Dear Editor,

We are Albertina Filardi Pittaluga (second-year Pediatric Emergency fellow at Pereira Rossell Hospital Center in Montevideo, Uruguay) and Inés Bulnes Rodríguez (fourth-year Pediatric Resident and specialty areas physician at Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid, Spain). In 2026, we were awarded the “SLEPE PEM Fellows Conference” and “SEEUUP Fellow” scholarships, respectively, as part of a competition based on the presentation and evaluation of research projects. Through this letter, we wish to share our experience thanks to these scholarships and thus encourage our colleagues to live this experience.

From March 8 to 10, 2026, we attended the PEM Fellows Conference, which took place in Atlanta, Georgia. The objective of this conference is different from the ones we usually attend, as it brings together fellows and young specialists with the aim of fostering learning, scientific exchange, and the creation of collaboration networks within the specialty.

Throughout the different days, academic activities were developed, focused not only on clinical aspects of pediatric emergency medicine but also on fundamental areas for the comprehensive training of the specialist, such as leadership, research, continuing medical education, clinical simulation, and professional development. The work dynamic favored constant interaction between participants and faculty, promoting a collaborative and enriching learning environment.

One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was the possibility of exchanging knowledge and realities with fellows from different places and health systems. Sharing experiences on daily practice, available resources, and different ways to approach similar problems allowed us to broaden our perspective on pediatric patient care in diverse contexts. Likewise, these instances facilitate the generation of academic and human connections that can transform into future collaborations in research, education, and assistance.

In addition to the workshops, we had the opportunity to attend presentations given by pediatric emergency professionals with years of experience, encouraging us to find our motivation and purpose within this profession to offer the best version of ourselves. Topics related to teamwork, effective communication, professional well-being, and burnout prevention were addressed, aspects increasingly relevant in specialties with high assistance demands. This comprehensive approach is especially important in the training of new specialists, promoting not only clinical excellence but also human and professional growth.

The other fundamental part of the conference focused on the presentation of our research projects. Organized in small groups of five or six people, each of the attending fellows shared a research project they had completed or were about to start at their workplace. The opportunity to present projects, exchange ideas with international experts, and receive academic feedback represented an extremely enriching experience and a great stimulus to continue promoting research in our region. Likewise, it allowed us to return with new approaches and tools to strengthen our own studies.

During our stay in Atlanta, we had the opportunity to attend as observers at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Emergency Department, at the Arthur M. Blank Hospital. This experience allowed us to closely observe highly organized care protocols and work modalities, as well as the functioning of a first-rate infrastructure aimed at the comprehensive care of the pediatric patient. Furthermore, witnessing the interdisciplinary work dynamic and the systematic approach used in the care of high-complexity emergencies was especially enriching.

We believe that initiatives like this have an impact that transcends the individual experience of each participant. The creation of international networks of fellows and young specialists favors the continuous exchange of knowledge and contributes to the growth of pediatric emergency globally. Furthermore, they promote the active participation of professionals in international scientific spaces, generating opportunities for academic development and institutional strengthening.

Finally, we want to express our gratitude to SEUP, SLEPE, our home hospitals Pereira Rossell Hospital Center and Gregorio Marañón Hospital, and the conference organizers. Facilitating access to this type of educational opportunity represents a valuable investment in the training of future generations of specialists and in the development of pediatric emergency care in our countries.

Albertina Filardi Pittaluga

Inés Bulnes Rodríguez