About BeMSA

What is BeMSA?

BeMSA, the "Belgian Medical Students' association" is a Belgian organisation, which was founded in 2009 by some enthusiastic medical students. In the following year we have created a national structure. BeMSA is an umbrella organization with Ghent as one of its branches. Our mission is a platform for societal engagement and qualitative international opportunities for students in the health sector in Ghent.

We have both national and local projects such as Teddy Bear Hospital, Heart for Life, Healthy Food, Sexual Education in Schools and many other projects. In addition, we also organize international internships for both research and experience.

Origin and history

BeMSA Ghent originated from SWISS (student working group on international cooperation and internships), a working group that focused on the combination of 'medicine students and abroad', both at a practical level, and more informative and sensitizing.

In 2009, medical students from Ghent (SWISS), Antwerp and Leuven decided to unite, creating the national organization BeMSA (Belgian Medical Students' Association), which became a candidate member of IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students' Associations) and so provides access to a global network of contacts and unique opportunities. That is why we, as an organization, decided to step into the BeMSA story right from the start and to change our name to BeMSA Ghent.

Link with BeMSA and IFMSA

Through the election of national board members and the seats in the general meeting, we contribute to the development of the vision and views of BeMSA. These national positions have an influence on an international level due to the presence of BeMSA Ghent delegates at the international IFMSA meetings.

Learn more about the IFMSA.

Divisions

Because of the many challenges that our board has faced in recent years, it was decided at the start of this academic year to take over the structure of IFMSA as BeMSA Ghent. A reform was made to a platform with the following 5 pillars (Standing Committees). A list of the various Standing Committees and the projects they organize can be found below:

  1. SCOPE (Standing Committee on Professional Exchange)
  2. SCORE (Standing Committee on Research Exchange)
  3. SCOPH (Standing Committee on Public Health)
  4. SCORP (Standing Committee on Human Rights & Peace)
  5. SCORA (Standing Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV and AIDS)
  6. SCOME-A (Standing Committee on Medical Education - Activities)