This section summarises the impactful activities and programs the University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Association has successfully organised and executed between March 2021 and September 2021. Despite the new climes, the 2020/2021 Executive Council set out to plan an all-encompassing year for UIMSAites. Here is what we have achieved so far:
DATA FUNDING FOR UIMSAITES
Sequel to complaints from many UIMSAites about the inability to procure data for virtual classes, the Executive Council, through the Office of the Vice President, made a call to the general public in May 2021 to raise money to assist UIMSAites, who genuinely needed assistance with data subscription for online classes. A total amount of #50,600 was raised and we were able to cater to 65 UIMSAites.
WOMEN IN SURGERY WEBINAR: Organised by The Office of The Special Duties Officer (Clinicals)
The UIMSA Women in Surgery webinar was inspired by the need to encourage and promote more participation of female medical students in Surgery. The programme held on Saturday, May 15, 2021, via Zoom from 12 pm to 3:30 pm. The programme consisted of 3 different sessions which were:
● “Daring to dream and preparing for a career in Surgery as a woman” by Dr. Michael Afieharo (Consultant, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery)
● “The peculiar challenges faced by female surgical residents” by Dr. Ogadinma Mgbajah (Consultant, Cardiothoracic Surgery)
● “Seeking a well-balanced work and social life” by Dr. Abimbola Abolarinwa (Consultant, Urological Surgery)
UIMSA CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM: Organized through the Offices of the General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary.
In line with one of the mission statements of the Association, the Secretariat committee organised the first UIMSA Capacity Building Programme tagged: ‘Expand Your Horizons’. The programme was aimed at empowering UIMSAites with basic skills for the professional world via interactions with skilled individuals in their respective fields. The Capacity Building Programme held on Saturday, April 24, 2021, from 8 am to 12 am via the Zoom platform.
The four-hour Capacity Building Programme included 45-minute sessions that ran simultaneously, in the following areas:
● CV Writing;
● Letter Writing (formal letters, letters of motivation, statements of purpose);
● Proposal Writing (research proposals, proposals for grants);
● Freelance Writing (getting started on Upwork);
● Preparing for interviews.
These different sessions were open to all those who registered for the programme and the specific time for each session was highlighted in emails sent to registered attendees. We also gave out airtime via the fastest fingers game as a form of incentive for some attendees who were attentive and answered questions correctly.
UIMSA RESEARCH CLINIC: Organized through the Offices of the General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary.
With the aim of piquing new interests and refuelling old interests in Research, the Executive Council, through the Offices of the General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary, organised a Research Clinic for UIMSAites on the 18th of September, 2021.
The event spanned 3 major fields of Medicine and had prolific researchers from each field, come share knowledge and information about research in that field.
Surgery: Dr Taiwo Lawal (Paediatric Surgeon, UCH)
Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Dr Imran Morhasson-Bello ( O&G Specialist)
Infectious Diseases: Dr Kemi Adekanmbi (Infectious Diseases Specialist)
The event had over 100 students in attendance and was met with great testimonies afterwards.
GAMES DAY: Organised through the Offices of the Vice President and Sports Secretary
On the 8th of October, 2021, UIMSAites had a fun day outdoors at the Games event organised by the UIMSA executive council at the Pool sit out area and TV room in Alexander Brown Hall. Different board, card and computer games were played such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Chess, Ayo, Ludo, WHOT, PES, FIFA and other physical games including Table Tennis and Snooker. About 100 UIMSAites were in attendance from both the Preclinical and Clinical Arms of the College.
PRECLINICAL SCHOOL ORIENTATION PROGRAM: Organised through the Office of the Special Duties Officer (Preclinicals)
In order to ease the transition from the Preliminary class to the Preclinical class for the 200 level class, the Office of the Special Duties Officer Preclinical organized the Preclinical Orientation. It was held on Saturday, 27th of March 2021 from 11 AM to 2 PM. The event had over 80 students in attendance and was commended with beautiful and grateful remarks from them afterwards. The outline of the program included:
“Introduction to Anatomy” by Ojoma Peace Attah. (400Level)
“Introduction to Biochemistry” by Joshua Awokunle. (400Level)
“Introduction to Physiology” by Babatunde Abdulhammeed. (400Level)
Special “Business and Finance in Medical School” by Judith Ebengho. (500Level)
“Balancing in Medical School: Physical, Social and Mental Health” by Dr Segun Afolaranmi.
“Building a Sustainable Social Network in Medical School” by Olaoluwa Olorunfemi. (Final Year)
FRESHERS’ ORIENTATION PROGRAM: Organised through the Office of the Duties Officer (Preclinicals)
In order to incorporate the 100 level class into the association and prepare them for medical school, the Office of the Special Duties Officer Preclinical organized the first-ever Fresher’s Orientation. It was a Two-Day virtual programme that had prominent speakers talk on the academic, social, extracurricular and financial aspects of a medical student. It was held on Thursday, 25th of March 2021 and Friday, 26th of March 2021 from 6 PM to 8 PM on both days. The programme involved sessions on various enlightening topics which are outlined below:
“UIMSA, Affiliate Associations with UIMSA and other Non-Governmental Associations” by Olaoluwa Olorunfemi.
“Introduction to Physics and Zoology” by Seunara Arotiba.
“Introduction to Chemistry and General Studies” by Oluwanifise Onafowokan.
“Maintaining Good Physical, Social and Mental Health: Balancing in the University” by Dr. Imodoye Abioro.
“Extracurricular Activities in the University” by Dr. Chinedu Nwaduru.
“Mentorship Programme” by Priscilla Awoyemi and Christabel Uche-Orji.
CLINICAL SCHOOL ORIENTATION PROGRAM: Organized through the Office of the Special Duties Officer (CLINICAL)
The event was held on the 2nd of October,2021, starting at 11:05 and it ended at 1:30 pm. With about 60 UIMSAites in attendance. Invited guest speakers included:
Dr Emmanuel Oyesiji (Valedictorian for the 2021 graduating class) who spoke on Pursuit for academic excellence
Oluwafolajimi Adesanya (Chief Administrator, The Panacea Project) who spoke on making a positive impact
Dr. Michael Akande (Emeritus Professor O.O Akinkugbe Awardee) who spoke on balancing it all
