The EHSAS Summer University aims to offer European healthcare students a platform to interact with like-minded individuals, share ideas and experiences and gain a holistic view of the healthcare system whilst simultaneously developing ideas about how to improve it.
29th July 2024 - The Summer University of the European Healthcare Students’ Associations’ Summit took place at the University of Minho in Braga, Portugal. The event focuses on drawing together those from different healthcare backgrounds around the shared goals of working in healthcare, protecting the population, improving their well-being, and prolonging their quality of life.
EFPA was happy to attend, in collaboration with the European Federation of Psychology Students' Associations (EFPSA). The Summit's opening symposium: 'Worldwide Leaders on Interprofessional Collaboration' included Rita Sá Machado, Portuguese Directorate-General for Health; Ema Paulino, President of the Portuguese National Association of Pharmacies; Iveta Nagyova, President of the European Public Health Association; Margrieta Langins, Nursing and Midwifery Policy Advisor at the WHO Regional Office for Europe; and EFPA Board member and Liaison for Mental Health Dr JF Leader.
The panel considered what greater professional intercollaboration in health might look like, considering concrete examples from practice and the important role that students can play. Key takeaways include the importance of integrated approaches, systems that support this, the role of digitalisation in helping to achieve this and the importance of policy/advocacy work to influence change.