Students of the Faculty of Medicine of the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, members of the Sociedad Potosina de Médicos en Formación local committee (SOPOMEF), carry out research exchanges on behalf of the International Federation of Medical Student’s Associations in different countries such as France, Ecuador, Italy, Taiwan, India, Peru, Brazil, Slovakia, Poland and Egypt.
In this regard, the fifth-year student of the Surgeon Degree, Faride Ayech Leyva, commented that the Standing Committee of Research Exchanges (SCORE) arose thanks to the International Federation of Medical Student’s Associations created after World War II. , represented in around 190 countries.
He explained that in order to participate in the exchanges, those interested must be part of the Mexican Association of Training Physicians, Civil Association, and create a local committee, which is why, in 2020, he had the initiative to found the Potosina Society of Training Physicians. (SOPOMEF) made up of more than 200 students of the Faculty and thus access research exchanges.
Ayech Leyva mentioned that by February 2022 it was possible to obtain exchange places with other countries, the Faculty receiving students from Italy, Portugal, Brazil, Honduras, and soon from India and Brazil, and vice versa.
“In this way we can be part of this exchange that offers us lodging and food a day, always with the support of directors of the Faculty and academics.” The exchanges last from four to eight weeks developing Basic Science or Clinical Projects.
The exchange is specifically for research, whether in the field of basic science, clinical projects with laboratory work or medical projects without laboratory work. The purpose is to learn about the health system of other countries, apply what they have learned as trainee doctors and obtain this cultural openness, making them more sensitive as professionals and humans.
It should be noted that the call is open to all students of the Faculty of Medicine and within the selection process an international manual is followed where interest in research is questioned, how involved are you with the local committee? Research trajectory within the career? among other questions.
The student Faride Ayech Leyva will remain in Italy for one month. For this purpose, the Faculty will allow the possible flexibility for the participating students, by allowing them to attend classes virtually asynchronously and the replacement of clinical practices in the month of June.
Finally, he called on his colleagues to be interested and participate in the program and not miss out on this opportunity. “The exchange can be carried out from the first years of the degree, and from the third year they can be applied to research projects.”