Message from the CEO
Proud World Citizens
David Julian Martin, CAE
CEO/Executive Vice-President
Society of Critical Care Medicine
Mark Twain once wrote that “broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in
one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” At the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), we could not agree more. This principle has been a component our organization for many years. It is a philosophy illustrated on the wall of the main conference room at SCCM Headquarters as a quote from founding member Peter Safar, MD, FCCM: “We shall become a truly international society whose members are proud of being world citizens.” Indeed, SCCM’s more than 14,000 members from more than 80 countries are proud, and we think they have many reasons to be so. In this spirit, SCCM once again ventured out to broaden its organizational horizons by hosting an international delegation to Russia. The group included SCCM members from nine countries. The Society has a growing member population in Russia, just as it does in China. Initial activities focused on meeting our Russian colleagues, exchanging information and learning from one another – a hallmark of all SCCM activities. Our Russian hosts warmly welcomed our delegation and guided us on tours to various facilities throughout the area. The dialogue among the participants was open, frank and rich, providing everyone with important perspectives on the delivery of critical care services. Our communications will continue on an individual and organizational basis as we collaborate on improving care for the critically ill and injured worldwide.
Fundamental Courses Worldwide
The Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS) course and related Pediatric Fundamental Critical Care Support (PFCCS) and Fundamental Disaster Management (FDM) courses continue to be SCCM’s most international efforts. These programs have the greatest impact on improving care at the local level. The FCCS fourth edition textbook recently was translated into simplified Chinese for use in mainland China – a first for FCCS. Training for more than 1,000 individuals is planned throughout the country over the next few years. We are proud of these activities and know our members are, too; they have donated thousands of dollars to bring FCCS to needy areas throughout the world. Our relationships and activities also are expanding in India, where we are making a concerted effort to reach out and partner with local organizations to improve critical care in that populous country. Is it any wonder our members are proud and active world citizens?
Contributing to the Welfare of the Human Race
A new report by the William E. Smith Institute for Association Research reveals that association members generally earn
higher salaries, like their jobs more, and are happier people than those who do not join professional organizations. While
these facts are notable, we find that the heart-warming and motivational stories submitted as part of the I AM SCCM
campaign are even more telling. Society members recount how they are making a difference and improving care in the trenches, often under difficult circumstances … and loving what they do and the impact they are having on the human race. If you haven’t already read some of the many submissions, I encourage you to visit www.iamsccm.org to be inspired by the good works of your colleagues. While you are there, consider sharing your own story. Many of these will be showcased during the 38th Critical Care Congress in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, to be held January 31 to February 4, 2009. A spectacular week of these presentations is planned, and I know you will not want to miss them. Society members are happy, proud, world travelers improving the care of the critically ill and injured patients across the planet and in every way possible. From improvements in the way critical care is administered, to small changes in practice that have sweeping impacts on patient outcomes, SCCM members reach out, share information, improve practice and live Safar’s vision.
