IFMSA-VU Competitors

The American Medical Student Association is committed to improving health care and health care delivery to all people; promoting active improvement in medical education; involving its members in the social, moral and ethical obligations of the profession of medicine; assisting in the improvement and understanding of world health problems; contributing to the welfare of medical students, premedical students, interns, residents and post-MD/DO trainees; and advancing the profession of medicine.

The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) is the peak representative body for medical students in Australia. The key mandate of AMSA is to connect, inform and represent each of Australia’s 17,000 medical students at Australia’s 20 medical schools. AMSA’s core operations include advocacy, events and programs, and publications. AMSA advocates for medical students through policy development, advocacy campaigns and representation to governments, universities and relevant medical bodies. Additionally, AMSA organises renowned educational, social and leadership opportunities for students. These include programs aimed at improving medical student health and wellbeing and others to increase awareness of community, rural and global health issues.

For more than 70 years, IFMSA has existed and been led by medical students worldwide. The International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) was founded in 1951. It is the world’s oldest and largest independent organization representing associations of medical students internationally. It currently maintains 136 National Member Organizations from 126 countries across six continents with over 1,5 million students represented worldwide. IFMSA is recognized as a non-governmental organization within the United Nations system and the World Health Organization and as well, and it works with the World Medical Association. IFMSA was created to impact the world and to empower its members in taking their vision and ideas and making them a reality. IFMSA has inspired generations of medical students to develop the leadership abilities and skills to take on challenges and to improve the world around them in a crucial period of their careers. Engaging in IFMSA encourages professional and personal collaborations irrespective of geographical, social, cultural, religious, racial, sexual, and political differences. As a result, future doctors are becoming more culturally aware and sensitive physicians. Vision Statement: A world in which all medical students unite for global health and are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to take on health leadership roles locally and globally. Mission Statement: IFMSA unites medical students worldwide to lead initiatives that positively impact the communities we serve. IFMSA represents the opinions and ideas of future health professionals in the field of global health and works in collaboration with external partners. IFMSA builds capacity through training, project and exchanges opportunities, while embracing cultural diversity so as to shape a sustainable and healthy future.