Gerard Flaherty – International Society of Travel Medicine

November 21, 2025

Describe your present function and key areas of focus.
My educational function on the University of Galway in Ireland is busy however very stimulating, with instructing, evaluation, scholar help, analysis, management, and administrative duties. My medical function now could be largely in pre-travel healthcare and I get pleasure from that tremendously. I serve in different voluntary roles with varied organizations, together with the International Society of Travel Medicine, which after all is essentially the most rewarding a part of my work life!

What do you discover most rewarding about your work?
I’m naturally curious, so I really like to find and share new data and impart that information to college students, colleagues and the broader scientific neighborhood. Being part of a traveler’s journey can be an awesome privilege and it’s good to really feel that you’ve made a distinction, particularly the place a traveler has advanced pre-existing circumstances or a difficult itinerary. Giving private time to help fantastic organizations like ISTM has introduced me into contact with a few of the most interesting folks I’ve ever met and I treasure our friendships.

How did you first change into concerned with ISTM?
It was a pure development from deep involvement within the early years with the Faculty of Travel Medicine in Scotland and the Northern European Conference on Travel Medicine. I ought to acknowledge former ISTM President, Fiona Genasi, who taught me throughout my Diploma in Travel Medicine in Glasgow and was a supply of nice encouragement to me after I determined to place myself ahead for election to the ISTM govt board in 2014. I credit score the late nice Peter Leggat from Australia with giving me the push I wanted to go ahead as a candidate for election as ISTM President-elect. I and lots of others proceed to overlook Peter’s fantastic camaraderie and good humor. Peter’s legacy endures in his many excellent contributions to journey drugs.

What has ISTM membership meant to you—professionally or personally?
I’ve gained far more from ISTM than I might ever give again to it. I worth the human friendships, being round like-minded and open-minded individuals who like to journey and respect variety and cultural variations. I’ve benefited tremendously from my expertise in varied ISTM management roles, first as Counselor after which as President-elect and President, working intently with colleagues on the Journal of Travel Medicine, presenting on the CISTM convention or on the annual Travel Medicine Review and Update Course, and naturally gaining the revered Certificate in Travel Health. All of those and different advantages have served me properly in my educational profession, have helped to forge my skilled identification and have given me good pals for all times. You can see ISTM’s profound affect on my life from the truth that I’m utilizing American English in penning this piece!

What is your favourite vacation spot or journey story?
I spent a number of time in excessive altitude locations in my 20s and 30s and had the chance to function a volunteer expedition doctor. Some of my happiest journey recollections are from this era. The stunning blue skies and snow-covered Himalaya actually take your breath away and stay perpetually in your reminiscence. I even have a deep love for journey in Asia, with robust skilled hyperlinks to Malaysia, Thailand and different nations within the area. I really like the tradition, the folks, and naturally their delicacies! In Europe, we’ve got so many magical locations on our doorstep. Venice might be my favourite metropolis on this planet, however has itself suffered from mass tourism. Travel is a good privilege and we should at all times attempt to go away gentle footprints wherever we go to.

What’s your “travel health must-have” once you’re on the street?
It relies upon solely on the place I’m going. In some African and South American nations, it will likely be my Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate! Otherwise, if I might cheat a bit of by saying a well provisioned journey well being equipment, containing dressings and bandages, antiseptic cream, antihistamines, insect repellent, SPF cream, anti-diarrheal brokers and so forth. Don’t overlook your journey insurance coverage coverage as properly.