2024-2025 ISSUE: Seven
Heyeveryone, MynameisElan( نﻼﯿﺋ ),andI’mfromSlemani.I’m currentlyathird-yearmedicalstudentatthe UniversityofDuhok.Inadditiontomystudies,I’m part of the publication team as a content creator forthistermandthequestionIgetaskedoftenis, “Whatdoyouevendo??”Theanswerissimple:I create content! Whether it’s crafting captions, writing paragraphs, or translating and proofreading texts in Sorani, English, and Badini, I’m here to help. I also support our LPD by managinganimagelibraryforallourprojects.
Elan Abubakr Content Creator
I applied for this role because I thought it would involvetakingpictures—somethingI’mpassionate about. Capturing moments when people are just beingthemselves,notposingforthecamera,is whatIlovemost.There’ssomethingspecialabout freezingeverydaymomentsintime.Mylovefor photography started in tenth grade during a trip toRojhalat,whereeverythingwasnewtome,and Istartedcapturingeverylittledetail.I’vekeptthat habit,alwaysnoticingandphotographingthe worldaroundmeandSincearrivinginDuhok,the city’sbeautyhasinspiredmeevenmore.There’s so much to appreciate—the unique neighborhoods,thewritingsonthewalls,andthe sight of older men in traditional Kurdish clothes, enjoying a quiet tea. I find myself constantly reaching for my camera to capture these momentsthatmakethisplacefeelslikehome.
Onelastthingthatmightsurpriseyou:myfavorite colorisorange.I’veloveditsincechildhood,and it still makes me happy every time I see it. It’s simplyacolorthatradiatesjoy,andIwillnothear anyonewhosaysotherwise!!
Hello,mynameisTalanMustafaSardar,andIam currently a fourth-year medical student at Hawler Medical University. For the 2024–2025 term, I have taken on the role of a content creator and a member of the publication team. These responsibilities allow me to combine my passionformedicinewithmyinterestinsharing knowledgeandcreatingmeaningfulcontent.As part of the publication team, I contribute to developing and reviewing materials that aim to educate and inform both students and professionalsinthemedicalfield.Myfocusison ensuring that the content we produce is accurate, clear, and relevant to our audience. This involves researching topics, editing articles, and collaborating with peers to deliver highqualitywork.
Inmyroleasacontentcreator,Istrivetosimplify complex medical topics and present them in a way that is easy to understand and engaging. Whether it’s through written articles, infographics, or other formats, my goal is to make medical knowledge more accessible to others.Ibelievethateffectivecommunicationis keytobridgingthegapbetweenmedicaltheory and its practical application, and I aim to contributetothisthroughmywork.
Balancing my studies with these responsibilities has been a rewarding challenge. It has taught me time management, teamwork, and the importanceofclearcommunication.WhileIam still learning and growing, I am committed to making a positive impact, no matter how small, inthemedicalcommunity.Iseetheserolesasan opportunity to give back and help others who areonasimilarpath.AsIcontinuemyjourney,I look forward to further developing my skills, learningfrommypeers,andcontributingtothe fieldinmeaningfulways.Myapproachissimple: to work diligently, stay curious, and remain focusedonmygoals.
Kurdo Bestwn Content Creator
My name is Kurdo Bestwn Nadhim, and I’m a second-year medical student at Kurdistan University in Hawler. It’s a pleasure to introduce myselftothisamazingcommunity!
Ever since I started medical school, I’ve been fascinated by how complex and incredible the human body is. But beyond just learning medicine, I’ve realized that being a doctor isn’t justaboutdiagnosingandtreating—it’salsoabout understanding people, their struggles, and the biggerpictureofhealthinsociety.That’swhyI’m always looking for opportunities to get involved beyondtheclassroom.
One of my biggest passions is writing and content creation. I’ve worked with organizations like ‘Youth Group’ and my high school team, ‘Spark,’ where I edited and wrote articles. I love the idea of using words to inform, inspire, and even challenge people’s thinking. Recently, I applied for a content creator and translator positionatamedicalorganizationbecauseIwant to help make medical information more accessibletoeveryone.
Outside of my studies, I enjoy exploring new placesandhittingthegym—it’smywayofstaying saneamidstallthestress!Andifthere’sonething you should know about me, it’s that I’m a professional procrastinator (but somehow, I alwaysmanagetogetthingsdoneintheend).
I’m really excited to be part of IFMSA-Kurdistan, and I can’t wait to meet and collaborate with so many passionate and driven people. Looking forward to learning, growing, and making a differencetogether.!
Heyeveryone,
I’m Malak Zuhair, a 2nd-year medical studentatHMU.It’sexcitinghowweputour heartsintoeachnewsletter,andnowit’sour turntobepartofit!
Honestly, I can’t remember exactly when I became a graphic designer, but what I do knowisthatI’vebeenmakingartforaslong as I can remember. When I was four years old,Iwouldwakeupvoluntarilyat7or8AM before kindergarten, grab my grandpa’s read newspapers, and I’d cut them into shapes plus design and color them (I was obsessedwithglitter—sorrymom),andthen stickthembackontothenewspaper(itwas messybutacutecollageIpromise).
Aftermynewspapersphase,Igotupgraded into coloring books, then actual sketchbooks, and finally, canvas (a proud moment). In 6th grade, I even painted something for my science fair, and it ended up in the chemistry lab (prouder moment). Speaking of school, weird to say but my biggest obsession wasn’t art, since nobody was ever qualified to teach, it was always math and physics- now you might ask how did that turn into medicine then, paediatricsoncologyistheanswer.
Forawhile,Ileftart,andsure,thesparkwas gone. But during quarantine, it came back stronger than ever. Not only did I take painting more seriously, but I also discovered graphic design. And now I rememberexactlywhenIfellinlovewithit!
I truly do my role with passion because that’showweshowcaseIFMSA-Kurdistanto the world- and that's a responsibility I take withpride.
Malak Zuhair Graphic Designer
My biggest supporters? My parents and brother.Theytakethetitlesupporterssince day 1 very seriously—our house practically feels like a gallery. Years later, here I am: balancing medicine, IFMSA-Kurdistan, and graphicdesignallinone!Myheartissofull of gratitude since we have the best PCSDD and team for the term, even though we sometimes get exhausted, I wouldn’t changeathing.
Oh,andacoolfactaboutme—I’mobsessed withbuildingminiaturehousesandlegos.I once built a 4,000-piece set ( my favourite giftstoreceive,justsaying)
Thisprobablygaveyouanideaaboutme,I hopeyouloveeachissueasmuchaswedo! Happyreadings.
Arblina Adeeb Graphic Designer
Helloeveryone,mynameisArblinaAdeebandI’m a third year medical student at Hawler Medical University. I am currently one of the graphic designersinthepublicationteamandmyjourney started at first as an LPD. While working as the LPD, I realized that I really enjoyed making the designsandpublicationsandIwasn’treadyyetto letgooftheposition.That’swhyIdecidednextto go for being a graphic designer where I can still havefunwiththedesignsminusthestresspart.
Being part of the publication team for two years now really puts things into perspective for me. I realized that we run things silently in the background in order for every project to go smoothly. Ranging from the social media infographics to the printed leaflets, no project is completewithoutourwork.
Inmyfreetime,ifi’mnotstudyingforanexamor working on canva, I love spending time with my friends and family in cafes or going on picnics. SpringhastobemyfavoriteseasonbecauseIget torelaxandreconnectwithnatureafterthebeing lockedupinthehousestudying.Ilovediscovering newnovelstoreadwheneverIhavethetimeandI setagoaleveryyeartofinishacertainamountof books (I have completed my goal maybe once). I had a crisis when I realized I have watched over 400 movies and only read around 200 books because I made it my whole personality in high schoolthatIreadalotofbooks.EitherwaysIfind itfuntokeeptrackofthebooksandmoviesIhave readandwatchedbecauseitgivesmeasenseof accomplishment.
That being said, I am really grateful for the opportunities IFMSA has given me. I got to meet people and make friends while being part of many impactful projects. It also gave me the chance to explore my creative side in designing andcontributingtotheprojectsinmyownway.
Helloeveryone!MynameisHiroSarbast,andIama third-year medical student at Hawler Medical UniversityandthesocialmediamanagerforHawler and Koya. I am 21 years old and originally from Rojava (Qamislo), but I moved to Erbil in 2011 and havebeenlivingherefor14years.
I am the oldest of five kids and enjoy listening to songs, baking, as well as learning new languages. I graduated from the Classical School of The Medes and was second In my grade. I was one of those students who had a different field in mind but endedupinmedicine.However,fromthemomentI startedstudyingmedicineIfellinlovewiththefield andenjoyedeverysecondofit.
I enjoy being a medical student even with its challenges.Ilovelearningsomethingneweveryday and it brings me joy to know that one day I will be able to help save lives with the knowledge I am gainingnow.
My journey with IFMSA-Kurdistan started when I heard about it as a first-year medical student in 2022 and loved all the opportunities they provided forstudentsanddecidedtojoin.ThisyearIapplied for the social media manager position and have beendoingitforfourmonthsnow.Thishasbeenan opportunity for me to help make our posts more interesting and pleasing to our viewers and has helpedmediscovernewskills.IFMSA-Kurdistanhas providedmewithsomanyopportunitiestoimprove my knowledge and help others around me especially in areas the university was not able to such as joining surgeries, learning practical skills, and helping our community, among many other activities.Irecommendallmedicalstudentstojoin IFMSA-Kurdistan as it will provide you with many important projects that will help you grow as a medicalstudent.
Deemah Ahmed-Khalis Social media manager
Halawhabayeb:)
My name is Deemah, and I’m one of the social media managers for IFMSAKurdistan, a position that suits me perfectly because I am both creative and chronically online. Oh, and let’s not forget, I’m also a third-year medical studentattheUniversityofDuhok.
I was born in Iraq’s cultural heart, Baghdad,butIwasraisedinthebeautiful cityofthemountains,Duhok.
A few things I’m passionate about: Art— I’m fascinated by art history and movements, and I absolutely LOVE to paint. Reading is another one of my biggest joys; I’m especially drawn to classics and philosophy, with Sylvia Plath and Jane Austen as my ultimate literary icons. I’m also a movie enthusiast—my favorite genres are drama, romance, and thrillers. I’ve watched over 500 films and fullyintendtoreach1,000someday!
I’m also a devoted cat mom, tending to andlovingmyspoiledbratMisha.
I also love to embrace my girly side, I adore the color pink, makeup, and fashion. Some might even call me a coquette.
When it comes to music, my favorite genres are indie, alternative, and R&B. And of course, my favorite artist is mother, A.K.A Lana Del Rey. Unpopular opinion,butclassicalmusicisjustdarling. It completely transports you to another world, perfect for people who are whimsical like myself. My favorite composers are the geniuses Debussy, Piero piccioni, and the legend Tchaikovsky. And honestly, my love for Tchaikovsky is what got me into ballet, and my biggest dream is being able to attend a ballet show one day. One of my figs is becoming a ballerina(Sylvia Plath referenceIYKYK).
Asformygoals,Ihavetwobigones:first, to become a successful doctor, and second,totraveltheworld.Life’stooshort not to romanticize it a little, right? So here’stoart,tomusic,todreamsthatfeel too big, and to all the places I’ve yet to see.
Helloeveryone,
My name is Raviya, but I appreciate everyone who calls me Ravi. I’m a fourth-year medical student at theUniversityofSulaimani-CollegeofMedicine. Medicine, while challenging and sometimes overwhelming, is something I truly enjoy. There are moments when it feels like a lot to handle, but with the right people by our side, it becomes more manageable and even enjoyable. Among all its fields,neurosciencehasallofmyheart.
Forthisterm,I’moneofthesocialmediamanagers of IFMSA Kurdistan. I took on this role because I love organizing and designing, and I enjoy making things clear and well-structured. It’s a role that fits me well, allowing me to stay creative while workinginanexcitingenvironment.
Outside of my academics, I truly love many things. I’m a calm and quiet person, and I find comfort in writing, it’s something that has always felt like home to me. I love literature and poetry; there’s something special about how words can capture emotions and thoughts in a way nothing else can. Whether its reading or writing, I always appreciate the power of language. I also do sketches in my freetime,drawinganythingthatcatchesmyeye.
I really enjoy watching football too, especially Real Madrid matches, and I’m a big fan of tennis. I have asoftspotformysteries,maybethat’swhyI’msuch a big fan of Sherlock Holmes. Sometimes, I even joke about being ‘Miss Sherlock.’ I also love spending time with kids; their energy and curiosity alwaysbringmejoy.
Lina Zana Video Editor
Hey there, I am Lina, one of the video editors for IFMSA-Kurdistan. I am from Slemani and I am twentyyearsold.
I have experienced life for almost a little of over two decades, and one of the significant things I havediscoveredismypassionforediting.Itthrills me knowing I can contribute the skills I have acquired through a simple and fun hobby to this organization. Skills that have gently evolved over many years of simply doing a hobby out of devotiontoonemainthing—havingfun.
I try to be creative by snapping frames in time and editing them as proof of me living that momentforlaternostalgia.Iliketolightenmoods withoccasionaljokesandstrivetoputasmileon myclosedone’sfaces.
Iprefersummers;thesunshiningstronglymaking my shadow’s silhouette shorter and sharper. I observe and interpret life simply; I have lived a simple life as everyone else’s lives, which I am gratefulfor.
I like to feel the process of everything fully. From scratchingmykneeasakidtolearntorideabike, to pricking my finger with a needle when embroideringtinypearlsandbeadsintofabricas a current adult. I find joy in such simple stuff, doing things that slows down life and lets me experience the present to the utmost best. I am notpicky.Ilikelotsofdifferentfoodsandlistento a variety of music genres. I like to experience all things equally. To see everything, feel anything, and hold myself back from nothing, is what I am keenondoinginlife.
Greetings, everyone! My name is Mina, and I amasecond-yearmedicalstudentatHawler Medical University. I’m 19 years old and passionate about both medicine and creativity.Whilemyacademicjourneykeeps me busy, I always find time for the things that bring me joy, like making and eating sweets, listening to Miami Band, and spending quality time with family and friends. These little joys help me stay balancedandmotivated.
Beyond my studies, I am an active member ofIFMSA-Kurdistan,whereIcurrentlyhavea role as a video editor on the publication team. I’ve always loved creative work, and this role allows me to merge my passion for storytelling with visual communication. Whether it’s editing short videos, designing story highlights, or creating engaging content, I love the process of turning ideas intosomethingmeaningful.
I joined IFMSA in the 2023/2024 term and quicklyfellinlovewiththecommunity.One of my first major projects was being part of the organizing committee for the International Research Summit in August, whichwasanincrediblelearningexperience. WhenIappliedforthevideoeditorposition,I was both nervous and excited. I wasn’t sure what to expect during the interview, but gettingacceptedwasamomentofreliefand excitement. The publication team is one of thebestteamsinIFMSA,filledwithtalented, supportive people who make every project enjoyable.
Inmyfreetime,Ihaveadeeploveforbaking. I find joy in experimenting with new recipes and sharing delicious treats with those aroundme.
Editor
There’ssomethingtrulyspecialaboutseeing peopleenjoysomethingI’vemadeit’sasmall but meaningful way to bring happiness to others. Baking, much like video editing, allows me to express my creativity in a uniqueway.
Balancing medicine with my personal interests has been an essential part of my growth.Studyingmedicinechallengesmeto thinkcritically,solvecomplexproblems,and push my limits. At the same time, my creative hobbies provide an outlet for relaxation and self-expression. I believe that finding this balance is what keeps me motivated and inspired, both academically andpersonally.
I look forward to continuing my journey, learning, growing, and contributing in every way I can. IFMSA has given me an amazing platform to develop my skills and be part of something bigger, and I’m excited to see whatthefutureholds!
Mohammed Karim Video Editor
Hello! My name is Mohammed, a 4th-year medical student at Sulaymaniyah University. IwasbornandraisedinSulaymaniyah,acity that has shaped my values and aspirations. MyjourneywithIFMSAbeganin2021during my first year at Duhok University, where I attended an introductory seminar led by Osama Abdulla, the local president at the time.Thatseminarmarkedthebeginningof myIFMSAjourney,whichhasbeenfilledwith incredible experiences, including participating in projects, events, and seminars. One of the highlights was attending the Erbil Spring Camp, which turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Over the years, I’ve taken on more responsibilities, managing projects as both an assistant and a manager, contributing as an OC member for the 2023 Suli Spring Camp, and recently joining the publication team as a video editor. That’s why you’ve been seeing such great videos thisyear!;)
Outside of my medical studies and IFMSA activities, I enjoy a variety of hobbies, including gaming, reading, chess, traveling, and playing sports like football, volleyball, andtennis.Football,inparticular,isapassion of mine—I play 2-3 games every week, as it helps me relieve stress and stay energized. I’malsoanavidBarcelonafan,andoneofmy favorite matches was the 2017 El Clásico, whereBarcelonawon3-2withMessiscoring a last-minute goal. Through football and gaming, I’ve built strong connections with friends and formed new bonds with people whosharesimilarinterests.
My dream is to become a successful doctor and college tutor, contributing to the advancement of medical sciences in my country through research, public health awareness, and patient care. I also aspire to inspire and teach the next generation of medicalprofessionals,helpingthembecome valuableassetstosociety.I’mgratefulforthe opportunities IFMSA has provided me, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growthandimpact.
