A President from Izmir for students in Europe

Dilge Kocabaş, a Faculty of Medicine student at Izmir University of Economics (IUE), was elected as the president of the European Medical Students’ Association (EMSA), headquartered in Belgium, with approximately 50 thousand student members from 130 universities. Kocabaş, who has achieved an exemplary journey of success from Izmir to Europe, will be coordinating EMSA's activities in different areas. Kocabaş, who will work on creating projects on public health issues, increasing communication between medical students in Europe and improving educational opportunities, will represent our country in the international arena.

Dilge Kocabaş, a 6^th year student at Izmir University of Economics Faculty of Medicine, will serve a year as the president of EMSA, which has been working continuously since its foundation in 1990. An institution recognized by the European Parliament, the European Commission and the United Nations, EMSA is going to focus on six primary areas under Dilge’s leadership. Activities carried out in medical education, medical ethics and human rights, health policy, public health, medical science, European integration and culture will pave the way for future doctors to improve themselves and contribute to the world of science prior to their graduation.

I AM NOT GOING TO DISAPPOINT THEM

Kocabaş stated that it was a great honor to be chosen as president and promised to do her best to live up to the trust placed in her. Kocabaş said, "I like being a part of international organizations and attending events. Before this, I have attended many prestigious events such as the 71st Board Meeting of the World Health Organization European Regional Committee, the World Health Organization Young People and Young Professionals (YPYP) Forum, the European Medical Education Association Conference. Two years ago, I was elected as the 'medical science director' at EMSA, a duty that has proven to be an important opportunity for me, especially in terms of experience. I also aspired to the position of president and believed that I could carry it out in the best way possible. I am happy to have achieved this goal."

COOPERATIVE CULTURE SHOULD BE FOSTERED

Kocabaş gave detailed information on her future actions and added, “Among my core responsibilities will be coordinating the board of directors, organizing preliminary agendas for meetings, maintaining contact with relevant organizations, and delivering an annual official report to the General Assembly on the status of EMSA. These constitute the technical parts of my duty. Apart from these, my main objective is to promote dialogue between students and to ensure that different civilizations and cultures come together. Principles and ideals in medicine are universal. People and society are at the core of medicine. Therefore, regardless of the country in which we practice medicine, we will seek to benefit all of humanity and solve problems. For this reason, I place a high value on the culture of collaboration and the rise of this form of activity among young people. I will concentrate particularly on this.”

I WANT TO BE A GENERAL SURGEON

Kocabaş also said, “EMSA hosts congresses every year in various countries to bring medical students together. When I was appointed as the director of medical science at EMSA, I hoped one of these congresses would take place in our country, especially in Izmir. We succeeded in doing so, and we held our congress in Izmir at that time. I can say that this was very positive for both the students and our city, also contributing to the promotion of our country. I am fully aware of my responsibilities, and I believe I will do a good job of representing my country.” Before concluding, Kocabaş also mentioned about her future goals and said, “I will graduate the next year. I want to do everything I can to improve myself and to be rewarded for my efforts by becoming a good doctor. It is too early to make any big statements. My objective is to serve as a good general surgeon and benefit our country and people. I am going to keep working to achieve my objective."