CFMS Elections 2007: VP-IPP Position
Additional Information for Interested Students
Dear Colleagues,
It is a pleasure to write to you with more information about the VP-IPP position, following the general notice distributed by your CFMS representatives. This document is meant to provide you with additional information on the position and its requirements, as well as answer common questions that have been received by email since the last notice was sent out.
What is the VP-IPP’s role?
The VP-IPP (Vice President of International Programs & Partnerships) is an executive member of the CFMS and directs the international health portfolio (knows as the IHP, or international health program) within the CFMS. The VP-IPP is responsible for overseeing projects that develop on a national level (via the National Officers), and supporting projects on the local level (via the International Health Liaisons, or IHLs). The VP-IPP is a liaison between these parties, as well as external persons and organizations, including the IFMSA, or International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations.
What type of work does the VP-IPP do?
Since the VP-IPP works at the interface of several different committees and levels, she/he has a widely varied portfolio, including:
- Project planning and development in collaboration with National Officers and IHLs
- Submission of reports to the executive, to the IFMSA, and to other relevant bodies
- Organization of meetings for the IHP, and of delegations to the IFMSA
- Hiring of new officers to the IHP, including the management of selection committees
- Overseeing of the Exchange Program, and support of the National Exchange Officers
- Research on funding opportunities for students within the IHP
- Maintenance and update of the IHP section of the CFMS website
- Collaboration with the VP-Communications to promote the IHP through various media
- Collaboration with the CFMS executive on all relevant projects
- Constant email communication with the CFMS executive, National Officers, IHLs, IFMSA, general student body, and outside organizations
What is the time commitment like?
The workload of this position is not insignificant, and in the past, has been estimated at a minimum of 20-25 hours/week (and more before IFMSA conferences). The role largely consists of email communication, which must be kept up on a daily basis; fast, efficient and consistent communication is essential for, and expected of, this role. It is not unusual for the VP-IPP to have at least 2 hours of email work each day. The VP-IPP is expected to attend all necessary meetings during the year; these include:
- CFMS Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the fall (one weekend), and the Bi-Annual General Meeting (BAGM) in the spring (one weekend)
- CFMS Executive Meetings (approximately three during the year; one weekend each)
- IFMSA General Assemblies (two per year; one week each, typically held in March and August)
- Ad-hoc teleconferences with National Officers and the Executive (several per year)
What experience is needed for this role?
Though there is no set experience required for this role, it is preferable that a candidate have some experience with the CFMS and ideally, with the IHP. Experience in project management or development is a strong asset, as is some experience in working or volunteering abroad.
What personal characteristics are suited to this role?
The VP-IPP role is one of the most demanding executive roles, as it requires a fair amount of time, and the ability to manage and liaise with several groups simultaneously. Strong organizational and planning abilities are a must, as well as the ability to mediate between different groups and individuals with often competing needs and interests. Personal qualities sought are strong leadership, creative vision, flexible working style and the ability to work effectively under pressure. This role is very rewarding for those who have a passion for global health, strong organizational abilities and sufficient time to devote to it.
What if I want to be involved in the IHP, but not as VP-IPP?
There are many ways to become involved in the CFMS IHP other than being the VP-IPP. Each school in Canada has elected IHL (International Health Liaison) positions; for information on these, you may contact your Medical Society representatives (elections are usually held in the fall, but occur in the spring for some schools). There are also National Officer positions within the CFMS (selection in the spring by application and interview), as well as less-demanding roles on ad-hoc committees. We are always looking to encourage interested and passionate students to get involved in our global health projects, and create opportunities for many different levels of involvement.
How do I run for this position?
Elections for CFMS Executive roles will take place on Saturday, September 22nd, 2007, at the Annual General Meeting in Ottawa. Each candidate will asked to prepare a brief speech, or video (if unable to attend), and voting will take place by the General Assembly the same day. Although candidates may submit their intent to run for a position during the meeting itself, it is encouraged that candidates contact the relevant executive member to inquire about the role and obtain any information they require in order to make an informed decision.
- Questions about the AGM meeting logistics may be directed to the CFMS General Manager, Rosemary Conliffe, at .
- Questions about the VP-IPP position, or any aspect of the IHP, may be directed to the current CFMS VP-IPP, Celine Kim, at
- Other members of the CFMS executive are always available for questions that cannot be answered by the two options above. Their email addresses can be found at:
I sincerely encourage you to consider running for this position if you feel you have the qualities, experiences and time it requires. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Celine Kim
Celine Kim
VP-International Programs & Partnerships
Canadian Federation of Medical Students
What is the CFMS?
The Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) is the national body that represents over 6000 medical undergraduate trainees at fourteen medical schools across Canada. The CFMS has a thirty year history of representing medical students from coast-to-coast.
Its three-fold mandate seeks to:
(1) Support medical students by representing their voices among the national organizations that direct or influence the policy environment or delivery of medical education in Canada. It also represents medical students in organizations with broader health care mandates. A key function of representation is to undertake political lobbying and advocacy at the federal level on behalf of medical students.
(2) Provide services that support the needs of member medical students. A key service provided to students is through the international clinical and research exchange programs of the International Health Program (IHP).
(3) Communicate national medical education issues of importance to individual medical students and to facilitate communication and interaction of medical students among member schools.
How does the IHP fit into the CFMS?
The International Health Program (IHP) of the CFSM (also referred to as IFMSA-Canada) supports the efforts of Canadian medical students towards promoting education and action in the area of global health. We believe strongly in making these issues relevant in the Canadian context.
Dozens of CFMS members embark on clinical or research exchanges all over the world through CFMS participation in the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) network of established exchanges.
Local committees, with the assistance of International Health Liaisons (IHLs) and the leadership of National Officers, embark on local and national-level awareness-raising, local action, or internationally-minded projects that address a wide variety of issues of relevance to health in the global context.
The IHP represents students interest in formal and informal learning opportunities and collaborates with many national and international organizations to enhance global health education for Canadian medical students.
Canadian Federation of Medical Students
Fédération des étudiants et des étudiantes en médecine du Canada
324 Somerset Street W, Suite 3
Ottawa, ON K1P 0J9 Canada
Tel: (613) 565-7740 Fax: (613) 288-0524
E-mail:
Web: