#DIVERCSITY RCSI Student run Newspaper and Publications
|September| |Publication Year 2015, Vol. 2, Issue No. 1|
Welcome Back!
RCSI’s most active Clubs and societies. Your guide to Sign up Day!
pg 24
The Graduates of 2015 greet the incoming class of 2015
pg 4
Printed at
A Publication by
Editors’ Notes DIRECTOR AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
DIRECTOR AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CAITRÍN O’LEARY »
« NIKITA RANE
// Meet the team.
FEATURES AND DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
FEATURES AND DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ARIMIE MIN »
« IARLA O’DOMHNAILL
STUDENT LIFE
STUDENT LIFE
SAIED ALI »
« ORLA DONNOHOE
ENTERTAINMENT EDUCATION
ZAHRA JUMAN »
« DEXTER SEOW
CULTURE AND LEISURE
NEWS AND RCSI EVENTS
YUSUF JALY»
« AMELIA SOOKDEO
EVENTS
EVENTS
DEENA SHAH »
« JING TING CHEAH
COMMUNICATIONS JEEVANI KRISHNAMURTTY »
COVER ART DESIGNER
ILLUSTRATOR « CATHERINE TENNANT
MUHIMMA SULAIMAN »
AISLINN KILLIAN, REBECCA JAGOO, ANU MENON, NAHEEDA RAJMOHAMED, MIA ANDREWS, AMINA MAHMOOD, CATHAL DELANEY, CYRILLE PAYNE, MOYOWA BOYO, SIMIRAAJ POWAR, DINA GHAZAL, CORMAC DUFF, YARA ZAYOUT, SU KYI NG, JIN JI LIM, RUTH EMMANUEL, SEBASTIAN GRACIAS, YASODA SUBRAMANIAN, GEORGE IKPOKOMITOP, SONIA RAMKISSOON, TENGKU NAZIM TENGKU YUSOF, COREY NIXON, MOHIT BUTANEY, STEPHANIE TUNG, CHEW JEN PIN, HONG MING, OLIVIA MAC SWEENEY, RACHEL TAN
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
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Editors’ Notes.
// At a glance...
Editors’ Notes
DIVE INTO
YOUR U UR AT
PASSIONS
UNIVERSITY
A WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
D
ear Reader,
I am delighted to welcome you back to the second year of DIVERSITY and to welcome our new incoming students who see this publication for the first time.
RCSI is ranked among the top 50 most international universities in the world (by Times Higher Education University World Rankings, 2014-15) with more than 60 nationalities represented in the student body. We are extraordinarily fortunate to have such a remarkable and diverse mix of students and staff. I would encourage all students to read DIVERSITY and to participate in its publication and the many RCSI events and activities so as to enrich your time in RCSI. Best wishes to DIVERSITY and the Editorial team for the 2015/16 Academic Year. Happy Reading! PROFESSOR HANNAH MCGEE Dean, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, RCSI
A TASTE OF THIS ISSUE
In the Features section you’ll find the reminiscences of their time spent in college from some of the 2015 graduates and from Professor Clive Lee. If you’re in need of still more advice you’ll find it in the Lifestyle section, all equally sound although some of it is pretty hilarious (check out “Double C” for a chuckle). Next up, our most popular column of last year is back under new management, Humans of RCSI has expanded this year and now has a twin column Humans of RCSI (Bahrain), compiled by Dina Ghazal of RCSI Bahrain. RCSI’s most active clubs and societies are featured next, giving you a better idea of what to target at sign up day (hint: always target those with the best freebies). Look no further for a new source of procrastination; check out the Entertainment section; and for more serious but equally entertaining news have a gander at the Science section. Finally, Culture and Leisure shows us what to do on a relaxing day out in Dublin, and for when you’re really fed up of the grey skies we have our travel columns to help plan your next holiday! Dublindulgence will be back in our next issue with an article to bite into!
JOIN THE COMMITTEE:
Missed out on our summer application process? We still have a few vacant spots on our committee! Vacancies available for: Webmaster (manage posts on Wordpress), Online Editor (manage Facebook), Communications (email deadlines and check mail) and Events (help co-organise DIVERCSITY Wednesdays). We are also looking for reporter for Staff Q&A and Student News, writers for DIVERSILLY (satire), and Sports. Drop a quick email to editor.divercsity@rcsi.ie if you are interested! We’d be happy to meet with you and answer any and all questions!
SPECIAL MENTIONS:
Last but not least, the thankyou’s. We’ve left this till last in the knowledge that the people mentioned here will probably have made it this far, just as they’ve stuck with us through so many rambling emails. First off, our staff associates and in particular Corriena Brien, who has supported Divercsity every step of the way and continues to enable our increasingly far-fetched plans with such enthusiasm. Special mention also to Jane Burn, who has kindly offered to help our committee out with an editing workshop this term, and to Professor Lee for taking the time to contribute an article to this issue along with his regular monthly contribution “Anatomy with Clive Lee”. Photos used to create this month’s cover were taken by RCSI Photography Society.
- NIKITA RANE AND CAITRÍN O’LEARY Directors and Editors-in-Chief
To join our mailing list, or for societies or general enquiries, email divercsity@rcsi.ie Read anything you love? Did we print something you hate? Have a great idea or suggestion for the paper? Let us know how we are doing! editor.divercsity@rcsi.ie Share the excitement online, Like us on facebook.com/DIVERCSITY Join the Facebook Society Group Page for the latest updates facebook.com/groups/divercsitysignup Share and view this issue online from issuu.com/rcsidivercsity SEPTEMBER 2015
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Features
// The Graduating class of 2015 welcomes the incoming Freshers of 2015. // Dear Freshers, Welcome to RCSI! « DR POORNIMA MENON
C
ongratulations to all of you for achieving this great accomplishment. You have all worked exceptionally hard to reach here and have now succeeded in the biggest hurdle to becoming a doctor. You have opened a door with many exciting adventures and limitless possibilities waiting for you! I started studying medicine in RCSI in 2010, and I recently graduated in June of this year. I’m hoping that I might be able to pass down a few words of wisdom from my time in RCSI, which might help you as you embark on this new journey. You might be entering RCSI to commence an undergraduate medicine degree in a 5 or 6-year program, or you might be entering into the 4-year graduate entry program. The undergraduate medicine program is structured such that you will be spending the first 1 ½ - 2 ½ years (depending on if you are in the 5 or 6 year program), in RCSI’s main campus in St. Stephen’s Green. During this time you will learn the core pre-clinical modules covering physiology, pharmacology and anatomy. You will then spend another 2 years in Beaumont hospital, learning about the pathophysiology and management of the common illnesses that affect the human body. Renowned researchers as well as consultants, who are authorities in their respective fields, will be teaching you in the pre-clinical years. The structure of the program will enable you to obtain a wholesome understanding of the scientific principles, as well as their application in clinical practice. If you are in the graduate entry program, you will learn the same information, but in a more intense 2 year program based in RCSI’s campus in Sandyford. Having completed the pre-clinical years, the graduate entry class and the undergraduate class join together to become one class for the final 2 years. These last 2 years mark the most exciting and intensive period in the path to becoming a skilled
SEPTEMBER 2015
doctor. You will be based in hospitals throughout Ireland, undertaking clerkships in medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry and general practice. Finally, before you know it, you will have transformed yourself into a caring, competent doctor. The university in which you study medicine impacts immensely on your personality as a doctor and I believe RCSI is a wonderfully unique college to choose to study in. RCSI ensures you are as skilled, if not more than any other graduate when you commence to work as a doctor. However, it also provides you with numerous other opportunities that you should fully utilize. The college will fully support and offer funding to nurture all your hidden talents. It is a small and cozy college, where you are fully supported in creating new societies and clubs. You have numerous opportunities to participate in various sporting and cultural activities, all the while having less competition to fend against for a spot. However, make no mistake, there is no shortage for talent amongst medical students, as you shall soon discover at international night. The multicultural student population in RCSI was one of my favorite aspects of studying at RCSI. It might seem quiet daunting on your first day in RCSI, when you realize how international the student population is. However, the wonderful thing about studying in RCSI is that without ever realizing it, your perception changes such that you no longer notice any difference in nationality, religion or culture amongst your fellow classmates, but by the time you graduate, the common bond of being RCSI students unites you all much stronger than any of the perceived differences. You will soon be blessed with wonderful friends in every continent. Furthermore, whichever country you choose to work as a doctor, it is highly likely that you will find other RCSI graduates working in your hospital and willing to welcome a fellow RCSI comrade.
A few words of advice for future doctors:
1.
Start seeing yourself as a doctor the moment you set foot in RCSI. This might seem like an arrogant thing to do. However, it is important to be realistic. Most of you will become doctors in the next few years. Therefore, you should realize that the information you are studying now is not to help you pass your exams but rather to guide you throughout your career.
2.
Your friends really are your biggest assets when you are studying medicine. They will keep you sane through the hard times, they will make you work hard when you have to and they will be there to share all your happy memories. You will make friends that will last a lifetime in RCSI, so please value them.
3.
You can work hard and play hard, but how long will you continue to do so? The journey doesn’t get easier the higher up you go, so it’s better to develop good habits early. Work steady while leading a balanced life.
4.
Ireland is a lovely country, with some of the friendliest people in the world. You will fall in love with the country; but be warned, it does rain here sometimes! I would like to wish you all the very best as you commence on this journey. During your time in RCSI, many opportunities and exciting activities will come your way. Be sure to say yes to everything and to create memories that you will remember for a lifetime. This journey is also one that will challenge you in order to allow you to grow and to help you discover your true self. There is so much growth, friendship, new experiences and of course, lots of learning awaiting you! Wishing you the very best Go n-eiri an bothar leat!
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Features
Dear first year pharmacy students,
T
he modern pharmacist is described as an expert in medicines who has well-developed clinical and interpersonal skills and ensures that patients receive the right medicine, in the right dose at the right time. I always believed that I would fall into this category if I were given the opportunity to study pharmacy; all I needed was the platform that would enable me to demonstrate my commitment and endeavour to succeed as a health care professional - RCSI School of Pharmacy afforded me this opportunity, just like you!! I always believed in a plan, one year plans, five year plans, study plans - many things altered in my life over the course of my six years at Falcarragh Community School but one aspect that remained constant was my determination to succeed. This goal never changed it merely evolved to succeeding as a pharmacy student. It seems only a very short time since I was the terrified yet excited first year pharmacy student on her first day in RCSI, and YES it’s daunting therefore, please find below what I have learned from experience over the last four years that will help you make the transition from terrified and bewildered to wise and knowledgeable (hopefully) faster than I did. THE COURSE WORK: Be consistent and don’t throw anything away – you might need it again! Starting off with the basic foundation in chemistry, physiology, anatomy, microbiology and pharmaceutics and an introduction to professional skills in first year and building on that through second and third year with further chemistry and pharmaceutics studies, more dispensing along with pharmacology, behavioural studies, clinical and evidence based medicine. Fourth year is an opportunity to tie the previous 3 years together with a more practise-based approach, while studying the practical modules including therapeutics, ethics and law, pharmacy management, community pharmacy. The wide range or courses is challenging but also very enjoyable, by fourth year everything starts falling into place – the chemistry and anatomy from first year is very important in hindsight. THE WORK LIFE BALANCE: Don’t forget to have fun especially in the early years when you have the time to do so. The vast array of clubs and societies in RCSI ensures there is something for everybody, sign up to what you are interested in and partake in the events/training/activities offered, make new friends and remember you are in college.
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« NORA FITZGERALD (PHARMACY INTERN)
Pharmacy Society is a must for all pharmacy students there is no better way to get to know your class initially and your peers (friends in higher years is very advantageous). TAKING PART: Like any investment one can only get interest on what one invests and RCSI/Pharmacy School is no different. Think you will be a good leader? Go for class rep or consider running for SU with a team, interested in being on pharmacy society? Go to their events; make yourself known! Enjoy tutoring or volunteering consider the Reach programme or Pharmacy Peer Lead Teaching. USE YOUR SUMMERS WISELY! Summer’s are precious whether you chose to holiday or work, however my advice would be have fun but use them to gain further experience in all fields of the pharmacy profession; community, hospital, industrial, regulatory affairs and research. There are numerous different avenues that pharmacists can take even though you may not realise this now and summer is a great opportunity to explore some of these options and expand ones CV in preparation for internship year. It is important to note that my advice has no evidence base nor reliable than my own meandering experience. No two student’s experience will be identical yet – the protocol is the same but the operators but rest assured you too will be a finished product sooner than you think!! One final closing note – never forget why you started, “Is glas iad na cnoic I bhfad uain” (far away hills are greener) – I think/ hope!!! Adh Mór daoibh!
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Features
// A Tale of Two Physios! BENJAMIN MELVIN AND GORDON TREACY
A
fter a tough yet extremely rewarding Leaving Certificate year, our fascinating journey through the Royal College of Surgeons began.
Excellent teaching, an abundance of resources and an array of extra-curricular opportunities made the Royal College of Surgeons a fantastic environment in which to develop our academic, clinical and interpersonal skills. Completing the four year undergraduate physiotherapy programme allowed us to meet and collaborate with a huge variety of like-minded peers in medicine, pharmacy and physiotherapy. Our involvement with clubs and societies in the college facilitated many opportunities to network with a wide variety of inspiring RCSI alumni from around the world. We represented the athletics team in the Dublin and Boston Marathons during our final year. We have fond memories of summers working in Canada and the USA, and travelling around Europe with fellow students of the college. We also spent the summer of 2014 as an RCSI sponsored volunteers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation. This was a particularly humbling and rewarding experience. When we would need some respite from each other, Gordon would play the bass guitar in the bi-annual ballad session. Whilst Ben captained the RCSI Men’s Soccer team. The collective enterprise, determination and kindness amongst students, staff and alumni of the Royal College of Surgeons shines through in their collective pursuit of both academic and extra-curricular endeavours. It is infectious. Striving to achieve a balance between academic commitments and extra-curricular experiences makes for a number of valuable life lessons which will prove useful in the professional environment. We are extremely proud to soon be a graduates of such a unique historic academic institution. A college with a strong global network that is also deeply embedded in the history, culture and personality of our capital city.
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Features
Time Flies //
« PROF. CLIVE LEE HEAD OF ANATOMY RCSI, PRESIDENT OF THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY.
T
ime flies – I’m astonished to realise that I started Pre-Med 38 years ago. I had boarded at school and so was in the relatively unusual position of returning home rather than leaving it when I went to college in 1977. Dublin was a lot less cosmopolitan then – most of our class were Irish, except Margie from the US and Jade from Malaysia, and about a quarter or so were from Northern Ireland, then experiencing the height of the Troubles. Dublin was a quiet place, the pubs shut after lunch for the ‘holy hour’ and everything was shut on Sundays. Freshers’ Week passed quickly and it was on to biology, including plants, physics practicals dropping ball bearings down cylinders of syrup and the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. We visited patients in their homes, which was my first experience of inner city deprivation, played soccer against the 1st Meds and saw little known local bands like U2. Exams at the end of all three terms kept us busy and we had a memorable end of year party at the Brazen Head. My summer job working in a warehouse was another eye-opener and subsequent ones in offices and working door-to-door ensured that a career in commerce was not for me. We started anatomy towards the end of Pre-Med and it was joined by biochemistry and physiology in 1st and 2nd Med. The Chief Technician taught us the bones and pronounced us the worst class since the Civil War (1922-23). This was an informed opinion, not least because he had been in the Department since World War 1. Our Professor was a quiet, reserved man who had redesigned his department to facilitate teaching and had decorated it with his own paintings based on muscle studies by Vesalius. Together with innovative lighting, x ray boxes, display cabinets and reading tables, this made for a very pleasant working environment. There was a locker room for the men and a sitting room for the ladies, and I enjoyed the camaraderie and the clinical cases. The biochemists seemed to regard teaching medical students as a chore and always had an exam on 2nd January, which spoiled the holidays. The physiologists occupied a middle ground and enthused us all with practicals on blood loss, having given a unit at the blood bank; diuresis, after drinking free beer; and exercise. Occasional sports – rugby against Maynooth, intervarsities canoeing, the advent of punk rock – The Stranglers in the Exam Hall was a surreal experience, parties and balls, all came and went and, apart from second place in anatomy (for which there really was no prize), my college career was pleasant but unremarkable. This may have been due to my having a part-time job so that I could run a car. In retrospect, this was a mistake as the Mini was a heap of junk and I would have had more fun playing on a sports team.
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Two things changed this – a summer InterRail trip round Europe and a scholarship to take an intercalated degree in physiology – anatomy was not on offer. The month spent on trains from Rosslare to Le Havre, Rouen, Paris, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, then two days through Yugoslavia to Athens, Olympia, Corinth, Corfu, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice and back was wonderful. On £5 per day it was bread and cheese in northern Europe, but café dining al fresco in the south. Back in college, with my fees paid and living in rooms, I rather liked the academic life of a science student. Here was an opportunity to study topics in depth and at leisure. A group of us formed a dining club, so that we each cooked and cleaned up one night a week and were guests for the remainder. There were lots of parties in rooms and a dress suit ensured admittance and free sherry at the inaugural meetings of the various societies. The advice was to drink dry sherry initially, as it tasted so awful that it would be a reminder to behave well. My circle of friends expanded into arts, law and engineering. Student committees and debates were embraced with the enthusiasm of youth and the problems of the world were solved on a regular basis. My scholarship included a travel grant and I chose to attend the Anatomical Society meeting in Cambridge. A member of staff had kindly arranged for me to stay in guest rooms in St John’s. I was advised to buy a bottle of whiskey and to ask at the Lodge for the Head Porter. I handed over the bottle and was escorted to a splendid set of guest rooms. After a good breakfast and a day’s sightseeing, I registered for the meeting. The academic highlight was a paper on palatal development in the alligator – who said that anatomy was risk adverse? I proceeded to an impressive lunch where I was greeted by an elderly academic who introduced himself as ‘Bradbury, Oxford’. ‘Lee, Dublin’, I replied and we got on famously. The dinner in hall was even better. A beautiful setting, interesting papers, excellent dining and friendly members – the Anatomical Society was hard to beat. It still is. Which is why we have decided to fund two summer studentships in anatomy next year, both will include a travel grant to attend an Anatomical Society meeting – details will be advertised in October. So welcome to College. It’s a big change but you’ll make great friends. Enjoy your time here and make the most of it. Tempus fugit. Clive Lee Professor of Anatomy President of the Anatomical Society www.anatsoc.org.uk
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Happenings « AISLINN KILLIAN
W
elcome back! I hope everyone had a terrific summer and that you aren’t feeling too blue and miserable about re-entering the real world. I know summer isn’t the prime time for sitting down and reading the New York Times, personally I’m still shaking the sand out of my hair! Hopefully this short round up will get you up to speed with news from around the world.
// World News HEADLINES
I
f you haven’t been following the Greek saga then just tune into any Latin American soap opera telanovella and you are guaranteed get a similar experience. Months of drama and tantrum throwing has ultimately resulted in the Greeks conceding to yet another set of reforms in order to receive their 3rd bailout, which is estimated to be a total of €86 billion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
N
ew use for Twitter? A Nigerian hospital live tweeted an open heart surgery on an 8 year old girl, stating that their use of social media was meant to grow awareness of the country’s medical capabilities. This is actually not the first time an operation has been live tweeted. In Houston Texas, live tweeting of a surgery reached an audience of 14 million people! ------------------------------------------------------------------------
A
n angry orange man has taken center stage in the U.S Presidential race! Donald Trump is somehow managing to top the polls in the Republican field despite offending nearly everyone he encounters. His gains in the polls have rendered him competitive for the 2016 election with the CNN/ORC poll showing him to be just 6 points behind democratic front runner Hilary Clinton. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
T
ragedy struck in mid-August, as a bomb went off at a shrine in Bangkok’s city center that killed 20 people and injured scores more. Police are yet to determine the motive behind the bombing but at the time of writing, it was thought that no foreign terrorist organizations were involved. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLY AWAY- TRAVEL NEWS
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ust got back and need another holiday? Lonely Planet has released their list of the world’s ultimate destinations, with much of the usual suspects; Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu etc. It’s time to step it up Lonely Planet, I want to discover something new and wonderful! -----------------------------------------------------------------------
S
pent all summer trying to build up your Instagram account? Maybe that was just me… either way, there is a new in restaurant in town. Catit Restaurant in Tel Aviv, Israel, has teamed up with Carmel Winery to create the most “Instagram-able” food possible. The custom designed plates have built in phone stands with filtered lights to make sure that you get the best shot! How cool is that? -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Q
uick weekend break in Europe just won’t cut it for you? Emirates Airline has announced that they will start the world’s longest non-stop flight route early next year. The flight goes between Dubai and Panama, covering a distance of nearly 14,000km and taking over 17 hours of flying time. DVT prophylaxis anyone? ----------------------------------------------------------------------Stay tuned for more World News!
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Happenings
// Opinions « REBECCA JAGOO
High school to University Survival
O
ne minute you’re on top of everything in high school and the next minute you’re at a university, confused as heck, wondering “what the hell happened”. Transitioning from high school to university is definitely a huge change. I know that I certainly underestimated this and maybe if I had taken all the Buzzfeed articles seriously, I would have been better prepared to undertake the first semester. Here are a few tips that will hopefully make this adjustment easier.
1.
In high school, it was quite easy to make friends! I mean, you really had no other choice… after all, you’re seeing the same 40 people every day for 7 hours, 5 days a week. At university, making friends is not as simple. You can often find yourself in a big lecture hall, probably sitting beside two random strangers and after that, you most likely head back to your bed to catch up on some much needed sleep. Maybe if you’re lucky like I was, your flatmates will be wonderful company and just maybe you can force your roommate into a very lucrative contract... I mean friendship. Also, with a killer time difference (5 or 6 hours in my case), maintaining the same level of contact with your parents and besties may prove to be quite a challenge. Whilst it is important to maintain that connection, it’s also key to forge new relationships which can make your transition a much more enjoyable one. While small groups and tutorials do make socializing easier, you should make time for socializing outside of an academic setting. The best way to do this is to get involved in on-campus societies and teams! I mean, what could be better than hanging out with people who share in the same interests as you and free pizza??
2.
Responsibility. Responsibility. Responsibility. Oh how I can still hear my parents voice echoing the sound of that word in my head. In high school, you probably never knew what that word meant because your parents always had your back (they’re the real MVPs). Of course they ranted and raved about how you needed to be responsible for yourself while they served you your dinner, however, you probably never really had the chance to practice this “responsibility”. In university, especially in another country, self-management skills are mandatory. If you don’t hold yourself responsible for buying your own groceries, cleaning and waking up for class, I bet that you will find yourself in terrible times. Picture this; it’s 1am, you’re ‘studying’ intensely and suddenly pangs of hunger! You need a midnight snack…however, you didn’t go to Dunnes yesterday like you were supposed to. There are three options; A) eat butter B) steal your flatmates lunch for tomorrow, or C) go to bed. As someone who has been in this situation, choose C. It’s also your responsibility to wake up on time and be there for classes (especially 8am classes). No one will chase after you if you decide to stay in bed till ten and no one will care if you fail either(except your parents…they always care- but can’t wake you up for class anymore).
3.
In your senior year of high school, I’m sure you felt grand attending all the parties (with permission and curfew of course). In university, there aren’t any parental permission or curfew except your own. Live it up! Go cray! When next will it be acceptable to have a shortened work week with multiple naps in between? But BALANCE is key. Make sure to plan, prioritise and balance the fun stuff with the school stuff and you’ll be just fine!
4.
The biggest difference between high school and university, is that learning is truly your responsibility. The classes are bigger, shorter and there’s no one checking to see if you did the extra reading. It is said that your first semester grade is your high school final average, reduced by 20%, hence it’s necessary to stay on top of things. You’re most likely going to have approximately 15 hours of class a week with large gaps in between. It’s essential to learn how to use all the free time effectively. Time management is extremely vital for getting all the necessary work and more accomplished, which means extra time for societies and parties.
5.
Lastly, just like high school, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have questions, ask your peers, they may be just as confused as you are and you both can figure it out together – that’s pretty much how I met most of my friends (we still didn’t find the answer to some things though). Most importantly, don’t be afraid to present your questions and concerns to professors and students’ welfare officers, after all, they are there to help you. I wish that someone had told me this when I started. Living away from home is exciting, but it can be emotionally challenging with intense feelings of homesickness and it definitely helps to talk about it. Whatever your questions, there’s a campus office to suit. Also,don’t forget the school’s website; Moodle, which is packed with lots of information and contacts. Don’t forget: Work hard…Play later!
Students React: Did you feel a jump from high school to university? What was the biggest change?
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Write your comments and opinions to the editor editor.divercsity@rcsi.ie
DIVERCSITY.COM
Happenings
// Congratulations Elysha! Rose of Tralee 2015.
E
lysha Brennan is a medical student here at RCSI. In the last year, she won the title of Meath Rose and just recently, she was crowned the Rose of Tralee.
Elysha, we are amazed at your achievements so far and see that you are on your way to doing incredible things. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. We are looking forward to not only gather insight into the Rose of Tralee festival but to also get to know you better!
When and why did you decide to enter the Rose of Tralee festival? I suppose I’ve always grown up watching it. It always symbolised to me the end of the summer and the start of school and growing up I was always so in awe of the girls and their achievements and how well they carried themselves. I made a bucket list a few years back and one of the things was to become a rose, I wanted to by settled into college before applying so this year seemed like the perfect time!
What does being the Rose of Tralee mean to you and what do you aspire for this coming year? Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be in this position. It’s absolutely mind blowing. I think I’m still processing things, and getting my head around everything. This coming year I hope to roll up my sleeves and get involved with a lot of charity work, especially one so close to my own heart called Aoibheann’s Pink Tie. It is a paediatric oncology charity and does unbelievable work for children with cancer in Ireland. I am also very lucky as there are ample travel opportunities this year. I have the opportunity to travel the world, which has always been a dream of mine. Photo credits: Rose of Tralee, Irish Post and Tralee Today.
We are looking for a committee reporter! If interested please write in to editor.divercsity@rcsi.ie Want to add a story to our student news reports? Email divercsity@rcsi.ie
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What was the most enjoyable part of your journey to becoming the Rose of Tralee? The tour around Ireland before we landed in Tralee was incredible.
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We visited so many places and parts of the country I’d never been before and we received such a warm welcome everywhere we went. We stayed in Lough Rynn Castle during our time in Leitrim and it was absolutely magical. I think a lot of the girls would agree that it was a definite highlight for us. Definitely for myself though being able to spend time and form friendships and bonds with the 31 other girls is what I’m going to treasure most, I’ve made friends for life.
What was the toughest part? The tiredness I suppose, but you completely run on adrenaline for the whole two weeks so the tiredness only kicked in for me the day I was leaving to travel home. It was sheer exhaustion because you had been on the go constantly and active for two weeks. I had a lovely few days of down time when I arrived home to relax and chill out.
What is one aspect of you that has changed? I feel more confident and self-assured since entering into become a rose. You are surrounded by so many strong, independent and driven women so I think it’s bound to rub off in some way. The caliber of young ladies that the Rose of Tralee attracts is just amazing. Each and every one is so unique and established in their own right.
Now for some fun questions… What do you do in your spare time? I’m a huge book worm, I really enjoy reading (such a self confessed geek). My favourite author is Paulo Coelho and my favourite book is The Alchemist. I’ve read it 4 times and take something new out of it each time.
Do you have a favourite song? Oooooh tough question. It’s a tie between Foo Fighters - Times Like These, Van Morrison - Days Like This and I’m also self admittedly obsessed with Taylor Swift and don’t care who knows.
« ARIMIE MIN
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? To slow down time I think. I find it just runs away on you. Last year’s Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, has a tattoo saying “the trouble is you think you have time”.
If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring? My phone (I’m never without it… Definitely my worst habit), cheese (my one true love) and my dog bobbie buttons.
And more seriously, between the work and play, how do you manage your time? I suppose it’s about prioritising things that are most important to you. I always, no matter how busy I am studying, make time for my family. I think it’s also really important to fit in some fun and chill time into your timetable… Because it’s very easy coming up to exams to get bogged down with the stress and the workload but that’s the exact time you need to meet up with friends for lunch or have a night at the cinema.
Finally, whom or what do you think is a key factor that helped you get where you are? My mum. She’s my number one fan and advocate. She’s such an outstanding lady and has instilled so many important life lessons into me. I credit a lot to her. She’s always encouraged me unconditionally to follow my dreams.
Any shout-outs? All my IC waans and the amazing class of 2018. Love you all to the moon and back. <3
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Freshers’ Fortnight of Festivals // « THE SU OFFICERS
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e encourage all new Freshers to come and engage with us. For the upcoming Fresher’s festival, we have decided to double the events and for the first time, we present ‘Fresher’s Fortnight’. There will be loads of events where you can come meet us and also meet your fellow classmates and other students in the college. It usually promises to be a great experience as the friends you make here often remains as such for your entire college experience. Here is a run through of our Fresher’s events: Meet the SU team on page 31.
Monday 7th September- Saturday 19th September Monday 7th: Bacchanalian Bar Hop - Meet @ Campus - Off Campus Event What happens on the RCSI Freshers Pub Crawl stays on the RCSI Freshers Pub Crawl. You will likely very much regret not joining in the annual kick-off to RCSI Freshers - and will also just as likely regret something you did throughout the course of the night if you do come. Tuesday 8th: Pharmacy Soc Full Moon Party - Off Campus Literally buckets of fun. Wednesday 9th: Society Sign up Day - Exam hall
Believe it or not medical students actually do lots of other, non-medically-related things in what little free time they have! Come check out all of what RCSI has to offer.
Thursday 10th: Dardistown Festival Beerpong. Need we say more? Friday 11th: Ballad Session - Academy
As aforementioned, medical students do in fact do many things besides just study! Including rocking out the academy every year. Definitely not worth missing this event.
Saturday 12th: Cancer Soc - Pink Party - Harry’s on the Green. Everyone looks good in Pink! Especially you, and especially when you’re blushing like that. Cutie. Monday 14th: SU meet and greet Come and meet your SU members and tell us how you’re finding the Fresher’s experience. Tuesday 15th: Cultural night - On Campus You’ll be so gosh darn cultured by the end of the night, your grandmother will be so proud. Wednesday 16th: PMCSA Malaysia day - O’Flanagan + Concourse Guaranteed amazing food and lots of it! We <3 Malaysia. Thursday 17th: Movie Night In
Grab your popcorn and cuddle up with your fav SU for a silver screen event.
Friday 18th: Welcome Back Ball - On Campus: Coffee Doc + Basketball court Come experience the indescribable thrill that accompanies the first of many times in your RCSI career in which you will be permitted to be drunk in the college. Saturday 19th: White Party – Sahara
The final shebang of our Freshers Fortnight, and the perfect opportunity to spill all sorts of drinks all over your white clothing!
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// RCSI Student Awards 2015
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very year students, clubs, and societies are given the opportunity to win various awards for their efforts and achievements throughout the college year. The awards range from Fresher of the Year, to Sports Club of the Year, and all are held in high regard by the RCSI community. This year was no different, we saw, as the awards were doled out to their worthy recipients at College Ball in the Aviva Stadium. Voted for by the students of RCSI, and organized by the Societies Union, the awards serve to highlight the students and student bodies that have best represented RCSI throughout the year.
Best New Society AND Society of the Year– DIVERCSITY “Divercsity were delighted to win Society of the Year 2014/15 as well as Best New Society at college ball last March. For our first year of publication this was a huge vote of confidence and a testament to the hard work of our committee. Last year our committee of 50 students published seven issues, featuring regular columns, poetry, art and photography. We’ve been very fortunate in the enthusiasm and energy of our writers and editors and this year at sign up day we’ll be scouting again for new talent. We have lots of opportunities for anyone to get involved with the committee that produced this issue, whether you want to write or to assist our editorial team. For writers the possibilities are limitless, between our monthly Divercsity issues and the new publications in the works there is room for everyone no matter what your writing style. We’ll be hosting monthly events which are a great opportunity for anyone toying with the idea of writing for the paper to come along, have some pizza and discuss the topic, and potentially become a regular contributor to the Features section. Artists and photographers are always very welcome too and we’re particularly seeking people with excellent IT skills for some of our major plans for the coming year. A lot of people contributed to the success of Divercsity last year, with special mention due to Corriena Brien and Student Services, Photo Soc for the frequent use of their pictures, and the Irish Times for getting us out of a few sticky situations when it came to printing. Every college needs a newspaper and we’re delighted that students and staff took to the
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idea last year and made it work. With a new layout, new projects and a wonderful new committee we’re well set to build on the successes of last year and if you want to give your time or ideas to help us do that, we’d like to hear from you!” - Caitrin O’Leary. Society person of the Year – Nikita Rane “I would like to thank everyone who voted for me! Last year I made the decision to get more involved with societies. I joined the committees of two of my favourite societies - Cancer Society and Royal College Players. I volunteered time whenever I could, helping out at various society events like Int. Food Night and International Night. But probably the highlight of these endeavors was the launch of the college paper DIVERCSITY along with Caitrín and our founding committee. This couldn’t have been possible without the colossal backing and support from Student Services. I can now truly appreciate the amount of work and dedication that goes into running a society. Societies place a key role in college life at RCSI; these events and activities lets us catch up with friends, meet new people, expand our passions, skills, and be entertained. I would encourage everyone to support all societies and attend as many events they can most of these are free or charity events. A lot of them also cater in free pizza. I would recommend finding a society you like and joining as a committee member - I am certain it will be one of the best decisions you will make!”
Sports Club of the Year – Climbing “Here at the climbing club we’ve always strived to be the best, be it through organising our regular weekly climbing session, attending climbing competitions, or by organising our per semester hiking trips. However, we’ve always taken a friendly approach to competitions, as such we attend them mostly to get acquainted with people of similar interest and a slight change of scenery as well, especially considering how few are held outside of Dublin. On the other side, the hiking trips are a great place for meeting and getting
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« IARLA O’DOMHNAILL
to know other people in the college itself, to test your tracking skill, and to have a walk through nature in a worry free weekend away from the city and a break from your studies. That’s why to the best of our abilities, we try to find accommodation, outside of cities and into the countryside. As such, I’d highly recommend that everyone find a society and/or club they enjoy, one that they can immerse themselves in, as there is more to college than books.” Sayed – Climbing Club Captain 2015
Club Captain of the Year – Sayed Mahmood Alawi Climbing “My journey with the Climbing club has been nothing short of spectacular, and it all started during freshers week, a few years back as I started college. To date I’ve joined over 8 climbing competitions and I’ve been on 8 hiking trips with the club, across the country and to name some from last year, Co. Cork, Co. Kerry and Co. Down, all made special by the company I’ve kept, the Climbing club. However, the Climbing club was not the only club I joined, as I’ve joined many clubs during my fresher year but to me the Climbing club was my calling, so my advice to all freshers, join as many clubs as you can even if they sound unlike you, participate in them, find the few you enjoy and stick to them, they’re likely to be a big part of your college life for the next few years to come, and who knows, you might even end up running them.” - Sayed Event of the Year – Chocolate Ball Organized by the Caribbean and African Society (CAS) every year, Chocolate Ball is always one of the College’s best nights out. Whether you want to brush up on your dancing or satisfy your sweet tooth, this event will always leave you feeling content. One of the night’s highlights is the crowning of Mr. and Ms. RCSI, a competition that affords students the opportunity to represent their countries, showcase their cultures, and impress their peers with any hidden talents they may have.
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Fresher of the Year – Hassan Shaikh To win the Fresher of the Year award requires a lot of things; the ability to positively impact a lot of new people, and to be able to quickly become part of and strengthen RCSI being just a few. Hassan accomplished these things and more in his first year at RCSI, and will undoubtedly go on to accomplish more during his remaining years at the college. Sports Woman of the Year – Zahratulfatin Mohd Mahfoz (Photo on right). Sports Man of the Year – Fahad Alabdullatif (Photo above). “RCSI’s College Ball 2015 was one of the most exciting events of the year. What made it extra special for me was winning the “Sports Man of the Year” title. RCSI provides multiple ways of dealing with stress, for me, it has always been sports, table tennis to be specific (my personal stress buster). Other favourites include Bouldering, Archery, and Judo. I highly recommend everyone to pursue their passions, be it sports or arts, as there will be plenty of opportunities to show off your skills in university competitions (aka inter-varsities). Studying medicine/pharmacy/physiotherapy should not mean the end of fun, I am sure you have heard the expression “work hard, play hard”!” - Fahad
“First of all, I want to say thank you to Allah for this great gift, my family, Emily O’Brien and to everyone who has voted for me and trusted me for this amazing award. I have never imagined myself in this position and I am very thankful for that.” Zahratulfatin held the position of PMCSA Female Sports Officer during 2013/2014, and has participated in the PMCSA-UCD Sports Day since 2012, helping to organize and run it in 2014. A part of RCSI’s Volleyball club, Archery Club, and Basketball club, Zahratulfatin is extremely involved in sports in the College. Participating in both Volleyball and Archery intervarsities last term was one of her best experiences in RCSI, winning 4th place in the Archery intervarsities in the women’s recurve category.
“For the freshers out there, here is my advice. Go and try each of the sports activities they offer here. Find one that digs out your passion. I promise you won’t regret it. You have my word.” – Zahratulfatin
We are looking for a committee reporter! If interested please write in to editor.divercsity@rcsi.ie Want to add a story to our student news reports? Email divercsity@rcsi.ie
// Mercer & Beaumont Libraries
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elcome to new RCSI students and welcome back to our existing students! We hope you had a lovely summer and look forward to seeing you all in our libraries over the coming year.
LOCATION For those of you who are new to RCSI (and maybe for some not-so-new students!), the library is situated in two locations: the Mercer Library and the library in Beaumont Hospital. The Mercer Library is on Mercer St Lower, behind the St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre – you will find the entrance just around the corner on Noel Purcell Walk. FACILITIES • Copy, print & scanning facilities at both Mercer & Beaumont libraries • Extensive collection of both print books & journals on level two of Mercer library; print books on level one of Beaumont library. • Large and expanding collection of electronic books which can be accessed both on and off campus; simply use your RCSI username and password to connect. • 8 group study rooms at Mercer library bookable via the library website at www.rcsi.ie/librarygroupstudy & one group study room at Beaumont library. • 46 Desktop computers on levels one and two in Mercer & 10 in Beaumont Library • Quiet reading and study areas on levels 1&2 in Mercer; level 3 is devoted to quiet, individual study. Beaumont library has a large number of quiet study spaces. • Mercer Cafe – for your study breaks. Equipped with microwaves, vending machines and hot taps for tea and coffee OPENING HOURS 8am-11pm (Monday-Friday) and 9am-10pm (Sat, Sun, bank holidays) with extended opening hours at exam times. Opening hours may change, so check them out on the library’s website at www.rcsi.ie/library_openinghours Access is strictly by RCSI ID card only, so don’t forget to bring your card with you at all times. QUERIES & QUESTIONS? Check out our website (www.rcsi.ie/library) for lots more information on library services and facilities. We look forward to seeing you in the library and don’t forget to come to the Service Desk if you have any questions. You can also contact us at 01 402 2407 (Mercer) or 01 809 2531 (Beaumont) or email us at library@rcsi.ie.
facebook.com/rcsilibrary
youtube.com/rcsilibrary
library@rcsi.ie.
rcsilibrary.blogspot.ie rcsiheritage.blogspot.ie
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// Humans of RCSI ( Ireland )
« SIMRAAJ POWAR
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et to know your fellow RCSI Students as they share personal stories and answer insightful questions. Who knows, maybe you could be featured in the next issue?
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y time at RCSI was nothing short of a memorable experience. From the foundation year labs to anatomy lectures to Beaumont to clinical rotations to finally becoming a doctor; it was far beyond a simple educational experience. Through your years you deal with success and stress, which not only humbles you as an individual but also aids in your maturation into becoming a competent physician. Beyond the college, you develop lifelong friendships with people from across the world and interact with people with diverse backgrounds, a chance people seldom get. It is truly a unique experience that I felt at times we don’t appreciate as students at the college as we get so caught up in the daily life. As I look back at the memories of my time at RCSI, it was an experience of a lifetime. My advice to future and current RCSI students is to learn from your pitfalls, celebrate your triumphs and relish your time with your friends. Because, as it did for me, the six years flew by and next thing you know, you are walking across that podium to receive your medical degree. One thing that I have learned for sure since I left Dublin, a pint of Guinness just isn’t the same outside of Ireland. - SHIVRAJ RIAR, 2015 Graduate.
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efore coming to RCSI, my main drive was international achievement in competitive figure skating, while still maintaining some level of academic standard, musical passion, and a complete lack of social life. I won’t recount all the stories I gave the admissions office on how I found myself dedicated to the very similar mental hurdle that is medicine, but I will confess that it was a difficult transition to make. In one short summer, I went from a regimented athlete to a full-time student in a foreign country in which not a single full-size ice rink exists. Part of what had previously defined me - many people don’t even know I did. But looking back, although certain heartbreaks led me out of skating, I could not be more confident in my decision to study medicine here (although I’m sure, like some of you, I will go through another few existential crises about this until graduation). I’m not only speaking of my choice towards RCSI but in general, as a travel-lover who is set in the heart of Europe; as someone who uses music as an outlet of expression surrounded by creative geniuses in our student body; and as a former skater who is now rediscovering her love for fitness with a self rather than external competitive drive. - ANDREA TOU
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o the advice I would give to the newcomers is make a really good group of friends. Not just for the endless memories but they will be the best support system other than your family who can’t be there with you for all the ups and downs. Your friends are going to stick by you during countless nights studying for exams and listening to you when you have your own issues. Honestly, I wouldn’t have gotten here without the friends I made here. Other than that, the cheesy stuff: study immediately and don’t ever leave things to exam revision week. It will be a horrible experience and you will hate yourself. You need all your mental energy for exams. Oh and I couldn’t get by without my mom’s frozen meals. - SHINDHU LAKK, 2015 Graduate.
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What do you want to pursue in medicine?
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sychiatry is arguably one of the youngest pillars of medicine. While the field has undergone significant evolution over the past century, our attitudes surrounding mental illness remain a problem. As a teenager, my ideas about medicine were one-dimensional: curing ailments, alleviating pain, and saving lives. It wasn’t until I reached undergraduate studies in Psychology that I began to see a more holistic picture of health – one that also involved wellbeing of the mind. Right now, I believe one of the most important advances in the care of mentally ill patients is stigma reduction. Over the years, I’ve realized that a significant number of people don’t take patients with psychiatric illnesses seriously, with some claiming, ‘it’s all in their heads’ and ‘they should just get over it’; what they don’t seem to understand is that these patients don’t choose to have a mental illness, just as no one chooses to have cancer. I plan to specialize in psychiatry and address misconceptions of mental health in order to help further reduce the stigma surrounding it - JOSIE ALTOMARE
When asked about his time spent in a freaky underground club in Berlin
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tereotypically, they wear black, stay silent, dance alone and don’t look like they are engaging at all. It’s quite simple really; everyone just stands in lines in front of a DJ, like some sort of eerie techno army following the unwritten but very much implicit rules. This is the beating heart of Berlin’s youth. I was being controlled from the moment we sauntered up to the unassuming factory-building exterior, displaying no signs of activity or endorsement. You must dress and act the way they wanted. Made wait even though there was clearly no queue. No photos allowed. The constant smoke and strobes forced me to close my eyes even though I wanted them open. That’s when it swallows you up whole. From one hour to the next there was no discernible change in music yet but we we’re now listening to the third DJ finish his set, 6am till finish. Seamless. I wasn’t high or wasted, I hadn’t had a drop. They create an atmosphere so divided and distorted to the outside world that what you thought was important is irrelevant and forgotten about. It stares you in the face, shakes you, scares you, and spits you back out again. You emerge realizing that you’re not all that special or unique. You’re ordinary because that’s all the world has room for. People come and people go but it’s the experience that makes the difference. The little details not the big gimmicks. - RONAN FINN
Want to be featured? Email divercsity@rcsi.ie Write your comments and opinions to the editor editor.divercsity@rcsi.ie
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// Humans of RCSI ( Bahrain )
« DINA GHAZAL
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lease welcome a new international addition to DIVERCSITY coming from RCSI Bahrain! Here is your chance to take a peek into the lives of students and staff from the university campus in Bahrain and be part of this exciting, more personal relationship between the two campuses.
We all have an endless mouthful of stories to tell, don’t we? Here are a few RCSI-ers who have agreed to share one of theirs.
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graduated as a doctor but I’ve known what it’s like to be a patient for much longer. At the age of fourteen, I was diagnosed with Familial Mediterranean Fever. Ever since then, I’ve dealt with episodes of recurrent abdominal pain. Dealing with the pain first-hand and being on the receiving end of my doctor’s compassion was one of the driving factors in my decision to pursue medicine. Before I joined medical school, I had an instinctual realisation that the least one can do for a fellow human being is relieve them of their suffering. However small your efforts may be, that’s the least you can do. While we are taught in medical school to be compassionate, you don’t need to be a doctor to do that. It ought to be a natural inclination – to try to help. We just give it the title ‘medicine’. For me, it’s always been this inner drive that fuels my compassion. It’s a rather simple principle to follow - when you see someone suffering, remind yourself that it could be you. - Peter Soliman, graduate of 2015
I
’m a countryside girl. I used to live next to the mountains, so I would go mountain climbing a lot. But I would go with my sheep and pretend it was a horse. We had sheep in the garage, so we’d play with them, feed them, milk them… That was my childhood. I lived there till I was 10 before we moved to the city. It was a simple life – the best life! We didn’t have all these toys kids have now. We used to go cycling a lot with my friends. When I first got a bicycle, it was the best day of my life. When you don’t know something exists, you don’t need it. I had the grass, I had the turtles in my backyard; I wasn’t raised with a cell phone on my hand. Now all that my cousin does is ask for the password. I believe that even if we’ve been raised outside, seen the outside world, we must take our kids back to the source. Take them back to where everything started. Take them back to all the simple things like digging in the ground and playing with animals. Every child should have that. The source! Always go back to the source! - Inès Dakhlia, JC3
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I
’ve loved every minute of it, but everything has a life - a start and a finish. It’s time to go home to my family. It’s a bit sad; especially for the ones of you I’ve known since the beginning. But you’re all a wonderful bunch, and I’ll never forget it.
- Prof. Eamon Tierney, Clinical Associate Professor in Physiology and Critical Care
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y mother often reminds me of the time I found an ant on her dressing table and I poured a spoonful of sugar next to it because I was worried it was hungry. 15 minutes later, there were over a hundred ants in the same spot. I was 4-5 years old. Most people who know me would tell you that I probably like animals a lot more than I like people. In them I see uncorrupted souls free from malice and human greed. I have 5 cats at the moment, 4 of them are rescues and I spend a lot of time fostering animals or trying to find homes for other people’s fosters or spreading awareness about animal abuse. I’m the person you call at 2am because a dog’s been hit by a car or you found a litter of abandoned kittens. A lot of people ask me why I expend so much effort and energy into animals and I always repeat this quote I read a long time ago ‘The reason I dedicate myself to helping animals so much is because there are so many people dedicated to hurting them. - Samah Khan, SC2 Medicine
If you want to see more and stay updated, make sure to like and follow both Facebook and Instagram “Humans of RCSI” pages!
www.facebook.com/humansofrcsi humansofrcsi
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Want to be featured? Email divercsity@rcsi.ie Write your comments and opinions to the editor editor.divercsity@rcsi.ie
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Lifestyle
// Wisely worded « ANU MENON
“In my book, you haven’t yet earned the distinction of calling yourself a true gastroenterologist without having the pleasure of being covered in that which you are studying,” extolls the doctor in half-serious tones, gazing into space with what one could only assume was a philosophical air. “…huh?” comes the muffled reply of a medical student, hands flailing around to grasp the endoscope that was currently…err…in use…
T
“ You know, excrement?”
he medical student channels her horror perfectly with a wide-eyed stare, all while still trying not to bungle her sudden introduction into conducting colonoscopies. These sudden forays into the unknown, dropping into a pool of inexperience - these were common enough during my sister’s stint as a visiting student at the hospital. This medical student is her. And that doctor was an interesting man who collected samples of that element that bestows upon one the title of gastroenterologist in little jars around his office. I’m not kidding, his patients often return from far flung parts of the world bearing the gift of exotic animal refuse. He was a waste collector. You can’t make this stuff up.
Comic from doccartoon.blogspot.com
Anyways, who hasn’t seen this situation before? If not in real life (your time will come, pre-med and JC students) then in the media or in television. The stereotyped roles we fall into, that of the naïve, petrified medical student, praying at all costs that this very moment isn’t the one where all our ignorance is revealed; and the big, bad consultant with all his eccentricities and sharp-shooting questioning (oh, anything but the questions).
We wake up, aiming to arrive before our superiors. We hastily read our pocket reference books 5 minutes before their arrival to cover our bases, prepare for any question in that dreaded arsenal every doctor carries. And then comes the nonchalant, “You’ve taken bloods? The patient in bed 3 is waiting.” Oh horror, you think, because on your last attempt, the patient may as well have been a pincushion. Well…duty calls. The life of a medical student is hard enough without the additional fear that we will inevitably fall to folly, and, worse still, be caught doing so. Sure, there will be those you meet who are out to challenge your knowledge, but aren’t we all in this field to inevitably save lives? Last time I checked, the tears of students was not an approved treatment for, well…anything. Instead, embrace the fact that you are at the lowest end of the hospital food chain. The only way to go, after all, is up. Look to those more experienced for guidance, advice…directions. I will openly admit to getting lost in every hospital I’ve been in. I blame faulty design plans. No one is expecting our knowledge to equal that of a qualified doctor, but it does fall upon us to continue to pursue our enthusiasm for learning and healing. So, take a stab at figuring out what that medication does even if you probably can’t even spell it! Name that muscle wrong when you’re holding back a flap of skin because the surgeon or professor told you to! And fail to recognize dextrocardia on an X-ray (you know it’s bound to happen, don’t fight it)! This is the arena in which we should let all our little mistakes come out, because, as you cast them aside, you become more confident in your abilities. And this is how we grow as healthcare providers. Oh, and, you know, studying doesn’t hurt either!
// White coat syndrome
« NAHEEDA RAJMOHAMED
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elcome to RCSI!
Congratulations! After trekking through sea and sky you have climbed the colossal tower of education and begun your journey to conquer medical school. Draped in a pristine lab coat and stethoscope in hand you feel ready to face your next challenge. You will rise in each class, take the school by storm and graduate to rid the world of all its maladies. But before you can shatter the earth with your brilliant mind you need to learn to survive the ever changing atmosphere that is medical school.
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Similar to trying a new food, medical school is an experience you cannot begin until you take your first bite. Despite your Jedi memorizing skills, terminator determination or superhuman working hours, a new experience is always nerve-wracking if not completely destabilizing. Soon classes will start in full swing, work will intensify, excitement will be replaced by stress and slowly homesickness will begin to take its toll. Between traveling, studying and trying to make new friends it can be hard to find a balance or achieve the goals you have set for yourself. The most important thing you can do to help cope and juggle the maze ahead is to remember to R.E.L.A.X. (Relationships, Eating, Learning, Avoiding grade panic and Experience).
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saying that panicking over your bad grades is not the solution. Find out where you went wrong and what you can do to get to where you want to be. Start a study group, try something new, make your own practice papers or maybe try pacing yourself rather then studying all at once. I find making a schedule helpful.
RELATIONSHIPS
Meeting new people is scary. Forming new relationships is sometimes hard and making the right friendships is sometimes even harder. At RCSI we are lucky to have a wealth of students from around the world, which although amazing and exciting can initially add to the intimidation aspect of making new friends. Trying to initiate a conversation between you and someone from a completely different background can be scary; you might have no idea what to expect, what to say or how to act. In the end the most important thing to remember is that you are all in the same boat. You are both facing the same challenges, both scared of what is ahead and both have an interest in a medical career. A simple “hello” or introducing yourself can go along way to making you and your new friend feel a lot more at home.
LEARNING
As in most universities you are going to encounter many different people with many different styles of learning and studying. Some study all day, some don’t attend lectures and some don’t study at all. Although I haven’t tried everything when it comes to studying styles, I do know that in order to succeed you have to do what is right for you. Initially I found it difficult to deal with the amount of advice I was receiving from the different people I met. I became so confused that I abandoned my own learning style and attempted to adopt that of someone else’s, which sadly was less successful then I had hoped. Although it is important to remember that this is a tertiary education level and high school study methods may not be enough to help you fully understand your curriculum, you need to be able to study in a way you find comfortable. I suggest initially trying a couple different study methods and then comparing each one by determining how much you remember as a result of each method of study. Another really important tip is to attend lectures. It may seem like a no brainer to some, but attending lectures not only furthers your understanding of the topic but also gives you an opportunity to ask questions or clarify issues by asking the lecturer directly.
EATING
Food is a basic need. Simply put, it is foolish if not insane to try to study and cope with stress without providing your body with the fundamental nutrients it needs to survive. So don’t even think about it. That being said, just eating will not suffice. Eating well and eating junk will improve or impede your ability to focus on your studies. However, realistically being a student is difficult and most of the time cooking everyday is not an option. A way to overcome this is by cooking a large meal once or twice a week. This will allow you to get through the entire week without having to cook too much in between. Pre-made meals are also an option, however, try not to depend too much on them as they tend to get boring fast and will cost you more per meal. It is also a good idea to find a cooking buddy; it can make cooking more interesting and make it a relaxing part of an otherwise hectic day.
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AVOIDING GRADE PANIC
Not all stress is good stress. Nothing is more daunting then receiving your first set of marks. Depending on your goals the initial reactions to your first assessments may be very satisfying or completely disappointing. It is important to remember that the workload and environment of university life is different than that of most of your previous education and you should not throw yourself into frenzy if your marks are initially lower then you have expected. I’m not saying to forget goals all together; I am only
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EXPERIENCE
Lastly remember that this is an experience. Medical school is your personal journey to becoming the best physician you can be and it is your responsibility to ensure that you get the best out of this experience as possible. I understand that for some your grades and your learning are the only aspects of medical school that appear important at the moment and although that is very true to some degree it is also important to expand your horizons during your time at RCSI. Try joining a society, joining a sports team, going out with friends once in a while or attending a couple of RCSI held events. Trust me, this will not only help you relax and improve your focus in the long run but will acquaint you with many new friends who can help you feel more at home and give you advice. Once you find a balance between enjoying the social aspects of medical school and studying you will find it a lot easier to maintain your excitement for your classes and in the future find it easier to maintain a life whilst perusing your career. In the end this is a new experience and it will not be easy. You are going to be thrown out of your comfort zone, forced to adapt to a new system of work and need to find time to study while attempting to survive your surrounding. It is important to remember that with time you will learn more about how you can best take advantage of your time at RCSI and you should not expect yourself to be an expert right away. Try not to compare yourself to your colleagues or get caught up in your own failings or disappointments. Learning can be hard, new people can be scary and lectures can be long, but with determination, passion and commitment to achieving your dreams you can do anything. Trust me, if this journey was meant to be easy everyone would be doing it.
Write your comments and opinions to the editor editor.divercsity@rcsi.ie
DIVERCSITY.COM
Lifestyle
// Ask Himistu!
September (九月) “Kugatsu, the longest month”
S
eptember may feel like the longest month, especially for those adjusting to their new way of life at RCSI. It’s not easy dealing with new challenges thrust upon us without family support.
Well, these are the questions for this month’s issue. I hope you all enjoyed reading my advice column! Look forward to next month. Until then, syonara minna-san! (Farewell everyone) Lots of love,
- Himitsu.
Q
Hi Himitsu! I’m an introvert who’s never been away from home. I’ve lived in a community full of people who share the same traditions and values as me. I’m scared I won’t make friends and that I won’t like RCSI. What should I do? - Sincerely, Doubtful
A
: Dear Doubtful, What you’re feeling is normal. EVERYONE is scared. Some people don’t show it. There are over SIXTY nationalities represented at RCSI. We have people from every corner of the globe: The Middle East, Canada, Singapore, Nigeria, Trinidad, Malaysia, Australia, USA, South Africa, etc. The term that fits RCSI is ‘Mosaic’. I see each individual as a beautifully embroidered piece of glass, reflecting off an iridescent light. Together, we form a rainbow. RCSI is a microcosm, showcasing how the world should be: One filled with spirit and colour, where all are accepting. Start with a simple ‘Hello’. People here are friendly, always open to the idea of meeting someone new. Think of it this way: Everyone is in the same boat, away from their families, and in need of a friend. Be that friend. Don’t worry, you’ll find your niche. I hope this helps! Good luck, I hope to hear from you in the future. -------------------------------------------------------------
Q
: Hi Himistu, I am a bit nervous about living on my own for the first time. Do you have any tips on how I could get along with my flatmates? - Afraidtobehated
A
: Hello! It certainly is a big transition living with strangers. Here are some tips which may benefit you:
#1: CLEANLINESS- Often times, issues arise from failing to keep certain common areas of the dorm/apartment clean. At a point we become lazy to do the simple things like washing our dishes, throwing away the trash, etc. It takes a couple minutes of your time. So just do it! That way, this won’t cause a strain in your relationship with your flatmate(s). Assign each
SEPTEMBER 2015
Hi, everyone! My name is Himitsu, and I’m here to answer your questions, as we delve into life’s secrets. After all, “secret” is what my name means in Japanese!
ASK HIMITSU YOUR QUESTIONS, ANONYMOUSLY. Visit: divercsity.tumblr.com/advice Write your comments and opinions to the editor editor.divercsity@rcsi.ie
other chores to be completed on a certain day of the week. For example, every Sunday one person must clean the kitchen, and the other, the family room. Take turns every week, so that both people get a chance to do it. #2: COMMUNICATION- If there’s a problem, make sure to be upfront with your flatmate about it. They may not even realize there’s an issue until you bring it up. AAny reasonable person would be understanding and learn to be more thoughtful next time. It’s important to be honest and be willing to compromise. #3: BONDING- When you’re living with someone, they have the potential to become one of your best friends (this doesn’t apply, of course, to EVERY situation). Find some time to spend together! Watch a movie or go out for dinner. Simple moments like these mean the most. You begin to learn so much about them: their habits, likes/dislikes, allergies, family background, etc. It really is an experience unlike any other. There’s no need to be afraid! I hope this helps you. -------------------------------------------------------------
Q
: Hey there, Himitsu. I’m feeling quite anxious coming into medical school, thinking about the work load and all. How do you manage?
for study. Also include breaks. Organize your notes into a binder or folder as well. #3: Learning Objectives! You will find that at the end of every lecture there are a set of learning objectives which touch on the main points of the lecture. I cannot stress enough to you how important they are. After you go over a lecture, treat the learning objectives as if they are a set of short note questions. For extra practice, I also recommend doing past papers which can be found on Moodle or the RCSI Box of Knowledge. #4: REPETITION: This is the only way all this material will be able to stick in your brain. Of course, you won’t be able to remember EVERYTHING. As I said before, just focus on the main ideas of each topic. Keep doing practice questions over and over until you get it. Try explaining the material to yourself or someone else. If you cannot talk about it, then, you don’t know it. I think this is the best way to go about it. I really hope this helps you. Best of luck this coming year, I know you can do it! Follow these steps, stay positive and, you will achieve success. -------------------------------------------------------------
- Signed, Fearingformylife
A
: Hi! You know, it’s difficult adjusting to third level education. I’ve had my share of struggles, but I’ll do my best to guide you. Here’s what I know: #1: Make sure you attend EVERY lecture! This is obviously the reason why you’re here in medical school, to learn. The professor normally adds in extra information which does not appear in the notes. If you can, try to go over the lecture before class starts so if you have any questions you are prepared to ask the prof. I find it easier to print out the notes beforehand so you can write on them. Not sure about you, but, I am able to retain more information when I write. Also, buy the books (or check them out from the Mercer library) that are recommended for the particular module. #2: Organization! I can’t stress this enough. Create a timetable and plan out how many hours you need to put in
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Lifestyle
The Wellness Wheel // « MOYOWA BOYO
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eptember’s here and a new school year has begun. Saying goodbye to summer is never easy but the start of a new semester always has so much promise. We imagine how things are going to be- how hard we’re going to work and how much fun we’re going to have. It’s great to see all our old friends again and to catch up on how their summers were. Not to mention, the fun of checking out all the new wide-eyed freshers! Once the first week of college is over and we’ve all recovered from Ballad, things start to settle down and college gets into full swing. Here’s where things get interesting. If you’re like most people, you probably have some kind of idea of how you’ll manage the semester. Your list might look something like this: 1. Start studying early – go to Mercer every day! 2. Exercise – go to the gym every day. 3. Don’t be stressed! It’s all supposed to be rainbows and unicorns from here right? But often reality hits and it doesn’t always look the way we planned it. You might find that your daily gym sessions only lasted for 3 days, the stress is getting to you, and you’re finding yourself staring at your computer like this:
You thought you were going to have it all together, but very quickly, you’re realizing you don’t! This is where wellness comes in. Wellness is your whole and total wellbeing, it includes everything in the wheel below and it’s what’s going to help you have your best semester yet. Hear me out, I know from my experience, my life got better when I started taking wellness seriously. My grades climbed, my friendships and family life blossomed and I started feeling great. By no means am I perfect, but if I’ve learned anything, it’s that you need to make an active effort on taking care of yourself to get the best out of yourself; There is no way around it. If you want to get the grades, have fun, and keep it together, then take your wellness seriously. 1. PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY – That’s right, get your phone completely out of sight when you’re trying to complete an important task. Having less distractions when you’re trying to study means you get the job done in less time, which means you’ll have more time for you. As hard as it may be, manage your distractions to get stuff done! If that means you have to tell your friends you are completely unavailable for the next 2 hours while you go through lectures – then do it! Not only will they understand, but you’ll be able to have a better time together since you’ll feel accomplished, and you won’t be worrying about the work you haven’t
SEPTEMBER 2015
done. This might mean saying “no” which admittedly can be hard. No one wants to turn down coffee dates or fun plans but if you’ve committed to working for 2 hours, then fully commit to it. When you’re done, you’re free to go! Work hard, play hard right? 2. TRY DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY – Albert Einstein once said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Everyone is different and different things work for different people, so it’s important to figure out what works for you. And more importantly, to ask yourself if what you’re doing is really working. If you’ve used the same strategy every year and you’re not getting the results you want, then change the strategy! This applies to all aspects of your life such as your academics, relationships and your health. Don’t keep doing the same thing and expect the outcome to change. Listen to Einstein and be creative to find new ways to do things that might better suit you. 3. GET YOUR ZZZ’S – Sleep is absolutely crucial to keeping your wellness wheel spinning. It is a secret weapon that’s really not so secret. The benefits of sleep are endless. To name a few, it improves your memory, promotes physical health and improves your emotional wellbeing. 4. MOVE YOUR BODY – If you’re hitting the gym, go with a plan and take a friend. Planning a gym date with a friend makes it easier to show up and holds you accountable. There are so many different workout plans online that you’ll definitely find one to suit your individual fitness needs. Find one online, print it out and take it with you so you have an idea of what you’re doing and how long it’ll take you. If the gym isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of exercise videos that you can do at home with your housemates, that use bodyweight so you don’t need any fancy gym equipment. FitnessBlender.com and BenderFitness.com are two fantastic websites that provide 100s of free motivational workout videos to choose from. If you like big groups and meeting new people through exercise, hit the web and see what kind of fitness classes you can find around Dublin. Moving your body is so important because of how exercise affects your brain and body. The release of endorphins after a workout is amazing for your mood and helps you better manage stress and anxiety.
5. GET CREATIVE – Finding something you love to do outside of college life is key. It’s important to have a hobby that encourages you to be creative and that is most importantly, fun! Whether it’s music, dancing, climbing or art, find something you like to do and pursue it. Having this balance in your life gives you something to look forward to outside of academics. It helps you to feel good, and really that’s what wellness is all about.
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lifestyle
// Double C: Advice you can keep close to your chest
D
D
ear Cathal ower of chocolates,
earest Cyrille,
Now that I know you have received my 16 postcards I am upset that this is the first letter you have sent. I was indeed well and enjoying home in Barbados until I read you letter. What a travesty that you have spewed all these lies about our first meeting. I do remember the events you spoke about but a bit differently. In fact in reminiscing on our meetings I do believe that the incident that you were referring to was not our first meeting but our second. Let me remind you and inform sweet Angie about our first true meeting.
I hope you are well my sweet and had a wonderful summer. I received your postcards. You are too kind, making me jealous of the paradise that you live in. We had a lovely summer in Ireland too; it was a Tuesday this year. However this letter is of a business nature as news has spread quickly of our new advice column in the notable publication DIVERCSITY. I was awoken this morning by the sound of tapping at my window; I drew back the curtain to find an exhausted pigeon collapsed on the sill. Bound to one foot was a scrolled up piece of paper, with the following query:
It was the first day of orientation before the madness of med school had truly started. I walked into the room head to toe in a leather catsuit. I walked down the corridor with my hair blowing like I was Kim Kardashian on the back of Kanye’s motorcycle. *Squeak* Squeak* *squeak* went the leather as I strutted. You were just about to enter O’ Flan when I caught your ear and you glanced back. Our eyes met and you stood still just staring as if you were in a trance.
Dear Cyrille and Cathal, I hope this note finds you well. I have need of advice. I am starting my studies in RCSI this September and am very excited, however creating a new social circle is daunting and I find myself in need of some help in this regard. Can you assist me? How did you both become friends? Yours truly, Angie O’Plasty
At this point I said, “Do you know where the bathroom is?” You responded by maintaining intense eye contact and remaining as still and quiet as a statue. One entire minute elapsed. I wasn’t even sure you were still breathing and then you awkwardly blurted out “I love Beyonce!”
Our first request! I was excited! Unfortunately Angie had attached a box of Roses chocolates to the pigeon’s other foot to thank us for our time, I dare say the pigeon may never fly again, and I owe you a box of chocolates.
Needless to say I was incredibly confused. However, I appreciated your courage in sharing your interest with me. After that I did think you were a little odd so I walked off in search of the bathroom. Then, when I saw you at the fresher’s event you were talking about I remembered our little tête-à-tête and decided to send you that Guinness.
I remember our first encounter like it was yesterday. It was the first week of JC1 and we were sitting in O’Flanagan, dealing with the onslaught of muscle attachments of the hip that we had to learn. I caught you glancing at me from across the hall and you waved enticingly over. At first I was afraid…I was petrified. Who was this mysterious girl? Later that night at one of the fresher’s events, bought me a pint of Guinness from afar, the barman informed me it was from the “Bajan beauty” in the corner, a name that you had given yourself I believe.
When I think about it, it makes perfect sense that you forgot our first encounter. You were in such a state of awe upon our first dalliance that I wouldn’t be surprised if you had forgotten the rest of the day after that.
“Cyrille Payne is the name,” you announced when you sidled up to me, “I’ve had my eye on you and we need to be friends. You seem like a cool kid, and you have a great sense of style” I tried to run but you had me in your grasp and I guess you haven’t let go, for four years. That’s bound to leave a mark.
So my advice for making friends: when you do interact with your peers don’t be afraid to open up and talk about things that interest you or sign up for sports and activities that you like. That way you will find people who share your interests. If dear Cathal had just directed me the bathroom as I desired I might have been robbed of an amazing friendship.
So I guess my advice on making friends is: go up to your target say hello, and then never leave them, just like Cyrille did, and you’ll eventually wear them down. Meeting new friends is always exciting, and with people from all around the world, there is always new things to talk about.
Please give Angie my advice Cathal. I hope that Angie and all the other freshers make forever friendships.
Cyrille what is your recollection of that fateful day?
PS- If you are getting chocolates Cathal, please send Toblerones!
I hope that helps Angie.
« CATHAL DELANEY
Brought to you by Cyrille and Cathal - Besties who think they’ve seen it all. Please write to us with any queries or questions that you may have and we’ll do our best to give you some nuggets of advice. Whether you heed our counsel is entirely at your own risk.
ASK YOUR QUESTIONS, ANONYMOUSLY. Visit: divercsity.tumblr.com/advice SEPTEMBER 2015
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Write your comments and opinions to the editor editor.divercsity@rcsi.ie
DIVERCSITY.COM
Illustrations by Catherine Tennant.
« CYRILLE PAYNE
Lifestyle
« MIA ANDREWS
Food Diaries // Want to request a recipe from Mia? Email us at divercsity@rcsi.ie
H
ey everyone, I hope you all had a great summer! Welcome to all the freshers! My column is new and aimed at student friendly meals that incorporate both my Caribbean and British culture.
Over the coming months or even days you will begin to realise (if you haven’t been away from home before) how difficult cooking and eating well can be, especially when it is your responsibility. I’m going into Final Med so I’ve had 4 years of realizing this but it all really reached a peak last year with most of our rotations being outside of Dublin. Eating healthy requires effort and planning. Therefore, I hope that with every issue of DIVERCSITY, I can share a few tips and recipes that will make that planning a bit easier. If you have any requests let me know and I’ll see if I have any home recipes for ya! Because it still feels like summer, here is a recipe for some cocktails and mocktails to accompany your nights out.
Bahama Mama (Alcohol Version)
Bahama Mama (NON Alcohol Version)
INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS
• ½ oz lemon juice • 2 oz orange juice • 2 oz pineapple juice • 1 ½ oz rum • 1 oz coconut rum • ½ oz grenadine syrup • Optional: ½ oz cherry liqueur
• 2 cups orange juice • 2 cups pineapple juice • 2 cups grapefruit juice • 3 oz grenadine syrup • 2 ½ oz maraschino cherries • ¼ bottle – ½ L Sprite
DIRECTIONS
DIRECTIONS
Shake/blend with ice until slushy. Garnish with a cherry and 1/2 slice orange in a tooth pick.
Shake/blend with ice until slushy. Garnish with a cherry and 1/2 slice orange in a tooth pick
A Quick Chicken Fettuccini For Two INGREDIENTS
• 2 Chicken breasts – cut into cubes • Small white onion • 1 clove of garlic • Chicken OXO cubes • Salt and pepper to taste • Side of broccoli • Pasta (any short lengthed pasta) – half of any large pack • 1 small container half and half cream • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (parmigiano reggiano)
DIRECTIONS
1. In a frying pan, heat two tablespoons of oil on a high flame. 2. Add the onions. Once they begin to brown (caramelise) - this should be about 2 minutes, turn the heat to medium and then add the chopped up garlic. 3. Add the chicken cut into cubes into the frying pan and then add salt and pepper. Sauté over medium heat - Continue to stir occasionally for 25 minutes or until clear fluid released from chicken. (Note: if the chicken is still pink you must continue to cook until it is white) 4. Once the chicken is being cooked, boil the pasta in a separate pot. 5. Once the pasta begins to boil, change to medium heat and cook for 10 -12 minutes, ensuring that you stir every few minutes (this prevents the pasta from sticking together) 6. When cooked, strain out the water and add in the half and half cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat. 7. Once boiled, (it should be bubbling) add the Parmesan cheese and stir until well mixed. 8. Turn off heat and let the pasta stand in the pan for 5 minutes. 9. For the side of broccoli, simply boil with a pinch of salt and pepper until tender. 10. Mix the broccoli and the chicken into your creamy fettuccini.
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Clubs & Societies Hey Societies and Clubs! Want to be share your latest events and victories in Clubs & Socieites sections? Email divercsity@rcsi.ie
// Sign up day - Clubs and societies.
DIVERCSITY SOCIETY Presidents: Caitrín O’Leary and Nikita Rane Email: divercsity@rcsi.ie
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eed to voice something? Make sure to get in touch with us. We are the monthly student paper and we are in our second year of print! As a relatively new society we are still working to improve ourselves as we strive to become a collaborative focal point for the RCSI community. We want to highlight and discuss the topics that matter, that interest, that entertain - while engaging and involving RCSI students wherever you are. We hope to increase creativity and communication in RCSI and provide a professional and neutral platform for staff and students to come together. We have a dedicated committee of writers, editors, coordinators and creators who come together to create each issue. Throughout the year we seek submissions and collaborators to help us explore new topics. This year we are launching two exciting new society publications this year: Roses&Proses (creative writing) and IFN Recipe booklet! Look at our Facebook page facebook.com/divercsity on how you can contribute to these publications. We run monthly contests and giveaways and Treat Yourself Wednesdays where we treat you to free food and coffee. YAY FREE THINGS! Be sure to sign up to be kept in the loop of all our latest happenings, giveaways and how you can get involved with the college paper! Stop by our sign up table to talk to use and grab some of our tempting freebies. Dive into your passions at university with DIVERCSITY!
ENVIROMENT SOCIETY (ENVIRO SOC) Presidents: Rebecca Jagoo Email: envirosoc@rcsi.ie
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“L
aking our inspiration from Captain Planet & the Planeteers (minus the funky green hair), we at the RCSI EnviroSoc are constantly on the go to promote a “Go Green” lifestyle. From beach clean ups to recycling competitions and maybe the occasional penguin wandering the halls coercing people to just separate their waste, you could say we are just that little bit obsessed. Or, you could join us and see that saving the world (never hurts to dream) is more than just a chore for tree huggers, it’s something we can all contribute to as healthcare professionals, and have fun with it at the same time! Throughout the year, EnviroSoc has also been actively advocating for reusable bottle use around campus by selling our EnviroSoc “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” branded bottles during events, and through social media. Besides giving everyone a stylish new bottle to rehydrate from, the revenue generated from sales of the bottles was donated to various charities supporting environmental causes. All of the above could not have been carried out without members, so be sure to look us up and see where you fit into the big picture!! Finally, any further enquiries can be forwarded to our email or our Facebook page “RCSI EnviroSoc”!
AI EVERYONE TIME TO EAAATTTT!!” “Bro, don’t like that la, bro” “APA KHABAAARRRR!!” If this is your first day in RCSI and you’re already confused by all the jabber that is Manglish (short for Malaysian-English), we’d like to inform you that; 1. You’re still in Ireland. 2. No, we haven’t taken over the country (yet). What you’ve just heard is the vibrant Malaysian community of RCSI, all of us pumped up not just to share our easy going and “live to eat” ways of life with you, but also to learn what YOUR culture is like. And PMCSA is our way of going about that. We understand that with current flight ticket prices higher than the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers (look it up), it would not help to just say, “Come down to Malaysia and have some fun with us!”. So we aim to bring Malaysia to the people of this college through events like Chinese New Year and Diwali celebrations, and some newer events like Malaysia Day, which celebrates the day our nation was formed. Consecutive victories in International Night and International Food Night for 2014 and 2015 just go to show how much there is to see and experience with the Malaysian way of life. So do sign up, whether you’re Malaysian or not (by the way, there’s no such thing, anyone can be Malaysian) to receive the latest updates and plans we have for the coming year! If you’re doubting the legitimacy of our claims, or wish to know more about our society, feel free to drop us an email.
PMCSA-RCSI Presidents: Kanendra Kumar Email: pmcsa@rcsi.ie
EQUESTRIAN CLUB Presidents: Abdulrahman Almansouri Email: equestrian@rcsi.ie
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ant to try a new and exciting sport whilst at university or already horse mad? The equestrian club wants you to join up. We aim to cater for all levels and interests from beginners riding lessons, to hacking in the Wicklow mountains and beach ride outs, to representing RCSI at national inter-varsity equestrian competitions, there’s something for everyone. Ireland is known as “the land of the horse” so there is no better place to try equestrianism. We can take you from your first riding lesson to winning rosettes at university competitions within 1 year. And for the more advanced riders, we are always looking for competition riders to help RCSI win trophies and titles at our inter-varsity competitions, and we can provide subsidized training for you. No horse or equipment required, we will provide everything for you and all the costs are subsidised.
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Clubs & Societies
MENS GAA Presidents: Ian Kelly and Fionn Maguire Email: gaamens@rcsi.ie
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he GAA club is always open to new recruits, be it Freshers or returning students. The club is run by the players and is a great way to get to know students from other years. After reaching the Sigerson weekend the past two years and losing last years final in Cork by a point we hope to push on with next year with the majority of the team back again but we need a few Freshers to keep us going. College football is great craic and isn’t overly serious until championship time after Christmas. We usually train once or twice a week mainly in Clanna Gael GAA club or occasionally the RCSI sports grounds in Dardistown. Transport is provided to and from the college. It is not a huge commitment as we realise between lectures, assignments, studying and playing with your own club that lads don’t have much spare time, all we ask is that you make yourself available when you can. Some of the best craic I’ve had in college have been on the way to training or at the Sigerson weekends away. We will start up around late September or early October but we will be in touch before that. For more information talk to us on sign up day or email us. Surgeons Abú.
NEUROSCIENCE Presidents: Daniel Creegan and Sarah Pradhan Email: neuroscience@rcsi.ie
H
ere at the Neuroscience Society we have two main aims - one, to increase interest in the Neurosciences amongst RCSI students and two, to engage the public in neuroscience topics of interest. We have over 10 faculty members and have held many high profile events, some of which received media coverage, including a Boxing and the Brain Symposium and an Injury Prevention in MMA Conference which saw over 500 attendees!! Get involved for what is guaranteed to be an exciting year ahead for us!!
T
able tennis is a really cute sport, when you think about it. It’s just like tennis, but smaller! Also, what other sport has a nickname like “ping pong”? Our table tennis club is always proud to welcome anyone who is interested to join, no matter their skill level. Ping pong has something to offer to everyone, whether you’re looking for a challenge, or just a fun way to relax. Veteran or beginner, table tennis has something for you.
TABLE TENNIS CLUB Presidents: Vivien Tan Chern Yong Email: tabletennis@rcsi.ie
Table tennis is a lot like other “racquet” sports like tennis and badminton, where you try to hit the ball over the net onto your opponent’s side of the table. Because of the small size of the table and the paddles, it’s an easy sport to pick up… literally! But at higher levels, ping pong becomes an intense game of speed and precision, as the ball flies from player to player in an orange blur. If you’re interested in taking up table tennis seriously, our committee members will be glad to give you tips and pointers on how to improve your game. You can also join our table tennis team, to go up against players from other universities, and receive intensive training from our team’s coach. Table tennis is an indoor sport, which means that we’ll always be playing, no matter the weather. Neither rain nor sleet nor gloom of night can stop us from holding our weekly table tennis games! “I used to play table tennis, but it’s been years since I last picked up a ping pong ball,” you may say. We hear these words often, and to that we say, why not start again now? It’s like riding a bike: you never forget. You might discover an athletic side to yourself that you never knew before.
Photos used in this section have been provided by respective society and club
DEBATE SOCIETY Presidents: Viren Manshani Email: debatesoc@rcsi.ie
SEPTEMBER 2015
W
hether you want to improve your public speaking skills for your next presentation, or hone your debating skills for the next time you get into an argument at the pub, RCSI DebateSoc is for you!
The debating society was established to encourage freethinking and a forum to debate topical issues. In RCSI, where there is a mix of several cultures and nationalities, DebateSoc has the privilege of hearing out opinions from every corner of the world and closing the gap between them. Be it political, scientific, ethical to downright absurd, our debates cover all topics. We hold a meeting once every two weeks where we decide on a motion and debate. After every debate, we hold a table discussion and order some pizzas as well! Also, every semester, we also host public debates with expert guest speakers followed by the ubiquitous wine and cheese reception. Furthermore, the society participates in several inter-varsity debate competitions on the Irish debating circuit such as the Irish MACE and the Irish TIMES as well as international competitions. So, look out for our fresher’s stall on sign-up day and make sure you attend our first event of the year, the Life Raft Debate. This is a comedic debate where we have Foundation Year and first med professors speaking at the event. The event is followed by a wine and cheese reception so all freshers could see the lighter side of their lecturers, and get to know them better at start of the year itself. Every student is welcome to attend any meeting at any stage in the year, no debating experience is required. In fact, most of us had never debated before college!
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Clubs & Societies IRISH SOCIETY Presidents: Tara Drugan Email: cancersociety@rcsi.ie
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rish soc is back with a bang this year with more and more events to get involves in and more nights out! From trad sessions to ceilis. Trips away to county colours night! With the 1916 centenary commemoration in full swing- be sure to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Ireland and the role RCSI itself played in the rebellion 100 years ago. whether you have a grá for the gaelige or just want to make new friends and experience Irish culture first hand! Join Irish Society 2015 for guaranteed ceol agus craci throughout!
PHYSIO SOCIETY Presidents: Louis O’Connor Email: physiosoc@rcsi.ie
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hysio Soc works to promote physiotherapy in RCSI and acts as a bridge between students and staff. Our committee will make every effort to address any issues that may be experienced throughout the year, maximise employment opportunities for Final Year Physios, and encourage the integration of physio-related events into college life. Events will be held during the year to allow physio students to get to know one another and to discuss any suggestions or ideas that they may have. We also hope to organise various talks and workshops which will be relevant and of interest to all physio students. To get involved, all you need to do is sign up during Fresher’s Week. Hope to see you there!
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o you have a musical talent that the world needs to hear for themselves? Have you got what it takes to be the next Justin Timberlake, Celine Dion, Mozart or 2pac? If so, get up off your Bach; Music Soc wants YOU!
MUSIC SOCIETY Presidents: Shivani Kalra Email: musicsoc@rcsi.ie
RCSI Music Soc is the pulsing heart of student life here in the college. We are made up of a huge variety of performers, from Rock and Classical to Chinese pop and steel-pan instrumentals, beginners and experts alike. Twice a year the society hosts Ballad Session in one of Dublin’s busiest venues which are highlights of the social calendar and the climax of Fresher’s Week. We host regular Acoustic Nights and Jam Sessions as well as workshops and classes (such as guitar and ukulele) that give students the opportunity to learn new instruments, express themselves musically and meet new people in a relaxed environment. Music Soc is also involved in the majority of the charity and social events throughout the year giving all students an opportunity to perform. You can join us at our booth on sign up day where we’ll be hosting a jamming session for everyone to come and play some music. Alternatively, come talk to one of our committee members whenever, or drop us an email if you would prefer! Our facebook page will be regularly updated with music events around Dublin and is also where you can find our committee members contact info. There is more to college life than just study. Come join Music Soc and let us show you the best of what RCSI social life has to offer!
CARIBBEAN AFRICAN SOCIETY Presidents: Catherine Uhomoibhi Email: cas@rcsi.ie
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he Caribbean African Society is one of the cultural societies at RCSI. Students from the Caribbean region and the African continent collaborate to portray their culture in many ways. The society hosts one of the biggest events at the college known as the Chocolate Ball with the funds raised being forwarded to one of Ireland’s many medical societies each year to aid in the promotion of their cause. CAS has a long standing reputation of being one of the top performers at the International Night. CAS members display their talents in music, poetry, dance, drama and many other art forms. This dynamic and culturally diverse society is a great way for new students from all cultural backgrounds to join and display their talents in the various art forms as well as learn about these two culturally rich regions of the world.
LADIES RUGBY CLUB Presidents: Jenna Darani and Jennifer Tchervenkov Email: rugbyladies@rcsi.ie
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eet our RCSI Ladies’ Rugby Club,
We have a few new projects that we are hoping to accomplish over the 2015-2016 season. First of all, our club will be a recreational one, where players can learn how to play rugby in a safe and friendly environment. We will be having two friendlies per semester with other University Women’s Rugby Teams. Our other project that we wish to accomplish is a trip to Galway, early in the fall semester, where our team will have the opportunity to bond with each other all while playing rugby. Finally, we would love to register into the Student Sports Ireland’s Intervarsity 7s tournament. Rugby 7s is gaining huge popularity across the world due to its debut in the upcoming Summer Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. Rugby is an extremely fun and social sport that is easy to learn. When the team initially came together, we had members from a variety of athletic backgrounds. Rugby is also a sport that accepts all shapes and sizes, just ask our co-captain Jenna Darani who is 4ft 10’’!! With such a great variety of positions, there is no true standard physique attached to a rugby player. There is however a unifying quality that all our players have: teamwork. After the first few practices, the girls quickly found out that their team is more than just a gathering of players, but instead it is a family that supports each other on and off the field. Here’s to a wonderful season and hoping you will give rugby a TRY! Do not forget to visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/629778923757127/
TENNIS Presidents: Nadine Almadani Email: tennis@rcsi.ie
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ennis is a great sport for anyone to play – beginners and veterans alike. It is a fun, social sport that challenges players both physically and mentally. It can be played competitively or recreationally on courts of a variety of surfaces (clay, hard, grass), bringing an active and entertaining boost to our busy school lives! Background on the club: The RCSI Tennis Team has had an incredible year! The weekly practices were a huge success. Each practice is always filled with positive and exciting energy as the courts are always completely filled with enthusiastic players of varying levels of experience. In the new year, we introduced a new coach, Abbas, who helps players develop and hone their skills. Our friendly matches with other schools have also been a great addition. We hope to continue enhancing our peers’ lives by helping them stay active by hitting up the grass courts at Trinity every weekend! All levels are always welcome.
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Clubs & Societies PARTNERS IN HEALTH ENGAGE RCSI (PIH ENGAGE) Presidents: Nastasia Nianiaris Email: pihengage@rcsi.ie
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artners In Health Engage RCSI (PIH Engage) is Europe’s first college volunteer chapter of Partners In Health, the world-renowned and -respected non-profit global health organization based in Boston, Massachusetts. PIH Engage RCSI is your opportunity to get involved in global health. We are a movement dedicated not only to addressing specific medical problems - such as Maternal & Child Health, HIV/AIDS, Cancer & Chronic Disease, Tuberculosis, Ebola, Cholera, and Mental Health - worldwide, but also social justice and the universal right to healthcare. If you believe that everyone, everywhere has a right to basic health then this is the society for you! You may not realize that even as a student there is plenty that you can do to help make this a reality. Join us to help ADVOCATE, EDUCATE, and FUNDRAISE for the cause!
ARCHERY Presidents: Ahmad Nasree M Khairuddin Lim Email: archery@rcsi.ie
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rom prehistory archery has been an integral part of many cultures and has been practised for both sport and war. Here in Ireland, archery has a long history of excellence, producing world class Olympians. There are over 30 archery clubs in the country, which offer various combinations of field and target archery.
Archery is a precision sport that has been around since man became hunters. In many nations archery has been significant part of daily life and a major factor in determining the course of history. Variations of the bow have become the iconic weapons of many nations, including the traditional English longbow, Mongol horsebows and the Japanese daikyu, which for 400 years was the principle weapon of the samurai. While, it fell out of practical use with the introduction of firearms it remains popular for leisure and as a form of competition. Recently South Korea have enjoyed success in the sport with Oh Jin-Hyek claiming the gold medal in the London Olympics. RCSI Archers Archery Club is committed to making the sport available to all students in the college. We emphasize the safe practice of the sport to facilitate enjoyment and offer training to all members in the use of the bow. Founded in 2007 by Dr.Reinold Goetz, we are now growing to become one of the larger clubs at RCSI. With over 50 active members, we represent the college regularly through our participation in national events such as intervarsities and the National Student Indoor Championships and have won numerous medals since we were founded.
ROYAL COLLEGE PLAYERS SOCIETY Presidents: Laura Hughes Email: players@rcsi.ie
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ISCLAIMER: In spite of our name, or incredibly sexy cast and crew, our society doesn’t roam pubs hungrily looking for lonely singles to take home.
Instead, we declare our undying love to an empty pizza box, lather our faces with make up to look pretty under the lights, perform weird dances in the name of warming up (lookin’ at you Cormac), and do our very best to bring you the greatest show you’ll ever see! The Players organize plays every semester in addition to acting/ directing workshops, accents workshops (because we all know how cringe worthy an inaccurate accent can be), prosthetic make up workshops (to scare your mates and have a good laugh), sketch nights and even theater trips to see the latest plays in famous Dublin theaters for a fraction of the price. So do you fancy yourself an undiscovered thespian? Or wondered what it would be like to have every person in the audience just waiting with baited breath as you deliver a big reveal or plot twist? Maybe you like knowing the nuts and bolts of how we procure our amazing (and sometimes dangerous) props seemingly out of nowhere. If this short piece has intrigued you or contributed to your procrastination while studying, drop us an email and remember to sign up during sign up day!
LGBT SOCIETY Presidents: Kineta Valoo Email: lgbt@rcsi.ie
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GBT Soc is ready for an amazing year, and we’re going to hit the ground running! Our society has a number of goals and objectives, including: to create a space where LGBT students and like-minded individuals can meet and spend time together; to educate the RCSI community about LGBT culture and issues; and to foster tolerance, acceptance and open-mindedness of the LGBT community. Throughout the year we’ll be holding a number of diverse events, from social outings and casual get-togethers to information nights. Everyone, regardless of sexuality, gender identity, race, religion, nationality, favourite colour, etc., is more than welcome to attend. We hope to see you throughout the year! :)
RUGBY - MENS Presidents: Martin Davey Email: rugby@rcsi.ie
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CSI RFC is the oldest continuously running club in the royal college of surgeons and indeed the country with a 119 year history, and has had a wide range of success over the years. In addition to being a Leinster league club for the coming season the club is strongly associated with the Beaumont team for competition in the Dublin Hospitals Cup competition one of the oldest competitions in the world. We hope to provide health professionals and non-health professionals alike with a friendly atmosphere to develop as players and a social society to develop as people. Previous international rugby players involved with the society include Felipe Contempomi and Karl Mullen and we have a proud heritage of success on the pitch notably in the previous academic year with reaching a semi final in the colleges rugby league. Another aspect of the club is as a connection between the college and international medical schools, evidenced by exhibition matches against two French Squads: St.Antoine and Toulouse Hospitals Rugby.
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Clubs & Societies
CRITTERS SOCIETY Presidents: Kristi Ragoonanan Namrata Soni (VP) Email: critterssociety@rcsi.ie
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alling all animal lovers!!! Do you long for the warm, fuzzy embrace of a cute, cuddly puppy? Then RCSI Critters Society is the club for you. Join our society for the chance to meet other animal lovers. We have a ton fun events planned for this year including our monthly dog walking trips to ASH animal rescue shelter and our Rent-A-Doggie event which was a huge success last year. These events allow students to meet and interact with some lovely dogs while also raising funds for a great cause. These events also act as de-stressors during the semester because as we all know the best therapists have four legs and fur. Other activities include service animal talks which educate the student population about the role and importance of animals in the healthcare system. We also host bake sales in order to raise funds for animal welfare societies in Dublin. We are a new and growing society and are always open to suggestions for new activities. The upcoming year promises to be a great one so join our facebook page; RCSI Critters, or email us to be added to our mailing list. We look forward to meeting new members in this upcoming year!!
RCSI STUDENT MEDICAL JOURNAL Presidents: Natalie Achamallah and Mohit Butane Email: editorsmj@rcsi.ie
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re you in medicine, physiotherapy, pharmacy or nursing? Do you enjoy writing? Do you have medical research that you would like to publish? Are you looking for a great way to amp up your CV? Well then RCSIsmj is for you! We would like you to research, write and submit your work to RCSIsmj. The journal is written, edited and run entirely by RCSI students and gives students an opportunity to showcase their writing and research abilities. The new submission deadline for the journal is October 23rd, 2015. The categories of submission guidelines are: original articles, standard reviews, abstracts, case reports, perspectives, elective reviews, research news, careers, and ethics challenge. If you don’t submit an article, not to worry because there are other ways to stay involved! RCSIsmj hosts journal club meetings several times a term. These fun, engaging meetings are educational and informative information sessions about new research led by our faculty. Professors involved include: Professor Hill, Professor McElvaney, Professor Lee, and many others! It’s a great way to learn something new, get to know your professors, meet upper classmen and there’s pizza! If you are interested and need more information feel free to visit our website: www.rcsismj.com or contact us via email.
CIMSA Presidents: Danielle Moorman Email: canadian@rcsi.ie
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ear Canadians and those aspiring to be… The Canadian Irish Medical Student Association is a well established society that is proud to present to you a variety of events throughout the year. From keeping traditions such as our annual CIMSA Thanksgiving and Belfast Giants Hockey Trip to honouring Canadian spelling with “-our”, CIMSA shows that the Canadian spirit is very much alive and well! Whether you are Canadian or want to meet more Canadians, this society has something to offer to you! Along with the fun, CIMSA holds events detailing up-to-date information on strategies to match back to Canada, opportunities for research, electives, residency and more! Make sure to like our Facebook page (at facebook.com/CimsaMed) to be the first to know about our future events or send us an email if you have any questions, and we look forward to meeting you on sign up day!
BASKETBALL Presidents: Manny Bajwa and Sim Brar Email: basketballladies@rcsi.ie
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he RCSI Basketball Club has two components to it, two competitive teams and a unisex club for all levels. The separate ladies and mens teams compete with universities within our division across Ireland during the league year. The year ends with a weekend of fun and basketball for the final tournament of the year, Intervarsities, this April. This is where every college basketball team in Ireland meet for a weekend of nonstop basketball and partying. The addition of a club component is what makes us unique. Our club is for everyone and anyone who signs up. It involves open gym pick-up basketball three times weekly, where casual players or team players drop by for some 3 on 3; mini intra-mural type tournaments, where students make their own teams and compete for a grand prize; lessons for beginners and all female days too. This club is designed to bring girls and boys who share a passion for the sport together and to have an organised physical outlet available for students during the hectic school year. Join our Facebook page RCSI Basketball.
PHOTOGRAPHY SOCIETY Presidents: Vincent NG Email: photosoc@rcsi.ie
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ired of all those cramped arms tryna get that perfect selfie? Worry not! Photosoc is here! If this is your first time hearing about our society it certainly won’t be your last! We aim to photograph as many college events throughout the year and post all our photos on our Facebook page! We’re always looking to recruit new photographers and grow our society even further! Join photosoc for photography tutorials and cool photography trips around Ireland. Find us on Facebook under the group name : RCSI Photography Society If you’re lost, follow the flash!
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Clubs & Societies
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he Mens hockey club has been a long standing, popular and competitive club in RCSI. Every year this club competes at the intervarsities tournament with many of the other universities from around the country. Additionally, annually the rcsi mens hockey club combines with the rcsi womens hockey club to compete at the mixed intervarsities tournament. David Mccrea from RCSI mens hockey club has previously played for ireland at U16,18 and 21 level and was selected for trials for the irish universities team. Mens hockey also hosts weekly training sessions and is looking to fund a trip abroad this coming year with a swell of incoming students to build the club upon.
ISLAMIC SOCIETY Presidents: Aseem Aied Email: Isoc@rcsi.ie
MENS HOCKEY CLUB Presidents: David McCrea Email: hockeymens@rcsi.ie
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n the name of Allah the most Gracious the most Merciful; All Praise is due to Allah, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him.
The Islamic society: RCSI is known to hold many students from different parts of the world of different cultures and faiths. ISOC tries to integrate all students of the college to strengthen the friendship and belief. Everybody is welcome, whether you are a Muslim, interested in Islam or simply looking to make friends. ISOC also provides a perfect platform to help students learn more about Islam and its people throughout activities organised. Having won the best society of the year award three times in the last five years, the Islamic society is one of the biggest and most active societies in the college. One of the main goals of the Islamic society is to cater for the needs of the increasingly growing Muslim population of RCSI. This is achieved by providing appropriate prayer facilities for obligatory daily prayersand organising Friday sermons among other services. The ISOC acts as a Muslim student body that can represent Muslim students at the college administration level. It also attempts to create a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood between the Muslims, thus allowing(encouraging) them to advise and support one another during the student years.
ISOC tries to achieve its objectives through organising a wide variety of events, be it social, spiritualor academic. All our events adhere to the Islamictraditions and principles. Weekly Halaqa’s, Friday sermons, charity events, and Eid celebrations are just some of many services we provide for our members and the RCSI community at large. In this way, we offer a platform to our members to positively influence the wider community. The Islamic Society’s job is to try to make life on campus easier for all Muslims, and to coordinate the work of the society. Every year we elect an executive committee. This is a purely administrative body, which consults relevant authorities in all of our activities. Beyond the executive committee, there are many active members upon whom the majority of the work of our society depends. Together we strive to promote a dynamic and unified environment, which provides a pure understanding of Islam as a way of life for all humanity. We are sure that you wouldn’t let go of the chances to get involved in ISOC’s activities and make your college life full of wonderful memories! We welcome any advice or feedback you might have and hope to see you around!
DANCE SOCIETY Presidents: Tessa Weinberg and Katherine Murphy Email: dancesoc@rcsi.ie
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alling all dancers and workout lovers! We would love for you to be a part of dancesoc! With 5 classes a week, Dancesoc is by far one of the most active societies at RCSI. We offer zumba twice a week, ballet, jazz, irish, bhangra and more! All classes are in Damer Hall, right across from the school except for ballet which is at 8 Cecelia Street Temple Bar very close to college. Anyone and everyone is welcome, no matter what your level of experience is. Dancesoc is a warm, welcoming and fun environment. Dance class is a great way to get a workout in and stay in shape during the school year as well as a good study break. It’s really a great way to meet new people. The teachers are enthusiastic, love what they do and cater to the needs of the students in class. Our choreography is used in Chocolate ball and International Night. We also created a new event in collaboration with the Student’s Union called Strictly Come Dancing! It’s a fun night of couples performances that are judged by a panel of upbeat and hilarious judges! Most importantly, dancesoc has a great executive team that works to constantly improve our classes to ensure we are the best society we can be. We are always looking for our members input so give us a shout whenever. Whether you just want to drop by, or come by every week check us out! Our facebook group: RCSI Dance Society
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ow can something come from nothing? Who are you really? Do we have free will? Do you allow your mind to wonder? Do you have an insatiable curiosity about life’s big questions? The Philosophical and Literary Society was recently established in September 2014. The founders felt that there was a need for a group where persons could discuss truly meaningful and profound topics. A group that welcomed unconventional thinkers who would be unafraid to tackle the hardest philosophical concepts presented to man throughout the ages. Together, we can unlock the door to more enlightenment and wisdom. According to Nietzsche, ‘No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself ’. We spice things up by holding our discussions in various fashions- it may be a small group meeting at a café or park in Dublin or following one of our film nights or guest speakers. Our society also has a literary component. Here we aim to promote and source talent in the arts. We host our very own ‘Expressions’ aka RCSI’s Got Talent, a writing competition and engage in the intervarsity poetry slam and Ted Talks. We even host debates for pure entertainment and fun and on issues that students tend to be very passionate about. Last year it was the Hogwarts House Debate, where speakers had to convince the crowd why their house was the best. The team even dressed up as Harry Potter characters! This year, we are happy to embark on a very special project; working alongside Divercsity to produce Roses and Proses, an RCSI publication composed of short stories, poems, drawings and pictures. You can contact us at philosophicalandlite@rcsi.ie . Facebook page: RCSI’s Philosophical and Literary Society. We look forward to welcoming you into our society! A great year is ahead!
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PHILOSOPHICAL AND LITERARY SOCIETY Presidents: Petal Elder Email: philosophicalandlite@rcsi.ie
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Clubs & Societies
PAEDIATRICS SOCIETY Presidents: Hailey Carroll Email: paediatrics@rcsi.ie
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e are a careers society dedicated to large people who want to work with small people. As well as career based talks we hope to run a large amount of social events and a teddy bear hospital where children from the area come into RCSI for the day and bring their sick teddys to our custom made stuffed animal care unit (SACU). To get involved during the year join the RCSI paediatrics society facebook page.
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he RCSI UNICEF Society works under UNICEF Ireland and dedicates each year to saving and protecting the lives of children in over 150 countries by supporting UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy and education in Ireland. We believe that by working together, the obstacles that poverty, violence, diseases and discrimination place in a child’s path can be overcome, and we aim to build a world where the rights of every child is recognized. We look forward to presenting to you many events and initiatives throughout this coming year and each contributing to achieve our common goal! Like our Facebook page or send us a message to find out more ways to get involved!
PSYCHOLOGY SOCIETY Presidents: Nathalie Edmunds and Buban Firoz Email: careersocpsychology@rcsi.ie
UNICEF SOCIETY Presidents: Danyal Khan Email: unicef@rcsi.ie
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re you searching for an open forum where you can freely discuss some of the most controversial topics of today? Have you ever wondered about the mental processes criminals undergo just moments before committing a crime? Maybe you’ve felt confused seeing all your Twitter followers panicking over a flu outbreak happening thousands of miles away, and wondered why is everyone overreacting? Look no further, RCSI’s Psychology Society is here to help you answer those questions and many more! A society created to bring together students with a passion for psychology and all that relates to the mind and behavior, we aim to foster and inspire each individual’s love for the field, as well as broaden each and every member’s horizons, pushing everyone to think beyond what is accepted, and past their comfort zones. Nominated for the “Best New Society” award, we have an array of monthly events, ranging from heated discussion nights to captivating guest speakers. Movie nights are also included for those who think they can brave some of the most mind-bending psychological thrillers! This upcoming year we hope to further expand into the clinical fields by bringing in workshops on professional counseling, promoting mental health awareness, and working on the stigmas associated with mental illnesses. The Psychology Society strives to be a home for all students, no background in psychology needed! However, what we do require is passion, an open mind, and the willingness to share anything that pops into your mind. This is probably the only place on campus where you can share your opinions on any up and coming topic, no filters and restraint needed. So come one, come all and share with us your ideas and thoughts on psychology today!
BADMINTON Presidents: Jason Teoh Email: badminton@rcsi.ie
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atching badminton players the likes of Lin Dan of China, Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia and even Scott Evans of IRELAND compete in prestigious tournaments such as the Thomas Cup and the Olympic Games, it is without a doubt badminton is a popular sport. The fastest racquet sport in the world will put your fitness, reflexes and agility to the test. Badminton is a game of speed, accuracy and strategy. It cultivates sportsmanship and expands your social circle. If the gym is too crowded and running outdoors is too cold, badminton is the perfect cardio workout. You’ll be working every muscle in your body and you wouldn’t even feel it. Why watch on the side when you can be part of the game? The Badminton Club provides you the opportunity to pick up a new sport or to rekindle your passion for badminton. Anyone and everyone from all levels are welcome. So, don’t be shy. All equipment will be provided. All you need is to attend the sessions. So, what are you waiting for? Sign yourself up. Get your friends to sign up and let the games begin!
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akistan India Bangladesh and Sri Lanka society invites you to come join us for a year of good food, music, dance, fun events and a chance to learn more about south Asian culture! Our main event this past year was Diwali, which was a sellout despite it being our first year as a society. It gets even better! All of the proceeds raised during our events are donated to a non-profitable charity. Not only do we host our own events throughout the year, but we also have participated in other school events such as international night and chocolate ball! Our committee is made up of friendly individuals who are easy to contact via almost any social media site. We would love to have you join us this year and be apart of our Pibs family and hope to see you on sign up day!
POLO Presidents: Daniel Mac Manus Email: polo@rcsi.ie
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nternational polo player Fiona Seager and a small core group of dedicated players established our club in 2008. The polo club aims to provide its university students with the opportunity to learn about polo equitation and horsemanship. Since its beginning, members have worked tirelessly to build a strong foundation for the club, which has achieved impressive growth. With each passing year a growing interest in the club is evident, which is a testament to our commitment to the recruitment of both experienced and inexperienced alike. This dedication of members has been rewarded by ever improving performances at major national inter-university tournaments each year in the UK, France, Scotland, and the culminating in a victory at the Tri-Nations in Ireland in 2015.
aelic Football is Ireland’s homegrown and most popular sport. If you want to experience the fun, excitement and thrill of Ireland’s native sport, Ladies Gaa is the perfect club for you! It is a great way to make friends in a healthy non-academic environment. The team trains twice a week in the RCSI sports grounds or Clan na nGael football club. Any queries feel free to email us or join our Facebook page RCSI Ladies GAA. We look forward to seeing you on the pitch in September!
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PIBS SOCIETY Presidents: Manpreet Bajwa Email: pibs@rcsi.ie
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LADIES GAA Presidents: Niamh Sheridan and Marie Larkin Email: gaaladies@rcsi.ie
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Clubs & Societies CANCER SOCIETY Presidents: Samar Atteih and Paraic Behan Email: cancersociety@rcsi.ie
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ver the past few years, RCSI Cancer Society has grown in number, power and capacity to become a group whose continuous efforts can make a difference in the lives of those with cancer. Devoted to enhancing student awareness of the latest developments in cancer research, as well as raising money in support of research, patient care and support services, RCSI Cancer Society has successfully hosted numerous notable events. Through the continuous support of the RCSI student body, our events such as the Pink Party, Movember, Relay for Life and a Day in the Life of an Oncologist have been successful in fundraising and awareness promotion, with 100% of our proceeds going to both the Irish Cancer Society and Breast Cancer Ireland. Throughout the year, we also collaborate with these groups in national cancer awareness campaigns and fundraisers such as Daffodil Day and the Movember run. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing that you, even in the smallest way, contributed to putting a smile on a patient’s face. As future doctors, we need to join together to not only raise awareness of preventative measures and the pathology of cancer, but also to help make life easier for those who are already afflicted with the disease. We welcome all members, especially you, freshers!
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN HEALTHCARE SOCIETY Presidents: Taylor Petropoulos Email: leadershipmanagement@rcsi.ie
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ttention future healthcare leaders! If leading the pack is your thing, then the Leadership and Management in Healthcare Society is for you! We offer a range of interesting and informative events designed to build your leadership skills and help you succeed. This year we’re planning on running many events including mock card signings, guidance sessions, Investopedia, interview preparation, leadership debates, elective workshops and specialty specific information sessions. Knowing how to make the most out of your time at RCSI and prepare yourself for the road ahead can be difficult. Our events are a great way to meet upper classmen, make new friends and get some great tips! Our committee is full of approachable and knowledgeable RCSI students, who are always ready to answer your questions! We look forward to seeing new faces at our events this year. Like us on facebook: Leadership & Management in Healthcare Society- RCSI
Meet the SU! « THE SU OFFICERS
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he student union of RCSI stands as your link to the faculty of the college. As a unit we stand as your voice in influencing how you would like to see your college years play out. We therefore hope that you all find a tremendous experience at RCSI. In whatever way we can, we will listen to and act on your opinions. So come and chat with us and let us know your issues, concerns and needs. We are a laid back bunch and therefore we are all very excited to get to meet and interact with all incoming students. Just for a brief explanation, the SU is composed of eight officers all of whom deals with specific tasks. These include: Randhir - El Presidente and our fearless leader. The best thing out of Trinidad since Nicki Minaj. Luke - He’s our guy for education, but we’re still waiting on him to teach us the ways of the Irish charm. Fahad - Omar Borkan has nothing on this guy, between the killer jawline and IT skills Saudi was begging him NOT to leave. Beth - Fit and fabulous, she’s the leader of the RCSI health pack. Paul - His wit and popularity are outranked only by his capability to organize straight deadly events. Fiona - It’s a bit of a mystery as to how they fit so much kindness and charisma into such a small frame. Nathalie - Observing cultural traditions is much easier from such a high vantage point. Arief - His biggest muscle is actually his heart.
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Entertainment
// Scene it! - the word on plays and reviews ...brought to you by an untrained eye
« SU KYI NG
ONCE
The Olympia Theatre - 4th July-12th September
I came to The Olympia not knowing what to expect. Having seen the movie, I wasn’t particularly entranced by its slow storytelling and home-movie feel and it prove difficult to imagine the story on stage. The music from the film, however, definitely stood out. I particularly enjoyed Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s voices together in what could only be described, as sweet acoustic folk-rock. In the stage adaptation, I was thrilled to find that the music is just as powerful, if not, amplified by the twelve-person cast which double as the musical ensemble. The pièce de résistance of the entire performance was the highly anticipated, Academy Award winning song, “Falling Slowly” performed by Tom Parsons and Megan Riordan. The lead actors in this production have undeniable onstage chemistry and voices that resonate harmoniously together as well as with the rest of the talented cast. The charm of this rustic musical largely comes from the simple and intimate production. Before the performance, the audience are invited onto the fully functional on-stage bar for a pint (The one time you’ll ever rush to be on stage!). The production team does an excellent job of subtly undermining the usually-sacred barrier between stage and audience, and in this way, create a personal feel from the get-go. Before you realize, the small cast of twelve trickle onto stage for an Irish folk song session. It’s difficult
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to tell when the string of seemingly endless folk songs will end, but when it does, it’s both seamless and obvious. There is an instant and magnetic change in lighting and tone when the play begins. It’s literally the story of Guy meets Girl and the following events “fall slowly”, –ehem- and rather, conveniently into place. Set on a cold night in inner city Dublin, the unnamed leads meet on Grafton Street when Czech immigrant, Girl is entranced by Guy’s pained and passionate singing of an original song. She nosily urges him to sing in efforts to ‘win back’ the ‘long lost love’ from his songs. Through numerous light-hearted scenes that span just a few days, once-disheartened, Irish musician Guy rediscovers the joy of making music together with Girl and a rag-tag band of musicians. The grand fairy tale-like gesture of ‘winning back his girl’ is put into the context of these character’s real life struggles, creating an endearingly human story. Megan Riordan, as Girl, is magnetic and mysterious. She exudes a maternal vibe and portrays Girl as an Eastern European woman who is playful, tough and caring all at once. Tom Parson’s exceptional portrayal of exceedingly-regular bloke, Guy, is layered and complex. The emotional depth in both in his voice and expression is beautifully complemented by peeks of light-heartedness in his character. A true musical about music, passion and fun, Once the Musical doesn’t aim to be an epic love story. Instead, it is both passionate and practical, so real and raw. ONCE, is a name so thematically appropriate. This musical brilliantly captures what it means to live in the moment, and celebrates fleeting moments of love, infatuation, and the simple joy of creating something new together.
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Photos used with permission from Oncemusical.ie
I
f you asked me to describe my impression of Dublin, I’d have to ask you to watch Once the Musical. The performance essentially radiates Dublin’s feel and sound. It’s everything I love about Dublin mirrored in two hours of song, humour and heart. Parallels to the city are drawn from the multi-ethnic blend of characters while Dublin’s famed culture of creativity remains a vital and central component in the story. Even the cozy, familiar feel of Dublin is captured in the production as the minimalist set is illuminated with a sparing but thoughtful glow of spotlight, reminiscent of Irish weather.
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MORE ABOUT THE MUSICAL Landmark Productions brings us Once the Musical. It has been on Broadway for three years, London’s West End for two years, and is the winner of numerous awards including Oliviers, Academy Awards and Tony Awards, including one for best musical. If this means nothing to you, it is at least a testament to this clever stage adaptation’s endearing ability to capture the hearts of audience and critics alike. Once returns to Dublin where it’s all set, and it truly feels like it belongs here. It has even made Olympia its home for a little longer, extending its original run to ten weeks, set to close on Sept 12th. The production is graced by tourists and locals alike, attracting both passers-by and long-time fans of the hugely successful movie directed by John Carney on which it is based.
“Once you see this, you won’t ever forget it”
For all you Potterheads out there, look out for the director of this musical, John Tiffany. He is directing JK Rowling’s West End play, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child set to premiere in 2016.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Photos taken by Patrick Redmond, used with permission.
Movie vs Musical: If you’ve seen the movie, you would have either loved it or hated it. Let me tell you, the Musical is an amplification of all that is good in the movie and so much more. If you’re a fan of musicals, don’t expect the over-the top, high-budget grandeur of musical theatre that Wicked or The Phantom Of The Opera is. Instead, expect a low-key feel that’s easy going, but lovable through and through. The songs don’t necessarily propel the narrative like they do in a lot of other musicals, but serve as a thematic and emotional anchor. Though production is minimalist, it is extremely clever. Exciting and fresh choreography, graceful transitions, and efficient use of props will keep you at the edge of your seat, with heart pounding and eyes peeled. This musical is a perfect example of how, sometimes, less is more. It has all the elegance of a blockbuster musical, but remains down-toearth, humble and poised. A different take on the traditional musical, Once the Musical dances with its audience. It entrances and enchants and after, leaves you hopelessly smitten.
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// Photojournalist: Must Visit Landmarks. ÂŤ YASODA SUBRAMANIAN
Photos taken from the following landmark sites in Dublin: Top right: St. Stephens Green Park. Middle left: The Spire, Middle Right: The Liffey River. Bottom left and right: Famine Memorial. Do you have a photgraphic eye and are looking to be published? Submit your photography with the subject Photo Submissions to divercsity@rcsi.ie
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Entertainment
// Book review: Firefly Lane by Kristen Hannah.
« RUTH EMMANUEL
K
“That was the thing about best friends. Like sisters and mothers, they could piss you off and make you cry and break your heart, but in the end, when the chips were down, they were there, making you laugh even in your darkest hours. ”
irstin Hannah’s Firefly Lane tells the story of Kate Mularkey and Tully Hart. Set in the late 90’s in the constantly changing Pacific Northwest United States, the tale begins the summer before Kate and Tully enter 8th grade. Kate had accepted that she was fated to the life of an outcast until she met Tully Hart. Tully was the embodiment of mystery and intrigue and drew people to her like moths to a flame. Very little time elapsed before they grew to be inseparable. Over the thirty years of friendship that ensue, each girl becomes her own woman, with her own dilemmas and a destiny of her own making. The themes of friendship, love, betrayal, jealousy and ambition are thoroughly explored through the lives of the characters and the completely realistic plot. The lack of the extraordinary is actually what makes this novel quite loveable. We can relate, empathise and understand. We start eighth grade with the two girls, go to university with them, and accompany them every step of the way. Hannah’s pen-woven world draws us in and immerses us in their separate yet
irrevocably intertwined lives. For the duration of this book, we are ‘putty’ in Hannah’s hands. Our emotions are hers to command. It becomes evident to us, the power we relinquish to the people we love and that a soul-mate doesn’t always come with romance attached. Kristin Hannah is a talented writer and like the great classics before her, has definitely delivered a page-turner while simultaneously, raises awareness about issues that plague today’s society. It is a story for best friends, mothers and daughters, teens and adults. Jodi Picoult’s fans will definitely take a shine to this one. So, for her brilliant command of language and mastery of literature, Hannah gets an 8/10 on the good read scale. It has come to our attention, however, that despite appealing to a relatively wide demographic, Firefly Lane cannot be described as a number one pick for men. However, we challenge you macho men to get in touch with your emotional side.
“Thoughts - even fears - were airy things, formless until you made them solid with your voice and once given that weight, they could crush you.”
Have a read! I dare you not to cry.
« YARA ZAYOUT
DID YOU KNOW? 1) Guinea pigs and rabbits can’t sweat. 2) The word “queue” is the only word in the English language that is still pronounced the same way when the last four letters are removed.
Brainy Bites //
3) Leonardo da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time.
3) What has 3 eyes but can’t see?
6) Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.
4) How many months of the year have 28 days?
7) There is a city called Rome on every continent. 8) Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a “Friday the 13th.”
5) How do you make the number one disappear?
9) Earth is the only planet not named after a god.
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Answers 1. Teeth 2. A candle 3. Mississippi 4. All 12 months! 5. Add the letter G and it’s gone
5) Of all the words in the English language, the word ‘set’ has the most definitions!
SEPTEMBER 2015
1) Thirty white horses on a red hill, First they champ, Then they stamp, Then they stand still. 2) I am tall when I am young and I am short when I am old. What am I?
4) On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily.
10) Russia has a larger surface area than Pluto.
CAN YOU SOLVE THESE RIDDLES?
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Entertainment
// The Corzies: Movie Reviews.
« CORMAC DUFF
The Diary of a Teenage Girl.
“I
had sex today. Holy shit.” Opening lines of The Diary of a Teenage Girl. Teen movies are usually like cinema popcorn: buttery and stale. Meanwhile, young adult novels rarely ring true. Their voice is too often that of a starving thirtysomething author. Mean Girls and The Catcher in the Rye are few and far between. Which makes this Sundance indie all the more remarkable.
Minnie’s ne’er-do-well mother. A product of the Sexual Revolution, she is “liberated” and thoroughly unrestrained. But her feckless lifestyle has its side effects - two teenage daughters, conceived by two former partners. Yet despite her flaws and irresponsibility, we empathise with her. She makes the best of a bad situation. Even if her situation is (largely) of her own making.
“I just want to be touched. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” Minnie Goetz feels real. She constantly reminds you what it feels like to be a 15 years old: insecure and alienated. Longing to be cherished. Like Inside Out’s Riley, she has the maturity of a child trying to come to complexity of an adult’s emotions. Based on Phoebe Gloeckner’s semi-autobiographical graphic novel, Minnie lives with her divorced mother in 1970s San Francisco. She loses her virginity not to some prep-school classmate – but to her mother’s 35-year-old lover. This premise understandably turned every Hollywood studio and financier. And its 18-rated nudity, language and illicit drug use ruled out any teenage audience. First-time director Marielle Heller had her work cut out. She adapted and starred in a play version in 2010. She begged for the film rights. Over several years, and cobbled together a shoestring budget from various grants and corporate donations.
Her current squeeze, Monroe, is altogether less admirable. Deliberately or not, he initiates the “relationship”. He’s old enough to be her father! At best he’s a statutory rapist. At worst he’s a child molester. Monroe realises that his actions are opportunistic, exploitative and wrong. But his moral conviction fails to overthrow his carnal appetite. Now you surely believe him to be a repugnant character. Yet in the hands of Alexander Skarsgard, he is relatable, even pitiable. Skarsgard is best known as True Blood’s amoral, charismatic vampire. Here, a filthy moustache and a bad taste in beer make him thoroughly… human. Monroe is just another man with pipe dreams of retiring on a yacht within a decade. Right now – he’s in too deep.
In lesser hands, Diary would have run out of steam within half an hour. But a balance of heart-wrenching angst and irreverent humour kept me enthralled. The leading trio are its biggest draw. Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids) adds depth to
Which brings us to Minnie herself. Hollywood has a habit of casting adults as pimply freshmen, from Steve McQueen, aged 30 in The Blob (1958), to Andrew Garfield, 27 in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012). So when I began this review, I wanted to commend Heller on casting an actual teenager. That is, until I discovered actress Bel Powley was not 15 – but a ripe ol’ 21.
Still, I’m sure she is still ID’d every time she orders a mojito. And she completely credible as an adolescent – certain that she is fat and unloveable. “What’s the point in living if nobody loves you, nobody, touches you, nobody sees you?” Her longing glances towards Monroe betray her emotional frailty. Her desire seems doomed by social convention, family matters and Monroe’s own lack of commitment. A necessary guardedness to her mother makes her plight even lonelier. We the audience feel for Minnie. More importantly, we feel fifteen again.
Mad Max: Fury Road
T
he Godfather Part III. The Matrix Revolutions. The Dark Knight Rises. Film trilogies are littered with disappointing finales. The Mad Max trilogy was a prime example. The 1979 original was a low-budget muscle car flick: think a scaled-down Fast & Furious in the Outback. Its 1981 sequel, The Road Warrior, upped the ante thanks to an exponentially higher budget. Its climactic chase sequence remains one of cinema’s all-time action highlights. So what did Hollywood do with Part Three? Tone down the violence. Add annoying children. Make feckin’ Tina Turner the love interest. Needless to say, Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome is not “Simply the Best”. So I was sceptical when I heard about yet another Mad Max, first announced in… 2001? (Editor’s note: that’s not a misprint.) 2001. Everyone had a Nokia 3310. Apple shares were $10 a pop. And nine-year-old could still enter an aeroplane’s cockpit. The 9/11 attacks delayed filming. And so, Mad Max 4 remained in “development hell” for over a decade. Would it be closer to Schindler’s List or Duke Nukem Forever? Director George Miller has a… ahem, “mixed” record with sequels (Babe: Pig in the City, Happy Feet 2). Audiences had their first taste at Comic-Con 2014, as its debut trailer was released. And it was… AWESOME! Seriously, Youtube it. Its one of my favourite movie trailer ever, along with Iron Man and The Wolf of Wall Street. Yet neither of those quite lived up to their 90-second sizzle reels. Could this? Yes. Yes. One thousand times yes. Happily, Mad Max: Fury Road isn’t a slave to continuity. (Unlike the increasingly cramped Marvel Cinematic Universe.) Everything you need to know is set up in the first five minutes.
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Man lost civilisation. Max has lost his mind. He suppresses grief and every other human emotions. In this postapocalyptic wasteland, he has regressed to an animal. He no longer lives. He survives. But his luck runs out when he is captured by a homicidal cult of War Boys. It’s at this point I always wonder - why bother keeping Max alive? Why not hijack the sweet-ass V8 Interceptor and leave its driver for the buzzards? But Miller, qualified doctor, comes up with a unique and plausible reason. Max Rockatansky’s blood type is O negative. And if you slept through your Haematology lectures, that’s the Universal Donor. Caged like veal, his blood literally fuels his anaemic captors. Blood isn’t the only precious fluid in the wasteland. The original trilogy played off the fears of an OPEC-era audience – “peak oil”. But modern fracking has brought a barrel of oil down to a measly $42 - a fraction of its 2008 value. As that year’s (awful) Quantum of Solace predicted, water has become most precious resource. In Fury Road, its life-giving flow is controlled exclusively by the Big Bad, Immortan Joe. A despicable patriarch, Joe rules over his oasis Citadel with an iron fist. Yet every great leader needs a right-hand man. Immortan Joe… has a woman. Imperator Furiosa. Remember that name. It joins Ellen Ripley, Sarah Connors or Katniss Everdeen in the pantheon of cinema’s greatest action heroines. Charlize Theron’s magnetic performance deserves top billing, overshadowing poor Tom Hardy in every scene. In a just world, her harrowing portrayal would earn her an Oscar nomination. Furiosa is the true protagonist. Her act of defiance sets the plot in motion. This is her road to redemption.
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Most action films hit their stride in their final act - their last half-hour or so. But Miller admits his creation is two hours of “final act”. All climax. But in contrast with most bloated blockbusters, Fury Road masterfully demonstrates how “less is more”. Dialogue is lean, not bloated. Sound design is bombastic, not deafeningly. Violence is R-rated, yet restrained. Action is breathless - yet its full hour of speed-ramping is unobtrusive. Superimposed practical effects are a treat to the eyes. By obeying the laws of physics, they massage the brain. That’s a real fireball. This is an actual explosion. That mega-amped double-guitar really is a flamethrower! Jeez, just writing about it makes me want to… Ah what the hell? 1600 words is enough. Corzie’s got a movie to watch.
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M
Inside Out
oving. For an adult – it’s exciting, or tedious. For a child, moving home is traumatic - abandoning all that is familiar, safe and secure. In Pixar’s latest opus, 11-year-old Riley exchanges snowy Minnesota suburbia for a chilly San Francisco condominium. But it’s what’s inside that counts. During Riley’s idyllic childhood, most memories are happy - bright yellow in her mind. Buffeted by an unprecedented crisis and emotional upheaval, Riley struggles to keep her sunny disposition. Five colourful characters who make Inside Out truly memorable: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust. Personifications of Riley’s five primal emotions. Clever writing and pitch-perfect casting make each witty and loveable. Amy Poehler (Parks and Rec) is Joy and Phyllis from The Office (U.S.) is Sadness. As in Toy Story or Finding Nemo, this unlikely pair is forced together in a “buddy cop” scenario.
Joy undergoes the most personal growth. She is first overbearing – treating the other emotions as employees. Tolerating them. She herself is guilty of hubris. She wishes to maximise happiness - at the expense of everything else. And when she interferes with a delicate balance, she risks unravelling the fabric of her universe. Joy must face reality. She must learn the limitations of a “can-do” attitude. Understand that a wide grin isn’t the best response in every situation. Most importantly, she must learn to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion. And this means embracing humility… I loved loved loved Inside Out! I loved its energetic action scenes. Its hilarious visuals. And its noble message. Watch it – and bring tissues. And I guarantee that you’re going to cry during its running time - at least once! I can’t remember the last film that made me tear up like… Damn it, Pixar! I can’t even see the laptop screen anymore! Excuse me for a minute. I have to check on the immersion… More Corzie Reviews at corzies.com
Seb Says //
« SEBASTIAN GRACIAS
M
usic is often described as a sonic expression of emotion. An art form that is constantly evolving, and for many, it is an irreplaceable part of daily life.
Tune Picks Of The Month: 1) No Waves - FIDLAR 2) Giant Peach - Wolf Alice 3) You’re All I Have - Snow Patrol 4) Tightrope - Walk the Moon 5) Little Monster - Royal Blood 6) We Can Do What We Want - Drenge 7) Staying Alive - Capital Cities 8) 1901 - Phoenix 9) Huckleberry Crumble - Stone Temple Pilots 10) This Life - Curtis Stigers, The Forest Rangers (SOA Theme Song)
With all this growth, came the creation of new genres – a lot of them- to the extent, where even subgenres had to be made. In the ‘Anaconda’ and ‘Roar’ infested jungle of today’s music scene, it is easy to be intimidated by the amount of material available. The Internet has complicated matters, somewhat, as well. The movement by artists away from record labels, and towards independent music creation means that they can get their music ‘out there’ quicker and easier. However, they often possess substantially less funding to market their material, and many listeners still remain relatively oblivious to their work when compared to label artists due to lack of airplay and major promotional productions. (Unless you’re Ed Sheeran, of course!) It’s time to shed light on those artists - whom you perhaps haven’t heard of before, or maybe haven’t listened to in a while. Every month, I’ll be bringing you the latest news from the music scene, with a playlist of tunes and artist recommendations outside the mainstream sphere. So without further ado, here is September’s tune picks, with a look at North London alternative quartet, Wolf Alice.
Photos taken from themicmagazine.co.uk
Wolf Alice
olf Alice is an alternative rock band originating from North London, who banded in 2010, and soon took the music world by storm. Starting out as an acoustic partnership between singer Ellie Rowsell and guitarist Joff Oddie, the band currently consists of 4 members and has released 2 EPs thus far. Their debut album, ‘My Love Is Cool’, was released on 22nd June 2015. The song ‘Moaning Lisa Smile’ peaked at #9 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and also appeared in the promotional trailer of Arrow’s season 3 mid-season premiere. This band has caught my eye for a variety of reasons, but chief among them, is their uniqueness in the music scene. In a world where rock music now consists of indie bands and Nickelback, Wolf Alice keep this genre alive and kicking. As rock tends to be dominated by male singers, it is refreshing to find a charismatic female vocalist in an act that is exhilarating to experience live. Their style is reminiscent to that of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Pixies and of course, the kings of grunge, Nirvana. This band’s distorted, raw sound and engaging lyrics make their work unforgettable – and my guess is, you’ll find the same if you gave them a listen.
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Artist Of The Month:
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Let’s backtrack a bit, shall we?. The oldest surviving musical composition was written in ancient Greek notation and music consequently underwent exponential development. We soon had the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods - and more recently the Late Romantic and post ‘Great War’ periods.
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Science
// Doses of History: The Early Medical Pioneers « TENGKU NAZIM
T
Write your comments and opinions to the editor editor.divercsity@rcsi.ie
he study of human anatomy dated back as early as 1600 BC, from the time of the ancient Egyptians. The Edwin Smith Papyrus (image top right), one of the few medical papyrus treatise to survive until today, presents a rational and scientific approach to medicine in ancient Egypt as opposed to other surviving texts from the same era which were heavily influenced by the idea of magic when it comes to internal medicine. This treatise is also one of the earliest surgical treatise on traumatic injuries and how to treat them.
Through these dissections, he argued against Aristotle’s longstanding theory that the heart was the “seat of intelligence” and stated that intelligence lied within the brain. Herophilos was the first person to differentiate between the cerebrum and cerebellum and their respective function and importance. In the end, however, Herophilos was accused by his peers to have performed dissections on live criminals instead of the ones that were executed. It was estimated that the number of his victims were to be around 600 prisoners.
Dissecting another human being for medical and research purposes was banned by law under the Roman Empire. Previously, much of the human anatomy was thought from what physicians learned from animal dissections. Comparative anatomy between man and ape was used to theorise the inner workings of the human body. The first recorded school of Anatomy was formed in between 300 to 2 BC in Alexandria, attracting medical students from all over the ancient world. King Ptolemy I was the first to allow medical officials to dissect and examine executed criminals for medical learning purposes.
Galen of Pergamon was also prominent Greek physician, surgeon and philosopher in the the Roman empire. Galen’s understanding of anatomy and medicine was heavily influenced by the then-current theory of humourism, which states that disease occurs when the four different humours in the body are imbalanced, made popular by Hippocrates. In 157 AD, Galen returned to Pergamon and became the Chief Physician to the gladiators of the High Priest of Asia. There, Galen was able to learn much of the human anatomy without having to perform human dissections, which was still outlawed. He referred to their wounds as “windows into the body”. By virtue of the type of injury that the gladiators received, he was able to learn much of the anatomy of the abdominal cavity. However, his studies and dissections done on pigs and apes allowed him a better understanding about organs and their functions. His two great anatomical works are “On Anatomical Procedure” and “On the Uses of the Parts of the Body of Man”. His theories in western medical science dominated and went unchallenged for the next 1300 years until 1543, when Andreas Vesalius published his ground breaking work “De Humani Corporis Fabrica”.
Human cadavers were first used for anatomical research during the 4th century BC when two Greek physicians, Herophilos and Erasistratus, gained permission to perform dissections on criminals in Alexandria. This enabled Herophilos to learn much more about the human anatomy than previous medical physicians. De Humani Corporis Fabrica
It was through his experiments that Galen was able to overturn many long-held beliefs in the medical community. He disproved the theory that arteries carried air from the heart and lungs to different parts of the body. This belief originated from dissection of arteries from dead animals that appeared empty. Galen was able to demonstrate that living arteries contain blood instead but made the error in stating that blood goes back and forth from the heart in an ebb-and-flow motion. Andreas Vesalius (image bottom right) was a Belgian anatomist, physician and author of one of the most influential books on human anatomy, “De Humani Corporis Fabrica” (On the Fabric of the Human Body).
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The Edwin Smith Papyrus Vesalius was the first to publish a treatise that would challenge the Galenic doctrine “drawing for drawing”. The drawings in the “De Humani Corporis Fabrica” were a detailed series of explanations and vivid drawings of the anatomical parts of the human body. To do this, Vesalius travelled all the way to Padua to dissect, with permission, hanged criminals from the gallows without fear of persecution. Previously, Galen’s theories on anatomy were read out and thought by a medical lecturer while a barber-surgeon would perform the dissection at the same time to illustrate what was being thought. However, any inaccuracies in Galen’s theories were not challenged and the dissected corpse was often said to be abnormal and was held to be in error. Vesalius decided to dissect corpses himself and trust his own observations and the evidence instead. His approach was considered highly controversial but his work led to his appointment as professor of surgery and anatomy at the University of Padua. In 1540, Vesalius gave a public demonstration on the inaccuracies of Galen’s anatomical theories, which was the orthodox understanding of the medical profession at the time. Vesalius had the skeletons of a human being displayed next to an ape’s for comparison. Thus, he was able to show that though many of Galen’s observations were indeed correct for the ape, they had little resemblance to man. In 1543, with the help of Italian Renaissance artists, Vesalius published his great work “De Humani Corporis Fabrica”. This set of books on human anatomy spanned a total of seven books and revolutionised the study of human anatomy at the time. With all his contributions, Vesalius came to be known as the “Father of Modern Anatomy”. Andreas Vesalius (1514 - 1564)
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Science
Anatomy WITH Clive Lee //
« PROF. CLIVE LEE HEAD OF ANATOMY RCSI, PRESIDENT OF THE ANATOMICAL SOCIETY.
CONTEST QUIZ QUESTION!!! COLLES’ EPONYMS
A
braham Colles was a student in RCSI in the 1790s but was not too impressed with the way he was taught anatomy. He wrote that ‘the student who has been shown the venous, arterial and nervous systems of the arm, does not know how each of them lies with respect to each other’. After qualifying, Colles returned to the College as Professor of Anatomy and wrote a book ‘A Treatise on Surgical Anatomy’ in 1811, seeking ‘to describe the relative position of the parts, and to point out the subservience of anatomical knowledge to surgical practice’. This was topographical anatomy, in which the body is studied region by region, and we still follow his advice. There is a portrait of Colles and his book in the Board Room.
BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN OUR MONTHLY GIVEAWAY! Winner will be announced and contacted in the next month’s issue. Select your answer on our Moodle page: https://vle.rcsi.ie/course/view.php?id=844
When the name of something is derived from a person’s name, it is termed an eponym, hence Colles’ fascia, Colles’ space, the Colles ligament of inguinal hernia, the Colles fascia of femoral hernia, Colles’ fracture, Colles’ law, Colles’ pustules, Colles’ cinnabar candles and Colles’ retractors.
By far the best known of these is the fracture – but which bone is involved?
A. B. C. D. E.
Lunate Radius Scaphoid Trapezium Ulna
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Illustrations courtesy of freepik
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// The Medical Pulse: Designer Babies (Order yours today...?)
‘Designer babies,’ is an expression increasing in popularity and simply refers to a baby whose genetic makeup is controlled such that only desirable genes are included. Embryo screening for genetic diseases and the selection of one’s gender have now become ‘child’s play’ for scientists. More excitingly, it is now possible to manipulate and isolate the genes responsible for some of the core features of an individual’s personality and physical appearance. From choosing cute button noses, exotic eyes and hair colour to intelligence, athletic ability and musical talent, parents may be given more power over their children’s lives (perhaps more than their unborn children may even want them to have).
So, how is this even possible? Through a process called “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats technology (CRISPR)” in addition to in vitro fertilization. The CRISPR technology permits targeted gene editing through endonuclease cleavage activity (to simply outline the method). In this way, genes responsible for a specific characteristic can be strategically included in the genome of an individual. For this prospect to materialise and progress, however, it must first overcome the hurdle of an ethical debate. Designer babies may result in a superior human race who may look down on those without genetic enhancements. Furthermore, altering human DNA in embryos and gametes can have unpredictable effects on future generations. On the contrary, some optimists believe this is an opportunity for participant human evolution.
Photos taken from BBC Health
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he fascinating thing about human beings is that everyone is unique; some have big ears or eyes, while others a small nose or hands. Some of us prefer to ‘go with the flow’ but there also those who like to plan out every detail. We select an ideal partner, the most luxurious honeymoon getaway, the perfect bottle of wine and now, the characteristics of their future children? The scientific community has encountered yet another dilemma- the proposition that ‘designer babies’ be accepted as a societal norm.
« SONIA RAMKISSOON
Sooner or later, the choice will belong to us and future generations. New baby-making policies would be required. What will the decision be? Will it feel wrong doing the right thing, or right doing the wrong thing? Or maybe right, doing the right thing? With designer babies, it’s all about perspective.
//A perspective on Student Research.
The Undergraduate Researcher: Why you should engage in undergraduate research?
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Photos taken from RCSI Research Summer School. Image credit: Dr Sarah O’Neill
hy do research? Research – the gathering of information to further human knowledge, is becoming more favoured as being part of undergraduate training. The student researcher is more likely to be better able to understand the complexity of research papers. It enables you to explore career fields. The more research experience you attain will also allow you to better decide whether you would like to pursue a career in research post-graduation.
Collaboration is a key word that define modern medicine. One major way of attaining this is by research. It exposes you to critical thinking, teamwork and networking. Thereby building, not just a doctor, but a scientist and scholar. It also enhances your CV and thus your selection chance into programmes upon completion of your undergraduate training. It is an inherent human quality to be inquisitive. We try to make sense of our environment, what works, what doesn’t, what has changed, what needs to change? By carefully observing and methodologically studying our system, we are able to identify and correct errors that threaten the system. Research data adds to scientific knowledge, educates, raises awareness and improves practice. Advances in technology has seen medicine become increasingly digitalised, resulting in a surge in medical technology, such as wearable devices and applications. These provide new areas for investigation and evaluation. Your contribution in research can make in difference in peoples’ lives
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« GEORGE IKPOKOMITOP
Research programme in RCSI The RCSI research summer school programme has and is still is providing countless students first-hand research experience; where they work with some of the best researchers in their field. The RCSI research summer school aims to produce doctors that can not just can observe, evaluate, collaborate and solve problems but also think of their feet. Research facilitates this. Not to mention that these papers may even get published in credible journals, which in itself is can be extremely beneficial towards your CV. You also get to make new friends, meet new mentors and possibly future collaborators. Time and awareness are the major hindrances to undergraduate engagement in research. Many first-year students are bamboozled by the academic work (as they are coming straight from their leaving cert.) and can be unaware of possible summer research opportunities Finding a principal investigator can be another problem. Sometimes you’d have to email numerous principal investigators to get a reply. However, an early application is key in maximising your chances in getting a place with the RCSI research summer school. To find out more about the research summer school programme visit rss.rcsi.ie. The site also provides several helpful links and tips from how to apply to how and find an investigator, to the fields of research opportunities available in RCSI. If you are interested in pursuing research this summer, the website provides a good starting point.
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Science
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Culture & Leisure
// Game of TRAVEL Breaking in Brussels, Belgium The Local Grub & Grog
« CHEW JEN PIN
BELGIAN WAFFLES
The Old Town is densely populated by waffle stalls. You can find piping hot round or square shaped ones topped with toppings galore like chocolate, marshmallows, honey, diabetic potential etc. They say the authentic Belgian waffles are the rectangle ones covered with loose powdered sugar. If you have them on a windy day, you will look like a cocaine addict. And you will have a cracking good time.
FRITES
..are the best thing to have happened to the human race. Second only to the death of Justin Bieber on CSI. Frites in a huge paper cone drizzled with Andalouse sauce-a quintessentially Belgian topping of ketchup,mayo and pepper-is the only way to go. Crunchy on the outside, soft and steaming on the inside, fried in fat to give it that extra Belgian kick, it will sexually awaken you. If one could die of frites overload, I would have been delivered home in an urn and it would have been worth it. (BONUS - no one likes flying Ryanair!)
CHOCOLATE
Leonidas, Marcolini, Godiva. The streets of Brussels are scattered with these artisan chocolate shops. A definite must try when in Belgium...well just coz. TIP- The Leonidas store in Galeries Royal Saint-Hubert (Image bottom left corner) - a stunning corridor lined with fancy shops and cafes complete with an arched glass paned roof - gives loads of free samples for your pleasure, it’s variety only rivalled by that of Mr Wonka. Binge if shameless.
DELIRIUM CAFE
Boasting a selection of more than 2400 beers (it’s in the Guinness Book of Records) with a menu thicker than Monkhouse, the name speaks for itself. A waste not to get wasted in, the Delirium has been described as a beer haven. From Floris Apple to Buffalo Bitter, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Not that it matters after a few pints. Just don’t be one of THOSE guys and steal the beer glasses. Bartenders tend to frown upon this behaviour.
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The Typical Must Visits and Must Do’s
FREE WALKING TOUR Highly recommended! Sandeman’s New Europe tours have amazing guides that will enrich your visit to Brussels. Plus, they’re very easy on the eyes. Everytime. It’s like they screen them. These 3 hour tours will take you to all the major attractions and you will be briefed on local history, travel tips and be treated to some hilarious stories. Check out their website for the time and place and just be there. They’ll be the handsome ones in red with the umbrellas. MANNEKEN PIS (Image top right) Regarded as one of the most disappointing attractions in all of Europe, it is essentially a statue of a little-and I mean TINY- punk peeing. Legend says that the 2 year old Duke Godfrey III of Leuven was placed in a basket and hung up on a tree. He then proceeded to urinate on the enemy. So naturally, they made this commemorative statue of him. To add to the embarrassment, the good people of Belgium dress him up in more than 800 costumes yearly and sometimes even hook him up to beer kegs. Please...stahp... JANNEKEN PIS Hardly anyone knows about the female counterpart. She can be found in an obscure alley just by the entrance of Delirium Cafe. Of course, she is peeing. One wouldn’t expect anything less. GRAND PLACE The Grote Markt (Image bottom right). The absolute place to be. The heart of old town Brussels, you may find the towering Town Hall, the only building that escaped the French bombardment in 1695. You will also see the King’s house which now houses the Brussels city museum. A stunning square to be especially at night, you’ll never be short of waffles or frites in this tourist hotspot. ATOMIUM A symbol of energy and modernity , the atomium boasts great views of the city and is undeniably a rather unique and quite hideous addition to the Belgian landscape. The handsome tour guide and kindly receptionist at the Use-It counter didn’t recommend this. I guess it’s an acquired taste. If you want to pay 15 euros to walk in suspended giant metal balls, well by all means. BELGIAN COMIC STRIP Does the name Tintin ring a bell? Belgian is but the birthplace of our favourite redhead! You can register for the guided Tintin walk or follow your own Tin Tin trail (psst start at Bruxelles Midi station-there’s a 20 foot mural of him here). The city walls are littered with his face. You’ll see him at least once even if you’re not looking for him.
Day Trip to Bruges
B
y train you will arrive within an hour in the beautiful city of Bruges, the Venice of the North. The main square has a medieval atmosphere about it as it is lined by traditional, colourful buildings and magnificent churches. Also you may find quaint cafes and the historium where you can go in for a blast-to -the past tour. Every inch of the square is picture worthy. If you have the time, visit De kringwinkel , a funny double story unit selling second hand items by the river about 20 minutes from the city centre. Basically an indoor flea market where you can get a teapot for 50 cents. And they do sell EVERYTHING. From furniture to clothes to kitchenware to modern art. Wouldn’t be surprised if I found Ryan Gosling’s soul in a jar tucked away amongst the old books ,clocks and paraphernalia. I would buy that. Also, from Tuesday to Saturday, harpist Luc Vanlaere delivers free performances. And people say he is nothing short of brilliant. After frantically searching for the location of his concert (Mariastrat 38, an impossible to find crevice almost as accessible as Diagon Alley for a muggle), HE WASN’T THERE, much to the disappointment and confusion of a few others who turned up. Apparently we didn’t get the memo. Moral of the story-check before going. And harpists cannot be trusted.
Overall
B
russels is a beautiful city and you can pretty much visit every major attraction in 2 days. The food and drink are reasonably priced and the people quiet but friendly. It’s not one of those crazy cities you go for a wild escape but it does have a tranquil charm to it. I would visit Belgium again for the hot frites and to hunt down a certain elusive harpist.
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« HONG MING
Esplèndid Barcelona
Hola! Me llamo es Hong Ming. Cuál es tu llamo? Having difficulty understanding this? I did too when I first arrived in Barcelona. It is Catalan for “Hello! My name is Hong Ming. What is your name?”
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
I
Barcelona is a wonderful city. The city’s planning had been done meticulously; the buildings are arranged in blocks like New York City, just on smaller scale. The buildings are simply beautiful. The people are warm, welcoming and vibrant. Note that Barcelona is the capital city of an autonomous region in Spain called Catalonia, and the people there will insist that they speak Catalan, not Spanish. Honestly, Catalan is just a Spanish dialect and you can get by fine with English or Spanish. Try not to provoke them politically as some people of Catalonia has been trying to gain independence from Spain, and tensions have long been present between the people and the governments of Spain and the Catalonia region. However, this should not affect your experience in beautiful Barcelona!
Photos taken from Airpano
had always longed to visit Spain, and thus planned my trip there a few months prior. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, Antonio Banderas, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, flamenco and bullfighting, tapas, paella and shangria are probably some of the things that might come to mind when thinking about this culturally rich nation. I visited four Spanish cities on my holiday but Barcelona was undoubtedly my favorite.
Fig 1: Panoramic view of Barcelona, with the spectacular La Sagrada Familia on centre right.
Photos taken from casitasitges
WANDERING AROUND
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here are quite a lot to see in Barcelona. I would recommend joining a free walking tour such as Sandeman’s free walking tour – it is not exactly free of course, as you will be asked to pay whatever you like at the end of the tour. Nevertheless, a good walking tour will give you a chance to view some of the more famous landmarks in Barcelona. I had a cute guy called Micki as my guide last time, and we had a fun yet informative few hours exploring the streets of Barcelona.
Fig 2: Barcelona is a very well-planned city, and it is huge!
The people of Barcelona have 2 heroes, Messi and Antoni Gaudi. Messi, as you know, is the FC Barcelona football player who is currently one of the best footballers in the world. If you want to learn more about FC Barcelona and their successful history take a tour of the majestic Camp Nou, the home stadium of FC Barcelona and the biggest stadium in Europe by seating capacity. If you manage to get tickets for a football match the atmosphere is simply electric and overwhelming. Antoni Gaudi, on the other hand, is not an athlete but an architect. He designed the unique Park Güell, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. He is well known for his curves and architectural designs associated with nature, especially plants and flowers. Check out the famous mosaic lizard and the viaduct in Parc Güell (free entry after sunset – not really recommended due to poor lighting). Casa Battlo is a little eerie do to the facades which look like Zorro’s masks – very thrilling to see at night. There are also several stone giants standing guard on the roof of Casa. Also don’t forget to check out Gaudi’s magnus opus, the Sagrada Familia, probably my favourite church/cathedral so far. It costs a pricey 16 euros to enter, but it is worth it! In my opinion only St Peter’s Cathedral in Vatican and St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow can ever match the magnificence and the splendor of the Sagrada Familia. Other –possibly less exciting- options include paying a visit to the museums (nothing beats the free museums in London though), stroll through Barri Gotic and La Rambla, chill at Parc de la Ciutadella or take a cable car to Montjuïc Hill. Down the hill at night, watch the colourful fountains at Placa d’Espanya. If you run out of places to go, you can even go to the beach (excellent choice if you are going in summer).
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Fig 3. The 4 pillars of Barcelona tourism – From top left clockwise: La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Battlo
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OM NOM NOM
A
ha! Now we are talking. Spanish food! For quick snacks, find a tapas bar to enjoy crunchy bread with various toppings of your choice. For dinner, paella (national dish of spain - rice served with side dishes in a metal pan) with shangria (Spanish beer = great beer!) are usually great choices. My favourites would be churros (fried dough + chocolate = first love) and tortillas (potato omelette – an actual famous potato dish outside Ireland, and they are originally Mexican!). Try to find chorizo (seasoned pork sausage and yes, you get them in Boojum’s burritos too!) and patatas bravas (boiled potatoes in a spicy, tangy sauce) if you can. There are plenty of others to try, so prepare your stomach and be hungry all the time!
I know I am not supposed to put “porn” in a school paper, but I can’t resist it…… with some food porn! From top left clockwise: Spanish tortilla, paella, shangria, churros with chocolate.
Oddly enough, they also have the most delicious and best value-for-money KFC among all the cities I have visited in Europe. If you are an avid fast food fan like me, do try them at the KFC branch near the Sagrada Familia. Want a drink? Simply check in to one of the numerous pubs, cafes and taverns there. Don’t drink? Don’t like partying? Don’t drink? Don’t like partying? Want to enjoy some cultural shows? Watch flamenco in theatres and tablaos. Some restaurants and cafes offer flamenco shows during dinner time, so you can have dinner and enjoy the colourful yet elegant Spanish dance at the same time! Fantástico!
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From top left clockwise is patatas bravas, gambas al aljillo, chorizo, pollo al aljillo
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Culture & Leisure
« OLIVIA MAC SWEENEY
// Explore Ireland The National Wax Museum Plus.
W
hat makes the National Wax Museum Plus work? It’s been pulling visitors since the 1980’s, but why does the National Wax Museum Plus remain so popular in the modern age? Let’s find out!
The National Wax Museum Plus is a wonderful way to find out about the gaelic way of life. In an era of virtual reality, interactive wii’s and 3D televisions, it is difficult to imagine a more anachronistic attraction than a crowded room peopled with static wax models. But the National Wax Museum Plus is more popular than ever. The museum is nestled in the heart of Dublin’s city center’s Temple Bar district and just off Dame Street, it is impossible to miss. Whether young or old, culture vulture or fun seeker, star struck or star studded - this museum has something for everyone!
Photo taken from National Wax Museum.
IRISH WRITERS The first stop on this whirlwind adventure is the room dedicated to Irish writers. There is no tour guide - which is good in a way, no one should be stuck listening to accounts from Ulysses! If on the other hand, you thought that actually sounds a bit enticing, Bloomsday might be a good day to visit this museum. One can dress in their straw boater hat and listen to re-enactments from Ulysses from dawn till dusk- plus there is usually a 20% reduction in ticket price. Another noted figure in this room is Nobel prize winner - Samuel Beckett. Lastly how can I forget Oscar Wilde - one of Ireland’s greatest, if not most humorous exports. Many today know the controversial, flamboyant and debonair Victorian dramatist, through his works : “The picture of Dorian Gray” and the “Importance of being Ernest”. Larger than life, Wilde was a poet, dramatist, author and celebrity, donning many the fashionable hat. TIME VAULTS The next stop is the time vaults - perfect for any history buff. Meet legends from Irish mythology-such as Setanta and his wolfhound. Watch out for the Viking slaying monk. One can witness the devastation of famine life. The museum covers the 1916 rising in detail – I particularly enjoyed the Michael Collins statue - being from his home town, Clonakilty. It still amazes me how people from many corners of the globe know his name. Lastly the figures of the Good Friday Agreement and the peace talks of northern Ireland are on display – the Iron lady is to be seen – looking as fierce as ever. CHAMBER OF HORROR No wax museum would be complete without it’s very own chamber of horror. Located in the basement of the museum-visitors can bravely enter at their own risk and experience the weird and wonderful world of horror. If on the other hand you are not as brave as Clarice Starling ,the chamber of Horrors can easily be avoided via the stairs. Being a fan of “Silence of the Lambs” – I enjoyed coming face to face with the infamous Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The highlight of this exhibit is Dracula sleeping in his coffin. Many tourists are astounded that this novel was penned on the Emerald Isle by Bram Stoker - this goes against the whole land of saints image. With animatronic figures – this exhibit is not for the faint hearted.
Photo taken from Dublin Events.
KIDS WORLD Now for Kids world- this will bring out the kid in any adult. There is a puppet theatre show - hopefully I’m past that stage. Favourite cartoon heroes are on display such as – Sponge Bob Square pants, Bob the Builder and the Simpsons. Harry Potter is quite prominent. No visit to kid’s world would be complete without a photo with Peppa Pig and her brother George. In my day it was Barney - nowadays I think it is fair to say that Peppa pig is the new craze. SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY The science and discovery exhibit would probably tickle every RCSI student’s fancy. The exhibit plays homage to dedicated Irish inventors, engineers and scientists. Ferguson holds a big section in this room – the name of which might be familiar only to a culchie. Ferguson is synonymous with the tractor – the name living on with the brand: “Massey Ferguson”. Other famous scientists include : Holland; developer of the first US navy submarine, Drumm; inventor of the nickel zinc rechargeable battery and Walton; the first person in history to artificially split the atom. This exhibit which makes learning fun will bring out the nerd in everyone. MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT The grand hall of fame is a must. The exhibit hosts both Irish and international stars. Irish legends such as Liam Neeson, U2 and Colin Farrell are to be seen. Jedward are to be seen- basically Jedward are a singing twin duo who sport large amounts of hair gel. I thoroughly enjoyed the film room where Batman characters dominate – it almost feels like you are in Gotham. Michael Jackson is also prominent – having all the wax like features from plastic surgery, he was probably very easy to make. Before exiting there is a recording studio, where one can get a video created for a fee of 7 euro- perfect for the next budding Jedward!
Photo taken from Tourist in Dublin.
SEPTEMBER 2015
FINAL REMARKS The National Wax Museum Plus is a must for any tourist in Dublin. Tickets are 10 euro for a student which are quite reasonable. A wax work of your hand can be made as a souvenir - prices start from 8 euro. I have only been to one other wax museum , that was in Madrid and the Irish version beats it hands down. The Irish wax museum has a bigger array of statues and is more spacious- it never feels claustrophobic. I would give this tourist attraction 5 stars. After my visit, I am eager to visit the Daddy of them all-Madame Tussaud’s in London – where I will be able to mingle with the royals. Hopefully George and Charlotte will be on display by the time I’ll get there!
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// Discover Dublin: OPEN MIC EVENTS
« CAITRÍN O’LEARY
MILK AND COOKIES milkandcookiestories.ie
CIRCLE SESSIONS
I
n a crowded, cushion-filled room a storyteller recounts his tale; his audience is seated on the floor around him enjoying freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and milk. His story today is about a teddy bear. This is the scene in the Irish Writers’ Centre once a month, where Milk and Cookies volunteers host an event dedicated solely to the ancient art of storytelling. With the ambience of childhood story-time, this is a unique environment for story enthusiasts to meet and swap tales in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The organisers choose a theme for each month’s get together to galvanize aspiring storytellers, with recent themes including “True Lies” and “Toy Stories”. The event is alcohol free, and all are welcome; doors open at 18.00 at which point attendees can sign up if they want to tell a story, or simply find a good cushion, sit back and enjoy the entertainment.
- Second Tuesday of every month, at the Irish Writers’ Centre, 19 Parnell Street, Dublin 1 ------------------------------------------------------
T
FLYING SOUTH OPEN MIC
T
his monthly open mic night explores mental illness through all forms of performance art including poetry, comedy and music. It’s an alcohol free event at which tea and cake are provided and the audience are encouraged to mingle in between acts. This initiative is only six months old and has seen exceptional growth in attendance in recent months. -Last Friday of every month, Jaja Studios, 1B Cowper St, Arbour Hill, D7
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CAVE WRITINGS
I SLAM SUNDAY, ACCENTS
A
favourite of RCSI students as it’s just around the corner from the Stephen’s Green campus, this is an alcohol free event best enjoyed with a mug of excellent hot chocolate, and as ever any and all are free to sign up and perform on the day. Tickets for poetry listeners are sold for two euros and can be purchased from Accents.
-first Sunday of every month, 19.30 -21.30, Accents Café, Stephen Street Lower, Dublin 2. ------------------------------------------------------
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n a slightly more grown up setting in the same part of town, Cave Writings is another haven for Dublin’s creative types who meet roughly twice a month to exchange ideas over a glass of wine. There are no restrictions on what constitutes creativity here, and new work showcased in the cave ranges from poetry and literature, to scientific research and the visual arts. Since it’s conception seven months ago, Cave Writings has hosted events in a number of venues including KC Peaches, the Phoenix Park, and more recently the Baricade Inn on Parnell Street; the crowd here is typically students and their aim is to bring people together face to face to share ideas without the detachment and anonymity of the internet. Cave Writings is a new venture and currently describes itself as “nomadic”, having no fixed abode in Dublin; to keep up with their meanderings follow them on twitter @ Cave_Writings, or like them on facebook (-the internet still has its uses). - Twice monthly, anywhere.
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he International Bar hosts a variety of performance nights including regular comedy gigs. Circle Sessions is a night dedicated to poetry, storytelling and music; performances are diverse and they often bring in well known performers on the slam poetry circuit to get things going. With a very relaxed vibe, this is a good event to test out your interest in poetry and spoken word. Pick up a drink, stand near the door and if it’s not your thing you can easily escape! Mondays 20.00 – 23.00, International Bar, Exchequer Street ------------------------------------------------------
DUBLIN’S UNDERGROUND BEAT
Y
et another night in the International Bar, as the name suggests this night is about poetry and music, and poetry to music –the first six acts are booked and after that it’s an open mic.
Wednesday 20.00 -00.00, International Bar, Exchequer Street. -----------------------------------------------------This is not by any means an exhaustive list, just about any night of the week you can find events dedicated to various combinations of poetry and storytelling around Dublin. The atmosphere may differ from one event to another but the idea is the same, and no matter which event you choose you’re guaranteed a memorable cheap/free night out! Try out some of these events with Divercsity during the term, check out our website and join our mailing list to keep up-to-date with our trips and events!
Email to join our monthly newsletter! divercsity@rcsi.ie Share the excitement online, Like us on facebook.com/DIVERCSITY Join the Facebook Society Group Page for the latest updates facebook.com/groups/divercsitysignup
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To join our mailing list, or for societies or general enquiries, email divercsity@rcsi.ie Read anything you love? Did we print something you hate? Have a great idea or suggestion for the paper? Let us know how we are doing! editor.divercsity@rcsi.ie Share the excitement online, Like us on facebook.com/DIVERCSITY Join the Facebook Society Group Page for the latest updates facebook.com/groups/divercsitysignup Share and view this issue online from issuu.com/rcsidivercsity