News

Consultative Session on the Implementation of the Student Exchange Program and Support for the International Medical Students' Association (IMSA)

Date: 06/05/1405 (July 28, 2026)

Students are invaluable assets of the healthcare system and scientific ambassadors of the university on the international stage. Their activities play a decisive role in enhancing the university's credibility and improving its global rankings. Therefore, special attention to empowering this group and creating the necessary platforms for the flourishing of their talents is a strategic necessity.

Following the request of the Secretary of the International Medical Students' Association (IMSA) regarding the association's international student exchange program, and with the aim of fostering synergy among the three vice-chancellorships to implement the student exchange program and provide structural support for this association, a consultative meeting was held at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for International Affairs. The meeting was attended by the Vice-Chancellor for International Affairs, the Director of International Relations Development, the Executive Director of the Vice-Chancellor for International Affairs, the Director of Medical Education (Vice-Chancellor for Education), and the Director of Student Scientific Associations (Vice-Chancellor for Student and Cultural Affairs), along with the Secretary and a number of members of the International Medical Students' Association (IMSA).

The International Medical Students' Association (IMSA) of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences has been active since 2018. However, until 2024, this valuable capacity had not received adequate structural support. The turning point in this path was the strategic support of the Vice-Chancellor for International Affairs through the organization of the first international student meeting in the form of a Grant Room, titled "Exploring the Rationale and Strategies for International Collaborations for Students in Medical and Health Sciences." This event, with objectives such as familiarizing students with prestigious international health institutions, scientific and research collaborations, and introducing international associations such as AMSA, IFMSA, and IMSA, paved the way for a new transformation. Now, with the invitation of the other two vice-chancellorships, the second step has been taken toward the visibility and structural support of this association.

During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor for International Affairs described the activities of international student scientific associations as a "valuable opportunity" for the development of the university's international activities and emphasized their significant impact. Furthermore, the general approval and comprehensive support for the international scientific-research activities of medical students within this association were announced by all three vice-chancellorships. It was decided that this support would be provided in full compliance with the university and national regulations, and the association would also be required to adhere strictly to this framework. Finally, the necessity of developing a structural framework and executive bylaws to clarify activities and facilitate cross-sectoral cooperation was emphasized.