IFMSA NEWSLETTER ISSUE #1

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

C O N T E N T S

GET TO KNOW EB

EB UPDATES

LC UPDATES

MOST INFLUENTIAL PROJECTS

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN REGIONAL MEETING

MESSAGE FROMTHEPRESIDENT

Greetings, my name is Alan Salah, and for the term of 2023 to 2024, I am serving as the president of IFMSA-Kurdistan.

IFMSA-Kurdistan is a student-lead NGO thats has been working in Kurdsitan for 14 years. It was first established in Hawler and Sulaimani, later on Duhok and Koya joined the evergrowing family, and Zakho is the most recent member of this family.

Our vision is a world in which all medical students unite for global health and are equipped with the knowledge, skills and values to take on health leadership roles locally and globally.

IFMSA serves to create opportunities in which medical students improve their skills both as a doctor and an active member of the society. The organization works on 6 main pillars which are public health, human rights and peace, SRHR, professional medical exchange, research exchange, and medical education.

Through IFMSA-Kurdistan, more than 400 students has gained the privilege to participate in exchanges in the leading hospital around the world. Through these exchanges our students were able to attain knowledge regarding the most recent medical advancements and were able to participate in research projects. Not only does Kurdish students have had the chance to go abroad, but more than 40 international students have been able to visit our country and practice under the supervision of some of the leading doctors in Kurdistan.

IFMSA-Kurdistan’s students receive various training sessions in order to improve their interpersonal skills. Moreover, our students are taught the necessary skills to have an everlasting influence on Kurdistans medical curriculum and system. We are proud to mention that our students are a crucial part of the accreditation process that are happening in the medical universities of our country.

Through out these 14 year our organization has lead more than 1500 projects that tackled many issues in the Kurdish community as well as many difficulties that are faces by the medical students. Through these projects tens of thousands of individuals have been benefited. Currently, more than 1300 medical students are members of IFMSAKurdistan. Together, these students are putting colossal efforts towards a brighter future where Kurdistan will be a leading force in the medical world.

Created Digital Annual Working Plans for Officials

Submitted 3 Activities into EMR Activities Fair

Fixed and Uploaded the C&Bs With PCSDD, completed all Manuals & Annual Guide

Started an SWG on Activity Evaluation

Dmeeting #0. mbers and LPs. ews. etings.

Supervised 4 Local Board Elections

Developed new Membership Renewal payment methods

Created Code-of-Conduct Committee

Updated Alumni Members in Database

Had a Meeting with Members of the Month

Created Baseline Assessments for Members

Developed new Members’ Engagement Methods

Created a Channel for Senior Members

Fixed Database Issue

UPDATESFROM EXECUTIVEBOARD

Gave training sessions in the national meeting and TOM0

Created a Telegram channel for international opportunities and shared 37 international opportunities from October to December

Started an SWG on International IFMSA Constitution & Bylaws

Finished the paperwork of the NGO Department

Had individual meetings with all Team of Officials members

Registered 3 Online Delegates for March Meeting 2024

Registered 20 Delegates for EMR20 Meeting

Started an International Campaign with NORP

Applied to host International Research Camp 2024 with NORE

Applied to host SCOPH Week 2024 with NPO

Applied to host EMR21 Meeting

gh a detailed handover.

data sheets and the financial updates regularly.

s LVP, did handovers with my current LVPs w automated sheet for the national budget and of all LCs in order to stay precise.

king on a small working group regarding IFMSA’s tem.

finding a way to keep our money in one safe and ank.

GETTOKNOWTHE SUPERVISINGCOUNCIL

SahandSoran

I am Sahand Soran, a 6th stage medical student from University of Sulaimani. I joined this beautiful organization in 2018, and since then, it has empowered memoreandmorebytheday.

Thisjourneyincludedmanyupsanddowns,butIʼm fortunatetosaythatallofthemhelpedinbuilding mypersonalityandcharacter,therefore,Ican confidentlysaythatIrecommendallmembers togetasimmersedaspossible,becausethatʼshowyou getthemostoutofthisorganization!

FromaLocalofficer,toaLocalPresident,toanEBmember,toanInternationalAssistantandnow the nationalSupervising Councilmember, I have surfedaroundmost of thecornersof IFMSAKurdistan,andIʼmgladthatmycurrentpositionwillhelpmeinguidingtheTOandmembersin generaltowardstherightdirection,sothatweallworktowardsthesamegoal“InspiringFuture Doctors”.

GETTOKNOWEB

AlanSalah-President

Hola, my name is Alan Salah, and I am serving as the president for this term. I am a 24-years-old, final-year medicalstudentattheMedicalCollegeofSulaimani.

I was born in Sulaimani, but I have lived in 4 different citiesuntilnow.

presidentmybiggestgoalisunitingIFMSA-KurdistansfamilytowardthegrowthofIFMSAanda futureinwhichKurdishmedicalstudentsarerolemodelsandiconsinthemedicalfield.

GETTOKNOWEB

SanaKawes-VPM

Hi I am Sanaa Kawes 21 years old Third

rentbackgrounds aljourney.

placewhereevery problemsandfind nyofouramazing itieswearegoing society.Staysafe

GETTOKNOWEB

AwaEzzadin-VPA

Warmestgreetingstoourlovelyfamily!

I am Awa Ezzadin, fourth stage medical stude UniversityofSulaimani.IfirstjoinedIFMSA-Kurdis 2020, and my journey here has been astonishing Taking part in the activities, the assemblies alon gettingpositionsshapedmeintothepersonIam Notonlythat,butIhavealsobeenabletocreateva connectionsallaroundtheglobe.

IwastheSulaimaniLocalPresidentforthetermof2 myhighlightofthetermwashavingtheopportunity thefirstInternationalevent,SCORPCamp,thethirdSpringCamp aswellaswinningtheawardofBestLocalCommitteefortheterm.

Now, as the Vice-President for Activities, my vision is to build a better environment for our memberstoimprove,alongwithhavingbetterrepresentations.Iamworkingonassessingand improvingthequalityofouractivitiesinthebenefitofall,andseeingtheirlong-termeffects.I amlookingforwardtoseeingabetterandbrighterfutureforthishomewegrewupin.

GETTOKNOWEB

RawaAbdulla-VPF

Sllaw,IʼmRawa,andIʼmtheVice-Presidentf ofIFMSA-Kurdistan.Iʼma20-years-old,3rdy studentatHawlerMedicalUniversity.Iwasb inAugust2003andIʼvebeenlivingthereever

Iʼm a multipotentialite, I have soo many hobbies, I can literally get along with anyone and I can enjoy my time anywhere doing anything! I can speak 4 languages and I love traveling! Unlike most of my childhood friends who were playing video games 24/7, I was a chess addict. I startedplayingchesswhenIwasonlyfouryearsofage! UnfortunatelyIquitplayingwhenIwasinmylastyearof highschool so that I can study.Iʼve also been playing footballforaslongasIrememberandIenjoyitmorethan anything!

MyIFMSAjourneybeganwhenIwasafirstyearmedicalstudentandIʼvebeenanactivemember eversince.MymainmotivationtojoinIFMSAinthebeginningwasthedesireofsocializingwith peopleinthesamefield,thoughittookmeonlyamonthtorealizethattheIFMSAfamilysmuch morethanthat!

SinceIʼmaMathEnthusiast,Ialwaysdiveintofinances.IwastheLocalVicePresidentforHawler LClastyearandIʼmgladlyservingastheVicePresidentforFinancesnow.

GETTOKNOWEB

AhmedLateef-VPI

Slawtanlebet,dearestIFMSA-Kurdistanmembers! Ihopeyou'realldoinggreat!IamAhmedLateef,yourVice PresidentforInternationalAffairsforthisterm.Iamathird year medical student at Hawler Medical University, and a profoundSCOMEdian.

IloveeverythingaboutIFMSA,myjourneyinIFMSAKurdistanstartedinNovember2021,Istillremember Icouldn'twaituntilIcouldjoinIFMSA!Theveryfirstpro IattendedwasaSCOMESuturingtraining,whichmight mostlife-changingmomentI'veexperienced,notbeca suturinghaha,butbecauseitwasthebeginningofeve IcontinuedattendingmanyprojectsuntilIdecidedtoa attendtheworkshop'TrainingMedicalEducationTrain me fall more in love with IFMSA, and made me app beyondIFMSA-KurdistananditopenedthedoorforthemostincredibleopportuntiesthatInever thoughtitwould.Iameternallygratefulforeverythingthatworkshopprovided!

Let's come back to 2024 now... As the Vice President for International Affairs, I represent Kurdistanto138+IFMSANationalMemberOrganizations,andmainlyensurealltheinternational opportunitiesareshowcasedwithinIFMSA-Kurdistanandthatwearefollowingandkeepingup with all of the international work that is going on within IFMSA. I am all about representation, accountability, and transparency, which I believe are the most important things within our organization.Ihavemanaged2SmallWorkingGroupsand1TaskForceasVPIsofar,soIhope theseinitiativescontinuemoreandmorethroughtouttherestoftheterm.Itissoamazingtosee amazingnewmembersbeengagedintheseopportunitiesandcannotwaittoseethefutureof IFMSA-Kurdistan.Ihopethatmoreandmoreamazingmembers,suchasyourself,connectwith theinternationalworldofIFMSA,andactivelyengageinalloftheopportunitiesthatareshared intheTelegramchannelforInternationalOpportunities,whichyoucanjoinhere!

Ihopeyouallhavebeenenjoyingthistermthusfarandarelookingforwardtoanamazingrestof theterm!Pleasenevereverhesitiatetoreachouttomewheneveryouneedanything,Iamhere anytime!Sendingyouallthebestwishesalways!Stayspiritedandwell!

UPDATESFROMHAWLERLC

Hawler LC updates during the months of

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Hawler LC accomplished a total of 31 projects and programs divided on: In these projects we were able to collaborate with 10 different collaborators and sponsors!

We have also started engaging in longterm sponsorships, which has always been a cornerstone in our work plan. We have on paper agreement with Bite for dentistry and verbal agreement with University of Kurdistan/Hewler and Maarif International Schools.

Online meeting, and 3 meetings with the Executive board of IFMSA-Kurdistan. And each individual officer has had their meetings with their national officers and support division directors!

Hawler LC was able to host 3 incomings in the past 3 months, with exceptional performance and extracurricular activities

SCORA 3 SCOPH 5 SCORP 2

SCOME 13

SCORE 3 CBSD 2

SCOPE 3

UPDATESFROMHAWLERLC

We also successfully hosted the first-ever dental camp under the title of (QALLAT DENTISTRY CAMP)

Qallat Dentistry Camp

A 3 d k h

d b Bit f Dentistry.

Hawler LC Members of the Month:

We are all working hard as a family and our vision for the term is way bigger than what we have already achieved!

Onella Evan

Zhiya Farhad

Shaho Snoor

UPDATESFROMSULAIMANILC

Sulaimani LC updates during the months of

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

SulaimaniLCaccomplishedatotalof24projectsandtrainingsdevidedon:

Intheseprojectswewereabletocollaboratewith8differentcollaborators tosponsorseveraloftheseprojects!

Individually,theLocalBoardmembersactivelyengagedinallmeetingswith theirnationalofficers/supportdivisiondirectors/EBmembers,andasthe wholeLocalBoardtogether,wehad4LBMeetings,2One-on-Onemeetings withtheLP,and3meetingswithEBmembers).

SCORA 5

SCOPH 5

SCORP 3

SCOME 2

SCORE 2 CBSD 4

SCOPE 3

Overthepast3months,theLBmemberssupervisedtheLC'sworks andprojects,strategizedandorganizedtheAnnualWorkingPlan sheet,initiatedthe“LocalBoardAssembly”andconducted "IntroductiontoIFMSA-Kurdistan"sessionforthenewmembers.

Additionally,effortsweredirectedtowardgettinglong-term sponsorshipsfortheLC'sinitiatives.

Whileworkingonthemembershiprenewalprocess,memberswere consistentlyremindedofthedeadlinethrough5differentposts. Furthermore,SulaimaniLCsubmittedapplicationstohost3 internationalevents.

Renwar Yaseen

Akar Amanj

Aso Fadhil

Sulaimani LC Members of the Month:

UPDATESFROM DUHOKLC

As for Duhok LC we faced a lot of issues from the start, but we faced them with open hands and solved them. We had some gaps in the positions from the beginning and because of that we did two different elections for 6 positions, we did them via zoom online. It was success, even the voting process went smoothly one of the election was within the LB and the other one members were observing and voting

Then we started doing our projects even though the members weren’t active as much as we imagined due to exams season and others but we made our best to make them engage more with the projects.

We also published the renewal form so members can fill it up

And finally we l d th f d till d d to he

Duhok LC Members of the Month:

Maten Khalid Abdulrahman Yousif

UPDATESFROMKOYALC

OCTOBER

Koya LC updates during the months of KoyaLCaccomplishedatotalof14projectsandtrainingsdevidedon:

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

0

Over the previous months, we as the new local border have tried to implement our first step towards the new objectives that we have for our LC. Our LB members continuously had projects and we made our annual plan In order to increase the surrounding area support to our organization, We contacted few places and also our university, from bow on we get financial and administrative support from Koya University, also a local organization accepted our proposal and they will provide venues for our projects. We did an incredible “Introduction to freshmen” and our projects are full of candidate members and we are trying to get more. As Koya LC we are ready to host one of the next TO meetings in our city

Ahmed Muthafar

Ramyar Jaf Kizhan Jihad

Koya LC Members of the Month:

2

3

UPDATESFROM ZAKHOLC

Embarking on our journey post the announcement in the 13th NA, Zakho LC has had a momentous start with the 9th Badinan Health Festival a collaborative effort across Zakho, Semel, and Duhok Akre. In partnership with the Duhok LC , Health Directorate and Zakho College of Medicine administration, this remarkable festival marked our entry into the local community, evidenced by the official recognition and commendations received after the festival from official authorities.

Moving forward, our introductory session on IFMSA Kurdistan and Zakho LC resulted in a substantial growth, boasting a membership of 100 individuals who have enrolled, paid fees, and submitted forms. The initial three months saw our six standing committees executing 10 diverse projects, successfully achieving their respective objectives

Financially, our success is evident as we secured support from three distinct sponsors and continued to receive contributions from our established longterm sponsors. As we reflect on these accomplishments, we look forward to a promising term ahead, filled with impactful initiatives and continued growth Best Regards, Zakho LC Team

Zakho LC Members of the Month:

Rayan Muhammed

Narseen Adnan

Rojeen Abdullah

MOSTINFLUENTIAL PROJECTS

HAWLERLC

Fight for Your Right

Fight for your right was Capacity Building’s dynamic endeavor to show our future leaders of the next generation a guide to

paving their own paths to champion change within their communities. It was an advocacy soft-skill project that was targeted more at teaching practical applications in a Kurdistan-based medical student’s life rather than general points on “Fighting for your right”. The journey consisted of an interactive workshop, skill-building session, and collaborative activities that were aimed at showing one how to amplify their voice and impact within such a large society where it would get lost in the crowd, allowing them to make sure they can be heard, a rather crucial skill as a leader who one day will part of a team, organization, etc

ZAKHOLC

World diabetes day in elderly center

In a senior living environment, individuals might hesitate to express minor concerns either due to unfamiliarity with their fellow residents or a lack of awareness regarding potential health issues Our project focuses on early diabetes detection among seniors, offering support through tests like HBA1C, Random Blood Sugar, and BMI assessments. By providing personalized advice and facilitating medical consultations when needed, we aim to enhance the health journey of our elderly residents

MOSTINFLUENTIAL PROJECTS

KOYALC

wêneyêk le dozexewe

Our Project which was named as (wêneyêk le dozexewe) was not just a stage; it was a profound Seminar

Discussion & exploration of Kurdish societal issues and a call for change in the norms that govern our lives Through a love storytelling Stepping into our theater was like entering a realm where the complexities of human existence are laid bare, where the spotlight illuminates the hidden corners of society, and where the audience is compelled to confront uncomfortable truths

At the heart of our productions lied a deep commitment to addressing the pressing problems that plague our world. Through the lens of theater & the discussions, we shine a light on issues such as inequality, discrimination, injustice, and the myriad of societal norms that perpetuate these injustices

Each performance serves as a mirror reflecting the realities of our world, challenging audiences to question their own beliefs and behaviors, and inspiring them to take action towards positive change

DUHOKLC

Bringing Christmas Cheer to Little Hearts!

Our festive visit to the orphan center, spreading love and laughter in collaboration with Khalsa Aid.

MOSTINFLUENTIAL PROJECTS

SULAIMANILC

Breast Cancer Awareness

The Standing Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV and AIDS and the Standing Committee on Public Health, collaborated on a longterm project sponsored by Magma Square

for Breast Cancer Awareness. The project composed of two main parts. First, our members received a training from capacity building focusing on public speaking, and another training was delivered by a specialized doctor on breast cancer. Then, our members undertook a five-day awareness campaign at Magma Square & Azadi Park Throughout our campaign at Magma Square, we organized fundraising activities such as having donation boxes for cancer patients as well as engaging small businesses to display their products and contribute their profits to Hiwa Hospital.

The second part involved hosting a panel discussion at Magma Square, featuring three guest doctors who offered insights into various aspects of the subject and provided the attendees with the opportunity to ask their questions Additionally, a video was produced showcasing the personal journey of a breast cancer survivor. Thankfully, our project reached and educated around 150-200 individuals, contributing to our goal of having a healthier

EMR20MEETING

EMR20 stands for the 20th Eastern Mediterranean Regional Meeting, which is an annual IFMSA regional meeting where mainly all 18 National Member Organizations(NMOs) of the Eastern Mediterranean Region of IFMSA unite and get together to discuss all developments, plans, and updates through informative sessions, trainings, and discussions!

I’m so excited to share that we have 16 registered and confirmed amazing delegates (a full delegation), who will be representing Kurdistan to all the other NMOs and attendees, and will be partaking in all the various sessions the meeting offers, such as the Presidents’ sessions, NMO management sessions, SCOME sessions, SCOPH sessions, SCORP sessions, SCORA sessions, and SCOPE/SCORE sessions! Apart from sessions, this meeting also has an Activity Competition, Research Symposium, and an Exchange Fair, where IFMSA-Kurdistan is partaking in ALL of them!

Big shoutout to all of the incredible delegates: Alan Salah, Sana Kawes, Niga Haydari, Jumana Sami, Shakar Muhsin, Abdullah Ezedeen, Vinwar Hameed, Rawer Asad, Shahd Haidar, Layan Omed, Kareen Kamal, Diya Omed, Glena Ari, Mohammed Hussein, and Sayf Gargary!

This EMR20 is extra special for us, because it is the first on-ground EMR taking place since February 2022, and it is the meeting where we are presenting our application to host the next Eastern Mediterranean Regional Meeting here in our beautiful Kurdistan!

We are really excited to have applied to host EMR21 and we hope that no matter what, it will turn out to be something amazing for everyone! We have an amazing Task Force currently working on the EMR21 candidature presentation and reviewing our hosting application!

Picture from our first online hangout to prepare our visit to Jordan!