Peruvian Society of Internal Medicine's XLV International Course of Internal Medicine

October 19-22, 2023
Lima, Peru
ACP Global Ambassador reflections by: Maria (Gaby) Frank, MD, FACP

I had the opportunity to represent ACP at the 45^th International Course of Internal Medicine, hosted by the Peruvian Society of Internal Medicine (SPMI), in Lima Peru, October 2023.

The entirety of the organizing committee, particularly SPMI’s President, Dr. Contreras Camarena, and Mrs. Maruska Bellina Canales, was amazing. Their hospitality, attention to detail, and warmth were second to none. They planned daily lunches and dinners for all international representatives, including tours of historical and touristic highlights of Lima, and a dinner with a show demonstrating traditional Peruvian dances. I was truly impressed and honored to be part of this meeting.

The meeting’s quality of presentations was excellent. Topics were all timely and pertinent to the general internal medicine physician practice, and ranged from updates in cardiovascular medicine, nephrology, diabetes, obesity, rheumatology, infectious diseases, rheumatology, pain management, neurology, hematology, pneumonology, critical care, and medical education, all tailored to the general internal medcine physician. Speakers represented not only Peru, but also Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Spain, Argentina, Bolivia, and the US. Approximately 1,000 people attended the meeting, with participants at a wide range of expertise, from medical students, residents, junior and senior faculty, as well as community physicians. Audience actively engaged with presenters, by asking relevant and thoughtful questions and following up with e-mails.

As an ACP Global Ambassador, I was made to feel welcome, and it was an honor to participate. I did two plenary talks: “Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers for the General Internist” and “Disaster Medicine principles for the General Internists”. Both talks were extremely well attended, and the audience stayed overtime to ask questions, particularly after my disaster medicine talk. I realized that most attendees found the disaster medicine for internal medicine physicians talk very relevant and wanted to hear more about it.

Overall, it was an amazing experience, where I had the opportunity to share and acquire knowledge, foster a network of likeminded colleagues, and develop partnerships for future endeavors.