The Standing Committee on Medical Education
The standing committee on medical education (SCOME) is one of IFMSA’s standing committees.
SCOME is dedicated to implement an ideal learning environment for medical students. Through all of SCOME’s projects, trainings, and advocacy activities, it has been proven that SCOME always makes it a priority to engage medical students in all aspects of medical education, for the sake of helping medical student
We envision medical students reaching their full potential, becoming skilled and compassionate doctors who positively impact global healthcare.
Our mission is to be the platform where medical students actively shape the future of medical education. By collaborating within SCOME, students exchange knowledge, explore educational innovations, and work together to improve the quality of medical education. This allows them to enrich their learning experience and grow professionally.
"Burnout Busters" is a session led by Dr. Ahmad Hanani to help medical students recognize and manage burnout. Through discussions and peer activities, participants will learn stress management techniques and build a supportive network. The session aims to foster resilience and promote a healthy study-life balance.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and medical students, who are training to become healthcare professionals, are not immune to mental health challenges. The demanding nature of medical education, including heavy workloads, long hours, high academic and clinical expectations, and exposure to difficult patient cases, can significantly impact mental health. These stressors often lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, burnout, and, in some severe cases, suicidal ideation.
Recognizing the importance of mental health in medical students, many medical schools and institutions are increasingly focusing on providing support through tailored programs and initiatives. One such program is the “Mental Health for Medical Students” initiative, which aims to promote mental well-being, offer access to mental health resources, and raise awareness about the mental health struggles faced by medical students. This program plays a crucial role in supporting the overall health of medical students, ensuring they are better equipped to handle the stresses of their education and future careers.
Accreditation is a vital process that ensures medical faculties meet established quality standards and provide students with an education that is both valuable and meaningful. In this session, we will explore the challenges and concerns surrounding accreditation. The accreditation process has been the subject of debate among higher education stakeholders, with concerns raised about its effectiveness, transparency, and impact on student outcomes.
The purpose of this session is to critically examine the potential shortcomings of the accreditation system and identify strategies to improve it, ensuring that it better serves the needs of students. Through open and respectful discussion, we aim to explore different perspectives on accreditation and work collaboratively toward solutions that promote quality, equity, and fairness in higher education.
A hospital tour is an invaluable experience for medical students, providing them with real-world exposure that enhances their education. During the visit, students have the opportunity to observe healthcare procedures in action, gain insight into various medical specialties, and learn about cutting-edge medical technologies. This hands-on experience not only builds students’ confidence but also helps them apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. A typical hospital tour includes visits to different departments, where students can interact with healthcare staff and patients, fostering a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.
In the demanding field of medicine, learning never stops. Medical students must develop effective study strategies to succeed. This two-hour session is designed to support students who struggle with studying by providing them with valuable insights on efficient learning methods. Professional trainers will share proven techniques, and students will have the opportunity to discuss their own strategies in a collaborative setting. By exchanging ideas, students can refine their study habits and enhance their academic performance throughout their medical education.
Leadership is the ability to inspire, guide, and influence others toward a shared goal or vision. It involves setting a positive example, making sound decisions, and effectively communicating and collaborating to drive meaningful change. For medical students, leadership training is crucial, as it equips them with the skills needed to manage teams, make informed decisions, advocate for patients, and uphold ethical standards. It also prepares them for leadership roles in their future careers.
By investing in leadership development, medical students become well-rounded professionals capable of making a positive impact on patient care and advancing the healthcare field. This training is an invaluable investment in their professional growth and long-term success.
The “Let Me Help You” initiative aims to tackle the challenges faced by medical students by creating a supportive network that promotes mentorship, guidance, and collaboration among students at different stages of their academic journey.
This session encourages experienced students to share insights, offer advice, and provide emotional support to their peers, helping them navigate the complexities of medical school. By fostering a sense of community and mutual aid, this activity empowers students to overcome obstacles, make informed decisions, and excel in their path toward becoming compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals.
Medical Days are dedicated events designed to raise awareness and educate the public about specific health conditions, diseases, or health-related issues. These events play a vital role in promoting health literacy, providing accurate information, and encouraging positive health behaviors within the community.
Despite their importance, Medical Days face ongoing challenges, including the lack of awareness and understanding about key medical topics among the general public. Misconceptions, along with limited access to reliable information, can often hinder the effectiveness of these events.
To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to develop robust strategies that ensure Medical Days activities are inclusive, informative, and engaging. By reaching a broad audience and achieving their objectives, Medical Days can make a significant impact on health outcomes, empower individuals with knowledge, and foster healthier behaviors within communities.
Wound management is a fundamental clinical skill that every medical student should be introduced to during their education. This skill prepares students for their clinical careers, equipping them with the knowledge and techniques needed for both minor and major surgical interventions, whenever there is a disruption in the continuity of the skin.
Wound management, including surgical suturing, has been a crucial solution in healthcare for centuries and remains an essential practice worldwide. By mastering these techniques, students gain hands-on experience that will be invaluable in their future medical careers.
After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine, the need for in-person interaction between students became even more critical. With this in mind, we organized a camp after 18 months of quarantine, focusing on various aspects such as soft skills, capacity building, and promoting mental health. The camp took place in Sebastia from September 16th to September 18th, 2021, where we rented two guest houses for 22 students. Throughout the camp, students participated in various activities, including an opening ceremony, cultural quiz night, a tour of Sebastia, and sessions focused on advocacy, social accountability, leadership, basic curriculum, accreditation, conflict management, and opportunities within IFMSA and SCOME. The camp also featured a barbeque party, a musical night, and a closing ceremony, all aimed at providing an unforgettable and holistic experience for our students.
In collaboration with SCOPE, we organized a tour of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) for first-year medical students. This two-hour tour aimed to familiarize students with the hospital's structure, departments, and clinics and help them understand the hospital environment before their clinical years. The tour included visits to various departments, and participants had the opportunity to interact with physicians, nurses, and patients. Our goal was to bridge the gaps in their knowledge, increase their involvement in SCOME and SCOPE, and provide a valuable learning experience. Students found the tour to be highly beneficial and enjoyable, gaining insight into the hospital's workings and the healthcare profession.
The questions will go directly to the Local Officer of Medical Education
