Member Stories
Discover how members like you got started at MDS — and where it led them.
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“I think it's been a privilege to get into the ranks of leadership within the community by just doing what I like to.”
— Shweta Prasad, India
About her path to Peer Review Program Chair
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“The single most important career decision for me has been engaging with the MDS.”
—Njideka Okubadejo, Nigeria
About her path to becoming a Regional Chair
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“MDS has always been good at identifying the quieter people and helping them as well. I never actually expected to be invited to speak at an MDS meeting, let alone have the opportunity to become the president.”
— Victor Fung, Australia
About his path to becoming MDS president
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“I just was really vocal and extroverted in that one meeting, and I got in on the ground floor. Speak up if you have ideas. Maybe that idea doesn't take off, but maybe it leads to other things just like it did with me.”
— Sara Schaefer, USA
About her path to becoming Deputy Editor of the MDS Podcast
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“I saw all these possibilities, but I had no idea how to get involved. But one little piece becomes another piece, becomes another piece. There are opportunities if you're willing to do the work and bring your passion.”
— John Dean, USA
About his path to serving on the Regional Executive Committee
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“What I learned is: just you do your best and take any step at MDS, and you'll beget more chances or more opportunities. My first Congress, nobody know me. And now I have a good network and serve as a leader.”
— Ali Shalash, Egypt
About his path to becoming a Regional Chair
Start your own MDS Member journey.