At the year’s end, Dr Simon Judkins reflects on 2018, and says thank you
As I write my final blog for the year, there are two themes that stand out for 2018.
One is celebration. That is, marking the birth of the College 35 years ago and celebrating the substantial work done to make what ACEM is today – a leading voice for change.
The other is opportunity. With this I mean ACEM and its Fellows reaching new heights, taking on challenges, developing new strengths and continuing to influence health policy, standards in education and the delivery of health care to populations, communities and individuals when and where they need care.
With opportunity comes change, and I look forward next year to building on the great work underway in areas of diversity and inclusion, particularly the desire to achieve gender equity and diversity on all of our committees and a Board reflective of our membership, the reinvigoration and growth of the culture of emergency medicine, as well as member support and wellbeing.
At the end of the day these changes will help shape our future, so we can continue to go from strength to strength.
It is a big task, but one I am confident we, as a team, can accomplish.
So let us take these holidays to recharge and rejuvenate.
But as we know so well, our work does not stop, regardless of what time of year it is. Emergency departments operate as normal throughout the holiday period.
All are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week all year round for emergencies.
The Christmas and New Year period is an extremely busy time for emergency departments, so my thanks to all our members and the emergency department teams across Australia and New Zealand for their ongoing dedication to providing quality patient care. Let’s remember, these committed individuals will be spending time away from their loved ones to care for others.
And to all, thank you for your support throughout 2018. I encourage you to continue to engage with the College; to participate, to challenge, to build and to expand an organisation that is influencing Emergency Medicine and patient care across many areas of practice and models of care, across all corners of the globe.
Stay safe. See you in 2019.
Simon