DIVERCSITY - December 10th, 2014 (Issue #4) by DiveRCSIty - RCSI Student run Newspaper and Publications

#DIVERCSI TY

DECEMBER 2014

Winter is Coming! See our Christmas market review

PAGE 4-5

Goodbye for Now.. PMC students on RCSI and the friends they made here

PAGE 18-21

Can’t find the perfect cup of coffee?

PAGE 36-37

#FEATURES #HAPPENINGS#STUDENT LIFE #SPORTS & FITNESS #SOCIETIES #INTERNATIONAL #STAFF #EDUCATION #POETRY ART PHOTOGRAPHY #ENTERTAINMENT #CULTURE & LEISURE

#EDITORS’ NOTES

EDITORIAL TEAM OF SENIOR EDITORS

FEATURES - AISLINN KILLIAN RCSI NEWS - CATHAL DELANEY STUDENT LIFE- HANNAH DUNNE & DIONDRA MILLER SPORTS & FITNESS - CIARAN STANLEY SOCIETIES - SAIED ALI INTERNATIONAL - YUSUF JALY EDUCATION - ARIMIE MIN CULTURE & LEISURE -LUKE WALLIS CONTENT TEAM OF ARTICLE COLUMNISTS CYRILLE PAYNE, IARLA O’DOMHNAILL, ANU MENON, REBECCA JAGOO, SIMI POWAR, ARSHMEET CHAWLA, MOYOWA BOYO, ARUN B, DAPHNE YEN, SARAH KEYES, LAYVEENIEA ANANTHAN, PARAIC BEHAN, MICHAEL RYAN, SAMANTHA KNIGHT, LOUISE ELLIOTT, CORMAC DUFF, HONG MING, LISA MCNAMEE, MOHIT BUTANEY, COREY NIXON, STEPHANIE TUNG, CHEW JEN PIN, TOLUWALOGO BAIYEWUN, GHADY SHAFEI CONTENT TEAM OF ARTICLE CO-ORDINATORS MUHIMMA SULAIMAN - PHOTOGRAPHY & POETRY, AISLING MCGRATH, NIKITA RANE- ART & ILLUSTRATIONS, OLUDARE ALABI - SOCIETIES, ABDULAZIZ ABUL - STAFF IT & MEDIA TEAM DIRECTOR OF MEDIA -RUTH EMMANUEL SOCIAL & EVENTS - ORLA DONNOHOE, WEBMASTER- DAPHNE YEN, STAFF ASSOCIATES CORRIENA BRIEN & SANDRA BONNETTO - CONTENT REVIEW, STAFF CO-ORDINATORS PROF CLIVE LEE- WRITER: ANATOMY, TANYA CHAPPLE - WRITER: SUDOKU JANE BURNS- COPYRIGHTS & PLAGIARISM ADVISER DECEMBER 2014

DIVERCSITY.COM

#EDITORS’ NOTES

e’ve reached the final issue of 2014! As it’s the holiday season, this month’s feature is all things festive, -with some Disney style study tips thrown in because let’s face it, this is actually the least jolly time of the year for those of us with exams beginning now, but Disney makes everything just a little bit better. We also have a review of the Christmas market, -just two minutes from RCSI it’s the perfect place to revive your Christmas spirit on a study break! Christmas time means something else in RCSI as well; it means it’s time to say goodbye to many of the PMC students from IC2 who are returning to Malaysia to continue their studies. We therefore decided that this holiday issue should include a special feature from the class of 2017, with pictures and quotes reflecting the PMC students’ time in Ireland and the friends they’ve made here.

A TASTE OF THE ISSUE: This issue features the month in pictures, showcasing some of the many events that took place in what was a very busy month for clubs and societies; . This is the perfect opportunity to find to check out events you may have missed and put them on your radar, so that next time they come around you won’t miss out! Speaking of events you don’t want to miss, Cyrille Payne takes a look at Pharm Soc’s Carnival Ball in the Happenings section, which is sure to be one of the biggest events of the next term. The Wellness Wheel and Sports and Fitness look at how to keep yourself healthy and well during the stressful weeks ahead, while Dublindulgence has found the best cafes in Dublin for those oh-so-important caffeine and sugar breaks! Christmas is all around in the Entertainment section, with events, films and some disturbing news about Santa courtesy of Diversilly; while in Education Michael has the answer to the everything you’ve ever wondered about the science of Christmas. We also have a special feature on the history of RCSI, a look at the headlines this month with Aislinn, a Christmas cartoon from the talented Eoin Kelleher and much, much more!

SUBMISSIONS: EVERYONE is welcome to submit! You can submit articles on any topic as well as poetry, photos, art work or creative writing. Our favourite submission piece of the month will win the Editor’s Pick title and our giveaway for the month! To submit, go to moodle > view all courses > open access courses > DIVERCSITY. You will then be prompted to enroll in this course, and once you have done that you will be able to submit your work by uploading it on that page. DIVERCSITY will then come up in your courses which will make submitting easier in the future. In an effort to blur the lines between print and online, we have decided to use QR codes. We hope to link videos and websites for further reading and enjoyment in this way. You can download a QR Reader as an app on your phone and have a go scanning a code in the paper!

SPECIAL MENTIONS: We’d like to particularly thank Corriena Brien for her continued support, and for securing for us a new laptop which will ensure that Divercsity can become bigger and better in the months to come! We’d also like to thank the IT department for arranging all the necessary software and helping to set us up computer-wise for what is at least the third time this year. A huge thanks to Billy Cahill for providing us with this month’s beautiful cover photo of the Christmas lights on O’Connell Street. Special mention also to Maedhbh Murphy and Gráinne Mc Cabe who co-ordinated the interesting contribution from the library this month, and a big shout out to PhotoSoc and our friends for letting us use their wonderful photos. Many thanks to everyone who contributed, especially this month when everyone is flat out studying for exams! We’re delighted that so many people took the time out to contribute to this issue. Good luck in the exams and happy holidays!

- NIKITA RANE AND CAITRIN O’LEARY Directors and Editors-in-Chief FACEBOOK PUBLICATIONS PAGE: facebook.com/DIVERCSITY

FACEBOOK GROUP SOCIETY PAGE facebook.com/groups/ divercsitysignup/

MOODLE PAGE:

DECEMBER 2014

DIVERCSITY.COM

#FEATURES

Christmas Market

You’ve passed it on your way to college -you’ve smelt the tantalizing crepes as you struggle onwards to the library -but if you’re not one of the 340,000 people who have already visited the Christmas market at St Stephen’s Green, here’s what you’re missing: Let’s drink to that: The hot cider is a warm glowing golden hug in a cup – precisely what you need on a chilly evening, the red ruby mulled wine is another popular choice and is served in delightful plastic wine glasses – fancy! And for our chocoholics and caffeine enthusiasts there are delicious hot chocolate and coffee drinks as well. Bite off more than you can chew: The food…ah where to begin?? – the hot dogs. These have to be the best pork sausage hotdogs in Dublin. Each sausage is grilled to perfection with crunchy crispy skins, served up in a typical hotdog fun and you can top up with onions and condiments. If you don’t fancy a hot dog, there are several burger stands, as well as chilly, soups, mini pies and Chinese food. There is a lovely little stall serving up creative flavours of popcorn. Their sea salt popcorn is the best seller, but I loved their maple and pecan popcorn – yum yum yum! Let’s end on a sweet note. The numerous displays of candy will awaken the inner two-year old in you. The variety is ever so tempting and wonderful; my favourite is the banoffie pie cookie sandwhich which is chewy and not overly sweet. The cookie stall has a variety of enticing cookies which I will definitely return to try! There are a couple of crepe stalls – one of them is a Gino’s and there is another a bit further down which is more popular, serving sweet and savoury to go. Photos by Muhimma Sulaimon

DECEMBER 2014

DIVERCSITY.COM

#FEATURES

DECEMBER 2014

DIVERCSITY.COM

Disney Timon and Pumba-

#FEATURES

Study Styles

“Hakuna Matata” what a wonderful phrase- it means no studying for the rest of your days

Exams are, as Pocahontas would say, “just around the river bend”. It is time to start studying, but everyone has a different study style. Which Disney study style best describes you?

SIMI POWAR

Belle-

You are locked up and all you do is spend your time in the library, but “be our guest” because we all know you are going to get honours. A serious obsession with textbooks, you’ve probably read all the recommended reading.

Mary Poppins-

You know that big words like “dysdiadochokinesia” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” impress the professors. It is all about sounding precocious on exams.

Woody and Buzz-

A group studier because it is always easier when someone else explains it. Remember “you’ve got a friend in me”.

Scar-

King Louie-

“Be prepared” is your motto. You know you will score higher than everyone, because everyone else is a stupid hyena

Sure you will study, but all you can think about is that kid who gets good grades easy. What is the secret? So badly you want to be like them.

Mulan-

Pinocchio-

A slow build in confidence makes you realize “let’s get down to business”. You can do it and defeat the huns, I mean pass exams.

Snow White-

Sometimes you wonder if you are even a real medical student. You leave the studying to your guardian angel and wish upon stars to pass.

You need “whistle while you work”. Find the right playlist on 8track to get you in the study zone.

Aurora/ Sleeping Beauty-

You just learn the “bare necessities” in hopes of passing, just enough to scape by.

Nothing will get you out of bed. Not a schedule or alarm will stop your day time naps, and you are hoping that exams were something you heard about “once a upon a dream”

Baloo-

Cinderella-

You are counting down till your deadline and you are working up to the last minute. You can’t wait to be Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Done!

Winnie the Pooh-

Between snacking and meeting up with friends you haven’t gotten anything done. Oh Bother!

Elsa-

You’ve given up and plan on winging the exam. You think just “let it go”, you can’t study this anymore.

Hercules-

Had resits last time and now are trying to turn it around. From “Zero to Hero” you can make the grade if you are willing to “go the distance”, but you will need the strength of the gods.

Aladdin-

Trying to always stay “one jump ahead” without putting in the work- you only do past papers.

Merida-

You realise you have the chance to change your fate and plan to do your own thing in the hope you won’t have resits.

Tiana-

You put in the hard work and keep pushing because you are “almost there”. Be careful not to burn out.

DECEMBER 2014

DIVERCSITY.COM

Freakshow!!

t happened in the blink of an eye. One minute I was laying in satin sheets eating an excessively large Toblerone, the next I was grasping the sides of my carriage as it sped through the streets of Dublin. All the way I was screaming in terror, as the wheels dashed over the cobbles, but my darling Irish Prince Charles, who sat beside kept reassuringly saying “ AHH you’ll be grand”.

Grand indeed! I was wearing the most decadent dress imaginable. Jewels! Cancans! Tiara! Action! So yes, I felt quite grand, maybe even majestic but at that moment I wanted Charlie to shut up. I wanted to feel like a princess tonight so I left it to Charlie, to be the prince I never had and to book a carriage for our journey to the ball. Clearly something was lost in communication because I did not get the serene moonlit horse driven carriage I desired. Rather, my ‘prince’ hired this maniac rickshaw driver to race other sturdier vehicles on the road as he pedaled us to the lovely Doubletree Hilton hotel. Meanwhile Charles kept screaming some nonsense about ‘the craic’, which I could barely hear over the wind. So I worked on my deep breathing exercises to calm me until we arrived. Maybe it was a good thing we were in this speed demon of a rickshaw because we made it at 7pm; perfectly in time for the prosecco wine reception. We disembarked the enchanted pumpkin at our highly anticipated venue. I had hired four muscle men to wait at the hotel entrance with a litter so that I could be lifted straight into the venue in true princess style, very Cleopatra-esque (-see picture below).

CYRILLE PAYNE

#HAPPENINGS

As the musclemen climbed each step I got into the pose I had painstakingly practiced for just an occasion. It was the most tortuous fifty seconds of my life, as I resisted the urge to breathe lest I disturbed my posture. This time I was prepared for the ball. Now you may think this sounds like quite over the top, but I had heard from everyone that this pharmacy ball was fancier than chocolate ball, seeing as it had a sit down three course banquet, live band and a DJ. So I decided to do my research on what a grand ball would be like and came to the conclusion that for something this fancy my dress needed to be on point and my entrance should be nothing less than perfection. Anyway as my men neared the ballroom doors with Charles trailing behind, I knew I was going to have my moment. Everyone at pharmacy ball was about to be speechless at my appearance, and so they were. When I burst through the doors heads turned. Then more heads turned. Then entire bodies turned towards me. I looked around at everyone doing that closed finger hand wave, and that’s when I realized I was again completely incorrect in my perception of the ball. All the girls were in vibrantly coloured, more modern formal wear. At least most of the men were wearing bowties; although many had on braces or suspenders or whatever you call them. Also the décor was not what I imagined. Everywhere had that hint of a vintage carnival and not Cinderella’s palace as I had imagined. There were feathers and lovely coloured canopies of beautiful fabrics. It felt like at any moment a beautiful woman would fall from the roof bathed in diamonds and do a trapeze act. I’m not sure if I was imagining it but I swear I could smell the mingled scents of popcorn, peanuts and cotton candy. It was all so beautiful just not how I imagined it. Whilst I sat perched on my magic carpet in my precarious pose, taking in the smells and the sights, I suddenly realized everyone was still staring as me. My face turned as red as it could, considering my chocolate complexion. Then the room began to spin faster and faster as if I was on a demented merry-go-

round in American horror story’s freak show. Faces blurred and then everything went black. In true princess form I had swooned atop my pedestal. When I opened my eyes there I was in my satin sheets with little crumbs of Toblerone everywhere and my computer open on the Facebook event for the Pharmacy Ball. It all made sense now as I reread the event description. You see the Pharmacy Ball is going to be on SATURDAY January 24th at the Doubletree Hilton hotel. That’s why I was there in my dream. In fact the event said that there will be a wine reception at 7 pm and a three-course meal! The annual pharmacy awards will occur at the event amongst a carnival theme. The dress is black tie but everyone is encouraged to wear a splash of colour. Men in particular are encouraged to wear colourful dickiebows or braces to go along with the carnival theme. I had to go even if it was only to see if it was as wonderful as I had dreamt. So I scrolled down to see that carnival admission was 65 euro and could be obtained from PharmSoc members, pharmacy class reps or by emailing pharmacysoc@rcsi.ie All are welcome!! The entire thing sounded absolutely amazing to me. There is no way I could miss such an event. So, I called my friend Charles.

Carnival Ba

RCSI Pharmacy Society presents

Saturday 24th January 2015 at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel

DECEMBER 2014

DIVERCSITY.COM

The World this Month

#HAPPENINGS AISLINN KILLIAN

November

Christmas is coming, the lights on Grafton street are on, and you have your plane or train ticket booked for home – life couldn’t be better! The only slight hitch is that with all those family occasions over the holidays you may end up trapped in a conversation with your long lost Aunt from Idaho who is asking you your opinion on the senate elections… The what? That didn’t appear on my Cardiovascular exam! So once again here is your current affairs cheat sheet to help you get through any family dinner.

USA

The Headlines:

In the USA the Republicans staged a comeback in the midterm elections by taking control of the Senate for the first time in 8 years. They gained 8 seats and also increased their majority in the House of Representatives. The results were particularly embarrassing for Obama who campaigned in Illinois for a Democratic governor who ran against a Republican who belongs to a wine club that has a joining fee of over $100,000. The oenophile* won. *Word Of The Day- oenophile: a lover or connoisseur of wine.

France

France has bolstered their military operations against the Islamic State by placing six fighter jets in Jordan. This is in addition to the nine jets it already has in the U.A.E. There is growing concern in France over ISIS as two Frenchmen appeared among the militants in a video showing the beheading of several Syrians.

Russia

Russian president, Vladimir Putin, made a hasty exit from the G20 summit after his position in Ukraine was criticized by many of the Western leaders. Putin is also seriously out of favor since agreeing to build eight nuclear reactors for Iran.

Afghanistan

The harvesting of opium in Afghanistan rose 17% to a record high. There is currently over 554,000 acres being used to grow poppies in the country.

Ireland

There is continued outrage over the introduction of Irish Water charges. Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly has encouraged people to use less water to save money. For a single person the charge has been capped at €60 a year, in order to spend less than this you would have to limit yourself to a single shower, a single toilet flush, and one cup of tea a day - ONE CUP OF TEA??

Here’s The Deal: Too much effort to read all of the headlines? Well here is the quick fire summary of the news this month.

- - - - - - - -

Republicans are hot, Obama is not The French are getting angry at ISIS Everyone is angry at Putin Afghanistan is rolling in opium Irish Water – just roll your eyes in disgust if anyone brings them up Don’t walk on Tower Bridge Keep your graffiti spray to yourself in Rome Fly Air New Zealand

Travel Buzz

As it is nearly the holiday season I thought I would round off with some holiday related news to get you in the mood – woohoo The shiny new glass walkway at Tower Bridge in London was put to the test when someone dropped a bottle of beer and shattered a panel of glass on the floor – scary stuff when you are 138 feet above the River Thames! When in Rome … don’t carve your name into the Colosseum. A Russian tourist was fined €20,000 for attempting to graffiti this historic landmark by carving his name into the wall. Flying Air New Zealand? Make sure to check out their new safety video, it is “Hobbit” themed and features Elijah Wood and Peter Jackson.

DECEMBER 2014

Photo credit: mashable.com

8 DIVERCSITY.COM

SIMI POWAR

Taste$ Like Hom€

$tudent Lif€

No matter how much you love Dublin, it will never be like home, but you do not have to miss all the food you love. There are a few specialty stores that sell North American favourites like A&W root beer and Fruit Loops. They include The Candy Lab in Temple bar or you can order online at americanfood.ie. Sometimes, you can find specialty items in Tesco depending on the time of year. However, the taste of home comes with a price, and that price is steep in euros. Therefore, if you cannot live without your maple syrup or fruit roll-ups you are going to have to do it the old-fashioned way. I am talking about importing; in our case, it means that you need to fill your suitcase full of the food you love and bring it over for the year. I know so many people who travel back to Dublin with half-empty suitcases. Instead, maximize your savings and fill your suitcases to the baggage allowance limit. You have already paid for the flight and suitcase, so use it. Now keep in mind the rules of food import. Typically, meat, dairy, fresh fruit, plants, and eggs do not meet EU regulations and cannot be transported*. Check your countries policies on transport of food products internationally. Always be sure to declare any items you are bringing into the country. *This is just a guideline. Full information can be found online at: http:// www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/travel_to_ireland/customs_regulations_for_travellers.html It is a great way to have specialty items, but also you can bring regular items that would cost more in Dublin from home. If you are from North America, you will know the joys of Costco. This is a store where you can buy food and other items in bulk. I always make a Costco trip before coming to Dublin and stock up on quinoa. Some other great buys include pancake mix and maple syrup.

$tud¥ $nack$ Another great way to save money on eating out is the Early Bird or Pre-Theatre specials. Check out what times restaurants offer their specials and avail of lower pricing or more food for your money. As exams edge nearer, the library becomes your second home. Here are some great places and deals close by so you can get back to books quickly:

Marks and Spencer’s:

Price: Varies, usually €5 for lunch, up to €10 for large dinner items Location: 15-20 Grafton Street Check out the food hall for tons of ready-made meals to make lunches and dinners simple. They offer a lunch combo, usually a sandwich, juice, and pack of crisps. Tons of fresh salads also available. Great to travel with, as they are all pre-packed.

Dunnes Café:

Price:€4 to €8; to give you an idea of the pricing. I usually get a 3 piece breakfast (eggs, beans, mushrooms) for €4.20 with tea Location: St.Stephen’s Green Mall, Upper level Dunnes Offers breakfast until 3pm. Choose from a variety of options to build your meal. Do not forget that it comes with toast and free tea or coffee. Lunch is a variety of salads, paninis, wraps, and sandwiches.

DECEMBER 2014

#STUDENT LIFE

Item Pancake mix

Canada Krusteaz Buttermilk

Ireland Odlums Pancake Mix

Store Amount Price in Country Price in Euros* Best Deal

Costco 10lb=4535.9g $7.52

Tesco 500G = 1.10231lbs €1.84

€5.13

For 10 lbs it is €16.69

Item Betty Crocker Cake Mix Store Amount Price in Country Price in Euros* Best Deal

Canada Betty Crocker Devil’s Food Cake Mix

Ireland Betty Crocker Devil’s Food Cake Mix

Walmart About 500G $2.38

Dollarama $1

Tesco About 500G €3.19

€1.62

€0.68

€3.19

☺

Bell and Pot:

Price: Breakfast around €6 to €12. Lunch around €7, and they offer soup and sandwich combos. Dinner around €15. Location: Mercer Street Big hearty plates is what Bell and Pot specializes in. Whether you are craving pancakes, French toast, a fry-up or something healthier, there is something on the menu for everyone. The lunch menu offers various sandwiches and soups that are delicious. They also offer dinner options.

Cedar Tree:

Price: A wrap is around €5 and is great to eat on the go. Lunch special with starter and drink is around €11. Location: South William Street and 11 St.Andrew’s Street Known for its authentic Lebanese food, Cedar Tree is a great place to have lunch. Their dinner menu tends to be pricier. Offering mezze, falafel, wraps, and hummus. Yum!

Wolf and Spoon

Price: Soups are usually around €4 euros. Other dishes can be a bit up to €10euros, but the portions are large and the food is delicious. Location:10a Aungier Street Amazing for its proximity to the library. They are one of the few places open for breakfast at 7am for those early morning studiers. Great sandwich melts, baked potatoes, soups, chili and fish. It always tastes homemade.

DIVERCSITY.COM

REBECCA JAGOO

Students RCSI

#STUDENT LIFE

“What do you love most about Christmas time?”

“W

hat I love most about Christmas is that it is a time for family reunions and singing Christmas carols.*Jingle bells…Jingle bells...* With boxing day sales and Christmas celebration events, it is also the best time to hang around in the city. However, we shall never forget those healthcare workers who are still staying at the front line to save patients. Their sacrifices really deserve our best respect in this special occasion. Lastly, I would like to send my warmest wishes to all of you; All the best in the upcoming exams, and Merry X’mas!

KOH PEI YING

“Who do you miss the most around Christmas time?”

“

miss my dad around this time. Christmas brings me back 7 years to New York; my Father had work related business with the UN so we flew out to the Big Apple, and it was around this time of year too. The atmosphere there was electric; it was like something out of a movie, the hustle and bustle of people and cars illuminated by the bright lights. And there we were huddled up in our thermals drinking white mocha, our dad would be telling us a story and strangely I’d feel at home, despite being so very far away from it. That’s pretty much when I realised that home will always be where my family is. I miss my dad. I miss my family. I miss my home. On a side note, it is also my Birthday in December and my dad usually gets all the gifts... but of course that’s not the main reason as to why I miss him. Love you dad. ARIEF NAIMUN

DECEMBER 2014

DIVERCSITY.COM

Students RCSI

#STUDENT LIFE

“What is your favourite Christmas memory?”

“S

eeing as I don’t celebrate Christmas personally, I don’t really have much experience in this department. However, I still have a favourite Christmas memory. Many people’s Christmas memories involve a present or an event, but mine slightly differs. My favourite Christmas memory would be during the Christmas of 2013. It was the first time returning home to Malaysia since coming to Dublin, and I had already missed quite a few celebrations back home, so it became a norm to celebrate festivals at a small scale. This made me think that my Christmas that year was going to be my usual ‘chill at a mall, catch a movie and just hang out at random places’. However, it was different that year. A certain feeling came over me. I had completely forgotten how big celebrations were in Malaysia and how everything and every mall would be over decorated and all the streets would be filled with small stalls selling festive items. Not to forget the posters of our politicians wishing us a Merry Christmas. It’s these little things you forget that make you lose grip of what it’s like to be home. The Christmas of 2013 really made me feel a warm welcome back home and just put a smile on my face. Seeing all the decorations and all the sales had made me realise that I was back home. It also taught me that you really only appreciate something when you lose it. I never truly appreciated the corniness of my country celebrating our festivals at such a large scale and it’s what makes Malaysia the country it is. It reminded me that no matter where I am, I should celebrate all festivals like it is a big deal. This is why I would never forget the Christmas of 2013!

KANENDRA KUMAR

“What do you want for Christmas?”

“

It’s difficult pick a specific Christmas gift. Some may want a sunny Christmas, while others want snow; Kids want toys or games...and so do men (lol). While ladies may want make-up or clothes...etc. It may be the cheesiest gift ever, but the gift that matters the most at Christmas is the gift of love and family, and being able to spend it with people who truly make us happy. HELEN ZIDON

DECEMBER 2014

DIVERCSITY.COM

The Wellness Wheel

#STUDENT LIFE

MOYOWA BOYO

Wellness is a dynamic process that is constantly evolving. Sometimes it can be difficult to have the overall wellness we crave. With the days getting shorter and exams just around the corner, being committed to your well-being becomes increasingly important. Making a commitment to wellness at this time of the year is hard for many reasons. It’s cold and dark and you are most likely chained to a desk in Mercer Library with no seeming end in sight. But from time to time, it’s important to take a look at our daily routines and really examine what’s working and what’s not. An honest look into your daily life can give you the awareness you need to either keep things as they are or make a conscious effort to change them. Every day we are given the freedom to make many different choices and ultimately we can choose to do things that lift us up or tear us down. Here are five tips to help make those choices a little easier:

1. Set your priorities

-and live in accordance with them. People make time for the things they consider their priorities. If staying fit is important to you, you’ll exercise regularly. If getting good grades is a priority, you’ll make time to study. “I don’t have time” or “I’m too busy” can serve as convenient excuses we use to justify not living in accordance with our goals and priorities. What are your priorities? Are you living in accordance with them? Be honest and remember not to be judgemental, simply becoming aware the first step to change.

2. Write it down.

Writing is highly therapeutic. It releases tension and serves as a sounding board for your thoughts. Get a journal or type what’s on your mind on your computer. You’ll likely feel better after you do and rereading what you wrote after some time has passed can be a really eye opening and even funny experience.

3. Do more of what you love.

This is a sure-fire way to lift your spirits. Make time to do the things you love. Even if it’s something as small as taking a walk or playing an instrument for five minutes. If you love it, then do more of it. If you don’t know what you love then there’s no better time than university to find out.

4. Guard your mind.

Be mindful of the things you say to yourself. Would you say the same things to a friend? If not, then try and be more aware of your thoughts and practice cultivating more positive thoughts instead of negative ones. During exam time, it’s important to encourage yourself with uplifting thoughts.

Ask for help.

This is crucial! You can’t do it all on your own so don’t be too shy to ask for help when you need it. Asking for help, no matter what it is, is a sign of strength not weakness. RCSI has great support for students that are all confidential and free of charge. Log in to Moodle and click on “Student Services” and then “Support Services” to get all the information on the help available to you in one place. Maintaining an overall sense of wellness during exams is not always easy. It is arguably one of the most stressful times to be a student. Despite this, we mustn’t forget to take care of all aspects of ourselves, while keeping in mind that we all have the power and strength needed to overcome this challenge.

“Hello, Niteline?” If you’ve ever given us a call, you’ve heard that line before. But most people reading this probably haven’t given us much thought beyond a casual glance at the sticker on the back of the bathroom door. In fact, a lot of students may not have heard of us or know what we do. We are Niteline, a telephone and online listening service for students of Dublin colleges and universities like RCSI. We are open every night of term from 9:00 p.m.-2:30 a.m. You can call us at 1800-793-793, or log into our instant messaging service at niteline.ie. We are 100% student-run; after all, who understands students better than other students? We are thrilled to talk about absolutely - whether it be good news, bad news, or even if you’re just bored, we’re here for you. Whatever’s on your mind, rest assured that whichever volunteer you speak with will not share your conversation with anyone else, not even other volunteers. Niteline is strictly and completely anonymous and confidential. You don’t know us and we don’t know you, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t have a chat!

DECEMBER 2014

DIVERCSITY.COM

THE Commentat ’s B X...

SARAH KEYES

#SPORTS&FITNESS

To compete in any sport, dedication, practice, and commitment are needed. One other key aspect that is often forgotten is the facilities that are available to the club. In order to play and more importantly enjoy a sport, the appropriate facilities must be made available for the clubs. The facilities are a key aspect in attracting people to play with that club. If you look at any top clubs around the world you will see that the training grounds and facilities are more impressive the higher the level of the club. Manchester City FC for example, has recently spent £200 million on a new training complex. The Kilkenny hurling team train in the Dunmore GAA training grounds, which are the best available in the county. Finally, the University of Alabama has recently spent $9 million renovating their football facilities. These are all examples of teams in the top flight of their respective sports. These clubs indicate that investment in top facilities correlate with success. In order for these clubs to attract the best players and to achieve the best they can, they need the best facilities. Now let’s take a look at a more local level, more specifically at our college. The facilities available to clubs in RCSI are limited, through no lack of effort by

RCShape

Fitness & Diet

ARUN B & DAPHNE YEN

Letting loose a little

the university. This is due to the central location of the college. Because RCSI is situated in the city centre, there is limited potential for any sport facilities to be built nearby. As a result of this, it is fair to say the clubs of the college have suffered. The college’s official sporting grounds are located in Dardistown, Finglas. This is approximately 25 minutes by bus or car. The GAA clubs of the college must travel out to Ringsend, a training ground the college rents, which is approximately 20 minutes by bus. Unfortunately, this is a factor that is out of the college’s control. Before I get too negative, there are good things happening in the college that will excite students of RCSI. A new Academic Education building was announced this May. The completion date of this new building is said to be sometime in 2016. This new €80 million development will include a state of the arts sport hall and fitness suite, along with other educational facilities. Not only will this excite current students, but it will also make the college more attractive for prospective ones. An investment in facilities means an investment in success. To allow someone to thrive they must have every opportunity to do so. Therefore, in order for a club to achieve, the appropriate facilities must be made available.

Hey fitness enthusiasts, hope exam preparation is coming about as desired. REMEMBER that memory and concentration increases with regular exercise. So try to include short workout sessions in between your studying. As exams approach, stress eating becomes a way to release stress, try to limit to healthier snacks such as almonds, and always keep hydrated with water. After exams its Christmas, the season to be merry and joyous. You can still maintain a healthy lifestyle and enjoy the season. Here are some tips to help you during this festive season

1. Snack tables during parties.

With Christmas parties, there usually would be snacks laying around all day around. Choose snacks such as grapes, berries and melon, which are high in natural sweetening to suppress your urge to have something sweet instead of reaching for the gingerbread. Have kale chips instead of regular salty potato chips. They taste better and are way lower in calories and fat content.

2. Tasty alternatives. With Christmas, comes eggnog. Enjoying a mug of eggnog is totally fine. Let loose a bit. But don’t have it regularly, have a glass of fruit juice instead. And AVIOD soda drinks such as coke or pepsi as they are packed with sugar and that does no good to your body.

3.Lay off the candy canes. Candy canes can be irresistible but your body would thank you if you avoid them. Try healthier options like dried apricots and cranberries.

4. Avoid fried/ fatty food. Choose poached eggs or scramble eggs over fried eggs. Wholemeal pancakes and wholemeal bread over white flour goods. Save your cravings for fried food for something better, for example save up till you can get your hands on fried bacon . this way you can still enjoy your fried food and not feel guilty as you limited yourself to one particular food. But saying that , eat fried bacon in moderation, its stil fried and fatty. Limit yourself.

5.The ﬁnal take home message is EAT EVERYTHING IN MODERATION! It’s the festive season , let loose a little. Learn to enjoy the gifts of festive food. But also look out for your body as you don’t want all the hard work in placed In the last few months to go to waste.

“To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” ~Buddha

Quote of the month :

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live” ~Jim Rohn

DECEMBER 2014

DIVERCSITY.COM

#SOCIETIES Cupcake Decorating gourmetsoc@rcsi.ie

t’s the end of term and after exams and a well earned rest/ celebration it will be the New Year, and the perfect time to try out some new things! November was a busy month for clubs and societies in college, here’s just a sample of what they got up to; we’ve added the email addresses of the societies featured here so if you see something you’d like to try next term, you know who to contact. NB. This is just a fraction of the events that took place last month, if you’re in a club/ society and have an event coming up that you would like featured in our next issue, please submit your photos and the details of your event to us! All the photos used in this feature are courtesy of Photo Soc, and particularly Muhimma Sulaimon and Abdullah Bin Sahel.

The Magic of Christmas choralsoc@rcsi.ie

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The Importance of Being Earnest

#SOCIETIES

players@rcsi.ie

Sports Clubs

basketballladies@rcsi.ie

gaaladies@rcsi.ie

running@rcsi.ie DECEMBER 2014

soccermens@rcsi.ie

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A MSA Thanksgiving

#SOCIETIES

amsasoc@rcsi.ie

Movember Table Quiz cancersociety@rcsi.ie

Harry Potter Debate

philosophicalandlite@rcsi.ie

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#SOCIETIES

cas@rcsi.ie

DECEMBER 2014

Chocolate Ball

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PMCSA Farewe...

#INTERNATIONAL It’s Christmas time; which in RCSI means it’s time to say goodbye to those students from Penang Medical College who are returning to Malaysia to complete their studies. Some of us have been through this already; gone to the Farewell dinner, eaten some weird but tasty green dessert and posed for the obligatory photos. It’s a sad time for everyone with friends departing, but also a celebration of the time we’ve had with them, and this year it’s the turn of the class of 2017! The fact is that by the end of IC2 most of us will have said goodbye to some really god friends, but truthfully it’s not as big a goodbye as we think at the time; with so many ways of keeping in touch it’s not the end of the world. Our Malaysian correspondent Layveeniea Ananthan (see penned from Penang) was one of those PMC students saying goodbye this time last year, and she is a perfect example of how it’s possible to stay in touch and even stay involved with RCSI after going back to Malaysia! (hint: if any leaving students want to write for divercsity, you’re always welcome!) But even if it’s not goodbye forever it’s a big change both for leaving students and the friends they leave behind, and so to mark this special occasion the class of 2017 have some memories and reflections to share, along with the message to keep in touch! Photos by Ahmad Zaki Asraf, Simrenjit Kaur Sarwan Singh & Photo Soc

“

Enrolling as a JC1 student in RCSI is the most memorable day in my life because this marks my first step into medical career and realizing that I’m about to start a new journey as a medical student gave me overwhelming happiness and satisfaction. I would like express my deepest gratitude to all RCSI staffs, professors, lecturers, doctors and anatomy demonstrators for taking care of us for the past two and a half years. It’s been a wonderful time I’ve spent in RCSI and every single day in Ireland is a blessing to me. It’s a privilege to study in RCSI, one of the best medical colleges in Ireland which provides excellent education and is very welcoming to all students from all corners of the world. It’s an honour to have well known dedicated doctors such as Prof Hill, Prof Alice Stanton and Prof Mary Leader teaching us about medicine and training us to become competent doctors in the future. They are a continuous source of inspiration to me and all RCSI students. I’m privileged to be their student and I would like to thank all these amazing doctors and professors in Beaumont hospital for spending their time teaching us about medicine despite their busy schedule.” -Shahrizan Majid Allapitchai

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“

RCSI is not a place I want to further my study truthfully…. but I really love the students in it!! All of them are nice and easy going people. The surroundings really helped me a lot to get along in RCSI and helped me to survive… I love Ireland and I love my batch. We are a great batch. Everyone is so nice and kind. I will remember them. And also Malaysia won International Night 2014 and International Food Night 2014!! The best achievement of the year!! -Ten

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“

#INTERNATIONAL #EDUCATION The best part of attending med school in RCSI with the leaving PMC students, is living through the med students’ life together. We experience the same happiness, difficulties, sweet and sour moments together. When we sit exams, we pass and fail together. When I feel sleepy in the lecture hall, you’re already sleeping by my side. It feels like we are actually just one soul separated in different bodies. And when you leave, I feel like a part of my body is lost. I am lost. So, I just want to share this quote with the leaving PMC students:

“The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.” - Elizabeth Foley

Thank you for being a part of my life stories. I hope that I helped to make the best stories in this med school chapter of your life. Best of luck in PMC! -Ahmad Zaki Asraf

Typically Dublin... I still remember the icy cold weather the first time I exited Dublin Airport. It was the first time smoke came out of my mouth due to the cold weather (I had only seen the smoke out of the mouth in the movies before!). -Ahmad Zaki Asraf Walking in grafton street with Gino’s ice cream in my hand and watching Keywest performances! -Shahrizan Majid Allapitchai

“

Studying in Ireland is like nothing I have ever experienced before. We are all not the same people who first arrived in Ireland 2 and half years ago. We grew into adults here. This journey has shaped us not only as doctors but as individuals too. This opportunity away from home gives you a chance to understand yourself better. Studying abroad changes you, it forces you to step out of your comfort zone and makes you face the real world whether you like it or not. Sometimes that’s exactly what we need. The experiences I have gained during my time in Ireland will stick with me for the rest of my life and I am very grateful that I had this opportunity. Like Miley Cyrus once sang, ‘ain’t about how fast I get there, ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side, it’s the climb’. -Jasveen Kaur

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#INTERNATIONAL

Simrenjit Kaur Sarwan Singh President of PMCSA 2013-2014

e have been here for 2 and a half years now, some more. And for this short time, Dublin has been our home. We came to seek knowledge and experience to be the best doctors we can be, and we have gained so much more. The skills imparted to us by our educators, the friendships we’ve forged, the times we’ve spent, the memories shared – these are all treasures that will be cherished for a lifetime. It would be highly deceiving, though, if I only mentioned about happy days – because we all know the reality of being in med school. Yes, there were tough times, sleepless nights (oh, and endless rainy days) – yet these have only served to strengthen us, and helped us appreciate being part of a community of caring and supportive people here in college. RCSI has helped us grow in so many ways. Dublin is a part of our lives that we shall always think of fondly – a city which upon reminiscing will leave our hands feeling cold, yet bringing warmth to our hearts. For this and so much more, we have to thank the whole community of RCSI. For your kindness, generosity and love, we will forever be grateful.

What was it like arriving inIreland f the first time?

We arrived in autumn, when the trees were shedding their leaves of various shades of red and orange, and the air was just turning chilly. It was a new sight that greeted our eyes, and it was very pretty indeed. I remember walking down Grafton Street and crossing River Liffey for the first time, also visiting St Stephen’s Green. I felt like my eyes weren’t open wide enough to take in the surroundings and capture its beauty. Coming to Ireland, and specifically RCSI opened up a world of possibilities. For some it marked a new beginning – a fresh start – and for others, the continuation of a lifelong dream. I fell in love with the college the first time I saw it. The grey stone walls on the outside, the older part of the building that was maintained, the rows of names on the plaques that hang majestically in almost every room - all these gave the sense of something historically significant, and I felt very blessed indeed to have the opportunity to be a part of the growing community of RCSI.

What are your favourite mem ies Dublin?

Every single day in Dublin presented me with new memories. Some of my fondest memories are of walking down Grafton Street and stopping to appreciate the little shows by talented musicians and singers, as well as other performers. No matter how busy my day is or how much work I have to do, I’ll always stop by and every single time I’ll leave with a spring in my step. Some of my fondest memories are also of visiting the various churches in Dublin. I think that the churches here are very beautiful indeed (my personal favourites are St Teresa’s on Clarendon St and St Kevin’s on Harrington St) and it is one of the best things to be able to pop in anytime of the day, especially after a long tiring day of classes, since the churches are so near to college.

What is your best mem y RCSI?

I never thought I would be very much involved in any society in RCSI initially. Somehow - with support and encouragement from friends - I ended up being the President of PMCSA, and I have to say it has been a very exciting and fulfilling experience indeed. I participated in International Night 2013, and I really enjoyed myself. International Night 2014 was more daunting – not only was I performing, I was now in the position where I was supposed to lead our team (PMCSA) in one of the biggest and very much anticipated annual events in college. There was considerably more pressure, since we got 2nd place in 2013. In spite of all this, we decided that the most important thing was that all of us had a great time, during the practices leading up to the night, as well as during the performance itself. When the results were announced that night, oh how sweet a victory it was. It is true indeed – the best surprises are those that are least expected. And we did not expect to win International Night 2014, but we did. International Food Night 2014 was a very memorable event too; yet another unexpected victory when we won the Best Country overall. All these achievements would not have been possible without the support and dedication of all members. Looking back, I realise that what made these events truly memorable is not solely the victory, but the times spent and jokes shared in the preparations, and the bonds strengthened as a result of spending time with dear friends – both new and old.

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DIVERCSITY.COM

#INTERNATIONAL

“

It is difficult to describe it actually, it’s the feeling you get when you’re travelling. You arrive in a new city, you’re excited, you want to explore, meet new people, learn new things. I guess I had the same feeling on my first day in RCSI, made some real good friends who eventually become really close. My best memories are of cycling in Dublin and simply hanging out with friends as well as being a part of PMCSA & Photosoc committee and yeah winning the International Night. -Kharthik Deepan Murugesu

“

When I started in RCSI it was amazing. everyone was so friendly and kind. I loved the fact that there was lots of halal food and it was autumn, we had our Eid celebration in the beautiful colurs of autumn, and now it’s autumn and many of my friends are leaving. and I’m really going to miss each and every one of them. I’m staying here doing the full course, I’ll be here until I graduate; I’m sad my friends are leaving but it’s not goodbye it’s see you soon. I sure hope all of my PMC friends will not forget us and keep in touch. Instagram is one of the best ways I think! We love instagram. And I will definitely pay them a visit in Penang soon! I have great memories of winning international food night and meeting my beautiful and awesome friends!! I just want to share that I am really happy to have been given the chance to meet all of you. I love you all! -Farah Nadia Zikhtar

DECEMBER 2014

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#INTERNATIONAL

PENNED FROM As I sit at my work station, I cant help but think of Christmas holidays. With Christmas carols in the background, it is quite the challenge to be studying for this gruelling end-of-semester exam.

You’d think after studying for nearly six months while completing five different rotations that I’d remember something, but no. That’s never the case for me. I am one to procrastinate. Actually the majority of us are. I remember at the start of 2014 I told myself never would I leave studying to the last minute (thanks IC2, you made me learn a valuable lesson). But no, here I am today wondering whatever happened to me following the resolutions that I made early this year. The worst part of it all? It’s already the END of the year! I hardly even noticed the time flying by. Reflecting back, 2014 has been a roller coaster of a year with wars, political instability, multiple plane crashes, Ebola epidemic, the world cup, and god knows many more. Let us take a moment to reflect on what have we achieved in this year. Give yourself a pat on the back for everything that you’ve overcome. My biggest joy was clearing IC and finally entering fourth med. Trust me, after years of primary school, secondary school, and high school, I’m finally nearing the end of my undergraduate degree. As some of you may know, I returned to Malaysia this

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Penang

year to continue my education in PMC. A week after landing back in sunny Kuala Lumpur, I was woken up to the news of the disappearance of one of Malaysia’s carrier airlines. MH370. I’m sure many of you would have read about this; it was everywhere-FB, Twitter, Instagram, the local news, the international news. All I could think of while reading all the news related to MH370 was ‘it could have been an airline I was traveling on’ I flew back a week ago, and I still had friends fling back from Dublin at the very same time.

LAYVEENIEA ANANTHAN

As Malaysians, we will brace this storm. We always do.

Three months later came more shocking news – MH17. Another tragedy. At this point, most of us knew somebody who was affected by these tragedies.

Soon, the time will come once again to close those books for about two weeks, get on a last minute Christmas shopping trip (I never fail at this), and rush on to catch that train or plane back home.

It was a time of trial. It brought us together. It made many of us realize the importance of time, and the importance of showing appreciation towards our loved ones. It’s only at these desperate times we realize how much time we have wasted not saying our love to one another.

For those celebrating Christmas, this can be one of the best or worst times to be home. From choosing presents (Oh God, what do I get so and so this time around?!), to facing the whole family. The joys are endless. Well, Christmas still is my favourite time of the year!

At the end of the day, what everyone wanted was a little bit more of time to say how much they loved one another.

So, Happy Christmas everyone, and Happy New year. And also good luck in your exams! Keep warm, be safe and have a jolly good holiday after!!

DIVERCSITY.COM

Science!

The Element of

MICHAEL RYAN

Santa Claus and the latest developments in Christmas technology…..

t the Element of Science, much discussion has taken place over multiple cups of teas (ahem pints of Guinness) of the many great scientific discoveries of the past month; the landing of a probe on a comet, the invention of a James Bond laser watch and the discovery of two new subatomic particles using the CERN Large Hadron Collider. At the end though, only one topic could truly be used at this, the most wonderful time of year – Santa Claus! That jolly fat man with a white and a red coat has been travelling around the world since the 3rd century AD delivering presents to the young boys and girls (and sometimes to the notso-young boys and girls!). But how does he do it? After many secret rendezvous and the promise of free pizza at the next DIVERCSITY meeting has convinced a former elf from the North Pole to tell all! Firstly, the question we have all been asking – how does he travel around the entire world in one night, deliver all the presents and still have time for milk and cookies at every house he stops at? Wormholes seem to be the

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#EDUCATION

answer! Santa and those clever elves have perfected the act of travelling through these intradimensional portals, not only allowing him to travel through space but also time, meaning that he can be in as many places as once as he likes, greatly improving the quality of service (there was reports that the poor children of County Fermanagh were celebrating Christmas in mid-March by the time the presents arrived! Rudolph’s red nose was also a topic that we were highly interested in. Apparently a few years ago, Ruldolph and the other reindeers went on a lads trip to Phuket, Thailand, for the tourist attractions over course. Well after one too many drinks and a trip to a very dodgy tattoo parlour/mechanic garage, Ruldolph came home with a giant red LED light and battery in his nose. Initially it was considered a bit of an inconvenience but now it means that Santa can see in the fog and not hit random planes over the Bermuda triangle, which unfortunately he did more than once.

boys and girls, who he knows who has been naughty and who has been nice. Like everything these days, it all comes down to cameras, but special cameras, disguised cameras, robot cameras. The winter bird, the robin apparently became extinct at about the same time as the dodo – something to do with idiot cityfolk coming to the country for a good time and chasing all the robins away. Anyway Santa was then able to entact his genius plan – robot robins. These have cameras and microphones and can see everything we are doing – creepy huh? What Santa does with the videos of the adults, we will never know! So there you have it, the science of the most important man in the world This article is of course a spoof and does not represent any solid scientific data, or indeed sense. If anyone is offended by the content, please contact Caitrin O’ Leary and Nikita Rane, Editors in Chief as the author is taking a break to cram REGUB and Trop Med!

Finally we asked about how Santa keeps track of all the

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RCSI Heritage Coections

#EDUCATION

MEADHBH MURPHY

he RCSI holds a unique place in the history of surgery and medical education in Ireland since the late 1700s. The pioneers, founders and inventors of new surgical techniques and instruments walked through the doors of the RCSI. Be they students or staff they helped forge medical advancements that benefit patients daily. The lives of a few of these people will be discussed below. But first let’s look at how the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland came into existence.

Foundation

In the 1700s there was no central body in charge of the regulation of training and practice of surgery in Ireland. This meant that anyone could claim to be a surgeon, perform operations, prescribe medicine etc. The underhand dealings of such unqualified individuals brought disrepute on the surgical profession. In 1765 Sylvester O’Halloran, a surgeon from Limerick, proposed a College of Surgeons in Ireland be established along the lines of the College de St. Cosme in Paris, which had been regulating French surgeons since it had been created by Royal Charter by Louis IX in 1255. This idea began to gain support from other Irish surgeons and in 1780 the Dublin Society of Surgeons was founded. Samuel Croker-King (1728-1817), William Dease (1752-1798) and Philip Woodroffe (?-1799) are some of the surgeons and later Presidents of the RCSI who were members of this Society. The Society decided to petition the king to grant them the right to train and regulate surgery in Ireland. In 1781 they submitted a petition to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and on 11th February 1784 they were granted a royal charter by King George III.

The RCSI in 1810

Full transcript of the College Charter The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland had now been established but it didn’t have a premises. A disused hall in Mercer Street was secured and held the first surgical lessons of the College. Due to the energy and drive of its founders the College thrived. Another factor in its growth was the demand for army and navy surgeons for the Napoleonic Wars. By 1804 a larger building was needed. The Society of Quakers offered the College ground on the corner of Stephen’s Green and York Street. George Renny, a surgeon and Director General of the Army Medical Department in Ireland, was able to obtain the funds needed to build the first College building. This building opened in 1810. By 1825 more space was needed as the College continued to grow. Tenders were put out for an extension along Stephens Green incorporating a museum and larger teaching facilities. The contract was awarded to two Irish architects, William Murray and Francis Johnston. The newly extended College was completed in 1827 and this is the facade you see today on Stephens Green.

The College received supplementary charters the most significant being that granted by Queen Victoria in 1885 which states “That all provisions of the Charter, Bye Laws and Ordinances as to education, examination and granting diplomas to Fellows or Licentiates shall extend to include Women” This made the College the first in Great Britain and Ireland to admit female students. During the 1900s the College continued to grow with the York St extension and expand overseas with the establishment of teaching colleges in Malaysia and the Middle East. The future addition of the NEAB building in 2016 mirrors the drive and ambition displayed by the founding members of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland over 200 years ago.

Beguiling and Briiant...

The archives of the College hold the papers of numerous innovative, pioneering and slightly eccentric surgeons. They include the following

William Wallace (1791-1837)

Born in 1791 in Downpatrick, Co. Down., Wallace obtained his diploma from the RCSI on 8 June 1813 and he immediately travelled to London to further his medical education. Wallace became a pupil of Thomas Bateman, who was in turn a pupil of Robert Willan one of the founders of modern dermatology. It was here that Wallace becamelearned in the art of inoculation and vaccination. I n 1817 Wallace returned to Dublin to establish himself in the medical world here. In number 20 Moore Street Wallace opened the first hospital to investigate and treat the numerous skin diseases afflicting the poor in Dublin. The first hospital of its kind in the British Isles. The majority of Wallace’s collection is made up of illustrations of his patients. He hoped to publish a medical atlas for the treatment of skin and venereal diseases accompanied by these detailed and graphic illustrations. William Wallace portrait

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Emily Winifred Dickson (1866-1944) Emily Winifred Dickson was born in Tyrone in 1866. In 1887 she enrolled in RCSI, where she was the only female medical student. Dickson obtained the Licence of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Royal College of Physicians in Ireland in 1891 and graduated from the Royal University of Ireland in 1893 with the degrees of MB, BCh, BAO. She was elected the first female Fellow of RCSI in 1893. In 1896 Dr Dickson took the degrees of Doctor of Medicine and Master of Obstetrics at the Royal University of Ireland. Following this she was appointed an Examiner in Midwifery at RCSI. Upon her appointment, the students objected to a female examiner and 14 pages of signatures petitioning against her appointment were presented to the Council of RCSI.

Emily graduating from the Royal University of Ireland with her doctorate.

Emily attending an operation in the Mater Hospital in 1892. She can be seen on the far left.

Oliver St John Gogarty (1878-1931) Born in Dublin in 1878, Gogarty attended a number of schools finally settling on Trinity College from where he received his M.B. and M.D. in 1907. He took up a position in the Richmond Hospital and started a medical practise in his house on Ely Place in 1908. Gogarty acquired a reputation for surgical speed and dexterity. He was a Republican who attended Arthur Griffith until his death and was kidnapped by Anti-Treaty supporters in 1922 only to escape. Gogarty was a well respected literary man who produced and extensive body of poetry, plays, prose and historical writings. In 1924 his poem Tailteann Ode won a bronze medal in the Olympic Games. Gogarty counted William Butler Yeats and James Joyce as close friends.

Day by day more historic material is being catalogued and made available online. Not only does the College house papers belonging to internationally known and respected surgeons but also an extensive medical instruments collection, over 6000 historic pamphlets, manuscripts, antique furnishings and unique priceless antiquarian books. To discover more about your Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage go to the following and prepare to be amazed!

RCSI Heritage Collections website http://www.rcsi.ie/heritagecollections RCSI Heritage Collections blog http://rcsiheritage.blogspot.ie/ RCSI Heritage Collections online catalogue http://heritage.rcsi.ie/calmview/default.aspx

DECEMBER 2014

Photograph of Oliver St John Gogarty with his grandson not long before he passed away.

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PROF CLIVE LEE HEAD OF ANATOMY

Anatomy WITH Clive Lee

#EDUCATION

CONTEST QUIZ QUESTION!!!

r Harold Browne has taught anatomy in RCSI since 1953 as a surgeon in the Richmond Hospital, President of the Medical Council and then as a Surgeon Prosector. The lecture theatre in the Anatomy Department is named after him and so is the Biological Society medal in Anatomy. Harold is particularly interested in the surgical anatomy of the salivary and thyroid glands and celebrated his 92nd birthday last month.

You are a surgeon planning to remove the submandibular gland. When making your skin incision, which nerve is most at risk of injury?

And a bonus question, just for fun: What is Mr Browne’s favourite word?

Buccal branch of the facial nerve

Epididymis

Buccal branch of the mandibular nerve

Gubernaculum

Cervical branch of the facial nerve

Uvula

Inferior alveolar branch of the mandibular nerve

Scaphoid

Mandibular branch of the facial nerve

Duodenum

BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN OUR MONTHLY GIVEAWAY! Winner will be announced and contacted in the next month’s issue. submit your answer on our Moodle page: https://vle.rcsi.ie/course/view.php?id=844

Last month’s anatomy answer was: (B) 2ND RIGHT INTERCOSTAL SPACE – STERNAL BORDER Winner: HENG MIN LIM Congratulations, we will be in touch with you soon!

DECEMBER 2014

DIVERCSITY SUBMISSIONS ON MOODLE (SCAN THIS CODE USING A QR CODE READER APP)

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#EDUCATION #EDUCATION

Beaumont Library Welcome to RCSI Library in Beaumont Hospital. We provide a quiet study space and library services for students on rotations in Beaumont Hospital. The library is open from 7am-10pm Monday to Friday and Saturdays 9am-1pm during Term Hours. We have a collection of 4,000 medical textbooks and there are deliveries twice a week between the Mercer Library and Beaumont Library so you can borrow and return in either location. We also have hundreds of E-Books and thousands of E-Journals, but if you want a quick summary of a clinical condition, we recommend Dynamed. Dynamed is one of the most useful resources during your rotation in the

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hospital as it gives you an overview of diagnosis, treatment and international clinical guidelines for any condition. Two other useful resources are UpToDate, and Embase which is a more comprehensive medical database than PubMed. Library staff are happy to provide assistance with literature searching if you require a refresher tutorial. Since the library was renovated in 2012 we have over 130 study desks with power points for your laptop, a new group study room, and an extended PC room with printers. As this can be a stressful and pressurised time for students, we have

created a comfortable Reading Space with books and CDs on wellbeing, stress management and mindfulness as well as daily newspapers and the latest New Scientist to browse! There is a comfortable coffee area outside the library, beside the student lockers and student centre, as the hospital does not allow food and drinks (apart from water) to be consumed in the library. If you require any assistance in the library please ask staff or check our website www.rcsi.ie/beaumontlibrary for staff contact details and updates on Library Opening Hours. We wish our students all the best during their time in Beaumont Hospital.

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#PHOTOGRAPHY, ART & POETRY ROSE What is it about you that makes you catch my eye? A clichĂŠ in existence, yet I find you intimate at sight. You are the epitome of love and passion. You are what poets and writers romanticize about. You are what all lovers reach out for. So velvet and soft to the touch. I want you to linger on my arm forever, have you trace the bones of my hip in ways permanent and intricate. Keeping secrets skin deep. Ever so fragile and magnificent. Translated beauty in meaning. My Rose; yet you bear sharp thorns.

SALT, SEA AND SAND Salt stinging eyes, my sinking heart watches a ship drowning in waves of anxiety, into bottom less oceans of uncertainty. Tall tsunamis forebode, but the winds have changed. The ropes that hold these sails are taut. The needle of this compass spins a desire to keep swimming these currents. Lovers only hear the song of the vast ocean trapped in a conch shell. As sailors we dream of being lovers and stroll on the sandy shores once more. New land is seen at the horizon, sands for friends or foe?

DECEMBER 2014

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#PHOTOGRAPHY, ART & POETRY

EDITOR’S PICK MESSIANIC He came to us With dead eyes, That found None of us Across a river Like flickering oil, Thin arms Empty of solace Before us He dropped strange syllables, Heavy things we knew not How to pick up We knew it to be truth But not our truth, Not one we could hold Or give to the children And turning to him, to askBut there Stumbling away, The Saviour was already gone We said He will come again, we will wait, Until the last shuffled inside For some warmth

FAIRYTALES, ADRENALINE AND COFFEE

Photo by WaiYi Feng

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As children, our dreams are fuelled by imagination and promise. As teenagers, those dreams are fogged by emotions and uncertainty. As adults, these dreams have faded by disappointment and responsibility. On a diet of fairytales, adrenaline and coffee, I stand here today as all three: An adult, with wisdom with insight gained from a teenager, who questioned and rebelled for a child’s innocence, to dream a future. My dreams intact.

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DECEMBER 2014

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DIVERSILLY NEWS

#ENTERTAINMENT LOUISE ELLIOTT

PUDDLE TAX

spokesman for Irish Water has stated that a new tax will be introduced on puddles. Anyone caught jumping in puddles or driving through them will be billed up to 100 euro per puddle. When questioned over the controversial new tax, the spokesman had this to say on the matter, “ Puddles are a very valuable resource and we need to protect them for our future. You can’t just be using up all of Ireland’s puddles and expect not to pay for it! Irish people will be proud of our puddle conservation in a few years time. You know… once they’ve gotten over the initial shock of having no money to feed their children.”

SANTA HOSPITALISED

One outraged mother claims that her kids like to splash in puddles and an average walk through the park on a rainy day is now going to cost her several hundred euro. Protests are due to be held across the city and workers at Irish Water are said to have the same social standing as clampers at this point. Rumors are surfacing that this is a slippery slope and that Irish Water are thinking of charging people for the amount of water collected by their clothes on a rainy day. Who knows when this water madness will end? C.E.O. at Irish Water had this final statement for the people of Ireland, “Watery gonna do about it?”

eports have been surfacing that Santa is currently residing in Beaumont hospital after suffering a major heart attack. Sources say he’s recovering well but will probably not be well enough to deliver the presents this year. This will be devastating news for children all over the world and Santa is said to be recruiting helpers so that Christmas will not be missed. Batman is said to have stepped up to the plate, along with his friend Elfred, and pledged that he will deliver as many toys as possible. However, he says he can’t deliver puppies or kittens because, as a bat, they scare him. Santa believes that Batman will do a good job however we will have to put up with Christmas being renamed ‘The Dark Silent Night’ for one year… Doctors claim that Santa suffered the heart attack as a result of all the mince pies people leave out for him. Supposedly eating millions of mince pies in one night is not good for your arteries. He has been feeling particularly stressed on the lead up to Christmas this year which has just been making things worse. The raise in his blood pressure due to this anxiousness is said to be another contributing factor to the heart attack. A statement from him came earlier today and he seemed to be in a very distressed state, “Every kid in the world wants loom bands! Where am I supposed to find all these loom bands?! The world is literally running out of them because everyone wants them! They’re everywhere! I see them! I see them! I see them in my nightmares…”

DECEMBER 2014

Image credit: www.gconsole.com

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The Corzies

It’s a Wonderful Life

#ENTERTAINMENT

The man in the grey overcoat looks over his shoulder. The bridge is empty. No t’s a Wonderful Life is widely regarded as the best Christmas movie ever. Yes, better than A Muppet witnesses. He leans over the snow-fleckChristmas Carol or even Die Hard. Yet according to ed railing. His eyes widen. The icy black contemporary audiences, it wasn’t even the best Christmas movie of 1946. (That “honour” goes to The Miracle water swells ominously below, beckoning on 34th Street.) Despite the film starring Jimmy Stewart, him to come closer, closer… the Tom Hanks of his day, and being directedby Frank He leans over— Capra, the Spielberg of his day – it was a financial

CORMAC DUFF

flop. It was deemed “too dark” by audiences upon its release in December 1946. You know, the same audiences that were totally OK with imprisoning 100,000 Japanese Americans in internment camps for three years before nuking 600,000 of their brethren.

Wow. That got dark fast. Let’s lighten the mood a little.

In fact the film dwindled in obscurity for three decades until a “clerical error” (read: “massive f**k-up”) in 1974 caused its copyright to lapse. Over the next twenty years, hundreds of cash-starved local TV stations broadcast the film as a Yuletide filler. They often played it several times over the holidays to boost the Nielsen ratings – and why not, it was free! “It’s in black and white, it’s got Jimmy Stewart – has to be some forgotten classic, right?” Christmastime guaranteed tens of millions of family viewers who’d lap up practically anything. Don’t believe me? Four words: Star Wars Holiday Special (1978). Jimmy Stewart is a cinema icon for precisely the same reason Tom Hanks is – he excels at playing “the everyman”. George Bailey is that everyman. A small-town man with big dreams. He longs to be free of his banal constraints, free of his claustrophobic little hometown. He dreams of creating, of shaping the world around him: “I’m gonna build things. I’m gonna build airfields, I’m gonna build skyscrapers a hundred stories high, I’m gonna build bridges a mile long…” (Fun fact: Jimmy Stewart himself designed an airport for his Princeton architecture thesis in 1932, before resorting to acting in pre-“New Deal” America.) But the best laid plans…

DECEMBER 2014

A family tragedy forces George to postpone his world tour and concentrate on domestic matters. The foremost concern is the proposed dissolution of the family business, the Bailey Savings and Loan. An emergency board meeting places George Bailey vis-à-vis with our deliciously villainous Mr. Potter. Potter is an archetypal Rockerfeller-style monopolist. He’s a greedy slumlord, squeezing the “discontented lazy rabble” in dingy shacks. Every man, woman and child in Bedford Falls bows and grovels to him – except for George Bailey. George Bailey is a hero. He is braver and more selfless than anyone in Bedford Falls. Throughout his life he consistently puts the needs of others ahead of his own. At the age of 12, George risks his life to save his drowning little brother. He ends up half-deaf himself for his troubles. He saves another innocent child, he saves a man’s livelihood. He gives his own college money to his younger brother. He protects the life savings of his community at a huge personal cost. He builds affordable housing, he offers fair mortgages. All the while his take-home pay is a bare $45 a week – a fraction of what he could earn elsewhere. The film’s Christian overtones may seem heavy-handed to some. But Bailey’s Christlike portrayal is more subtle. Bailey works everyday miracles and brings people back from the brink of death. He too is tempted, betrayed, mocked and seemingly foresaken. He is brought to the point of breaking: to the bridge and the black abyss. Conventional wisdom dictates that you would never depict a suicide attempt in some family-friendly Christmas movie. “Audiences want to feel warm and happy,” I imagine some executive producer muttering, “They want a treacly romance, cute kids and a big ol’ grumpy villain that everyone can root against.” To its credit, It’s A Wonderful Life offers all these things. Its screwball romance offers the film’s sweetest and jauntiest scenes. Bailey’s own children tread the fine line between blandly well-behaved and gratingly annoying. But life has meaning only because of its transience, by the spectre of death. Only by sinking into the depths of despair can Bailey, and the audience, truly appreciate the joys of everyday life.

looks a little bit darker.” Setback after setback wears you out, wears you down to only a nub of your former self. You feel it’s only further downhill from here. Sometimes it may feel as though there is only one remaining escape from everything, and everyone. One way out. At this point we reach the film’s fantastical segue. From Dallas to Rugrats, countless TV shows and films have paid homages to this seminal Third Act. Even if you haven’t seen the film, even if you haven’t heard of it, you’ll be familiar with its big “alternate universe” moment. But in case you have spent your entire life under a Martian rock – spoiler alert. Bailey wishes he’d “never been born”. And so he is given “a great gift” – a chance to see what the world would be like without him. He sees first-hand how the lives of everyone in Bedford Falls and beyond would be poorer for his absence. In his own universe, he never did leave Bedford Falls. He never built bridges nor airfields nor skyscrapers. But in a thousand ways, great and small, he tangibly improved the world around him. These hard-hitting revelations stun him. They shock him, terrify him. And they eventually make him appreciate “God’s greatest gift” – life. The hero grows throughout his journey. He develops a deeper understanding of the world – and of himself. But his plight also changes the lives of all his friends. These secondary characters learn and develop in their own way. In no film is this more explicit than It’s a Wonderful Life. “Each man’s life touches so many other lives.” The only person who doesn’t change is Mr. Potter. Financial worth is all he values in other human beings. And that never changes. Like a gnarled, stunted old tree trunk, Potter never grows. “You’re worth more dead than alive,” he spits out in response to Bailey’s life insurance. He never learns what Bailey learns, what we all learn: the immeasurable value of human life. United with his loving family and caring friends, George Bailey is “the richest man in town”.