Emergency Medicine Symposium

12/08/2025

The journey continues… to 𝗗𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗴, 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺, 𝟭𝟯–𝟭𝟱 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

Three days dedicated to the craft of emergency medicine.

Four immersive workshops shaped by those who live it every day.

Two days of sessions that bridge evidence with real-world application – the kind of knowledge that stays with you long after the last slide fades.

You’ll join an extraordinary faculty of practising FACEMs and a delegate community that understands the pressures, the decisions, and the moments that define our work.

And when the learning pauses, we’ll celebrate – with a cocktail party only we could host, a gala dinner that’s nothing short of spectacular, and family-friendly moments that bring the people who’ve carried us along for the ride into the heart of the experience.

At the end of it all, the net proceeds will go to two remarkable charities – turning our time together into something that will leave more than just memories.

𝙀𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣.

Link in the comments.

Be part of the next chapter.

Join us in Da Nang, Vietnam for Emergency Medicine Symposium (EMS) 2026 – April 13–15. A unique blend of cutting-edge emergency medicine, expert faculty, and unforgettable social experiences.

25/07/2025

“𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺,”

- an emergency physician told us recently, “is that it doesn’t jump straight to ‘crack the chest, cut the neck, save the day’. It feels grounded – real clinicians talking to real clinicians. And the group that keeps coming back… it’s a very special kind.”

Those words stayed with us. As a faculty, they reminded us why this symposium exists – to keep things real, practical, and human.

When we sat together to shape the 2026 programme, that thought guided every choice:

𝓓𝓪𝔂 1 – Workshops: Kept deliberately small and hands-on, because the best learning happens in conversation.

𝓓𝓪𝔂 2 – Breathing & Resus: Designed around the quieter, tougher decisions – when to hold back, when to act, and how to truly understand physiology.

𝓓𝓪𝔂 3 – Paediatrics, Pain & Trauma: Focused on take-home pearls that make a difference on the next shift.

And beyond the academic sessions, the spirit of the symposium has always been about connection:

🍹 Cocktail Party – relaxed but still dressed to impress, outdoors with the beach breeze in the air.

💃 Gala Dinner – an evening of sophistication in the Grand Ballroom, with themed elegance, flowing dresses, and the kind of energy that feels more like a celebration.

This symposium has always been small, intimate, and special, and as we carry this spirit with us to Vietnam 2026, that will not change.

📅 13–15 April 2026 | Sheraton Grand
💡 18 CPD hours (2026 approval pending)

Swipe through the programme snapshots – this is the kind of emergency medicine that feels like home to us as clinicians.

https://www.emergencymedicinesymposium.com.au/programme-2026/

30/06/2025

𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭
𝙀𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙮 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙎𝙮𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙪𝙢 2026

It all started in Langkawi, 2023—post-COVID, with more hope than certainty.

We still remember those nerves. Turning up on Day 1 of our very first Emergency Medicine Symposium, wondering if anyone would walk through the doors. That quiet fear—had we taken too big a leap?

But we made a promise to ourselves: to stay grounded in our mission.
To bring on-the-floor, real-world emergency medicine education—no distractions, no ego. Just meaningful learning, built by clinicians for clinicians. And quietly, alongside that, to build something that could give back in ways that matter.

That sense of humility hasn’t left us. If anything, it has deepened.

As we now prepare for EM Symposium 2026 in Da Nang, we’re feeling a different kind of nervousness—driven by the remarkable momentum from this community.

Just 10 days into registration, 20% of places are already filled.
Our faculty is aligned and inspired, shaping a CPD-approved program that reflects the speed and complexity of modern emergency care.
And our philanthropic impact continues to grow, fuelled by people like you who believe medicine can be both practical and purposeful.

At its heart, this symposium has always remained what it set out to be:
A FACEM-led gathering, by emergency clinicians—for emergency clinicians.
𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘂𝘀—𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘂𝘀, 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝘀.

Rooted in our daily realities. Lifted by our shared purpose.

From those uncertain beginnings in Langkawi, this has grown into something extraordinary.

And that’s because of you.

You’ve become the family of this symposium. You’ve given us your trust. And now, we get to build the next chapter—together.

See you in Da Nang.

📍 Website link in comments below

20/06/2025

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 — 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡.

You asked us to bring it forward, and we did.
We’re heading to Danang, Vietnam — April 13, 14 & 15, 2026, and it’s already shaping up to be something special.

Coastal energy. Real conversations. Big ideas.
Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are thinking of joining for the first time, this is where emergency clinicians connect, reflect, and grow — together.

And for those who are planning ahead, this may be a timely window to get everything in order before the financial year wraps up.

Register now:
👉 www.emergencymedicinesymposium.com.au

10/06/2025

𝙏𝙤𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝘿𝙈𝙨. 𝙎𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧: 𝙔𝙚𝙨 — 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙀𝙈𝙎 2026 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙.

Some of you asked if we could open it before the end of June.
Let’s be honest — that wasn’t just enthusiasm. That was some well-timed forward planning. And we get it.

So here’s the deal:
If all the behind-the-scenes magic lines up, we’re going live with registration on June 20th, 2025.

We’re heading to 𝓓𝓪𝓷𝓪𝓷𝓰, 𝓥𝓲𝓮𝓽𝓷𝓪𝓶 — 𝓐𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓵 13, 14 & 15
Coastal views, meaningful conversations, vibrant energy — this isn’t just a symposium, it’s the kind of gathering you’ll talk about for years.

If you haven’t read the 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐄𝐌 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐛𝐮, now’s the time:
https://www.emergencymedicinesymposium.com.au/cebu-2025-reflection/

And yes — it says Cebu a lot. That was 2025.

2026 is Danang. Vietnam. Different country. Different vibe.

Book the wrong flights and you’ll have a great story — just one you’ll be explaining to your friends and family for a very long time.

Curious? Start here:

www.emergencymedicinesymposium.com.au

We’re nearly ready. You’re more than ready. Let’s do this — early.

23/05/2025

We’re heading to 𝗗𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗴, 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺!

ℰ𝓂ℯ𝓇ℊℯ𝓃𝒸𝓎 ℳℯ𝒹𝒾𝒸𝒾𝓃ℯ 𝒮𝓎𝓂𝓅ℴ𝓈𝒾𝓊𝓂 —𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟯–𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Langkawi 2023 sparked the movement.
Koh Samui 2024 turned up the heat.
Cebu 2025 sent the tempo out of control.

Da Nang 2026 invites us to pause and reflect in a world that rarely stops — while staying deeply connected to the rhythm that brought us here.

Each year has lifted the bar—bringing a high-octane energy, grounded clinical dialogue, meaningful unexpected connections, and a community of emergency physicians that doesn’t simply gather, but grows together.

And while the tempo rises, so does our purpose.
Our philanthropic portfolio—already making quiet waves—is about to grow wider, deeper, and scale up in ways that matter.

What to expect in Da Nang:

📚 Three days of sharp, clinically grounded academic sessions

🍸 Cocktail evening on the beach deck with open-air conversations

🎩 Ballroom-style gala dinner where energy meets elegance

🌸 And beyond the symposium—follow the scent of lotus blossoms through ancient temples, share tea with gentle hands in tucked-away courtyards, stroll barefoot where the river meets the sea, and let the quiet corners of Da Nang teach you what stillness feels like in a world that rarely pauses.

If you’ve been part of this journey before, you already know.
If not—Da Nang is where you catch the rhythm.

02/05/2025

Alright, let’s talk about Hollywood glamour meeting Filipino flair—no, it wasn’t a beach party. It was the Gala Dinner at the Shangri-La Cebu, and it was truly unforgettable. A stunning ballroom, incredible food, and a room full of brilliant minds coming together for a bigger cause. This wasn’t just a fancy night; it was about making magic happen.

Now, I know you’ve been waiting for the photos. After the conference, life hit us hard, but they’re finally here, and totally worth the wait.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀—𝘄𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 $𝟲𝟭,𝟱𝟬𝟬 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱. It’s not just about the numbers, it’s about real change. YOU helped transform Theravil Village into a thriving community of entrepreneurs.

But we’re not done. We’re expanding our philanthropic footprint in Sri Lanka. More charities are coming onboard, and we’re making this movement even bigger and more impactful. Keep watching.

And here’s the big reveal: Emergency Medicine Symposium 2026 is happening on April 13, 14, and 15, 2026, in Da Nang, Vietnam! Get ready for something epic.

This isn’t just about the talks or the stage—it’s about us, coming together to create real, lasting change. YOU are making it happen.

So, check out the photos, soak it in, and get ready for more impact. This is just the beginning.

17/04/2025

DAY THREE — When Commitment Outshines Sleep.

After a Gala Dinner that pushed the tempo way past midnight —
elegantly themed, beautifully indoor, and yes, photos are coming 📸

We half-expected a slow start.

But by 8:00 AM sharp, the room was alive.
Because no one wanted to miss what came next.

We opened with Dr Siva Sivasubramaniam, who challenged us to rethink trauma care for older adults through the lens of frailty — a tool we use often, now seen through a more nuanced lens.

Dr Lai Heng Foong followed with a compelling and raw session on elder abuse — shining light on what often stays hidden. Their combined sessions sparked real discussion about how frailty scores apply (or don’t) in the chaos of the ED.

Then Dr Rajan Kailainathan brought the pharmacology we often gloss over into full focus.
We all reflexively check for anticoagulants — but what about:
💊 Anticholinergics?
💊 Antipsychotics?
It’s time we made those part of our reflex.

The paediatric block was just as sharp.

Dr Karen Quay gave us practical, high-impact pearls for paediatric ED care.

And then Dr Robert Millar introduced us to the power of dexmedetomidine — showing us how it fits into the sedation landscape for children with autism.
Some of these children carry the diagnosis. Some don't. But their neurochemical responses matter — and Rob helped us navigate that spectrum with clarity and compassion.

After morning tea, we stepped into the grey zone of action vs inaction.
Dr Raj Kathirgamanathan and Dr Rajan Kailainathan unpacked two critical pericardiocentesis cases, including a real-life story where survival hinged on the end of the needle — a moment that reminded us all how high the stakes can be in our world.

Then came one of the most engaging sessions of the entire symposium —
Dr Christina Fong, Dr Karen Quay, and Dr Srigala Nagarajan led a myth-busting, truth-telling, “You Can’t Ask That” panel that had the entire room nodding, laughing, and rethinking everything.

We closed with Dr Rizwan Qureshi, who gently reminded us that growth in medicine doesn't always mean more of the same — and that a second career can be a natural, thoughtful next chapter.

👏 Day Three was reflective, fiery, and beautifully honest.

📸 Gala Dinner photos — themed and bursting with moments — are coming your way soon.

17/04/2025

DAY TWO REWIND 🎙️💥

If Day One was the handshake, Day Two was the mic drop.

We opened the morning with cardiogenic shock from Dr Rajan Kailainathan(yes, that guy), followed by a deep dive into neuro-emergencies with Dr Siva Sivasubramaniam—because apparently, brains don’t like storms either. Then Dr Raj Kathirgamanathan walked us through haemodynamic assessment like it was a masterclass… because it was.

Over in the “Jack of All Trades” room (aka the place where brains were stretched sideways), Dr Rebeca Wong handed us a practical tool for acute mental health discharge, and Dr Srigala Nagarajan made endometriosis everyone’s business—with the clarity and conviction it deserves.

And then…
Enter ED culture.

Dr Simon Judkins showed us leadership isn’t about the title.
Dr Ray Lopez made us rethink every “uncomfortable” word we use.
Dr Jay Weeraratne got us into the real hard conversations.
And as if that wasn’t enough, the group exercise flipped the room into a live-action strategy lab—where tables turned into think tanks.

✅ House full.
✅ Energy high.
✅ Conversations real.
✅ Delegates – absolute legends.

Yes, Day Three and the Gala Dinner have now had their moment (photos dropping soon, stay tuned 📸)…

15/04/2025

Cebu-style cocktail party last night — the perfect unwind after a big, action-packed morning at EM Symposium 2025.

Good vibes, great company — let the photos say the rest.

14/04/2025

A Glimpse into Emergency Care in Cebu

After an energising morning of hands-on workshops, our delegates visited Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, one of Cebu’s busiest public tertiary hospitals.

What we experienced went far beyond clinical observation.

We were welcomed with open arms and warm smiles — a truly charming reception by the local staff who graciously made space for us in the middle of their busy day.

Through this visit, we deepened our understanding of local emergency practices:
— the daily commitment behind patient care
— the reality of working across an archipelago of hundreds of islands
— the complexity of coordinating air and sea ambulances
— and the resilience required to deliver care amidst frequent typhoons 🌪️🚑

Some challenges? They’re universal.
- Access block.
- Retaining and supporting trainees.
- Balancing workload with workforce.

We felt it — not as outsiders, but as peers walking the same path.

But what stood out most?
Pride.
The pride the team had in their work, their hospital, and their community. It was contagious. It reminded us why we do what we do.

Thank you to the team at Vicente Sotto for reminding us that while systems may differ, the heart of emergency medicine beats the same across the world.

14/04/2025

Day 1. Three Workshops.

This morning, we opened the Emergency Medicine Symposium 2025 not with speeches, but with action.

Across three focused workshops, delegates stepped into real-world challenges:

🩺 Advanced ECG for Emergency Physicians
Decoding the complex rhythms that guide critical decisions.

🦷 Emergency Dentistry
Understanding oral emergencies in the ED — through hands-on learning and shared anatomy.

🧠 Non-Pharmacological Strategies in Adolescent Mental Health
Reframing care through connection, conversation, and compassion.

The energy was unmistakable. The rooms were full.

Some moments from this morning are below.