Day 1: information overload

It was the first official day of the MM, and it started bright and early.  Being the local officer for research exchanges, I attended – and will be attending all week – the research exchange session.  I was a little bit nervous going into it.  First, because I didn’t know anyone and have not been a part of IFMSA as long as most people attending the assembly.  Second, because I thought the 4 hour session would be long and full of information I would soon forget.  I am very pleased to say that the opposite happened!  The session was very informative, but also very interactive.  We talked about the research program, but the real interest of the morning was discussing the issues that are faced in medical research today.  I am part of a small working group (a group meant for discussion of a topic in greater depth than can be achieved with a large number of people) on lack of accessibility of published research, and its effect on knowledge progression.  The theme of which area to invest money into and its impact of health in all countries was also greatly discussed.  This is a topic that is very interesting and relevant, and therefore made for a very interesting debate.  I am therefore pleased to say that the morning, for me, was a success and I look forward to everything else I will be able to learn as the conference progresses!