Prof Arif Alper Cevik

I am Dr Cevik, currently I serve in multiple pivotal educational and leadership roles at the United Arab Emirates University College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UAEU CMHS) in Al Ain, UAE. As the Director of the Clinical Skills Course and the Medical Simulation and Clinical Skills Center, I am looking after to enhancing the practical skills of future medical professionals. Additionally, I hold the position of Chair for the Longitudinal Track Group in our Curriculum Reform Process, helping to shape a modern and comprehensive educational journey for our students. In the field of Emergency Medicine, I am not only a faculty member at UAEU CMHS and the Tawam Emergency Medicine Residency Program but also an active participant in shaping the future of emergency medicine education globally. I am the current Chair of the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM) Core Curriculum and Education Committee (CCEC), representing Emergency Medicine Association of Turkiye (EMAT). I am also the Founder and Director of the International Emergency Medicine Education Project (iem-student.org). My commitment extends to my roles as a board member of the Asian Society for Emergency Medicine, representing EMAT and a member of the Emirates Board of Emergency Medicine. My current roles have deeply involved me in the field of medical education, particularly focusing on emergency medicine training across the globe.

My journey into international emergency medicine began during my residency at Dokuz Eylul University. Under the collaborative efforts of Dr. Fowler, director of our EM residency program and emergency department, we regularly interacted with visiting emergency physicians and residents from the US, each bringing a diverse background and an infectious enthusiasm to assist in our training. Their dedication sparked a question in my mind: “Could I, too, become someone who aids others around the world?”

This inspiration bloomed fully in 1998, during my chief residency, when I attended the 7th International Conference on Emergency Medicine in Vancouver, Canada. At a lecture on ankle sprains delivered by Dr Ian Stiel—the father of the Ottawa Ankle Rules—a man caught my attention. His name resonated with me; Dr. Fowler had spoken of him often. He was Prof. James Holliman, a legend in international emergency medicine.

After the talk, I introduced myself, mentioning my origins from Izmir, Turkey. With a handshake and an enthusiastic spark in his eyes, Prof. Holliman excused himself to speak with Dr. Stiel, suggesting we meet later. “Why don’t we meet at 12 pm in front of this hall?” he proposed, setting our rendezvous for two hours hence.

After attending a few more talks, I returned to our meeting spot, and find Prof. Holliman already there, waiting. His early arrival, unusual for a professor when meeting a resident, struck me deeply—it was a testament to his dedication and the value he placed on every interaction.

We spent the afternoon together, sharing stories about our training, discussing the challenges faced by our programs, and the progress of emergency medicine in Turkey. Our conversation wasn’t limited to medicine; we explored mutual interests in food, music, and cultural nuances, discovering surprising commonalities, including our shared birthday of December 20.

As the day came to the end, Prof. Holliman extended an invitation that would shape my future—he asked me to join his International Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program at PennState University. Thus, my dedicated path in international emergency medicine was begun.

Since starting on my journey with the International Emergency Medicine Fellowship program in 1999, my career has been a full of collaboration and discovery. This program opened doors to meetings with many of the world’s leading experts in international emergency medicine. Together, we have embarked on numerous projects, not just within Turkey but across the globe, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Supported by EMAT, I represented our organization at various prestigious international bodies such as the European Society for Emergency Medicine (EuSEM), the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM), and the Asian Society for Emergency Medicine (ASEM), often sharing these responsibilities with colleagues like Dr. Cem Oktay and Dr. Ridvan Atilla.

It has been truly inspiring to witness the productivity of the international emergency medicine community, which plays a crucial role in guiding countries and institutions where emergency medicine is still in developmental phase. Experiencing diverse countries and healthcare systems has not only broadened my understanding of emergency medicine but also enriched my perspective on work-life balance.

Alongside my professional journey, I have passionately pursued hobbies like snowboarding, windsurfing, and kitesurfing in various parts of the world. However, a meniscal tear in my left knee has stopped me to engage in these intense sports as I once did. Despite this setback, traveling to new places for international emergency medicine activities continues to be a thrilling aspect of my work. Exploring diverse cultures and systems not only enriches my professional life but also satisfies my curiosity and love for adventure. Isn’t this ‘what international emergency medicine’ all about?