From a Member to the President: Cameroon Medical Students Association - Nathan E. Kengo

Joining the Cameroon Medical Students Association (CAMSA) back in 2022 was as a result of my passion for scientific research and publication but surprisingly, CAMSA has become a passion for me. 

Driven by a passion to improve patient care through medical research, I joined the Standing Committee for research exchange where I served as local officer, then became organizing committee co-chair for the 2nd CAMSA General Assembly 2022. From here I have occupied executive board positions including the pioneer Vice President for members where I served for two consecutive terms and lately Vice President for Internal Affairs, before my recent election as President. A post I embrace with both passion and experience.

Leadership is not easy, let alone leading thousands of students yet as a medical student. No wonder Steve Jobs said: if you want to make everyone happy, don't be a leader, sell ice cream. My leadership journey has been a challenging one, coupled with academic pressure, peer pressure, lack of institutional and governmental support, mental health and burnout, and systemic challenges. 

Yet I still find 6 reasons to be a leader in challenging and low-resource settings: WHY?

1. The future of healthcare depends on today's students. So, we are nursing today while expecting a great harvest tomorrow.

2. Student unity across regions and languages needs to be strengthened for greater impact. 

3. Need to break the silence on mental health in medical school, which continues to claim the lives of more students, year in and out.

4. A need to initiate medical students to digital health and research to match current global trends.

5. The power of regional and global collaboration amongst aspiring physicians to ensure meaningful youth engagement. And above all,

6. The need to redefine the Medical Student Identity beyond the white coat. Embracing arts, Entrepreneurship, research, advocacy, and technology as our counterparts in other countries.

   
   

As the President-elect of the Cameroon Medical Students Association 2025-2026, my core values are 

• Global Health Equity 

• Youth Empowerment and

• Academic Excellence 

  
  

My mandate will focus on five pillars:

1. TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE ASSOCIATION

2. CAPACITY BUILDING 

3. MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES 

4. SUSTAINABLE ASSOCIATION and

5. IMPROVED PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

The future of healthcare in Cameroon may not only depend on these youths as you can also be an actor, as Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” I am very grateful to all the dedicated youths (CAMSA Team of Officials 2025/2026) nationwide who are joining me on this leadership journey, and pray together we raise the bar even higher. Thanking my predecessors for the strong foundation already laid, which we are now building on. I am also filled with gratitude to the Open Dreams community, which has taught me the value of service to the community and volunteering. Above all, thanking God for his grace that has taken me from a member to the 6th President of CAMSA. 

CAMSA is open to your support and collaboration for a mentor, once said “Winners collaborate while Losers Compete," Ignatius N Esene

CAMSA

Learning, Caring and Sharing Together

- Nathan E. Kengo | Open Dreams