Swiss Medical Students' National Journal | Edition 19

Edition 19 November 2021

SWISS MEDICAL STUDENTS’ NATIONAL JOURNAL

LE JOURNAL DE LA SWIMSA Integrative and Complementary Medicine Focus | Integrative and Complementary medicine

Learn about this highly relevant topic and let yourself be surprised by reading an interview with a complementary medicine phy­ sician. Moreover, read about this semester's SMSC in Lausanne.

swimsa family | Updates from our members

International | all around the world

Marvel at the diverse projects run by motivated students and find out how getting involved can eventually lead you to Wes­ tern Africa.

Plunge into the world of inter­ national meetings and organi­ sations by reading reports of students who attended these meetings and were inspired by the people they met.

IMPRESSUM

CONTENU/ INHALT

Head of Journal

Benedikt Reuthebuch | Vice-President for Communication 2021 - 2022

Publisher Swiss Medical Students’ Association swimsa 3011 Bern www.swimsa.ch

Print & Production Onlineprinters | www.onlineprinters.ch

Circulation 2500

Contacts General | contact@swimsa.ch Publications | vpc@swimsa.ch

Front side pictures SMSC Lausanne 2021

© Portions of the NJSMS may be reproduced for non-political and non-profit purposes mentioning the source provided.

Notice | swimsa cannot accept any liability. The opi­ nions expressed in this journal are those of the au­ thors and do not necessarily reflect the views of swimsa. Some of the photos and graphics used in articles are property of the authors. We have taken every consideration not to violate their rights.

AGENDA December 4, 2021 AK/CoFo meeting April 8-10, 2022 SMSC in Lugano May 14-15, 2022 DV/AD in Basel

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What is swimsa ? 3 Letter from the Executive Board 4 The swimsa Executive Board 5 The swimsa Internals 6

Focus: Complementary&Integrative Medicine 12 Complementary Medicine why we need to know it 13

SMSC Lausanne 2021 14

SMSC Lugano 2022 15

9 questions to a complementary physician 16

How has the COVID-19 pandemic evolved? 20

Let’s talk about:

Complementary medicine and you 22 Education 26

Hey, do you know PROFILES? 27

AK/CoFO: (ex)change medical education 28

Exchanges 30

SCORE Exchange in Zurich 31

Exchanges weekend 2021 32

Exchange the world 34

To Lebanon with SCOPE 36

Why I chose to ride my bike to Denmark 38 International 42

71st Session of WHO

Europe regional commitee 43

IFMSA GA AM21 in Panama and online 44

The CoPHR 45

EuRegMe 21 46

News from the swimsa family 50 How to get involved 51

Commission on Sexual Health 54 Marrow - Be A Match, Save A Life 55

M.E.T.I.S. x Africa Smile au Togo 56

Young Sonographers 59

Where to turn to? 60 swimsa’s projects 62

swimsa in pictures 66

WHAT IS SWIMSA?

The Swiss Medical Students’ Association (swimsa) commits itself to creating a sustainable, healthy society and motivates medical students through innovative engagement to become better doctors. swimsa is the voice of over 9’000 medical students by the membership of ten medical students’ as­ sociations, represented on a national level via seats in health organizations such as the FMH and the BAG/ OFSP, as well as on an international level as part of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA).

With currently 20 associated projects, swimsa helps to shape public health – by teaching sex educa­ tion in highschools, destigmatizing mental health or working in developing countries. Additionally, swimsa enables students to complete international exchanges in clinical as well as in research fields.

With the Commission on Medical Education, swimsa plays an active role in shaping medical educati­ on in Switzerland and is aspiring to be the link between education and work, students and professi­ onals, across all fields of health care.

Twice a year, swimsa organizes the Swiss Medical Students’ Convention (SMSC), which brings to­ gether over 400 Swiss medical students from all universities and allows them to network and bond over interesting subjects.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

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LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD Salut à tout le monde, liebe Leser:innen, cari/e studenti/esse With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, we have done what humans do best: adapted to a new reality. Step by step, the world is reawakening and reintroducing pre-pandemic customs, sometimes with major improvements necessary. The pandemic, albeit horrendous in all ways, has driven us to be more flexible.

It is now that we notice the effects the pandemic has had on medical students starting their universi­ ty career last year. They have missed out on the possibility of making new friends, exchanging ideas, learning of ways to become active next to their studies and just partying, celebrating newfound independence that comes with starting university. But: It is a pity, but it's just one year! Your studies are filled with five more years where you can learn, enjoy your university time, party and make your voice heard.

Improvements in life are made by driven, fearless people. Thanks to medical students’ voices in the past year, the FMH has adapted a strategy on Planetary Health, the deans of medical universities have been made aware of the effects the pandemic has had on their studies and how COVID-19 has influenced those finishing their studies and preparing for the Federal Licencing Exams. But there is much more to be done and we need fresh voices. On page 52, you can read how you can become more active. Join our amazing team and use your university years wisely.

I cannot believe my medical school journey is almost over. In the end, six years are very short and barely enough to do all you want to accomplish before real life kicks in. I am thankful for all the indi­ viduals willing to accompany me in the upcoming year, especially the fellow EB members, National Officers and Internals, whose faces you can see on the following pages.

Enjoy the journal, enjoy the semester and hopefully see you soon!

Kate Gurevich, in the name of the Executive Board

Follow us on social media

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Instagram

OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD The President is the heart of the executive board, coordinates swimsa internally and represents swimsa to the external partners.

Communication Benedikt Reuthebuch| Basel

vpc@swimsa.ch

Adnan Kareem | Zurich

gs@swimsa.ch

The VPA is the head of the Commission on Medical Education [AK/CoFo], which discusses topics related to medical education, decides on measures and writes swimsa’s official statements.

Internal Affairs Pascale Meyer | Bern

vpi@swimsa.ch

Kate Gurevich | Bern

president@swimsa.ch

The VPC is in charge of swimsa’s representation on social media, the website, the newsletter (swimsagram) and the swimsa journal.

The VPX is the head of the Exchanges Team within swimsa and represents swimsa Exchanges on an international level within the IFMSA.

General Secretary

President

Exchanges Nadja Morello | Zurich

vpx@swimsa.ch

The General Secretary is the backbone of swimsa, the first contact person on any swimsa question and in charge of administrative tasks.

Education Matias Jacomet | Zurich

vpa@swimsa.ch

The VPI has an open ear for the members of swimsa, be it local committee or project, and supports them in their needs.

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The VPE represents swimsa towards our external partners and sponsors, and is in charge of networking.

Treasurer Rémy Frieden | Basel

treasurer@swimsa.ch

External Affairs Amedeo Giussani | Lausanne

vpe@swimsa.ch

The Treasurer manages swimsa’s finances, and is in charge of the swimsa Fonds, from which members can receive money in order to accom­ plish their vision!

The VPG connects swimsa to the IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations) and is responsible for Capacity Building.

Global Affairs Rahel Laager | Basel

vpg@swimsa.ch

THE SWIMSA INTERNALS Thank you all for your amazing work!

Yannick Turdo and Stephanie Hauser SVC svc@swimsa.ch

Larissa Graf and Sven Blankschön Auditors

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Supervising Council The SVC oversees the work of the executive board and makes sure the bylaws are being adhered to.

Auditors Our auditors check bookkeeping of swimsa.

the

National Officers Aline Pinto Monteiro NEO-In neo.in@swimsa.ch

National Exchange Officer for Outgoings The NEO-Out coordinates all international clinical exchanges for Swiss medical students.

Emilie Luinda Kabasa NORA nora@swimsa.ch

National Officer on Research Exchange The NORE is responsible for the research exchange in Switzerland and coordinates the exchanges of Incomings and Outgoings.

Gaia Grigorov NPO npo@swimsa.ch

National Officer on Human Rights and Peace The NORP represents swimsa, its projects and commitments in the area of Human Rights and Peace on a national and international level.

Valeria Scheiwiller NOCB nocb@swimsa.ch

National Exchange Officer for Incomings The NEO-In checks the applications of international students who want to do a professional exchange in Switzerland and distributes them to the local committees.

Alexandra Migga NEO-Out neo.out@swimsa.ch

National Officer on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV & AIDS The NORA connects projects and members within swimsa working on Sexual Health with each other and with empowering international opportunities in this field.

Zuen Phai Nghiem NORE nore@swimsa.ch

National Public Health Officer The NPO represents swimsa, its projects and commitments in the area of Public Health on a national and international level.

Nico Friedrich NORP norp@swimsa.ch

National Officer on Capacity Building The Capacity Building Coordinator is responsible for the training activities swimsa provides to its internals and members and represents the link in this area to the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA).

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Liaison Officers Morgan Hetemi LO-FMH fmh@swimsa.ch

Sixtine Bonart LO-BAG bag@swimsa.ch

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Liasion Officer FMH The FMH is the association of swiss doctors, which gathers representatives of cantons and all medical specialties. The LO-FMH attends the “Ärztekammer”/”Chambre médicale” twice a year and represents swimsa’s views.

Liasion Officer BAG/OFSP The LO-BAG/OFSP represents swimsa’s views and can vote on behalf of swimsa in the plattform “Zukunft ärztliche Bildung/Avenir de la formation médicale”, which collects all stakeholders in medical education four times a year.

Michael Burkhardt LO-vsao vsao@swimsa.ch

Liasion Officer vsao/asmac The LO-vsao/asmac represents swimsa’s views and can vote on behalf of swimsa in the monthly “Geschäftsausschluss/Comité directeur” and the bi-annual “Zentralvorstand/Comité central” in the vsao, which is the organisation representing the “Assistenzärzt:-innen and Oberärzt:innen/ médecins assistant(e)s et chef(fe)s de clinique”.

Rhea Scherer LO-MeBeKo mebeko@swimsa.ch

Liasion Officer MeBeKo The LO-MeBeKo represents swimsa’s views and can vote on behalf of swimsa in the extraparliamentary Commission of the BAG/OFSP, which mainly discusses the recognition of foreign diplomas as well as the federal licensing exam four times a year.

Marc Reynaud LO-VSS/UNES vss@swimsa.ch

Liasion Officer VSS/UNES The VSS is the umbrella association of all Swiss students’ associations. The LO-VSS/UNES represents swimsa’s views and participates in the monthly “Sektionsrat” and the bi-annual delegates assemblies.

Coordinators

Benedict von Allmen Legal Counsel legal@swimsa.ch

Legal Counsel Our Legal Counsel is here to support the EB with legal advice where needed.

Malika Sachdeva COVID-19-Coordinator covid19@swimsa.ch

COVID-19 Coordinator Our COVID-19 Coordinator oversees the work of swimsa’s COVID-19 taskforce and maintains swimsa’s dedicated COVID-19 instagram.

Third State Coordinator drittstaaten.students @swimsa.ch

Third State Coordinator The “Third-State-Coordinator” is responsible for providing invitation letters to non-EU medical students who want to work in Swiss hospitals.

Julia Greuter Mental Health Coordinator mentalhealth@swimsa.ch

Melanie Dussy Planetary Health Coordinator planetaryhealth@swimsa.ch

Mental Health Coordinator The Mental Health Coordinator leads the efforts of swimsa in the area of mental health and works in close collaboration with the NPO.

Planetary Health Coordinator The Planetary Health Coordinator oversees the activities of swimsa in this public health focus area and work in close collaboration with the NPO.

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Exchanges Coordinators

Ana Zimmermann NEO-In Assistant

NEO-In Assistant (neo.in@swimsa.ch) - The NEO-In Assistant supports the NEO-In in coordinating the international students coming to Switzerland for an exchange.

Tinbite Argaw NEO-Out Assistant

NEO-Out Assistant (neo.out@swimsa.ch) - The NEO-Out Assistant supports the NEO-Out in coordinating international clinical exchanges for Swiss medical students.

Ornella Wolff Public Health Exchanges Coordinator

Public Health Exchanges Coordinator (phexchange@swimsa.ch) - The PHexC works together with the VPX to organize Public Health Exchanges in Switzerland.

Céline Ueltschi National Exchanges Treasurer

National Exchanges Treasurer (treasurer.exchanges@swimsa.ch) - The National Exchanges Treasurer manages the finances of Exchanges in collaboration with the VPX.

Tamina Popp National Social Program Coordinator

Devi Boddu Public Relation Exchanges Coordinator

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National Social Program Coordinator (social-program@swimsa.ch) - The NSPC works together with the local Exchanges Teams to plan social events for the incoming students and organizes the national social program in the months of July and August.

Public Relation Exchanges Coordinator (prexchange@swimsa.ch) - PRexC is responsible for the social media content for Exchanges and creates promotional content locally and nationally.

Jetzt mit Medicus durchstarten!

Hast Du dich auch schon gefragt, wie Du nach abgeschlossenem Medizinstudium den passenden Job beim richtigen Arbeit­ geber finden sollst? Medicus unterstützt dich beim Einstieg in die medizinische Ar­ beitswelt!

Die Jobangebote auf Medicus richten sich sowohl an Unterassistent*innen wie auch an Assistenz- und Fachärzt*innen. Die offe­ nen Stellen werden täglich aktualisiert und können einfach nach Fachgebiet, Region und Karrierestufe gefiltert werden. Mithil­ fe von Arbeitgeberbewertungen (Reviews) kannst Du dir frühzeitig ein Bild von Deiner potentiellen zukünftigen Arbeitgeberin machen oder Deine eigenen Erfahrungen mit anderen Unterassistent*innen und ­Ärzt*innen teilen.

Dank Medicus findest Du die Stelle, die am Besten zu Dir passt und die nötige Unters­ tützung für einen reibungslosen Einstieg in Deine medizinische Karriere.

Lance ta carrière sur Medicus !

Tu t'es déjà demandé·e comment trouver le bon emploi avec le bon employeur après avoir terminé tes études de médecine ? Medicus t'accompagne dans ton entrée dans le monde du travail médical !

Les offres d'emploi s'adressent aux médecins stagiaires ainsi qu'aux médecins assistant·es et spécialistes. De nouvelles annonces sont régulièrement placées sur le site et peuvent également être filtrées par domaine et par région souhaités.

Grâce aux évaluations partagées, vous pouvez vous faire une idée de votre futur employeur potentiel ou partager vos propres expérience avec d'autres (futur·e·s) méde­ cins.

Avec Medicus, tu trouveras le poste qui te convient le mieux et le soutien dont tu as besoin pour un démarrage en douceur de ta carrière médicale.

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FOCUS: SEXUAL HEALTH COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Komplementärmedizin - das sind doch nur Pflänzchen, Globuli und Räucherstäbchen, oder?

La médecine complémentaire - ce sont les herbes, les glo­ bules et les bâtonnet d’encens, non ?

Natürlich nicht - Komplementärmedizin umfasst ein deut­ lich breiteres Feld mit zahllosen Behandlungsmethoden und ist es wert, das Thema einer SMSC gewesen zu sein.

Doch warum wird die Komplementärmedizin dann in den Augen vieler immer noch stiefmütterlich behandelt?

Bien sûr que non - la médecine complémentaire couvre une domaine beaucoup plus large avec d’innombrables méthodes de traitement et mérite d’avoir été le sujet d’une SMSC. Mais pourquoi alors la médecine complémentaire est-elle encore négligée aux yeux de beaucoup gens ?

Fakt ist: Das Schweizer Stimmvolk hat sich 2009 klar für die Komplementärmedizin ausgesprochen. Ausserdem beste­ ht eine entsprechende Nachfrage nach komplementärme­ dizinischen Behandlungen.

Auf den nächsten Seiten findest du weitere Informationen zu diesem Thema und zur SMSC sowie die Meinungen ­mehrerer Studierenden betreffend dieses Fachs.

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Le fait est que l’électorat suisse a clairement voté en faveur de la médecine complémentaire en 2009. En outre, il existe une demande correspondante pour les traitements de mé­ decine complémentaire.

Dans les pages suivantes, vous trouverez plus d’informa­ tions sur ce sujet et sur le SMSC, ainsi que l’opinion de plu­ sieurs étudiants sur ce domaine.

focus: Complementary and Integrative medicine

COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE: WHY WE NEED TO KNOW IT Text: Benedikt Reuthebuch | Vice-President for Communication We are in the end of the 1940s in America when the term “Alternative Medicine” is initially brought up. Derived from a broad variety of traditional methods of treatment and boosted by the cultural revolutions of the 1960s and 1970s, it takes until the 1980s for the concept to firstly be introduced in the Central European area. At this point, another word enters the game: Complementary Medicine. This new term underlines the efforts of no longer deeming this part of the medical field as a different way to treat diseases, but to add a substantial value to the existing principles of academic medicine. With the structures of academic medicine steadily undergoing a process of rethinking in the late 1980s, Complementary Medicine strikes up to gain popularity.

Since then, our health system has been undergoing many changes. Regarding the topic of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, one of the most crucial events in Switzerland took place in 2009 when the Swiss citizens voted for an enhanced consideration of Complementary Medicine in the health insurance system. An impressive two-third majority voted in favor of these changes. In the time since, the demands of the initiative were put into action one after the other.

Some of them mainly affect doctors, like the revision of the Medizinalberufegesetz MedBG/ Loi sur les professions médicales universitaires (LPMéd) where Complementary Medicine was

taken into account. Other innovations concern the broad population as by decision of the Federal Council, Complementary Medicine performed by medical doctors belongs to the services of the basic health insurance. Moreover, some of these changes even touch us medical students: the new set of learning objectives for medical studies, PROFILES, adds complementary medicine to our curriculum for the first time.

Demand for complementary medicine is high.

According to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), almost 30% of the population claimed to have used complementary medicine in the past twelve months in 2017. In addition, more than 50% of physicians consider complementary medicine a feasible treatment as soon as the approaches of academic medicine fail to succeed.

Complementary medicine is no longer a peripheral matter and should therefore not be treated as such. Let’s make sure we do not forget about this when one day we find ourselves racking our brains on how to make the treatment of our patients even better!

References: • •

•

Schweizerische Ärztezeitung: https://saez.ch/ar­ ticle/doi/saez.2019.17949 Federal Office of Public Health: https://www.bfs. admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/kataloge-da­ tenbanken/tabellen.assetdetail.7586143.html Rütte J: Kurzexpertise: http://www.dakomed.ch/ app/download/11866446427/Kurzexpertise_R_ Jütte.pdf

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focus: Complementary and integrative medicine

SMSC LAUSANNE: INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE Text: Ariane Pauli | University of Lausanne Let’s face it: medical studies in Switzerland are largely theory-based. We learn about all sorts of receptors, biological and disordered physiological mechanisms; and their clinical implementation, well especially in our first years of studies, is treated as a side topic.

This is why events and congresses like the SMSC are important, to encourage and show students that there is more to our education than the regular university curriculum. And this October we finally had the opportunity to meet up in person again, to get to know and connect with students all around Switzerland and learn about an interesting medical topic.

Integrative and Complementary medicine is a controversial subject. The WHO underlines the importance of traditional and complementary medicine as a health resource for many applications, especially in the prevention and management of lifestyle-related chronic diseases, and in meeting the health needs of aging populations.1 Nevertheless, during my medical studies I often got the impression that non-conventional medicine and treatment plans are not taken seriously, but being smiled upon.

During the SMSC in Lausanne I was positively surprised to see how many students were open to a discussion, and while not everybody will offer integrative and complementary medicine in their future practice, we should all be aware of this topic and know how to address it if a patient brings it up.

The SMSC in Lausanne gave us an insight and allowed for exchange with physicians who use techniques such as hypnosis, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the implementation of these medicines in pediatrics.

During a workshop about phytotherapy, I learned that in Switzerland the market of complementary and herbal medical drugs is regulated and checked for quality, safety and harmlessness

by Swissmedic2. Another workshop about the power of nutrition, offered by the Physicians Association for Nutrition Switzerland3, showed scientific evidence to what extent nutrition impacts our health and our planet.

A big shoutout to the local SMSC committee in Lausanne for organizing this amazing event, to swimsa for offering the platform and means to carrying it out and last but not least to all the speakers and attendees.

Hope to see you in spring 2022 in Lugano!

WHO global report on traditional and complementary medicine 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019.

Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO 2 https://www.swissmedic.ch/swissmedic/de/home/kpa.html (last consulted 07.11.2021) 3 http://www.pan-ch.org/ (last consulted 07.11.2021) 1

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focus: Complementary and integrative medicine

SMSC LUGANO 2022: IT’S TIME TO WAKE UP! Text: Alessandra Pfister | University of Lugano Let’s not just live but live consciously!

“Being present”, “self-perception”, “environmental awareness”, “GCS of 15” and many others, were the answers we received when we asked people what comes to their mind about the topic of the upcoming SMSC in April 2022.

Can you already guess the topic, after reading this short introduction? As you maybe can imagi­ ne, it’s a very broad topic and that’s exactly what we want to take advantage in the SMSC of April 2022., offering a wide variety of different works­ hops and lectures. “Consciousness – It’s time to wake up!”, is the topic we want to discuss with you during this weekend. Maybe you will get to know a completely new perspective on the mea­ ning of “consciousness”.

Our goal is to raise awareness, not only on “typi­ cal” medical topics such as neurology, but also on For the very first time the SMSC will take place a lot of others that you maybe never associated in Switzerland’s “Sonnenstube”, in Ticino. Since to medicine. Climate change, body awareness, September 2020 the first generation of medical conscious approaches to diagnostics and thera­ students started their master’s at the “Università peutics and much more, are important topics for della Svizzera italiana” in Lugano. For all of us, this us as future doctors. was an adventurous new start. We hope to bring the enthusiasm and the positive attitude of the The SMSC will take place in Lugano from the 8th students into this SMSC and share it with you. to the 10th of April 2022. Check out our video on youtube and follow @swimsa.ch on Instagram The aim is to have an SMSC in person and where and Facebook. More updates will follow soon, so better to enjoy a “gelato” or take a swim in the lake stay tuned! after the presentations than on the sunny side of We can’t wait to welcome you to Lugano.

Switzerland ;) You will for sure get to know a bit of this beautiful city and learn some Italian. The Your SMSC OC organising committee is already working hard to make this SMSC an unforgettable experience for everybody. swimsa

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focus: Complementary and Integrative medicine

INTERVIEW: NINE QUESTIONS TO A COMPLEMENTARY PHYSICIAN Text: Gisela Etter Kalberer | Präsidentin UNION Schweizerischer komplementärmedizinischer

Ärzteorganisationen / Présidente UNION des sociétés suisses de médecine complémentaire

Benedikt Reuthebuch | Vice-President for Communication Könnten Sie kurz erklären, was die Komplementäre und Integrative Medizin für Sie bedeutet?

In der Medizin sind wir es gewohnt, das Augen­ merk v.a. auf die Pathogenese einer Krankheit zu lenken. Wissenschaftlich genauso interessant und bedeutend ist die Erforschung der Gründe, warum gewisse Menschen gesund bleiben oder bei einer Erkrankung einen milderen Verlauf zei­ gen. Salutogenese versucht zu verstehen, wel­ che Faktoren zur Gesundheit und Gesundwer­ dung beitragen.

Pourriez-vous expliquer brièvement ce que la médecine complémentaire et intégrative représente pour vous ?

En médecine, nous avons l’habitude de nous concentrer sur la pathogenèse d’une maladie.

Il est scientifiquement tout aussi intéressant et important de rechercher les raisons pour lesque­ lles certaines personnes restent en bonne santé ou présentent une évolution moins grave d’une maladie. La salutogenèse tente de comprendre quels sont les facteurs qui contribuent à la santé et qui permettent d‘améliorer la santé.

Viele Menschen unterstützen ihre Resilienz mit komplementärmedizinischen Massnahmen und machen damit gute Erfahrungen. Wir Ärztinnen und Ärzte nennen es integrative Medizin, wenn wir die Möglichkeiten der komplementären, sa­ lutogenetisch orientierten Medizin und das ak­ tuelle Wissen der konventionellen Medizin zu einem Konzept zusammenfügen und damit die therapeutischen Möglichkeiten erweitern. Es gibt zahlreiche Beispiele, wie die beiden Konzep­ te voneinander profitieren.

De nombreuses personnes renforcent leur rési­ lience à l’aide de mesures de médecine complé­ mentaire et font de bonnes expériences avec celles-ci.

Was fasziniert Sie an der Komplementärmedizin?

In der Komplementärmedizin steht der Mensch ganz im Mittelpunkt, was aufgrund der grossen Verschiedenheit der Patienten grundsätzlich eine pluralistische Haltung verlangt und von ei­ ner «one-size-fits-all»-Strategie absieht, was mir 16

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Nous les médecins, nous parlons de médecine intégrative lorsque nous combinons les possi­ bilités de la médecine complémentaire orientée vers la salutogenèse et les connaissances actue­ lles de la médecine conventionnelle en un seul concept afin d’élargir les possibilités thérapeuti­ ques. Il existe de nombreux exemples montrant comment les deux concepts bénéficient l’un de l’autre.

Qu’est-ce qui vous fascine dans la médecine complémentaire ?

Dans la médecine complémentaire, l’être hu­ main est au centre de l’attention, ce qui exige

focus: Complementary and Integrative medicine

sehr entspricht. Den Patient:innen zuhören, an ihren Lebensgeschichten teilhaben, Sachver­ halte verständlich erklären und Menschen in ­­Entscheidungen aktiv mit einbeziehen, erhöht die Berufszufriedenheit.

Komplementärmedizin ist ökologisch, nachhal­ tig und sie leistet einen wertvollen Beitrag zur Lösung von Polypharmazie, Antibiotikaresisten­ zen und Arzneimittelrückständen im Grundwas­ ser.

Wie gross ist in der Schweiz die Nachfrage nach komplementärmedizinischen Angeboten?

Die Nachfrage nach komplementärmedizi­ nischen Leistungen ist gross – gemäss der letz­ ten Gesundheitsbefragung des Bunde­ samtes für Statistik (BFS) hat rund ein Drittel der Be­ völkerung komplementärmedizinische Leistun­ gen nachgefragt, Tendenz weiter zunehmend.1 Fast 100% der Pädiater:innen werden von den Eltern nach Komplementärmedizin gefragt!2 Somit ist das ärztliche Angebot mit einer Anzahl von lediglich rund 1000 Ärzt:innen mit einem Fähigkeitsausweis in einer der vier komplemen­ tärmedizinischen Fachrichtungen, die in der Grundversicherung vergütet werden, deutlich zu tief.

Was antworten Sie Personen, die die Komplementäre Medizin als unseriös oder Hokuspokus abtun?

Komplementärmedizin, die in der Schweiz über die Grundversicherung abgerechnet wird, wird von gut ausgebildeten Ärzt:innen mit einem Fa­ charzttitel und einem vom SIWF anerkannten Fähigkeitsausweis praktiziert.

1 Schweizerische Gesundheitsbefragung 2017 des Bun­ desamtes für Statistik (BFS), publiziert 28.2.2019.

2 Swiss Med Wkly. 2019;149:w20091

une approche pluraliste en raison de la grande diversité des patients et empêche une straté­ gie de ”one-size-fits-all”, ce qui me convient très bien. Écouter les patients, partager leurs histoi­ res de vie, expliquer les choses de manière com­ préhensible et impliquer les gens dans les prises de décision permet une plus grande satisfaction professionnelle.

La médecine complémentaire est écologique, durable et elle contribue efficacement à résou­ dre les problèmes de polypharmacie, de résis­ tance aux antibiotiques et de résidus de médica­ ments dans les eaux souterraines.

Quelle est la demande d’offres de médecine complémentaire en Suisse ?

La demande de services médicaux complémen­ taires est importante - selon la dernière enquête sur la santé de l’Office fédéral de la statistique (OFS), environ un tiers de la population a deman­ dé des services médicaux complémentaires, et la tendance est à la hausse.1 Près de 100% des pédiatres sont interrogés sur les médecines complémentaires par les parents !2 Cela signifie que le nombre de médecins dispo­ sant d’un certificat de compétence dans l’une des quatre spécialités de médecine complémen­ taire prises en charge par l’assurance maladie de base est beaucoup trop faible, avec seulement environ 1 000 médecins.

Que répondez-vous aux personnes qui considèrent les médecines complémentaires comme douteuses ou farfelues ?

La médecine complémentaire, qui est prise en charge par l’assurance maladie de base en Suis­ se, est pratiquée par des médecins bien formés, possédant un titre de spécialiste et un certificat de compétence reconnu par la ISFM.

1 Enquête suisse sur la santé 2017 de l’Office fédéral de la statistique (OFS), publié le 28 février 2019.

2 Swiss Med Wkly. 2019;149:w20091 swimsa

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focus: Complementary and Integrative medicine

Wie wird man Komplementärmediziner:in?

Indem man eine Facharztausbildung mit einer Weiterbildung zu einem Fähigkeitsausweis kom­ biniert. Vier komplementärmedizinische Metho­ den bieten einen Fähigkeitsausweis an, der vom Schweizerischen Institut für ärztliche Weiter- und Fortbildung (SIWF) anerkannt ist und zur Abre­ chnung in der Grundversicherung berechtigt. Es sind dies Akupunktur sowie chinesische Arznei­ therapie TCM, Arzt für anthroposophisch erwei­ terte Medizin, Homöopathie und Phytotherapie.

Die Fähigkeitsprogramme sind auf der Homepa­ ge des SIWF publiziert: www.siwf.ch/_service/ suche.cfm#q=f%C3%A4higkeitsausweise Wird Komplementäre Medizin im Studium ausreichend erwähnt? Was könnte man tun, um es ausreichend zu erwähnen?

Komplementärmedizin ist im neuen Lernzielka­ talog Humanmedizin von 2017 klar integriert.

«EPA 1.9 Explore the patient’s use of medicine and treatment, including complementary and alternative medicine…

EPA 7.3 Adopt a shared-decision making approach in establishing the management plan, take into account patients’ preferences in ma­ king orders; take into account an indication or request for complementary medicine;…

SSP 262 benefits and risks of complementary medicine» Gemäss Rückmeldungen von Studierenden ist die Umsetzung an verschiedenen Universitäten unbefriedigend.

Wie steht die Schweiz im internationalen Vergleich zur Komplementärmedizin da?

2009 haben gut 2/3 der Bevölkerung in einer Volksabstimmung für eine Zukunft mit Komple­ mentärmedizin abgestimmt und 2017 wurde die ärztliche Komplementärmedizin definitiv in die Grundversicherung aufgenommen. Wir kön­ nen somit stolz sein auf unser fortschrittliches und solidarisches Gesundheitswesen mit Thera­ piewahlfreiheit für alle! Jedoch spricht auch die WHO in ihrer Strategie 2014 – 2023 von der Nutz­ barmachung des Potenzials von traditioneller 18

swimsa

Comment devient-on médecin complémentaire ?

En combinant une formation spécialisée avec une formation complémentaire pour obtenir un certificat de compétence. Il existe quatre métho­ des de médecine complémentaire qui proposent un certificat de compétence reconnu par l’Insti­ tut suisse de formation médicale (ISFM) et qui donne droit à une prise en charge par l’assurance maladie de base. Il s’agit de l’acupuncture ainsi que de la thérapie médicinale chinoise MTC, du docteur en médecine à extension anthroposo­ phique, de l’homéopathie et de la phytothérapie.

Les programmes de compétences sont publiés sur la page d’accueil d l’ISFM : www.siwf.ch/_ser­ vice/suche.cfm#q=f%C3%A4higkeitsausweise La médecine complémentaire est-elle suffisamment mentionnée dans le programme d’études ? Que pourrait-on faire pour la mentionner suffisamment ?

La médecine complémentaire est clairement intégrée dans le nouveau catalogue d’objectifs d’apprentissage pour la médecine humaine de 2017.

«EPA 1.9 Explore the patient’s use of medicine and treatment, including complementary and alternative medicine…

EPA 7.3 Adopt a shared-decision making approach in establishing the management plan, take into account patients’ preferences in ma­ king orders; take into account an indication or request for complementary medicine;…

SSP 262 benefits and risks of complementary medicine» Par contre, selon les retours des étudiants, la mise en pratique dans les différentes universités n’est pas satisfaisante Comment la Suisse se situe-t-elle au niveau international en ce qui concerne la médecine complémentaire ?

Les deux tiers de la population ont voté en 2009 par référendum pour un avenir intégrant la mé­ decine complémentaire. En 2017, la médecine complémentaire a été définitivement incluse dans l’assurance de base. Nous pouvons donc

focus: Complementary and Integrative medicine

und komplementärmedizinischer Medizin für Gesundheit, Wohlbefinden und eine menschen­ zentrierte Gesundheitsversorgung.

Wie sehen Sie die Zukunft der Komplementärmedizin?

Komplementärmedizin ist jetzt schon integra­ tiver Bestandteil der modernen Medizin. Die oft bemängelte Evidenzlage liesse sich durch wesentlich mehr öffentliche Forschungsförde­ rung nachhaltig beheben. Gemäss Verfassungs­ artikel 118a wäre der Bund sogar dazu verpflich­ tet!

Was möchten Sie den Medizinstudent:innen mit auf den Weg geben?

Das Leben lädt gerade uns Ärzt:innen zu einer Vielfalt von Methoden und Vorgehensweisen ein um der Einzigartigkeit der Menschen ge­recht zu werden. Beachten Sie unsere spannenden und flexiblen Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten, die schon während der Studienzeit begonnen wer­ den können. Profitieren Sie später von Gelegen­ heiten zu interdisziplinärer Zusammenarbeit, Überprüfung von gängigen Konzepten und In­ tegration komplementärmedizinischer Sichtwei­ sen.

“Wenn wir alles Wissen in die Medizin aufnehmen und integrative Medizin praktizieren, ist das die beste Medizin!“ Zitat Prof. Dr. med. Philip Tarr, Facharzt Allg. Innere Medizin u. Infektiologie FMH, Co-Chefarzt Medizinische Universi­ tätsklinik, Infektiologie und Spitalhygiene

être fiers de notre système de santé progressis­ te et solidaire avec la liberté de choix de la thé­ rapie pour tous ! Toutefois, dans sa stratégie de 2014-2023, l’OMS parle également d’exploiter le potentiel de la médecine traditionnelle et com­ plémentaire pour la santé, le bien-être et la pres­ tation de soins médicaux personnalisés.

Comment voyez-vous l’avenir de la médecine complémentaire ?

La médecine complémentaire fait déjà partie in­ tégrante de la médecine moderne. Le manque de preuves scientifiques, souvent critiqué, pou­ rrait être résolu en augmentant le financement public de la recherche sur les médecines com­ plémentaires.

Qu’aimeriez-vous ajouter ? Que voudriez-vous que les étudiants en médecine gardent en mémoire ?

La vie nous invite, nous médecins en particulier, à utiliser une multitude de méthodes et de pro­ cédures afin de satisfaire à la nature unique de chaque personne.

Profitez de nos possibilités de formation passion­ nantes et flexibles, qui peuvent être commen­ cées alors que vous êtes encore étudiant. Par la suite, saisissez les occasions de collaboration interdisciplinaire, de révision des concepts cou­ rants et d’intégration des points de vue de la mé­ decine complémentaire.

“Si on prend toutes les connaissances dans la médecine et qu’on pratique la médecine intégrative, on obtient la meilleure médecine !”.

Citation du Prof. Dr. med. Philip Tarr, spécialiste en méde­ cine interne générale et en infectiologie FMH, co-méde­ cin-chef, Clinique médicale universitaire, Infectiologie et Hygiène hospitalière

www.unioncomed.ch swimsa

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focus: Complementary and Integrative medicine

HOW HAS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC EVOLVED? Text: Malika Sachdeva | swimsa COVID-19 coordinator It has now been almost 2 years since the first CO­ VID-19 cases were recorded and to date, globally, more than 219 million people have been infec­ ted, and 4.55 million have passed away as a re­ sult. In Switzerland, the case rates have currently decreased since the start of September, after a summer surge, with 800 to 900 newly recorded infections daily. According to the Swiss National Taskforce, 99.9% of current cases in Switzerland are of the Delta variant, replacing previous va­ riants over the summer.

In April 2021, swimsa along with asep (Swiss pharmaceutical students’ association) collabo­ rated to conduct a survey on the perspective of healthcare students (including medical, pharma­ ceutical and nursing students) on the COVID-19 vaccine. The results generally showed a positi­ ve perception towards the COVID-19 vaccines, with about 70% of students intending to be

vaccinated. Several students also expressed their and their entourage’s concerns about the safe­ ty and efficacy of the vaccine, with the biggest concerns being potential side-effects that may appear in the long run and reduced efficacy with newer strains. A significant number of students were also concerned about the lack of sufficient evidence that highlighted the vaccines’ effecti­ veness as well as the speed at which they were developed.

Since then, vaccination rates have increased with about 65% of the population in Switzerland vac­ cinated with at least 1 dose (as of the 14th of Oc­ tober 2021).

The past year has undoubtedly seen major ad­ vancements in terms of the development of the vaccine. The Swiss vaccine roll-out began in early January with the elderly population and those

share of vaccinated people

80% 60% 40% 20%

21.12.20

01.03.21

01.06.21

01.09.21

10.11.21

Vaccination status against COVID-19 in Switzerland. Dark green denotes fully vaccinated; light green denotes partially vaccinated. Source: Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) 20

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focus: Complementary and Integrative medicine

with co-morbidities being prioritized. Since Au­ gust, those older than 12 years of age are eligi­ ble to receive the vaccine. Most universities have transitioned from online learning to in-person teachings, with mandatory COVID-19 certificates being adopted. As a result, a sense of normalcy has largely returned as we continue to co-exist with the virus.

So what do the coming months hold for us?

While we do have reasons to be optimistic about, we equally need to be aware that the pandemic is not over yet and hold on to some caution, for example, by wearing masks in higher-risk set­ tings, getting tested if we have any symptoms and of course by getting vaccinated or encoura­ ging others to do so.

Globally we continue to see outbreaks even in countries with higher vaccination rates, like the UK and Israel. Therefore, a seasonal winter surge seems plausible. While the mRNA vaccines that are being administered in Switzerland (Pfizer/ BioNTech and Moderna) remain largely effective at preventing serious illness and death against the Delta variant, the emergence of newer va­

riants remains a wild-card. Each new infection gives the virus a new chance to mutate, giving rise to a potentially advantageous mutation that is more transmissible or virulent.

According to the Global Dashboard for Vaccine Equity, 62% of people in high-income countries have received at least one dose of the vaccine compared to a meagre 3.88% in low-income countries. This staggering disparity has left po­ pulations in these countries more vulnerable to the disease, as well as to possibility of newer va­ riants emerging with increased circulation. While the World Health Organisation has set a goal of a 70% vaccination rate globally by mid-2022, vac­ cine inequities, both between and within coun­ tries, need to be overcome to ensure that such is achieved.

References: • Federal Office of Public Health: https://www.covid19.admin.ch/en/vaccination/persons • Swissinfo: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/covid-19_coronavirus--the-situation-in-switzer­ land/45592192 • The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/14/health/coronavirus-delta-surge. html • The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/12/health/coronavirus-mutation-va­ riants.html • United Nations Development Programme: https://data.undp.org/vaccine-equity/ • The New York Times: https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/09/1100192 • United Nations: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/10/18/another-winter-of-covid

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focus: Complementary and Integrative medicine

Die swimsa sammelte anonyme Statements, Meinungen und Erfahrungsberichte von Medizinstudierenden aus der ganzen Schweiz zum Thema Komplementärmedi­ zin. Hier eine Auswahl: La swimsa a recolté des déclarations, des opinions et des éxperiences anonymes d’étudiant·e·s en médecine de toute la Suisse concernant le sujet de la médecine complementaire. Voici quelques extraits: Schon früh bin ich mit der Komplementärmedizin in Berührung gekommen. Meine Mutter schickte mich neben dem «klassischen» Hausarzt zusätzlich noch zu einem etwas «alternativeren». Als Kind schätzte ich das sehr, denn die Methoden waren oft etwas sanfter und der Arzt einfühlsamer. Deswegen stehe ich der Kom­ plementärmedizin gut gestimmt gegenüber.

Ich sehe aber, dass die Schulmedizin deswegen auf kei­ nen Fall vernachlässigt werden sollte. Den Ansatz der Integrativen Medizin finde ich daher sehr spannend – wieso nicht vom Besten aus beiden Welten profitieren?

Pendant longtemps, je n'ai pas vraiment remarqué la médecine complémentaire. Trop souvent, le su­ jet a été mélangé avec la médecine alternative, et trop souvent les globules, les extraits de gui et les chamans étaient au premier plan. Tout cela me pa­ raissait un peu suspect, c'est pourquoi je n'ai pas prêté beaucoup d'attention aux médecines com­ plémentaires.

Cela a changé pendant mes études, lorsque j'ai été en contact avec la médecine complémentaire dans certains cours. D'un coup, j'ai pu mieux distinguer les différentes directions de la médecine complé­ mentaire et comprendre la fascination qu'elle en­ gendre. En particulier, je trouve les médicaments à base de plantes très convaincants, car de nombreu­ ses chimiothérapies sont également basées sur des structures végétales. Aujourd'hui, je considère la médecine complémentaire de manière beaucoup plus différenciée et je trouve qu'elle complémente la médecine standard de manière judicieuse.

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focus: Complementary and Integrative medicine

LET’S TALK ABOUT...

COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND YOU

Ich hatte lange Mühe, den Sinn und Zweck einer komplementär­ medizinischen Behandlung zu sehen und zu verstehen. Ich dachte immer, dass man ohne Wirkstoff und ohne wissenschaftlich belegte Daten keine Behandlung empfehlen kann und konnte mir folglich nicht vorstellen, dass Patient:innen von einer solchen Behandlung profitieren könnten.

Im Laufe meines Studiums habe ich nun aber bereits einige Male Patienten kennen gelernt, denen es nach dem Beginn einer komple­ mentärmedizinischen Behandlung deutlich besser ging, als ich es erwartet hätte. Das hat meine Sicht auf die Komplementärmedizin massgeblich verändert. Heute empfinde ich die Komplementärme­ dizin als eine wichtige Ergänzung zur Schulmedizin, auch wenn ich mir bei den meisten Therapieformen nicht vorstellen kann, sie selber in Anspruch zu nehmen...

Provenendo da un ambiente familiare ricco di medici tradizionali, la medicina complementare non l’ho mai davvero vissuta in prima persona. Ho però avu­ to modo di conoscere delle persone per cui era importante, ad esempio ami­ ci sportivi che invece dei comuni supplementi dietetici assumevano globuli e gocce. Più tardi ho avuto anche modo di incontrare pazienti che preferiscono l’approccio più ‘soft’ della medicina alternativa a quella tradizionale. La maggio­ ranza dei pazienti ne riconosce però i limiti e per patologie complicate o tratta­ menti rimasti senza successo, si rivolge poi a medici professionisti tradizionali.

Penso perciò che sia importante riconoscere il bisogno di certi pazienti di pro­ vare prima un altro tipo di terapia e in quel caso, senza cercare di scoraggiare il paziente, di semplicemente restarne a disposizione.

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GEGEN DEN KLIMAWANDEL – FÜR DEN GESUNDHEITSSCHUTZ vsao und swimsa haben in der FMH die Entwicklung einer Klimastrategie zum Schutz der öffentlichen Gesundheit angestossen. Nun liegt die Zustimmung der Ärztekammer zu den Vorschlägen vor – ein grosser Erfolg für die beiden Verbände!

Text: Marcel Marti | Leiter Politik und Kommunikation / stv. Geschäftsführer vsao

Die Delegiertenversammlung der FMH hat die Klimaveränderung letztes Jahr als substantielle Bedrohung für die regionale und globale Ge­ sundheit anerkannt und im Namen der Schwei­ zer Ärzteschaft das «Manifest für eine gesunde Zukunft» unterzeichnet. Um dieser Verantwor­ tung gerecht zu werden, entstand dann die «Strategie zu den Handlungsmöglichkeiten der Ärzteschaft in der Schweiz zum Klimawandel».

Im Oktober ist das Dokument von der Ärztekam­ mer der FMH verabschiedet worden.

Vier Handlungsbereiche Die Strategie umfasst Ziele in vier verschiedenen Handlungsbereichen: Information, Reduktion, Adaptation und Vorbildrolle. Sie verfolgt die Vi­ sion eines nachhaltig gesundheitsfördernden und klimaresilienten Schweizer Gesundheits­ ­ wesens. Die Ärztinnen und Ärzte hierzulande unterstützen stärkere Massnahmen gegen den Klimawandel und helfen so mit, die Vision Wirk­ lichkeit werden zu lassen.

Für die Umsetzung des auch von der Schweiz ratifizierten Übereinkommens von Paris (2015) und der Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) der UNO braucht es jedoch mehr. Wir alle sollten die Bewältigung der Klimakrise gemeinsam an­ gehen. Nur durch gut koordinierte Massnahmen und gemeinsam können wir einen Beitrag leis­ ten, das Klima und dadurch die Gesundheit aller in der Schweiz lebenden Personen zu schützen – und den Weg für eine nachhaltige und gesund­ heitsfördernde Zukunft zu ebnen. Mehr zum Thema in der "Schweizerischen Ärztezeitung".

@vsaoasmac 24

swimsa

CONTRE LE CHANGEMENT CLIMATIQUE – POUR LA PROTECTION DE LA SANTÉ L'asmac et la swimsa ont initié l'élaboration d'une stratégie de santé publique au sein de la FMH, dans le but de lutter contre les conséquences du changement climatique sur la santé. La Chambre médicale a maintenant approuvé les propositions, ce qui représente un grand succès pour les deux associations!

Texte: Marcel Marti | responsable politique et communication / directeur adjoint de l’asmac

L’année passée, l’Assemblée des délégués de la FMH a reconnu le changement climatique com­ me une menace substantielle pour la santé ré­ gionale et mondiale et a signé le «Manifeste suis­ se pour un avenir sain» au nom du corps médical.

Pour faire face à cette responsabilité, la FMH a élaboré la «Stratégie du corps médical suisse sur les possibilités d’action concernant le change­ ment climatique», adoptée par la Chambre mé­ dicale de la FMH en octobre.

Quatre domaines d’action La stratégie comporte des objectifs dans quatre domaines d’action différents: information, ré­ duction, adaptation et rôle de modèle, et dans le but de rendre le système de santé suisse durable­ ment favorable à la promotion de la santé tout en étant résilient au changement climatique. Le corps médical suisse soutient le renforcement des mesures contre le changement climatique et contribue à atteindre sa vision.

Toutefois, afin d’atteindre les objectifs clima­ tiques du Conseil fédéral et de mettre en œu­ vre les objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU, les efforts individuels ne suffiront pas.

Toutes les parties prenantes doivent travailler ensemble pour faire face à la crise climatique. Ce n’est qu’avec des mesures bien coordonnées que nous pourrons contribuer ensemble à la protec­ tion du climat et donc de la santé de toutes les personnes résidant en Suisse – et ouvrir la voie à un avenir durable et favorable à la santé. Pour plus d’informations voir le "Bulletin des médecins suisses".

@vsaoasmac swimsa

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EDUCATION

Die Ausbildungskommission ist das demokratische Organ der swimsa, welches sich mit allen Fragen beschäftigt, wel­ che die Ausbildung der Medizinstudierenden betreffen.

Sie sorgt dafür, dass die Meinung der Schweizer Medizin­ studierenden in die relevanten Gremien getragen wird und ist bestrebt, die Interessen der Studierenden überall dort zu vertreten, wo dies wünschenswert ist.

Möchtest du mehr Informationen oder ebenfalls mitma­ chen? Kontaktiere unseren Vize-Präsidenten für Ausbil­ dung (vpa@swimsa.ch).

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swimsa

La Commission de la formation est l'organe de la swimsa qui s'occupe de toutes les questions concernant la forma­ tion des étudiant∙e∙s en médecine. Elle assure que l'opinion des étudiant∙e∙s en médecine dans les universités suisses est portée à la connaissance de tous les comités et s'effor­ ce de représenter les intérêts des étudiant∙e∙s au mieux.

Tu as besoin de plus d’informations ou tu veux participer?

Alors contactes la vice-présidente pour l’éducation (vpa@swimsa.ch).

education

HEY, DO YOU KNOW PROFILES? Text: Florence Odermatt | University of Lucerne

Robin Walter | University of Bern Edit: Matias Jacomet | Vice-President for Education Extremely confused Did you ever get greeted by your dean with the comment “So of course, everybody of you knows of PROFILES by now” and pretty much everyone was like “Uuhm, no?”. Well, while he is right that everybody should have heard at least once of PROFILES, knowing about it is something quite different.

PROFILES extremely short The easiest way to describe PROFILES is that this acronym is the actual name of a framework intro­ duced in 2017 upon which our medical educa­ tion should be built on - it defines the necessary content medical students have to learn until the Federal Licensing Exam so that they may prac­ tice it at the first day of their residency. But: at the same time PROFILES is much more! Hence, we created flyers in English, German and French with the aim to show medical students about the new goals of their education. We tried to explain PROFILES as simple as possible so that each and every student knows its structure and its main targets. We can affirm that the document is in line with the plans of the universities since the document has been checked with responsible experts from each university.

But why bother anyway?

Medical education during extreme times The reason is relatively simple: The medical edu­ cation of today greatly affects the health system of tomorrow. The better the education, the bet­ ter the doctors. As education has recently been turned upside down on all levels across the world, medical education has also been affected.

The daily business changed completely: No more front lectures but a sudden change to podcasts, no more direct interactions with professors and complete omission of the often already scar­ ce contact with patients. While universities are changing their ways of teaching, it is even more important to keep a good eye on the quality of our education. But to advocate for something, one must be informed. In our case, we must know the content of our curriculum, learning ob­ jectives and teaching methods – and we will not get around knowing exactly what PROFILES is.

Find the PROFILES guide in English, French and German by using these QR-codes:

English

French

German

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education

AK/COFO: (EX)CHANGE MEDICAL EDUCATION Text: Matias Jacomet | Vice-President for Education It is Saturday morning at the main train station in Bern. Some people hurry swiftly over the stone tiles to their next point of destination. A few eyes look tiredly at the cups of coffee in front of them, while they wait for the next train to arrive. Others flick through the latest newspaper or focus on the screen of their phone. And in between all this hustle and bustle of an early October weekend there are two people waiting. One of them is wearing a blue college-jacket. “I’m really excited to meet all the delegates!”. The hand of the big clock at the meeting point takes another leap: It is 9:30. It was at this moment, that the eyes of the two people lit up, as they spotted the people they were expecting…

Few minutes later. The delegates of the Ausbil­ dungskommission/Commission de la formation (AK/CoFo) are assembling in their conference room (just steps away from the meeting point) to hold their first meeting of this term. Well-equi­ pped with croissants, fruits and coffee the discus­ sions start: “Will podcasts continue to be availa­ ble at your university, now that more in-person education takes place again?”. “How are the co­ vid-certificates implemented at your university?”.

“How did you welcome this year’s freshies?”. As the delegates begin to gather a general update of what has happened and what is going to ha­ ppen at their universities, it once again becomes evident how big the differences between the universities can be.

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But the AK/CoFo is not only exchanging and sharing information about what happened to medical students. It is also about how medical students themselves can make change happen within their medical education. And there are many things that could be improved from a stu­ dents perspective: Making our exams more trans­ parent. Getting more and better feedback on our performance. Make sure that the input from the students is not only heard, but as well implemen­ ted. Increasing the quality of our practical and cli­ nical courses, so that our medical studies prepare us even better for our work as future doctors. Just to name a few.

Ok. But where do we start? And how do we make things happen? One strength of the AK/CoFo is that students from all universities are represen­ ted and that information can be exchanged very fast between universities. We decided during our first meeting to make this strength available to all medical students as best as we can: The on­ going project of the national comparative sur­ vey, which aims at a statistically founded com­ parison of student satisfaction between all Swiss universities regarding eight aspects of medical education, has been approved by the delegates and is now going to be distributed to all medical students in the course of this semester.

education

Also many of the delegates volunteered to work on gathering information, links and other resour­ ces all around our medical studies, to share them on the new swimsa website with all medical stu­ dents. Furthermore, we are currently working on other ideas to continue to support medical students all around Switzerland, getting a step closer to the medical education they want and need. Although this exchange is very helpful to connect and work on a national level on matters concerning all universities, the fastest way to im­ plement these ideas and make change happen is on a local level. For this, we need the help of other engaged and motivated students. That's why we need you!

Do you have an idea or a problem concerning medical education you would like to share with medical students from all Swiss universities? The next meeting of the AK/CoFo takes place on the 4th of December. Every medical student is wel­ comed. If you are interested, do not hesitate to send a mail to vpa@swimsa.ch.

The morning has passed quickly. The cups of co­ ffee are empty and the plates with breakfast are gone. After saying goodbye to one another the delegates start their journey back to Lausanne, Zurich and even Ticino. In the front of the confe­ rence room in Bern a flip-chart with a lot of postits on it reminds of the ideas that were brought to life during the last few hours. Ideas the delegates now carry within their bags on their way home.

Ideas that might help improve our medical edu­ cation in the future.

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EXCHANGES

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swimsa Exchanges bietet Medizinstudierenden die einmalige Möglichkeit, durch das weltweit grösste Austauschprogramm ein Praktikum im Ausland zu machen:

swimsa Exchanges est une opportunité unique pour tout∙e étudiant∙e en médecine de partir en stage à l’étranger grâce au plus grand programme d’échange du monde:

SCOPE – Standing Committee on Professional Exchange, klinischer Austausch und SCORE – Standing Committee on Research Exchange, For­ schungsaustausch IFMSA – International Federation of Medical Students’ As­ sociations.

SCOPE – Standing Committee on Professional Exchange (échange clinique), SCORE – Standing Committee on Research Exchange (échange de recherche) IFMSA – International Federation of Medical Students’ Associa­ tions.

swimsa Exchanges unterstützt sowohl dich bei der Orga­ nisation eines klinischen Praktikums, bzw. der Arbeit in ei­ nem Forschungslabor, als auch die ausländischen Studie­ renden, welche in die Schweiz kommen.

Mehr Informationen: vpx@swimsa.ch

swimsa Exchange est l’organe de la swimsa qui s’occupe d’organi­ ser les stages cliniques et de recherche pour les étudiant·e·s suis­ ses, ainsi que du monde entier désirant venir en Suisse.

Plus d’informations: vpx@swimsa.ch

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SCORE EXCHANGE IN ZURICH Text: Christian Clerebaut | University of Liège, Belgium I arrived in Switzerland by chance. At first, I was a SCORE candidate and I had to go to China! Unfor­ tunately, what happened happened and it was certain that China would not be an option. So my internship was postponed and I was offered to go to Switzerland. My opinion was rather neu­ tral about the country. I knew that the geo-po­ litical situation could be similar to what we find in Belgium, it being a country where 3 different languages are spoken. On top of that, being in Zurich could be a surprising choice for a French speaker. But we only have one life and I accepted this challenge!

the time to explain a lot of things to me despite my poor scientific background. I was a novice in research when I got there but I learned so much in one month... His vision of the university was fascinating, a place of knowledge where students are taught regardless of their level. According to him, the only objective is to make students pro­ gress. I will remember him for the rest of my life!

Besides that, I was also absolutely amazed by the kindness of the swimsa team. These people put so much effort into making this possible despite the pandemic... It's amazing what we were able to do when we were just reopening the cultural When I arrived, I was immediately impressed by activities. We were able to go for walks in the the welcome I received. Everything was very well mountains, go to restaurants to discover Swiss organized. I knew what to do and where to go. specialties, visit different Swiss cities! One month Moreover, my accommodation was great (I was felt like several! And all this thanks to a team of sad to leave it!). young motivated students who decided to get involved in society. I can only be grateful to have One of the things that certainly marked me the had the chance to live this unforgettable expe­ most during my internship was the high quality rience. of the gastroenterology laboratory where I was.

My tutor, Professor Hausmann, was an incredible Be sure that the Belgians will know how good it is person. More than a teacher, a mentor! He took to live in Switzerland!

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EXCHANGES WEEKEND 2021 Text: Stefan Leung | University of Zurich

From 8th to 10th of October 2021, the Exchanges Weekend 2021 (ExWE21) took place. It was held in Marbachegg (Lucerne) with an outstanding view of the UNESCO world heritage “Schrattenfluh”.

No surprise that the venue was only reachable by a cable car. With a total of 27 participants, this was one of the first 3G swimsa events which were held in person and without masks. For once, we were able to forget about the whole pandemic and enjoyed a weekend far away from any zoom meetings and computer screens.

The event already started on Friday morning, when our international guests from Serbia, Ro­ mania, Lithuania, Greece and Belgium landed in Zurich. Firstly, we organized a city tour t­hrough the old town in Zurich where we ended up on the top of Lindenhof to enjoy the panorama over

the Limmat river. Later, we traveled to Lucerne for a quick sightseeing tour including the famous Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument and the Old Town and of course, our guests did not miss the breathtaking mountain scenery at Lake Lucerne.

On Friday evening, we started the Exchanges Weekend with a National Food and Drink Party (NFDP). Delicacies from local places like Basel and Fribourg as well as other European coun­ tries brought by our international guests were presented on lovely decorated tables. The Orga­ nising Committee provided enough fondue, cho­ colates and Rivella for everyone. After the first al­ cohol-free hour, samples of sweet honey meads and strong Rakija were served by our internatio­ nal guests as a digestif.

Our international guests on Friday in Lucerne

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On Saturday we woke up to a stunning view of the sunrise over the Schrattenfluh. Unfortunate­ ly, after some rays of sunshine, the fog came back and we almost could not see our own tipi from our terrace anymore.

The main social program for this evening was all about dancing and singing. From our famous Just Dance sessions to some karaoke, we had a great party for the night. Luckily, we were alone in the mountains, so no neighbors’ ears were hurt in the process.

After a long night, we started our last day on Sun­ day with a huge brunch. The last three sessions were about motivation and empowerment for Exchange Officers, outcome-based Exchanges and advocacy and marketing. During the closing presentation, all Small Working Groups presen­ ted their work and what the next steps would be to continue the work on the topics.

For the ExWE21, we invited three Exchanges Trainers from Belgium, Greece and Romania to deliver quality sessions to our participants. The first session was about Global Health Education which has become increasingly important nowa­ days. It was followed by some Sharing is Caring sessions, where we brainstormed about poten­ tial new national social programs or what kind of challenges we faced during the pandemic.

During Small Working Groups (SWGs) we started the revision of our Upon Arrival Booklet for our Incomings, we searched for possibilities to invest the green fees collected from the outgoing stu­ dents to compensate for their CO2 emissions and what we can improve in the future to motivate our Local Exchange Officers (LEO).

On Saturday afternoon, the participants could ei­ ther join the hybrid LEO-LORE Meeting or bake some brioche-dough figures, called “Grittibänz” in Swiss-German. The last sessions for the day were about SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics) in Exchanges, cultural competence in Exchanges and time- and mental health management.

The amazing Exchanges Weekend 2021 came to an end on Sunday afternoon with a three hour hike down to the valley station. After a whole Sa­ turday in the fog, we were lucky to get perfect Oc­ tober weather. On the way down, our internatio­ nal guests made the acquaintance of some cows and calves. All in all, the event ended with having made new friends locally and from abroad as well as newly gained skills to take Exchanges back to its level from before the global pandemic. Check out our reel from the Exchanges Weekend 2021 on our Instagram page swimsa.ch!

The Organising Committee with the Kitchen Team on Sunday morning.

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EXCHANGE THE WORLD Your turn! A step-by-step guide Text: Felice Hess | University of Bern

Cédric Follonier | University of Geneva Edit: Nadja Morello | Vice-President for Exchanges Until 2019, more than 15’000 medical students from more than 90 countries each year used to embark on a journey to explore health care delivery and health systems in different cultural and social settings. After the worldwide pandemic, we strive to make this possible again. The aim of the exchange program is to help future health care professionals develop cultural sensitivity and skills in research intent on shaping the world of science in the future.

Research exchange offers students the oppor­ tunity to get a glimpse into the world of research and deepen their knowledge in the specific area of their research interest. All of this while colla­ borating with a team in a laboratory or clinical research project abroad. Swiss medical or biome­ dical students can apply for it starting from their first year of studies.

What it costs and what is included in an exchange There are two types of exchanges, bilateral and unilateral, for which the costs are different. The bilateral exchange works both ways, a Swiss stu­ dent has the opportunity to go to another coun­ try and this country gets the opportunity to send a student to Switzerland. In unilateral exchanges, a Swiss student goes on exchange without swim­ sa Exchanges receiving a student in return.

The Swiss Medical Students’ Association is part of the exchange programs of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA): SCOPE, the Standing Committee for Pro­ fessional Exchanges and SCORE, the Standing Committee on Research Exchange. Both types of exchange last for four weeks and the participants are offered a spot in a department or a research project in their hosting country as well as accom­ modation and a social program organized by lo­ Participating in the exchange program costs 560 cal medical students.

CHF for a bilateral exchange and 350 CHF for a unilateral exchange with an additional coun­ Professional exchange is an educational pro­ try-specific fee, to be paid to the hosting country. gram offering clerkships abroad to future physi­ cians. It gives Swiss medical students the possibi­ Choosing a country within Europe, green lity to work within a different cultural setting and means of travel and getting active yourself will at the same time practice the skills learned on be rewarded! the benches of their university. They can apply for it starting from their second year and finally A partial refund can be received if a report is wri­ go abroad after they finish their 3rd year. tten at the end of the internship, for volunteering in the swimsa Exchanges program or by trave­ lling to the exchange by bus or train.

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In return for this fee, a four-week internship is or­ ganized, accommodation is provided as well as one meal per working day (or pocket money) and the opportunity to take part in a social program with other exchange students that will allow to discover the wonders of the hosting country and its culture.

Communication swimsa is part of the worldwide IFMSA exchan­ ge program with all its terms and conditions. To secure efficient communication and reduce the volunteers’ workload, strict international com­ munication guidelines were implemented. It is not permitted to directly contact someone of the desired country. The swimsa Exchanges team happily assists with any question and is in close contact with the other officers worldwide.

the country of your choice and will possibly sign a contract during the IFMSA General Assembly in August. You will be informed if it is possible to participate in the program and in which country your exchange will take place by the end of Sep­ tember. Once you’ve been accepted, there are still a few steps left to register in your host coun­ try within the set deadlines.

4. Pay the exchange fee which will be used to organize the accomodation and meals.

5. Upload the necessary documents on the IFMSA’s website with the login you will receive from us and choose your four favourite depart­ ments and three cities of your assigned country.

6. Inform your NEO-out or NORE about your completed Application Form (AF).

How to apply You want to get to know the world without Doesn’t it sound amazing? We thought so! Betravelling? low, you can find a step-by-step guide to register for your next exchange.

You can become a Contact Person (CP)!

IFMSA’s huge exchange network is organized by 1. Choose your exchange local volunteer students. As a Contact Person, Research exchange: registration from the first you will be the local “exchange buddy” of a stu­ year on, exchange possible after a completed se­ dent and will be helping with organizing their cond year. internship and place to live. If possible, you will Professional exchange: registration from the se­ pick up the incoming at the train station, take cond year on, exchange possible after a comple­ them on a guided tour of your city and engage ted third year. in social programs. This way, you can get a taste of the exchange experience in Switzerland, make 2. Choose your three preferred countries friends from all over the world and help make amongst more than 100. You will find a complete their stay a memorable one. list of participating countries on https://swimsa. ch/exchanges/laender/.

Bonus: You will be reimbursed 30 CHF if you help out according to the local officers’ (LEO’s) condi­ 3. Visit swimsa.ch/exchanges for more informa­ tions! tion, read the exchange conditions of your favou­ rite countries and check if you meet the require­ If you have any questions or would like to parti­ ments. If so, fill out the registration form open cipate in swimsa Exchanges nationally or locally, from March until the end of June 2022. don’t hesitate to get in touch with your national or local exchange teams. You will find further in­ After completing these few steps, you are regis­ formation on swimsa.ch/exchanges. tered within swimsa as an outgoing. Congratula­ tions! The exchanges team will get in touch with swimsa

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TO LEBANON WITH SCOPE Text: Haykel Karoui | University of Lausanne

My name is Haykel Karoui and during my 6th year of study in medical school, I went to Bei­ rut, thanks to swimsa and the IFMSA, to do a one-month internship in August 2021.

There were 2 main reasons why I chose Beirut.

The first is that I wanted to visit and discover an Arabic country which wasn’t part of the Ma­ ghreb. Indeed, having Tunisian origins, I wanted to explore the differences between cultures. The second reason is that I am fluent in Arabic, Engli­ sh and French, which are the 3 main languages spoken in the country, so I assumed that I would have no trouble being integrated there.

During this period, the situation of the coun­ try was and is still unstable and going through a major financial and political crisis. It is for this reason that most of the information I looked for before I left was about security issues and finan­ cial details, as for example, if it would be better to have dollars or euros, a card or cash. Even with all this preparation, I was taken by surprise when I got there. Queues of 8 to 9 hours to get gasoline at gas stations, days with access to electricity for only 5 to 6 hours making the daily lives of people living in this country difficult. Despite this, the local committee was really welcoming and did their best not to let the situation in the country affect our internship.

So, my advice to someone who would like to go to Beirut or any other country facing a huge eco­ nomic crisis is to be able to adapt to any situa­ tion. You must be prepared to always be flexi­ ble by accepting any transport you can get, have vegetarian meals every day because the meat is too expensive for the hospital, know when and where to charge your phone because you won’t be able to do it at home and live in a really hot I chose to go to the orthopedics and trauma de­ country without air conditioning. partment at the Hôtel Dieu de France hospital in Beirut, because they are recognized as one of the best in the Middle East for orthopedics and in order to see different cases of traumatology that I will probably not have the chance to observe in Switzerland.

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Despite all this, my experience there was just magical and unforgettable! In fact, all these pro­ blems we encountered were an entire part of the experience to be lived. Moreover, the Lebanese were so welcoming that they made us forget all that.

The people at the hospital welcomed me, taught me, and helped me as if I was one of their own. I was very fortunate to assist and help in very long and difficult operations with some of the best surgeons in the Middle East, which was unex­ pected to me. Also, the hospitals where I worked could easily be considered at a European level of development. This can be explained by the fact that most of them are private hospitals, which was unusual for me.

Thanks to this month spent in Lebanon, I learned many different skills. Among these, making in­ tradermal stitches or making a cast, but the most important thing I learned there was, in my opi­ nion, their kind and warm way of treating the pa­ tient. Finally, the last thing I could say, is that I felt so at home that I believe I could easily go there to live a few years, practicing without any problems.

INTERESTED? NOW IT’S YOUR TURN For a research exchange: from 1st year on For a professional exchange: from 3rd year on You can find more infos here: www.swimsa.ch/exchanges https://ifmsa.org/exchange-the-world/

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WHY I CHOSE TO RIDE MY BIKE TO DENMARK Text: Felice Hess | University of Bern ...or some examples of green travels within swimsa.

The rumors might have spread (or read during the lecture of this journal): The trip to my swimsa exchange in Denmark already started a month before the actual internship. Taking the bike is considered slow-travel and I did not like to rush on this special occasion. But I am by far not the only person in the past years who decided to not take the plane for any swimsa or IFMSA event: Basti Albermann, a medical student at the Uni­ versity of Bern, decided to hitchhike to the Eu­ Someone attended the European NEO-NORE RegMe in St. Petersburg and made it up there Weekend in Barcelona. As the train staff in Fran­ safely within a few weeks. ce was on strike during this weekend, she spent the night in the Bus and arrived there early in the Up north a second time, there was an exchange morning before the event started. student taking her bike to Moscow, used it every day for her trip to the hospital and finished her There was another exchange student, Domini­ holidays with a bike trip around Estonia, Lithua­ que Lindegger who decided to travel by train nia and down to Hamburg. and ferry from Genua to Tunisia and made some

interesting experiences on her way as she reali­ zed that ferries are mostly organized for cars and it was quite a search to find the right place to even enter the boat. She was not the only pedes­ trian though, and together they mastered very well. During the 24 hours ride she shared a cabin with four other women who mostly had their ori­ gin in Tunisia and were returning for holidays and already taught her something about the culture of her destination.

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In 2019 more than half of the Swiss delegation took the (night-) train to the general assembly in Slovenia and already had their first get-to-knowmoment squeezed in a little cabin with six beds while crocheting their delegation headband.

Slow travels allows you to adapt to the new cir­ cumstances: You’ll have the chance to slowly turn your back to your home country and embrace the new surroundings and mentality of the peo­ ple living there.

As you can see, there are plenty of alternatives to taking the plane for shorter and longer distan­ ces and there are students who pioneered. Their stories show us that this way to travel works just as well and might be much more enriching and something of an experience than just entering and debarking a plane. In most cases the moti­ vation were ecological reasons as the students tried to lower their personal emission of green­ house gases. This can easily be done by choosing a destination which is reachable by other means, investing a bit more time and enjoying the slow way of travel.

The biggest plus comes at the end: I always used my travels as opportunity to meet friends I ha­ ven’t seen for a long time. Check out your inter­ national friendships, contact them and you can spend wonderful days in their hometown. These moments and strengthened relationships will be the super extra of your travels, so plan in enough time for those stops and enjoy it.

Reducing my personal footprint and to disclaim from flying as much as possible while not dismis­ sing the huge IFMSA opportunities was also my personal motivation for the various slow-trips I ventured to exchanges, IFMSA general assem­ But I promise you, slow travels is not only some­ blies and trainings such as SRT’s. thing for ‘greenies’: It is especially something for people enjoying living, places, people and most The latest one, riding from my home to Denmark, of all adventures. Stepping into a train with locals was by far the most enriching one and the one gives you a real picture of the country you are with the highest effect on my level of fitness and in; your fellow travelers will offer you some food, muscle mass. invite you to card games even though you don’t speak a word in a similar language or tell you about their fascinating reasons for this journey.

On the other hand, during your bike trip you will probably catch more of the nature and ­surroundings than the people’s behavior; as you can follow different paths, crossing rivers, cycling through little villages and you will observe the landscape changing and suddenly discover small things as the fascinating way of birds moving or wild animals in forests.

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MEDISERVICE - GRATIS MITGLIED WERDEN Text: Marc Schällebaum | Geschäftsführer MEDISERVICE VSAO-ASMAC Medizinstudierende profitieren als mediservice vsao-asmac-Mitglieder von massgeschneiderten Versicherungslösungen zu Spezialkonditionen.

SCHON WÄHREND DES STUDIUMS SPAREN! Was vielen Medizinstudenten nicht bewusst ist: Es lohnt sich bereits während des Studiums Mit­ glied bei mediservice zu werden. mediservice hat sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, Mediziner in jeder Phase des (Beruf-)Lebens mit exklusiven Dienst­ leistungen und kosteneffizienten Versicherungs­ lösungen zu begleiten. Während des Studiums ist die Mitgliedschaft bei mediservice zudem kostenlos. mediservice ist die Dienstleistungsorganisation des vsao, dem Verband Schweizerischer Assis­ tenz und Oberärztinnen und -ärzte. Das Versi­ cherungsteam von mediservice hilft Ihnen gerne bei der Lösungsfindung: 031 350 44 22, info@mediservice-vsao.ch GRATIS MITGLIED WERDEN Jetzt gratis Mitglied beim vsao und mediservice werden: mediservice-vsao.ch/mitglied Alle MEDISERVICE-Dienstleistungen online: www.mediservice-vsao.ch MEDISERVICE VSAO-ASMAC Bollwerk 10 Postfach 3001 Bern Telefon 031 350 44 22 info@mediservice-vsao.ch 40

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ZAHLREICHE VORTEILE • Geldwerte Lösungen für alle Versicherungs­ fragen • Online-Stellenvermittlungsbörse jobmed.ch • Wichtige Informationen durch das vsao Journal • Begleitung in allen Lebensphasen • Laufbahn-Kongress für angehende und jun­ ge Ärztinnen und Ärzte medifuture.ch • Unabhängige Wirtschafts- und Finanzbera­ tung durch spezialisierte Partner • Versicherungsberatung für Auslandaufen­ thalt • Versicherungs-Check-Up • Umfassende Agenda für Seminarangebote auf medisem.ch

MEDISERVICE - DEVENEZ GRATUITEMENT MEMBRE Texte : Marc Schällebaum | Directeur MEDISERVICE VSAO-ASMAC En tant que membres de mediservice vsao-as­ mac, les étudiants en médecine bénéficient de solutions d’assurance sur mesure à des condi­ tions préférentielles.

RÉALISEZ DES ÉCONOMIES PENDANT VOS ÉTUDES !

Beaucoup d’étudiants en médecine l’ignorent: il vaut la peine de s’affilier à mediservice déjà pen­ dant les études, car mediservice s’est donné pour tâche d’accompagner les médecins dans cha­ que phase de leur vie (professionnelle) avec des prestations de service exclusives et des solutions d’assurance intéressantes. De plus, l’affiliation à mediservice est gratuite pendant les études.

DES NOMBREUX AVANTAGES • Solutions avantageuses pour toutes les questions d’assurance • Bourse de l’emploi en ligne jobmed.ch/fr • Informations importantes par le biais du Journal asmac • Accompagnement dans toutes les phases de vie • Le congrès de carrière pour les futurs et jeu­ nes médecins sur medifuture.ch • Conseils économiques et financiers indépen­ dants par des partenaires spécialisés • Conseils en assurances pour les séjours à l’étranger • Check-Up des assurances • Agenda pour offres de séminaire sur medi­ sem.ch/fr mediservice est l’organisation de prestations de service de l’asmac, l’Association suisse des méde­ cins-assistant(e)s et chef(fe)s de clinique. L’équi­ pe des assurances de mediservice vous assiste volontiers pour trouver une solution adaptée : 031 350 44 22, info@mediservice-asmac.ch DEVENEZ GRATUITEMENT MEMBRE Devenez gratuitement membre de l’asmac et mediservice: mediservice-vsao.ch/affiliation Toutes les prestations de MEDISERVICE en ligne : www.mediservice-asmac.ch MEDISERVICE VSAO-ASMAC Bollwerk 10 Case postale 3001 Berne Téléphone 031 350 44 22 info@mediservice-vsao.ch swimsa

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INTERNATIONAL

Durch die Zugehörigkeit zur IFMSA bietet swimsa ihren Mitgliedern die Möglichkeit, an Kongressen teilzuneh­ men, die Medizinstudierende aus aller Welt zusammen­ bringen. Durch die Teilnahme an Schulungen wie auch euro­päischen oder globalen Kongressen, kannst du den Einfluss von Medizinstudierenden auf die öffentliche Ge­ sundheit, den Austausch und die medizinische Ausbil­ dung mitgestalten!

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Grâce à son affiliation à l’IFMSA, la swimsa offre l’oppor­ tunité à ses membres de prendre part à des congrès réu­ nissant des étudiant·e·s en médecine du monde entier. En prenant part à une formation, à un congrès européen ou mondial, tu peux façonner l’impact que les étudiant·e·s en médecine ont sur la santé publique, les échanges et l’édu­ cation médicale !

international

71ST SESSION OF WHO EUROPE REGIONAL COMMITTEE Text: Stephanie Hauser | University of Bern In September 2021 I attended the 71st session of the WHO Europe Regional Committee (RC71) as a member of the International Federation of Medi­ cal Students’ Association (IFMSA) delegation. We were eight delegates, from all over Europe, and attended this six day conference virtually.

We started the meeting early, with the Young People and Young Professionals Forum (YPYP Forum). This event was planned and hosted by the IFMSA, the International Pharmaceutical Stu­ dents Federation (IPSF) and the European Medi­ cal Students Association (EMSA) in collaboration with WHO/Europe. Students across the region gathered together and discussed two matters.

Firstly they gave input to the recently published report of the Pan-European Commission on Heal­ th and Sustainable Development and spoke di­ rectly to its chairperson Professor Mario Monti.

Secondly, the attendees agreed on a roadmap for engagement with younger people in the WHO European Region, which was presented to the WHO/Europe member states.

The RC71 lasted for five days. The first two days focu­sed heavily on the impact of COVID-19, as member states discussed the lessons learned from the pandemic, the role of primary health care and the European Immunization Agenda 2030. Additionally the European Program of Work 2020-2025 and the Report of the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable develo­ pment was discussed. The following three days saw sessions on WHO Budget and Financing, Mental Health, Climate Change, Health L­ iteracy,

Oslo Medicines Initiative, Alcohol control Poli­ cies, Universal Health Coverage, Health for per­ sons with Disabilities and Health in Prisons.

As IFMSA delegation we drafted several state­ ments, I in particular was excited to draft a sta­ tement on the COVID-19 impact on Medical Education. Additionally we spent the meeting engaging with medical students worldwide through our social media strategy. We also con­ ducted a gender watch, noting down the presu­ med gender and speaking time of all speakers during the event. Though women made up 56% of participants and 56% of interventions were made by women, only 45% of the speaking time was done by women.

Attending a WHO meeting was very intimidating at first, but I quickly learnt that WHO meetings are not that different from national swimsa mee­ tings: many attendees, with different and unique perspectives, not enough time to hear everyone out, and many big ideas with struggles in imple­ mentation. What I take with me from this mee­ ting is very simple: Wherever you go, be it a WHO meeting or a meeting with a friend, take the time to listen and understand. swimsa

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IFMSA GA AM21 IN PANAMA AND ONLINE Text: Valeria Scheiwiller | University of Lugano On the 70th General Assembly (GA) August Mee­ ting of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), Swiss students were present in the sessions of the Standing Committees on Professional Exchange. Read here their report on this meeting.

This General Assembly was the first one to be con­ ducted in a hybrid format from 29.07.-07.08.2021.

The team of officials and NMO representatives from 40 National Member Organizations (NMOs) gathered in Panama for the President’s sessions and Plenaries. swimsa sent one NMO represen­ tative to Panama whereas four delegates joined the sessions from Switzerland. The standing com­ mittee sessions took place exclusively online on the weekend of 14.-16.08.2021. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic the participants had to qua­ rantine for three days, take a test and wear masks at all times. Due to the time zone differences the sessions started at 6:30am (Panama time) and las­ ted until 1pm which left some time for ­physical

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training sessions and open space discussions for the present NMO presidents at the venue. Besi­ des some technical problems which need to be addressed before the next hybrid IFMSA General Assembly, the event took place smoothly. swimsa’s NMO representative delivered valuable input towards the bank and secretariat situation of IFMSA. Furthermore together with the presi­ dent’s session delegates swimsa worked on two proposals for International Team positions and handed these in to the IFMSA EB elect.

During the August Meeting the handover to the next Vice-President for Global Affairs was suc­ cessfully conducted.

For the AM21 delegation, Valeria Scheiwiller Head of Delegation

international

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS Text: Gaia Grigorov | University of Lausanne Do you want to make a difference? Are you inte- We are looking forward to hearing your ideas, rested in Public Health or Human Rights and you since your voice will actively give life to this prowant to know more? Are you passionate about ject. topics such as access to healthcare?

If you want to know more about the CommisThe Commission on Public Health and Human Ri- sion, want to tell us something or join one of ghts (CoPHR) is a pilot project aiming to give me- our meetings, contact us at norp@swimsa.ch or dical students the opportunity to discuss, brain­ npo@swimsa.ch. storm, learn about, and advocate for topics they deem worthy of receiving more attention.

We are looking forward to meeting you!

At the moment, our focus is on the topic of Equi- Nico & Gaia ty in Healthcare. Over the course of the year, around one meeting per month will be held to share ideas, work on projects and create synergies with other students.

Write an e-mail to

Get to know CoPHR!

Every motivated person is welcome, and no previous experience is required.

norp@swimsa.ch or npo@swimsa.ch

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EUREGME 21 - REPORT OF THE SWISS DELEGATION Text: Valeria Scheiwiller | University of Lugano T­ his year’s European Regional Meeting of the ­International Federation of Medical Students’ As­ sociations (IFMSA) was held as an online event.

Here you find the delegation's highlights!

The Executive Board of swimsa assembled 13 motivated medical students to be part of the on­ line conference of European medical students. As one of the founding members of IFMSA in 1951, swimsa has never missed an opportunity to ac­ tively shape the impact that medical students have in the world of public health, professional exchange and medical education, just to name a few.

The following achievements are listed to accre­ dit the involvement of swimsa during the last Eu­ ropean Regional Meeting of the IFMSA: • The Swiss delegates were contributing a lot to their respective standing committee which was praised by the IFMSA officials.

• swimsa maintained a high level of credibili­ ty throughout the whole EuRegMe towards IFMSA as well as the National Member Orga­ nisations.

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Facing the global COVID-19 crisis this year’s Eu­ ropean Regional Meeting was held online on Zoom from the 23. - 27. April 2021. The plenary and standing committee sessions were held at the same time. All the delegates met and spent the weekend together in order to increase the team spirit and to facilitate informed decision making.

We maintained highly constructive contact on an international level and gave input on various topics. This article aims to give you an insight into the busy and amazing world that a European Re­ gional Meeting of the IFMSA, the world’s largest and oldest student organisation, is.

international

What we have learned Public Health

by Gaia Grigorov

Medical Education

by Matias Jacomet & Kate Gurevich •

• •

•

I really enjoy the networking parts of these international events, and really miss them So many interesting projects are happening throughout Europe, and there are so many passionate students with cool ideas The impact that being part of a youth orga­ nization has on someone’s mental health can be really important, and so many people sha­ re the same struggles

• •

•

Human Rights & Peace

by Nico Friedrich • •

•

•

•

There are many topics within Human Rights that really need to be tackled and it is impor­ tant that swimsa is getting active in this field Human rights issues are very intertwined with public health and reproductive rights and health topics (climate change, mental health, women rights and violence against women, LGBTQIA* rights...)

The pandemic exposed and worsened a lot of problems in Europe - simply raising aware­ ness on some of these topics can help Human rights violation affect all of us, even when we are not directly involved

• • • •

There are a lot of other motivated people engaging in medical education as well! (this was nice, because it showed that there are other people caring about the same things as we do) Making change happen (even on an interna­ tional level and as a student) is possible.

Especially concerning patient involvement in medical education, Switzerland seems to be quite far.

There have been a lot of good arguments presented to advocate in favor of different topics. This makes it easier to engage on the­ se topics as well.

Plenary sessions are very formal, but the ma­ tters discussed there seem to be very impor­ tant.

Switzerland is not as bad as I thought when it comes to medical education We don’t nearly have enough Interprofessio­ nal Education.

Digitalising medicine is a lot easier in other countries There are a ton of interesting events happe­ ning around medical education

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Exchanges

by Daniel Konrad, Alexandra Migga, Ana Zimmermann & Aline Pinto Monteiro

Exchanges - Session Team

by Stefan Leung •

• • • •

•

•

•

• •

You have to be more pushy to get what you want, when working with the government The different possibilities of how to keep your LCs busy during the pandemic Motivation is the biggest struggle within IFMSA exchanges right now Many countries rely financially so much on their exchanges that the pandemic struck them rather hard Gaps regarding privileges in healthcare sys­ tems of different countries exist but it is not as big as expected in Europe There are many factors leading to migration including “disadvantages” of the country the person is born in and the “advantages” of the country the person is aiming for We have to work actively on how to improve exchanges. Communication and interaction among SCOPE is very important Other countries struggle with the same pro­ blems as we do To ensure academic quality it is important to get feedback from all links involved in the education (students, teachers, organizers, etc.)

• • •

NMO Management

by Rahel Laager & Rémy Frieden • • • • • • •

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Safe space and brave space (A brave space encourages dialogue. Recognizing differen­ ces and holding each person accountable to do the work of sharing experiences and co­ ming to new understandings - a feat that’s often hard, and typically uncomfortable) are important to promote during all Exchanges activities There are 7 steps of Inclusiveness and ­everyone can implement them in Exchanges Stakeholder mapping is an important step for advocacy and recognition in Exchanges There are 10 Social Determinants of Health which are connected to Climate Change and Exchanges

Structured plans work better Fundraising is key Working as a team is the gold standard to reach goals Goals must be measurable in order to evalua­ te them Slow but steady progress is better than fast and unsteady How to do a stakeholders mapping and when it is useful to do so Learned how to advocate for what you belie­ ve in

Presidents’ Sessions

by Valeria Scheiwiller & Stephanie Hauser •

•

•

•

•

•

•

An intrinsic motivation is crucial for students to engage themselves in a student organiza­ tion.

• A good preparation of your delegation is im­ portant no matter if the event is taking place in person or online.

Each member of an organization should have basic skills in facilitation, especially in the on­ line format.

Mental health has been a problem in student organizations for a while, it is important for engaged students to keep track of themsel­ ves while working on their goals.

Medical Students have a right to be heard • and included in high level Healthcare Organi­ sations and Meetings.

Evaluate internal structures on how to create sustainability and accountability, to fully un­ derstand your organisation.

Transparency is key to achieve accountability •

What impressed us during this online EuRegMe and how this could be integrated within swimsa • How ideas and visions from MM21 are alre­ ady being implemented. I was stunned about how many NMOs are free to start new things and give input on various topics without ha­ ving guidelines or policy papers. These things do complicate matters sometimes, but they are so important for the continuity of swim­ sa and do strengthen swimsa’s opinion and stand. I do think however there should be some kind of possibility to join/make a sta­ tement without a policy paper, as there are not policy papers on everything available yet (e.g. vaccinations) • What impressed me the most, is that the event progression was free of judgement.

There were no conflicts even though people from all over Europe attended the meeting.

Everyone strives for inclusivity. It was so nice

to see that so many people from such diffe­ rent ethnic backgrounds all can work toge­ ther towards a better future. I think swimsa already implemented this in its mentality.

Hopefully the rest of the world will too :) Since safe spaces cannot be ensured in every country, the next mission would be to raise awareness about the topic in the Pre-­departure Training next year - I’m on it ;) Also I was impressed by my preEuRegMe Climate Change and Advocacy - but I already think that swimsa is already doing good the­ re (bring your own cups and bottles, green fees...) Maybe one could try to cook only sea­ sonal food for swimsa events and be aware of local products?

I deeply appreciated having a Code of Con­ duct Committee available at all times, inclu­ ding the social events. swimsa should consi­ der implementing a Code of Conduct and a CoC Committee at SMSCs to guarantee the safety of the SMSC participants.

Honestly, I think that the part I enjoyed more was the Pre-EuRegMe. I attended VulnerA­ BLE, which was SCORP + SCORA, and felt that in swimsa the topics we discussed are still lac­ king. so, hopp NORP!

If you want to learn these things and more as well, contact the VPG (vpg@swimsa.ch) for more information about the upcoming international events.

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NEWS FROM THE SWIMSA FAMILY

Die swimsa bietet engagierten Medizinstudierenden eine Plattform, sich auf nationaler und internationaler Ebe­ ne auszutauschen. Lokal initiierte Projekte können über die swimsa zu nationalen und internationalen Projekten ­weiterentwickelt werden.

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La swimsa offre la possibilité aux étudiant∙e∙s en médeci­ ne d’évoluer au niveau national et au niveau international.

Ainsi, les projets initiés localement peuvent se développer, avec l’aide de la swimsa, en projets nationaux et internationaux.

news from the swimsa family

WE WANTED TO KNOW: WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED? Text: Benedikt Reuthebuch | Vice-President for Communication “Spending even more time for things having to do with university - why would you do this?” This is certainly a frequently asked question to ever­ yone who is doing more apart from their every­ day studies or other occupations. At first sight, all the people steadily questioning getting invol­ ved must be right: more leisure time, less online meetings, less responsibilities and no deadline to keep an eye on. But - why are there so many peo­

“

ple out there still getting involved and still dedi­ cating their time and their capacities to such a huge association like swimsa? One could get the impression that there must be something mag­ netically attracting about working for and with swimsa. So we went out and asked the people directly to find an answer. And to conclude, we might have to revise our introductional question: “Why wouldn’t you do this?”

A friend of mine was involved in the LC of Bern. I was always asking him about the stuff he did with swimsa exchanges, so one day he just invited me to a LC meeting. I met a lot of cool people there, and that’s basically how my swimsa journey started. I met many amazing people who inspire me with their commitment and their positive energy, and I also made many valuable and useful experiences for myself, for example how to work more efficiently, how to lead an online meeting, how to use excel and so on.

- Céline Ueltschi, National Exchanges Treasurer

“

“

I joined the national swimsa Meeting in February and thought that swimsa was a great oppor­ tunity to get in touch with medical students from all over Switzerland as well as on an international Level. Additionnaly, I’ve always wanted to go on an exchange so I thought my chances to get in there would be higher if I started as a LEO. First of all, I learned how to cooperate with the hospital and other institutions. Then I joined the swimsa exchange weekend which was a great experience and I already organized a Fondue with an incoming! :) - Rahel Aeschbacher, Local Exchange Officer Fribourg

It was over Zoom that I first heard about swimsa. Honestly, I didn’t pay much attention as I first wanted to focus on my studies just like most freshers. A year went by before I attended a VSAO Zürich meeting (mostly because of the apéro ;) where I randomly met the Vice President for Exchanges. What started as a casual conversation, ended up being an encouragement to run for the open position of General Secretary. Wanting to do more than just study, I applied for the position and I met the minds and the energy behind swimsa. The motivation and determination of my fellow swimsa Internals (es­ pecially of the EB) & the kind of work done at swimsa taught me lessons I couldn’t have learned from books and lectures. That’s when I truly understood swimsa.

- Adnan Kareem, General Secretary 21/22 swimsa

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HOW TO GET INVOLVED Text: Kate Gurevich | swimsa President Have you just started your studies? Or been at it for a while but would like to do more? Ask no more. We are here to give you the answers.

There are many ways to become involved during your studies, with participation in swimsa being just one of them. Have a look at the possibilities listed below and do not hesitate to contact the people directly - they are just like you and star­ ted at one point. They would love to assist you.

How to be aware of opportunities opening up? swimsa posts all her new openings and new pos­ sibilities to engage on social media - mostly on instagram. However, we also use the newsletter and Facebook for promotion. Scan the QR codes to keep up to date.

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Join our events!

A great event to get started is the SMSC - Swiss Medical Students’ Convention, which takes place twice a year. The next one will take place from the 8th-10th of April 2022 in Lugano with the topic of Conciousness. More information on how to sign up will be available on the swim­ sa social media and through your local student council.

Capacity Building events Capacity Building is a fancy word. What it means is passing on knowledge, in our case knowledge on soft skills such as public speaking, non-vio­ lent communication or leadership. swimsa holds these events to help you be more prepared for the future and give you the skills medical school does not give. At the moment no fixed events are planned but keep up to date through our social media or contact our National Officer for Capaci­ ty Building at nocb@swimsa.ch.

news from the swimsa family

International events swimsa is part of the international organisation of medical students - IFMSA - International Fe­ deration of Medical Students’ Associations. They host events several times a year, in March, April and August. There is an application process and your chances of getting a spot are largely increa­ sed if you are already a little bit active in swimsa.

For more information, subscribe to our news­ letter or contact our Vice-President for Global Affairs at vpg@swimsa.ch.

Join our Commissions! swimsa is active in different areas of work. We need motivated people to join our commissions to work on various projects for the upcoming year.

CoSH - Commission on Sexual Health: Are you passionate about sexual health and rights? Do you know a lot or would like to learn more about STIs? The Commission on Sexual Health is the ri­ ght place to start. Contact our National Officer on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV and AIDS under nora@swimsa.ch.

CoPHR - Commission on Public Health and Human Rights: This commission encompasses a wide variety of topics ranging from Mental Health to Planetary Health. Interested in contri­ buting? Contact our National Officers on Public Health (npo@swimsa.ch) and Human Rights and Peace (norp@swimsa.ch) for more information.

AK/CoFo - Ausbildungskommission/Commission de la Formation: Our medical education commission ensures voices of medical students in Switzerland are heard and medical education keeps up its high standards and is improved where necessary. For more information or if you wish to join a meeting, contact vpa@swimsa.ch.

Instagram

Get active in Exchanges! swimsa helps organise your exchange in ano­ ther country. There are two types of exchanges, professional (clinical) exchange in a hospital and research exchange in a research facility. You can find more information on how to go on an ex­ change on our website or social media. Registra­ tions for exchanges take place between the 1st of March and the 30th of June each year.

However, you can also get involved in exchanges by becoming active on a local or national level.

We are always looking for motivated people to help assure that students coming for an exchan­ ge in Switzerland have everything they need. So if you are interested in meeting people from all over the world and would like a smooth start into swimsa, contact our Vice-President for Exchan­ ges at vpx@swimsa.ch.

Check out our members! swimsa is great because of her members. The members of swimsa are on the one hand the stu­ dent councils of your university and on the other hand, various associations focusing on Public Health or Sexual Health and Rights. You can find a full description of the members on our website.

Feel free to contact them directly in case you are interested in joining their midst or contact our Vice-President for Internal Affairs at vpi@swimsa. ch for more information.

Liked this journal?

We are still looking for a journal coordinator. This is your opportunity to start your journey within swimsa with a rather creative task. Coordinate the articles and layouting of the next journal, due to come out in Spring 2022. For more infor­ mation, do not hesitate to contact our Vice-Presi­ dent for Communications at vpc@swimsa.ch.

Newsletter

Facebook swimsa

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news from the swimsa family

GETTING INVOLVED IN THE COMMISSION ON SEXUAL HEALTH, WHY YES? Text: Emilie Kabasa | NORA 2021/2022 Sexual Health is a broad subject, the current de­ finition of the WHO (2006) defines it as “a sta­ te of physical, emotional, mental and ­social ­well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not me­ rely the absence of disease, dysfunction or in­ firmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protec­ ted and fulfilled.”

With this in mind, it is not necessary to have a master degree to understand that there is still a lot to be done. Indeed, even if the WHO star­ ted to work in this field in 1974 and the global epidemic of HIV paved the way to the questions regarding sexual health during the 80s and 90s, it is only recently that many subjects came to the fore. From the emergence of the fight against discrimination toward the LGBTQIA+ commu­ nity, passing through abortion rights, and the question of sexual harassment with the #Metoo movement, those past years were well and truly the demonstration that if Sexual Health does in­ terest you, there is still a long way to go on the road of the WHO’s definition.

SMSC Basel 2021 with the subject of Sexual Heal­ th was a good starting point to raise awareness about many subjects regarding this cause among 54

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medical students. Did it make you feel like you still have a lot to learn about the topic or made you realise that you are interested in the subject and you want to make things change and evol­ ve? Have you been watching the last season of Sex Education and it made you dream of a world in which everyone has the right to be as well in­ formed as in Moordale School? Are you passio­ nate about Sexual and Reproductive Rights and you want to fight and invest your time for it?

Wait no more, you are very welcome to join our Commission!

This year, the main project will focus on doing an action for the Pride; an event that can potentially join all our associate members’ fields of action, namely sexual education, prevention, medical care of the LGBTQIA+ community, and eradica­ tion of HIV/STIs. Are you convinced and want to know more?

Contact me at nora@swimsa.ch I am looking forward to meeting you and hearing your ideas!

Hugs, Emilie Kabasa, NORA 2021/22

news from the swimsa family

MARROW - BE A MATCH, SAVE A LIFE Text: Simone Temperli | President of Marrow Switzerland Dear (future) lifesavers

Do you want to know more about blood stem cell donation? Visit our stand at the Apéro Project Every year, 1100 people in Switzerland are diag­ fair at the SMSC Lugano 2022, learn more about nosed with leukemia or another disease of the it on www.marrow.ch and www.blutstammzell­ blood building system. Approximately a third of spende.ch or talk to us at our next events at your all children suffering from cancer have leukemia. university. We are the ones in the orange shirts ;-) Often, a blood stem cell donation is the last chance they have to survive. Until now, for every Keep up to date with our next (social) events ­fourth patient no matching donor can be found. through our Website (www.marrow.ch), Face­ book (Marrow Switzerland) or Instagram (ma­ Marrow wants this to change. In accordance with rrow_basel, marrow_bern, marrow_fribourg, our motto “be a match, save a life”, we are cons­ marrow_geneva, marrow_lausanne, marrow_zu­ tantly looking for new lifesavers! rich, marrow_luzern, marrow_ch). We would love Are you in good health condition? Are you be­ to see you! tween 18 and 40? Do you want to become a hero? Then scan the QR-Code below and become Lots of Marrow Love for everyone a potential Blood Stem Cell Donor today!

Fill out the online form about your health, get Marrow Switzerland the test kit comfortably sent to your home and the ones in the orange t-shirts ;-) do the swabs as stated in the description.

Français

Italiano

Deutsch

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news from the swimsa family

M.E.T.I.S. X AFRICA SMILE IN TOGO Text: Elsa Hoti | University of Lausanne In April 2021, M.E.T.I.S. was contacted by Africa Smile, a Togolese association that aims to ­fight against poverty on multiple levels: Environmen­ tal, educational, social and regarding public ­health. Africa Smile has already been collabora­ ting with multiple French institutions, in particu­ lar for the construction of schools and photovol­ taic panels, which­­allow to bring electricity to the most remote villages. M.E.T.I.S. was approached in order to help out in the Public Health sector of the association. Several video-conference calls allowed us to get to know the members and founders of the Africa Smile, and eventually, it became clear that we would have to experience Togo from our own point of view.

Three members of the M.E.T.I.S. executive board (Pascale Meyer, President of M.E.T.I.S. 20/21, Sé­ bastien Anchise, our current Vice-President, and Elsa Hoti, President of M.E.T.I.S. 21/22), decided

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to travel to Togo in July in order to see first-hand where we can help the local people in the com­ bat against inequalities in access to health care.

After a long journey, we were welcomed by the Founders of the association, who would accom­ pany us from the capital Lomé all the way to the remote villages further up North.

Our trip started with a visit to an orphanage built and run by Africa Smile in Yoto-Kopé. The farmstyle orphanage provides not only a roof to sleep under, but also food and access to the school of the local village. Our journey then took us to the region of Blittà, further up North, where we hel­ ped out in the peripheral care unit (USP) of Ya­ loumbé, which is also supported by Africa Smile.

Infrastructure and equipment are very limited, and they are also short on personnel, as educa­ tion and professional training are too expensive for most people of the local community.

news from the swimsa family

On our last day in Blittà, we conducted a scree­ ning mission for malnutrition in the rural villages of the Region. Africa Smile organizes calorie-den­ se meal-replacement rations for moderately mal­ nourished children, the more severe cases are directly transported to the hospital of Blittà.

On this particular day, we came across a threeyear-old boy with his grandmother. He was not only severely undernourished but showed many symptoms and signs that set off our alarm bells.

It was decided on the spot that this child needed urgent care; raised by his grandparents and ha­ ving no resources, we decided to take him to the hospital and finance his treatment. After multiple days in Sokodé Hospital, the little boy was trans­ ported to Lomé with the suspected diagnosis of renal neoplasia. However, he was not yet stable enough to be operated on; first came multiple rounds of antibiotics, renutrition and rehydra­ tion. His treatment would exceed our stay in Lomé, but Africa Smile kept – and still keeps – us updated on a regular basis on the progress of the boy's treatment.

We spent our last days in Lomé, working in a com­ munity medical center run by nuns, which offers consultation in general medicine, ophthalmolo­ gy, obstetrics and even has a lab for blood tests.

Even though it was far from what we know here, conditions were relatively acceptable in compa­ rison to what we had seen in the rural areas of Blittà.

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news from the swimsa family

We believe that it is close to impossible to fight against equalities in access to health without covering the basic needs of any population; this is why our collaboration started with access to water. After experiencing first-hand how villa­ gers walked up to 10km to the nearest well only to invite us to eat with them for dinner we fun­ ded the construction of a well in Toule Waie, the very village we had found the little boy during our screening mission for malnutrition. At this point, we would like to say thank you from all of our heart to our friends and families who have supported us financially in this mission!

After seeing the impact that this one well has had on the local community, we would like to integrate the construction of wells in the develo­ pment of our project. Furthermore, we continue to support the screening of malnutrition. Future projects include financing the rental of a mill to produce vitamin-enriched flour for the rations given out to the children. In order to provide all of this, we have elected a new post in our com­ mittee, the Responsable Togo Nadin Söylemez, who will lead a team of volunteers to raise funds throughout the year, and then return to Togo in order to provide a detailed report on how we can continue to make progress. During their time on site, the team will also help out in the various health centers.

We are looking forward to seeing the project flourish over time; if you want to support this cause, don’t hesitate to reach out to togo.metis@ swimsa.ch!

M.E.T.I.S. began its journey in Lomé, the capital, and reached Blittà in central Togo (source: orangesmile.com)

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news from the swimsa family

YOUNG SONOGRAPHERS TEACHING ULTRASOUND TO MEDICAL STUDENTS Text: Robin Walter | University of Bern Young Sonographers is a fast-growing project, carried by medical students and junior doctors with the simple goal to push boundaries of ultra­ sound teaching throughout Switzerland.

Soon being present at all Swiss medical univer­ sities, we thought about our next steps and de­ cided to update our online learning platform which teaches theoretical knowledge to our ba­ sic course participants.

During the past years, we also found that some of our videos did not seem to provide clear ex­ planations and were therefore often left aside by students. We now reformulated the words, clari­ fied the pictures and hope to improve the lear­ ning experience for all our participants.

This new eLearning will be available around the end of 2021 online and will be used for all our courses. Our local committees always directly What we now did, with invaluable monetary su­ contact all medical students, which are eligible pport from swimsa Fonds, is an update of the di­ to take part in our teachings. dactic ideas behind all our videos.

For more images and to know, what is going Therefore we collaborated with experienced on, follow us on Instagram or contact your local doctors to create clear guidelines for the exami­ committee. nation of each organ and film them as precisely as possible.

All the best, Young Sonographers Switzerland

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news from the swimsa family

WHERE TO TURN TO? Meet your local student association

FaMBa - Basel praesidium@fachschaftmedizinbasel.com www.famba.ch

FaMed - Fribourg fs-medizin@unifr.ch student.unifr.ch/med

fsmb - Bern sekretariat@fsmb.ch www.fsmb.ch

MUSt - St. Gallen info@must-hsg.ch www.must-hsg.ch

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news from the swimsa family

AEML - Lausanne aeml@unil.ch www.aeml.ch

aemg - Geneva aemg@unige.ch aemg.unige.ch

FluMed - Lucerne flumed.vorstand@gmail.com www.flumed.ch

smusi - Lugano smusi@usi.ch www.smusi.usi.ch

mesa - Zurich ETH praesidium@mesa.ethz.ch www.mesa.ethz.ch

fvmed - Zurich UZH info@fvmed.ch www.fvmed.ch

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news from the swimsa family

SWIMSA’S PROJECTS Meet our associate members

Achtung Liebe www.achtungliebe.ch

AEST - Action Estudiantine pour la Santé Tropicale www.association-aest.com

AGT - Aufklärung gegen Tabak www.gegentabak.de

ASC - Action Santé Communautaire www.facebook.com/actionsantecommunautaire

ASTiM www.astim.ch

CLASH www.instagram.com/associationclash

gruhu www.gruhu.ch

Doctors and Death www.facebook.com/doctorsanddeath

EROS www.association-eros.com

escolhares www.escolhares.com

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news from the swimsa family

JSEMS - Sport & Exercise Medicine Switzerland www.sems.ch

Marrow Switzerland www.marrow.ch

MedSICS

Medstache

www.medsics.wixsite.com/medsics

www.medstachelausanne.jimdofree.com

SCS - Swiss Chiropractic Students www.sc-students.ch

M.E.T.I.S.

Teddybär Spital

www.metislausanne.ch

www.tbsbern.ch

POZH - Projekt Organspende Zürich www.fvmed.ch

UAEM Switzerland www.uaem.ch

YS - Young Sonographers www.youngsonographers.ch

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«Politik ist nichts anderes als Medizin im Grossen»

Der Klimawandel betrifft uns im Gesundheitswesen stark.

Als grösste gesundheitliche Bedrohung dieses Jahrhunderts bringt er nicht nur unmittelbare Gesundheitsgefahren wie Extremwetterereignisse und Hitzewellen. Er schadet der Gesundheit auch indirekt, z. B. durch Zoonosen oder klimabedingte Migration.

Im Gesundheitssektor fangen wir aber nicht nur die Folgen des Klimawandels auf – wir treiben ihn leider auch selbst voran. Wären alle Gesundheitswesen der Welt ein Land, wäre dieses Land weltweit der fünftgrösste Treibhausgasemittent. Was die Treibhausgase des Gesundheitswesens pro Kopf angeht, liegen wir Schweizer*innen mit an der Weltspitze.

Die Verantwortung des Gesundheitswesens ist also offensichtlich. Es ist darum erfreulich, dass die swimsa nicht nur nationale und internationale Appelle lanciert und unterstützt, sondern das Thema auch innerhalb der FMH auf die Tagesordnung gesetzt hat. Infolge des Vorstosses von swimsa und VSAO hat eine FMH-Arbeitsgruppe aus Standespolitik und Wissenschaft verschiedene Bereiche identifiziert, in denen wir als Ärzteschaft Einfluss nehmen können. Der Leitsatz «think global, act local» wird damit direkt auf die Ärzteschaft angewendet.

Gleichzeitig liegen viele relevante Klimatreiber ausserhalb unseres Einflussbereichs und unserer Expertise. Z. B. stammen die Treibhausgasemissionen des Gesundheitssektors vor allem aus dem Verbrauch fossiler Energien.

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Das Vorantreiben der Energiewende liegt jedoch ausserhalb standespolitischer Mandate. Und auch die klimaeffiziente Gestaltung von Spitälern können wir nur begrenzt beurteilen und beeinflussen.

«Standesorganisationen werden die ‹grosse› Politik nicht ersetzen können.»

Standesorganisationen werden folglich die «grosse» Politik nicht ersetzen können. «Politik ist nichts anderes als Medizin im Grossen», hielt bereits Rudolf Virchow fest und handelte konsequent danach. Als Mitglied des Stadtparlaments verhalf er den Berlinern zu einer Kanalisation, als Mitglied des Deutschen Reichstags förderte er die medizinische Grundversorgung. Die grössten Gesundheitserfolge erreichte dieser Arzt durch Politik – die «Medizin im Grossen», die auch im Kampf gegen den Klimawandel entscheidend sein wird.

Nach dem Bachelorabschluss können Medizinstudierende der FMH gebührenfrei beitreten: Die Studierenden-Mitgliedschaft ist unter anderem verbunden mit einem kostenlosen Abonnement der Weiterbildungszeitschrift Swiss Medical Forum und der Schweizerischen Ärztezeitung. Anmeldung: www.fmh.ch

« La politique n’est rien de plus que la médecine pratiquée en grand » Dr. med. Yvonne Gilli, Präsidentin der FMH Dr méd. Yvonne Gilli, Présidente de la FMH

Le changement climatique a un impact particulièrement fort sur notre secteur d’activité. Principale menace du siècle pour la santé, il n’a pas seulement un effet direct sur celle-ci, notamment avec les événements climatiques extrêmes et les vagues de chaleur, mais aussi indirect, à travers les zoonoses ou la migration climatique par exemple.

En tant que professionnels de la santé, nous ne faisons cependant pas que subir les conséquences du changement climatique – nous y contribuons malheureusement aussi. Si tous les systèmes de santé du monde constituaient un pays, ce pays serait le cinquième au monde en termes d’émission de gaz à effet de serre. Sur le plan des émissions de CO2 par habitant, le système de santé de notre pays figure parmi les plus mauvais élèves au niveau mondial.

La responsabilité du secteur de la santé est évidente. Il est donc réjouissant que la swimsa ait pris l’initiative de lancer et de relayer des appels à l’échelle nationale et internationale mais aussi de mettre ce sujet à l’agenda politique de la FMH. Suite à l’intervention de la swimsa et de l’ASMAC, un groupe de travail de la FMH composé de représentant-e-s du monde politique et scientifique a identifié plusieurs domaines dans lesquels le corps médical peut agir. Le corps médical fait ainsi sienne la devise « think global, act local ».

Dans le même temps, de nombreuses causes du changement climatique se situent en dehors de notre champ

d’influence et d’expertise. À titre d’exemple, les émissions de gaz à effet de serre du secteur de la santé découlent principalement de l’utilisation d’énergies fossiles. Or la promotion de la transition énergétique ne relève pas de notre politique professionnelle. Tout comme nous ne pouvons agir que de manière limitée en faveur d’hôpitaux plus respectueux de l’environnement.

« Les organisations professionnelles ne remplaceront pas la ‹ grande › politique. » Les organisations professionnelles ne remplaceront donc pas la « grande » politique, pour reprendre la devise de Rudolf Virchow « La politique n’est rien de plus que la médecine pratiquée en grand ». Une devise qu’il a luimême suivie tout au long de sa vie : en tant que membre du conseil municipal de Berlin, d’abord, en permettant aux Berlinois de bénéficier d’un tout-à-l’égout ; et en tant que membre du Reichstag allemand, ensuite, en œuvrant en faveur d’une prise en charge médicale de base. C’est grâce à la politique que ce médecin a remporté ses plus grands succès – la « médecine pratiquée en grand » sera dès lors décisive dans la lutte contre le changement climatique.

Les étudiants en médecine peuvent s’affilier gratuite­ ment à la FMH après le bachelor et bénéficier entre autres d’un abonnement gratuit au Swiss Medical Forum et au Bulletin des médecins suisses. Inscriptions : www.fmh.ch.

WWW.FMH.CH | INFO@FMH.CH | +41 31 359 11 11 swimsa

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SWIMSA IN PICTURES

Have you ordered your swimsa socks and shirt yet?

Contact vpc@swimsa.ch

The first in-person SMSC in a long time: SMSC Lausanne 2021!

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swimsa

The EB on its Starter Days

Hi, nice to meet you!

EuRegMe 2021

So many positions that want to be filled swimsa

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ROOM FOR THOUGHTS

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swimsa

swimsa

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THIS IS YOUR LOCAL STUDENT COUNCIL for all the medical students at your university. They organize social events, parties, represent you to your faculty and fight for your medical education.

THESE ARE YOUR LOCAL PROJECTS which work on different public health and human rights topics. You can join any project you like or even start your own.

THIS IS YOU, a medical student in Switzerland

THIS IS YOUR NATIONAL ORGANISATION swimsa is the umbrella organisation for all Swiss medical students. Its members are 10 student councils and the local projects. In the comittee for education, swimsa works towards an improved education on a national level. Via the IFMSA, it enables worldwide student exchanges. Twice per year, it organises the SMSC-Conference with students from all parts of Switzerland. An event you MUST have experienced at least once! www.swimsa.ch 70 swimsa

... AND THIS IS HOW WE CHANGE THE WORLD TOGETHER The International Federation fo Medical Students‘ is the umbrella organisation for all the national associations of more than 120 different countries worldwide. They gather twice per year in the socalled General Assembly (GA), where 1000 students come together and exchange ideas. swimsa is always represented by a Swiss delegation, which YOU can be part of as well! www.ifmsa.org