Cruise Ship Medicine Annual Section ACEP25 Recap

Ruben Parejo, MD

Charting New Horizons in Cruise Ship Medicine
The Cruise Ship Medicine Section Annual Meeting, held on September 7, 2025, brought together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the cruise ship medical community for a dynamic session focused on collaboration, innovation, and the future of healthcare at sea. 

Leadership and Opening Remarks 
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from the section’s Chair Ruben Parejo, MD, and counted with the presence of Immediate Past Chair Joseph Scott, MD, FACEP, Chair-Elect Brenda Barnetson, MD, Councilor Cai Glushak, MD, FACEP, and Board Liaison Henry Pitzale, MD.  

Dr. Parejo’s opening words set the tone for a session dedicated to expanding the horizons of cruise ship medicine, emphasizing the importance of industry engagement, global standards, and the integration of all cruise lines in active participation in future Cruise Ship Medicine Section meetings. 

Agenda Highlights 
The agenda featured a blend of networking opportunities, sponsor messages, council updates, and expert presentations.  

• Sponsor Messages: Recognition of key sponsors such as OSMed Logistics, Adechotech, and Hospital Serena Del Mar, whose support enables ongoing advancements in cruise ship medicine. 

• Council Update: Cai Glushak, MD, FACEP, provided updates on section initiatives, including international ACEP fellow recognition, distinguished fellow recognition, resolutions, and support for scientific integrity in medicine and public health. 

• Application of AI in Population Health and Informatics: Jae-Hong Min, MD, discussed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in improving health outcomes for travelers and crew. 

• Industry Updates: Michael Drahos of Gray Robinson, PA, shared important recommendations for all shipboard doctors to follow when documenting their clinical procedures in medical records. 

• Travel Insurance/Assistance Challenges and Cruises: Dr. Cai Glushak led a session addressing the complexities faced by ill and injured travelers, the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage, and the need for cruise lines to be proactive in selecting trusted medical providers. 

• Air Ambulance Updates: The meeting covered updates on air ambulance services, focusing on accredited aeromedical providers such as EURAMI and CAMTS, rising costs, limited availability, and regulatory challenges. 

• Jackson Health System International highlighted its advanced trauma and rehabilitation centers, pediatric specialties, international outreach, and its dedication to the cruise industry. 

Looking Ahead
As the meeting concluded, participants were encouraged to continue fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and striving for excellence in Cruise Ship Medicine.  All were encouraged to contribute content to the Cruise Ship Medicine website and join the next section meeting at ACEP26 in Chicago, October 5-8, 2026.