The Academy of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine and the European Register of Specialists in Laboratory Medicine: guide to the Academy and the Register, version 4 – 2020

Abstract The 4th version of the guide to the Register for European Specialists in Laboratory Medicine (EuSpLM) established by the European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine describes the transfer of the register to the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) in 2016, the extension in 2018 of the Register beyond the European Union to Europe and the benefits of membership of the EFLM Academy to which the Register transferred on the Academy’s launch in 2019. The Academy offers EuSpLM registrants access to benefits that include reduced registration rates at selected conferences and free subscription to Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. With effect from 2020 eligibility was extended to anyone with an interest in laboratory medicine. The updated guide describes the electronically driven processes for individual membership and block enrolment from national societies/organisations, and the stepping stones to recognition as an EuSpLM within the Academy. Whilst eligibility for recognition as an EuSpLM remains largely unchanged new expectations across Europe in education, training, professional regulation and qualifications are reflected in updated criteria. The continuing driver for establishing the Academy and growing the EFLM Register reflects the federation’s leadership role in the harmonisation of high quality education and training for those with an interest in laboratory medicine as well as ongoing initiatives to establish a Common Training Framework for Specialists in Laboratory Medicine under EU Directive 2013/55/EC (The Recognition of Professional Qualifications).