Sharif Mohammed Sadat - Candidature for IFMSA Regional Director for Asia-Pacific 2024-2025

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ACTION Asian Collaborative Training on Infectious Disease Outbreak, Natural Disaster and Refugee Management

APMEC Asia-Pacific Medical Education Conference

APRM Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting

AWP Annual Working Plan

C&B Constitution & Bylaws

EB Executive Board

GA General Assembly

IADS International Association of Dental Students

IPSF International Pharmaceutical Students Federation

IVSA International Veterinary Students Association

NMO National Member Organisation

OLM Online Meetings

RC Regional Committee

RD Regional Director

RT Regional Team

SEARO South-East Asia Regional Office

SRT Sub-Regional Training

SWG Small Working Group

TO Team of Officials

VPM Vice-President for Members

VPPRC Vice-President for Public Relations and Communication

CURRICULUM VITAE:

Sharif Mohammed Sadat (He/Him)

Application Form - TO 2024/25

NMO BMSS Bangladesh Email sadat bm33@gmail com

Education

2019-2026

Experience

IFMSA Positions :

Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

● International:

○ IFMSA General Assistant for Asia-Pacific, 2023-24

○ SCORE Regional Assistant for Asia-Pacific, 2022-23

● National:

○ Vice-President for Internal Affairs, 2023-24

○ National Officer on Research Exchange (Outgoing), 2022-23

○ National Exchange Officer ad interim, 2022-23

● Local:

○ Local Committee President, 2021-22

○ LORE/LEO, 2020-21

○ Local PR-SM Officer, 2019-20

IFMSA Meetings:

General Assembly

Regional Meeting

AM24, Presidents Sessions Team

MM24, Presidents Sessions Team & Head of Delegations

AM23, SCORE Sessions Team

MM23, SCORE Sessions Team

MM22, NMO Management Sessions Team

AM21, Presidents Sessions

AM20, SCORE Sessions

MM20, SCORE Sessions

APRM24, Presidents’, NMO Management & Exchanges ST & HOD

APRM23, Exchange Sessions Team Coordinator

APRM22, Exchanges Sessions Team

APRM21, Exchange Sessions

NGA NGA24, Presidents Sessions Team

NGA23, Exchange Sessions Team Coordinator

NGA22, OC-CoChair & Presidents Session

NGA21, NMO Management Sessions

NGA20, Exchange Sessions

IFMSA Experience :

International:

Application Form - TO 2024/25

● Policy Commission: Student Mobility, Open Science, Intercultural Learning and Competencies in Healthcare

● IFMSA SWG Member: Membership Reforms, CB Resource Centre Update, SCORE Strategic Plan 2022-25, TNET Reforms, Mental Health Framework, Open Access Week 2022, UHC Day 2022, World Environment Day 2023, SCORE Research Club, Research Awareness Campaign 2023

● Membership Review Committee, MM24 & AM24

● Plenary Secretary Assistant, AM23 SCORE Working Committee

● Exchanges Fair & Research Fair Coordinator, August Meeting 2023

Regional:

● Plenary Vice-Chairperson, MM24 AP Regional Plenary

● Health Committee, APRM 2023

● Extended Code of Conduct Committee, APRM 2024 & 2022.

● SIG Coordinator: Advocacy in Medical Education & Healthy Lifestyles and NCDs

National:

● Plenary Vice-Chairperson, NGA 2023

● Chairperson, SC on Research & Innovation in Health Care, WHO Simulation 2023

● Activated 30+ Local Committees, Attended 40+ External Meetings including WHO & UN Bodies & Activity Coordinator of 30+ Activities

● SWG Coordinator: Team of Officials Booklet, LC Manual, Health Innovation Research Program, Exchanges Booklet, Open Access Week Campaign

● Organizing Committee of 10+ National & International events including WHO Walk the Talk (Coordinator), NGA 2023 (Co-chair), TOM 2023 & TOM 2022 (Director of Venue), SRT 2022 (Director of Venue & Logistics), NGA 2021 (Public Relations OC), ACTION 2020 (Public Relations OC)

External Meetings & Conferences :

● IFMSA Delegate, 57th UN Commission on Population & Development

● IFMSA Delegate & Symposium Speaker, APMEC 2024

● IFMSA Delegate & Presenter, Open Education Conference 2022 & 2023

● Head of Delegation, WHO Youth2EndTB Town Hall, Dhaka

● Delegate, Global AMR Youth Summit 2.0 & 3.0

● Proposed Abstract featuring IFMSA at AMEE2023, WONCA2023 & OEC 2023

Capacity Building: Trainers Pool [Portfolio Here]

Trainer & Facilitator: TNT, TNET, TNRT, TPHT, PRET, AMOC, READY, GHA, ACTION, CBB

LANGUAGES SKILLS

Language Level Team Management Policy Drafting Activity Management

Bangla Native Strategic Planning Canva MS Office

English Advanced Public Speaking Photography GSuite

MOTIVATION

Dear IFMSA and Asia-Pacific Family,

I am Sharif Mohammed Sadat, a 5th-year medical student from Bangladesh As I sit here, putting together my application for the prestigious position of Regional Director for Asia-Pacific, a deep sense of emotion and unwavering determination fill my being. This opportunity means more to me than just a role; it represents my unyielding passion, unwavering dedication, and heartfelt commitment to making a meaningful impact in our region

These past years, as your SCORE Regional Assistant & Asia-Pacific General Assistant, I embarked on a remarkable journey, unlocking the doors to the IFMSA family and gaining a new dimension of understanding It truly has been a transformative experience that has left an indelible mark on my path I got the opportunity to connect with and grow with a community of medical students who were just as devoted to the science of medicine as I was since kicking off my journey back in 2019 as an organizer of ACTION 2020. Reflecting on these years, I'm astounded by the multitude of opportunities I've had the privilege to explore, exceeding my wildest expectations Each opportunity has further nourished my passion and affirmed my ability to inspire and empower others through training

As the Vice-President of Internal Affairs and LC President in my NMO, my journey centered on responsibility and leadership, with a key focus on the NMO Reporting mechanism This allowed me to develop skills in leadership, strategic planning, effective communication, and collaboration This parallel engagement in my NMO and IFMSA has shifted me from a wide-eyed newcomer to a seasoned leader, pushing me to navigate challenges, support teams, and champion change It also allowed me to create a strong link between the two, bridging the gap between local needs and global initiatives, ultimately creating a mutually reinforcing relationship that propels the advancement of both local and global endeavors in these domains. I won’t say it has always been easy, but incredibly rewarding for sure! Interacting with National Officers, engaging with activities and exchanges, and the perspective of two International Teams, along with the love from my NOREs & AP NMOs led me to run for SCORE Director last year The support I received from my beloved region, even though I couldn’t make it to the position, left a special place in my heart, and I believe everything happens for a reason; as I ended up involved more in the region team as a GA.

As the General Assistant for Asia-Pacific, I work closely with the current Regional Director as well as every member of the Regional Team, which has given me the advantage of a clear understanding of the unique AP dynamics, needs of the NMOs, and effective ways to assist the NMOPs for holistic progress. From directly engaging with the aspiring NMOs to

Application Form - TO 2024/25

coordinating with the whole RT during different regional initiatives (APAC, SIGs, APRM), my past year was filled with incredible experiences and a rewarding sense of the Regional Director's responsibilities. Moreover, being a part of the Membership Review Committee for MM24 & AM24 and a SWG member of Membership Reforms, and utilizing my intuitive and comfortable grasp of the membership application process resulted in candidate members getting full membership (NOHS Vietnam) - was an extremely rewarding feeling All of these experiences have collectively contributed to the thousands of memories and milestones in my five-year IFMSA journey, shaping me into the person I am today Reflecting on all these experiences, I am filled with immense positive energy and confidence that there will not be any better time for me to walk beside the AP leaders (NMOPs, RT members) and members toward a more progressive tomorrow as the Regional Director.

As the prospective Regional Director, I envision a role that goes beyond mere administration and actively makes a tangible difference within the region I believe in breaking down barriers and ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all students, regardless of their background I also believe in nurturing a supportive and empowering environment to maximize the potential of every student And, I see there’s nothing that stops this AP network of change-makers dedicated to improving healthcare dynamics leading the global health scenarios Let’s walk together for a thriving, vocal, and sustainable AP

With that note, I hope to have your trust and support in taking up the role of IFMSA Regional Director for Asia-Pacific for the term 2023-2024 If you have any questions or feedback regarding my candidature, feel free to reach out to me at sadat bm33@gmail com

AP Hugs, Your “Sadat”

PLAN OF ACTION

Staying true to my commitment to excellence and collaboration, along with my extensive experience of unique Asia Pacific Regional dynamics, this Plan of Action is rooted in ensuring accessibility, responsiveness, and approachability for all NMO Presidents and members It is also aligned with the Asia Pacific Strategy 2022-25, reflecting my clear understanding of formal pathways for impactful outcomes and visible success.

1. Members

1.1 AP Needs:

Alongside a baseline assessment, conduct 1:1 OLMs with every NMO President at the beginning of the term and whenever a new President is elected to profile individual NMOs and assess their local needs During these initial meetings, complete a tracker sheet to capture the dynamics and requirements of each NMO

NMO Buddy System:

Ensuring the NMO Buddy system is effective & trimonthly OLMs with NMO Buddies to help NMOPs in guiding forward, keeping contents communications and taking care of mental health of the NMOPs.

Financial Sustainability:

Financial sustainability is a concern for AP NMOs, many of which encounter difficulties in paying membership fees and managing constrained budgets. To address these challenges, I will prioritize capacity-building sessions focused on developing effective finance strategies, along with financial management skills, and acquiring sponsorships Additionally, I will create a centralized database of potential regional partners and sponsors to promote opportunities for NMOs across the Asia-Pacific region.

O&D: Introducing a weekly reminder system for NMOs to highlight upcoming Opportunities & Deadlines is crucial to support NMOs in effectively managing their schedules and maximizing their participation in relevant activities By providing timely notifications, I aim to minimize missed opportunities and encourage active participation of AP NMOs in international opportunities

Regional Instagram Account: Collaborating with the VPPRC and other RDs, explore feasibility of establishing regional Instagram accounts. Recognizing that members are less active on Facebook and our server, this platform will help us engage more effectively with our members through visually engaging content and interactive features

NMOs at Risk: Assessing each NMO's situation based on VPM NMO risk score, and closely monitoring and addressing higher-risk NMOs' underlying issues to mitigate their risk status.

1 2 Expanding Asia-Pacific:

Working with Established

Contacts:

As a continuation of membership work this term, along with AP GA, I will follow up on membership with the already established contacts: Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos & New Zealand, assisting them in navigating the membership application process along with ensuring a smooth submission process till the end

NMO Mapping: Conducting NMO Mapping by evaluating recruitment possibilities of new NMOs by comprehensive review of Annex 5 of IFMSA C&B. Along with AP GA, establish contact with previously contacted potential NMOs (Cambodia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea) & identify potential challenges in this process and provide appropriate assistance to overcome them

Suspended NMOs:

Maintain communication with AMSA-Afghanistan, UzMSA-Uzbekistan & TajMSA-Tajikistan & extend support for resolving their internal challenges and financial obligations

1.3 AP Representation in IFMSA:

GA/RM Preparations: Prior to APRM, MM, and AM, preparatory sessions will be organized for NMOPs/HoDs to provide essential information on delegation management and enhance their efficiency in engaging their NMOs within IFMSA activities, such as Providing support for Activities Fairs, Exchanges & Research Fairs etc.

Statements: Many NMOs face barriers in writing statements, and this is often less practiced from our region CB Sessions on Statement Writing will be conducted in collaboration with the EA RA, to empower national NMO leadership with essential skills and knowledge, to strengthen AP NMOs' presence and impact within IFMSA's decision-making processes.

Supporting potential AP NMOs bidding for hosting IFMSA Events

Identify NMOs with interest to host IFMSA events I will assist these NMOs in overcoming barriers by reaching out to potential partners or sponsors early on, and guiding them through the application process and requirements

1.4

Transparency:

● Regular Sharing of Minutes: Ensure transparency by consistently sharing minutes from every RT OLM meeting via email threads to NMOPs, promoting clarity and accountability in regional decisions

● Observers in RT OLMs: Facilitate engagement by opening observer calls for each RT OLM meeting, allowing members to gain insights into regional initiatives, inspire their interest and encourage them to contribute more actively to the region.

● AP RT Bimonthly Work Update: Sharing the RT Bimonthly Work Update through emails in AP Server & facebook group to ensure transparency of the RT Work

2. Internal Development:

2

1 Regional Priorities & SIGs:

From my experience in coordinating SIGs for the past two terms, the participation of SIGs are relatively low & RT hectic schedules along with SIGs being held for a longer period of time, decreases the member engagement impacting members to lose interest in working. Setting a proper timeline, between MM25 & APRM25, SIGs will be conducted SIG CB Sessions will be replaced by Online CB Camp aligning with Regional Priorities to engage & capacitate members through certification This approach not only addresses logistical challenges but also ensures that our SIG members are well incentivized with greater contribution towards our regional goals.

2.2. Regional Strategy

Implementing & Reporting: RT AWP will align closely with the Regional Strategy Each RT OLM will include a dedicated agenda item to update progress on relevant indicators. Reporting frequency to an annual basis with progress reports presented at the Regional Plenary This will help the incoming RT to effectively track progress and make necessary adjustments to achieve strategy objectives

Establish the creation of next Regional Strategy:

Open call for SWG that will mainly tackle the evaluation of the previous regional strategy, supported by relevant RT members, will conduct a holistic baseline assessment, seek input through consultations with NMOPs & previous RTs, and perform stakeholder mapping to ensure comprehensive input from all relevant parties in shaping the new strategy.

2.3

Theme month:

Building on the success of CB and EA Theme months in engaging member participation and capacity building, I will introduce an Activities Theme month to further promote IFMSA programs and increase enrollment.

3. Activities & Capacity Building:

3.1 APRM:

Exploring the hybrid options in APRM

Recent GAs (MM24 & AM24) highlighted the value of hybrid meetings in maximizing NMO participation, especially for those facing attendance barriers Combining online and physical sessions ensured broader engagement as seen in online NMO Management Sessions at APRM24 By consultation and regional OSD to collect input and ideas from AP NMOs, past APRM OCs and IFMSA TO, conclusions can be drawn on whether and how hybrid options could exist and be further regulated in the regional regulations

PreAPRM:

My experience with the last two PreAPRMs has given me insights into challenges in getting participants which leads to uncertainty of workshops till the last moments To address this, we can focus on Trainings that aren't usually done in the SRTs, such as (TNET in PreAPRM) Workshop selection will be based on Regional Priorities, the AP Strategy, and assessments with NMO Representatives

Discussing APRM Registration Fees

With the ongoing issue of global inflation, discussions about the registration fees for APRM have been continued since APRM 2022. As RD, I will continue to follow up on these discussions from the past term and previous APRMs & facilitate these discussions to reach a consensus on how to adjust registration fees in a way that balances financial sustainability with accessibility for all NMOs

Research Fair: For the past few GAs/RMs, almost all of them had research fairs I will coordinate with the SCORE RA AP, to have a research fair in the next APRM, to promote research initiatives in our region

3.2 Standing Committees: Programs:

Asia-Pacific is widely known for impactful activities leading to winning Activities Fairs Along with SC RAs & DAs, capacitate NMOs on activity enrollment support before GAs/RMs to apply for activities & increase promotion for participation in Activity Fairs & Red Cross Award & implement programs in regular SCRa & NO OLMs, to boost participation from our region in Activities Fairs showcasing amazing AP Activities It not only enhances visibility but also strengthens our regional presence within IFMSA

InterNMO Collaboration:

Application Form - TO 2024/25

Through baseline assessment, identify interests and needs of each NMO for regional collaboration. Based on these interests, we will coordinate and support new collaborative initiatives that address common goals and challenges We will create and share an annual list of potential collaboration opportunities, ensuring all NMOs are aware of upcoming initiatives they can participate in together

Exchanges:

Exchanges need special attention as there are special requirements to gain voting rights & maintain activation status Work closely with Exchange RAs to activate potential NMOs (SCOPE: NOHS & CFMSA, SCORE: NOHS, NMSS & AMSA-SG), reactivate recently inactivated NMO (SCORE: AMSA Philippines) & encourage multiple APEx throughout the term

3.3 Regional Initiatives:

AP Online Camp: Recognizing the challenges faced by our region such as visa issues, travel constraints and limited sponsorship opportunities for hosting SRTs, I plan to initiate AP Online Camp aligning with regional priorities such as- FAL, GHA, READY, AMET By leveraging technology, we can overcome barriers allowing more members to be capacitated & having more impacts of SIGs.

AP Academy: Having starting the term with AP Academy helps in boosting engagements among the general members as well as a practice for the regional team in coordinating sessions for their NO Weekends

AP View: Continuing the monthly publication of the Asia-Pacific Regional newsletter (AP View), highlighting AP activities across various levels, cultural aspects, alumni contributions, and festivals This newsletter serves to showcase the vibrancy and diversity of our region, offering insights into our collective achievements and cultural richness.

NMOP Weekend: Taking inspiration from the NO Weekends done this term, I will initiate NMOP Weekend to engage & bring closer AP NMOPs & accelerate the ice breaking I will encourage my RAs to continue with NO Weekend initiatives of the current term (AP NORPA Weekend, NPO Weekend, NEO NORE Training Camp).

APprise: I will work closely with the SCORE RA AP to resume the “APprise” initiative on a trimonthly basis This initiative will highlight research publications that intersect health issues with current affairs, promoting IFMSA Global Priorities and Open Science.

3.4 Regional & Sub Regional Events:

ACTION: Having served as OC (ACTION2020) and IOC (ACTION2024), I recognize the importance of collaborating with Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) and UNDRR to ensure the sustainability of finances and activities of ACTION I will work closely with EA RA to ensure the collaboration & appoint the SCORP RA AP as the point of contact and provide necessary support to the IOC and OC in organizing, ensuring its success and impactful contribution to disaster management in the region.

AP SRHR Summer School: After closely working with AP SRHR Summer School as a trainer, I recognize the financial challenges they face in securing funds To address this, I plan to explore collaboration opportunities with Asia Pacific Alliance (APA), an organization dedicated to SRHR in the Asia-Pacific region. APA has partnered with organizations like IPAS, JOICFP, APNSW, and WGNRR, that aligns with CB initiatives & can secure financial support

SRT: This term saw a peak in the number of SRTs across the regions, which improved efficiency due to the SRT Calendar preventing date overlaps. However, from my experience as OC in the last three SRTs in my NMO, I observed that NMOs often struggled to find trainers and sufficient resources Thus, I will collaborate with CBRA to help them by connecting trainers from neighboring NMOs and pooling resources to support SRT initiatives effectively

4. Liaison & External Affairs:

Along with EA RA, I aim to update the regional stakeholder mapping at the beginning of the term and collaborate with LOs to see how the different focus areas have been worked at regional levels.

4.1 Promote NMO Connection with National Institute of Health:

Recognizing the critical role that Health Ministries play in the sustainability of NMOs at national level, I will capacitate NMOs to facilitate connections between NMOs and these key health institutions, providing guidance and resources to NMOs on establishing and maintaining these important relationships, encouraging projects and initiatives that align with national health priorities

4.2 Develop WHO Relationship on a National & Regional level

NMO communication with WHO Country Office: I will assist NMOs in building relationships with WHO Country Offices by sharing best practices from NMOs that have successfully established communication Facilitating the sharing of contacts and experiences between NMOs will help in using established connections as references, enhancing their ability to collaborate with WHO Country Offices.

Activities & Observership Opportunities with WHO-RO: The Asia-Pacific region, uniquely having two WHO Regional Offices (WPRO and SEARO), presents a valuable opportunity for increased engagement. Apart from sending delegation to the RC, I would like to initiate observership opportunities at the regional office along with working on activities & initiatives to promote important health concepts to our members

4.3 Assess communication with Regional Offices- UN Agencies:

Collaborating with VPE & relevant LO to assess communication with UN Bodies relevant to our SC (SCORA with UNAIDS, UNFPA; SCORP with UNHCR, UNICEF) This will aid with SC Activities having financial support from UN Agencies that will lead to financial sustainability of the NMOs.

4 4 Regional Partners:

Externals: Along with continuing our relationship with existing partners (APMEC, WONCA AP etc), I plan to alleviate ongoing discussions with ESCAP to ensure Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025 & expand region based partners Asia-Pacific Alliance (APA) working SRHR in Asia-Pacific, Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD), WONCA South Asia etc

Student Organizations: Currently, we have established partnerships including a signed MoU with AMSA-International, and ongoing contacts with IPSF Asia-Pacific Regional Office, IADS, and IVSA. I will proactively initiate meetings with elected officials from these student organizations to explore collaborative opportunities Aligning with WHO priorities and Regional Priorities, we aim to draft joint statements integrating outcomes from RP with IFMSA Policies, exploring opportunities to host side events to align our advocacy efforts for broader impact

4 5 Capacity Building on External Meetings and Delegations: Advocacy & External Opportunities:

Before calling for IFMSA Delegations, we will hold webinars and invite past delegates to share best practices. Additionally, we will distribute important documents to help members understand the meeting's purpose, the role of the delegation, and general expectations. This approach ensures that all interested members, regardless of their experience level, have the information they need to decide whether to apply

Policy making, Statements & Advocacy:

Capacity Building to prepare statements, create an advocacy stream for developing advocacy plans, policy briefs, and conduct stakeholder mapping to enhance external outreach We will organize side events to promote the advocacy brief to general members and non-attendees These events will include invitations to external experts to educate and capacitate members on specific topics.

5. Teamwork

5.1 Asia-Pacific Regional Team

● Proper Handover: Facilitate a comprehensive handover process by regularly updating the handover manual, ensuring that the incoming RT receives all necessary information and understands their responsibilities throughout the term

● RT Availability Calendar: This allows for better planning and ensures tasks can be assigned and completed without overburdening individuals during their unavailable periods

● Followup on AWP: RT AWP is often ignored and never updated after the creation since most RAs focus on updating the IT AWP I will align RT AWP with IT AWP and regularly follow up on updating the AWP by creating an action point on RT OLMs.

● RT Structure: Being the RT for the past two terms, I was able to observe the work of my fellow RT members Evaluation of the existing tasks and responsibilities of the RT will be done and consider restructuring if necessary Aim for a balanced workload distribution among team members, ensuring that everyone has a manageable and equitable set of responsibilities

● R-Team Dynamics: At the start of the term, we will have thorough handover sessions and 1:1 RD:RT Member OLM to understand their goals and expectations This will be followed by a group meeting to establish team goals, with a supportive and communicative environment through early ice-breaking activities.

● Capacity Building: RT is the best place to grow together, with a more friendly working environment I will incorporate regular short CB Session facilitated by CB RA in our first few OLMs, to help everyone adjust to the new working environment

● Mental Health Watch: Being a part of two Regional Teams provided me with insight on members' performance proportional to their mental health It made me appreciate the importance of a safe, healthy working environment that supports work-life balance

5.2. Team of Officials: Voice of AP:

As the Regional Director, it’s my responsibility to be the voice of my region by bringing AP perspective into the TO, ensuring the opinions and concerns of AP NMOs are aptly heard, and serving as a bridge of contact between TO & AP NMOs

Working with VPM & RDs:

With my continuation work as a Membership Reform SWG, I will support VPM in the membership reform mandate, work closely with VPM IT to provide support to my AP NMOs, and provide support during GAs in the Presidents’ Sessions along with RDs Early discussion with other RDs to identify common issues for Regions, sharing best practices & working on Inter-Regional collaborations

Collaboration with other TOs:

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Work closely with the SCDs to ensure support for my RAs, specially during APRM days for different approvals & volunteer myself for SC Plenaries during GAs.

5.3 APRM OC:

Early start of work with the OC drafting a working timeline, developing a marketing strategy, and connecting with relevant stakeholders, including previous alumni, & ensuring preparations align with Regional Regulations, IFMSA Contracts, and the Ethical Framework for Fundraising, to ensure the success of APRM I will hold regular meetings with the OC to identify and address any challenges they face, involving coreRT and CB RA early in the preparation stage to provide additional support.