The Medical Students Union at the Arab American University has held a training day for the Faculty students on the University campus in Jenin, which included training students in various fields related to disasters and wars as well as how to manage crises.
The training day was inaugurated with the presence of Dr. Malik Zaben, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (via Zoom), Dr. Ramez Zaid, Vice Dean, Dr. Imad Abu Al Rub, Director of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Saja Nazzal, Assistant to the Dean for the Clinical Phase, Mrs. Areej Shalbak, Assistant to the Dean for Administrative Affairs, and a number of academic and administrative staff, in addition to representatives of the local national union in various medical faculties.
Dr. Zaben delivered an opening speech in which he presented an explanatory presentation on how to manage crises through his previous experiences and similar medical fields that he has experienced during his professional history.
In his speech, Dr. Ramez Zaid explained the importance of these activities in light of the recent events that are sweeping the country in general and the Gaza Strip in particular, and pointed out that this activity sheds light on the difficult challenges and provides possible solutions.
Student Baraa Hourani, head of the University's Medical Students Union, stressed the importance of acquiring knowledge in various medical fields, especially during times of crises and disasters, and the importance of striving to reach the knowledge and skills that enable medical students to act in critical situations.
This was followed by displaying a video by one of the members of the Medical Students Union in Gaza, student Ihab Dahdah, in which he spoke about the reality that our people in Gaza live in and the extent of the courage and patience they are armed with, and pointed to the reality of medicine and doctors there under these circumstances.
A video was also displayed about the martyrs of the homeland, doctors and students who were victims of the brutal aggression on our beloved country in Gaza and Palestine.
The activity sessions included the following:
- Building Capacity for Effective Global Health Leadership in IFMSA
This session aims to enhance students’ leadership skills and develop their abilities to work effectively in the field of global health, in addition to addressing vital topics related to health leadership, global challenges, and innovative strategies that can be applied within IFMSA as well as that they need to be influential and inspiring leaders in their fields. This session was delivered by trainers Jana Qararia, Osama Abu Sir, and Baraa Hourani.
- SCOPE missions & Students Exchange Challenges especially in Crisis and Gaza current situation
This session addressed the challenges facing student exchange during crises and how to deal with difficult circumstances, with a focus on the current situation in Gaza. It also touched upon SCOPE's missions and goals in supporting students and promoting the exchange of experiences and knowledge despite the great challenges, to deepen their understanding and enrich their knowledge with effective strategies to overcome challenges and achieve success. This session was delivered by trainers Osama Abu Zneid and Reem Adawi.
- Researches in the context of humanitarian crisis
This session focused on the challenges and difficulties that accompany research in humanitarian crises, presenting best practices and innovative methods for collecting and analyzing data in these difficult circumstances, as well as exchanging ideas and experiences to build a network of researchers capable of making a positive impact in humanitarian fields. This session was delivered by trainers Ahmed Al-Hajj and Hamsa Saad.
- Disaster Medicine Basics
This session addressed enhancing students’ understanding and skills in the field of disaster medicine, a vital field that requires extensive knowledge and readiness to deal with emergencies effectively, in addition to the basic principles of disaster medicine, teaching how to provide medical care in critical and unstable conditions, exploring disaster planning and response strategies, and identifying tools and techniques that can be used to ensure the best possible care for those affected. This session was delivered by trainers Sali Maree and Suwa Abu Yahya.
- Mental Health Management in Crisis
This session focused on crises that affect the mental health of individuals and communities, providing students with the knowledge and tools necessary to deal with the psychological challenges that arise during crises, providing effective support to those affected, and addressing very important topics such as identifying the effects of crises on mental health, effective strategies for intervention and psychological support, best practices for enhancing psychological resilience in difficult times, and how to provide effective psychological support to those affected in times of crises such as in Gaza. This session was delivered by trainers Shahd Al-Badh and Laden Salah.
- Medical Education in Crisis
This session emphasized the importance of identifying the challenges facing medical education in critical times, exchanging innovative solutions to enhance the quality of education despite the current difficult circumstances, and ensuring the continuity and efficiency of medical education. We will also discuss best practices, exchange experiences, and review tools and resources that can support medical education in times of crisis. This session was delivered by trainers Ahmed Damidi and Ayaat Ahmed.
- Mini Gender and Public Health Emergencies
This session discussed how to include gender differences between males and females in our response to small health emergencies, understanding the diverse needs of communities during health crises, and how to develop comprehensive strategies to deal with them effectively and equitably. This session was delivered by trainers Nada Takrouri and Diyar Abu Khudair.
