 

Dr. Manuel del Rosario Garcia, who created ASPAME as a response (against all odds) to represent the newly born specialty and provide it with as well deserved name and respectability on its own. 

Dr. Andres DeWitt that as a second and newly selected president of ASPAME, bring his young zest to the table and believes and works firmly for the growth of this association. 

Dr. Aurora Vernaza that as unique female in this process brought to this mediation the soft but strong voice of an Emergency Physician that seeks well-deserved representation for his specialty in the international arena. 

Dr. Rafael Aparicio for promoting a healthy development of the Emergency Medicine in his country choosing the academic path and the full support to the EM residency program. 

But very specially, my greatest thanks to Dr. Ricardo Hughes, currently, last year EM resident and former ACEP scholarship recipient for his support to the entire process and his unbreakable commitment to the Panamanian EM development since I met him half a decade ago.

I foresee great things for Richie, including being a president of both associations in the near future. 

I am attaching the materials created by me for this meeting and each association will send their own materials on the 21^st of January as well as a letter with a final position to their IFEM application. 

The Panamanian Medical College will also send a letter to IFEM to support a final decision. 

I hope this report is helpful and insightful and please do not hesitate to contact me If you have any further questions. 

Thank you all for the honor and the opportunity to be part of the history of the EM in Latino America. 

Below are links to the two power point presentations that were created for the meeting: 

Que es la Federación Internacional de Medicina de Emergencia:  IFEM 

  Que es ACEP    

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3rd International Congress of the Polish Society for Emergency Medicine

C. James (Jim) Holliman, MD, FACEP

The Third International Congress of the Polish Society for Emergency Medicine held June 17 to 20, 2009, in Wroclaw, Poland was a huge success with over 700 participants from over 20 different countries. Professor Juliusz Jakubaszko, MD, PhD, was the Congress President, and was recognized by the other Emergency Medicine leaders at the Congress for his extensive work developing the specialty of Emergency Medicine in Poland and across Europe. The Polish Society for Emergency Medicine also was celebrating the 10^th anniversary of the official recognition of the specialty of Emergency Medicine in Poland. The Society was also lauded for its leadership role in promoting Emergency Medicine development in Europe. 

Emergency Medicine leaders who presented plenary speeches at the Congress included Dr. Gautam Bodiwala, President of the International Federation of Emergency Medicine (IFEM), Dr. Peter Cameron, Vice-President of IFEM, Dr. Gunnar Öhlén, President of the European Society for Emergency Medicine (EuSEM), Dr. David Williams, Past-President of EuSEM, Dr. Herman Delooz, founder and first President of EuSEM, Dr. Judy Tintinalli (University of North Carolina), Dr. Francesco DellaCorte of Italy, and Dr. Bob Suter, previous President of ACEP. Drs. Joe Lex and Jim Holliman of the U.S., Dr. Tony Martin of Ireland, and Dr. Jerzy Karski of Poland were inducted as Honorary Members of the Polish Society at the Congress. The social events at the Congress were spectacular, as at the prior Polish Congresses, and included a faculty dinner in the Old Town Hall, a choir concert, a barbecue party with fountain light show, and a Gala Dinner held at the faculty of Theology. 

Pre-Congress workshops were conducted on the following subjects: Emergency Trauma Care, Hospital Disaster Planning, Pediatric Emergencies, Advanced Airway Management, Emergency Department Design and Management, Ultrasound, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Emergency Department Triage, and Noninvasive Ventilation. 

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2009 Scientific Assembly

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for the following international meetings to be held in conjunction with our 2009 Scientific Assembly October 5-8, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. 

All meetings with the exception of the Section on International Emergency Medicine Steering Committee and IFEM Executive meetings are open to all. 

All meetings with the exception of the IFEM meetings have been scheduled at the convention center to provide easy access to/from Scientific Assembly activities. 

Activity:	Section on International Emergency Medicine Steering Committee (Closed Meeting)
Date:	Monday, October 5
Time:	10:30 am - 11:30 am
Location:	Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

  

Activity:	Section on International Emergency Medicine Business Meeting
Date:	Monday, October 5
Time:	1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location:	Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

  

Activity:	IFEM Core Curriculum & Education Committee
Date:	Tuesday, October 5
Time:	8:00 am - 10:00 am
Location:	Marriott Copley Place

  

Activity:	IFEM Finance Committee
Date:	Tuesday, October 6
Time:	10:30 am - 11:30 am
Location:	Marriott Copley Place

   

Activity:	SAEM International Interest Group
Date:	Tuesday, October 6
Time:	1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location:	TBA

 

Activity:	IFEM Governance Committee
Date:	Tuesday, October 6
Time:	1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Location:	Marriott Copley Place

 

Activity:	IFEM Specialty Implementation Committee
Date:	Tuesday, October 6
Time:	3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location:	Marriott Copley Place

   

Activity:	Section on International Emergency Medicine Educational Program
Date:	Tuesday, October 6
Time:	3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:	Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

 

Activity:	IFEM Executive Meeting (Closed Meeting)
Date:	Wednesday, October 7
Time:	8:00 am - 9:00 am
Location:	Boston Marriott Copley Place (HQ Hotel)

 

Activity:	IFEM Board Meeting
Date:	Wednesday, October 7
Time:	1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location:	Boston Marriott Copley Place (HQ Hotel)

  

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Scholarship Program

More than thirty-five 2009 Scientific Assembly scholarship applications were submitted prior to the June 15, 2009 deadline. Once again we have received an unprecedented number of applications. 

The applications will be reviewed and decisions made during an upcoming International Section Steering Committee (ISSC) conference call.  

The ISSC will use the following criteria to make decisions regarding selection of candidates for funding as well as apportionment of the funds for each candidate:

• Must be a physician.
• Must be involved actively in clinical practice, teaching, and or administration of EM.
• Must be actively involved in advancing or developing the specialty of EM in their home country. (Recognized leaders of existing medical organizations preferred).
• Must be financially disadvantaged such that without at least partial financial support, the person would not be able to attend Scientific Assembly.
• Must be able to utilize the Scientific Assembly to improve their ability to develop EM in their own country.
• Must be committed to maintaining a long-term relationship with ACEP and the Section.
• Must be conversant in English.
• International ACEP members will receive priority consideration; non-members who are awarded scholarships will be encouraged to become ACEP members.
• Previous awards to the same country in the past 3 years. 

Grant levels are as follows:       

• Level one: Waive four-day Scientific Assembly non-member registration fee.
• Level two: Level one plus lodging or a per diem (four room nights – standard room rate) or ($50 per diem -four days).
• *Note: if possible, in order to save on costs, the ISSC may try to place the recipient in a "volunteer" host physician’s home who lives in the city of the Scientific Assembly that year.
• Level three: Level 1 plus lodging and a per diem.
• Level four: Level three plus round trip airfare (coach fare).

General subjective considerations:

• Timing of other international EM conferences.
• International political situations.
• Having received ACEP support funding recently.
• Travel costs reflective of the city location of Scientific Assembly.
• Seek to maximize the number of recipients by providing only partial financial support when possible.
• Funding must be coordinated with the ACEP office and ACEP endorsed travel agencies. 

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Call for Nominations - Section Leadership Opportunities

We will be holding officer elections at the upcoming Section on International Emergency Medicine Business Meeting to be held in conjunction with the 2009 Scientific Assembly in Boston, Massachusetts. The following positions are open for nominations: 

• Chair Elect
• Secretary
• Alternate Councilor 

Position descriptions are as follows: 

Officers

The officers of the section shall be at a minimum the chair, the chair-elect, the immediate past-chair, secretary, councillor, and alternate councillor. The officers shall be members of the section and serve for a term of two years. Following the chair's term of two years, there will be an additional two-year term designated as immediate past-chair. The councillor will serve as the ACEP Section Affairs Liaison. Officers may not serve more than two consecutive terms. 

Duties of the chair-elect:

• Shall serve as an officer of the section.
• Shall assist the chair in section duties as designated by the chair.
• Shall serve as chair in the absence, resignation, or death of the chair. 

Duties of the secretary:

• Shall take the minutes of the annual meeting of the section and submit to the appropriate section communication vehicle.
• Shall provide the Board of Directors the names of the elected section officers.
• Shall assist the section chair in the preparation of an annual meeting and the chair of other committees of the section, as requested.
• Shall distribute to the membership via the section newsletter or other communication vehicle:
•  The minutes of the annual meeting of the section.
• Such information as shall from time to time be of interest to members of the section.
• Shall notify members regarding their appointment to any committees of the section and shall send copies of such notification to the executive director of the College.
• Shall give due notice of all meetings of the section and the Section Steering Committee to the membership of the section and the Board of Directors of the College.
• Shall carry out such other duties as are assigned by the chair of the section and the Board of Directors of the College 

Duties of the Councillor:

The section shall elect a councillor and an alternate councillor(s) to represent the section to the Council of the College (Council). Term of office is two years, with the alternate councillor(s) becoming the councillor at the end of his/her two-year term. If he/she cannot serve as councillor, the section shall elect a member to fill both positions and resume normal progression from alternate councillor(s) to councillor. 

Duties of the councillor and alternate councillor(s):

• Shall represent the section at the Council meeting.
• Shall have duties, obligations, and privileges as designated by the Bylaws and procedures adopted by the Council.
• Shall keep the section informed of all Council activities before, during, and between sessions and report to the section, in its newsletter and/or other communication vehicles, all important matters considered.
• Shall bring any resolutions that are developed to the Council from the section. 

Please keep in mind that per the sections operational guidelines all section leadership positions (officers, members, and chair appointees) must be full dues-paying members of ACEP as well as members in good standing of the section.  

Officers must also be available for steering committee conference calls throughout their term as well as in attendance at the section meetings held in conjunction with Scientific Assembly each year. 

Please forward recommendations for the positions listed above to Dina Gonzales at dgonzales@acep.org no later than August 15, 2009. The list of nominees will be presented by the section’s Nominating committee to the section membership through its newsletter and/or via the section e-list at least 30 days prior to the section’s annual meeting.

Steering Committee Chair Appointments

The governing body of the Section is designated the "Section Steering Committee" and shall be composed of all elected officers, and up to 6 additional members who may be appointed by the chair. The chair appointees will consist of up to 5 independently practicing physician’s board certified in emergency medicine and 1 resident. These individuals will constitute the voting members of the Steering Committee. Consideration for the at large positions will be given to the newsletter editor, the past ACEP BOD liaison and the committee chairs.

We are now accepting nominations for the Steering Committee at large positions referenced above to be appointed by our new Section Chair, Dr. Terry Mulligan following the officer elections at Scientific Assembly.

Committee Appointments

We are currently accepting self-nominations for the following positions. If you are interested please contact Dina Gonzales at dgonzales@acep.org. Sign-up sheets will also be available at both the section business meeting and educational session held at SA in October. 

Website Committee member
International Section Steering Committee "Member at Large"
Descriptions of the Website Committee chair duties are as follows: 

Website Chair - duties of the website chair will include web page oversight, ensuring accuracy and credibility of postings on the section web page. Shall participate in steering committee calls/meetings and annual section meetings. Shall provide updates upon request by the chair. 

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ACEP International Ambassador Program

Current Ambassadors

• Ambassador Annual Country Reports were due July 31, 2009.
• All Ambassadors are up for reappointment in October 2009 – if you are interested in being considered for reappointment please forward the following information to Dina Gonzales at dgonzales@acep.org no later than August 31, 2009 (extended from July 15, 2009):
• Formal letter(s) of interest requesting consideration for reappointment (individual letter for each  country/region you represent)
• Current CV
• Statement(s) of recent activities (on the ground) in country to include recent visits, new contacts, etc. (individual statement for each country/region you represent 

Please keep in mind that active ACEP and International Section memberships are requirements for maintaining Ambassador appointments as is the submission of annual country reports. Ambassadors will not be considered for reappointment if their ACEP and/or International Section memberships have lapsed and have not been renewed prior to the August 31, 2009 deadline (extended from July 15, 2009). 

Once the information reflected above has been received/compiled it will be forwarded to the Ambassador Program Committee for review. Committee recommendations will be made to the International Section Steering committee and upon review/approval formal recommendations will be made to ACEP’s President. 

New Expressions of Interest

If you are a US-based practicing emergency medicine physician and are interested in becoming more involved in the global development of emergency medicine as a specialty we would like to encourage you to submit for consideration an ACEP International Ambassador application. Please keep in mind that all ACEP ambassadors are required to maintain active ACEP and International Section memberships.  

You will be required to submit a current CV as well as a formal letter of interest reflecting the following information in relation to your specific country/region of interest: 

• History/involvement (past work/experiences)
• Existing/established relationships/contacts
• Ties to developing emergency medicine
• Recent visits
• Fluency/familiarity with primary language 

Links to our International Ambassador Program web page, International Reports by Country, and the ACEP International Strategic Plan can be accessed from our section web page at  http://www.acep.org/acepmembership.aspx?id=25144. 

If you are interested in becoming an ACEP Ambassador please submit the information reflected above to Dina Gonzales at dgonzales@acep.org no later than August 31, 2009 (extended from July 15, 2009). Once the information has been received/compiled it will forwarded to the Ambassador Program Committee for review. Committee recommendations will be made to the International Section Steering committee and upon review/approval formal recommendations will be made to ACEP’s President. Appointments will be for a two year period beginning October 2009 through October 2011. 

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E-mail Bag

From: Rachel T. Moresky, MD, MPH, FACEP
Subject: fully paid rotation in Ghana – sidHARTe program call for applications 

Dear International Section Members, 

Starting in January 1, 2009 we are launching a program for US emergency physicians to work in Ghana, West Africa:
‘Systems Improvement at District Hospitals and Regional Training of Emergency Care’ (sidHARTe) 

This pilot project provides clinical services, training of health staffs and health systems process improvements for 3 years. EM physicians serve in 6-8 week block rotations (4 week periods are possible for EPs experienced in working in Africa). Funding for travel, room and board is provided. Applicants must have their own malpractice insurance which covers them in Ghana. 

Attending EM physicians, EM fellows and EM PGY3s and PGY4s may apply. Please fill out attached brochure application then mail with all 3 components of the application in one packet:

1. Cover letter (describing your previous international work)
2. CV
3. Two letters of recommendation
   a.       One of which must be from a program director if the applicant is an Emergency Medicine Resident Physician. 

Please mail packet to: 

sidHARTe Program
Columbia University
Mailman School of Public Health
Population and Family Health Department - Program on Forced Migration and Health
60 Haven Avenue, B-4, Suite 432
New York, NY 10032 

sidHARTEeProgram application   

Here are the links to the two hospitals. 

Brong Ahafo Region: Kintampo District Government Hospital – starting Jan 2009
http://www.ghanadistricts.com/districts/?r=10&_=37&sa=1528

Ashanti Region:  Mampong District Government Hospital  - starting July 2009
http://www.ghanadistricts.com/districts/?r=2&_=26&sa=1096

Rachel T. Moresky, MD, MPH, FACEP
Director of International Emergency Medicine
NewYork-Presbyterian - The University Hospitals of Columbia and Cornell
Division of Emergency Medicine
Assistant Clinical Professor
Population and Family Health Department - Program on Forced Migration and Health
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
60 Haven Avenue - Floor B4, room 412 NY, NY 10032

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From: Rubiano Andres
Subject: [urgenciasmed] Congreso Colombiano Integrado de Atencion Prehospitalaria y Medicina de Emergencias ACAPH-ASCOME, Cartagena de Indias, Sept 17-20, 2009

Estimados Amigos: 

Este 2009, Cartagena nos recibe con los brazos abiertos. Todo el personal de atencion prehospitalaria y del area de emergencias esta cordialmente invitado. Contaremos con la participacion de conferencstas nacionales e internacionales y tendremos la oportunidad de realizar importantes talleres de actualidad aprovechando el imponente escenario de la ciudad amurallada. 

La Asociacion Colombiana de Atencion Prehospitalaria (ACAPH) y la Asociacion Colombiana de Medicina de Emergencias (ASCOME) han realizado un importante esfuerzo para generar este espacio de intercambio academico en donde esperamos una nutrida participacion de estudiantes, tecnicos, tecnologos y profesionales del area de atencion prehospitalaria y de emergencias, con el animo de seguir construyendo una mejor organizacion para los servicios de atencion prehospialaria y emergencia en Colombia y Latinoamerica. 

Agradecemos difundir esta informacion entre las personas interesadas.  

Andres M. Rubiano MD (Presidente ACAPH), Mayla A. Perdomo MD (Presidente ASCOME).

II CONGRESO INTEGRADO COLOMBIANO
DE
ATENCION PREHOSPITALARIA Y MEDICINA DE EMERGENCIAS
VIII CONGRESO COLOMBIANO DE ATENCION PREHOSPITALARIA
IV CONGRESO DE LA ASOCIACION COLOMBIANA DE MEDICINA DE EMERGENCIAS
CARTAGENA  DE INDIAS (COLOMBIA), SEPTIEMBRE 17—20 DE 2009
AUDITORIO DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE CARTAGENA, CAMPUS ZARAGOCILLA 

TALLERES PRECONGRESO (SEPTIEMBRE 17):

 INVESTIGACION EN ATENCION PREHOSPITALARIA Y EMERGENCIAS
SOPORTE VITAL BASICO PREHOSPITALARIO
MEDICINA ACUATICA DE EMERGENCIAS
MANEJO DE EMERGENCIA CARDIACA PREHOSPITALARIA
TROMBOLISIS EN INFARTO AGUDO DEL MIOCARDIO Y NEUROPROTECCION 

COSTOS DE INSCRIPCION:

 MEDICOS: $170.000
PERSONAL PARAMEDICO Y DE ENFERMERIA: $140.000

INFORMES E INSCRIPCIONES EN: CARTAGENA DE INDIAS|
Calle 13 # 1-25, Edificio Cartagena de Indias, Bocagrande Cartagena, (COLOMBIA)
Dr. Rafael Arrieta; E-MAIL: congresoacaphcolombia@gmail.com
Información Nacional:  +57— 314-221-2136  / +57—300-615-4775 / FAX: +57-8-8723885
Inscripciones fuera de Cartagena: Cuenta ACAPH—DAVIVIENDA, Ahorros # 076000379701

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From: Ken Iserson
Subject: International/disaster medicine

Tom:
You’re welcome to print my letter and anything else that tickles your fancy on my blog. Just list the blog URL so folks can find it easily. Another way (easier) to get to it is to go to the first page at www.galenpress.com and follow the very prominent link.         

Best wishes, Ken 

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From: Ken Iserson
Subject: International/disaster medicine

Tom: 

In case I didn’t tell you, in relation to international medicine, I just returned from working with a Mass Gen-based NGO in rural Zambia. On Friday I leave to spend 2 ½ months as the Project HOPE Chief Medical Officer for their rural Caribbean/Central-South America mission. Our team is based off the USNS Comfort hospital ship. We’ll be providing medical care on land-based clinics during the day, while the surgeons will be operating on the ship. 

Soon after I return, I leave for 5 to 6 months as the Lead Physician at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. I’ll have email access at both locations.           

I’ve detailed some of my disaster/international medical work on my blog (with some very nice photos): www.international-disaster-med.blogspot.com

Feel free to pass this blog address around to all my ACEP colleagues and anyone else who may be interested in international/disaster medicine.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone interested in unusual EM experiences that there are locations within the continental US where one can taste what it's like to practice in an extremely rural community, with native people who don't speak your language, who prefer the "native healing" effects of a medicine man and who may even live a primitive life style without running water or electricity. We have such an opportunity in Arizona, where we offer resident rotations (and have temporary and permanent staff positions available) on the Navajo Reservation. Why leave the country when a great opportunity is right here?? 

Feel free to contact me for further information about our site and the resident rotation. 

Thank you,
Troy Levitt, MD, FAAEM
Chief of Emergency Medicine
Chinle Hospital
Chinle, AZ 86001
email

Presidente: Dr. Héctor G. Topete Tovar (México)
VicePresidente: Dr. Alberto J. Machado (Argentina)

 

From: Keith Raymond
Subject: Bokamoso Private Hospital opening in Gabarone Botswana

I am the Chief of the ED at Bokamoso Private Hospital, currently under construction in Gabarone Boswana, opening 1 November 2009. We are building a 230 bed facility with plans for JCIA accreditation. I am looking to recruit 4 Emergency physicians interested in a truly unique practice experience. We will have a Level 1 Trauma Center environment, with neuro and trauma surgery available 24/7. Please have interested physicians take a look at the Bokamoso Private Hospital website, and when interested, forward their CVs to Tom Robertson for review and interview arrangements. Thanks. 

Dear All

We feel extremely proud to announce the official launch of our first free online Emergency Medicine Journal in India (www.jemi.in ) dedicated towards the specialty of Emergency medicine. 

JEMI promotes research, education and dissemination of knowledge in the fields of Emergency Medicine, Pre-hospital care and subspecialties and encourages translational research by striking a synergy between Clinical and academic Emergency medicine. 

JEMI will publish scientific contributions such as Original Articles, Review Articles, Case Reports, Case Series, Clinical Trials, Clinical Investigations, Interesting Photographs, Radiology and EKGs and Expert Commentaries.  

Article Submission and Peer Review would be fully Online and Web Based. Log on to www.jemi.in  for detailed information. 

Please send your comments and research work to here or here till journal pages are under construction. 

We would highly appreciate your support towards this initiative. 

Dr Tamorish Kole
Editor in chief, JEMI
HOD, Department of Emergency Medicine
Max health care, Saket, New Delhi, India 

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From: Andrew Kestler
Subject: Faculty job opportunities in Botswana (different from recent private hospital posting)

Dear ACEP International Section:

I have had difficulties accessing the e-list, so please excuse any duplicate messages. To clarify, however, this is NOT the same job posting as that recently e-mailed by Dr. Keith Raymond for Bokamoso Private Hospital. 

I am tasked with launching an academic emergency medicine department at the brand new medical school at the University of Botswana. One target is to have a residency program going in 2011. We will be hiring at various levels. 

Botswana is a very pleasant and safe place to live and work, and salaries are very competitive for Africa. 

Please e-mail with inquiries. I am glad to set up a Skype chat to discuss further. 

Regards,
Andy

Andrew Kestler, MD, MBA, DTMH
Assistant Programmed Director for Accident & Emergency
University of Botswana School of Medicine 

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Calendar of International Conferences

10th Congress of the WFSICCM (World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Criticale Care Medicine) in conjunction with the 63rd Congress of the SIAARTI (Italian Society of Analgesia, Anaesthesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care Medicine)
August 28 – September 1, 2009
Florence, Italy
Contact: Dianela Barbazza
Phone: +39 040 660352
E-mail: florence2009@keyconressi.it

WINFOCUS 2009 (5th World Congress on Ultrasound in Emergency and Critical Care Medicine
September 4-6, 2009
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney, Australia
Phone: +61 2 9437 9333
E-mail: winfocus2009@conferenceaction.com.au
Web site: www.winfocus2009.org

Fifth Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Conference (MEMC V)
September 14-17, 2009
Valencia, Spain
Hosted by: American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM), European Society for Emergency Medicine (EuSEM), and SEMES
E-mail: info@emcongress.org
Web site: www.emcongress.org

II Congreso Integrado Colombia de Atencion Prehospitalaria y Medicina de Emergencias (ACAPH-ASCOME)
September 17-20, 2009
University of Cartagena, Bocagrande Cartagena, Colombia
Phone: +57 314-221-2136
E-mail: congresoacaphcolombia@gmail.com

SOCEMU II Brazilian Conference of Emergency Medicine
September 23-26, 2009
Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
Hosted by: ABRAMEDE (Brazilian Emergency Medicine Association) and the Sociedad Cearenese de Medicina de Urgencia

Contact: ARX eventos
Phone: 55-085-4011-1575
E-mail: drsouza@gmail.com
Web site: http://www.arxeventos.com.br

2009 Intercon International Emergency and Rescue Congress
September 24-26, 2009
Hamburg Fire Service College, Hamburg, Germany
Hosted by: Hamburg Fire and Rescue Service College and Institut for Emergency Medicine - Asklepios Hospitals
Phone: +49 (0)40 / 42851-4582
E-mail: gerhard.plickert@feuerwehr.hamburg.de
Web site: www.internationaler-kongress.de

International Symposium on Traumacare 2009
October 2-4, 2009
Germany
Hosted by: Armed Forces Medical Centre Ulm
Web site: www.traumacare2009.com

6th Annual Paediatric Emergency Medicine Conference
October 23-24, 2009
Old Mill Inn & Spa, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hosted by: The Hospital for Sick Children
Contact: Maggie Stevanovic
Phone: 416-813-7654 ext 2385
E-mail: info.pem@sickkids.ca
Web site: http://www.sickkids.ca

5th Emergency Medicine Congress
October 29-31, 2009
Cornelia Diamond Hotel, Antalya, Turkey
Hosted by: Emergency Medicine Association of Turkey (EMAT)
E-mail: info@interium.com.tr

ACEM Action09 Annual Scientific Meeting
November 15-19, 2009
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia
Hosted by: Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM)
E-mail: acem09@eventplanners.com.au
Web site: http://acem09.eventplanners.com.au

Emergency Medicine in the Developing World
November 23-26, 2009
International Convention Center, Cape Town, South Africa
Hosted by: Emergency Medicine Society of South Africa (EMSSA)
Contact: Belinda Chapman
Phone: +27 21 406 6407
E-mail: Belinda.chapman@uct.ac.za
Web site: www.emssa2009.co.za

Qatar International Medical Exhibition and Congress (Q-MEDEC)
December 12-16, 2009
Exhibition Centre, Doha, Qatar
Hosted by: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)
Contact: Julia Gibson
Phone: 974-439-7396
E-mail: q-medec@hmc.org.qa or q-medec@hotmail.com
Web site: http://www.q-medec.com

First Israeli International Conference on Preparedness & Response to Emergencies & Disasters of Health care systems (IPRED)
January 11-14, 2010
Dan Panorama, Tel Aviv, Israel
E-mail: bruria@moh.health.gov.il

30th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (ISICEM)
March 9-12, 2010
Brussels Congress Center, Brussels, Belgium
Hosted by: Erasme University Hosptial
Phone: +32 2 555 36 31
E-mail: sympicu@ulb.ac.be
Web site: www.intensive.org

13th International Conference on Emergency Medicine (ICEM 2010)
June 9-12, 2010
Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Suntec City, Singapore
Hosted by: Society of Emergency Medicine in Singapore on behalf of the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM)
Conference Secretariat: Ace: Daytons Direct (International) Pte Ltd
Phone: +65 6379 5259 / 6379 5261
E-mail: admin@icem2010.org
Web site: http://www.icem2010.org

6th European Congress on Emergency Medicine (EuSEM 2010)
October 11-14, 2010
Stockholm, Sweden
Hosted by: European Society for Emergency Medicine (EuSEM) and Swedish Society for Emergency Medicine (SweSEM)
Web site: http://www.eusem2010.org  

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Section News

Committee Appointments

The committee appointments that were to have gone into effect immediately following the SA 2008 section business meeting for the 2008/2009 committee year did not take place. 

Dr. Kapur as our current section chair and Dr. Mulligan as our chair-elect worked together on the appointments which went into effect immediately and extend through our 2009/2010 committee year. A new call for interest will be sent out prior to SA 2010 for the 2010/11 committee year. 

Below is a listing of our new committee members: 

Ambassador Program Committee

• Kris Arnold, Chair (will transition to immediate past chair following SA 2009)
• Bob Corder, Chair-elect (will transition into the chair position following SA 2009)
• Steve Justus
• Charlie Inboriboon
• Ara Pani
• Lingappa Amernath
• Joanne Gerkes

 Education Committee

• Elizabeth DeVos, Chair
• Tammi Thomas, Immediate Past Chair
• Kinjal Sethuraman
• Joseph Chang
• Janet Lin
• David Walker

 Newsletter Committee

• Jim Holliman, Editor
• Kate Douglass, Deputy Editor
• Anita Bhavnani, Deputy Editor
• Preeti Dalawari, Deputy Editor
• Michael Gartner, Deputy Editor
• Ian Martin, Deputy Editor

 Nominating Committee

• Kumar Alagappan, Chair
• Tammi Thomas
• Mohsen Akhlaghi

 Website Committee

• Harsh Sule, Chair
• Herbie Duber
• Michael Gartner

Membership

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This publication is designed to promote communication among emergency physicians of a basic informational nature only. While ACEP provides the support necessary for these newsletters to be produced, the content is provided by volunteers and is in no way an official ACEP communication. ACEP makes no representations as to the content of this newsletter and does not necessarily endorse the specific content or positions contained therein. ACEP does not purport to provide medical, legal, business, or any other professional guidance in this publication. If expert assistance is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought. ACEP expressly disclaims all liability in respect to the content, positions, or actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this newsletter.