The Medical Research and Mentorship Symposium is an annual event organized by the Pan-African Organization for Health Education and Research (POHER) to promote a culture of research, academic excellence, and mentorship among medical students and early-career doctors across Africa.
 

This symposium serves as a dynamic platform for young health professionals to explore opportunities in medical research, gain exposure to diverse career paths, and engage with experienced mentors and experts in the field. Through keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and panel discussions, participants are empowered to pursue excellence in both clinical practice and research.
 

Over the years, POHER has partnered with several student-led and academic organizations to co-host the symposium, including:
 

• Copperbelt University School of Medicine Mentorship Program (CBUSOM)

• South Sudan Medical Students’ Association (SSMSA)

• University of Lusaka Zambia Medical Students’ Association (UNILUS MSA)

• Cameroon Medical Students Association (CAMSA)
   

These collaborations have helped expand the symposium’s reach and impact, fostering cross-border academic exchange and professional development across the continent.

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Each edition of the symposium reflects timely themes, such as research integrity, innovation in healthcare, and effective mentoring, with events held in both in-person and hybrid formats to accommodate participants from various regions.