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The European Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM) is pleased to announce that Professor Christoph Dodt has officially assumed the role of President of EUSEM, succeeding Dr Robert Leach following two years of dedicated leadership.

In his inaugural address to the EUSEM community, Professor Christoph Dodt expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and outlined a presidency focused on listening, collaboration, innovation, and strengthening the future of emergency medicine across Europe.

A Presidency Built on Listening and Supporting Members

Addressing the EUSEM membership, Professor Christoph Dodt emphasised that emergency medicine occupies a unique position at the heart of healthcare, constantly reflecting the challenges and changes affecting health systems worldwide. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that EUSEM remains a platform where emergency physicians can come together to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and develop solutions to common challenges.

A central theme of his presidency will be maintaining close engagement with members across Europe.

“You can expect me to remain curious and to listen to you,” he told members, pledging to support member-led initiatives and foster an environment where strong ideas can flourish.

Empowering the Next Generation

Professor Christoph Dodt highlighted the importance of broad representation within the specialty, committing EUSEM to champion gender balance and increase opportunities for emerging leaders. Young emergency physicians and women in emergency medicine will remain key priorities during his term.

This vision aligns closely with EUSEM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership development, education, and professional opportunities for the next generation of emergency medicine professionals across Europe.

Addressing the Major Challenges Facing Emergency Medicine

Looking ahead, the new President outlined several critical challenges that will shape emergency medicine in the coming years. These include climate change, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, financial constraints, demographic shifts, and the need to develop resilient emergency care infrastructure.

Under his leadership, EUSEM aims to bring emergency physicians together to create sustainable strategies that not only respond to today's realities but also prepare the specialty for future demands.

Advancing Professionalism and Excellence

A further priority for Professor Christoph Dodt is supporting the continued development of emergency medicine as a recognised and highly professional specialty throughout Europe. He reaffirmed EUSEM’s commitment to delivering world-class education, scientific exchange, and cutting-edge research through its congresses, symposia, and educational programmes.

Strengthening EUSEM for the Future

The new President also identified organisational sustainability as an immediate priority, noting that he will begin his term by addressing key internal challenges, including the stabilisation of EUSEM’s finances in collaboration with the Society’s leadership and office team.

Tribute to Outgoing President Dr Robert Leach

In closing, Professor Christoph Dodt paid tribute to Dr Robert Leach for his leadership over the past two years. He praised Dr Leach’s ability to build relationships and strengthen EUSEM’s international profile through collaboration with organisations such as the WHO, the European Union and NATO, and expressed his appreciation that Dr Leach will continue to support the Society during the transition period

As EUSEM enters this new chapter, members can look forward to a presidency focused on inclusivity, innovation, sustainability, and strengthening emergency medicine across Europe. Guided by a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to supporting the emergency medicine community, Professor Christoph Dodt begins his journey as EUSEM President with a clear vision for the future.

Read full speech here.