The World Medical Association remains deeply concerned about the International Federation of Medical Students Association’s suspension of its Israeli member organization

The International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA), at its August General Assembly in Tampere, Finland, suspended the membership of its Israeli member organization, the Federation of Israeli Medical Students (FIMS).  In a subsequent press release on 24 November, the IFMSA indicated that it is conducting a review of the procedures related to this suspension after concerns were raised by some of its member organizations and external partners.

The World Medical Association (WMA) welcomes IFMSA’s commitment to consider governance reform in the wake of this suspension.  While the IFMSA is an independent organization, our WMA has partnered with it for decades.  However, the WMA remains deeply concerned about this extraordinary suspension, especially given the lack of specific allegations or evidence provided, and the absence of due process when it was quickly considered and voted upon.

We believe that in the absence of clear evidence and due process, the suspension of FIMS from the IFMSA remains unjustified.  While stating that a review of procedures is underway, the IFMSA press release contains no acknowledgement that taking this swift action may have been improper, and presents no timeline for readmission to the IFMSA.  Allegations of harassment require a fair process, and if such a process does find evidence of unacceptable behaviour, actions should be taken against individuals rather than against a member organisation representing an entire nation’s medical students.  We therefore urge immediate re-admission of FIMS without prejudice.

As an international organisation representing diverse national physician associations that operate in a complex global environment, the WMA believes in the importance of including diverse views and opinions and encouraging difficult discussions about policy issues.  We strive to include dissenting opinions in our policy discussions and debates, and we hope that as future leaders of our profession, the IFMSA will work towards inclusion as well.