The Global Association of Indian Medical Students (GAIMS) was established in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when medical education and healthcare delivery were very greatly disrupted. GAIMS has emerged as an invaluable response to the challenges posed by Indian medical students everywhere, providing a structured framework for academic development, leadership cultivation, and global engagement. GAIMS was founded by three people: Dr. Lokesh Edara, Dr. Rakesh Garg,  Dr. S.S.C. Chakra Rao, Dr. Shubham Anand, Dr. Nirupam Nadella, Dr. Nayak Rajeev Gautam and Dr. Abhinav Phukan. The founders have recognized vulnerabilities in healthcare systems and the need for solidarity among medical students.

GAIMS represents a transformational initiative aiming to push international collaboration forward while driving innovation in medical education and promoting student well-being. Essentially, GAIMS functions as a strategic think tank, engaging students in meaningful dialogue and initiatives related to the global health agenda.

Since its inception, GAIMS has gained exponential growth and is now represented in over 5 countries that include India, Nepal, Mauritius, Georgia, and Malaysia. It is represented in more than 250+ medical colleges and 20 state chapters in India with more than 500+ impact projects that have been conducted to date, showcasing a commitment to student advocacy and public health advancement.

Key milestones and achievements:

2021: GAIMS increased its global presence and gave voice to Indian medical students studying abroad. It reached out to the foreign medical graduates, advocating for the right to equal access to licensing examinations and clinical training. Launched Global Journal of Medical Students (GJMS)

2022: Regional chapters were established to decentralize operations and empower local leaders to address region-specific health challenges and launched our First International chapter – GAIMS Nepal. Implemented Grassroots health campaigns and vaccination drives that have strengthened GAIMS objectives, reinforcing GAIMS’ community health initiatives. 

2023: Expanded our presence in Mauritius, Georgia & Uzbekistan Competition promoted academic interaction and knowledge sharing among medical students, which helped them build clinical competencies.

2024: The GAIMS Research Initiative was launched to encourage student-led research, scientific literacy, and responsible research practices. International Medical Students’ Conference also became a platform for GAIMS to establish its place in global health discussions.

Flagship Events:

One of GAIMS’ signature events is the GAIMS Global Health Conclave, an annual platform bringing together medical students, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and global health leaders. The conclave serves as a hub for innovative ideas, policy development, and interdisciplinary collaboration on emerging health challenges. Through expert panels, workshops, and keynote addresses, the conclave highlights student-driven solutions and GAIMS’ contributions to public health.

Another hallmark initiative is the GAIMS x AAPI Global Healthcare Summit, conducted in partnership with the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). This annual summit connects Indian medical students with healthcare leaders of Indian origin worldwide, facilitating mentorship, academic exchange, and cross-border collaboration. The summit emphasizes advancements in medical research, healthcare technology, and international health policy, thereby creating avenues for Indian medical students to participate in global healthcare initiatives.

Standing Committees:

GAIMS functions through focused committees, each addressing critical dimensions of medical education, healthcare advocacy, and research:

• Research Administration Society of GAIMS (RASOG): Enhances research capacity among medical students through collaborations with leading research institutions and publishing initiatives.
• Medical Education Society of GAIMS (MESOG): Promotes academic excellence through mentorship programs, workshops, and policy development.
• Peace Rights & Environment Society of GAIMS (PRESOG): Advocates for social justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights, integrating these principles into healthcare.
• Sexual and Reproductive Health Education Society of GAIMS (SRESOG): Advances awareness and education on sexual and reproductive health, advocating for equitable care and gender equality.
• Global Health Education Society of GAIMS (GHESOG): Engages students in global health discourse, addressing health disparities and promoting international cooperation.
• International Relations Council (IRC): It builds partnerships globally, coordinates student exchange programs, and represents GAIMS on international forums.

Global Health Alignment:

GAIMS aligns its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the World Health Organization. It addresses SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4, Quality Education; and SDG 5, Gender Equality. These efforts help strengthen health systems, reduce inequalities, and ensure equitable access to education and healthcare services.

GAIMS supports the focus of WHO on universal coverage, disease prevention, and health promotion through grassroots interventions, public health campaigns, and advocacy efforts. As GAIMS equips the future leaders in healthcare to tackle global health challenges with the necessary tools and knowledge, it remains committed to advancing accessibility and equity in healthcare.

With its growth, the mission of GAIMS is not only to empower the medical students but also nurture leadership and influence the future of health care. The collaboration, innovation, and advocacy done by GAIMS have proven to be resilient and dedicated in their approach toward a healthier, more equitable world.