2015am candidature package score d koen demaegd

Candidate Package

SCORE-Director 2015-2016

Koen Demaegd

Koen Demaegd – Candidature SCORE-Director 1

LETTER OF MOTIVATION

Dear IFMSA family,

Filled with joy and devotion, it is a great honour for me to present to you my candidature for

Director of the Standing Committee on Research Exchange for the term 2015-2016.

Life is about fulfilling your passions. Over the last year-and-a-half, I discovered what my true

passion is, and in this letter I would like to explain how this drives me with everlasting commitment

and dedication for what I really love: SCORE.

The first life-changing experience happened in autumn 2013. Having done two local research

internships out of interest, each lasting a month, I joined the Research for Students Society Leuven in

my second year of medicine. It was a tiny organisation that enables students at our university to have

a one-month introduction to research. However, my dreams were bigger and I believed – and still

believe – that this opportunity should be provided to anyone and everywhere around the world. I had

the ambition to make it possible to do a research internship abroad. This was not easy at first, but then

there was the marvellous moment I found out about BeMSA, IFMSA and more importantly, SCORE. So

the adventure began.

Belgium was not SCORE active at that moment and during MM14 in Tunisia for the first time I

met other SCOREans, from whom I learned a lot about SCORE and IFMSA by sharing experiences with

each other. Meeting these young citizens of the world all working towards the same ideals, was an

exciting and eye-opening moment. Not long after, I was elected as the first NORE of BeMSA and thus

Belgium became SCORE active. But after founding SCORE in Belgium, I wanted to contribute towards

an even better SCORE. As I believe that Academic Quality (AQ) is the first priority in order to enhance

SCORE, this became my area of focus. Becoming Development Assistant on Academic Quality and

Recognition (DA on AQ) and hence being able to share my knowledge in the field, was a dream come

true.

Moreover, thanks to IFMSA, I discovered a new dimension of life itself and was eager to fully

explore all the possibilities that arose. For the 2014-2015 term, in addition to full time studies in

Medicine, I engaged in multiple extra-curricular executive positions, spending an average of 50 hours

a week on them. Under my presidency, the Research for students Society Leuven (LVSO) grew

exponentially. Instead of about 100 students, 170 students experienced an introduction to research.

In addition to leading both the SCORE Belgium and LVSO teams, I was elected to the International

Policy portfolio for the Student Council. Being ambitious, I was also elected to represent the

international affairs of all 220,000 Flemish students in the Flemish Educational Council, the highest

advisory committee to the Ministry of Education. As well, I am on the Organizing Committee of

OpenCon 2015 (the biggest international conference on Open Access).


From this challenging combination I learned the importance of efficiency and effective time

management, I also gained a pragmatic view on misfortunes. I acquired a lot of skills, from presiding

over meetings and negotiation to time management and teamwork. My time as a student

representative enabled me to defend what was voted on by the general assembly, instead of my

personal opinion. Good communication and involvement are key values to me, and as reflected in the

letter of recommendation from the LVSO Faculty advisor (attached below), it is part of my nature to

have a dedicated work style.

During my research experiences, trying to push the borders of scientific knowledge, I started

realising one important thing: progress in medicine is impossible without research. In SCORE, we aim

to narrow the existing gap between development and daily use of life-saving drugs and therapies. We

offer medical students the unique experience of enrolling in a research project abroad, broadening

their scope and understanding cultural differences, which enables them to adapt their approaches

towards patients. Working through SCORE towards better worldwide healthcare gives me the spark of

motivation to take a bigger role in this process. My enthusiasm for SCORE is also stimulated by the fact

that IFMSA and SCORE broadened my mind and I intend on giving this mind-blowing experience to

others as well. Furthermore, SCORE has a lot of potential to grow and I have a lot of ideas and topics I

would like to work on, which I believe I can do best as the SCORE-D. Actually, I just love SCORE and

since the very moment I met the former SCORE-D, I have been dreaming of becoming the SCORE-D

myself one day. I believe I am ready now to take the lead of this amazing standing committee.

We are currently standing on the shoulders of giants, so the time is here for SCORE to flourish

and to go to the next level. It is my dream to achieve a SCORE that has the same high Academic Quality

(AQ) in all NMO's around the world. For the moment this is still a dream, but it is my goal to make it

come true. Therefore my primary objective is the enhancement of the exchange program and pushing

the AQ to the sky. As improving SCORE is a dynamic process, I aim to enable the individual NMOs to

improve, at their own speed, according to their resources and limitations.

My concrete Plan of Action can be found below, but there are two points I would like to address

here. Having experience with starting up SCORE in an NMO, I often felt like I had to reinvent the wheel,

when designing documents and systems, for example, outgoing selection. A lot of ideas and knowledge

are shared during GAs, but these precious moments are limited. As I realised that this process of

exchanging information needs some guidance, it is my intention to facilitate it. We are working towards

the same goal and collaboration is essential, as such I strive for having more collaboration among the

SCOREans around the world. As the saying goes “One should not search for 1 person who knows 100%

of the solution, rather find a 100 people who all contribute 1%.”

Secondly, I saw how at the GAs I attended, great ideas were raised but only the SCOREans who

were there knew about it and they were not shared with the others, even though it would enhance

the entire program. Therefore, I aim to professionalise SWGs, having proper follow-up on the

outcomes and a timeline for implementation.

I would like to end with a reflection on my candidature. As I am aware that I am not a superhero,

I believe it is essential to know my limits and my working points. Measured in years, you could indeed

say that my time in SCORE was not that long. However as already explained above, it was a very intense

one, combining multiple functions at a time. Responsibilities at the local (LORE), National (NORE) and


International (DA on AQ) level, allowed me to gain knowledge, viewed from all perspectives. I have

learned from the best (former and current SCORE-D), for which I am very grateful and makes me even

more committed. Elsewhere I have gained experience on making an NMO SCORE-active and have been

working on most of the main struggles in SCORE. Furthermore, I know that in the event that I'm faced

with a problem I can't solve myself, I can still consult with the current SCORE-D Luiza. Finally, I would

like to cite the words of a former SCORE-Director “It’s not about the experience, but what truly matters

is passion and dedication”.

My heart lies with SCORE and I am looking forward to exploring my fascination even more, on

the next level. As Research Exchange is the one thing that matters to me, I will dedicate all my time to

this one position, to make sure I can invest enough time and energy in my beloved SCORE.

I would like to thank you for reading this letter and considering my candidature for the position

of SCORE Director. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to approach me at any time

- I would be pleased to show you my motivation even more.

Yours sincerely,

Koen Demaegd


PLAN OF ACTION

This Plan of Action contains the main points I believe are crucial to work on. However, as mentioned

below, involvement from the SCOREans is highly important to me. Hence, I will take into account their

concerns and priorities. If elected, I would send out a call for input during the handover period to

maximally cover the needs of the SCOREans. I will take these points to the IFMSA Annual Working Plan,

which will contain the topics that will be addressed by the entire SCORE International Team during the

term.

Functioning of SCORE internally Empowering and Supporting NMOs

SCORE is built on its NMOs. It is important to support the NMOs and enable them to construct the best

exchanges.

Training of Research Exchange Officers (NORE, LORE)

o Build capacity on meetings: Keep the high standard of the SCORE sessions during GA’s,

Regional Meetings and other SCORE meetings. I believe that the introduction of Training

New Exchange Trainers (TNET), ensuring that our Professional & Research Exchange

Trainings (PRET) are facilitated by qualified trainers, will play a major role in having skilled

exchange officers.

o Provide the tools: Design a series of materials that are currently lacking or are

inconvenient, among others a LORE manual, Handover manual, Outgoings booklet,

Presentation to the deans, etc.

Follow up of the SCORE-active NMOs performance by the SCORE International Team. The

Regional Assistants will play a major role in providing personalised support to the NOREs for

the recognition and handover periods, among other topics. Also included is a close follow up

of the recently activated NMOs.

Spread the word of SCORE to non-SCORE active NMOs: Investigate the drawbacks in becoming

SCORE active and empower NMOs to become SCORE active.

Enhancement of the Exchange Program Continue building on the improvements we have already made - Learn from our experiences.

o Gather all SWG outcomes in a single place accessible to everyone, as well as follow up on

its results. It is essential that proposed solutions for the addressed issues reach all who can

benefit and that there is guidance to implement these.

o Make use of the students’ feedback in the Evaluation Form - which is not possible in the

current database - to improve the local and national exchange program and to quantify

the Academic Quality in the AQ Database (cfr. Infra).

o Revise the Manual on Research Exchange (MoRE) to a NORE manual containing the

essence of SCORE. Furthermore, establish a series of guidelines and possible

approaches/systems, for e.g. outgoing selection.

Work towards a sustainable solution for recurrent problems

o Late CAs

o Project database mismatching with the reality


o Placement of incomings & receiving project of choice

o Finding motivated tutors providing us with research projects - this is also a main pillar in

AQ

Promotion and implementation of the GAP projects (Global Action Plan), continue on the work

done so far

Research the current drawbacks of having 8 weeks contracts

Collaboration with LOSO for possible cooperation with other student organisations

Communication Good communication is key in an international network like IFMSA. Staying in touch and updating each

other on what is going on resolves many bothers. Of course one should carefully consider the

communication platform in order to avoid an overload of correspondence.

Make sure all the NOREs have access to the NORE folder containing all SCORE documents.

Ensure that all SCOREans have access to the different communication platforms, among others

the NORE server.

Stimulate a culture of participation and sharing ideas, knowledge and materials among each

other on the different SCORE communication platforms and improvement of team spirit

among the NOREs.

Involve NOREs in decision making and prioritizing process as well as regularly update them

about activities of the International Team.

Maintain an approachable and responsive International Team including the SCORE-D.

Exchanges Database

Ensure a smooth transition to the new database.

Train NOREs and LOREs, also providing manuals and tutorials.

Gather ideas for improvement and optimize the database according to the needs, in order to

make everything as efficient as possible.

Quality of the exchanges - The Next Level Raising the Academic Quality (AQ) is, as my field of experience, a main priority to me. In order to raise

standards, we initially need to assess the current AQ status for every NMO. Therefore, I aim to

construct an AQ database, based on the Evaluation Form.

Below is an overview of my key action points for the field of AQ.

Bring the AQ to the advanced level by adding an extra dimension to Research Exchanges: Promote

and support projects aside from the research exchange, which aim to increase the learning

outcomes, such as Research Workshop, Med-Ex, Masterclasses, Educational Program etc.

AQ Guidelines: It is crucial to clarify what AQ is and how SCOREans can raise AQ in their NMO.

Therefore I intend to create an AQ manual, unifying everything about AQ in an accessible and

practical document, serving as a background and starting point aside from the training during

SCORE meetings.

Implementation of Pre-Exchange Training (PET) as part of the outgoing preparation.

Encourage organizing Upon Arrival Training for the incomings.

Implementation of the AQ Logbook (also known as Student Logbook).

Promote scientific outcome of the Research Exchange, like scientific poster presentation, abstract

writing, etc.

Have the projects database updated with proper follow up from the SB members.


SCORE and the external network Recognition

Enable NMO's to achieve Academic Recognition by their university by investigating drawbacks,

training on the needed skills and creating the necessary materials.

Endorsement on the regional level, in cooperation with the Regional Directors.

Collaboration with VPE and SCOPE-D for external endorsement.

Promotion of SCORE

The opportunities IFMSA offers through SCORE are amazing and one-of-a-kind. Hence I intend

to increase visibility, to have our Exchange Program more publicly known among all medical

students.

Familiarize deans and chair-persons of institutions locally, nationally and internationally, with

SCORE. Being aware of what SCORE is, is the first step towards recognition and endorsement

of our Exchanges.

Mandate of the SCORE-D Besides of the afore-mentioned Plan of Action to enhance SCORE itself both internally and externally,

the SCORE-D is also part of a team, the Team of Officials. If elected, I will represent SCORE within the

TO, advocating for the best interests of SCORE. Teamwork is very important to me and I look forward

to participating in making the reformed TO as productive as possible.

Furthermore, I strive for a close collaboration with the SCOPE-D, to work together on a solution for

troubles that both Standing Committees face. Preventing doing double work is key to use our resources

as efficiently as possible.

Finally, I would like to state that I will abide by the IFMSA Constitutions and Bylaws as well as the SCORE

Regulations. The SCORE International Team, including the SCORE-D, has to ensure these are followed

and has to comply with these rules themselves in the first place. As such I will, with great commitment,

execute the regular tasks expected from a SCORE-D.


CURRICULUM VITAE

KOEN DEMAEGD

PERSONAL

INFORMATION

Nationality: Belgium

Address: Mosstraat 18, 9260 Wichelen, Belgium

Date of Birth: October 29th, 1995

Contact: +32474551314

E-mail: [email protected]

EDUCATION BACHELOR OF MEDICINE - Faculty Of Medicine KU Leuven, Belgium 2012-2018

Expected year of graduation: 2018

EXTRA COURSES Laboratory Animal Science (5 ECTS) 2014-2015

FELASA Certificate (Federation Of Laboratory Animal Science Associations)

English, Language Institute Leuven (CLT), Leuven 2013-2014

Neurobiology (5 ECTS) 2013-2014

Biomedical Humanitarian Development Collaboration (3 ECTS) 2013-2014

IFMSA POSITIONS SCORE Development Assistant on Academic Quality And Recognition 2014-2015

IFMSA International Assistant in the SCORE International Team

National Officer on Research Exchange (NORE), BeMSA 2014-2015

Coordinator Research Exchanges Belgium and founder member of SCORE Belgium

Local Officer on Research Exchange (LORE) KULAK, Belgium 2014-2015

Member Of Research Integrity Group, IFMSA 2014-2015

IFMSA

MEETINGS

National General Assembly BeMSA, Brussels (VUB) , Belgium May 2015 European Regional Meeting, Aalborg, Denmark Apr 2015

Head Of Delegation Delivered SWG “AQ - An NMO Approach”, Training (With SCOPE RA) “AQ and Recognition”, Advanced Workshop on AQ

March Meeting IFMSA GA, Antalya, Turkey Mar 2015 Delivered Training on ‘AQ And How To Achieve It’, Ideas Café On The Evaluation Form, SWG On Logbook, Joint Session With LOMEi On Recognition Of Exchanges

MM PreGA On External Representation, Antalya, Turkey Mar 2015 National General Assembly BeMSA, Ghent, Belgium Feb 2015 National General Assembly BeMSA, Brussels (ULB), Belgium Dec 2014

Delivered Training on Effective Teamwork Trainingsweekend IFMSA-NL, Someren, The Netherlands Nov 2014

Delivered Training on Group Dynamics LEO/LORE Training IFMSA-NL, Utrecht, The Netherlands Nov 2014

mailto:[email protected]


National General Assembly BeMSA, Antwerp, Belgium Oct 2014 Training New Trainers Medsin-UK, London, UK Oct 2014 General Assembly IFMSA-NL, Maastricht, The Netherlands Sep 2014 August Meeting GA IFMSA, Taipei, Taiwan Aug 2014 AM PreGA On Research Integrity, Taipei, Taiwan Aug 2014 National General Assembly BeMSA, Brussels (VUB), Belgium May 2014 March Meeting GA IFMSA, Hammamet, Tunisia Mar 2014 MM PreGA On Exchanges, Hammamet, Tunisia Mar 2014 National General Assembly BeMSA, Ghent, Belgium Feb 2014 National General Assembly BeMSA, Leuven, Belgium Dec 2013 National General Assembly BeMSA, Antwerp, Belgium Oct 2013

OTHER POSITIONS President, Research For Students Society Leuven (LVSO) 2014-2015

Students representative International Policy, Student Council KU Leuven 2014-2015

Students representative to Flemish Education Council (VLOR), Flemish Association For Students (VVS) 2014-2015

Organizing Committee Member Opencon 2015 2015

Elective International, Research For Students Society Leuven (LVSO) 2013-2014

RESEARCH

EXPERIENCE

Jul 2015 SCORE Research Exchange, Department of Anatomy, Fukui Medical University, Japan, supervised by prof. Tetsufumi Ito Learned techniques: tracer injection, full-body perfusion, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy imaging.

Aug 2014 Research internship, combined at Laboratory of Developmental Signalling, Leuven, Belgium, supervised by prof. An Zwijsen and Cell Biology Department, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, The Netherlands, supervised by prof. Danny Huylebroeck Learned techniques: Q-PCR, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)

Aug 2013 Research internship at the Laboratory of Developmental Signalling under supervision of prof. An Zwijsen Learned techniques: “Whole mount” immunofluorescence “triple” staining, microdissection, Confocal fluorescence microscopy, data-analysis

Aug 2012 Research internship at the Laboratory of Developmental Signalling under supervision of prof. An Zwijsen Learned techniques: PCR, Genotyping making use of agarose gel - electrophoresis, SDS-page, Western Blot, Tissue culture, Cell Transfection

LANGUAGES Dutch: Mother tongue

English: Effectiveness C1 (Common European Framework Of Reference)

French: Sufficient German: Basic knowledge

Please find below the letter of recommendation from the LVSO Faculty advisor

2015am candidature package score d koen demaegd

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