This Body of Knowledge was created to guide the professional development of individuals practicing travel medicine and to shape curricula and training programs in travel medicine. It is also expected to serve as a vehicle for establishing the content validity of a credentialing process.

The field of travel medicine has grown dramatically as greater numbers of people travel to exotic and remote destinations. Almost a billion travelers cross international borders annually. However, studies suggest that very few seek pre-travel health advice. Many of those who obtain pre-travel advice receive information from practitioners who are ill equipped to provide current and accurate information. Travel medicine has become increasingly complex due to dynamic changes in global infectious disease epidemiology, changing patterns of drug resistance, and a rise in the number of travelers with chronic health conditions.

For more information on the Body of Knowledge, please click here to be directed to the ISTM site.