SP0022 PROJECT ABSTRACT 2: EMERGE – HELPING DELIVER OUR WORLDWIDE GOALS

Abstract

EMERGE (EMErging Rheumatologist and rEsearchers) is a new group of young physicians and scientists from across the globe with a shared interest and passion for pediatric rheumatology. Amid numerous differences in education, research opportunities and healthcare systems across countries, the overarching aim of the group is to work closely together towards the same goal of providing a best possible care for children with rheumatic diseases. With the support of the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (PReS), the group has created several compelling initiatives which could help the creation of a new generation of professionals who can deliver this goal. Therefore, one the paramount initiative of the group is the PReS EMERGE fellowship. This unique program enables clinicians and scientist from all over the world to come to the established pediatric rheumatology centers in Europe, receive clinical or translational research training, perform a short study and build a support network readily available after returning to their surroundings. Next, the Peer Review Mentoring Program has been recently started in order to provide a first structured peer review training in the field of pediatric rheumatology. The prevailing intention of this initiative is to improve the quality of published researches by education of the future peer reviewers. The important initiative of the group is also the organization of the Young Investigators Meeting (YIM), that takes place every year before the PReS congress. This meeting gathers many clinicians and scientist from all continents and provides them with an excellent opportunity of presenting their basic and clinical discoveries and compelling cases to their peers and not so senior faculty. Besides, the group is involved in the organization of many educational courses where world-leading experts are conveying their experience and knowledge of a particular topic. To succeed in these initiatives, the EMERGE group is working closely with other similar groups, such as CARRA young investigators from North America and EMEUNET group of young adult rheumatologist from Europe. Moreover, the group has a firm collaboration with Pediatric Task Force Global Musculoskeletal Health, a group dedicated to raising the awareness and improving access to right care for children with musculoskeletal diseases, and ENCA, a network of national associations working with children and young people with pediatric rheumatic diseases. Finally, in order to spread information about these initiatives and to attract new members, the group is actively using social media platforms, such as Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PReSEMERGE/), Twitter (@PReSEMERGE), and bi-monthly newsletters (emerge.pres@gmail.com). Disclosure of Interests: None declared