Motivation Letter

The 20th of March 2003 was a day that changed my life forever. That morning, we woke up to the sounds of sirens and heavy air strikes My country, Iraq, was invaded This event propelled years of violence, hate and terrorism within the country. It drove a journey of internal displacement, asylum-seeking and migration in search of a safer life and hopeful future for many, including my family Being on the move has been, to me, a journey of self-exploration, growing to learn about my unique social differences through fear of persecution and discrimination. It has also been a journey of self-expression, examining the world around me and discussing with myself rather than discussing openly, fearing reprimand and silencing

Along this journey on the move, and as I embarked on medical studies, a new door was opened: IFMSA! As I took the decision to explore this platform, I found a community that not only accepted me but cherished my differences and provided me with an opportunity to explore and express myself safely and constructively It made me feel comfortable in my skin while also challenging and nurturing me to evolve and learn through the engagement with and guidance of fierce leaders who not only were mentors and proponents but also became friends along the way. As I grew throughout the years of experience and engagement, IFMSA always provided new ideas and learnings while giving me a unique position to meaningfully influence and lead impact and change, both internally with our members and externally, on behalf of medical students worldwide, with external stakeholders and decision-makers

As I write this motivation letter, I’m attending the inaugural meeting of the WHO Youth Council, a mechanism for meaningful youth engagement that IFMSA has advocated for and pushed forward since 2017. Spending the past few days interacting and discussing genuinely and openly with the WHO Director General, Dr. Tedros, and senior WHO leadership has reemphasised my belief in the powerful position IFMSA posses and the role it plays in breaking barriers and opening doors for medical students and youth worldwide just as it did for me!

Dearest NMOs and IFMSA Members,

My name is Mahmood Al-Hamody, a 7th-year medical student, a citizen of the world, and I am currently serving IFMSA as the Vice-President for External Affairs 2022/2023. I’m excited and honoured to share with you my passion, dedication and vision for IFMSA through this candidature for IFMSA’s President for the term 2023/2024, driven by the growth and empowerment this Federation has given me and by the responsibility of giving back, upholding the vision of IFMSA as a safe and empowering space to medical students in their diversity, driving positive change in communities and the world!

For the love of the Globe and the Asclepius ... for the love of IFMSA!

Mahmood Al-Hamody