Ten simple rules for leading a medical student scientific society in Peru

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21142/mecp.2026.1.2.e016

Keywords:

Societies, Scientific, Students, Medical, Organization and Administration, Education, Medical, Undergraduate, Peru

Abstract

Medical student scientific societies (SOCEM) are non-profit student organizations focused on research training and scientific production within medical schools. In Peru, the Sociedad Científica Médico Estudiantil Peruana (SOCIMEP) encompasses 41 SOCEM. However, critical management limitations persist: scarce institutional funding, high leadership turnover, low published scientific output, and poorly standardized organizational structures. This article proposes ten practical rules, based on direct management experience at SOCIMEP, its 2026– 2030 Institutional Strategic Plan, and recent empirical evidence, to improve the leadership and sustainability of these organizations. The rules address legal, financial, documentary, scientific, digital, and human dimensions. Their coordinated implementation has the potential to transform a SOCEM into a resilient organization with a measurable impact on the training of Peru’s future physicians.

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References

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Published

2026-05-08

Issue

Section

Ten simple rules

How to Cite

1.
Zela-Coila Y, Canaviri-Murillo Y, Fernandez MF, Zela-Coila F. Ten simple rules for leading a medical student scientific society in Peru. Med Educ Clin Pract [Internet]. 2026 May 8 [cited 2026 May 16];1(2):e016. Available from: https://revistas.cientifica.edu.pe/index.php/mecp/article/view/3593

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