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Travel Report on the EMR21 Regional Meeting – Oman, February 2025

 

Introduction

 

The EMR21 Regional Meeting, held from February 6 to 10, 2025, in Muscat, Oman, was one of the most significant gatherings of medical students in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). This event aimed to foster discussions on key health issues, enhance participants’ academic and professional capacities, and strengthen international collaborations. Attending this meeting provided a unique opportunity for learning, teaching, and networking with students, activists, and health professionals from various countries.

 

My Role in the Meeting

 

During the event, I served as a Support Person in the SCORA (Standing Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV and AIDS), contributing to agenda planning, session coordination, and time management. Additionally, as a Member Engagement Ambassador, I played a vital role in fostering interactions among participants, facilitating scientific and international networking, and enhancing student engagement in sessions.

 

One of the most impactful aspects of my participation was teaching in three specialized sessions, where I delivered scientific and skill-based training on SRHR-related topics. These sessions not only enabled knowledge exchange but also provided a platform for cross-cultural discussions and a deeper understanding of regional public health challenges.

 

Key Events and Schedule

• February 6: Opening ceremony and introduction to the meeting’s objectives.

• February 7-9:

• Committee sessions (8:30 AM – 1:30 PM), including scientific discussions, educational workshops, and project presentations.

• Ideation Sessions: Collaborative discussions to generate innovative solutions on selected topics.

• Joint Sessions: Inter-committee sessions focused on tobacco prevention.

• Training Sessions: Workshops in three specialized areas to enhance participants’ skills.

• Project Competitions: Showcasing and competing among scientific and social initiatives.

• Muscat Cultural Tour: Exploring historical and cultural landmarks in Oman.

• National Food and Drink Party: A celebration of diverse cultural cuisines and handicrafts.

• February 10: Closing ceremony and summary of the meeting’s outcomes.

 

Achievements and Impact

 

This meeting was an outstanding platform for enhancing leadership, teaching, and international networking skills. Throughout the event, I established meaningful connections with IFMSA members and officials from various countries, paving the way for potential future academic and research collaborations. Additionally, teaching in an international setting was a highly valuable experience, where I received positive and constructive feedback from participants.

 

Conclusion

 

Attending the EMR21 Regional Meeting not only contributed to my academic and professional growth but also served as an opportunity to highlight the capabilities of Iranian medical students on an international stage. This event demonstrated how cross-border collaborations and scientific exchanges can significantly impact medical education and global health promotion. I hope that this experience will inspire other students to actively engage in international programs and further develop their academic and leadership skills.

 

Best regards,

Parmida Shirzadi

SCORA Officer

Medical Students association-

Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences