New program establishes international network of medical centers for sharing best practices
Newswise — Chevy Chase, MD –– As part of its commitment to improving human health worldwide, The Endocrine Society has launched its new Ambassador Exchange Program. This international exchange pilot program will establish collaborative relationships between leading medical centers in the United States and international medical centers serving indigent populations. A two-person team from each participating institution (an established endocrinologist and a trainee) will be appointed to serve as ambassadors for their home institution and The Endocrine Society.
The Society’s main goal is to provide endocrinologists across all career stages and around the globe with opportunities to learn how national, ethnic, economic, and cultural factors shape endocrine care. To accomplish this goal, the program has three specific objectives: establish international networks of medical centers as vehicles for sharing best practices; increase the cultural competency of the current and future endocrine workforce; and improve the health of underserved populations through clinician and patient education appropriate to local needs and cultures.
“We are very excited to lead such a unique international collaboration and, more importantly, give back to the world endocrine community,” said William F. Young, Jr., MD, president of The Endocrine Society. “Throughout my professional career, I have been fortunate to participate in such exchanges, which I consider life-changing experiences.”
The program kicked off recently with Society members Drs. Gary Hammer and Tobias Else of the University of Michigan visiting the Department of Endocrinology at the Seth G.S. Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEM) in Mumbai, India.
“The two weeks we spent in Mumbai at KEM with Dr. Nalini Shah and her Department of Endocrinology was an incredibly enriching experience for all,” said Hammer. “The KEM team has incredible clinical acumen, an unparalleled dedication to their patients and a passion for research. We learned from each other the importance of the cultural context of endocrine disease manifestation and patient care. Together we share a vision for long-lasting relationships that advance research, education and clinical care of patients with endocrine diseases.”
“The Ambassador Exchange Program with KEM was a truly mind changing experience,” said Else. “I was overwhelmed by our colleagues’ passion for patient care, research and hospitality. We all have different limitations in our lives as physicians and scientists, but by sharing our passion and resources we will be able to rise to new horizons in endocrinology.”
In June, Drs. Nalini Shah and Shruti Khare of KEM will visit Drs. Hammer and Else and the University of Michigan. The next exchange is scheduled for April when Society members Drs. Susan Mandel and Ilona Lorincz of the University of Pennsylvania visit Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa.
To learn more about the Society’s Ambassador Exchange Program and to read a blog written by Dr. Hammer and Else about their trip, visit: http://www.endo-society.org/international/ambassador-exchange-program.cfm.
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Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest, largest and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society’s membership consists of over 15,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 100 countries. Society members represent all basic, applied and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at www.endo-society.org. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/EndoMedia.
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