“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has” Margaret Mead
Interested in global health and international development issues? Have a passion for equity? Want to hang out with other people who do too? Then Medsin is just the society you have been searching for! Our UCL branch is one of 30 all round the country, all striving to tackle global and local inequalities, with one simple vision: a fair and just world in which equity in health is reality for all.
Sadly, it is impossible to pick up a newspaper and not read about the struggles faced by people across the globe. Whether it is crises such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa last year, the ongoing issue of poverty and famine throughout the world or the migration crisis crippling Europe this summer, the message is clear: inequalities are incredibly pronounced in all societies and we are all needed to address these issues.
Having the opportunity to investigate the headlines and question the political, social and economic determinants that lead to these inequalities is what Medsin is really about. As well as campaigning, we also aim to tackle these issues through education and advocacy. Throughout the year we run numerous events, ranging from conference weekends to talks and informal debates. Last year, amongst a variety of events we ran a global health short course, involving lectures by highly distinguished speakers on topics ranging from the issues surrounding the sugar industry to healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers. No doubt this year the events will continue to provoke debate, anger and inspire! And if these talks spark your inner debator, come along to our cafe medsin where you can meet other passionate medsin-ners over a drink and discuss contemporary issues confronting the global health world.
Whatever your expertise; whether you have a Russell Brand-esque passion for activism and know your stance on the ‘big pharma’ debate or whether you are a complete newbie to the global health scene, Medsin offers the opportunity to challenge your views and become part of a network of students who all share a passion for equity and who want to fight for change, so we can all look forward to a healthy world of tomorrow.