The GYA was represented at the World Health Summit 2024 (WHS) in Berlin, Germany, by GYA member Thao Thi Phuong Nguyen (Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam) and alumni Isil Kurnaz (Gebze Technical University, Turkey) and Stefan Kohler (Heidelberg University, Germany).
According to Isil, “The overall take-home messages of the WHS were that global cross- or transdisciplinary teams are required to solve global health problems. Basic research is important, and can have room for different ideas, since risk of homogeneity in the wrong direction can be huge in the long run. We also need some out-there ideas as well as “emergency funding” and “no-regret funding”, as in the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) model. However, for basic research to get sustainable and continuous funding as such, at least 1-2 products have to cross the finish line in the translational funding otherwise accessibility will not be possible.”
As part of her trip to Berlin, Thao was honored as one of 24 physicians, representing 22 countries, selected to take part in the IAP 2024 Young Physician Leaders (YPL) programme. The YPL was held from October 11-13, and provided an engaging platform for early-career physicians to hone their leadership skills. The programme featured a blend of lectures, workshops, and peer consultations led by renowned experts.
Participants explored key leadership concepts such as ambidextrous leadership, diagnosing leadership styles, and team decision-making. The schedule also included networking opportunities, and attendance at the Virchow Prize Award Ceremony.
The final day focused on preparation for presentations at the WHS, emphasizing leadership roles in global health. Overall, the program was a valuable experience that provided participants with both practical leadership insights and meaningful professional connections, equipping them for leadership positions in healthcare.
Following the YPL program, Thao was invited to speak on a WHS panel addressing “Gender Disparities and the Promotion of Diversity in Health Leadership Positions”—a session designed by the Young Physician Leaders. She said: “Holding the microphone and contributing to such an important topic was both humbling and empowering.”
Thao expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to engage with fellow leaders, praising the diverse perspectives and shared commitment to advancing gender equity and amplifying underrepresented voices in leadership.
