MERCH (Medical Education and Research Exchange)

As medical students, we cannot be far from research seeing the development of science. Day by day diseases are getting more diverse and different from one location to another. This requires us to study the latest research as well as the differences in health systems in other countries. CIMSA FK UIN SH facilitates this through the existence of MERCH (Medical Education and Research Exchange) held by SCORE and SCOPE.

On Saturday 27th November 2021, SCOPE and SCORE CIMSA FK UIN SH held an activity called “MERCH : Medical Education and Research Exchange”. The activity was a webinar for preclinic and clinical students which provided knowledge about study abroad. This activity aimed to apprise details on how learn and do research abroad based on speakers experiences. The first topic was Health Systems and Cultural Exchange by dr. Pratiwi Prasetya P (Former Outgoing CIMSA FK UNS) and continued with How to Deal with Culture Shock and Build Confidence while Studying Abroad by dr. Irina Auliannisa (MPH Student of Seoul National University from PERPIKA).

The event started at 10.00 a.m. with an opening speech by Local Coordinator, and Project Officer of MERCH, continued with the presentations by the speaker who were guided by master of ceremony. After that, we held a QnA session. During that session, the participants were very active and very enthusiastic to know more about study abroad. The activity was closed by giving certificate and having a photo session with all participants and speakers.

Finally, we are very grateful for knowing that the average post-test score which had been given in the beginning of the webinar has increased. Moreover, all participants also gave really fine feedback. We hope this activity, MERCH, will be beneficial for all participants, especially SCOPE and SCORE members who focus on profesional exchange and research fields. Last but not least, we also kindly hope that after this activity, members of CIMSA FK UIN SH can use their knowledge and apply when doing medical education and research exchange as a way to improve the nation’s health.