Melisa Aktan

Born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, Melisa has developed a multidisciplinary academic background that combines medicine, political science, public engagement, and international cooperation.

Melisa is currently pursuing a degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine No.1 of Bogomolets National Medical University, one of Ukraine’s leading institutions for medical education and clinical training. Her academic interests focus on clinical medicine, evidence-based practice, patient care, and the development of professional competencies essential to contemporary healthcare systems. 

In addition to her medical education, Melisa graduated in Political Science from the Faculty of Philosophy, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. She studied in the university’s historic Red Building, the iconic rectorate and one of the most recognizable symbols of higher education and academic excellence in Ukraine. Her academic studies included political theory, governance, public administration, international relations, public policy, political communication, democratic institutions, and political analysis.

Alongside her academic studies, Melisa serves as National Public Relations Officer at the Ukrainian Medical Students’ Association (UMSA) and as Head of International Communication at the International Association for Political Science Students in Ukraine (IAPSS Ukraine). Through these roles, she works at the intersection of healthcare, communication, leadership, public engagement, and international collaboration. Active participation in international academic forums, student diplomacy initiatives, and professional exchange programs has strengthened her expertise in strategic communication, intercultural cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs.

Through programs organized by the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) and other international academic institutions, Melisa has gained experience across multiple European healthcare, research, and academic environments.

International experience includes Research Exchange in Heraklion, Greece, at the Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, where research focused on corticotropin-releasing factor and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors under the supervision of Professor Georgios Liapakis.

International engagement also includes participation in the European Regional Meeting (EuRegMe) in Lithuania, bringing together medical students from across Europe for professional development, healthcare policy discussions, leadership training, and intercultural collaboration.

Clinical training was completed at the Department of Paediatrics, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos, Kaunas, Lithuania, providing practical experience in pediatric medicine, clinical decision-making, and patient-centered care within a university hospital setting.

Additional clinical experience was gained at the Department of Radiology, University Clinical Center Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a focus on diagnostic imaging, multidisciplinary healthcare practice, and clinical teamwork within one of the country's leading medical centers.

These international academic, research, and clinical experiences have strengthened Melisa’s expertise in scientific research, clinical practice, intercultural communication, healthcare policy, and the comparative study of healthcare systems across Europe.

Additional international academic development includes Politics, Media and Campaigning Studies in Prague, Czech Republic, through the European Summer School; Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification awarded by the European Resuscitation Council; and participation in the Objectivist Thought Leader Program organized by the Ayn Rand Center Ukraine.

Prior to her university education, Melisa completed her secondary education at the International Lyceum of the Interregional Academy of Personnel Management (IAPM), where the curriculum was delivered entirely in English and emphasized academic excellence, leadership, critical thinking, and international perspectives.

Earlier education was completed at the Ukrainian-American International Lyceum of Kyiv “Meridian”, providing a strong foundation in English-language instruction, multicultural learning, global citizenship, and international education from an early age.

During her school years, Melisa also graduated from Kyiv Children's Music School No. 7 named after Ihor Shamo, specializing in Piano, complementing her academic education with formal musical training and fostering discipline, creativity, perseverance, and artistic development.

Combining medical education with a strong foundation in Political Science, Melisa focuses on public health, health policy, healthcare management, medical education, healthcare communication, healthcare leadership, and international cooperation. Through interdisciplinary expertise, evidence-based decision-making, strategic communication, and cross-sector collaboration, she aims to contribute to the development of stronger healthcare systems, effective health governance, and improved health outcomes at both national and international levels.