2 articles found

Perspective

innovatED! Fostering Low-Cost Innovation, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Research in Global Emergency Medicine

29 July 2026

The complex and evolving healthcare demands in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) are often beyond the scope of traditional Emergency Medicine (EM) practices, creating vital gaps in the delivery of medical care. The objective of this study is to present and evaluate the InnovatED model, a low-cost, entrepreneurial approach, and demonstrate its effectiveness in addressing critical challenges within EM in LMIC settings. This model incorporates the principles of Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (I|C|E) by fostering non-hierarchical, inclusive spaces that prioritize equity, diversity, and well-being. Through the agile problem-solving approach of 'jugaar,' InnovatED cultivates a proactive culture of innovation that adapts to the dynamic demands of modern EM and broader healthcare contexts. Key initiatives such as Hackathons and the National Health Incubator have sparked interdisciplinary collaborations, enhancing EM education and practice. Wellness-focused startup like ZalsaED has reported high satisfaction rates, improving healthcare provider well-being, while consultancy programs like EmTEx and Innov’dBoard have streamlined policies and strategies, improving efficiency within emergency departments and past those across whole hospitals. These programs highlight InnovatED’s scalability and its potential for monetization, demonstrating its ability to adapt to diverse healthcare environments and generate sustainable solutions. As an innovative, cost-effective bridge between traditional EM and modern healthcare needs, InnovatED is poised to optimize outcomes on a global scale. However, the integration of more robust metrics and data will be essential in quantifying its success. Addressing future challenges, fostering global adaptation, and expanding collaborative efforts will be key to enhancing the model’s credibility and impact.

Zunaira Namal

Syed Waqas

Mahreen Sulaiman

+1

Advocating for a White Blood Cell Emoji: A Novel Approach to Enhancing Public Health Communication.

Perspective

Advocating for a White Blood Cell Emoji: A Novel Approach to Enhancing Public Health Communication.

24 February 2025

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and recent rise in monkeypox cases globally, infectious disease has become a major topic of public attention. However, there still remains a public stigma associated with infectious disease, limiting public understanding of the subject and leading to overall resistance to seek medical assistance for illness. Emojis, which are universally used symbols to communicate important topics, could play an important role in encouraging conversation surrounding infectious disease online. Specifically, white blood cells (WBCs) are a vital part of the immune system and could play an important part in the communication of infectious disease online. Hence, we encourage the infectious disease community to come together and advocate for the inclusion of the WBC emoji into Unicode, the corporation that is responsible for the standardization of emojis across all devices.

Suhanee Mitragotri

Allison Goff

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