IFMSA Monthly Newsletter: Issue #2

ISSUE: TWO

MESSAGE FROM THE VPM

T E N T S

C O N

GET TO KNOW NATIONAL OFFICERS

EMR UPDATES

MOST RESILIENT MEMBERS

MOST INFLUENTIAL PROJECTS

WHAT IS COMING NEXT?

THE NEWSLETTER TEAM

MESSAGE FROMTHEVPM

Greetings from your hard-working executive board

Hello dear members, once again am Sanaa Kawes vice president for members,

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for your dedication, commitment and contributions to our organization. it's your efforts that hold IFMSA-Kurdistan together and make us different.

In the past months, we have had the chance to serve our members more differently than before, we have made an environment where everyone's opinions were asked, and feedback was constantly taken from members. the first step was conducting the baseline needs assessment where more than 15% of our members responded. The TO (Team of officials) has worked to find solutions, ever since we have been trying to work on the issues and we have made great progress. New methods are being implemented and thankfully the success of our projects and initiatives is vibrant among all medical students.

Dear medical students, IFMSA is a place where you can learn, improve, and initiate change in the most relevant topics of our medical study, we are open to all different ideas and opinions but of course, every move that we make needs to go through all the necessary formal steps according to the rules and guidelines that we have .

Please feel free to express and dive deep into different aspects our earn the different skills and trainings we provide

If you face any problems or inconveniences, please feel free to reach out to me and don’t let anything demotivate you. May you have any questions or were even in need of a small talk don’t hesitate to always reach out to me. Stay Happy and True.

GETTOKNOW NATIONALOFFICER

NigaHaydari-NOME

MynameisNigaHaydari,Iʼma studentinHMU.Myjourneyw firststageinmedicalschool,b activememberactivelyengag myunderstandingofitgotdee opportunitytobeOCinspring followedbyattendingtheGen Istanbul.Iʼvebuiltanattachm eversinceandtooktwopositi beenalearningjourney,unbe skillsbuilding,networking,cre memoriesandfriendsjourney

Myhobbiesincludedoingmoviemarathonsandbaking! Outsideofacademicsandvolunteering,Ienjoyexploringnature,Ibelieveinthepowerof continuouslearningandstrivetoexpandmyhorizonsbothprofessionallyandpersonally.

GETTOKNOW NATIONALOFFICER

ArinFahmi-NORA

I'mArin,yourNationalOfficerforSCORA,justsharinga glimpseintomyworld.I'vealwaysbeendrawntopushing mymentallimitsandexploringeverynookoflife's journey,whichhasledmetoembracealotofexperiences. Whetherpracticingthestrategiesandphysicaldemands ofJiuJitsuandProfessionalShootingordivingintothe narrativesofKurdishClassicsandRussianLiterature,I haveimmersedmyselffullyineachexperience.

Inmyquestforgrowthandlearning,I'vetakenevery opportunitylifehasthrownmyway,dedicatingmanysummerbreaks tovolunteering,course-taking,orworking.Eachoftheseexperienceshas paintedmeintheirowncolors,which,asofnow,reflectontomyIFMSAlife.

GETTOKNOW NATIONALOFFICER

HiviDidar-NORP

Helloeveryone!

IʼmHiviDidar,astage3medicalstudentat MedicalUniversity.Iʼmcurrentlyservingas officeronhumanrightsandpeaceforthe thatdiversifyingourexperiencesbeyondt domainiscrucialtoourgrowthasmedical hencewhyIchosethisposition.Similarly, videoeditorintheprevioustermwasacha mycreativesideoutsidetheconfinesoftr medicaleducation.

Throughoutmy3yearsinthisorganization,Iʼvecollectedcountless memories,eachoneholdingaspecialplaceinmyheart. Moreimportantly,thejourneyhasgiftedmewithinvaluablefriendships!

Iʼdliketoshareaglimpseintomylifeandpassionsbeyondmyinvolvementintheorganization. Stayinguplatereadingbooks,bakingformylovedones,watchingtheolderMarvelmoviesand hatingthenewones,singingwheneverIgetthechance,vloggingformyfriends,eatingtiramisu, andsupportingLiverpooldespitemyfavoriteplayersleavingtheteamarethelittlethingsthat makeme,me!However,mygreatestjoycomesfromspendingqualitytimewithmyfamilyand friends.Theyserveasthecornerstoneofmyhappiness,providingasenseofbelongingand supportthatgoesbeyondanyindividualpursuit.Withinmyfamilydynamic,I'mthelively heartbeatofourhome atleastaccordingtomymom.Despitebeingthemiddlechild,Ientertain thenotionthatImightjustbetheirfavorite.

Lookingahead,Iamexcitedtocontinueexploringnewinterestsandopportunitiesforpersonal andprofessionalgrowth!

GETTOKNOW NATIONALOFFICER

JumanaSami-NEO-IN

Dearreaders,greetings!AsyourNEO-Inforthisterm,I'm heretosharealittlebitaboutmyselftoaddapersonal touchtoournewsletter.Sincejoiningin2020,I'vebeen onanincrediblejourneywithIFMSAthathasshapedme inmorewaysthanIcouldhaveimagined.Fromattending aGA,EMR,TNTcamp,andtwoNAs,eachexperiencehas leftamarkonme,showedmeadifferentperspectiveof lifeandexposedmetoanetworkofinternationalmedical studentsworldwide.

NotonlyhasIFMSAenrichedmyunderstandingofglobalhealthissues,butithasalsobetteredmy ITskillswhichwasanareaIgenuinelylackedinbefore.

Ihavegrowninsomanywayswithifmsa,inmyopinionifmsaformsaveryspecialkindofdoctor, andIespeciallyseethatwithmostofouralumni,doctorsthathaveaverystrongmoralcompass, compassionandexcellentcommunicationskills.Itʼstruethatthisisanonprofitorganization wherewevolunteer,butIalwayssayIdonʼtjustgive,gainsomethinginreturn.Inmyexperienceit wassomuchpersonaldevelopment,greatmemories,greatfriendsandagoodCV!

GETTOKNOW NATIONALOFFICER

ChiroMahmood-NEO-OUT

Hellothere!IʼmChiroMahmood,yourNationalExchange OfficerforOutgoingsthisterm.Ihaveapassionforforging connections,especiallywithpeoplefromdiverse backgrounds,whichiswhyIgravitatedtowardsthisrole. Beyondmyprofessionalpursuits,Ifindsolaceingardening andthriveontheexcitementofexploringnewcultures throughmeetingpeopleandtraveling.

MyjourneywithIFMSA-Kurdistanbeganatitsinception,and it'sbeenaremarkableridefilledwithgrowthandcherished memories.OneofthehighlightsformehasbeenattendingGeneral Assemblies,whereI'vehadtheopportunitytoconnectwithmedicalstudentsfromaroundthe globe,formingfriendshipsthattranscendborders.I'mexcitedtocontinuethisjourneywithallof youandtocreatemoreunforgettableexperiencestogether!

GETTOKNOW NATIONALOFFICER

RawenHemin-NORE

HiiamRawenHemina4thyearmedicalstudentatHawler MedicalUniversityandihavebeentheNationalOfficeron ResearchExchangeinIFMSA-KurdistansinceJanuary 2023.Besidesmymedicalstudies,iamactivelyinvolved inyouthprojectandactivitieslocallyandinternationally.

Ihavebeenwritingsincetheageof11fordifferentlocal andinternationalnewspapersandmediaoutlets.

IamthefounderandCEOofHanarHealth,thefirstfemtech platforminIraqtosupportwomenʼshealthandwell-being. Iamispassionateaboutwomenʼshealth,youthempowermentandculture.

GETTOKNOW NATIONALOFFICER

ZinwaarZardasht-NPO

Helloeveryone!MynameisZinwarZardash Iama2nd-gradestudentatSulaymaniyah Medicine.Thiswaskindofabigchallengef toputmyselfforwardandparticipate,butI excitedtodiginandlendahelpinghand.I andIholdthisconvictionthatworkingtoge notonlyimpactpositivelyonoursurroundi developthecommunity.Workingasthenat isscarybutalsoanoverwhelminglyinteres But,proceededbybarelyrealizablegoalsa motivation which strikes in a calm mann everything.

Other than studying, I am mostly looking thing,it'salwaysbeen.Moreover,Imaybe historyandpoliticsduringthesetimes.So andunderstand.Wenevergettiredofitall.

It seems like an accelerated voyage of growth and friendship I was in. By the means of persistence and commitment alongside the community, I am planning to continue to play my small role in the heroic fight to better our community, so that it will become a place where peoplenotonlylivebutalsoaplaceofinspirationforallfuturegenerations.

GETTOKNOW NATIONALOFFICER

AbdullaEzzadin-CBSDD

HelloEveryone

ThisisAbdullah,currentlytheCBSDD,4thstagemedical student,andthisisashortstoryaboutme. Beingsomeoneenthusiasticaboutnewexperiences andadventures,IdecidedtojoinIFMSAwhenIwasin stage1,notevenknowingwhereIwillendup. Ihoped thatoneday,Iwillgoforanexchange.However,Isawthis impossiblebecauseIthoughtthatyouneedtoworkandsign upforeverysingleprojecttocollectenoughscoresand competewiththewhalestodoso.

Oneday,IsignedupforaCBtrainingthatwasdeliveredbyAlan,whoiscurrentlythepresident. Thetrainingwasaboutprojectmanagement,IlikeditsomuchasitshowedmethatIFMSAhasa wholedivisioncalledCapacityBuildingthatisaboutpersonneldevelopment.Thatbeingmy passion,Iwassohappy,soIstartedputtingallmyfocusintoCB,joiningspringcampCBsessions toattendingSRTstobecomeatrainer,opportunitieskeptcominglikeraininIFMSA. Iendedup,beingtheLCBDforSulaimanilastyear,andtheCBSDDforthecurrentyear. Butwait,IsaidIwishedforexchanges.Ahhyes,IwentonanexchangetoRomanialastsummer. Andguesswhat?ItwasanexperiencethatwasevenbetterthanIexpected.Itisunforgettable andwortheverysinglehourofworkingforIFMSA.

Allinanutshell,IFMSAhashelpedmeshapemyselftowhoIamtoday.Imetmanypeopleand friendswhohelpedme,showedmetheimpossible,andgavemeambitions.Imadetruefriends fromallaroundtheworld.ImadememoriesthatIamproudofformywholelife.Idevelopedmy leadershipskillsandImprovedmytrainingskills.

IFMSAisanetworkandoffersmanyopportunities.Youwillbewhoyouare.Itwillgiveyouthe toolstheinstructions.IhopeyourIFMSAjourneywillbeasamazingasmineandevenmore.

GETTOKNOW NATIONALOFFICER

HibaHunar-PCSDD

Heythere,Everyone!

I'm Hiba Hunar, a curious third-year medical student atHMU.Youmightcatchsomefolksjokingaboutthe long abbreviation of my role as PCSDD for the term 2023-2024,affectionatelydubbing it"PTSDD"….Hilarious,right?

MyjourneywithIFMSAbeganthemomentIsetf university.Withmostofmyolderfriendsalread intheorganisation,Iwasputintorightaway,ea ofsomethingbigger.Inmyveryfirstproject,Igo ofgirlsaboutselfdefenceasIwasamartialart sndtheprojectsonlysnowballedfromthere.ea memories.

But IFMSA isn't just about education and phil gifted me some incredible souls who share m They'vebecomemytribe,mysupportsystem,ch

Whenelectionsrolledaroundduringmysecondyear,myfriendsurgedmetothrowmyhatin theringandapply.Ihesitatedatfirst,butayearlater,Ifoundmyselfdivingintoanationalrole, PCSDD!.It'sbeenawildride,filledwithups,downs,andeverythinginbetween.Butwitheach passingday,Ifindmyselffallingmoreandmoreinlovewiththeposition,tothepointofeven consideringpursuingafutureinmediaandpublication.

Ican'twaittoseewhatnewadventuresandlessonsthefutureholds.Here'stoembracingevery momentandlivinglifetothefullest!

EMRUPDATESAND ACHIEVMENTS

EMR updates

As in the previous issue we mentioned the preparations that were done for EMR , here is a sneak peak of how things went on

EMR Achievements :

It is with my utmost honor to be here to give you all an update regarding IFMSA-Kurdistan’s accomplishments at the 20th Eastern Mediterranean Region Regional Meeting in Amman, Jordan that took place from February 8th to 12th, 2024

I am here to showcase the amazing work each and every delegate did! IFMSA-Kurdistan actively participated in every single aspect of the meeting, so here’s a little recap on what we did:

1. We got awarded 1st place for the Activity Presentation for the “Liberation: Breaking Barriers” International Cam PMSA-Palestine and many other NM

2 We won 2nd place in the Research Symposium with a Social Accountability study conducted by Niga Haydari and Ahmed Lateef.

3. We won 3rd place in the Activity Fair for our activity “School Health Program” that was presented by Shahd Haider and Niga Haydari Special thanks to our dears Awa Baban, Abdullah Ezedeen, and Sanar Soran for coordinating and enrolling this activity and perfecting its presentation!

EMRUPDATESAND ACHIEVMENTS

4. We won the Most Famous Exchange prize in the Exchange Fair, that was due to the amazing and brilliant Jumana Sami Al-kattan for all of her dedication to the development of IFMSA-Kurdistan’s SCOPE and making our exchanges along with our NMO to be among those with the highest quality and educational standards

-We also participated in the Activity Presentation with our activity “Beyond the White Coat” that was presented by Sana Kawes and Ahmed Lateef.

-We secured our voting rights in the regional plenaries and amended the regional regulations to give associate NMOs voting rights in the EMR too, at last!

Thanks to every individual that contributed and represented Kurdistan in the best possible way .

-Ahmed Lateef VPI

EMRFAMILY

The delegation that went to represent IFMSA-Kurdistan for the 20th Eastern Mediterranean Regional meeting were 15 delegates , who were Ahmed Lateef ( Head of the delegation), Alan Salah(Mr. President ), Niga Haydari, Jumana Sami , Abdulla Ezzadin, Shakar Muhsin, Vinwaar Hameed , Rawer Asad, Glena Ari , Shahd Haidar ,Layan Omed , Kareen Kamal , Muhammed

Hussen , Sayf Riyadh and Myself .

Throughout the Journey, our diligent VPI , Ahmed Lateef participated the Pre-EMR and the rest of the delegation arrived on 8th of February for the Opening Ceremony. During the EMR days we actively participated in Activity presentations, Exchange Fair, NFDP , and the Closing ceremony

We recreated our national roll call to “Kurdistan Shera Shera, har ba Sarkawtn Fera, wa rawastawin leraaa leraaa leraaaa leraaaaa Khapagyan Buxommm eeeeeeeya “ .

The 15 delegates were all times very excited and enthusiastic to represent Kurdistan. Not at one occasion but in all activities we had a spirit of responsibility and unity within us that made us truly shine among the other NMOs . An Example of that was the Exchange Fair , where we showed everyone our culture food and everything we would be offering during an exchange visit to Kurdistan which led us to winning the Coolest NMO

Everybody tried their best to help out each other , make international friends, learn, have fun and get the best out of it

EMRFAMILY

All the great memories that we collected would not have been possible without Ahmed, the Head of Delegation, the best possible head of delegation, we all can’t thank you enough for all your hard work and dedication that you had in the beginning , during the EMR20 and even after that Nothing would have been possible without you so to appreciate that we keep saying ”East to west Ahmed is the Best”. And you are unrivaled!!!!

All other delegates had their ow role in adding up to the joy of o trip. Alan Mr.President, for t leadership and the Charism leading us at any moment, Ni with her amazing ideas, Juma for being the absolute killer NE IN/OUT , Shakar with his Gre voice, Layan for making us mo popular, Shahd’s Creativ Rawer’s love for Kurdistan Abdulla being the best NM management Participa Vinwar’s Calmness a excitement at the same time.

Glena’s Sweetness, Kareen being an all time Gentlemen, Sayf being our tour guide and helping us for every possible thing and Muhammed for his kindness.

Thank you all for making this trip so unforgettable We went there with Barely Knowing Each Other and came back as a family that would watch out for one another forever. Thank you all for the love you have for IFMSAKurdistan ‘family, it's truly appreciated

- Sanaa Kawes, VPM

MOSTRESILIENTMEMBERSOF FEBRUARY

IFMSAKurdistanistrulyappreciativeandastonishedbythepowerandinfluence thatourmembershold.AstheExecutiveboardofIFMSAKurdistanweareaware ofallthehardshipsandhardworkofourdedicatedmembers.Youaretruerole modelsinourorganizationandyourresiliencethroughoutthishardtimehas encouragedmanyothersandwasdefinitelyinspiring.

Shanisa20-year-oldlovelygirl,livinginDuhok,servingastheLocalVice PresidentforDuhokLocalCommittee.DuhokLChasbeenfacingachallenging termthisyear,fromallthestrugglestheyfacedinthebeginningofthetermfor fillingtheLocalpositionstothesuddenabsenceoftheLP.Februarywasthemonth whenShansteppedintosavetheirLC,doingthejobofbothaLPandaLvP. supervisingeverymeeting,satisfyingthemembersandtheLocalofficers, spendinghoursinmeetingswiththeEBjusttomakesureeverythinggoestheway theyshould.

ThankYouShanforallthetimeandeffortyouhaveputintoyourjobBeingthebest possibleLVPDuhokLCcouldhave

Shan Barham

MOSTRESILIENTMEMBERSOF FEBRUARY

Mhamad Mamaseny

MhamadMamseny,LocalPresidentofKoyaLocalCommittee.Mhamadwasthe memberoftheyearforthepastterm,hisloveandpassionledhimtoelecthimself asthelocalpresidentandnowheisdoingverywellinhisposition.Unfortunately, inthebeginningofFebruaryKoyaLCgottheshockof6Localofficerʼs resignations.Mhamadhadtocarrytheresponsibilityofallthesepositionsandnot onlybetheLPbutbetheLOME,LORE,LPO,LORA,LCBD,andLvPaswell.Inashort periodwithhisleadershipandexperience,hewasabletobringbacklifetoKoya LC,anddomorethan20engagingandimpactfulprojectsdespiteallthehardships theyFaced.

ThankYouMhamdforyourtruededicationandpatience,IFMSAKurdistantruly appreciatesallyourefforts.

MOSTINFLUENTIAL PROJECTS

HAWLERLC

Blood Donation

The blood donation project conducted in Erbil Donation Blood Bank under the IFMSA organization marked a significant milestone by engaging nearly 30 medical students

This initiative stood out as the first of its kind, showcasing a collaborative effort within the medical community to promote blood donation. Particularly noteworthy was the timing of the campaign, strategically planned before Ramadan, a period when blood donations typically decline due to fasting practices By organizing the event prior to Ramadan, the project aimed to address this issue and encourage donation during a critical period of need. The participation of medical students added a unique dimension, as future healthcare professionals actively contributed to the community's welfare Overall, this innovative project not only underscored the importance of blood donation but also demonstrated the impact of collective action in addressing healthcare challenges

DUHOKLC

Phlebotomy and Cannulation

This Project was successfully executed on February 26th, following a month-long planning process. This marked a significant milestone as we provided comprehensive training to over 60 medical students on blood extraction and needle insertion

The training sessions were conducted under the guidance of three accomplished medical students, who also happen to be distinguished members of IFMSA. The project encompassed a dual approach, theoretical instruction followed by practical demonstrations Participants actively engaged in hands-on learning, practicing on each other under supervision The feedback garnered from this endeavor was overwhelmingly positive, with members expressing a keen interest in further clinical and surgical skills development projects.

MOSTINFLUENTIAL PROJECTS

ZAKHOLC

Cardiovascular health event

Public

education about cardiac health by disseminating information about risk factors, symptoms, and healthy

lifestyle choices, individuals can make informed decisions to reduce their chances of cardiovascular diseases. On February 22, 2024, the SCOPH Committee organized a remarkable event comprising two parts The morning part featured a symposium titled “Healthy Heart Beat Together: Cardiovascular Disease, Risk Factors, and Prevention.” This symposium aimed to raise public awareness about cardiovascular diseases, their correlation with mental health, and effective prevention strategies Divided into three sessions, the symposium attracted an impressive turnout of over 580 participants. Distinguished doctors specializing in this field were invited to share their expertise and insights, providing valuable information to enlighten the audience An after part An afternoon part was in the middle of the most crowded bazaar inside zakho , More than 200 RBS and hundreds of BMI measurements. Additionally, a wealth of information and advice on preventing heart disease was disseminated among the attendees, reaching a wide audience and offering practical guid health.

KOYALC

Emergency Drugs In Practical Use

In order to prepare the incoming medical students for what to do as doctors in the event of an unexpected or emergency case, .

we decided it was necessary to complete a project that would teach them how to use the appropriate medications and treatments

It served as a means of teaching medical students proper behavior. The major objective was for them to become more acquainted with the medical field earlier. When they were at home alone, they had sick family members, and they needed advice on what medication to take and how to use it.

MOSTINFLUENTIAL PROJECTS

SULAIMANILC

Student Support Club

The Student Support Club, which is a collaboration between SCOME and SCORP, is an ongoing long-term project The sessions focus on essential topics for the personal development and awareness of medical students, such as habits, narcissism and the role of youth in society

The importance of this project roots the busy and demanding atmosphere of medical college and the lack of support for personal development of students and the scarcity of time for self-reflection and improvement.

By providing a space for students to learn and grow together, the initiative aims to help them not just succeed academically, but also develop as individuals who can positively impact their community

NATIONALPROJECT

Study Techniques- webinar

On January 9th, 2024, at 7 PM Kurdistan time, we hosted a captivating webinar featuring the renowned anatomist, Dr. Adel Bondok. The webinar focused on anatomy techniques and provided valuable insights into the life of medical students and their progression after graduation. Dr. Bondok, with his vast expertise and experience in the field, shared his knowledge and expertise with participants, shedding light on the intricacies of studying anatomy and its significance in the medical profession.

WHATTOEXPECTNEXT

Here Is A little sneak peak on what will be happening in the following months regarding our IFMSA activities including the next newsletter issues as well:

March Meeting Updates

Trauma and Surgery Camp

National Tea Time

Get to Know the Local Boards

Spring Camp 24

IFMSA Almuni

Stay tuned for the next issues as we have very interesting new opportunities coming up. Please take a moment to provide us with your feedback by filling out the form below. Your responses will help us tailor our content and features to better meet your expectations. Thank you for your time and support.

FEEDBACKFORM

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Hiba Hunar

Sozan Yasin Marwa Ahmed

Sanaa Kawes