Dr. Safa Canşi a former student of Kocaeli University  holds the position of Vice President at EMSA. He also is an IFMSA trainer and works as a general physician at the pediatric emergency clinic. 

The charm of EMSA for me is that it is representing European Medical Student's voice; our feelings, specific ideas, point of views.

The two words to describe Safa Canşi is to call him "The Energizer". He brought in a lot of energy and life into EMSA and his workshops. One of the show runners of EMSA I found him to be a person who had great insight and knowledge. 

What are the three words or attributes that would describe you?

My friends often summarize me as: Smart, Caring and Passionate if they would have three words I guess

What would you have done or become if you had not chose Medicine as your field of study?

Two of my next options were: Telecommunication Engineering and Naval Engineering.

What has the EMSA Tbilisi experience been to you?

It was great to see old friends, meet with new people etc but also see how our association is growing as comparing it to previous EMSA events I have attended years ago. Maybe number of participants wasn't best but event itself was organized very well by both OC and EEB from my point of view.

Do you have any special talents or interests that you would want to talk to us about? 

I love travelling. I have been to around 30 countries and maybe 150 cities all around Europe before but still am really excited for new places to see and new cultures to taste. I think next aim is a backpack tour in South America. After travelling football and good food comes.

What influences/ motivates you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA?

The charm of EMSA for me is that it is representing European Medical Student's voice; our feelings, specific ideas, point of views. As serving to such an association, as being part of that charm; EMSA lets me actively seek for solutions not only to daily local problems of a medical student, but also European wide perspectives. This is what keeps me motivated to get involved in EMSA for more than 5 years.

(picture courtesy M.Pawlikowska)

Sabrina Reif is a medical student of The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Taking part at EMSA Tbilisi she is looking forward to learn from other cultures and people and to make a positive impact on the world.

Once I participated in an exchange with Cairo and I was thrilled to see that despite the different language and culture the people were not "different" meaning that you can build a connection to anyone regardless of their origin. It's all about affection - race,nationality, age or education does not matter.

Sabrina is the charming,fun loving, pleasant  ball of energy everyone needs in their life! One  of the most attractive traits  of her personality was her genuine friendly personality.

Sabrina what are the three words or attributes that would describe you? 

Organized Traveler and Wild

What has the EMSA Tbilisi experience been to you? 

So many motivated and determined people in the same place.

What would you have done or become if you had not chosen Medicine as your subject of study? 

Probably done something related to languages. 

Do you have any talents or interests that you would want to talk to us about?

I ski and play the flute and I am still looking for somebody who wants to cross the alps with me... Anyone?

What influences or motivates you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA?

I think I have always been very curious about other people - especially those from foreign countries! Once I participated in an exchange with Cairo and I was thrilled to see that despite the different language and culture the people were not "different" meaning that you can build a connection to anyone regardless of their origin. It's all about affection - race,nationality, age or education does not matter. I think EMSA incorporates this spirit really well and this is why  I am proud to be a part of it.

What would you look back and reflect upon at EMSA 16 SA? 

There were many projects that I found to be super interesting!

What was Georgia to you ?

Overwhelming , super different and the hospitality is unmatched!

Leon Rensen is a 5th year medical student from Leiden, The Netherlands. He started working within EMSA on a local level in 2013 and worked his way up from local member to treasurer of his FMO. From there he started working more on Public Health on a national and eventually European level, . Since December he is working as Public Health Director in the EMSA European Board.

Working together with inspiring people gives me the motivation and inspiration to do what I do for EMSA. I feel blessed every day that these guys gave me the chance to be part of the team and work with amazingly inspiring people. 

 Leon was one of the show runners of EMSA. I met him during the preEMSA session and took part in one of the workshops he conducted. I  found him to be organized, eloquent, confident, charismatic person with a good sense of humor.   

What are the three words or attributes that would describe you? 

Headstrong, Sarcastic, Direct 

What has the EMSA Tbilisi experience been to you? 

It was my first assembly as part of the Board and it was a roller coaster from the moment I arrived in Tbilisi and I was back home before I realized it, motivated to the core.

Do you have any special talents or interests that you would want to talk to us about?

I think every person has their own talents and interests, but to say I have one that is more special than others. I can’t say that. 

What would you have done or become if you had not  chosen Medicine as your field of study? 

It is not what I would have done, it is more what I will be doing with the degree. I do not see myself working in the hospital or as a GP. The medical degree will be my basis, but I hope that to broaden my horizon and see where it can get me, working on the outskirts of the medical world. 

What influences and motivates you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA?

Working together with inspiring people gives me the motivation and inspiration to do what I do for EMSA. I feel blessed every day that these guys gave me the chance to be part of the team and work with amazingly inspiring people. 

What would you look back and reflect upon at EMSA 16 SA?

 For me personally, I hosted 6 hours of pillar sessions, 6 hours of Joint-Eruopean Project sessions as well as the pre-SA. Looking back all went better than I expected (except for maybe the hours of sleep I got) and I would take this change again if I were to be offered it again.

Rebeka Starin is Medical student of Medicinska Fakulteta Ljubljana, Slovenia. She  was the co-author of  the article  titled "The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2016" 

(Link provided below) 

 I believe that by working hard and by helping others, united, we can do anything we want, even making the world a better place.

I'd like to describe Rebeka Starin as a charming, charismatic "Rebel". She had a deep rooted need to inspire and motivate change in the world and make it a better place.

Rebeka, what would be the three words that describe who you are? 

Optimistic joyful and outgoing

What has the EMSA Tbilisi experience been to you?

I really enjoyed it and at the same time I believe it benefited me and everyone else as well. It helps us bridge gaps and make the world better place. 

Do you have any special talents or interests that you would want to talk to us about? 

I like to try new things, especially sports and adrenaline things. I play football and volleyball in the summertime, wake-board and I also surf.

What influences or motivates you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA?

Well, who am I exactly? And not knowing the answer to that question I simply can't give you an appropriate answer to your question. 

What inspires me.. It's the fact, that I know that I can actually make a difference by participating in such events as SA. I strive for the better, fairer, equal world (Europe), that is without stigmatization and prejudice. That endless drive for the better world and well, in this case, 'only' the Europe comes from seeing how much work and efforts other people, my friends, put into it and the change that they are making. I believe that by working hard and by helping others, united, we can do anything we want, even making the world a better place. To conclude my inspiration, Ghandi said:” Be the change you wish to see in the world”.

What would you look back and reflect upon at EMSA 16 SA?

Everything! The workshops, experiences and the opportunity to meet FMO's from all over Europe. 

What was Georgia to you?

The experience was quite unexpected. I was surprised! It's a beautiful country.

 

International day against homophobia transphobia and biphobia 2016
http://emsa-europe.eu/international-day-against-homophobia-transphobia-and-biphobia-2016/

Barış Güven is a student of the first year from Hacettepe University Medical School Turkey. Attending his first EMSA conference he seeks to make positive change in the world.

EMSA is a big global family. When I do my work I know every member of EMSA is showing great effort. But the most important thing is we love each other and what we do.

I remember meeting Barış for the first time at the city tour. He was a very cheerful, enthusiastic and an extremely friendly human being. He always looked like he was in control! 

What are the three words/ attributes that would describe you?

Danger ( Like Walter White), Smart and Turkish

What has the EMSA Tbilisi experience been to you?

Very inspirational and it has taught me many things and values

What would you look back and reflect upon at EMSA 16 SA?

Amazing projects and friends that I have made.

Do you have any special talents or interests that you would want to talk to us about? 

I don't have any special talents like Superman. I've played chess for a long time and it helped me a lot. Also I can tell my opinions very well.

What influences and motivates you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA?

EMSA is a big global family. When I do my work I know every member of EMSA is showing great effort. But the most important thing is we love each other and what we do.

What would you have done or become if you had not chose Medicine as your field of study?

Except medicine I would have been a politician. Because I want to create a difference in people's life, change something. And that is the exact reason why I chose medicine.

What was Georgia to you ?

Georgians are like my brothers and sisters. I love them and they are very kind.

Dorina Gashi is a student of the 4th year from The Universiteti i Prishtinës. She hopes to pursue a career in the field of surgery, specifically a cardio surgeon. She is passionate and fascinated about people which drives her to understand and find the solutions to real life human crises that plague the world. 

Dorina is the cheerful, enthusiastic and confident friend that you wished you knew but you've never met. Even though I was introduced to Dorina at the end of assembly her easy going, happy personality didn't fail to stamp a lasting positive impression of her. 

What are the three words  that would describe you

Optimistic, talkative, super tall!

Tell us what has the EMSA Tbilisi experience been to you?

A collection of so many first time experiences. Something new, exciting and unique!

I am interested to know what you would have become if you had not chose Medicine as your field?

I would probably be a writer or an anthropologist.

Do you have any special talents or interests that you would want to talk to us about? 

Well, I enjoy writing. Poetry mostly. My interests include the studying of human nature in general, good ol'rock music, binge watching TV shows, and English football. Go Chelsea!

What influences/ motivates you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA

Coming from a country that is quite isolated I am very passionate about giving my fellow student a chance to get involved in activities that other European students can. And EMSA has given me that opportunity.

What would you look back and reflect upon at EMSA 16 SA

The people. I have met so many beautiful humans during the SA, they have given me so many fresh perspectives, lovely thoughts and awesome laughs and that is something I will never forget.

What was Georgia to you?

A place full of warmth and kindness. One of the best weeks of my life was spent there.

(Picture Courtesy - Tamta Qurasbediani)

Edina Korça is a final year medical student at The University of Prishtina. She is just months away from graduating as a Medical Doctor and she admits that her interests are mostly in the Research and laboratory work rather than the clinical fields. She was also a member of the organizing committee of Kiscoms - International congress of medical sciences. 

 I want to help others because the well being of others is important to me

Edina was soft spoken, charming and possessed a very composed personality. She beamed calm and enjoyed the company of good music. 

Edina ,what are the three words that would describe you?

I am Happy, curious and a med student.

What has the EMSA Tbilisi experience been to you?

I have learned a lot during EMSA SA & I had a really good time. 

Now that EMSA 16 is over,what would you look back and reflect upon?

I will remember all the interesting new people I met, and the time we spend together.

I am interested to know of what  you would you have done if  you had not chose medicine as your field of study?

I would have chosen something else where I can help people, because I want to help others because the well being of others is important to me.

Do you have any special talents or interests that you would want to talk to us about?

I play the violin, I like to paint and I love hiking.

What influences/ motivates you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA?

Students inspire me and their will to learn and master new things

Finally tell us what was Georgia to you?

GEORGIA is a beautiful place, I am very happy that I got the chance to visit Georgia and to meet so many Georgians who are very friendly and caring people. I hope to see all again at EMSA AA in Prishtina

Rachelle Bent is a medical student of the 2nd year from the university of Amsterdam. While  she hopes to specialize in Internal medicine she also admits that she loves Nephrology, orthopedic surgery and Endocrinology.

Great parties, fantastic new ideas from people, insights from all over

I met Rachelle during one of the workshops at EMSA and if I were to describe her I'd say that she is the type of person you would like to take with for a battle.I found her to be a charismatic human who has the qualities to lead a society. Her personality gleamed confidence and cheerfulness.  

Rachelle what are the three words that would describe you?

International, revolution, kind

What has the EMSA Tbilisi experience been to you?       

Welcoming, hospitality, cultural

Do you have any special talents or interests that you would want to talk to us about?

Fencing, imitating accents, field hockey

What would you have done if you had not choose Medicine as your field? 

Commercial airline pilot, politician, manager of charity events in central America

What influences/ motivates you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA?

Great parties, fantastic new ideas from people, insights from all over

What was Georgia to you ?

A fantastic and beautiful hidden country in Europe with this amazing rich culture and such welcoming people. A fantastic experience and definitely want to come back sometime!

Helen Kazava is a Medical student of the medical school of Democritus university Greece. Apart from her interest in her academics and solving deep rooted humanitarian issues plaguing the world, she also has a love for sports. 

I just believe that in order to become a good doctor I should learn many different things, I should be open-minded and I should always broaden my horizons.. That's why I am an active EMSA member..

I met this beautiful human being at the end of the assembly during a random group discussion on the fourth day of EMSA. She was the type of person who was seeking to broaden her horizons of knowledge. Soft spoken and composed she also loved to have discussions that were very philosophical. 

I sat down with Helen to talk to ask her few questions  and this is what she had to say. 

Helen, if you were to be described in three words what would it be? 

Dreamer, Free and Traveler

What would you have studied or become if you had not chose medicine as your field? 

I wanted to be a  journalist and a traveler 

What  motivates you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA?

I don't have any special influences. I just believe that in order to become a good doctor I should learn many different things, I should be open-minded and I should always broaden my horizons.. That's why I am an active EMSA member.

Do you have any special talents or interests that you would like to share us with? 

I like all sports, but I especially love cross-fit, because it is a really hard and challenging sport.  I also love travelling and reading books

What has EMSA 16 SA been for you? 

It was a wonderful experience and I don't think enough words could describe it. I was able to learn a great deal. I also learned that we are all the same and not different.  

Now that EMSA has ended, what would you look back and reflect upon? 

Everything is unforgettable.

What was Georgia to you? 

Its a country that mystifies me. Its a perfect blend of old and new.  

Nino Khutashvili is 3rd year Medical student of Tbilisi State Medical University Georgia. She was one of the most active volunteers at the recently held EMSA 16 Tbilisi. She is also actively involved in academics, dancing, arts and aspires to become an endocrinologist in the future.

My motivation  comes from the people around me, The people who need help. They influence me to be a doctor.

Nino was one of the most pleasant  human beings I came across during the assembly. Her personality emanates charm and friendship. No matter the situation she was always seen as person who would a  have a smile on her face. She is an excellent dancer and  I remember ourselves  being captivated by her talents in traditional Georgian folk dancing.

Nino, if you were to describe your self with three words what would they be? 

I  think It's not necessary to describe myself only with good words, therefore lets say that  I am sensitive, kind and egoist.  

Are there any special talents or interests that you enjoy or good at which you'd want  to talk to us about?  

I love to sing and dance well, I can teach my EMSA friends Georgian dances too.  Also  I have a special talent of Loving humans- I can share my love to all of them. 

What is that motivates and inspires you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA? 

My motivation  comes from the people around me, The people who need help. They influence me to be a doctor. I'm trying to get as much knowledge, news, love, good friends , and EMSA gives me that opportunity..

Tell us, what has the EMSA experience been to you? 

I will never forget the friends I made and I feel like I belong to a larger global community. 

Now that EMSA 16 Tbilisi over, what will you look back and reflect upon? 

I definitely miss EMSA, and I learned a lot about different countries and cultures. 

Davit Chakhunashvili is a medical student from Tbilisi State Medical university who is from the 6th year and he will be graduating soon as a fully fledged Medical Doctor. He also holds the position of vice Chairman at the social pediatric protection fund Tbilisi. Davit was actively involved in the organizing of EMSA as a member of the organizing committee of EMSA Tbilisi. 

I had the opportunity of meeting new people, being part of organizing processes in EMSA , sharing thoughts and feelings to new people without being afraid to be open

Even though I had met Davit few times before, the real introduction to this amazing personality happened during a random group discussion on the fourth day of EMSA Tbilisi. Davit is a human being with tremendous love for his country and people. I could sense his attitude of positive change throughout his conversations  and it was clear that he was determined  to make  Georgia and Europe a better place for everyone. 

Davit, tell me what motivates you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA?

Watching EMSA team motivates and influences me a lot, also while participating in such events I kind of catch some gaps that I'm missing. The gaps that need to be filled. And generally, To be said shorty, there are several idols in my life that I  try to resemble.

What are the three words/ attributes that would describe you? 

Loyal, unwavering, fair

What has the EMSA Tbilisi experience been to you?

I had the opportunity of meeting new people, being part of organizing processes in EMSA, sharing thoughts and feelings to new people without being afraid to be open.

Tell us what would you have done if not for Medicine?  what would you have become?

I think I would have been a musician or a painter, maybe an architect. Who knows..

Do you have any special talents or interests that you would like to talk to us about? 

Playing guitar, swimming, watching sports. Hmm special talents?.. No idea, maybe I do, cant think of one right now. 

and finally what would you look back and reflect upon at EMSA 16 SA?

Relationships, most valuable thing in life!

Laurens Reeh is a student of Medicine from the university of Würzburg, Germany. Taking part in his second EMSA conference he is keen in finding solutions for Europe’s current crises. Apart from his determination to make Europe a better place he is also actively involved in academic research in medicine.

I want Europe to be more united

Laurens was one of the first EMSAites that I had the pleasure of meeting with and is one of the most fascinating personalities that I came across during the assembly. He loves to dive into the great depths of the "sea of deep and philosophical conversations" and loved to experience new cultures. One of the strongest qualities of his personality is that he radiated genuine friendship and acceptance. 

What influences/ motivates you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA?
I want Europe to be more united, I want to learn more about the different countries of Europe

What are the three words/ attributes that would describe you
curious, ambitious, cheerful

What has the EMSA Tbilisi experience been to you?
It was a great opportunity to meet new people from all around the globe and to make friends for life 

What would you have done if not for Medicine?
I would have studied psychology.

Do you have any special talents / hobbies/ interests that you would love to talk to us about?
I love music, traveling, mountain climbing, arts and science

What would you look back and reflect upon at EMSA 16 SA?
I would look back at the wonderful people I met, the good discussion we had, the beautiful city Tbilisi we visited

What was Georgia to you?
I admire their hospitality, good food, wonderful culture and love worthy people.

Tamta Qurasbediani is a medical student from Akaki Tserateli State university Georgia. She is a member of EMSA Kutaisi and interestingly one of the founders of EMSA Kutaisi. She is an amateur photographer and has a love for Arts. 

My inspiration comes from friendship and team work. 

I started my interview asking her the obvious question of her interest in photography.

Why did you start doing photography? 

I love art and at the same time I am an  amateur artist therefore 

when I come across beautiful scenery and moments l like to capture them as soon as possible. It makes me very happy

If I asked you to describe you in three words what would it be? 

Hard worker,  Happy and  Adventure lover

Tell me what inspires you to be a part of EMSA?

I get  a great sense of happiness  of being able to contribute and play an important part for  EMSA, and at the same time I have to remember that members have a lot of trust in me as well. There is always support when I start to plan new projects. My inspiration comes from friendship and team work.  I think desire and inspiration  works together and the results are very pleasant after the nonstop working days.. It brings me a lot of happiness when I feel that I have completed my job successfully. 

Tamta, if you had not chose medicine what would you have done ?
I would have joined an Art academy or foreign Languages (English)

What has the EMSA experience been to you? 

It was really nice, and one of the most productive days for me and my friends. I had the opportunity to meet with different FMO's, representatives and I discussed about the projects they have done while  we exchanged  and shared information. 

I liked the twining market the most, because I feel its the best way to exchange contacts and plan new projects

Jannis Papazoglou is a 5th year German medical student with Greek roots and current President of the European Medical Students’Association (EMSA). In the last three years he has been one of the most active medical students in European Health Policy representing the opinion and voice of Europe's medical students’ towards the EU institutions, health NGOs and other stakeholders. Last year he co-hosted a panel debate in Brussels with MEP Bogdan Wenta and Dr Roberto Bertolini (WHO) and he worked in Brussels as the EMSA intern to the CPME (Standing Committee of European Doctors). Besides the external representation, in terms of health policy he is most interested in questions concerning Medical Education, inter professional collaboration, free trade agreements and gender medicine. 

changes you as a person,lets you improve on both soft skills and also explore topics that you would have never got in contact with outside medical school and meet fascinating people from all corners of the world. 

I remember Jannis Papazoglu as the gentlemen who started off the proceedings of the assembly with a powerful and inspiring opening speech. He spoke eloquently about the role of EMSAites and set the platform for a power packed start for all participants. I would often see him rushing back and forth between workshops and clearly showed the signs of an extremely committed  and dedicated  leader.

I had the privilege of interviewing the Jannis Papazoglu the President of EMSA at the assembly and this is what he had to say.

What are the three words/ attributes that would describe you
Good one, I asked some friends, here are what they came up with:  Stubborn, loyal, enthusiastic

What has the EMSA Tbilisi experience been to you?
To be honest, I was absolutely overwhelmed with the hospitality and kindness of Georgia and especially of our members. We are very proud of the work of the organizing committee and very happy with the General Assembly they organised and hosted for us.

What would you have done if not for Medicine? 
I actually did study business law before medicine. But for me the idea to study and practice medicine was always there somewhere in the background and in the end it proved to resilient for me to not at least try.

Do you possess any special talents/ skills that you would want to talk to us about? 
I am not sure if I have any outstanding talents. In general, I enjoy sports, in my youth I was active in soccer and table tennis, in the last years I found a lot of joy in running and have finished two marathons. 

What influences/ motivates you to be who you are and what you do for EMSA?

Being active in such an association as EMSA is a truly life changing experience. I give a lot of my time for EMSA, especially travels to meetings of partner organisation or to meet with representatives of the European Institutions is quite consuming. But one gets so much back in return, it really changes you as a person,lets you improve on both soft skills and also explore topics that you would have never got in contact with outside medical school and meet fascinating people from all corners of the world. 

What would you look back and reflect upon at EMSA 16 SA

From the perspective of the board and the association it was a really productive meeting. Especially important was the revision of the EMSA vision and mission statement that we as an organisation adopted and also the reform of our policy statements and the structure of the board. I have heard only good feedback form participants, be it about educational program, plenaries, organizing committee or Georgia in general.

What was Georgia to you ?

Splendid food, new friendships, EMSA family.

I remember walking out of my apartment towards the metro station to board a metro towards Samasi aragveli for the preEMSA meeting at TMA. Interestingly It took me roughly about a month before I finally decided to take part in EMSA16. Well, in my defense I had to choose between attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology class and The European Medical Students Assembly. A month went by where I spent my days comparing, contrasting and left my decision oscillating between the question "Is it worth to miss five days of classes for the Assembly"... yes, I know, the answer is way too easier now, but for a first timer who had never attended EMSA this was quite a puzzling MCQ. I also have to thank my friend Dr. Tharaka Dunuwila the vice president of the student self government of Tbilisi state Medical university for his  valuable advice  in making it easier for me to choose what I now call the right decision  which is obviously taking part in EMSA 16 SA. 

When I reached the workshop I was already late..say about an hour late, and I tentatively walked into the room where the first workshop was going on, I smiled and walked into the room, head down, took my seat at a corner and took a deep sigh of relief. yes... I was now officially a participant of the European medical students Assembly 2016 Tbilisi Georgia.

As the day progressed I had the opportunity to meet new faces, make new friends and had an amazing time talking to and listening to everyone about their ideas, opinions, experiences. 

The experience sort of brought in an effect of "high" and it took off into a new dimension when the EMSA conference officially started at Tbilisi State Medical University Auditorium on the very next day. 

As I can remember the sense of being High lasted throughout the entirety of the week. I felt like I was stranded in an island full of people who were smart, motivated, committed and determined to learn and find solutions to Europe's ravaging current crises. For the next few days I would work in groups and interact, debate and talk to many of them, some ..I would get to know well and among them few become very good friends and few I wouldn't even have the chance to say "hello"to.

Often during the lunch break I would silently ask my self if I could relate to these amazing human beings, Time after time I would wonder who they are behind those fancy name tags and badges. Sometimes I would get lost trying to figure out how they became who they are and what inspires, motivates and empowers them to do what they do for EMSA. It was time to start finding answers to these questions as they started the process of overwhelming my frontal lobe. These answers came to me in the form of random interviews with participants of the assembly. The blog will feature the interviews I had with the amazing participants and my goal was/is to get to talk to everyone who took part at EMSA 2016 to be a part of this piece of digital paper. 

I believe this blog would serve as a souvenir, a diary to look back and reflect upon the experiences and memories of the assembly.  I truly hope that the stories of these amazing people will inspire many to be a part of EMSA. I haven't still been able to get everyone on the blog and I am on the look for many of you, hopefully I will get everyone on the blog soon. If you would love to be a part of my personal journey please let me hear from you and leave message of your contact information to make my hunt easier.

Here I present you my answer sheet...These pieces of digital pages are the trail of my personal journey to find answers. I have to agree many questions still remain unanswered. This is the beginning of the story of my blog...."HUMANS OF EMSA 16 SPRING ASSEMBLY" and I invite you to join me in my journey as I venture out in search of the people who took part at EMSA 2016 SA. As Calvin and Hobbes puts it out