The Iran University of Medical Sciences recently hosted the first national assembly of the Asian Medical Students Association. This significant event took place on Sunday, August 18, 2024, and was attended by Dr. Mahdi Moghtadaei, International Vice President, Dr. Masoud Maleki, Deputy International Vice President, and international representatives from various medical sciences universities across the country.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Moghtadaei highlighted that Iran's membership in this international forum was achieved after two and a half years of dedicated efforts by the university. He emphasized the critical importance of internationalization for the country's universities, noting that the Asian Medical Students Association, established in 1985, currently includes 30 member countries and collaborates with prestigious international organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

Dr. Moghtadaei also stressed the involvement of international vice-chairs from other medical sciences universities in Iran as a valuable asset for enhancing internationalization efforts.

Dr. Masoud Maleki elaborated on the recent mission of the International Vice President's office to Japan, where discussions focused on the Asian Medical Students Association's initiatives. He stated, "Universities need internationalization to survive, and internationalization means being smartly globalized." He further clarified the distinction between internationalization and globalization, emphasizing that the association's activities are student-centered and should facilitate active participation from all medical students in the country.

Amirhossein Bazdar, the secretary of the Asian Medical Students Association in Iran, also shared insights into the association's ongoing activities.

The primary goal of the Asian Medical Students Association is to establish a robust global network of medical students who, as future healthcare professionals, will enhance their academic knowledge and interpersonal skills while being prepared to provide humanitarian services to those in need.