First Ever Virtual Edition Of International Emergency Medicine Conference Opens
Conference to virtually host 2000+ Emergency medicine specialists from around the world.
The International Conference on Emergency Medicine (ICEM) has opened, the first to take place virtually due to restrictions caused by Covid-19 pandemic.
HH Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, officially inaugurated the conference in a virtual opening ceremony. The event is the largest ongoing annual gathering on emergency medicine, primarily in the areas of Infectious diseases, Trauma, Public health, Sepsis, Critical Care, Medical Education, Emergency Nursing, and other sub-branches related to the field of emergency medicine.
Speaking on the occasion of the event’s virtual opening, H.EAwadh Seghayer Al Ketbi said: “In the wake of the pandemic, emergency medicine has undoubtedly demonstrated its importance and value. Experts no longer limit the advantages of emergency Medicine speciality to saving the lives of seriously injured and critically ill patients. Instead, its significance became clear in the face of the pandemic and thanks to the dedicated work of first-line medical workers.”
His Excellency further commented that currently, the world is experiencing a series of events that highlight the need to update public health policies and emergency response plans; improve hospitals' efficiency; and equip medical personnel - especially emergency medicine workers - with tools to enhance their ability to deal with crises. The UAE recognized these necessities early on and has been working tirelessly for many years to enhance its leading healthcare ecosystem. This was evident during the pandemic and was confirmed by all global reports, some of which recently indicated that the UAE ranked first in the Middle East, and 14th globally, in terms of efficiency in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Sally McCarthy, President, International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM) quoted: “It’s my great pleasure to welcome you for the ICEM21 Conference organized by the Emirates Society for Emergency Medicine (ESEM). For the very first time we are going fully virtual, and the entire Organizing Committee has done a commendable job in bringing together the robust scientific program along with the expert speakers from around the world.”
She further concluded: “The theme of ICEM21 “Bringing Emergency Medicine Together” was developed keeping in mind the difficulties faced specially by the front liners which included emergency medicine providersduring pandemic COVID-19.”
Dr.Rasha Buhumaid, Member Local Organizing Committee said: “It is an honor for UAE to host a leading event in Emergency Medicine, especially as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. As you all can well imagine it is always a challenge to coordinate such a mega event, and now in the times of the pandemic with the added twist of trying to do a virtual event it was indeed a task of a significant magnitude.”
She further added:“The EmergencyMedicine community in UAE has gone through a prolific growth in the last few years and as we stand here today, we feel honoured to host the biggest emergency medicine conference in the world virtually for the first time. The pandemic did not affect our ability to attract global audience, speakers, to come and share their experience virtually if not in person in ICEM21. The UAE government has placed a high priority on developing emergency medical services in the country and the organization of this conference is the testament to that Vision.”
This event will provide healthcare professionals with an opportunity to discuss emergency medicine as it continues to develop. We will host more than 260 renowned experts representing over 70 countries.
The conference is supported by Department of Health of Abu Dhabi, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health authority, National Ambulance, Emirates Medical Association, SHAMS, regional and international societies.
For more information, please visit http://www.icem21.com
