Have you ever been asked to give a report on something and then thought of what you are supposed to say, even though you are in the best position to give the report? Yes, that’s exactly how I felt when my friend asked for a short report on the event: “Beyond Borders Through FAMSA” as she was unable to attend. So I tried to recall as many details as I possibly could.
After gathering my thoughts, I told her we had 3 amazing speakers all of whom had served in various capacities in FAMSA. You could just tell from their citations.
FIRST SESSION
The first Speaker, Dr Abdulhammed Babatunde told us how he got into FAMSA because of his love for research. He said he went from having zero knowledge on what FAMSA was to becoming the Vice president. That detail really surprised me. The organization had to be really interesting for you to go from zero to second-in-command, so to speak.
He told us various benefits such as understanding time zones across Africa, fostering collaborations with medical students from institutions outside Nigeria. He also spoke about continental leadership roles, advocacy, sponsorship, mentorship, and grants from organizations like the WHO.
He told us how FAMSA is the perfect platform for those looking to leave a mark across various MSA. My Friend said that everyone would want that and I agree, cause who wouldn’t?
I remembered the moderator, Olalekan Adewunmi, asking a question: “How can inexperienced persons take the first step towards leadership roles in FAMSA?”. Then, Dr. Abdulhammed replied that there are capacity building sessions to start from.
SECOND SESSION
The second speaker was Muhammad Jaafar. I quite enjoyed his session. His slides were very colorful and entertaining.
He spoke on the various opportunities available in FAMSA, using his personal experiences as the perfect springboard.
I told my friend something that stood out for me about his session. He encouraged medical students to actively participate and engage with FAMSA’s activities and its administration in general. He said our engagement is crucial for the continued advancement of medicine throughout Africa.
THIRD SESSION
The third speaker, Dimeji Olawuyi, spoke on the structure within FAMSA as well as debunked myths.
My friend was quick to ask what myths. Examples of such included that only certain MSAs are part of FAMSA. Another is that you need to have prior experiences to take up roles.
Addressing the first, Olawuyi said as long as you are a medical student in a medical school in Africa, then you are automatically a part of FAMSA.
For the second, he stated the example of the first speaker, who had no prior experience on joining FAMSA yet worked his way to VP. He stated categorically that there are various capacity building sessions that will equip you with all the knowledge needed. The most important thing is the willingness to learn.
With all this said, I remember someone asking a question about when leadership roles in FAMSA are going to open up.
Mr. Dimeji said that sadly, applications for this year have closed. He said the next general elections would be held in November for anyone willing to serve in FAMSA’s executive council. He also mentioned that new applications should be open by December 2026 / January 2027.
He admonished that before that time comes, we could take up various positions in our MSA, as doing so will serve as stepping stone.
CONCLUSION
I told my friend that was all I could recall, as well as the event coming to a close at 2:05pm after the vote of thanks.
My friend pointed out that the webinar was a 2-hour program. I was surprised but then I thought about how the webinar began at 12 pm and then ended at 2 pm. For some reason it felt shorter, but I guess time runs fast when you are invested in something
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