FAIMER History

The idea of establishing a separate foundation developed from ECFMG's long-standing commitment to promoting excellence in international medical education. This commitment began with ECFMG's first faculty exchange program in 1983. In the years that followed, ECFMG increased resources for exchange programs, introduced consultation services, and considered a number of research initiatives related to international medical schools and their graduates. However, ECFMG's Board of Trustees believed that more could be accomplished by a separate organization with dedicated resources focused on the international medical community.

Discussions began in early 2000, and, in July of that year, the ECFMG Board of Trustees approved a resolution to establish an ECFMG foundation. The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) was incorporated as a nonprofit foundation of ECFMG in September 2000. FAIMER's Board of Directors held its first organizational meeting in December 2000.

Effective January 1, 2001, FAIMER assumed responsibility for ECFMG's educational programs for the international medical community. These programs include the International Fellowships in Medical Education, Short-Term Exchange Fellowships, Institutional Grant Program, and the Consultation Program. FAIMER introduced an additional medical faculty exchange program, the FAIMER Institute, which commenced in October 2001. Beginning in 2001, FAIMER staff began to develop a web-based directory of the world's medical schools. Work on the directory continued into 2002, and the International Medical Education Directory was introduced in April 2002.

An executive search initiated at the end of 2001 resulted in recruitment of the Foundation's first President and Chief Executive Officer, John J. Norcini, Ph.D., who joined FAIMER in May 2002. In 2001 and 2002, the membership of the Foundation's Board expanded with the election of Directors-at-Large. In planning sessions held throughout 2001 and 2002, FAIMER's Directors defined the Foundation's focus and priorities. As a result of these discussions, the Foundation will concentrate its efforts in three areas: tracking the world's medical schools, programs for medical educators, and discovering and disseminating knowledge. FAIMER's educational programs will focus on medical educators and institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

In the coming year, FAIMER will continue to refine its scope. In planning and administering its activities, and seeking collaborations with other organizations, the Foundation will exercise both discipline and focus in order to maximize its impact on medical education and health care worldwide.

2000

The concept of establishing a foundation is discussed, and later approved, by ECFMG's Board of Trustees.

FAIMER is incorporated as a nonprofit foundation of ECFMG.

The FAIMER Board of Directors holds its first organizational meeting.

2001

FAIMER assumes responsibility for ECFMG's educational programs for the medical education community, including IFME, STEF, the Institutional Grant Program, and the Consultation Program.

FAIMER begins development of the International Medical Education Directory.

The FAIMER Institute, the Foundation's first new program, commences.

2002

The International Medical Education Directory becomes available.

FAIMER's first President and Chief Executive Officer takes office.