The UEMS is an international non-profit organization, which defends and represents the professional interests of all European medical specialists and promotes the highest level of training of all medical specialists. The UEMS consists of 30 full member national medical associations, 4 associate member national medical associations and 2 observer national medical associations. The IMA joined UEMS in 2003 as an observer and at the start of 2007 became an associate member. Prof. Shai Ashkenazi, Chairmanof the IMA’s Scientific Council, represents the IMA at the UEMS Council and Board meetings. In addition to attending Council and Board meetings, the IMA contributes and responds to policy papers issued by the organization.