Message from the President
Each year in the life of a new organization is an important one. These formative years are full of creative energy tempered by the demanding work of implementation. We make decisions about what is desirable versus what is possible, and look for ways to bridge the gap. We adjust, readjust, and clarify our focus. And we establish relationships with those that will inform and support our work.
It has been exciting to lead this process over the past several years, and to conclude that we can make a real contribution to improving world health by improving medical education. The guidance of our Board during this process, and the adoption of our strategic plan in 2004, support this conclusion and provide clear directions for reaching this goal. The Foundation's early activities have developed in concert with this strategic planning. The result is that, as we embrace the challenges outlined for us in the plan, we are able to build on real achievements.
The Institute, our fellowship program for medical educators, continued to thrive in 2004. Evidence from our external evaluation indicates that this program is beginning to facilitate the development of professional networks of medical educators. To accelerate this process, and to enhance dialogue with our international colleagues, we worked throughout 2004 to lay the groundwork for South Asian regional Institutes. Additionally, transition planning for the International Fellowship in Medical Education (IFME) program, completed in 2004, will create a unique educational pathway for international medical educators, allowing them to move from the Institute to the IFME program.
In our research efforts, we have been successful in linking a number of existing data resources to better understand the role of international medical graduates in the United States. The results of these analyses are reported in a number of studies prepared by our research staff and submitted for publication during the past year. Our survey of international medical schools, initiated in 2004, is the latest in a series designed to create new data on international medical education. We have enjoyed many discussions during the past year with investigators and organizations with which we could partner. Our ongoing collaboration with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) illustrates the promise offered by such joint endeavors. The past year, the second of our three-year study with the AAMC, emphasized collection of the data necessary to understand the educational experiences of U.S. citizens who attend medical school abroad.
The resources offered by FAIMER that track medical education grew significantly in 2004. The International Medical Education Directory includes information on an additional 90 international medical schools in 34 countries. We have also expanded the scope of our tracking efforts beyond the level of individual medical schools to other aspects of medical education systems. The Postgraduate Medical Education Directory, currently under development, will offer data on formal medical education and clinical training that follow the basic medical school curriculum. FAIMER's Directory of Organizations that Recognize Medical Schools, developed in 2004, will attempt to capture those organizations that play a role in setting national standards for medical education and evaluating medical schools in their countries.
Of critical importance to our success are staff members with the expertise and experience to support the tasks that have been outlined for us. We are fortunate to have made four appointments to key staff positions in 2004. These positions include Directors to oversee Research and Tracking, Education, and Development activities for the Foundation. The fourth appointment of a general Manager provides administrative oversight and coordination among our activities. These staff members, who are highlighted on the following pages, will be instrumental in attaining our objectives.
We move into 2005 with a formal plan to guide our efforts, the support of an enhanced staff, and solid accomplishments. We are privileged to be in discussions with colleagues around the world who share our goals. And we enjoy the continued support and collaboration of ECFMG. I look forward to the challenge of translating these resources into those that can improve health for the world's populations.
John J. Norcini, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research
