In a groundbreaking achievement for Bangladesh’s medical community, Sharif Mohammed Sadat has made history as the first Bangladeshi to be elected as the Regional Director for Asia-Pacific (RD AP) within the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA). His election took place on 4th August 2024 at the IFMSA August Meeting in Tampere, Finland, coinciding with Bangladesh’s “2nd Independence” celebration. We had the opportunity to speak with Sadat about this historic milestone, his vision for the future, and the journey that led him here.
Q: The Regional Director for Asia-Pacific is a coveted and prestigious position in the medical community, what does it mean to you to be the first Bangladeshi in this role?
A: It’s an honor beyond words. Being the first Bangladeshi as RD AP is a matter of immense pride for me and for all the medical students in Bangladesh. It demonstrates that we have the capability to lead and represent on the global stage. I hope this achievement inspires other medical students to go beyond books.
Q: The election coincided with a change in governance for our country, how did that influence your perspective on this achievement?
A: The timing is indeed special and symbolic. It feels like a new chapter, both for myself and for Bangladesh in the field of global health. This coincidence reminds me of the spirit of independence—freedom, responsibility, and leadership. I still remember the day of my RD debate where I had technical difficulties due to internet issues & the way IFMSA helped us in reaching our international communities in our tough times to get justice and ensure health for all.
Q: Your new role gives you the power to make an effective impact, what do you hope to achieve for medical students in Bangladesh through your position?
A: I want to ensure that Bangladeshi medical students have a stronger presence on international platforms. We have talented and passionate individuals who deserve opportunities to showcase their capabilities. Even in IFMSA, people from Bangladesh have greater contributions in different roles, yet I think we are far away from the international community.
Q: Amassing knowledge about global issues and exposing yourself to international intellectuals must have been a vital part of your journey, could you share some of the global forums and conferences you have attended?
A: I’ve had the privilege of representing Bangladesh in various international conferences, such as the 57th UN Commission on Population & Development, the Asia-Pacific Medical Education Conference 2024, and the Open Education Conference in both 2022 and 2023. I have also attended 8 IFMSA General Assemblies and 4 Asia-Pacific Regional Meetings. Apart from attending, I’ve presented abstracts at events like AMEE 2023, WONCA 2023, and the Open Education Conference 2023. These experiences have broadened my perspective on global health challenges and opportunities. They’ve shown me the power of youth involvement and the importance of collaboration. Even in our country, we have seen the role of youth in policy-making and other important decisions.
Q: You will be working directly with medical students across the Asia-Pacific region, what message would you like to give to them to inspire them on their career path?
A: I encourage all medical students to engage actively in their communities and take leadership roles whenever possible. Your voice is powerful, and together, we can bring about meaningful change in healthcare. Let’s work collaboratively to address the pressing health issues in our region and create a future where medical students are seen as key contributors to global health policies and solutions.
Q: With this great responsibility and a myriad of challenges ahead of you, what is your vision for the future of medical student engagement in global health?
A: I envision a future where medical students don’t just follow—they lead in shaping health advocacy. Being a medical student is about more than passing exams or staying buried in books; it’s about rising beyond the classroom to make a real impact. It’s about earning a degree while building a CV that reflects real-world change. Together, through our collective efforts, we have the power to create a more just and healthier world for all.
As Sharif Mohammed Sadat begins his tenure as the first Bangladeshi RD AP in IFMSA, his vision and determination promise a new era of engagement and progress for medical students in the Asia-Pacific region. His leadership marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh and sets the stage for future generations to lead in global health initiatives.
