CANDIDATE FOR LME

Kana Halić Kordić Kana Halić Kordić
2023-24
CANDIDATE FOR LME
Kana Halić Kordić Kana Halić Kordić
2023-24
From a young age, I have been driven by a passion for proactively contributing to positive changes in the world around me My journey in advocacy and external affairs took a remarkable turn when I joined the Network of the Young Advisors to Ombudsman for Children in Croatia in 2014
Over the course of three transformative years, I had the incredible opportunity to develop my skills in an environment where the voices and opinions of children were not only respected but encouraged Through collaborative initiatives, we tackled pressing issues that impact children in our country, striving to address their concerns effectively This invaluable experience enabled me to find my voice and utilize it in various projects, including the development of an international strategy against child violence and representing the voices of children at conferences both at home and abroad Moreover, these experiences have taught me the profound significance of advocacy, external affairs, collaboration, and engagement with like-minded individuals who share a common interest when it comes to achieving collective goals and creating meaningful impact.
Following the completion of my term, I embarked on a journey of reflection and exploration, seeking a space that provides unwavering support to passionate young individuals like myself While I was worried that I might never be able to find that space, it was IFMSA and SCOME that found me. For years, this organization has offered unwavering support, creating a platform for the voices of the medical student to be heard and meaningfully engaged.
As I write this application today, I cannot help but express my deepest gratitude to this organization and all the remarkable individuals who have guided me along my advocacy path By submitting my candidature, sharing my, so far-acquired, knowledge, skills, and experience in areas of advocacy and external affairs, and supporting SCOMEdians around the world, I want to give some appreciation to the Committee that had a huge impact on my professional path, and my personal life
My vision for the position of Liaison Officer for Medical Education Issues is to ensure that the federation, along with its 1 5 million medical student members, is significantly represented at international, national, and local levels In addition to strengthening external partnerships, I am dedicated to nurturing the capacity of our members in the realm of external affairs, equipping them with knowledge and skills in medical education I believe that our federation, with its impact akin to a majestic palace, is built upon the foundation of our members. Through their advocacy initiatives, external affairs work, and engagement with stakeholders, they drive transformative changes in their local and national communities, ultimately empowering this organization that has long championed student-led initiatives.
Medical students around the world face different challenges every day within their medical-educational systems, but through cooperation, exchange of experiences, ideas, and information, and joint work we can and should take an active role in our education system and improve it step by step Together, we can shape the future of medical education, empower students, and create a profound impact that resonates throughout society
Therefore, with a smile on my face, I am submitting my application for the LME for the term 2023/2024
Yours sincerely,
Kana Halić KordićMaximum 3000 words = Word Count = 2990 words
This plan of action was formulated by drawing on my experience at local, national, and international levels as LOME, NOME, and SCOME RA EU Additionally, I incorporated my experience developed through involvement in the External Affairs area of work in IFMSA and other organizations.
In developing this candidature, I referenced several essential documents, including IFMSA C&B, SCOME Regulations, IFMSA Strategy, SCOME Strategy, SCOME Working Strategy 2022/2023, as well as MoUs, ToRs, and various reports to ensure the optimal alignment of my plan and vision with the expectations and needs of the Federation
My working plan consists of 6 pillars:
● Sustainability & Continuous Development
● Competency Development
● Members' Engagement & Support
● Meaningful Partnerships
● Team Dynamics
● Advocacy & Meaningful Representation
At the beginning of the term, it is important to establish solid foundations and values that will help me to have a successful term, fulfil the potential offered by the position, and meet the expectations that the Federation and our members have. In line with this, I will implement the following actions and principles in my work to ensure sustainability and continuous development in the field of SCOME-related EA scope:
● Analysis & Follow-Up
If elected, I would begin my term by conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis of the SC’s status in relation to EA work This analysis, coupled with a comprehensive review of past activities, will enable me to identify key areas for improvement that can be addressed during the upcoming term
●
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the needs of our members and NMOs, I intend to incorporate EA-related questions in the SCOME Baseline Assessment This strategic approach will enable me to align my work plan effectively, ensuring that I can provide an environment and extensive support to NMOs and comprehensively address their needs and interests
● Annual Working Plan Development
Once the analysis of the current state is concluded, I would collaborate with the SCOME D to develop and align internal and external goals, formulate the SCOME Working Strategy 2023/2024, and based on that create my Annual Working Plan
● Availability & Approachability
Availability and approachability are essential qualities of TO members. As an LME, not only are you the liaison with externals, but you also simultaneously work in multiple teams and serve as an EA support pillar for NMOs. Therefore, I pledge my full presence and accessibility, which will encompass responding to emails within 48 hours, messages and calls within 24 hours, and addressing urgent matters
promptly. Additionally, I would like to note that as a clinical year student, I will have full schedule flexibility, enabling my active participation in all of my obligations that will come with the position (External Conferences, TOMs, GAs,...).
● Transparency
Transparency is the key to organizational success and accountability Through my work, I am dedicated to promoting it within our organization, ensuring that members feel informed and included. To achieve this, I will share regular updates and outcomes on general work, projects, and external conferences through Monthly Reports, the SCOME Newsletter, and other relevant communication platforms. Additionally, I will always be approachable to address NMOs' inquiries via email, social media, or in person
● Handover
The beginning and end of my term will be marked by a comprehensive handover process At the start of the election period, I will initiate extensive preparations for my term, with the support of my predecessors Furthermore, I will reach out to 3 previous LMEs to gain in-depth knowledge of the position and understand its past and ongoing development, both in internal work and interactions with external partners
During the term, I will regularly update the handover manual, which will serve as a valuable resource for my successor. I will provide them with a comprehensive handover and continuous support throughout their term, ensuring the continued advancement of EA within SCOME
Strengthening the Federation's capacities in EA at all levels will be one of the focus areas of my internal work. While SCOME has made commendable progress in capacity building, my vision is to continue this development and explore new opportunities for even greater impact.
● pre-GAs & GAs
In addition to coordinating invitations and the presence of SCOME external partners for workshops, sessions, and side events, together with SCOME D within the SCOME Sessions agenda, I aim to create an environment that emphasizes EA skills and not just knowledge One effective approach can be using simulations, like the "Student - Accreditation Agency - Faculty meeting" simulation
● PreRms & RMs
Regarding RMs, I would advocate and provide full support to RDs, EAAs, and RAs regarding the presence of SCOME external partners in workshops, sessions, or side events Additionally, when there is an opportunity, I would engage in their implementation as a facilitator or speaker
● Competency Modules
SCOME International Team
At the term's start, I would collaborate with VPE and EAA to organize an EA competency module for SCOME IT members My goal is to enhance their understanding and proficiency in SCOME EA areas and thus enable them to apply this knowledge to their respective areas of work and therefore provide valuable support to broader EA initiatives in SCOME
Delegations
To support the efforts and ensure the meaningful impact of IFMSA Delegations, personalized competency modules will be developed for each delegation, tailored to their specific needs These modules will encompass relevant medical education knowledge and prioritize the development of EA
competencies based on the External Affairs Competency Framework.
NMOs
I would work with RAs to organize regional-specific competency modules for NOMEs, building their capacity to understand the EA landscape of their region and empower them to become relevant stakeholders when it comes to Medical Education- related issues in their NMOs
Based on existing resources such as SCOME EA Toolkit, my desire is to develop an online course titled "External Affairs in Medical Education" on the IFMSA training platform This course would empower our members to enhance their EA capacities, with a focus on providing time flexibility
When it comes to EA SCOME-related resources, in my term, I would focus on 3 things:
- Analysis of existing resources and based on that, conduct resource upgrades
- Systematisation of the existing resources within the "World of Medical Education 3.0" library and creation of EA SCOME Workspots that will encompass an overview of all resources, current opportunities, and updates from the EA world
- Resources promotion through social media campaigns and various events
● Campaigns
Next term, I would like to implement 2 campaigns to raise awareness and foster competency development in 2 specific areas The "External Affairs in Medical Education Week" campaign would provide an overview of EA work in SCOME, informing NMOs about their role as stakeholders in addressing medical education issues, while the "SCOME Policy Documents Week" campaign would familiarize members with the importance of policy documents for effective advocacy. Through the campaigns, we would create learning opportunities and empower NMOs to actively shape ME practices
I've observed that many of our members find EA to be a complex and abstract topic, leading to difficulties in understanding how to engage with it effectively. In the upcoming term, my goal is to enhance accessibility to EA and empower our members to actively participate in EA initiatives at various levels, be it local, national, or international.
● Support
I will be readily available to NMOs throughout the term, offering support in their efforts to advance their medical education-related EA work This support includes but is not limited to facilitating contact and collaborations with external partners, as well as assisting with initiatives such as policy document development, project involvement, and capacity-building activities (conferences, NGAs, SRTs, etc )
● Collaboration
“Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people." So, to increase the impact that we as a Federation can achieve in the EA work, my vision is to include NMOs as partners in this process:
Stakeholder Mapping
Comprehensive stakeholder mapping is crucial for future work during the term Despite SCOME's existing extensive external network, my objective is to explore additional opportunities for fostering new partnerships In this pursuit, I firmly believe in the significance of involving not only IT but also NMOs By seeking their insights and experiences, we can gain valuable perspectives on potential stakeholders
within their regions and countries and thus ensure a broader scope of coverage and lay the groundwork for fruitful collaborations worldwide
My objective is to develop SCOME EA Workspot which serves as a comprehensive hub encompassing a wide range of resources, current opportunities, and updates from the EA world, including but not limited to external opportunities map gathering various opportunities worldwide, and regional stakeholders databases Additionally, NMOs will be encouraged to actively participate by submitting event proposals based on the information available within their respective NMOs and regions. The regularly updated Workspot will serve as a valuable reference tool to foster NMOs' active engagement in EA-related opportunities
● Advocacy in Medical Education Training (AMET) Follow-Up
AMET produced over 300 ME advocates providing them with skills to address relevant ME issues and advocate for effective solutions As workshop follow-up, participants are encouraged to develop and implement advocacy initiatives As LME, I am committed to supporting and guiding participants in the development of their advocacy plans by providing the necessary resources and expertise for their progress
In the conclusion of this section, I want to highlight my commitment to creating diverse opportunities for members' engagement in EA. This includes providing spaces where they can share their experiences and best practices Furthermore, I want to actively involve them in both internal and external EA opportunities such as campaigns, webinars, and SWGs, not just as passive participants but as active contributors
"Meaningful partnerships are the cornerstone of progress, where diverse perspectives converge, shared goals are pursued, and collective impact is achieved."
If elected, I will start my term by conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis, encompassing a mapping of all external stakeholders and their respective areas of involvement This analysis will involve an examination of MOUs, ToRs, and other relevant documents, followed by an evaluation of goal achievements and an assessment of satisfaction and experiences with existing partnerships Based on that, I will formulate a strategic plan to strengthen our current partnerships while actively seeking opportunities to engage with new stakeholders
Furthermore, I would like to broaden the spectrum of external opportunities such as grants, internships, capacity-building initiatives, and delegations participation and at the same time involve externals in our internal work, through the development of different resources. Additionally, I aim to explore new avenues for potential partnerships in the domain of career support in ME.
Ultimately, my vision for this term centres on fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that amplify IFMSA's impact offer unparalleled opportunities for our members, and strengthen our position as a stakeholder in medical education and global health advocacy:
● World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)
- active participation and meaningful representation of IFMSA in the Executive Council and WDOMS Senior Advisory Committee
- advocate for the representation of RDs in the Regional Committees:
■ Pan-American Federation of Associations of Medical Schools (PAFAMS)
■ South East Asian Regional Association for Medical Education (SEARAME)
■ Western Pacific Association of Medical Education (WPAME)
■ Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE)
■ Association for Medical Education in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (AMEEMR)
- explore the possibility of establishing a WFME-IFMSA internship program for the upcoming term
○ WFME World Conference
- together with VPE and LOs develop an advocacy plan based on the topic of the event
- explore the possibility of having an IFMSA delegation
● Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE)
○ AMEE Student Initiative Grand - coordinate call for Grand with AMEE and EMSA
- develop a promotion strategy to increase the visibility of the opportunity - follow up on process, reporting, and timeline
○ AMEE Conference & AMEE STF 2024
- coordinate call for STF Coordinators through IFMSA platforms followed by the selections process
- together with STF Coordinators launch and promote the call for the participants for the AMEE STF 2024, followed by a selections submission for EB approval
- coordinate call for AMEE 2024 Abstracts and support IFMSA members in the process
○ Ottawa 2024
- actively engage in International Advisory Group
- explore the possibility of having STF for Ottawa 2024 conference
● ScholarRx
- meaningfully represent IFMSA in ScholarRx Student Advisory Council and Student Alliance for Global Health Education (MeSAGE) Board
- work on the renewal of the MoU while aiming to bring even more benefits to the Federation
● The Network: Towards Unity For Health (TUFH)
- explore the possibility of collaboration on the “Social Accountability of Medical Schools” Policy Document
● Youth preWHA and WHA
- work with LWHO and Youth PreWHA OC to include ME-related topics in the agenda of Youth preWHA
Furthermore, I will actively cultivate partnerships and serve as a representative of IFMSA to the following external stakeholders:
● AAMC & MedEdPortal
● Beyond Flexner Alliance
● Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
● Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and
● Research (FAIMER)
● INTEALTH (FAIMER and ECFMG)
● International Alliance of Patients' Organizations (APO)
● International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA)
● International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE)
● International Chair in Bioethics (HAIFA), former UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, and WMA Cooperation Centre
● International Labour Organization
● Right to Research Coalition
● The Future of Research Communications and e-Scholarship (FORCETT)
● The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC)
● The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC)
As an LME, I will actively engage in collaborating with diverse teams, ensuring that I contribute proactively and add significant value as a member. With dedication and a professional approach, I will leverage my skills and expertise to make meaningful contributions to each team's objectives and overall success:
● IFMSA Team of Officials
- active engagement in its work by regularly participating in meetings (TOMs & GAs)
- involvement in consultations and decision-making processes
- contribute to initiatives and the overall teamwork
- promotion of values such as professionalism, accountability, transparency, and healthy working culture
● VPE & LOs Team
- collaboration on identifying and achieving the organization's external objectives
- participation in team-assigned tasks and engagement in consultations
- supporting other LOs in their work, contributing to their activities
- development of new joint projects and collaborations
● LSR
- jointly managing the shared externals, - cooperate in overlapping areas of mutual interest
● Regional Directors
- jointly work with SCOME regional external partners
- assisting in preparing RDs to lead delegations to Medical Education-related events organized by external partners within the region, in case I am unable to attend them myself.
● SCOME D
- establish regular quality communication with SCOME D
- jointly develop and align the external and internal goals and focus areas, and based on these, develop a Working Strategy for the term and explore opportunities for both internal and external development
- support and participate in the IT selection process
- work towards creating a safe and healthy work environment for the team
- support preparations for the GAs
- offer support in day-to-day matters, whether work-related or otherwise
● SCOME International Team
- active engagement in Committee’s work, including but not limited to attending meetings, participating in consultations and initiatives
- providing support from an EA perspective, such as connecting IT members with external stakeholders
- enhancing the team's understanding and knowledge of EA and the work conducted in that domain through competency modules and regular updates on committee activities
- whenever possible, involve IT in consultations and the decision-making process related to EA committee work
- always being available and approachable for assistance and support, whether work-related or otherwise
Advocacy and representation are crucial in student organizations, enabling them to raise awareness, influence policies, amplify student voices, establish networks, and drive significant change. Given IFMSA's global representation of 1.5 million medical students worldwide, developing effective strategies for advocacy and meaningful representation in EA is essential.
● IFMSA Priorities
The attached plan outlines proposed actions in the case that "Post-Pandemic Recovery" is confirmed as the Global priority for the term 2023/2024. If elected, I will work collaboratively with the VPE, LOs, and SCOME D to conduct a thorough analysis and develop a finalized plan including a list of actions, a timeline, and a list of potential external partners to work on this priority.
Based on the focus areas, outlined below are some actions that could be undertaken:
Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health
- Develop Brick on the topic of “Social Accountability of Medical Schools” /w ScholarRx
Meaningful Youth Engagement
- Collaborate with other LOs to promote different aspects of “Meaningful Youth Engagement in Post-Pandemic Recovery Era” through statements and abstract submissions
Health Systems Strengthening
- Develop a comprehensive report based on the ongoing survey on "Post-Pandemic Recovery in Medical Education" to be shared with relevant external partners and publish the findings as an abstract
In terms of Regional Priorities, my commitment lies in offering comprehensive support to the RAs throughout their entire term to effectively address SCOME-related EA objectives. Additionally, if there is an opportunity, I would support, Regional Teams in the development of Medical Education-related RPs.
If elected, I will strive for meaningful participation and representation of our members on a daily basis. This will be achieved through active engagement in the work of committees within our partner organizations, as well as ensuring the presence and visibility of IFMSA at relevant external events by sending delegations, submitting research papers and abstracts, delivering statements and actively participating in workshops, symposiums, and side events. Moreover, actively seeking opportunities to organize such events will be a priority
Through my work in developing Policy Documents at both the international and national levels, I have witnessed firsthand the importance and power of these documents as advocacy tools and valuable resources
IFMSA policy documents I would propose for the revision include:
- MM24: Social Accountability of Medical Schools & Patient Involvement in Medical Education
- AM24: Accreditation and Quality Assurance
Furthermore, I would like to introduce new topics such as "Technology in ME: Digital Health and E-Learning." Moreover, during the topics consultation process, I will proactively engage both IT members and NMOs since policy documents must mirror the interests and needs of NMOs and all our members
NMO CroMSIC Croatia Email hkkana4@gmail.com
Phone No. +385 99 69 36 086
2019 - 2026
2015 - 2019
2008 - 2018
Summary
70+ hours of Sessions delivered
12 External Conferences
11 International IFMSA Events
4 SWGs
3 Campaigns
2 Policy Documents
Doctor of Medicine
Linkedin link
University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
High School Diploma
II Gymnasium, Zagreb, Croatia
Violinist
Rudolf Matz and Elly Bašić School of Music, Zagreb, Croatia
IFMSA & NMO General Experience
Positions held:
SCOME Regional Assistant for Europe I term 2022/ 2023
National Officer on Medical Education I term 2021 /2022 & 2022/2023
Local Officer on Medical Education I term 2020/ 2021 & 2021/ 2022
Capacity Building:
Education
o Online Advocacy in Medical Education Training (oAMET) I 2022
o Training New Trainers Training I 2021
IFMSA Trainers Pool Member (link to the portfolio)
o 70+ hours of sessions delivered
o Pre - EuRegMe 2023 TNT Trainer I 2023
o Online Social Accountability Workshop (oSAW) Facilitator I 2023
Small Working Groups:
NOME Manual 3.0 I 2023
European Regional Priority 2023/2024: Access to Healthcare Systems
I 2023
SCOME Strategy 2022 - 2025 I 2022
Campaigns:
IFMSA Social Accountability Week I 2023
European Regional Campaign 2022/2023 I 2023
IFMSA SCOME Accreditation & Quality Assurance Campaign I 2023
IFMSA Events:
5 IFMSA General Assemblies:
o MM23, Estonia I SCOME Sessions Team
o AM22, Türkiye I SCOME Sessions Team & European Regional Plenary Team (CCC)
o MM22, North Macedonia, online I SCOME Sessions
o AM21, Panama, online I SCOME Sessions
o MM21, online I SCOME Sessions
3 European Regional Meetings:
o EuRegMe 2023, Bosnia and Herzegovina
SCOME Sessions & Medical Education Systems Fair Coordinator European Regional Plenary Team (Returning Officer)
Activities & Exchanges Fair Judge
o EuRegMe 2022, Portugal I SCOME Sessions & Joint Sessions Facilitator
o EuRegMe 2021, online I SCOME Sessions
3 National Officers Weekends:
o NPO & NOME Weekend 2023, Slovakia I SCOME Sessions Coordinator & Trainer
o NORPA Weekend 2022, Croatia I OC Member (logistics & finances)
o European Extravaganza 2020 I SCOME Sessions
5 CroMSIC NGAs I SCOME Sessions
Awards:
1st prize at the AM22 SCOME Activities Posters Fair I 2022
1st prize at the EuRegMe 2022 Activities Fair I 2022
AM 2021 Rex Crossley Award Nominee I 2021
IFMSA & NMO Experience:
Capacity Building:
Sessions with External Partners:
o Peer Assisted Learning: Role of Medical Students in Formal and Non-formal Medical Education /w ScholarRx I MM23
o Global Health & Social Accountability: Developing a community-driven curriculum /w THEnet I MM23
Small Working Groups:
IFMSA External Affairs Competency Framework I 2023
Policy Documents:
Policy Document “Accreditation & Quality Assurance of Medical Education System in Croatia” I 2023
Policy Document “Intercultural Learning & Competencies in Healthcare” I 2023
External Conferences & Delegations:
AMEE 2023, Glasgow, United Kingdom
o IFMSA Student Taskforce Member & Tutor
o Abstract presenter
CroMED USA Forum on Innovations in Medical Education 2023, Zagreb Croatia
o OC & Student Focus Group Member
StuKon 2023 (online)
o Workshop facilitator “IFMSA & SCOME: platforms for Meaningful Student Engagement in Medical Education”
MedRi 2023: First International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Medical Education, Rijeka, Croatia
o CroMSIC Croatia delegate
o Abstract Presenter & Panel Moderator
Open Education Conference 2023 (online)
o IFMSA delegate
o Social Media Team Member
AMEE 2022, Lyon, France
o IFMSA Student Taskforce Member
o Social Media Team Member
Abstracts:
Other EA Experience:
Positions held:
Students Union Committee for Health Protection of Students, University of Zagreb I 2021 – 2023
Young Adviser to the Ombudsman for Children in Croatia (NYA) I 2014 – 2017
o Children`s Rights Advocate
o Preparation and presentation of the strategy against peer violence "Stop the Painful Silence"
External Conferences & Delegations:
European Youth Event 2018, Strasbourg, France
o Head of Delegation
UNICEF: Presentation of the study "Respect, Include, Esteem: An Analysis of the State of Children's Participation in Croatia" I 2017, Zagreb, Croatia
o Speaker and delegate of NYA
Children’s Rights Festival I 2017, Zagreb, Croatia
o Speaker and delegate of NYA
Expert discussion “Parenting and work role” I 2016, Zagreb, Croatia
o Speaker and delegate of NYA
UNICEF: Presentation of the publication "Poverty and Welfare of Preschool Children in the Republic of Croatia” I 2015, Zagreb
o Speaker and delegate of NYA
ENYA 2015: Let`s talk young! Let`s talk about the violence! I 2015, Athens, Greece
o speaker and delegate of the NYA
o participation in drafting the "ENOC Violence against Children” Policy Paper
AMEE 2023: “IFMSA National Officers' Weekends: youth-led advocacy initiatives for challenging status quo of medical education”
MedRi 2023 : First International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Medical Education: “Peer to peer”
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Positions:
Student First Aid Team (Peer–Educator) I 2022 - present
Student Assistant at the School of Medicine (Peer – Educator), University of Zagreb I 2020 - 2022
Red Cross Croatia Youth Club Volunteer and First Aid Educator I 2019 - present
Awards:
University of Zagreb Rector's Award for the project "Student Health Days" I 2022
LANGUAGES SKILLS
Croatian Native Speaker Communication, Leadership, Teamwork, Project Management, Problem Solving,CriticalThinking,Negotiation,PublicSpeaking
English Advanced MicrosoftOffice&G –Suit,Graphic Design(Canva &InkScape,Video Production(FilmForth)
German DSD II Certificate (C1)