International Continuing Medical Education: A Paradigm for Grassroots Development

Pediatric care providers in the developing world face daunting challenges, often exceeding available resources. This challenge presents an opportunity for constructive involvement in international medicine by pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians. The significant need for providing improved pediatric care worldwide dovetails with a high level of interest in international medicine among medical students, residents, and practicing physicians in the United States and Canada. With its emphasis on acute management and resuscitation, PEM specialists possess a knowledge base and skill set vital to pediatric care in the developing world. Development of collaborative continuing medical education is an important step in the improvement of pediatric emergency care in the developing world. A paradigm of successful program development is discussed based on experiences in Guatemala and Ghana. Future directions in international continuing medical education, including enhanced PEM fellow involvement, are also discussed.