PRESS RELEASE
NZ voted into International Medical Students Association
All New Zealand medical students are now part of the world’s largest student organisation.
The New Zealand Medical Students' Association (NZMSA) was officially elected as a candidate member to the International
Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) at the 55th General Assembly at Zalitbor, Serbia this month.
The IFMSA motto is to “think globally and act locally.” They achieve this through four project committees on Public
Health; Reproductive Health including HIV/AIDS; Refugees, Peace and Human rights; and Medical Education.
The IFMSA has members from over 85 countries, representing over one million medical students. They are one of the only
students’ organisation to sit on a branch of the United Nations – the World Health Organisation and have very strong
links with all UN branches, major medical organisations and non governmental organisations.
“We have a very proud history of NZ doctors who have made significant contributions to the international community. Now
medical students will have a chance to gain international experience at a much earlier stage,” said NZMSA President
Xaviour Walker.
“The IFMSA offers endless opportunities for NZ medical students and this will ultimately benefit all New Zealanders”.
“The goals of IFMSA projects are to improve local health first and the region we live in – this would mean looking to
Asia and the Pacific,” Mr Walker said.
The IFMSA also organise the world’s largest exchange program, offering both professional and research exchanges.
The NZMSA will go through a transition process over the next two years before becoming a full member of the IFMSA. Mr
Walker said “After seeing the amazing opportunities available and work done by this organisation, I believe medical
students, our Universities and the New Zealand public will benefit from our involvement in IFMSA.”
For more information about IFMSA www.ifmsa.org
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