A group of future physicians in the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (ICOM) Emergency Medicine Club spent the weekend volunteering at the Meridian Foodbank. This volunteer event was part of a larger global philanthropic effort known as “EM Day of Service,” a campaign driven by the Emergency Medicine (EM) specialty. 

Held on September 17 this year, EM Day of Service provides an opportunity for emergency medicine physicians, residents, nurses, physician assistants, paramedics, medical students, and others to give back to the communities they serve. Emergency care providers identify community needs and volunteer to address those needs on EM Day of Service. From hosting food drives, helping with home repairs for the elderly or disabled, providing health screenings, preparing meals at a local shelter, or other efforts, this event provides an opportunity for providers to serve their local communities outside of the clinical setting.

“ICOM’s Emergency Medicine Organization is delighted to partner with our EM colleagues worldwide to make a difference in our community,” said Student Doctor Mohammad Abuakar, a second-year student at ICOM and President of the College’s EM Organization. “Many communities have unmet needs, so seeing EM Day of Service in action allows emergency care providers to serve in places outside of the hospital’s emergency department.” 

Nearly 20 student doctors at ICOM participated in EM Day of Service. The group of volunteers worked together to assist the Meridian Foodbank with their landscaping and other facility-related needs. 

Learn more about EM Day of Service here.