The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) is part of Intealth, an integrated organization that also encompasses the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). By strategically integrating its nonprofit members, Intealth leverages their collective expertise and resources to enhance the quality of healthcare education globally, ultimately improving healthcare for everyone. FAIMER and ECFMG, as members of Intealth, share a unified vision and pursue complementary missions.
Founded in 2000 as a nonprofit organization supporting the missions of ECFMG, FAIMER promotes excellence in international health professions education through various programs and research initiatives. FAIMER has trained over 2,000 Fellows globally in collaboration with its Regional Institutes. It has also contributed significantly to the national understanding of the international medical graduate workforce in the United States and partnered with numerous organizations to enhance the quality of health professions education.
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FAIMER Overview
Here in this section, we are providing a short overview of the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research. Let’s have a look.
| FAIMER | Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research |
| Established Year | July 2000 |
| Recognition | Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Official website | https://www.faimer.org/ |
History of FAIMER
The idea of establishing FAIMER stemmed from ECFMG’s dedication to international medical education, which began with a faculty exchange program in 1983. Over the years, ECFMG expanded its exchange programs, introduced consultation services, and conducted research on international medical schools and their graduates. However, ECFMG’s Board of Trustees believed that creating a separate foundation with dedicated resources could achieve even more for the international health professions community.
In July 2000, the ECFMG Board of Trustees approved the establishment of an ECFMG foundation, leading to the incorporation of FAIMER as a nonprofit foundation of ECFMG in September of that year. Starting in 2001, FAIMER’s Directors began strategic planning to define the Foundation’s focus and priorities. This planning process culminated in 2004 with the adoption of a formal strategic plan that outlined the Foundation’s thematic and geographic areas of focus, along with short- and long-term goals for each activity. Key staff appointments and the reorganization of FAIMER’s Board in 2004 ensured the necessary expertise and oversight to support the planned activities.
In line with its goal of developing resources on global medical education, FAIMER introduced the International Medical Education Directory (IMED) in 2002. Two years later, FAIMER approved the creation of another resource, the Directory of Organizations that Recognize/Accredit Medical Schools. In 2014, FAIMER and the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) launched the World Directory of Medical Schools. This comprehensive resource resulted from an agreement to merge FAIMER’s IMED and WFME’s Avicenna Directory, creating a single, extensive resource on undergraduate medical education worldwide.
Vision
Intealth brings ECFMG and FAIMER together under a shared vision to be the trusted global authority on healthcare education. By aligning their missions, ECFMG and FAIMER create a powerful synergy for maximum impact.
Values
Intealth and its divisions are dedicated to a shared set of values, reflected not only in our work but also in our interactions with stakeholders and colleagues.
Mission
- Perform data analyses and research to inform policy and program development aligned with ECFMG’s missions.
- Support the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals globally.
- Develop resources on the healthcare workforce for use by international communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are FAIMER’s main objectives?
FAIMER aims to improve the quality of medical education worldwide, support the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals, and develop resources related to the global healthcare workforce.
How does FAIMER support medical education?
FAIMER supports medical education through various programs, including the training of Fellows, conducting research, and collaborating with organizations to enhance the quality of health professions education.
How does FAIMER collaborate with other organizations?
FAIMER partners with various organizations, including the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), to advance medical education and develop valuable resources for the global healthcare community.
