International Ambassadors Program Since 2009, SHEA has partnered with 3M to launch the International Ambassadors Program, which is dedicated to building collaborative relationships between U.S. and international healthcare professionals with expertise in healthcare epidemiology and infection prevention.

Each year, SHEA sponsors 10-12 ambassadors from around the world to attend SHEA’s Annual Scientific Meeting and the SHEA/CDC Training Course in Healthcare Epidemiology. Ambassadors are also given a one-year membership in the society to foster networking and expose them to SHEA’s journal and other educational opportunities that can promote knowledge dissemination. Beginning in 2012, Ambassadors will also invited to participate in Infectious Disease Week, a joint venture of SHEA with IDSA, HIVMA and PIDS. SHEA continues work with new Ambassadors and program alumnae to identify new educational content to, partnership opportunities and other efforts to support individual goals for education, guideline and policy development and building regional networks.

Response to the International Ambassador Program has been noteworthy since its inception: over 200 applicants from around the world have sought a place in this elite group. SHEA has welcomed thirty-two Ambassadors representing seventeen countries (Brazil, Chile, China, Columbia, Ghana, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam).