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ESSM
Today
ESSM:
A model of a multinational
and multidisciplinary scientific society
by Mikkel Fode
Mikkel fode, Md, Phd, fEcSM
Department of Urology
Herlev and Gentofte Hospital
Herlev Ringvej 75
2730 Herlev, Denmark
mikkelfode@gmail.comIt’s been almost 10 years since I was welcomed
into the ESSM family and for the past 4 years
I’ve had the privilege to serve as representative
of the national affiliated societies. At first glance
the differences between our individual societies
and members are striking - we are comprised
of all genders, nationalities, ages, beliefs, and
professions. However, from the very beginning,
I have noticed something unique about our so-
ciety; a welcoming feeling of unity, which is truly
rare. I’ve seen how every single member of our
society is united by the ESSM purpose of advanc-
ing and promoting Sexual Medicine. Due to the
nature of our field, it is only logical that we are
comprised of clinicians with a focus on quality
of life and an unprejudiced open-mindedness.
Thinking back, this was what originally attracted
me to the ESSM.
Our common focus means that when we meet
for a few days every year at the annual congress,
we enter a bubble in which Sexual Medicine
becomes the most important thing in the world.
This is inspiring and refreshing, especially be-
cause this is not always the case in everyday
life in which our field is often pushed into the
background by more prioritized medical issues.
Therefore, our congresses are deeply important;
not only for their scientific content, but also for
the inspiration they allow us to take back into our
daily lives. Along with growing friendships, this
has always made our annual congresses spec-
tacular experiences. This being said, everyone
who was present in Nice noticed that the mood
was different from earlier years. While our local
hosts had done an admirable job in making the
congress a success, it is no secret that there
were disagreements about the future constella-
tion of the Executive Committee and direction of
the society. At this point, the conflict is behind us
with the confirmations and elections at the gen-
eral assembly and I have no authority to judge
regarding the specifics. The Executive Committee
has made it a priority to update the by-laws and
improve the transparency of future elections for
the individual members of the ESSM. However,
in addition to that, the events of the congress
deserve some comments.
As the representative of the national affiliated
ESSM societies I’ve had a unique position to
witness the strong link between the Executive
Committee, various sub-committees, and the
affiliated societies. I’ve seen how different parts
of the society communicate and work together.
In my experience, this has always been done
with a democratic approach and a strong trend
to meet the needs of individual members. For
example, we have created programs to spon-
sor both clinicians from low income countries
as well as basic scientists and the ESSM has
introduced student discounts to encourage ac-
tive participation of young members. However,
with our differences, it is obvious that opinions
often differ on various issues and emotions may
surface as a result of strong dedication. This
is both an inherent quality and challenge for a
true multinational and multidisciplinary society.
Therefore, there is no doubt that disagreements
will also be part of our future. Most often, these
disagreements will be resolved rationally and
peacefully, but sometimes they will become obvi-
ous and potentially unpleasant. This is the case
in any family and in all gatherings of dedicated
individuals who feel that they are working for
an important cause. It is crucial that we do not
get scared of this and, the goal must never be
to eliminate or obscure our differences. Rather,
we need to utilize them in order to cultivate a
diverse and embracing society. In my opinion,
this is exactly what the ESSM has been doing
for the past several years with a comprehensive
focus on Sexual Medicine issues and a grow-
ing number of membership societies. Whenever
problems arise, we need to be strong enough to
overcome our conflicts, while staying united in
our joint cause of promoting Sexual Medicine.
Looking into the future, I am confident that the
ESSM will continue to display the great wel-
coming spirit and great respect for very single
old and new member that I have experienced. I
am also confident that the society will continue
to focus on and benefit the members to whom
it truly belongs. The ESSM is a chosen fam-
ily grounded in a common purpose to promote
Sexual Medicine. Let us remember that purpose
and let us remember to view our multinational
and multidisciplinary differences as a strength
rather than a weakness.