Melisa Aktan

Born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, Melisa Aktan 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 pursuing medicine, Melisa holds a degree in Political Science from the Faculty of Philosophy at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, a prestigious Ukrainian institution with strong global recognition. Her studies took place in the historic Red Building, an enduring national symbol of intellectual heritage and scholarly excellence. The curriculum provided comprehensive training in political theory, governance, public administration, global affairs, policy development, strategic communication, democratic systems, and analytical methods. 

Alongside her studies, Melisa serves as National Public Relations Officer at the Ukrainian Medical Students’ Association (UMSA) and Head of International Communication at the International Association for Political Science Students in Ukraine (IAPSS Ukraine). These roles connect healthcare, leadership, public affairs, and cross-border collaboration. Her involvement in academic forums, student diplomacy initiatives, and professional exchange programs has strengthened her expertise in strategic outreach, intercultural relations, and stakeholder coordination. 

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.

Her international engagement also includes attending the World Health Summit at the InterContinental Berlin, Germany, one of the world’s leading global health forums. As a medical student, she contributes to discussions on health governance, equity, universal coverage, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, climate-related challenges, disease prevention, security, and health literacy alongside policymakers, scientists, healthcare professionals, and representatives of international organizations. 

Additional experience was gained during a clerkship in the Department of Radiology at University Clinical Center Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, undertaken through the IFMSA Professional Exchange Programme and hosted by the University of Sarajevo Local Committee. The placement focused on diagnostic imaging, multidisciplinary collaboration, and team-based patient care. 

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.

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

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

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.

Her broader academic development encompasses Politics, Media and Campaigning Studies at the European Summer School in Prague, Czech Republic, as well as Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the European Resuscitation Council. 

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.

Drawing on her interdisciplinary background in medicine and Political Science, Melisa’s interests encompass public health, policy, systems management, professional training, strategic communication, leadership, and global cooperation. Guided by evidence-based decision-making and cross-sector expertise, she seeks to advance resilient care systems, effective governance, and improved population outcomes at both national and global levels.