On March 26, 2017, six West Bank YES alumni - including two medical students - headed to Al-Quds University in Abu Dees to help organize and conduct a free medical day for the students of the university. 

The Free International Medical Day was led by Ahmed Touqan (YES 2011-2012, hosted in Raleigh, NC), who is a third-year medical student at Al-Quds University. Ahmed coordinated with the school and the International Federation of Medical Students’ Association (IFMSA-Palestine). Around 60 volunteers, most of whom were medical students, helped by conducting checkups, raising awareness, and assisting with general organization efforts. Over 800 students from Al-Quds University benefited from the checkups and other parts of the event.

YES alumni started Medical Day by helping students register and receive a “Health Passport,” which the participants used to keep track of the results of their examinations. The free checkups evaluated glucose level, blood pressure, body-mass-index (BMI), teeth condition, blood type, blood hemoglobin levels, and more. There were also physiotherapy and general physician’s clinics.

The event included an awareness booth that focused on breast cancer, diabetes, and hypertension prevention, as these are some of the most common medical problems in Palestine. The clinics and booths were laid out with an international theme - each booth/clinic symbolically represented a certain continent in a way that reflects the biggest needs and health issues common in that continent.

YES alumni took part in examining the students, helping at the registration platform, and setting up and taking down the event. The day was a success and many of the students and Al-Quds University staff showed appreciation for what was provided.

Ahmed explains how his time on the YES program influenced his decision to run this event by inspiring a passion for medicine. “During my YES year, I met many inspiring doctors that were doing so much for their community, which made me determined to go into the path of medicine to be able to help as many people in my community as possible. Today, I am a medical student at Al-Quds University, and I am determined to continue on the path of helping others through my profession."