From August 1st to 7th 2025, the city of Ioannina hosted for the first time the IFMSA August Meeting (International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations) — one of the largest international medical student meetings in the world, with the participation of more than 300 medical students from 65 countries at the Grand Serai Hotel. It is worth noting that the event marks the first time in 27 years that an IFMSA General Assembly has been held in our country.
IFMSA is the largest representative body of medical students worldwide, with more than 1.5 million members from more than 133 organizations and 123 countries, including medical students in Greece, represented through HelMSIC. Every year, IFMSA holds two General Assemblies, one in March and one in August, which bring together students, young health professionals and external partners with the common goal of strengthening medical education, global health and intercultural cooperation.
The event was held under the auspices of the Municipality of Ioannina and the Region of Epirus, highlighting the importance that local organizations attach to international actions that strengthen the extroversion and educational identity of the region.
During the opening ceremony, which was attended by representatives of organizations and participants from all over the world, Dr. Tsiara, Deputy Regional Governor for Culture, Youth, Education and Lifelong Learning of Epirus, delivered a speech on behalf of the Region of Epirus, expressing the joy and support of the local government for an organization that promotes Epirus internationally. A special highlight of the ceremony was the impressive performance of the Tsiflikopoulos Cultural Association group, which presented traditional dances and conveyed liveliness and culture.
The General Assembly included, among other things, plenary sessions aimed at making decisions on IFMSA’s positions, collaborations with international organizations and the elections of the Team of Officials for the following year, where Anna Liakopoulou, a student at the University of Ioannina, was re-elected as Liaison Officer for Medical Sciences and Research Issues.
Additionally, educational sessions took place in six thematic areas: Public Health, Human Rights & Peace, Sexual Health, Medical Education, Professional & Research Exchanges, in which participants had the opportunity to be trained and educated on the respective topics. It is worth noting that in the Professional & Research Exchanges sessions, Professor Evangelia Ntzani, Director of the Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology of the Medical School of the University of Ioannina, was honored to be present, and spoke about the challenges and prospects of international student exchanges and shared experiences and advice from her own path.
Moreover, the thematic event: “Holding Humanity: The Role of Health Professionals in Times of Crisis and Displacement” took place, which focused on the impact of humanitarian crises (conflicts, population movements, natural disasters) on health systems and vulnerable populations. Set in a country like Greece, which is undoubtedly a central hub in the management of the European refugee crisis, the event functioned as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and experiential understanding. The event concluded with a call to action for all students.
Finally, a unique element of the General Assembly was the National Food and Drinks Party, an evening of intercultural exchange, with traditional foods and drinks from the countries of the participants.
The six-member HelMSIC delegation participated throughout the General Assembly, representing the medical students of Greece, voting, making statements that reflect the point of view of the medical students of our country and actively participating. Athena, Dimitralena, Eleftheria, Kasmina, Maria and Marianina, from various Medical Schools in Greece who attended the International Meeting, tell us:
“Through the August Meeting, I was able to meet medical students from all over the world, network and get to know different cultures and healthcare systems from all over the world”
“I saw Medicine beyond the auditoriums and books. I took part in important decisions that determine the future of healthcare and I expressed my opinion actively and freely!”
The August Meeting 2025 in Ioannina, like every International Meeting, proved that medical students unite, raise their voices and can bring change!
Be part of this change!
