“WHO do you want to be” is an educational course for medical students designed by the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) with support from the WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases. This course will give medical students an essential public health perspective on the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), since normally their basic training only includes a clinical perspective of NCDs.
Noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and mental disorders, are responsible for a large part of the disease burden in Europe. Of the six WHO regions, the European Region is the most affected by NCDs, and their growth is startling. Capacity building is an essential part of strengthening the health system response to noncommunicable diseases.
Building professional capacity
The course was developed after a request from the IFMSA Regional Director for Europe, a member of the Advisory Council on Innovation for Noncommunicable Diseases, to build competencies and the professional capacity of medical students, preparing them to work at national and international level.
An important part of the course is hearing the views of young professionals about public health challenges during discussions and trainings on specific topics related to NCDs, and ensuring that their voices are heard at the highest public health level.
The main aims of the course are for participants to:
- gain an overview of the latest evidence and research of key NCD risk factors;
- learn about the primary health-care impact in tackling NCDs;
- explore the role of data in public health policy development;
- learn about emerging digital solutions for NCDs;
- develop a deeper understanding of novel and underprioritized NCD challenges;
- explore the concept of implementation research and how it can be used to achieve public health goals;
- improve their professional writing and advocacy skills;
- practice effective communication strategies, utilize behavioural and cultural insights, and health literacy to form trusting relationships with patients.
The course runs from 20 October 2021 to 8 December 2021, with live sessions scheduled once a week on Wednesdays, and pre-recorded lectures available for participants one week before the start date. At the conclusion of the course participants will receive a certificate of course completion.