American Medical Student Association Becomes Member Of International Federation Of Medical Students' Associations

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 30 May 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the nation's largest, independent medical student organization, announces it has become the U.S. member organization of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) by merging with their U.S. chapter, formerly IFMSA-USA.

"AMSA's merger with IFMSA-USA and entry into the IFMSA are fantastic steps for our association," says Brian Hurley, MD, MBA, AMSA's national president. "AMSA members now sit at the epicenter of the international medical student community. In concert with IFMSA we will be able to offer our membership international exchanges and expand AMSA's programs throughout the globe."

"We are thrilled IFMSA-USA has become part of the AMSA family," says Hanni Stoklosa, president of IFMSA-USA. "The IFMSA's international work on medical education, public health, human rights and reproductive health mirrors AMSA's work domestically. The merger will allow medical students from across the globe to connect, making AMSA the home for all U.S. medical students passionate about global health." Since the merger, Stoklosa has become an AMSA regional director.

The IFMSA began in 1951 when eight countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Germany, Spain, England and Italy) gathered in Copenhagen to start a non-political student organization with the objectives of "studying and promoting the interests of medical student co-operation on a purely professional basis, and promoting activities in the field of student health and student relief."

Today, IFMSA's mission is to offer future physicians a comprehensive introduction to global health issues. IFMSA's programming and opportunities developd culturally sensitive students of medicine, intent on influencing the trans-national inequalities that shape the health of our planet." Representing medical students from over 100 nations, IFMSA is recognized as an important non-governmental organization and collaborative partner by WHO, UNESCO, other UN agencies and several INGOs, such as the Global Health Forum.

About the American Medical Student Association

The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), with more than a half-century history of medical student activism, is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. With more than 67,000 members, including medical and premedical students, residents and practicing physicians, AMSA is committed to improving medical training as well as advancing the profession of medicine. AMSA focuses on four strategic priorities, including advocating for quality, affordable health care for all, global health equity, enriching medicine through diversity and professional integrity, development and student well being. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or joining the organization, please visit us online at http://www.amsa.org/.

American Medical Student Association

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