Duhok-Zawita, August, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) – The 16th National Assembly of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations – Kurdistan (IFMSA-Kurdistan) was held in Zawita, Duhok, from August 20–24, 2026, bringing together around 200 medical students and young health advocates from Duhok, Zakho, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Koya, other areas of the Kurdistan Region, and abroad.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, Dr. Nabaz Ibraheem Mohammed, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Dr. Dildar Haji Musa, Dean of the College of Medicine, alongside academics, medical doctors, specialists, IFMSA-Kurdistan representatives, students, and distinguished guests. Osama Subhi Yaseen, Local President of IFMSA-Kurdistan’s Duhok Committee and a student of UOD’s College of Medicine, played a key role in organizing and coordinating the Assembly in Duhok.

IFMSA-Kurdistan is the national member organization of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), one of the world’s largest student-led organizations, representing approximately 1.5 million medical students across 124 countries. The National Assembly provided a platform for medical students to develop their professional and leadership skills, exchange experiences, and engage with key issues in healthcare and medical education.

The five-day program featured training sessions, workshops, discussions, and networking activities addressing medical education, public health, human rights and peace, research, professional exchange, leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. The program also brought students from diverse backgrounds together, promoting collaboration, mutual understanding, and intercultural dialogue.

Preparing Future Healthcare Leaders

In his welcome speech, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi emphasized that the best doctors of the future will be those who combine medical knowledge and technological competence with empathy, integrity, teamwork, leadership, and a strong sense of humanity.

Highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, Dr. Atrushi stressed that future doctors should understand and use emerging technologies wisely, safely, and ethically. He emphasized that technology may support diagnosis and medical research, but should never replace the human relationship between doctors and patients.

Dr. Atrushi also expressed the University’s pride in its medical graduates and healthcare professionals, whose knowledge, professionalism, leadership, and commitment to patient care reflect the values of UOD.

The University President also congratulated the organizing team and volunteers and expressed his wishes for a successful, productive, and inspiring Assembly.

The event reflects the University of Duhok’s commitment to student development, quality healthcare education, leadership, research, and community engagement, while supporting medical students in becoming competent and socially responsible healthcare professionals capable of contributing to their communities and the wider healthcare sector.

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University Press Office, August, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali