FAIMER

FAIMER, short for the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research, is a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its work centers on improving health care globally by advancing international medical education and research. FAIMER focuses on developing the capacities of health professions educators, strengthening medical education systems, and providing reliable information about medical schools and programs worldwide.

History and overview: FAIMER was established in the 1990s as an independent entity dedicated to enhancing medical education across borders. It operates through programs, research, and partnerships with other organizations in the field of medical education.

Programs and activities: The organization runs professional development initiatives for medical educators, including fellowships and workshops aimed at expanding teaching capacity, curriculum development, and assessment methods. It also maintains international data resources on medical education. This includes the International Medical Education Directory (IMED) and, in collaboration with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDMS). The WDMS is a comprehensive, searchable database of medical schools, programs, and accreditation status used by credentialing bodies and others involved in credential verification and international mobility of graduates.

Impact and partnerships: FAIMER’s data resources, research outputs, and training programs are used by policymakers, accreditation bodies, medical schools, and educators to improve the quality of medical education and to support international collaboration. The organization collaborates with a range of partners in medical education and health workforce development to advance its mission and to promote global standards in medical training and evaluation.