Over the past several years, the Society of Hospital Medicine has become more involved in developing global relationships in an attempt to become a resource for hospital medicine movements in other countries. As part of this initiative, HM18 will host an International Lounge on Tuesday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Anaheim Room at the Orlando Marriott World Center.
“SHM has been taking a more deliberate approach to cultivating international relationships,” said Ethan Gray, CAE, vice president of membership for the society. “Although we are still in the beginning phases of establishing a global footprint that will provide enduring resources that respond to the needs of international members similar to those we provide to our U.S. members, we are making efforts toward that end.”
Ethan Gray, VP of membership, SHM
The International Lounge at HM18 is one such effort. Its purpose is to provide worldwide attendees with enhanced networking opportunities, information on how to launch an SHM chapter, and the opportunity to interact with SHM staff and board leaders.
“On Monday, HM18 will be hosting an International Special Interest Forum, which will allow global participants to share their experiences and interact with thought leaders from the United States and abroad, including SHM board members,” continued Mr. Gray. “The International Lounge is an extension of our global outreach at the annual meeting.”
The International Lounge will offer informal networking. As the SHM staff liaison, Mr. Gray will be on hand to answer any questions from and interact with global attendees. SHM board members also will be available on a rotating schedule throughout the day to network, dialogue, and share their knowledge and expertise.
As SHM expands its international activities, it is dedicating staff resources at its Philadelphia headquarters to international chapter development, including facilitating virtual communities on its Hospital Medical Exchange (HMX).
“Those visiting the lounge will be able to pick up a written fact sheet on the elements needed to create an SHM chapter,” stated Mr. Gray. “And, I will be available to discuss chapter launch requisites and any other questions they might have.”