Department of Medical Student Education
Head: Associate Professor David Brewster This has been a challenging time for all medical students. Although 2019 brought outstanding academic success for Cabrini medical students once more, as well as multiple publications and research grants, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to our learning including remote learning from home for many of the students in the first half of 2020. Their resilience has been tested and their attitudes to this change have been inspiring. This courage displayed by our student body aligns itself with Cabrini’s mission.
Clinical Dean Associate Professor David Brewster, Cabrini-Monash University Clinical School Dr Abhay Umranikar, Acting Clinical Dean during COVID-19 Phase 1 Clinical Site Administrator Jennie McInerney, Cabrini-Monash University Clinical School Clinical Educator Naomi Snowden, Cabrini-Monash University Clinical School
Highlights The highlight of 2019 for our department occurred when Associate Professor David Brewster was asked to be a key speaker at the Kindness in Healthcare Conference run in Melbourne by the Hush Foundation and KPMG during the Gathering of Kindness week. This included a trip to Government House for lunch as well as the opportunity for two Cabrini medical students to present alongside Associate Professor Brewster at the conference. India Marks and Lauren Vallely discussed the kindness they have seen during their clinical rotation at Cabrini and the difference this has made to their educational journey so far. During our first lockdown in March, the year three Monash medical student placements were suspended and all teaching reverted to remote learning. Due to the reduction in elective surgery and clinical activity, we saw an opportunity to reach out to our Cabrini Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs) to see if they would have time to deliver remote teaching to our students. We had a great response and managed to set up quite a few lectures via zoom with some of our specialists. The students greatly appreciated the commitment from our VMOs and it definitely helped keep them engaged and positive during such a difficult and challenging period. Learning from senior medical staff of this calibre is a privilege the students value greatly. Monash University undergraduates As a member of the Central Clinical School for Monash University, Cabrini provides high quality clinical placements for students from Monash University’s Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD) course, formerly Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). Associate Professor Brewster and Jennie McInerney continue to develop and oversee the undergraduate educational program at Cabrini. During 2019, approximately 260 Monash University students attended Cabrini for clinical rotations.
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