The status of emergency medicine in the state of Kuwait

Abstract

Background and Objective of the review: There is limited literature on the emergency medicine (EM) specialty in Kuwait, and this paper evaluated the development status of the specialty under Arnold’s classification. Discussion: In Kuwait, the EM specialty is recognized with an existing professional society and structured residency training program with post post-board-certification exam. The emergency departments are directed by board-certified emergency physicians with existing emergency medical services and transfer systems. However, there is still a huge demand for trained emergency physicians and a further need to advance the existing trauma system. The academic EM in the country needs further progress in research and developing a specialty journal, databases, and subspecialty training. The management systems within the emergency departments are well developed. Conclusion: The EM status is its way to reaching maturity if we overcome a few deficits and challenges in the system. Lastly, two great achievements were made through the establishment of ‘the Kuwait Poison Control Center’ and the simulation training in EM.