The first Carpathian forum was held by medical students in Uzhhorod
On 8-9th May Uzhhorod National University hosted the first Carpathian forum of the Ukrainian Medical Students Association, where the possibility of youth exchanges via the International Federation of Medical Student Associations (IFMSA) was discussed, and an international memorandum with the Slovak association of medical students was signed. 72 students from nine higher educational institutions of Ukraine and invited guests from Kosice (Slovakia) attended the event.
"Carpathian forum is the first gathering of medical students with the involvement of young people from Ukraine and Slovakia. If the event becomes traditional, it will be possible to attract many more associations", - said the Organizing Committee Chairperson Volodymyrr Smolanka at the opening ceremony.
The purpose of the forum is to familiarize students with the IFMSA organization and the opportunities this structure offers to medical students. The choice of the venue for the first meeting is caused by the fact that the most western local UMSA committee operates in Uzhhorod, therefore, it is easy for the participants of other IFMSA member associations from Eastern Europe including Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and Romania to get here.
Forum participants were welcomed by the Vice-rector for academic policy and research, Sc.D., Professor Volodymyr Feketa. He said that the Carpathian forum had a chance to become traditional in UzhNU.
Students could attend public lectures, workshops and plenary sessions. The lectures were delivered by Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, Honored Doctor of Ukraine Oleksandr Torohtin and Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, chief physician of the Transcarpathian Regional Center for Prevention and Control of AIDS Ivan Myroniuk.
National exchange coordinator of the Slovak Association of Medical Students Zuzana Revajova and national exchange coordinator of the Tatarstan association of medical students Aynaz Nihmatzyanova told about the opportunities and procedures of participation in international exchange programs for medical students.
"This is the first year when students of Ukrainian medical institutes and faculties can participate in exchange programmes organized by the all-national association of medical students. It opens up the possibility of close cooperation with 119 countries, - said Volodymyr Smolanka. - There is a certain exchange quota for Ukraine, which is determined by the number of contracts that we have been able to sign with other associations of medical students in the world. Each participant can apply, but he or she should speak English, be an active participant of the Ukrainian Medical Students Association and study well."
The workshops for participants were held by Volodymyr Smolanka who spoke on innovative technologies in medical education, and Eduard Horzov who demonstrated basic skills of first aid in case of emergency.
