As future physicians committed to advancing public health and improving health outcomes—both domestically and globally—we believe this withdrawal poses significant risks to the health and well-being of people in the United States and beyond. This decision undermines decades of collaborative work in combating infectious diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS and weakens the global capacity to respond to emerging threats like COVID-19 and future pandemics. Moreover, it isolates the United States from a key global health body, diminishing its ability to influence international health policies and initiatives that directly affect the safety and security of its population.

Possible Impact on Public Health

The WHO provides essential support to the United States through:

• Pandemic Preparedness and Response: WHO’s early warning systems and coordinated efforts have been vital in managing public health emergencies such as COVID-19, Monkeypox, and Ebola. The U.S. relies on WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) to track emerging flu strains, supporting vaccine development and preparedness.
• Global Disease Surveillance: WHO-led networks provide critical data on emerging health threats, aiding U.S. efforts to prevent and respond to diseases like Zika, SARS, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). WHO’s initiatives help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Evidence-Based Guidelines: WHO develops science-driven recommendations for disease prevention, treatment protocols, and health system improvements that inform U.S. health policies.
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Mitigation: WHO leads global efforts to combat AMR by providing frameworks and surveillance data that support U.S. strategies to contain resistant infections.
• Vaccine Distribution: WHO initiatives such as COVAX facilitate equitable vaccine access, helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases to the U.S.

The decision to withdraw from the WHO threatens to disrupt these critical functions, weakening the U.S. ability to respond to global health emergencies and potentially increasing healthcare costs due to the loss of shared resources and expertise. By severing ties with the WHO, the United States risks losing access to invaluable data, technical guidance, and coordinated international efforts that are essential in mitigating the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, this withdrawal could strain relationships with global partners, making it more challenging to collaborate on future health initiatives and compounding the financial and logistical burden on the U.S. healthcare system.

The withdrawal from WHO threatens to undermine these vital efforts and may create a leadership vacuum in global health governance, increasing the risk of delayed responses to international health emergencies that can directly impact American lives. Without the leadership and support of the United States, the WHO may struggle to mobilize the resources and expertise necessary to address pressing global health challenges. This absence of U.S. participation also sends a concerning message to the international community about the nation’s commitment to collective health security and solidarity during times of crisis.

Call to Action��

Ģ����Ƶ urges policymakers to reconsider this decision and advocate for continued U.S. engagement with the WHO. We believe that robust international cooperation and investment in global health initiatives are fundamental to protecting public health and achieving health equity. Reversing this decision would reaffirm the United States’ role as a global leader in health and strengthen the partnerships necessary to address pressing challenges, from pandemic preparedness to non-communicable disease management. In the face of global health challenges, unity and collaboration remain our strongest tools.��

Ģ����Ƶ stands ready to work with stakeholders to ensure that the U.S. remains an active and committed participant in global health efforts. We encourage policymakers to prioritize diplomacy and evidence-based decision-making in shaping the nation’s global health strategy, recognizing that these efforts directly contribute to the well-being and security of American communities. The Ģ����Ƶ (Ģ����Ƶ) is committed to advocating for policies that promote health equity, and global health partnerships. We remain dedicated to ensuring that public health remains a national and international priority. Through continued engagement with global health organizations, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Resources & References

To inform and support advocacy efforts, Ģ����Ƶ members may review the following resources:

8. &

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Across the country, students are rising up in solidarity protests, demanding immediate action to address the As the surpasses 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza, of which almost half are children, Ģ����Ƶ continues to condemn the attacks on innocent civilians and reiterates our call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, unfettered access to humanitarian aid wherever it is needed, and halting the transfer of arms to Israel. Furthermore, we condemn the , directly enabling this genocide. We call on the US to cease funding and arming genocidal State violence and to stop impeding global efforts to respond to this genocide through entities such as the UN.�� We also echo the students’ voices in calling their , whose products inflict massive death and destruction. Institutions that claim to be about education have no business being in the business of global arms production. It is imperative that we speak up and take action against any and all forms of injustice and systemic violence, including the genocide occuring in Gaza, and we commend the bravery of these students in leading the charge for justice.

The reactions and actions taken by the power-holders of many of these universities has also further revealed the extent to which these institutions are aligned with the current power structure that maintains and perpetuates systemic injustices and global violence. and many of them are suppressing students’ right to free assembly by conflating their critiques of the State of Israel with antisemitism. Ģ����Ƶ condemns these actions taken by many universities as violent, unethical, immoral, and fascistic, utterly incompatible with any claim to democratic principles and practices.

Given the manner in which many universities have reacted to the student-led uprisings and protests, it is more than evident that universities are generally unwilling to function as sites where students and young people can freely step into their power, speak with moral clarity, and take action to reshape the world structures that they are inheriting. Nevertheless, students are claiming this space at their universities, in spite of institutional resistance or refusal to acknowledge their right to do so. Students also need spaces outside of their universities to come together and organize their collective power. In recognition of this need, Ģ����Ƶ is committed to serving students as a space for student activism. As a national, independent, student-led organization, Ģ����Ƶ is a node and network for students to build their power, strengthen their voice, and organize for action.

In just a month, Ģ����Ƶ’s annual meeting, , will convene hundreds of future physicians in Washington, D.C May 30 – June 1, 2024. This gathering has long served as a platform for premedical and medical students to address pressing healthcare issues. This year’s agenda will include, but is not limited to, discussions on abortion restrictions, DEI funding cuts, attacks on LGBTQIA+ healthcare, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In solidarity, we have established dedicated brave spaces to empower all students in their advocacy efforts, fostering dialogue and support to address injustices in Gaza, ensuring that all members are well-informed and actively involved in advocacy endeavors. As students, we are claiming our role in shaping the future of medicine and society, advocating for justice and equity in healthcare worldwide.

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Once a year, we come together as a diverse force of future physicians banded together with a common goal: to make positive change in healthcare. To dare to envision a better realm of medicine — to overcome barriers that stand in the way of health equity and accelerate lasting change. Justice. Inclusion. Dare to blaze the path forward with us as we become the architects of a brighter tomorrow, and we invite you to join us on this inspiring journey.

At Future Physicians for Change, we don’t just talk about change; we are the change. As you enter our world, you’ll find yourself on the forefront of a revolution in healthcare. It’s a place where the status quo is challenged, where barriers are shattered, and where dreams of a fairer, more inclusive medical field take flight.

This isn’t just a conference; it’s an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself. It’s a space where daring visionaries gather to craft a future where healthcare knows no bounds.

Join us, and dare to be the spark that blazes the path forward toward a brighter, more equitable world. Dare to dream, dare to act, and dare to be an instrumental part of the change. The journey begins at��Future Physicians for Change.

Conference Details

Date: May 30 – June 1, 2024
Location: Washington, D.C.’s Hyatt Regency Crystal City.

This year, Ģ����Ƶ is proud to co-host the Future Physicians for Change conference with six other prominent medical student organizations, American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS), Medical Students for Choice (MSFC), Medical Students for Sustainable Future (MS4SF), South Asian Medical Student Association (SĢ����Ƶ), Association of Native American Medical Students (ANAMS), including International Federation of Medical Students’ Association (IFMSA), and potentially more. By uniting our forces, we aim to create an event that transcends boundaries, fostering collaboration and dialogue among the brightest minds in the medical community.

Key Programs:

1. Residency and Specialty Fair

Engage directly with program directors, inquire about away rotations, application processes, and gain insights into what programs/specialties are looking for. This isn’t your average job fair for aspiring physicians—it’s a dynamic showcase crafted exclusively for future leaders in medicine.

2. Sim Challenge

Teams of 4-5 students will compete in a series of simulated clinical scenarios requiring medical knowledge, clinical skills, teamwork, and communication.

3. Poster Session

Present your research project to a VIP panel of Ģ����Ƶ experts and leaders at Future Physicians for Change. Showcase your work, hone your public speaking skills, network with influencers, and boost your CV. Plus, win prizes if you nail it!

4. Advocacy Day on the Hill

On May 30th, 2024, we will lift our voices as future physicians to the Senate, educating and advocating for the kind of healthcare system we want to work in and the healthcare we want for our patients, families, and communities.

AND WAIT–there’s MORE!

Collaboration with AMOpportunities

We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with AMOpportunities (AMO). This year, Ģ����Ƶ and AMO have teamed up to provide exclusive two-week clinical rotations to attendees of the Future Physicians for Change Conference. These rotations, available either before or after the conference, offer a unique clinical experiences in the medical field.

Key Details:

• Rotation Dates: May 13–24 or June 3–14, 2024
• Cost: $1500
• Registration:��

AMO will be offering 30 two-week rotations across the U.S. in over 70 specialties, allowing you to tailor your clinical experience to match your interests. This incredible opportunity is a chance to apply the knowledge gained at the conference in a real-world setting, further enriching your understanding of the medical landscape.

.

Be the Change

Future Physicians for Change is not just a conference; it’s a movement. It’s an opportunity to contribute to the transformation of healthcare, to challenge the norms, and to be an active participant in shaping the future of medicine.

As we converge in Washington, D.C., let us unite under the banner of change. Let us be the architects of a healthcare system that knows no bounds, where inclusivity reigns supreme, and where each voice, including yours, makes a resounding impact.

Dare to dream, dare to act, and dare to be an instrumental part of the change. The journey begins at Future Physicians for Change. We look forward to welcoming you to this unparalleled experience that promises to redefine the future of medicine.

Register for all the above and more at��.

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Aligned with the “Principles Regarding War and Military Action” in our Preamble, Purposes, and Principles (PPP) document, Ģ����Ƶ vehemently “opposes an embargo of food, medicine, or medical supplies and equipment to any nation.” Our commitment extends to advocating for “a more humane approach to war and the resolution of international crises.” Ģ����Ƶ was present at American Public Health Association’s (APHA) annual meeting and we align with their Governing Council wholeheartedly and support an immediate ceasefire. We call on President Biden and Congress to take prompt action, emphasizing the imperative de-escalation of hostilities and for the restoration of basic needs for civilians.��

At Ģ����Ƶ, we have an unwavering commitment to a world where healthcare transcends borders, ensuring accessibility for all, especially in times of conflict. Ģ����Ƶ implores a resolute response from the U.S. government, stressing the urgency of humanitarian aid and restoration of basic necessities to ease the suffering for civilians amid this crisis.��

We urge all Ģ����Ƶ members to please use this to reach out to your Congress members and demand a ceasefire now.��

References:��

1. Women and newborns bearing the brunt of the conflict in Gaza, UN agencies warn (no date) World Health Organization. Available at:
2. Ruby Mellen, A.G. (2023) Gaza reports more than 11,100 killed. that’s one out of every 200 people., The Washington Post. Available at:
3. Kingsley, P. (2023) Israel-hamas war: 24 hostages return to Israel as 39 Palestinians are freed under truce, The New York Times. Available at:

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A majority of physicians struggle with language barriers, often with the 45 million Spanish-speakers in the United States. The risks of miscommunication are too high to ignore.

What can you do?

Patient-centered care requires meaningful communication. Practice your medical Spanish terminology with this short quiz, courtesy of Canopy Learn, and see how ready you are to provide the best care to your future patients, regardless of their primary language.

Are you ready to answer the following questions? Let’s go!

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Your international experience: Making��it count

You’ve completed an international elective or global health experience; so, what’s next? Explore how you can maximize the value of that experience and what next steps you should be taking upon your return with Dr. Joseph C. Kolars of��the University of Michigan Medical School.

Dr. Joseph C. Kolars is the Senior Associate Dean for Education and Global REACH at the University of Michigan Medical School. His main role is looking over the education mission at the medical school and also directing the global initiative at the med school, called the Global REACH Program, or Research Education and Collaboration for Health. He is also clinically active as a Gastroenterologist.

The Global REACH Program aims to help learners get exposed to issues in global health–revolving around challenges with regards to equity, and access–and brings learners into collaborative partnerships with individuals and institutions in low resource areas. Part of their mission��is to try and promote better education and research in a collaborative manner and learn together how they can make things better for the populations they serve. Learners participate in the Global Health & Disparities Path which launched in 2011.

International opportunities and global health initiatives are growing in popularity among medical students. Plus, these opportunities are becoming more relevant to medical education as globalization expands. The University of Michigan Medical School��has seen a steady��growth of��participants in��the Global Health & Disparities Path since it launched in 2011, which has graduated more than 50 students to date with another 80-plus currently enrolled.

As these numbers continue to grow–not��only��at University of Michigan Medical School but also more broadly–you need to be ready to take the next step upon your return. How do you find value in your experience? How will it change your pathway as a future physician? Dr. Joseph C. Kolars will share both personal experiences and guidance towards preparing you for those next steps.

Brought to you by the Ģ����Ƶ ad lib podcast. If you have comments about this episode or would like to contribute, we’d love to hear from you! E-mail us at adlib@amsa.org. And if you’ve enjoyed listening to Ģ����Ƶ ad lib, help others discover the show by

Looking for past episodes? Visit Ģ����Ƶ ad lib.

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