Mokshada Sharma - Regional Director for Asia Pacific Candidature

MOKSHADA SHARMA Candidature for

Regional Director for Asia Paciď€ c 2017-2018 Medical Students Associa on of India

Dear Asia-Pacic family, My IFMSA journey started when I was in my 4th year of medical school, when MSAI-India was recuperating from the wounds of the AM 2012 and trying to setup a founding team. I bumped into an MSAI member at a LGBTQ Pride Parade who believed it was a good idea for me to join her Rights and Peace Team. In hopes of nding like minded activists, I decided to join MSAI-India and even though I was well into the latter half of my 6 years of medical school, I was convinced it wasn’t too late to start working in a student organization. I volunteered in SCORA, SCORP and SCOPH events until I was handed over the responsibility to make SCOPE active as National Exchange Ofcer in March 2015. Six months later, India became Candidate members at the AM 2015 (Macedonia). At my rst GA, experience at MM 2016 (Malta), SCOPE India was declared ofcially active.

However, sitting in the plenary as head of delegation, I couldn’t fathom the extent to which this federation could make a difference to the world.

Coming from a culture where the opinions of the youth are not considered relevant in decision making processes, I wondered if I t in this world where medical students were convinced they could initiate change? It seemed too far fetched to be true. However, It was in the APRM that I learned that I wasn’t alone. A lot of students in the Asia-Pacic region were questioning if it was worth risking our academic security, which always takes a front seat in our region.

The APRM made me realize that the concept of global health and leadership may be new to us but we should never use our youth as an excuse to be apathetic or passive.

As Malala Yousafzai said, “I used to think I had to wait to be an adult to lead. But I’ve learned that even a child’s voice can be heard around the world.” Our small contribution to the cause of global health in form of policies and opinions can cascade into a humongous change on a global scale. Despite our inexperience or diversities in race, religion or culture, we seemed united in our high hopes for the region. And this was the driving force I needed.

As India became full member at AM2016 (Mexico) and we learned and progressed from one GA to another, I found great satisfaction in working for my NMO and our region. I was lucky to have been given the responsibility and opportunity by the current and previous Regional Teams and Regional Directors to serve the region in small ways such as Secretary of the APRM Plenary, Support Person for the Regional Sessions in two GAs, IFMSA delegate to the WHO SEARO meet 2016 and multiple SWGs. My NMO opened a world to me that helped me realise and utilise my skills in not just the Exchanges system but also within the Executive Board as Vice-President Activities. My calibre was put to test in various spheres of administration and I was entrusted to organize the NGA 2016 which witnessed the highest attendance from less than a 50 delegates in 2015 to over 420 delegates in 2016.

This helped me demonstrate my organisational, fundraising and marketing skills.

I have been privileged to have the opportunity to represent my NMO at multiple meets over the years where I have met people from my beloved region who are now family.

Having worked in all standing committees within my NMO and getting trained at 1

MOTIVATION LETTER worked in all standing committees within my NMO and getting trained at international meets and bringing back and sharing everything I've learnt, has helped me realised the importance of the snowball effect and the capacity building efforts within our Region and the Federation. I do believe that every member who is motivated to serve the Region, irrespective of their prior experience must be given an opportunity to serve the region, learn and progress. This is a big reason why my plan of action focusses on ‘Member Involvement’.

As a 23-year-old medical student, when I attempt to comprehend the complex issues the world is facing or the Federation is discussing, sometimes, it can be overwhelming to digest all the new information. But with the rapid development and the emergence of IFMSA in our region as an international platform for youth dialogue and exchange, our roles become more and more fullling. As the youth, we have to learn to embrace the responsibilities of being the future, while not forgetting to start being the leaders of today.

It is my desire to see every member of this region aspire to be all that they can be.

In the attempt to tap into the magnicent potential of the Asia-Pacic region, I humbly ask for the opportunity to serve our region as the Regional Director and in some way, reciprocate the love the region has shown me in the past 3 years. I am condent that I have the experience, knowledge, capabilities, skills, faith and motivation to achieve the dream we all have for our Asia-Pacic region, together.

Mokshada Sharma

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The Asia Pacic Region has, in the past few terms, shown exponential growth and improvement in terms of participation and contribution. The momentum that we have gained should be carried forward into the next term and so, I would like to take forth from our previous RD’s achievements & progress and also work on issues that I think require special attention.

My Plan of Action is divided into 6 crucial areas:

1 23456 Regional Team

NMO support & recruitment

Internal Administration

Communication

Member involvement & engagement

Finances

Capacity Building and IFMSA programs

External Representation

APRM and other meetings

As Team of Ofcials

1. Internal Administration (A) Regional Team Handovers: To ensure constructive and detailed pass on of information and experience from the one team to the succeding one , I would facilitate individual OLMs between counterparts and a face to face meet at the Japan APRM in September. I consider the handover period not just as a specic month of exchange of information but a continuous learning process over the term where the previous RA/RD could be approached for advice in cases of tricky situations.

Strategy of the new term: Not everything can be achieved within one term and as IFMSA may also adopt a Strategy 2017-2020, i believe the region must also have a Strategy 2017-2020 to give direction to our regional goals.

Structure: The current structure (GA, DA internal, DA External, and RAs for every Standing Committee (6), RACB (1)) is a well thought out structure that encompasses every duty of the Regional team, However, I would like to add PR and Communication as the main duty for the DA internal and Fundraising and Collaborations as the principal duty of the DA External.

The Annual Working Plan of every Regional Team member will be accessible to the NMO Presidents and the General Members at all times for better understanding of the progress of the Regional Team.

Division of duties: In the present RT structure, the Standing Committee Regional Assistants are performing duties related to both their SCs and their region. I believe that for better efciency and to avoid burn out we must not be burden them with regional work (apart from their SC) as it is not their area of expertise. These duties need to be re-distributed amongst the other assistants and their roles must be specied within the IOGs. Accountability: One EXCEL document for the entire Region showing the tentative plan of the Regional Team with deadlines and links to application forms, manuals, documents and calls. This will be a one stop information provider to anyone who wishes to see what is going on within the region and opportunities of external representation. NMOs can highlight their events within this calendar and every member of the region can view this one document to be reminded about deadlines and other events. NMOs can be informed of National events in other NMOs and collaborate with one another to convert them into regional events. This will be updated at least monthly by the concerned Assistant or RD. This will help keep up with the Assistants POA and his/her related work.

(B) NMO Support and recruitment New NMO recruitment and recruitment of lost members: Asia Pacic comprises of 31 countries out of which only 17 are represented by 18 NMOs in IFMSA. Our Asia Pacic family has also unfortunately lost out on some members in the past few years. Our Regional team along with the Vice President Members must extend support to these NMOs to facilitate their application to regain membership within our federation and prevent the loss of memberships in the future.

It is time that we actively try to recruit student organizations from unrepresented countries instead of waiting for them to approach us as most of them do not know we exist and also do not realize the potential and the opportunities we can provide to their members. Increasing our strength in numbers will ensure for complete representation of our region within the federation.

Smooth Transitioning of new NMOs into valuable contributing members of the Organization: After becoming a part of this organization, a lot of NMOs continue to struggle with minute issues that can be tackled with proper guidance and communication.. IFMSA is an unfamiliar world for anyone who is newly introduced to it. An experienced NMO can team up with the new NMO and this NMO buddy from within the region can be approached for advice on smaller internal issues that may seem too minute to involve the Regional team. This includes help in activation of inactive Standing Committees in NMOs along with the concerned RA..

Visa Support to NMOs: Some Asia Pacic NMOs have unfortunately been on the receiving end of visa rejections which prevents them from being part of our GAs. Visa rejections have plagued the Federation however I believe the Regional Team can do its little bit by providing Support Letters and looking for sponsors who take responsibility for these NMO delegations in host countries along with the OC. Regional cooperation is key to also help obtain visas for NMOs who don’t have Embassies within their countries.

(C) Communication Before the start of our terms, a detailed survey on the working of the RT will be sent out to NMO Presidents to assess the needs of the region. Based on the inputs from the survey, the plan of action will be revised to better suit the needs of the region.

Between RD and NMO Presidents: Scheduled periodic OLM meets with all presidents for updates and idea sharing. The frequency of these OLMs can be decided by the NMO before the start of the new term. Involving

other NMO EB members (after approval of NMO president) can be a good idea to learn from one another. Individual one on one OLMs can be held to discuss sensitive internal and external matters related to the NMO if requested.

I would also like to continue grouping NMOs for the OLMs based on time zones as set in motion by the previous RT. Between RDs and RAs: Monthly OLMs between the Regional Team is necessary for smooth planning and execution of our proposals. Minutes of all the meetings of the Region will be available within 2 weeks for NMO Presidents, to maintain transparency.

Between Regional Team and General Members: Ÿ Webinars to promote involvement, engagement and capacity building of our members can be organized on a regular basis. Ÿ The Asia Pacic server must be publicized to all members in every NMO to keep every member in the loop regarding opportunities IFMSA or the Region can provide. We must capitalize on our Facebook page to dissipate information amongst members. Ÿ NGA sessions- The Regional team can support and have an active participation in NGAs of the NMOs. If possible, they can attend NGAs for capacity building of the NMOs members directly if requested by the NMO, provide support letters and have some involvement in the agenda making of Sessions and training programs. Ÿ Manuals on how to provide NGA sessions can be made specically for the region or we can adopt Standing Committees manuals and dissipate them amongst the NOs during NGAs. Amongst Members: Asia Pacic ranks the highest in terms of usage of Social Media with an exponential growth of internet users by 15% in 2017 over 2016. Even though we have an Asia Pacic Facebook group, we have managed to get only 2000 members over the past 4 years In comparison to other posts, a post about the mascots of the Thailand APRM received a greater response, which pushes us to believe that informal communication has wide outreach within Asia Pacic Region.

We need to rethink our social media strategy, in collaboration with the VPPRC, and tweak the way we spread information within the region- on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or even Snapchat. A little understanding of social media habits within the region will go a long way to reach out to all our members and keep them engaged.

(D) Member involvement & engagement Asia Pacic Think Tank: The AP Think Tank will be an informal open space for members of the region who would like to contribute to the success of the region. It will be a platform for general members of NMOs and alumni to come together for innovation, research, collaborations, conferences, multinational or regional activities, training programmes or even start ups. Forum for general members to have direct access to members around the region for collaborations , conferences, start ups or even just informal promotion for their events. Members could point out loopholes and untackled problems within the Region and take up the initiative themselves to brainstorm for ideas and come up with solutions. This will be implemented after the approval of NMO presidents in the APRM or GAs (Regional Sessions) Small Working Groups and Regional Taskforces: Our current selection process for SWGs is too strict to allow new members to participate in Regional matters. SWGs allows informal training, where you can learn from your peers and also give input and provide diverse range of outcomes. Not only will we be able to achieve more if we make our selection process lenient, but also encourage new members to show interest in IFMSA matters.

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Allow members to start SWGs on regional matters that need attention after approval from the Regional Team - We have seen a large number of members who do not hold positions within the RT show interest in contributing to the success and progress of the region. We will be achieving a lot more within one term if we allow initiatives from members within the region.

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IOGs (Internal Operating Guidelines) - I believe the IOGs bring a lot of stability and accountability to the region and must be standardized and this SWG/Taskforce must be started again with representatives from all NMOs of the Region and the outcomes be accepted at the APRMs.

Alumni: As IFMSA is already introducing regulations regarding Alumni, maintaining a regional database is achievable. Our alumni can attend the APRMs, provide guidance and experience and some day in the future be resource persons for the federation.

2. Finances Our NMOs and Regional Events have most often been concerned with nancial management. Most students within the Region have to solely, individually fund expensive trips to contribute to the federation with little or no help. Our APRMs have also met similar fates within NMOs who are under tremendous pressure to provide sustainable Meets or going into severe losses because of holding a meet.

IFMSA has continuously tried to provide the region with TAFs and other nancial assistance when needed however we cannot always drain the Federation’s treasury without also making our contributions to add to the treasury’s resources. Also nding long term sponsors for our Region’s NMOs must be a focus of the Regional Team. Keeping this in mind, I have formulated a plan that helps make our Region a major contributor to the Federation’s and NMO’s nances.

Approaching NGOs who tackle region specic issues Ÿ Approaching Asia specic intergovernmental organizations whose vision and missions align with ours. Ÿ NMO efforts: IFMSA has greater credibility than most Ÿ

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of our NMOs and in my experience, Externals show greater interest in being sponsors to the Federation, rather than our NMOs. Connecting local and national sponsors to the VPF will in a small but signicant way pave the way for larger sponsorships.

Commonwealth Funds: 18 out of 52 countries of the Commonwealth reside in the Asia Pacic Region.

This makes a large number of NMOs eligible to apply for Commonwealth targeted scholarships and funding.

Connecting ministries we meet at external events to their respective NMOs can atleast result in recognition of NMOs if not nancial aid.

Provide Support Letters from Regional Teams to NMOs to look for fundings for their respective NMOs Create a Manual on Region specic Fundraising strategies for NMOs which follows IFMSA regulations targeting Universities, Ministries, Intergovernmental Organizations and Non Governmental Organizations.

3. Capacity Building & IFMSA Programs In IFMSA we believe that capacity building allows us to empower our members and nd innovative ways to let their voices be heard in order to facilitate their roles as agents of change at the local and international level.

Our region cannot provide meaningful participation without strengthening our workforce which can only be done by trainings.

Sub regional trainings: Not every general member makes it to GAs to get trained, Sub regional Trainings must be supported and promoted extensively within the NMOs. We must also bring in trainers from other regions for diversity of opinions and ideas.

NGA trainings: NMO members who don’t have any idea about IFMSA can be trained in their elds by Regional Assistants of that Standing committee if invited to their NMO’s NGAs. If physical training isn’t possible, help in providing manuals and making agendas can always be provided by the Regional team.

Pre GA trainings: Promote the selection of Asia Pacic members in preGA trainings.

Pre APRM trainings - The pre-APRM has the best opportunity to empower our region’s members.

However, many doubt the quality of preAPRM sessions in comparison to preGA sessions. Working with the VPCB to assess the quality of sessions and making sure only quality sessions are selected will eliminate this problem.

Online Trainings: Webinars and Online trainings (like the PHLT Public Health and Leadership Training) for all standing committees can be undertaken. Promoting existing IFMSA video content for Understanding plenaries, Programs, Strategy 2017-2020, etc.

IFMSA Programs: The VPA and PCs along with the Regional Team, must extensively promote IFMSA Programs. The process of activity registration must be spread to all the NMOs of the regions so that they can avail the benets IFMSA Programs has to offer.

Regional Assistants can have sessions on how to ll evaluation forms and assess the impact of projects so that Activity coordinators understand what is expected of them when they register activities. Ÿ Create a checklist for activity registration and promote the RAs to encourage NOs to register their events. Ÿ Activity fairs at the APRM must promote best done activities of the Region and allow presentations of only those activities that are being registered with IFMSA, reminding every coordinator to register their events with IFMSA before the APRM Ÿ Supporting Regional Endeavours and Activities must also be at the forefront of the Regional Team’s duties. Financial support for activities may seem like a distant dream, however we need to prepare for that day by starting NOW. Ÿ

Collaborations: With other organizations in the region that could train at the APRM

4. External Representation The scope of External Representation hasn’t been utilized to its maximum potential within our region. The MM 2017 session on ‘what the Region wants from its team’ showed ‘Lack of Regional opportunities’ as a top runner. During this term I would like to pay extra attention to obtaining opportunities for our Region Ÿ

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Policy statements and Position Papers for our region to portray the opinion of the Federation as well as that of the region.

Along with the LO-WHO, seek for internship opportunities in the SEARO and WPRO Ofce Send motivated delegations to the WHO Regional Meets with a purpose and have means to assess and document the outcomes of the Meets.

Follow up with Contact Persons after the meet.

Connecting Ministries we meet at external events to their NMO Presidents for NMO strengthening Actively seek other internship opportunities in UN Agency ofces in the Region and other NGOs

Other Student Organizations Our collaborations with other student organizations help achieve our vision of a world in which Medical Students UNITE for global health.

Some of our NMOs are also representatives to other Student Organizations. The ones who are already within the IFMSA family, must be treated as our own and the Regional team will try to incorporate the structure of these NMOs to best suit IFMSA. A Manual can be made along with the LOSO to ease their participation within IFMSA so that they continue to be an independent organization and also are able to participate and utilize the opportunities IFMSA has for its members.

The Regional Team can also facilitate MOUs between other student organizations forwarding the interests of IFMSA and its outreach only after the NMOs approval

Regarding the memberships of other Student organizations within the Federation which frequently comecomes up in our discussions, we are all bound by the IFMSA Bylaws and Regulations which state in Section 2.11 “ Only one full member shall represent a

state in IFMSA” unless decided otherwise by the Federation.

5. APRMs and other Regional Meets The APRM is the true essence of our region. It is the perfect platform for the Asia Pacic NMOs to come together to brainstorm issues within the region and have tangible and more fruitful outcomes. Ÿ

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The APRM OC once elected must be put in touch with the previous APRM OC for advice and recommendations. We can learn from our mistakes instead of repeating them.

We, as a region must consider giving a seed fund in the form of a regional sponsor that is brought in by the RD and the Regional Team. The Regional Team has better chances of gaining the trust of an External rather than an OC that may or may not have prior experience in organizing an International Event.

The agenda of the Meet must be well planned out according to the needs of the members, also keeping in mind the priorities of the RT and the NMO Presidents. Standing committee Sessions must be innovative, productive and high quality to promote the attendance of national ofcers at APRMs. The Regional Team must provide continuous support to the OC during the arrangements of the APRM and during the APRM. The APRM must be kept open to potential Externals and new NMOs who can be observers, with a

planned approach on who, how and when to invite. Ÿ President sessions must be concise and to the point and time efcient for which previous planning is absolutely essential. Ÿ Minutes of the entire Meeting must be nalized and shared with the NMO Presidents within a week of the Meet.

Regional Sessions in GAs The GAs are events where bigger decisions of the Federation are taken. As we do not see much input or participation from our region, Regional sessions can be used to inculcate a sense of belonging amongst the members. Summaries of the issues that are being voted upon and region related issues can be discussed. Sessions by EB and TO members who may not be able to make it to the APRM will cover topics like External Representation, Student Organization Relations, WHO opportunities, etc.

6. Team of Ofcials Duties As a representative of the Asia Pacic Region to the IFMSA EB and TO, I will work with my fellow Ofcials to put forth the collective opinions of the people in matters concerning the betterment of our Region as well as the Federation. Coordination with the rest of the TO and EB is of utmost importance to perfectly execute the plans in my POA. The opinion of the EB and TO will be required for the Regional Strategic Plan

that we would like to adopt in the coming years and none of those goals can be achieved without meaningful collaboration and teamwork. Together, we can hit the ground running and help the Asia Pacic Region exceed its own expectations for success.

EDUCATION Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Terna Medical College Sathaye College Hiranandani Foundation School

MBBS Higher Secondary Certicate Secondary School Certicate

2011-present 2009-2011 1996-2009

POSITIONS HELD Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Vice President Activities Registration of activities from all standing committees into IFMSA Programs.

Taskforce on International Team Structure NMO Representative SCOPE Advisory Committee member SCOPE Advisor Chairperson OC, National General Assembly, MSAI-India, Mumbai APRM 2016, Thailand Founding National Exchange Ofcer, 2015-16 Chief Editor yearly MSAI Magazine (Vani) Chief Editor quarterly MSAI Newsletter(Fenestra) Editor MSAI Scintilla Magazine Contact Person, Mumbai

2016-17 2016-17 2017-18 2016-17 2016 2015-16 2015-16 2015 2016-2018

EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION World Health Organization South East Asian Regional Ofce 69th Regional Meeting: Member, IFMSA delegation Ÿ UNESCO HAIFA Bioethics Meet, MSAI-India Delegating: Pune Ÿ

2016 2016

MEETINGS Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

65th General Assembly March Meeting 2016 - St. Paul’s Bay, Malta: Head of the Delegation 12th Asia Pacic Regional Meet 2016 - Bangkok, Thailand: Head of Delegation and APRM Plenary Secretary 66th General Assembly March Meeting 2017 - Budva, Montenegro: Support Person, Asia-Pacic regional sessions

Organizer NEO-NORE Weekend, Mumbai MSAI EB TO Meeting, Mumbai EB TO Meeting Ahmedabad MSAI India National General Assembly, New Delhi - Chairperson of Organizing Committee - Chair of NGA Plenary sessions - Social Programme Coordinator - SCOPE sessions coordinator and trainer Ÿ Activities Fair - Menstrual Hygiene and Sanitation Drive Ÿ Organizer NEO-NORE Weekend Mumbai Ÿ National General Assembly Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

June 2017 June 2017 August 2016 May 2016

March 2016 September 2016 August 2015

CAPACITY BUILDING Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Trainee Pre-GA President’s Sessions Trainee Pre-APRM Global Health within Exchanges Organizer, Asia Safe Abortion Partnership training Trainer, Global Health in Exchanges Trainer, Leadership and Administrative Training Induction session of members in Gujarat state Activation of SCORE in Sumandeep University Activation of SCOPE-Local Committee at Sumandeep University Vadodara Activation of SCOPE-Local Committee at JNMC Belgaum National Membership and Induction drive - 460 members

MM2016 Malta APRM2016 Thailand May 2017 September 2016 May 2016 June 2016 April 2016 February 2016 January 2016 since 2015

EXCHANGES Ÿ Ÿ

Dermatology Exchange in St. Josef’s Hospital, Bochum, Germany Microbiology, Paediatrics, Genetics in Jacob’s University and University of Bremen

February 2017 July to September 2014

RELEVANT SMALL WORKING GROUPS (SWGs) Ÿ

IFMSA Facilitator PartIcipant

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SWG on Asia Pacic Regional Position Paper on ‘Working Condition of Medical Workers and Students in Asia-Pacic and the world’ SWG on Internal Operating Guidelines (IOG) for Asia Pacic region SWG on Exchanges in Multiple departments SWG on How to motivate Dinos SWG on Exchanges Promotional Manual SWG on President’s Handover Manual APRM 2016, Thailand

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National Facilitator

PartIcipant

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SWG on SCOPE Point Based System for Selection of Outgoing Students SWG on SCOPE Internal Operating Guidelines SWG on Finances and Fundraising for Exchanges SWG on SCOPE Point Based System for Selection of Outgoing Students SWG on MSAI Research Guidelines and Recognition SWG on MSAI Internal operating Regulations

RESEARCH AND PRESENTATIONS Ÿ Ÿ

Electronic Medical Records and Social Media Disease trends - Symposium Transgenders and their unfullled medical needs- Research and Symposium 1st Place National (All India) , 2nd Place State (Maharashtra)

2016 2015

OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Plexus MD App Management Intern Erobern Events College Ambassador Erobern Events Editor and Blogger Student Council Cultural Head Student Council Sports Head Organizing Committee - Sports Head and Anchoring Head Synapse Terna Medical College - Magazine Chief Editor

2016 2015-16 2015 2015 2014 2013 2013

HOBBIES Swimming, Blogging, Reading, Playing the harmonium, tanpura and the ute, Singing

SKILLS Procient IT skills with a strong background in Java, C++, Windows, Microsoft Ofce and Google’s features

LANGUAGES Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

English: Hindi: Marwari: Marathi: French: German:

Procient Native Fluent Procient Beginner Beginner

MOKSHADA SHARMA Phone number: +91 90290 24369 Email address: mokshada_sharma001@hotmail.com Skype: mokshada_sharma001@hotmail.com Home address: Dharamraj Bungalow, Padmavati Devi Road, IIT market, Powai, Mumbai, 400076

Candidature for

Regional Director for Asia Paciď€ c 2017-2018 Medical Students Associa on of India