UAEM Reaches the Black Sea

In the quest to grow and develop internationally, UAEM’s most recent chapter has come to the Eurasian border, spreading as far as the Black Sea. Three new chapters have started in this region - two in Ukraine (at Lugansk State Medical University and at Zaporozhye State Medical University), and one in Turkey (at Ankara University). While Turkey’s economy is considered fairly stable, the former Soviet Bloc nation of Ukraine is a middle-income country on the world economic arena.

UAEM UkraineMarked by the great enthusiasm of local chapter leaders, these three chaptersare now thriving, particularly, the UAEM chapter at Lugansk which is moving forward at a great pace. The founding story of UAEM-Lugansk provides an inspiring model for growth of future chapters. Following months of rigorous planning, and after gaining support from local students, faculty, and medical doctors, the Lugansk chapter celebrated its official launch in early November 2010. One of the first events organized by UAEM-Lugansk was a symposium analyzing health care disparities of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and exploring ways in which UAEM members can contribute to alleviating the global healthcare crisis. In addition to their keen interest in global health, Ukrainian UAEMers are energized about improving the public healthcare status of their home country, a comparatively less privileged European nation that is nevertheless poised for drastic change.

Ukraine’s medical schools, particularly Lugansk State Medical University, are also uniquely positioned to address issues of global health because they draw students from across the developing world, including a strong contingent of students from Sub-Saharan Africa. The student leaders of UAEM-Lugansk are keen on bringing the fruits of medicine and science back to their home countries and have seen an opportunity to work in this direction through UAEM.

The newly established Turkish chapter at Ankara University is also poised to carry on the UAEM message to the corners of the world, with a passion for advocating for policies to improve global healthcare. TurkMSIC, (Turkish Medical Students' International Committee - www.turkmsic.net) is one of the member organizations of IFMSA (international Federation of Medical Students’ Association). The Ankara chapter’s current efforts includes proposal to the TurkMSIC General Assembly to adopt a policy statement about access to essential medicines.

“North-South” communications among UAEM chapters are incredibly helpful for both sides of the discussion, as they are mutually inspiring, informative, and empowering. Joining more than 80 active chapters all across the world, the three new European-Asian border chapters are playing a vital role in synergizing the positive environment of UAEM community.

Points of contacts:      

Lugansk UAEM (Patrick Kubiat Umoren, patology4@yahoo.com.au, Asuquo Duke, eteka_duke@yahoo.com )

Zaporozhye UAEM (Simon Ugabi, nt.ugabi@gmail.com)

Ankara UAEM (Semih Kucukcankurtaran, semihkck06@yahoo.co.uk )
 

Chapter Outreach Coordinators:

Gloria Tavera (gloria.tavera@gmail.com) – national

Taylor Gilliland (ctgilliland@gmail.com) –  national

Pratik Chhetri (chhetripratik@gmail.com) – international

Karolina Maciag (kmaciag@gmail.com) –  international