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Thank you all for your interest in the HSAN Student Section. I want to apologize for the delay in greeting everyone; things have been a bit hectic with all of the new developments.
This issue of the newsletter will remain short, but I do want to give you an overview of what we have been able to accomplish so far and where we plan to take the HSAN Student Section in the future.
Please peruse the website if you have not already done so. In particular, I want to draw your attention to the Collaboration Center. The Collaboration Center is a platform for us to gain experience in Health System Strengthening. Admittedly, the Collaboration Center is sparsely populated with opportunities for now. But, with increasing involvement by the experts in the Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) community, we will continue to increase the number of opportunities available for involvement. Please tell you friends, colleagues, and Professors about this resource to generate momentum.
The HSAN Student Section is teaming up with some really great groups, publications, and institutions to expand the reach of HSS education and participation. Notably, we have been in communication with the Lancet Student, Medsin, the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), and Tata Institute of Health Science (TISS).
Also, we have posted a blog entry on the Lancet Student website which outlines some reasons for students to get involved with HSS.
Moving Forward
We are developing a work plan that will outline the formal mission of the HSAN Student Section. The work plan will likely focus on 5 key areas:
1) Quantify the deficit in knowledge about health system principles among health students.
2) Develop an online resource for learning about and participating in HSS.
3) Organize existing and develop new didactic educational materials for HSS through an online platform.
4) Organize existing and develop new experiential learning opportunities in HSS through an online platform.
5) Promote mentorship in HSS.
I look forward to collaborating with HSAN Student Section’s partners to accomplish these goals. Based on the work plan, we will soon be sourcing funding to bolster our efforts.
The more of us get involved in the HSAN Student Section, the more rich will be our experience. Here are some great ways to get involved:
1) Follow HSAN Student Section on Twitter.
2) Contribute blog entries about any cool thoughts pertaining to global health or HSS.
3) Submit original articles for peer-review.
4) Become a reviewer for articles. (email students@hsanet.org if you’re interested)
5) And of course, check out the Collaboration Center!!!
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. This site is meant to be for us and by us, so don’t be shy.
And please tell others about the site so we can more input and participation!
Thanks for reading,