University of the Witwatersrand | ICEP 2025-26 Chapter Introductions

Big thanks to Amu and Palesa from Wits for the presentation! === The International Collaboration and Exchange Program - Preparing Global Leaders for Healthcare (“Columbia ICEP Global”), is an international student networking and exchange program specifically designed for medical and select health profession students. It partners over 40 major leading medical universities on 5 continents. Originating from within the anatomy course and created by faculty and students to promote the improvement of global healthcare, the program areas reach beyond basic science into Public and Global Health and global competencies for international leadership. The overall objective of this program is to prepare students in the health professions for international leadership roles in their countries and global collaborative problem solving in healthcare - promoting the mission of Science Diplomacy. It aims to foster international understanding by building on the ambassadorial role of students for Science Diplomacy for life-long collaboration and international understanding. The program provides students with a stepwise opportunity to share and exchange cultural and healthcare related knowledge and improve their leadership skills. These early peer-to-peer interactions are expected to form collegiality, long-term bonding, and friendships, and help to improve global healthcare in the future via networking and global collaboration. ​