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“Exploring the Rationale and Strategies for International Collaborations for Students in Medical and Health Sciences.

This program organized to:

• Introduce students to reputable international institutions in the health sector regarding their capacities to engage in the plans and projects proposed by these organizations.
•  Encourage a world-class mindset.
• Foster interaction in multilingual and multicultural environments.
• Familiarize participants with research and scientific collaborations, as well as international open and distance education.
•  Introduce the international student scientific associations AMSA, IFMSA, and IMSA.

This event took place on Wednesday evening, November 20, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, in collaboration with the Department of International Affairs and the Student Scientific Association of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences for Iranian and international students. This program was conducted in two formats: in-person for Iranian and international students from medical universities in Tehran, and online for students across the nation. Many students embraced this program through their participation. At the outset of the program, Dr. Bazmi, Head of the Educational Affairs, welcomed the attendees and talked about the mission of the Department of International Affairs, its activities and initiatives aimed at empowering students in regional and global scientific domains, as well as the forthcoming steps in the university's internationalization efforts.

In this meeting, Dr. Hosseini Shirazi encouraged students to engage and collaborate in scientific and research fields, providing tangible examples of the importance of taking a deep look while considering the culture and capacities of each nation. He emphasized a critical and research-oriented attitude and introduced the following international organizations:
Post-Marketing Surveillance, which focuses on reviewing and collecting information about manufactured drugs, as well as testing and evaluating the quality and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products available in the market.
IPharm, which has been functioning as a scientific hub for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical technology companies worldwide since 2008, addresses potential medical issues and challenges faced by millions across the world. Medical students can participate in scientific and research activities beyond their field of study.

IFDGS which focuses on medical and pharmaceutical studies during the pandemic. Additionally, the International Activity Index (IAI) evaluates and scores students based on their activities throughout their studies. He mentioned scientific journals that could collaborate and inform students, including the Intl Journal, which presents complex scientific and medical issues in a simple and comprehensible language for students to utilize and benefit from. He also emphasized that students' collaboration with these institutions and journals is crucial for broadening their horizons and mastering their field of study.

He concluded his remarks by defining the traits of a successful, motivated student who transcends borders and limitations, believing firmly that the world is in the capable hands of the next generation.

Afterward, Dr. Nastaran Keshavarz, an academic member of the University's School of Health and Safety, a consultant for the World Health Organization, and a member of the core group of the UNESCO Scientific Committee on Global Health and Education, emphasized the importance of international activities and cooperation for various individual, organizational, and national reasons. She outlined these reasons as follows: At the individual level, such activities provide knowledge, skills, and accurate attitudes towards new perspectives, while also offering opportunities to share our knowledge, viewpoints, and experiences with others. Additionally, they enhance our individual and organizational capabilities, thereby increasing the country's global impact.
Moreover, in the health sector, international activities can be conducted with specialized health organizations, as well as governments, research centers, and international associations, which were highlighted in her speech. However, this cooperation must adhere to certain principles, such as recognizing cultural differences and fostering win-win cooperation for both parties.
Finally, she described the initial steps and methods for initiating international activities. References were made to open WHO resources, Coursera, Global Health and Education webinars, and UNICEF careers.

To fulfill students' social responsibility and broaden their activities while familiarizing them with the sustainability concepts of UNDP and UN organizations, a youth-led program focused on digital futures was introduced to the students.

In the continuation of the conference, Dr. Kiaqadi and Taherkhani proceeded to introduce the IFMSA Federation, and the Iranian Medical Students Association as follows: The IFMSA World Federation is an international student organization established after World War II, aimed at nurturing and training physicians to become active health ambassadors and managers within society. Currently, over 1.5 million medical students from 130 countries are members of this federation. The active committees include: Public Health, Reproductive Health and AIDS, Medical Education, and Physician and Patient Rights. Additionally, due to the extensive international network of this federation, the groundwork for a student and research exchange program has been established. Subsequently, Dr. Taherkhani detailed the structure and achievements of IMSA-Iran and AMSA-Iran, along with their initiatives in SBMU student Association. Finally, the benefits of membership and the process for joining were explained and made accessible to students and interested parties.

Link for the recorded program:
https://s21.uupload.ir/files/shahidbeheshti/Final.mp4?play