Introductus 2013 by UNMS Publications

Contents Foreword from the President The Newy Guide The Academic Guide UNMS2013 Calendar The Welfare Guide The Advocacy Guide The O’Camp Guide

4 5 15 30 33 41 56

From the Editors In first year, I wish I knew that Tortora had an amazingly concise chapter on embryology. That would have saved me the hours spent trying to summarize 70 pages from Langmann’s Embryology into a five minute discussion for my first closing. I bet that easily five people have already given you advice on the textbooks you should use, electives you should take, what PBL is all about and why lectures are oh so important in first year by the time you read this, but I bet no one has told you what I just did - that Tortora has a concise chapter on Embryology!

These are the things we find out a little too late as we progress through the weeks, the little nitty gritty things in the corners of textbooks, the library, medicine or just life in general. Maybe what chapter to use, or what lecture you should or should not go to, or why public health is kind of, sort of important. Opposed to, for possibly the sixth time, giving you the most generic advice on the textbooks you should use, electives you should take, what PBL is all about and why lectures

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are oh so important in first year, Introductus aims to give you advice on the things people haven’t yet told you!

I would be contradicting everything I just said in the last paragraph if I said Introductus does not contain advice on textbooks and electives and the like, but here, we aim to give you the students’ perspective - one hundred percent (or so we hope) of honest advice from a student, to a student, even if it means publishing the most politically incorrect statements. Introductus 2013 aims to be more of a Fresher’s Guide, as opposed to the leisure magazine-styled Ductus. That said, we’ve sorted Introductus into five segments outlining the everyday ongoings of being a medical student. They are: 1. 2. 3. 4.

The Newy Guide, which aims to help you settle into life in uni and Newcastle. The Academic Guide, which aims to help you out with all things academic with the ultimate goal of passing semester after semester. The Welfare Guide, which we hope gives you a few pointers on good welfare and wellbeing and the go-to people to help you achieve that. The Advocacy Guide, which

gives you an introduction to student advocacy and gives you an in-sight into your MedSoc and the committee. And of course, the O-Camp Guide, just to preach some more about why you should go to O-Camp and why you will regret it if you don’t!

I can only hope that this Introductus will be to you what we hoped for it to be from its planning stages - a Freshers’ Bible, BMed training wheels or maybe even a security blanket. One last thing, medicine may be daunting, but it is only tough if you keep telling yourself it is! Take it slow, deep breathes, and no matter what, enjoy the ride!

Good luck and Godspeed Ming A On behalf of Ming and Jill #PUBS2013

Foreword from the president

Hi First years and welcome to the crazy world that is Newcastle med school! Now this article is going to throw just about every cliché known to mankind at you, but hey, at the end of the day cliché’s only come into existence because they stem from a pool of common experience. So look past the surface lameness of what is written (though it should be noted that I am an inherently nerdy person) and know that I honestly believe what I say.

Medicine is a demanding course, there should be no doubt in your mind about that, you’ll have to study HARD and it’ll force to confront difficult issues that will stretch you emotionally and physically. But while it can be tough, you’ll enjoy most of it if you surround yourselves with a good group of people. Newcastle is different to a lot of other med schools and I think that one of the reasons for this is because the majority of us have to move away from home to study here. We leave behind friends and family and are forced to make a fresh start. Everyone is keen to meet new people and most don’t have too many other groups to hang out with, so strong friendships develop quickly. Now Newcastle is not geograph-

ically big, especially if you are originally a so called ‘Sydney-kid’ like me. This means everyone lives fairly close to each other, and most things are no more than 20mins away. This means it’s convenient for everyone to get to a party, it’s easy to gather a group and pop out for some late night Cold Rock on Beaumont Street, you can get together on a Sunday arvo and work on your public health assignments and afterwards you can even say ‘Let’s have competition to see who can eat an entire Macca’s dinner-box the fastest’ (I have great ideas). Bottom line: because we are in close proximity to each other we spend more time together than if we came from all parts of Sydney and were trekking it to UNSW.

Another BIG difference in our course is that our results are PassFail: so we never know our exact marks. Now this can be hard to accept initially, especially if you’re straight out of school. However the idea behind it is to reduce competition between us and encourage us to work together. PBL further fosters this mindset. The study load can be a lot for one person to bear but if you choose to share your notes, ask for help and in return give help when people ask for it you will find it much easier and more enjoyable to get by. All of these factors mean that you have not simply walked into a degree, but a community. Your cohort is not overly large, you will see the same people in lectures, tutorials, in the hospital and socially. Being a part of this community is what gives us an important support network and makes our time at uni all the more enjoyable. I believe that MedSoc fosters this community. What we provide is the ever-important balance to studying. We try to help your transition into med school and then continue to put on events and organise initiatives that help to enhance your

uni experience.

SOCIAL: It’s no secret that med kids know how to party, whether it’s at a pub crawl, ball, costume party or being pushed into a pool of punch (happened to me, your lovely VP instigated it) you’re sure to have fun, blow off steam and meet new people at these events.

ACADEMIC: Everyone in this course has some level of nerdiness inside them so Academic events are always a hit. Get excited about HES in year 3, practice your OSCE’s for exams, participate in the emergency health challenge – there’s plenty on offer. SPORTS: if you’re like me, when you get busy exercise goes by the wayside. Our sports boys have got plenty of social sporting opportunities that allow you to stay healthy in a relaxed way.

CHARITY: If you had been allowed to in your MMI, I’m sure the majority of you would have said one of the reasons you wanted to be a doctor was to help people. Our charity’s girls will help you do this through raising money for our local children’s charity. MedSoc also represents your view, advocating for change within the uni and outside of it through the Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA). I encourage you to flick through Introductus to get an idea of the many ‘extracurricular’ opportunities available to you. It is up to you however, to take these opportunities. If you choose to get involved I guarantee that your uni experience will be richer because of it.

So I sign off by saying not only welcome to med school, but welcome to our community! Looking forward to getting to know you all, Sesh a

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Introductus

By Alex Dennis, Sam Green & Pat Bray

For many of you, university life, let alone Newcastle uni life, may be a whole new world. On top of Medicine, having so many new corners to explore and so many new experiences to unfold may seem like just too much to tackle, especially when all you want to know is where the nearest toilet is! Life as a BMed fresher Congratulations once again for getting into Med at Newcastle! Studying Med is a lot different from high school and HSC because a lot of the work you need to do yourself. It’s called ‘self directed learning’ so make sure you try and stay on top of the work. But at the same time don’t hesitate to ask people in older years for some advice and help if you need it – we have been through

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it so have some idea what you guys are going through! Each week you will do what’s called PBL – problem based learning where you are in small groups and work on a problem. After an opening session, you go away and do some work yourself before coming back and presenting it to the group. To keep up you have to work between classes so you can be prepared each time.

The social life in Med is great. Get to as many of the of the parties, academic events and everything else that MedSoc runs as you can because they are sure to be worth your time! [Editor’s note: Sam, Pat and Alex were not paid by Medsoc to say this. Promise!] So this year, make the most of it: make new friends, do some study and don’t forget have fun! College life If you are staying in college this year, then brace yourself for the best year of your life! Many debates, disagreements and debarcles

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Quick Guide and Fast Facts Typical week as a first year: Monday: Lectures Tuesday: Lectures Wednesday: PBL Close Thursday: Public Health, Labs Friday: PBL Open

College life: Can be fun, wild and crazy! But make sure you put in some time for studying.

Didn’t get into college? Check out the off-campus database on the accommodation page of the university website.

Libraries on Campus: Huxley Pros: Close to HB15 and PBL Rooms, making it the most convenient stop between classes. Cons: Under-equipped with medical textbooks. Auchmuty Pros: Has the Med Reserve, which houses all the medical textbooks.

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have been had on the best college – Ted’s, Barra, International House, Evatt – take your pick!

Definitely get involved in college life as much as you can. Each college has their own parties, which go off, and have many sporting events and other activities. These are great to meet new people both from med and other people doing other courses. It is also good to meet people from the older years of med who can give you help whenever you need it! Remember – college is fun but make sure you do a bit of study at the same time so you get the best of med and college! Enjoy!

Didn’t get into college? There’s nothing to stress about if you didn’t get into college on campus. Many share-houses in suburbs surrounding uni can provide you an equally enjoyable year, provided you take the time to hangout with and befriend your housemates, rather than be a room hermit. After all, a house is not a home unless you love one another. Well, sort of. The university has a very comprehensive off-campus accommodation database, which can be found on the university accommodation page. We sincerely hope that your accommodation is settled by the time this is published, though.

5 hours to kill and 36 learning targets to go? The two main libraries on campus are Auchmuty Library (Shortland side) and Huxley Library (Hunter side). They provide access to more than a million and a half physical items and an extensive collection of online books and journals.

Which library is better is like differentiating between lemon and lime. Huxley is on the Hunter side, i.e. where 90% of your classes are, therefore a more convenient library to go to. Although less equipped than Auchmuty, it is the perfect place to kill the 5 hours you

have between a lecture in HB15 and a tutorial in the PBL rooms. Auchmuty, on the other hand, is the main library at Callaghan and houses the famed Medical Reserve, i.e. the medical library. Auchmuty is much bigger and is far more equipped with textbooks you’ll need than Huxley, but is on a different continent called the Shortland side. However, it’s the perfect place to kill time if you have an anatomy lab session in the MSB building behind Auchmuty or to camp-out at during stuvac.

The AIC is under the Shortland library and is open 24 hours - definitely a good place to hit up come exam time! Again, it is on the Shortland side, far from the places you’ll spend most of your time at uni.

Fitness between classes The Forum is the campus gym equipped with all sorts, from a 50m heated indoor pool to 18.5 metre climbing wall. Even better, the Forum is only a five minute walk from the Hunter building, making it convenient to exercise a little before, between or after (or sometimes during/instead of) classes. Did someone say free lunch!? For social clubs and activities on campus, it is best to check out NUSA: the student representative body that provides information for any and all types of student clubs and activities. They also provide 2 free BBQs a week on Tuesdays and Thursday for lunch so definitely hit them up. Bars, food and chilling out There are 2 bars on campus: GT bar at Shortland side and bar on the hill over Hunter side.

GT bar often has stuff going on like regular trivia events, bingo or pool tournaments. Open from 11am, GT bar is a great spot to grab a drink or some food if you’re over that side.

Bar on the Hill is the main place to be on campus. Head to BOTH for

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Cons: On the Shortland side, nowhere near the places you’ll spend most of your time at uni. The AIC Pros: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cons: Not a library, but the basement of one. Does not house any books, but you are allowed to bring books down from Auchmuty after-hours. Fitness on Campus: The Forum is the University’s own gym. Situated just a five minute walk from Hunter, it is a convenient place to get in shape before, between or after classes. Also houses a pool and climbing wall, plus organises heaps of social sports games.

Food on Campus: Hunter Bar on the Hill is the most recommended place to get food on the Hunter side - good food at reasonable prices. It also contains a sushi and crepe bar. Other places include the university cafeteria, which contains an espresso bar and a cafe, just outside HB15. More importantly, free barbecue lunch at NUSA Tuesdays and Thursdays! Shortland Isabellas, Marmadukes and the university cafeteria (housing a noodle bar, a kebab shop and a cafe) offers an impressive variety of food. Shortland is also home to a Subway and a sushi and crepes bar.

Coffee on Campus: Hunter Espresso Bar just opposite the Hunter Courtyard and the coffee shop in Huxley Library. Get a VIP card, which you can use in both coffee shops - you’d be surprise how much money you save, getting a free coffee after 9 cups. Shortland Marmadukes and Gloria Jeans in the Shortland Building, and the coffee shop in the AIC. Again, use your VIP card. If you happen to be close to the CT building, also check out the coffee cart at the CT building foyer, which

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lunch to treat yourself to an infamous Barger®*. BOTH hosts great events throughout the year, like toga parties, back to school night and of course the Newcastle Uni Autonomy day party. They also put on gigs throughout the year with some pretty big name acts having played in the past, like Hilltop Hoods, Jinja Safari, Boy & Bear, and Lisa Mitchell. Make sure to grab yourself a calender during O’week to keep a track of whats going on.

There are plenty of places to eat on campus: Shortland has a whole variety of food outlets and cafes: Marmadukes and Isabellas, sushi and noodles, Subway and Gloria Jeans. Hunter has fewer spots to eat, namely just the cafe. But worry not, BOTH provides a good feed. If you like cheap pie and long walks, we highly recommend Pie House on the Shortland Side. And when we say cheap, we mean uni student cheap: so much, it sometimes make the long walk so worth while. Both libraries also come equipped with coffee shops, making the library your one stop shop for the knowledge thirsty and caffeine fuelled (or one without the other). *the authors take no credit for the coining of the term “Barger,” which is trademarked by BMed’s own Elias Sack-wars.

Transport In terms of transport to uni, trains can take you straight to uni from town or anywhere on the Hunter Regional Line with Warabrook station being on campus grounds. The 100, 104, 225 and 226 buses have stops at uni, making it easy to travel from a multitude of suburbs to uni. Bus and train timetables can be found at student hubs. You can also park on campus but make sure you get an annual pass (for $74.20/ semester) because parking inspectors are always out in force. If you live in suburbs near campus, you can get the shuttle bus to transport you from within campus or from campus to home, espe-

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cially at night, for safety purposes (or if you’re just lazy). The security shuttle bus can be contacted at 4921 5888 and is a worthwhile service to use.

Campus security Besides offering free security shuttle services, campus security work around the clock (literally) to provide you the safest uni experiences. Some of their services include escorting anyone from the library to their cars after late night study sessions at the AIC and giving out free rape whistles. Frighteningly loud, rape whistles can be used at your discretion, be it to gain attention, ward off sexual predators, or to simply annoy people. Other useful things to know The post office is located in Shortland and the UShops on both sides of campus are great places to stock up on study utensils. You can purchase textbooks from the Co-op Bookstore on the Shortland side.

Pinkies, located next to the Huxley library (and one in Shortland too, but no one cares about that one) is also a good place to stock up on study supplies. Besides notebooks and pens and those boring stuff, Pinkes is famous for its lollies. Its wide variety of lollies has the ability to make lectures seem shorter than they really are and study sessions marginally more bearable.

The uni is also equipped with its own GP and counselling services, all conveniently on the Hunter side. The student services building, on the Hunter side, is where you’d make your student ID, get a concession and buy a parking permit among other things. It also houses the university cashier, if you ever need to settle any uni payments. Attractions to look out for on campus include ‘the dapper gentleman’, ‘rasta man’ and ‘the ridiculously built black guy who rides around campus shirtless on a bike with a massive boombox attached’. Ultimately, the uni is yours to explore, so explore away!

apparently serves the best hot chocolate in uni.

Beer and Music on Campus Bar on the Hill Home to food, beer, pool tables, bean bags and the occasional live band. All you need is friends and with that, BotH will prove to be the best hangout spot on campus to relax and unwind between or after a day of classes. GT Bar Located on the Shortland side. Ideal if you have a long break between an anatomy lab and a lecture in Basden. The miniature version of Bar on the Hill. Nice place to chill if you have time to kill nonetheless. Transport to Campus Trains Best take the Hunter Regional Line to Warabrook station (just 5ish minutes walk to the Hunter Building) if you live near a train line. Buses The 100, 104, 225 and 226 buses has stops at uni. Get off at the Design bus stop, just a three minute walk to the Hunter Building. Get bus and train timetables from student hubs.

Security on Campus Campus security provides free shuttle bus services to transport you from uni to home (if you live in suburbs close to uni) after dark. Also provides escort services and free rape whistles. For the shuttle bus service, call 0407 951 470. For general enquiries, emergencies or to report an incident, call (02) 4921 5888. Other Useful Things on Campus: Study supplies can be purchased at the post office (on Shortland), U Shops and Pinkies. Pinkes also sells lollies, which realistically counts as the most important study supply. The Uni also houses its own GP and a Counseling Service. Head to the Student Services Building for all university dealings.

On Dancefloors By Jillian Neve

Newcastle has been labeled “Hicksville” in the past, but there are a few places popping up giving Newcastle nightlife a better name. Some places may portray the Newy party-scene in a negative light but it’s not all bad news. There’s some good nights to be had out here! Go check it out for yourselves. Establishment Bar on the Hill

Best Nights

Price Range

Best Drinks

Event nights and any weekday before 3pm.

Student-ly ranged.

Jugs of beer.

Geoffrey Tanner Bar

Never.

Fannys

Wednesday (free entry for students). Use your card for free entry on Wednesdays.

Similar to BotH but the trek over and head-hanging shame upon entry is a price not worth paying.

If, for some weird reason, you find yourself there, you’re not staying long enough for a drink.

King Street

Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Brewery

Tonight!

Customs

Finnegan’s

The Kent CBD, Clarendon, Great Northern 10

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It’s generally a final destination, so it depends how much $$ you’ve already blown.

Nothing. Beware of roofies.

A little pricey getting Pre-drinks. in: $5-$10 most nights and alcohol isn’t much cheaper.

Ease Of Pull Entirely dependent on the crowding-factor. If it’s a squish, you’ve generally got a good shot. Since you’re most likely to find yourself there during the day, chances of romantic success are slim. In accordance with the “haunted house” exterior, the plentiful dark corners are filled with willing victims. It’s no Fanny’s but if you still possess most of your molars, you’ve got a shot.

Free entry.

Vodka raspberry eeeee!

Warm ones.

Free entry and drinks are pretty much standard.

Vodka plus your mixer.

Aren’t exactly many to choose from: it’s only open after 10:30 pm on Friday and Saturday so either of them!

The only price of entry is your dignity.

Guinness!

As long as you still possess most of your molars, your odds are looking pretty good.

PUBCRAWL NIGHTS!

Free entry and standard drink prices. Average.

Try inventing your own cocktail at the cocktail bar.

Honestly, there are better places to head if you’re on the prowl.

Sweet trivia on Wednesday and Thursday is karaoke!

So many places to prowl: the DF, the bar or the balcony. (In ascending order of difficulty) Each place presents a whole range of potential hook-up ops

If the dance floor is going off, go for it. If not, stick to the bar or courtyard.

Beer, of some generic Depends on which pubkind. crawl is passing through at the time. Should be easy enough to tell (ie, Physios are always up for a little tonsil hockey)

Pull Quality

Cleanliness

Music

Facts

Guaranteed to be another university student: caution is advised.

Not bad, although we’d love to culture the beanbag sofas for STIs sometime.

Sometimes actually has some decent bands. 2012 highlights included Boy & Bear and Jinja Safari.

Generally only an acceptable place to go when bunking off lectures or getting inappropriately drunk at a snappy Medsoc event.

Not something you’ll be likely to brag about later.

Poor. Rumour has it the couches and floors are home STIs.

“Let’s be honest, nobody actually goes to fanny’s to be aurally pleasured”

An infinite step up from Fanny’s.

Ungraded Pass.

Dance dance dance.

Unfortunately, and very, very sadly, Fannys was shut down at the end of 2012. Talk about end of the world. Fannys may you rest in peace.

Who cares about the person! The foreshore views compensate for anything, even if they’re only barely scraping a 3/10.

Really cramped bathrooms (girls please don’t stand around for ages) and the DF is suspiciously sticky.

Loud chart tunes: no excuse not to dance.

Pretty solid.

Irrelevant background noise.

Second year bromancers and sports boys Ned and Tridge work there: pester them for free drinks!!

Let’s just say, Finnegan’s is a place that features quite often on viral website “embarrassing nightclub photos”

The dinginess and darkness is, in the case of this establishment, advantageous.

Weird bands play downstairs. While the upstairs dancefloors are usually terrorized by awful DJs.

Once again, totally dependent on the pub-crawl of the day.

Think typical Australian pub.

Along with Fanny’s, has topped the list of NSW’s most violent venues for the past six years with over 30+ assaults per year. No reason not to go, however a tank of a mate is a recommended invite *cough*bodyguard*cough*.

Comfortble if shabby.

The karaoke outshines Great verandah overlooking Beaumont street, whatever music they have making it a perfect place to follow up a BYO going dinner.

Hunter-side, Shortland-side interactions never end well. Don’t do it!

The proximity to Newcastle station and all the buses makes taking someone home that bit more convenient.

Generally quinquagenarians, but if that’s your thing it’s all gee.

Probably quite clean but for us Hunter snobs, it’s scummy.

What music?

Variable, usually a mix of chart “hits” and the odd live cover band.

Even though we like to bag it out, it’s not bad-especially with the Brennan Room and all that food just next door.

Its near-ness to the Maccas can often leave you buying your hook-up a double cheeseburger in order to seal the deal.

Pull yourself together for the walk up the stairs. Many a potential patron has gotten past the bouncers, only to catch a toe on a step and fall down to break their crown.

You won’t usually hear someone say, “oh let’s head to CBD/the Clarendon/the Great Northern tonight”, but they are chilled places found right in the middle of town.

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An Ode to Fannys

May we have a moment of silence please - to say goodbye to a friend we loved to hate but hated that we loved so very much. As the blissful orgasm of the summer holidays turns to the dry, crunchy wank-sock of semester, I want to take some time to reflect on the loss of one of Newcastle’s best venues. If you haven’t already heard the news, on January 1st 2013, after a farewell New Years Eve party, Fannys mopped up the last puddles of warm vomit, stacked the candy striped cups and shut it’s doors for the final time. And just like that, Newcastle

lost Wednesday night’s best club. Partygoers everywhere felt a great disturbance in the force, as if the voices of a million STI’s cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced.

The largest hit to Newcastles social scene since the closure of Crankers came as a complete shock to Fannys faithful. The nightclub appeared to be chugging along as strongly as it had ever been since the 1984 opening. With free student entry, dangerously cheap drinks and a location directly between King Street McDonalds and Harrys Cafe de Wheels, it was no wonder Fannys was the towns premiere Wednesday night attraction. Frequently topping NSW polls for ‘Easiest place to pick up’ and ‘most violent venue,’ Fannys represented everything that was good and pure about Newcastle. Going there wasn’t just a night out – it was an experience. One that can’t possibly be replicated. Where else can one stagger from the exit to Sam ‘conveniently located’ Brentnall’s house and throw up under his doormat? Where else can act as a fountain of youth that affords dusty old cougars like Alice ‘Wobbles’ Pearlman a chance to relive their glory days? Where will the filthy denizens of the night like Alex ‘hair flick’ Dennis, Andrew ‘Tandre’

UNMS Social

There is a saying in the culinary world – never trust a thin chef. By that same logic one may extrapolate that they should never trust a sober social convenor.

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I see my role on Medsoc as a mission to remain heavily inebriated at all times of the day, every day, carrying on the noble traditions set by convenors of past years; Sonal ‘Flava Flav Jr.’ Abeygunawardena, Emmie

Tan and Estelle ‘Stelldoggz’ White, call home now?

We can hope that Fannys retains some of its magic after the scheduled refurbishments and rebranding – but It’s hard to keep hope. I expect that “appealing to a wider audience” is code for gutting the once proud club of its heart and soul and converting it to a wanky honeysuckle bar where twenty-somethings wear button ups and talk about accounts they manage (or dumb old people shit like that). Sadly it seems the pulsing centre of Newcastles nightlife is gone for good, but never forgotten. Fannys was more than just a nightclub – it was a way of life. As such, we can ensure that it’s spirit lives on in us, that we may become the embodiment of Fannys. My hope is that we can one day look at the 2013 UNMS social program as a monument to the life, times and dimly lit decadence of Newcastles favourite nightclub.

g Fannys Nightclub Friend of the UNMS. Father to countless unplanned children. 1984-2013 Rest in peace.

By Elias Sachawars

‘Two-beer’ Best and Mark ‘Jungle Boy’ Song. In the words of Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Nicholas Talley; “You only YOLO once, hashtag swagnificent.” Wise words sir. Wise words.

xoxoxoxo Elias q

2oi 3 UNMS Social Events First Incision

Pub Crawlz

Halfway Party

ER Party

First and biggest event of the year, cocktail party where older years prey on the first years. Who will be the next Max’N’Julia? (Official couple name: JuMax). Only time will tell!

Renowned for high attendance and always ending at Customs, look out this year for a few changes. Spoiler alert, the theme for both is hawaiian shirts.

The big party at the start of semester two celebrating our third years reaching the halfway point of their course! The third years this year are a bit tame and don’t go out much but we’ll make the best of it!

A tradition as old as the JMP itself, and one of the few UNMS events that encourages borrowing (stealing) things from hospitals. Last and biggest party of the year, already moist for it.

* Above is a 2012 poster.

Photos from 2012 UNMS Social events. Clockwise from top left, First Incision; Halfway Party - Winter is Coming; ER Party; The Wedding Pub Crawl - Barbie and Ken.

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FOOOOOD! Forget love. It’s Food that makes the world go round. And fortunately, Newcastle is no short of good food. We asked med kids what their favourite Newy omnom is. Three Monkeys @ Darby St Thickshakes to die for.

Best smoothies in town!

- Alex D

Bake House @ University

Viet King @ Darby St

Can’t be beated for value: Hello, 2 pies for $4. - Hugh M

Great place for a BYO. Don’t mind too much if you get rowdy, staff are lovely (Georgie is bffs with them). - Georgina W & Lauren G

Frankie’s @ Darby St

Cupcake Espresso @ Newcastle CBD

Best ambience on all Darby. - Alex B

Everything there is so pretty, it’s edible happiness. - Jess DB

- Lucy W

Eurobar @ Beaumont St

Delectable sweets if you’re feeling indulgent. - Estelle W

Not too expensive and a good range of food. Get on the $10 pizza/ pasta most weeknights. - Rose K

The Grain @ Beaumont St

Hog’s Breath @ Honeysuckle

Great Thai on Beaumont Street and nice ambience too. - Sara B

Not exactly the classiest joint but it’s on the foreshore and makes for a good feed albeit pricey. - James W

Sydney Junction Hotel @ Beaumont St

New Shanghai @ Charlestown Square

Grill'd @ the Junction

SJ is a great place for an actually pretty decent meal that’s also cheap. - Jazmin D

...delish!

- Rena N

Best place in Newcastle for dumplings! - Nas A Delicious, affordable, variety, good atmosphere. - Liv B

There is nothing like heading into town on a summer evening, after a long day of lectures, picking up a Grilled burger and halving it with a friend on the beach. -Nicola W

Rolador @ Beaumont St

The Beaches Hotel @ Merewether

They have a wide variety of inexpensive, delicious food and it’s not too far from uni. - Therese O’Y

The view is stunning, the food is fresh and it just reminds me of summer. - Sam S

It’s great for a cute café-style meal or just a simple coffee with a friend, and it’s quite reasonably priced. - Kimberley N

Ruan Kao Thai @ MaYfield

Oasis Village Kebabs @ Hunter St

One Penny Black @ Hunter St

Amazing Thai food just 5 minutes drive from Uni. Also, $10 lunch deals that come with a free drink. - Ming Y

Nothing beats triglycerides while you’re still drunk from a night out. - Shiv D

Sells awesome in-town coffe. - Hannah C

Introductus

Goldberg’s @ Darby St

Introductus

PBL 101 By Dr Ben Walker

What advice would you give yourself if you could travel back in time? Some go for the obvious ‘sports almanac’ or lotto results. On this occasion I have been asked to give myself advice as a first year medical student about the problem based learning (PBL) tutorial. I am not going to waste your valuable attention explaining the structure of the tutorials because this will be evident after the first week. I draw on my experience as a student and a tutor to offer my humble opinion and some practical tips. Think. PBL asks you to generate ideas (hypotheses) for what could be causing a patient’s problem (symptom or sign). Initially it will feel like this is impossible because you have no knowledge. But you are wrong; in fact you have a great deal of knowledge already. In your years in the world you have absorbed so much information about the human body, what can wrong with it and what doctors do that if you ‘think,’ you will amaze yourself. The effect is amplified when you add the collective experience of all group members to the process. Think about the following question; what could cause a headache? If you were able to give a list of diseases, the list would probably be short. You are not a doctor, yet, so how could you know all the common or important illnesses? Using your own experience, and problem solving the structures and mechanisms that might be involved, you will generate a surprisingly thorough list. The ideas might begin

Introductus

as a problem with the skull, brain, nerves, blood vessels, eyes, ears, teeth, or muscles. These ideas could be expanded into skull trauma, brain infection, nerve misfiring, blood vessel rupture, increased eye pressure, ear infection, tooth abscess, or neck muscle strain to name just a few.

Simplify. Many students bring a desire to know everything which is a strength. What makes this very difficult is the number of different topics and the volume of information you encounter. From week to week there simply isn’t time to become an expert at each topic. What is more achievable is to start with a simple understanding on all the topics and build on each topic when you revisit it. While many will ask ‘how much should I know’, a better question is ‘how much time do I have’. You will need to pay very close attention to time management and study technique. It is a good idea to approach this like a job, have your own study timetable and be pragmatic about when to move on. Writing a text book out word for word is probably not a good use of your time. It is also important to be realistic about where to look for information. Try not to get caught up in the medical student trend of the biggest hardest textbook is best. Start with a resource that is easy for your stage of learning and build on it. Focus on the common and important things, common because they happen frequently, or important because they are lethal or highly damaging. You are in charge of your own learning and you will need to prioritise.

Teach. The PBL tutorial will be of greatest benefit if you talk and genuinely engage each other. It is invaluable to really listen to the ideas of others and to understand their way of thinking. It is important that you can talk about a topic without relying on reading notes in front of you word for word. Summarising and being able to discuss

the most important facts in a systematic way is the key skill. Ask the group questions, explain yourself using the whiteboard and be able to answer questions using your own words off the top of your head.

Conflict. Healthy conflict in a PBL tutorial requires diplomatically challenging each other on ideas and knowledge. If you don’t understand ask for clarification or if you disagree explain why. Watch out for assumptions that are often made and be sure to question everything. It is OK to make ‘good’ mistakes because it is a ‘good’ learning opportunity. It is preferable to express yourself in these situations than to sit quietly. It is meant to be a safe environment where group members respect each other and learn from these experiences.

Remember that one day you will be doctor. That one day you will be standing there with a patient in front you, your patient. Their problem will be your problem to manage. Keep this clearly in mind because when that day comes it will feel like you were a first year medical student yesterday. Thinking about this endpoint should help guide you in what is important to know. The more you know, the less stressful it will be. You have five years and your learning is your responsibility. If I could go back and talk to myself as a first year medical student these are some of the things I would say. I wonder what you would tell yourself, only time will tell. I wish you well and be sure to have a little fun along the way.

Textbooks at a Glance By Ming Yong

Pharmaco Histology Anatomy

A&P

Being a good doctor does not mean being able to recite textbooks, but being able to know which textbook to use for what information. With millions and billions of textbooks around, how do you know which are good? Here’s a concise guide to give you a heads up.

Introductus

A&P books are the only textbooks you’ll need in semester one and the classic two are Martini and Tortora. You’ll often be asked if you’re “a Tortora guy” or “a Martini kinda person” although there are barely any differences between the two. Most people, however, find that they are more comfortable with one or the other. My advice is not to buy either one before you try both! I bought a Martini in first year and realised I was a Tortora person. Heartbreaking. Also note that easily 80% of semester one MedSci won’t require sources outside Martini/Tortora.

It’s quite a known fact that Newcastle is not renowned for its anatomy education, but this should not stop you from gunning anatomy. The two classic anatomy texts are Gray’s for Students and Moore and Dalley. Gray’s barely goes into depth, but is concise and has clear, straightforward diagrams. M&D has been known for it’s insane depth and never lacking info. I like depth, so I like M&D, but if you’re the concise type, go for Gray’s. Atlases are also useful. Netter’s have beautiful images, while Rohen and Yokochi uses labeled specimen photographs.

No doubt shotgun histology off YouTube is brilliant, but don’t base your histology off that! A good textbook can help you get more out of histology labs and easily 75% of these books are labeled photos of histology slides. If you’re a loser for pretty drawings like myself, then you’d want to go Netter’s Histology. Wheater’s is easily the most used histology textbook (because there are more Weather’s in the MedRes than Netter’s, which you can only find at the John Hunter library). Histology is just histology, and there really is no difference at all which textbook you use.

Rang and Dale is really the only textbook you will ever need for pharmacology. It has depth, it is concise, and it explains pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics in the clinical context. Note that you’ll barely use it in semester one, but you’ll be using this book well into your degree. Harvard’s Nursing Guide to Drugs is no R&D, but a good drug companion. It is nice having a concise drug guide for the million different drugs out there, and is particularly helpful for patient write-ups and to find out about the weird sounding drug your patients goes on and on about.

Misc Medicine Clinical Dictionary

Talley and O’Connor’s Medical Examination and Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine will be your medical bible. No day goes by in medicine when “Talley and O’Conner” isn’t mentioned - even consultants use them and it is no rumour that passing OSCEs and clinical exams comes easy to those who are able to recite contents from T&O’C. No joke about Oxford being the bible of clinical medicine. It has everything you need to know about everything medical in the most concise way possible. Like T&O’C, you’ll be using Oxford well into your medical career. Textbooks on medicine run you through diseases systematically and guides you through its etiology, pathology, diagnosis, investigations, management, etc. Three books come to mind when talking about textbooks on medicine: Davidson’s, Kumar and Clark’s and Harrison’s. To-may-toe, to-mah-toe. I don’t see much of a difference between the three. Like Tortora and Martini, it really just comes down to which one you feel comfortable with and take a personal liking to. I for one, prefer Davidson’s, but that’s only because I like its layout.

There is a saying: “Guyton is God.” I believe in that. I love Guyton. So much. Putting bias aside, Guyton is the most used physiology textbook in BMed and present physiology in depth and is straightforward and easy to understand. People tend to complain that Guyton goes into too much unnecessary depth, but if you know what you need and what you should leave out, you’ll be fine. I hate pathology so I won’t make recommendations. But I heard Robbin’s Basic Pathology is good for semester one and Robbin and Cotran is good from semester two onwards.

Jargon is a common struggle when you first start medicine, that’s why having a medical dictionary is a good idea especially in semester one. Besides having a go-to when you come across words like polycythaemia, cholelithiasis and dysdiadokinesis, medical dictionaries are also good first point references for systems and diseases you study each week, since they are good at providing an overview in a concise form. Mosby’s and Black’s medical dictionaries are some I would recommend, since they are medically comprehensive (unlike some tailored to be colloquial).

The thing about textbooks is that you may sell your soul to one, but your best friend may hate the same one with all his guts. That said, do not under any circumstances buy a textbook without having a test run of it first! Textbooks are very expensive, so you should only buy those you are certain you will use in the long run. If you’re after medical textbooks in Newcastle, be sure to check out the UNMS Bookscheme at the John Hunter Hospital (behind ward K2, near the JHH library) - it’s quite easy to find a bargain there! Disclaimer: although the author is a massive textbook nerd and has life ambitions to devote one room of his future mansion to a huge collection of medical textbooks, his words should not be taken as the word of God. Textbooks are as personal as your favourite colour, and the textbooks reviewed here are the most commonly used by BMed students (as observed by the author) and are reviewed in the most honest opinion of the author - he has used all of these textbooks at one point or another. Except those pathology ones. He really hates pathology. The author is also an amazing guy. You should get to know him.

Introductus

The Electives Guide

Disliked it because the course wasn’t really stimulating – the readings are pretty dry. If you’re aiming for an elective that’s interesting (though not necessarily easy) you should go for a language or an instrument.

Liv B. Third Year

GRMN1501

German Language 1A Elementary

Took it because I had planned to take a year off uni to travel Europe based out of Germany. Liked it because I was learning German! And the fact that it was only two contact hours a week so it was easy to fit in around my first year schedule. Disliked it because it was run at Uon but it was actually a correspondence course from UNE which caused some admin hiccups and meant we only got two contact hours compared to 6 or 8 at UNE - lets just say my German could have been a lot better than it was at the end of semester!

MUSI2002

Emerald C. Second Year Introduction to Keyboard

Took it because although I actually already am 6th grade in piano, I decided it was an elective that would not be too time consuming assessment/ study wise and it would stop me from neglecting my hobby and only concentrating on med study.

Liked it because it was not too time-consuming and the tutor was very accommodating of my changing timetable. Disliked it because as an introductory course, it was obviously not particularly challenging for me, as I had been playing piano for 13 years already!

Amanda P. Third Year

Introductus

CHIN1110

Liked it because there were no lectures to attend, and each module basically involved a couple of readings and an assignment. The assignments were simple and straightforward – the hardest of which involved a bit of research in order to write a fairly short essay on a volunteer organisation.

Liked it because I made a couple of good friends while studying it, and that it was good to do something completely different from medicine, if only for a semester. Disliked it because rather than being a cakewalk, I almost failed med mid-sems because I spent most of my time doing Chinese assignments, and that two years on I’m still single and remember no Chinese apart from ni hao.

Victor H. Third Year

Introduction to Aboriginal Studies (Online Course)

ABOR1110

Took it because it was an easy and low effort online course, which enabled me to devote more study time to actually studying PBL.

Elementary Chinese i

Took it because I thought it would be easy and that it would help with the ladies, because we all know being multilingual is sexy.

Took it because this side of my education was somewhat lacking. I did the online version which meant I could fit it in easily around the ever-changing timetable of med. It was also a nice little humanities break from everything maths/sciencey! Liked it because it took up very little time and it’s major assignment was a 1500 word essay which I knocked over in a weekend. There was some interesting, and shocking, course material that had a local emphasis. The best bit? None of it made my head hurt the way the 3 layered embryonic disc did!

Disliked it because It didn’t go into enough depth, just scraping the surface of so many complex issues (one lecture on Indigenous Health?) There was very little feedback, I think I got one mark back before the exam. The readings were often hard to read because of dodgy scanning and sometimes irrelevant.

Catherine K. Second Year

Auslan 1

HUMA2070

HLSC2100

Volunteerism - Perspectives and Management (Online Course)

Took it because it looked really interesting and there was no final exam!

Liked it because it was such a good way to get to know a whole new language and community, and the hours were short and fit well with a first year timetable. The exams were spread out so there was no pressure and it was a lot of fun. I didn’t dislike it at all!

Sasha M. Third Year

Disliked it because it was quite basic for students who already have background knowledge in photography. There’s barely anything to dislike about photomedia though.

Declan P. Third Year

INFO1010

Introduction to Information Systems and Technology Took it because I was worried about the work load in Medicine so I opted for what I had been told by other students was ‘an easier option’… and there is no such thing a too much computer literacy right?

Liked it because I learnt how to get the most out of some really common computer programs. I figured out what CPU stood for, which actually won me a round of trivia recently!

Disliked it because there were weekly 2 hour computer labs which I had to attend late on a Wednesday night after a full day of Uni. I also hated that my peers were all becoming anatomy guns while I learnt to use Microsoft Word. Overall I rate this elective 6.5/10. It has been useful, but in retrospect, probably not as useful as anatomy would have been.

Nicola W. Fourth Year

MEDI3320

Stroke Onset and Acute Management (Online Course)

Took it because I was told it would be beneficial to medicine, and would give me a head start in regards to neurology and stroke. Liked it because it was an online course and didn’t require me to attend any lectures/ tutorials, so it was very flexible and easy to manage.

Disliked it because hearing about my friends and their more exciting electives made me wish I had chosen something more enjoyable and creative.

Math1001

Liked it because the final assignment was fun, the mandatory tutorials were not too bad and you have a choice between digital or analog photography

Preparatory Studies in Mathematics

Took it because as a high school leaver, with very little clue of what I was actually doing in my early days of Uni, I chose this elective because I enjoyed it. It was easy, and it would allow me to concentrate on Medicine and everything that was involved in moving to a new city, rather than having to stress about an elective as well.

Liked it because it was an easy HD (I only bothered to read through the course outline the day before my exam and still pulled a 95). Quite a lot of other Medicine students also did Math, so we used tutes for study (or gossip sessions about the Med Party the night before…) and I didn’t have to stress with everyone else about the big Anatomy exams that seemed to always be coming up. Disliked it because sometimes I wish I chose an elective that would be more applicable to medicine or life in general, like Anatomy (the obvious choice) or something a little less predictable like sign language.

Kimberley N. Second Year

Creative Practice 3D (Ceramics)

Hubs1105 AART1310

AART1700

Photomedia

Took it because there were barely many contact hours. And for a photography enthusiast, it was nice having access to photo studios and flash equipment. It was also a good break from medicine.

Took it because I wanted to pick the easiest elective, safe to say 2 hours a week playing with clay came pretty close.

Liked it because It had next to no theory and no exams! Disliked it because the ceramics building is kind of in the middle of nowhere.

Pariza K. Third Year

Musculoskeletal Anatomy

Took it because coming straight from high school I could hardly tell the difference between a hand and a foot. But seriously I thought it would be good to get a basic anatomical overview.

Liked it because the weekly lab experience was invaluable as some of the medicine anatomy can be slightly light on. Find a good tutor and listen to their every word! Disliked it because it is lots of memorising names of various body parts which takes up lots of time.

James w. Second Year

Jessica DB. Third Year Introductus

The What Not to Wear Guide By Alex Scott

So you have a hospital tutorial at the John? You walk into the foyer of John Hunter Hospital, ID badge emblazoned on your chest; the badge that reminds all allied health and nursing students that you are a medical student. It’s your first time on the wards, and you know you can take a history of the presenting complaint like the best of them. S-O-CR-A-T-E-S is your philosophy. You’re a medical student, and you’re dressed for the part.

You’re looking for “orthopaedics” - you know it’s on level 1. A fitting place to start your career as a doctor, orthopaedics is your passion . . . it’s either that or neurosurgery.

A Littman Cardiology III hangs around your neck at all times. Consultants will ask you to auscultate at the drop of a hat, and everyone must know that you’re going to be a doctor.

You’ve picked out your favourite tie; navy blue silk with a subtle paisley-patterned stitch. Not so conservative that it screams “accountant”, and not so loud that it shouts “high school music teacher”. It says: doctor. Infection hazard be damned, that’s what tie clips were invented for.

Your blazer is newly pressed; pure wool. Even the most stylish neurologist will be green with envy. You’re a man of power – a giver of life – and you’re dressed to show it. You know it. You’re a medical student. You arrive on the ward: orthopaedics. There is one girl here you recognise – the blonde from PBL. She looks different to how you remember. The difference is cleavage. Defi-

Introductus

nitely cleavage.

Clinical Dress 101

The top three, maybe four, buttons of her blouse are undone. She’s wearing a fragrance that blows you off your feet, and while you’re off your feet you notice her stiletto heels. You wonder if they are the same ones she wore to First Incision. She’s wearing a Littman Classic II – it’s burgundy. A colour that compliments her outfit nicely, but an inferior instrument to your own. “I think we’re early,” she says.

“Should we ask the nurses to ring the doctor or should we wait?”

“My dear, we are medical students you retort. We do not ask. We do not wait. We do.” You see tears beginning to grow in her eyes. You wonder if you have said something to offend but then you realise they are tears of pride.

After years of oppression and the finest tuition her parents could find, she has made it. After months of UMAT preparation and interview training, she has made it.

You do it; you take initiative and step forward into the ward. As you walk past the nurses station you hear what might be laughter, and you’re not sure why. But it doesn’t matter. You’re dressed for anything.

Next Page b

QUIZ TIME! Think you know what to wear and what not to wear to hospital? Take this quiz and test yourself.

Instructions: 1. Tick the box with “Y” for “yes, I can wear this to hospital” and “N” for “no, I cannot wear this to hospital.” 2. Compare your answers with the answers on the next page. Do not cheat.

To wear or not to wear? That is the question. Here are the six basic rules to dressing right for hospital.

Rule #1 In the hospital, conservative is king: If you’re unsure about what you’re wearing to hospital is appropriate, ask yourself “what would grandma say?” Rule #2 Don’t be too formal: If you overdress (suits, ties, etc.) you run the risk of looking like the nerdy new kid on the block or an arrogant dick who thinks he is way cooler than he is.

Rule #3 Avoid allergens: Fur, feathers and heavy perfumes can trigger hay fever type reactions, especially in patients who are already sick, so they are not the smartest choice for clothing. Apart from that, they just look retarded. Rule #4: Closed shoes only: Clunky beds and wheelchairs are constantly rolling around and pointy objects may go astray, so make sure you give your feet protection. Comfort is good, but unless you want to look like a hobo, Dunlop Volleys are a no-no. Stick thin stilettos are also a bad idea.

Rule #5 Tone down the bling: Aside from being a hygiene issue, large tats and excessive or unusual jewelry may distract the patient and reduce the efficacy of your clinical encounter. Rule #6 Don’t dress like a TV doctor: Do not under any circumstances wear a white lab coat! Wearing your stethoscope around your neck may be a bit too tryhard for a young medical trainee - hold it in your hands instead. Adapted from “Clinical Dress 101” by Lewis Donovan, Introductus 2012.

23 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Introductus Y. Skirt/ pants + blouse or dress is classic hospital wear for females. Just make sure it does not show underwear, excess cleavage, midriff and/ or bum-crack. No one likes that sort of thing. N. You’re attending a hospital tutorial, not a gala ball. N. As comfortable as that looks, bathroom wear and hospital wear never cross on a Venn diagram. Y. Shirt and trousers is the staple mens’ hospital wear. Simple yet smart, smart yet simple. Chinos are a good substitute for pants, but denim is a no-go. N. I don’t think that one needs any explanation. N. Do not think you can pull of wearing what you would wear to Fannys to the hospital ever. Guys, no bow ties, suspenders, or any hipster accessory. Just no. Y. Just to show you how incredible a group looks when at hospital together, in the right attire. If you want to stick out like a gangrenous thumb, don’t follow these rules. I dare you!

Answers:

“Studying Medicine” By Amanda Paterson

an extraordinary sense of accomplishment!

Starting medicine can be daunting as you find out about PBL, self directed learning and the lack of lectures in some weeks. Yes, you’ve all worked very hard to get into med, so you’re already probably pretty good at studying... but I think we all forget that as we begin to discover how much we are expected to learn each week, and how much more there is that we may never know! So I thought I would help get you into the swing of things by telling you how I begin each week of PBL, with a little extra advice from Wiki’s How to Study guide!

Step 3: Open laptop and start a new document. Time to choose a font, a font size, the colour for each learning target. That much concentration calls for an exercise break...

How on earth does one simply “study medicine?” Where do you start? How? What!?

In preparation for a study session, Wiki quite helpfully suggests finding a comfortable study spot, and some classical music to play in the background. I find that the most awkward-looking position I can get myself into at a table is the most comfortable... and so my study routine begins... Step 1: Determine which learning targets will take forever and which will be quick and easy. Attack the quick and easy ones first and feel

Step 2: Take a well earned bathroom break. 20 minutes in and I’ve already ticked off Wiki’s helpful to study in 20-50 minute chunks.

Step 4: “Exercise” in this case means ‘walk to cupboard, then to fridge... repeat’. Step 5: Type out learning targets.

Step 6: Definitely time for a facebook break. There are 15 learning targets today, so obviously I deserve a 15 minute facebook break (perhaps to stalk my new PBL buddies?). Unfortunately, I have broken Wiki’s rule of no social networking whilst trying to study. Unhelpfully, Wiki actually suggests blocking yourself from social networking sites whilst trying to study, but let’s be honest, facebook is only of entertaining use when we should really be studying. Step 7: Back to the learning targets. Wiki says that one should start with studying the most important information, so I like to

UNMS Academic Welcome to Med, First Years!

I’m sure you’re all keen as beans to start Medicine, and get stuck into the academics! So you will be pleased to know that this year as academic convenor, I have planned 4 fantastic events for you. These events are here to support your professional development and provide you with extra information about the course and what happens beyond BMed, as well

Introductus

as giving you more opportunities to get to know each other, settle in and discover that there is life outside of HB15!

Please also listen out for when I call for an Academic Subcommittee as this is one great way to help organise events and get involved with Medsoc! Amanda xx

start with anatomy. However, I very quickly opt out of anatomy to start instead with the prof prac learning targets that can be completed in a few minutes with a little help from our dear friend, Wiki.

Step 8: Definitely in need of a study snack to reward these incredible efforts. Wiki stresses how important it is to snack smart and have healthy study snacks... I find that takes all the fun out of study. For example, rewarding myself with a gummy bear or kit chunky for every paragraph I read or lecture slide I summarise is far more motivating than something healthy... I know I’ve never gotten to the end of a paragraph and thought “Yay, time for a carrot stick!”. Step 9: Bed time - and I’ll fall asleep with high hopes that tomorrow will be a much more productive day.

To end on a more serious note, a quote from Robert F. Goheen - “If you have both feet planted on level ground, then the University has failed you”. I for one have not felt particularly planted for two years. Med is demanding, and you definitely won’t always feel like you’re on top of everything, but I’m confident you will settle in quickly and find your own awkward position at your study desk that works perfectly for you.

2013 UNMS Academic Events The Great Debate

OSCEs Night

Electives Night

Saving Jane Doe

See a wittier side to your peers, lecturers and doctors, who form teams and debate current medial issues to create a hilarious evening of banter!

An opportunity for some hands on practice and to gain some helpful feedback on your clinical skills to prepare you for the OSCE’s.

Information about the Health Equity Selective (HES) undertaken in 3rd year, with interesting presentations from students about their own HES experiences.

Teams battle against each other in an emergency challenge with several stations involving various medical emergencies. A great, fun day to get involved in!

The UNMS Bookscheme By the UNMS Bookscheme

Medical textbooks are, unfortunately, some of the hardest things to find around Newcastle. Good thing UNMS has its own bookscheme. Here’s everything you need to know about the bookscheme in six concise points. 1.

The UNMS Bookscheme is a non-for profit medical bookshop whose aim it is to provide textbooks to medical students at a subsidised rate, of up to 20% off RRP. Besides textbooks, the bookshop also sells medical equipment like stethoscopes, examination equipment and anatomical wall charts. If the Bookscheme does not have the book or equipment you are after in stick, pur-

chase orders can be made.

The primary reason for the Bookscheme’s existence is to serve the medical student body, specifically those who are members of UNMS. Make sure you get a UNMS membership to earn some good discounts.

The Bookscheme is hiring! Ideally, there should be student representatives from at least the first three years on the staff in the Bookscheme, so we want you! If you are looking for a very flexible job to fit in around your medical degree, holidays and clinical work, and are passionate about meeting the needs of other medical students, then this job may be for you! We are looking for a first year medical student to help with customer sales, orders and processing in the UNMS bookshop. Please forward any resumes, or questions to unms-

5. 6.

bookscheme@newcastle.edu. au by the 30th of March 2013. Want to buy a MedSoc hoodie or a “BMed because there is no BS in our degree” T-shirt but can’t find anyone selling it on campus? The bookscheme also stocks on UNMS merchandise if you ever end up in situations like that. Can’t find someone to buy event tickets off too? Like merchandise, event tickets are also sold here! You can purchase second hand textbooks at here. You can sell your textbooks here too! Win.

No idea where JHH Room 6019 is? It is on the ground floor of John Hunter Hospital to the left of the main entrance (the RNC), past ward K2 and just before the Library. Simply turn left at the main entrance and walk all the way to the end. You can’t miss it if you just keep walking.

Introductus

BMed - What’s in store? By Steve Hurwitz

Today, you’re whinging about PH, tomorrow, you’ll be whinging about Surg rotations. Medicine is so fast paced, blink once and you’re halfway through, blink twice and you’re graduating. We can’t slow time, but we can give you a heads up of what’s coming next. UNMS 2012 President Steve brings you a breakdown of the 5 years of BMed. In my first year of medical school a wise 5th year said to me that getting through the degree was like trying not to drown. Slightly melodramatic, yes, but I heard him out. He said first semester you just tried to keep your head above the water, but then in semesters 2-4 you got to swim around and enjoy the scenery. 3rd year then hit and you just had to keep your head above the water, until you got through your medicine/surgery rotation in 4th year. Then you ride the wave to internship. Lets flesh it out a bit. 1st Year. Everyone’s excited to be in med school (and rightly so). First Incision was awesome and O-Camp amazing so you’ll really enjoy it. But everyone faces the difficult question of ‘how much should I study?’ As they jump from body system to body system every week. Most people find it really interesting. Occasionally we catch students straying away from Martini or Tortora to a completely unnecessary biochem book, but everyone who puts in at least a little bit of study gets through. The most significant downer in 1st semester is Public Health. Highly necessary but unfortunately it’s the most boring thing you will ever learn. The really smart students reward themselves

with a trip to Convention before the start of Semester two.

The second semester is much more fun. You get to concentrate on just 3 body systems (Gastrointestinal, Renal and Musculoskeletal). You’ll understand the process of PBL and the Professional Practise Course is no longer airy fairy, wishy washy stuff like in first semester and you get to actually examine patients instead of just speaking to them like 1st semester.

2nd year is a golden year, don’t waste it! It’s very similar to 2nd semester 1st year. You get to focus on Respiratory, Cardiology and Haematology in 1st semester then Neurology, Endocrinology and Psychiatry in 2nd. You get to enjoy the feeling of no longer being the most junior students and you get some small group clinical teaching by specialists in Newcastle. Neurology especially is awesome. It’s probably the most complex specialty you’ll study, but the neurologists in Newcastle are world leading stroke researchers so they know their stuff.

3rd year is truly hectic. You have 6 weeks of general practice placements, which can range from the best experiences you’ll have in Medical School to the most boring. Most of the exciting experiences are from the rural areas. These placements are spread out over a semester and a half of campus based teaching. You study a range of chronic diseases that GPs have to deal with as well as some sub-specialities like ophthalmology and dermatology, which include local clinical teaching and placements. I personally found it all exhausting, but you have a big reward at the end, which is the Health Equity Selective. You can go anywhere in the world. In 4th year you become a full time clinical student and get attached to teams in the hospitals in the Hunt-

er New England and Central Coast Areas. One semester is for paediatrics and obstetrics/gynaecology the other for Medicine and Surgery, which is especially tough. The good news is that you get to join up with the kids from UNE, which has a history of promoting a boom of medcest! Some spend the paeds/obs semester on exchange in England or Norway- the number of negative reviews for exchange is 0.

5th year: I’ve only just started 5th year so I’m not 100% sure what it’ll be like. But I’m pretty sure everyone will adore you and first years will bow as you pass. I’ll let you know how it pans out. Although the best thing about 5th year is NO WRITTEN EXAMS, hooray! 5th year is like 4th year in that you are fully clinical and are attached to medical teams in the hospitals. The main difference is that they occasionally call you a ‘pre-intern’ meaning they want you to actually do stuff. The rotations you do this year are: psychiatry, general medicine, anaesthetics, intensive care, emergency medicine and orthopaedics. You also have a ‘Primary Health Care Selective’ that is basically a GP placement you can do anywhere. So there’s a lot to look forward too! It’s a long journey, but it’s an awesome one, which you are sure to have a lot of fun on. Good luck! Lurwitz 1

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UNMS Education By Teeni Botfield

We have an Academic Convener and an Education Officer. How do they differ from one another? In 2012, UNMS established a new role “Education Officer” to help students out with all things Education from exams, resources and tutorials, to appeals, special considerations, and scholarships among others. Nothing like convening an event (i.e. the role of the Academic Convener), but definitely a role we are glad got established - about time too! Hi guys! Welcome to your first year in the JMP- I know it seems ridiculously confusing and as if no-one can give you a straight answer not to mention figuring the layout of

the Hunter Building is its own intellectual marathon! But hopefully I can help out with some of these things.

My name is Christina (but everyone calls me Teeni) and I am the Education Officer for MedSoc in 2013. This is a brand new role for MedSoc so I am really keen to hear from students how they best think I can help them. Essentially if you have an academic or educational issue that you can’t seem to resolve- let me know and I will do my best to help. One of the concerns a lot of students have is what will they do if they fail a subject? Well, to start with, we are going to provide you with as much support and assistance as we can to give the best outlook possible. But just in case, your team in MedSoc is in the process of setting up some systems to support students if they need to repeat a subject and to help them navigate the appeals procedure if required.

on recommended resources for specific topics including textbooks, websites and journal articles. Around exam time, we are going to set up some practice questions to give you some confidence going in to exams. Please feel free to email me at education.unm.org.au with any questions

As for getting lost in the Hunter Building- apart from trying to navigate Harry Potter style, you might be on your own with that one. Work hard, eat well and enjoy life Teeni /

We will also be able to give you some assistance with some advice

To Summarize Med School

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It’s true. It’s so painfully true.

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Queen’s Birthday

APR 1

Easter Monday

Years 1 - 2 Start

Australia Day Public Holiday

Monday

Years 3 - 5 Start

Breaathhe Skills Night

GP Club Advanced

Tuesday

07 14

GP CLUB (Years 1 - 3)

First Incision

Wednesday

Mid-Semester Break

Stuvac Year 1, 2, 4 Exams Year 3 Exams Years 1, 2, 4 Vacation Year 3

Stuvac Year 3

OSCEs Night

WakeUp! Week

Pub Crawl/ Foam Party

MAY 1

BREAATHHE RURAL HEALTH WEEK 21

The Great Debate

Jazz in the PArk GP Club (Gosford) Anzac Day

Charity Trivia Night Beach Sports Day

Birthing Kit Night

Thursday

Friday Clinical Years Meet and Greet

WakeUp! Party

BreAATHHE Intro Party 29 Good Friday

MAR 1

FEB 1

MedBall

Interfaculty Sports Day

NSWMSC COCKTAIL PARTY

O’Camp

Saturday

Easter Saturday

JUN 1

Charity ColouR Run

Easter Sunday

Sunday

OCT 1

HES Begins Labour Day

Years 1 - 2 Start

JUL 1

Year 3 - 4 Start

GP CLUB (Gosford)

Vacation Years 1 - 2

22 29

GP CLUB (Years 1 - 3) The Wedding Pub crawl

19 26 03

Exams Year 3 Mid-Semester Break Mid-Semester Break

Exams Years 1, 2, 4

Exams Years 1 - 2 Exams Years 1 - 2 Stuvac Year 4 Year 5 Celebration week

Stuvac Years 1 - 2

Stuvac Year 3

Charity Week

AUG 1

Vacation Years 1 - 2

Vacation Year 3 Exams Years 1 - 2 Vacation Year 3 - 4 Vacation Years 1 - 2

Electives Night

GP club advanced

CONVENTION

NOV 1

ER Party

MedRevue

Autonomy Day Charity Party

Red Party

Halfway party

SEP 1

City2Surf

Teddy Bear Hospital

UNMS 2013

Wakeup! Fun Run

NSWMSC Sports Day Saving Jane Doe

JMP Paintball

Vice President’’’ s Report By Anneliese Leerdam

If my first two years of medicine have taught me anything it’s that you can create some excellent costumes from almost anything, medical students disease is a real thing and the people you meet here will become some of the best friends you’ve ever made. So, as my main role as VP is welfare, allow me to use what I have learnt to impart some wisdom on you all in the hope that you make the most out of the next 5 years and that we see you all at the end, standing and relatively unscathed!

1. Get involved There are so many opportunities to get to know the other people in your degree and around the university. Be sure to attend all the events and make the most of everything UNMS has to offer! In particular, First Incision and O Camp are a great start to the year and a great introduction to your fellow first years. Apart from social and academic events, I would encourage you all to join the mentor program and get to know one of your more senior peers who, in turn, will be able to give you plenty of e-books and study tips. There’s also great social sport competitions at the gym so grab a few other students and sign up!

2. Look after yourself You may be able to convince yourself that you are suffering a different life-threatening ailment each week, but if you are seriously concerned about anything you should consult a GP. The Health Service at Uni is excellent (and free) and they will be able to sift through your symptoms to sort out truth from make believe. Aside from a GP, there are always plenty of people on hand to

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help you if there is something that is worrying you; mentors, PBL tutors, year coordinators and counsellors, all willing to listen and/or give you some helpful advice. Join a gym, get a job, go to the beach, do something in your spare time; you need a break from uni so do something you enjoy! 3. Look after each other Change is difficult and no matter where you’ve come from, this year, these next 5 years, are going to be different and a challenge! Most people have moved away from home and may be hours of driving, training or plane-ing away from their families. Look out for each other and don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are okay; if you are worried about someone, let them know!

If you need any help with absolutely anything, please let me know! You can usually find me wandering around the library or just send me a message on Facebook. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have (or find someone who can), help you out with anything you’re having trouble with or just listen to whatever is bothering you. In the mean time, I hope to hear from you so I can set you up with a mentor and I hope to see you all around the Hunter Building and at First Incision and especially at O Camp! Anneliese y

The Mentor Program Starting medicine is no easy task. Ever wished you had an older sibling already studying BMed in the year above to give you advice, provide you training wheels in your first few weeks or just to just be a pal? A tiny proportion of us have that privilege, but to those who don’t, that is what the mentor program aims to give you - a mentor!

Based on your demographics (e.g. age, hometown, high-school leaver/ mature age, etc) we will assign you a mentor from older years who we think comes from the most similar background to you. You will then be contacted by your mentor as a starting point, and from there, you may bombard them with all sorts of questions via e-mail or Facebook or would opt to meet them in person. Mentors are valuable resources and they make great friends. Besides being able to give you a stash of notes and folders full of e-books, they truly understand how it was like being a first year and being in your position - therefore come well equipped with tips for settling down, tips to pbl, exams and electives, and tips of all sorts! If you haven’t got a mentor yet, send an e-mail to vicepresident@ unms.org.au expressing your interest for a mentor. We promise you won’t regret! The Treasury

Thinking of attending a medical conference in 2013? You may be eligible for up to $500 in assistance from UNMS. This may go towards transport, accommodation, sitting fees, and other costs. Please send an email to treasurer@unms.org. au for funding applications or for all other enquiries or further questions about grants and funds.

Friends from All Around By Arlina Arshad

You may have heard of an ‘international student’. Maybe the hardto-pronounce name on the PBL group list? You see them around, but how are they different to your regular Aussie bloke? If you recognize a quiet person in your PBL, he or she is probably an international student. Also, if you see them a lot at lectures but never at social events, yes, there are chances that they are international students. Although generalization has some faults and are not true for everyone, it can be applied to some international students.

Truth be told, we are not as timid as you might think. We are just confused with what are you trying to say. Especially in first year when there is still a language barrier in terms of catching up with the Australian accent. Your ‘a’ sounds like ‘i’ or your ‘e’ sounds like ‘a’ and you replaced your ‘er’ to ‘a’. It’s always butter to us, not ‘butta’ and every time the barista asked me to spell my name, its going to be ‘Erlane’ instead of ‘Arlina’. Not only that, we rarely use ‘reckon’, ‘crook’ and never in my life have I met anyone who adds ‘hey’ at the end of their sentences. Nevertheless, we can speak English, but with a weird accent of ours. Just a little tip, you might not want to comment “wow, you can speak good English, how long have you learned it?” Because to some, it might be an insult as some of us have been using English since we were born; but to others, it can be a compliment. You have to figure that out yourself as I can’t even differentiate which belongs to which. Also for Muslim international students, explaining what halal is can be

quite a nervous process especially since some of us don’t even know what halal really means.

Apart from the language barrier, we might not get your inside jokes. Thus, the fake laughs that we create to avoid awkward conversations together. No, we don’t understand why people are making faces when someone say they are from the North Shore, Queensland or even Tasmania! It took us even longer to actually understand what bogan is, and what more recognise one. We don’t talk about the weather too. More importantly, we can never understand the rivalry between Australians and Kiwis. To us, riding a kangaroo is as funny as riding a sheep. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, despite all the differences that we have, we still love Australia. That’s the reason why we decided to come and study here. Although this might be a lie because some of us are under scholarships and we couldn’t really choose where we want to go, but honestly, Australia is a nice place. Maybe this is the reason why some of us really appreciate Newcastle. Darby street and Nobbys beach and other places in Newcastle are really beautiful in our eyes.

Although we have different backgrounds to the locals, there is one mission that ties us together and that is to be a great doctor so that we can serve the community (or just to be rich or you’re Asian, then you have no choice but to become a doctor). We also learn that the diversity of the culture and language makes it more fun to be in Australia. As culture is not something to be judged but to be experienced. Therefore, next time you see a quite international student, she or he might be wilder than you, but all they need is a simple hello. So say hello to them! Arlina 6 On behalf of Farah and Arlina

If you’re international, keep an eye out for these events: First Year Meet and Greet Enjoy free (halal) pizza while getting advice from senior international students and international academic support staff about everything and anything. The first year meet and greet will be followed by UNMS International’s first round table meeting, giving you an opportunity to find out what’s going on in the arena of international student advocacy and current international student issues at university to nationally.

Round Table Meetings Advocacy starts from saying something about an issue on your mind. At round table meetings, we give you the chance to do so - raising issues you face as an international student, whether at uni or life outside and after uni (e.g. internships). These issues, after being documented, will be brought to the attention of the UNMS committee and from there, to the faculty, AMSA and appropriate bodies.

International Food Stall Did someone say curry!? During charity week, international students are rallied to cook a dish, which will be sold for charity. Whether you cook a dish or buy an omnom, it is all for a good cause. In 2011 and 2012, the International Food Stall raised $1000 and $600 respectively for Leap Frog, all from volunteers who cooked a dish!

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UNMS Sports By Alex Tridgell & Ned McNamee

cine, it’s time to restore the balance between studies and recreation.

Run, Forrest. Run!

Hello there. We are Alex & Ned, your MedSoc Sports Convenors for 2013. It is our pride and joy to ensure that Med students are amongst the fittest and most attractive active students in Newcastle.

It is no secret that Medicine at Newcastle is a challenging course. To get into Med, we became strong enough only to carry around our textbooks, healthy enough only to be sustained by caffeine and fit enough only to dash between rooms during our MMIs. Now that we’re all safe and sound in Medi-

Google tells us that there are 118,000,000 pages in cyberspace on the correlation between fitness and mental health. Your physical wellbeing is the rock on which you must rely to sustain all of the challenges posed by the upcoming years of university study. Whether you’re battling Sontag’s biochemistry lectures in the Med Reserve or sweaty rivals on the highest tier at Fannys, your body has to be able to sustain it.

By adding a splash of weekly fitness to your new schedules, its easy to start improving and managing your fitness. While the Callaghan campus is tough to trek across be-

tween PBL and anatomy (with the compulsory pit stop to smash two to three pies) it makes for an excellent run. Alex is more than happy to run with anyone looking for a good track, and piggyback you when you get tired. Ned is willing to join you for a celebratory latte afterwards and perhaps discuss the weather.

There are a lot of factors that are going to come together to determine your own fitness, and unfortunately we can’t help you with all of them. How often you frequent Darby Street for a mocha frappuccino with Ned or Guzman Y Gomez for a burrito is out of our hands. But as our title suggests, we can indeed provide the sport.

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2013 UNMS Sports Events Beach Sports Day

Interfaculty Sports Day

City2Surf

Weekly Fitness &and Wellbeing

While the summer is still here, we’re going to all get across to the beach for some food and chilled social sports. If we’re lucky and liaise with Elias (who has requested he be called the Godfather of Callaghan) we might have a pub-crawl on our hands afterwards.

Our powers combined with other faculties of the University of Newcastle will be able to turn on a full day of socially competitive mixed team sports. We’re talking netty, touch et le footbáll. Keep your ears to the ground for this one, as planning is already underway.

This year we hope to put together MedSoc’s biggest City2Surf Team yet. Looking dapper in some cute matching outfits is just the beginning. We know that amongst the cohort are some low key elite athletes (Alex has unbalanced ITBs) as well as those always keen for a stroll and a latte in Sydney’s east (Ned is all about that).

Every week, we’ll find ways to keep you moving and pumping endorphins. We’ll be playing touch football as well as guiding you through the forum’s process to start your own weekly social sports teams. We’ll be lecture crashing heaps at the start of this year to make sure you are all in the loop on all the happenings.

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Our Sports Convenorship is all about providing the opportunities, ideas, encouragement, support and guidance you need to manage your fitness. Be it a marathon with Alex you’re after or Zumba session with Ned, it is all on the table and all about maintaining the balance.

know him, Tridge, fabled track runner and heart throb of Canberra youth) and Ned (still known as Ned but with a set of legs to make any woman green with envy). Sports guys out!

Ned and Tridge =

Looking forward to a great year of Sports, Alex (or as you will soon

UNMS Charity By Tasha Patel & Amanda de Silva

“I’d like to help people” is classic interview talk, so you’d better walk the talk. Fortunately, UNMS Charity makes it dirt easy to “help people.” Just get involved! We’ve all been there. Sitting nervously at the reception of the Bowman Building, running responses to interview questions through our brains and struggling to make our answers stand out from a sea of brilliant applicants. But no matter how hard we try, no matter how perfect our prepared answers may seem, we all manage to fall into the trap (let’s be honest, who wouldn’t – interviews are stressful!): Interviewer: “So why do you want to become a doctor?” You: “… I… um… I just really want to help people?”

Well, here’s your chance to live up to it and really get involved with something that benefits not only you, but a large portion of our local community! This year, we are proud to say that we will be continuing our support for FAIR GO FOR KIDS (FGFKs), a branch of Newcastle-based charity LEAP FROG. FGFKs raises money to provide treatment, equipment and support to local children who are living with disability or are disad-

vantaged. Did you know that a child in need of surgery can be placed on waiting lists for up to 2 years in the Hunter region? Those 2 years can prove severely detrimental to their health, so Leap Frog aims to give these children a FAIR GO and provide them with opportunities that we are all lucky to have.

2013 promises bigger and better things for UNMS charity and with Tasha and Amanda (your 2013 Charity Officers) at the helm, you’ve got plenty to look forward to! This year, we’re happy to announce the introduction of an overarching ‘charity theme’ for 2013 –

COLOUR!

That’s right, beginning at the start of the year with an event new to UNMS (and new to Australia), THE COLOUR RUN, we hope to bring to you a range of brightly coloured, fun events that will maximise our contribution to Leap Frog. With events such as BUNNINGS BBQs, TRIVIA NIGHT, CITY2SURF, CHARITY WEEK and of course, CHARITY PARTY, there’s plenty of opportunity for everyone to get involved! And so, as your charity officers for 2013, we encourage each and every one of you to put up your hand, roll up your sleeves and live up to that classic interview response by digging deep for our deserving cause, and help us make our mark and put charity on the map for UNMS!

How can you get involved? This year we want to make charity even bigger than ever and to do this, we need as much help as we can get! We’re setting up an official charity subcommittee, which will hopefully include students across all years to ensure that information spreads fast and wide on fundraising events and activities. Being on this subcommittee means you get all the inside goss on our events, access to tickets and get to help out in advertising (e.g. lecture bashing, Facebook spam and generally being keen). If you’d like to get more involved, please don’t hesitate to ask Tasha or Amanda directly, or shoot us an email at charity@unms.org.au with your name and year level. We look forward to seeing you all around this year!

What we do? As your charity officers, it is our responsibility to coordinate everything charity! As mentioned, we are going to continue supporting Leap Frog Ability’s FAIR GO FOR KIDS, a locally-based charity that raises money to help enhance the development and wellbeing of disabled children in the Hunter region. Check out their website for more information! (http://www.leapfrog. org.au) Our job basically includes communicating regularly with this deserv

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ing charity and relaying information between you guys and them! We also get to run a whole heap of fun, colour-filled charity events throughout the year so keep your eyes and ears peeled for news from us!

Charity Week! Perhaps the biggest event for UNMSCHARITY is charity week – a week filled with fun (and tasty) events that we hope will raise a significant amount of money for FAIR GO FOR KIDS. We start the week off on Sunday with the annual CITY-

2SURF in Sydney, with a team of keen bean students running for us! Then on Monday, we balance out the 14km of running from the day before with a delicious BAKE SALE that we hold outside HB15. The middle of the week sees us once again making camp outside HB15 but this time with our INTERNATIONAL FOOD STALL, which never fails to impress. And then we round out the week with the annual, unmissable CHARITY PARTY! This year, we have what will possibly be the best theme that UNMSCHARITY parties have ever seen, so make certain you keep your eyes and ears peeled for this one – you’ll be sorry if you miss it!

Your Charity Officers, Amanda and Tasha 4

2013 UNMS Charity Events Charity Trivia Night

Colour Run

City2Surf

Charity Week

Once again, UNMSCHARITY racks your brains and squeezes them dry of all the random shit you have stored in there! Get keen for a chilled night of friends, drinks and lots of TRIVIA!

Remember when you were a kid and played with the sprinklers in summer? Well, CHARITY2013 brings that fun back to you, with an ALL NEW event in Newcastle on Sunday, May 5 – the Colour Run! Get ready for 5 kilometres that actually put the “fun” in “fun run”. Prepare for a shower of bright colour at each kilometre, turning you into a human rainbow! Sounds super cheesy? It is. So embrace your inner kid, raise money for Fair Go For Kids, and get yourself along to COLOUR RUN 2013!

After the success of the last 3 years, UNMSCHARITY is once again running the City2Surf in Sydney in August! Kick off Charity Week by achieving something awesome: run/jog/ walk 14km from Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach, and do it for Fair Go For Kids! For those of you who don’t feel up to it, don’t worry! There will be free training sessions in the lead-up with a great trainer. Besides, we don’t care if you end up dragging yourself to the end (actually, maybe we can drag ourselves together…).

This is the big one for UNMSCHARITY and we have a wicked week lined up for you, featuring: scrumptious baked goods, delicious international food and of course, a raging party that will be the talk of CHARITY2013!!

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The Wonderful World of AMSA By Lauren Godde

How does the Australian Medical Students’ Association affect me? All I am is a Newcastle student. Here is a guide from Newcastle’s AMSA Rep to all things orange and how it is relevant to your time at Newcastle. AMSA Orange. It is a colour you will be seeing a lot of over the next 5 years of your Medical School journey. But what is it about this colour that myself and thousands of other medical students are so proud of. It represents AMSA, the Australian Medical Student Association. As the peak representative body of 17,000 medical students of the 20 medical schools in Australia, AMSA informs, connects and represents.

From the issue of the Intern Crisis to the transition to the MD Program, AMSA informs all students about the relevant issues that affect us. The quality of medical education affects all and with the changing world, our education needs to keep up with the changing times. Connecting with other students from across the country and the ditch (these being our Kiwi companions) is another one of the marvelous components of AMSA. AMSA is responsible for the single greatest week of many lives, AMSA Convention, or what is also known as the sexy-part-of-AMSA, as well as other events such as the Global Health Conference, the National Leadership Development Seminar and FutureMed Workshop. There is no better way to meet other students, dance the night away and ‘lay ‘remier with till the early hours of the morning. While you may think that AMSA is all about their events and partying, there is much more to this fantastic

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organisation.

Represent, this is what AMSA comes down to. AMSA aims to advocate for all Australian Medical Students through policy development, campaigning and representation. As your AMSA Representative for Newcastle, it is my role to know what YOU think and convey these straight to AMSA at AMSA Council. I am Newcastle’s voice in all matters of discussion and so I will be aiming all year to seek your opinions on issues and informing as well.

AMSA meets 3 times a year, for AMSA Council. Across the 3 days at each meeting discussion covers policy, to the happenings of other medical schools. These fiery meetings demonstrate the passion that the AMSA Reps, AMSA Executive and others affiliated with AMSA, have for medical education and leadership in Australia.

It’s Your AMSA So how will AMSA be affecting you this coming year? Well to begin with, you will be seeing a lot of Naseer (Junior AMSA Rep) and myself. Not only will I be constantly updating you in lectures and emailing about the present issues of AMSA, I will be engaging with you and seeking your opinions on a range of policies before and after Council. You may think as first years, you don’t know much of the BIG ISSUES but this is where I will be stepping in and changing that. Also expect much lecture bashing and video bombardment occurring in the lead up to 2013 AMSA Convention. Gold Coast. 1000 students. 7 nights. Get ready to go Coastal. Lauren ;

at Newcatle ThinkTanks This is your easiest way to find out the BIG issues that affect YOU as a medical student and give your opinion on such issues to AMSA. Keep a lookout for the next ThinkTank via email and Facebook.

Council A 3 day conference that meets 3 times a year, where students from across Australia and New Zealand come together to talk and debate policy, hear updates on other medical schools and learn more about issues that effect Medical Students. Convention, GHC, NLDS, FutureMed AMSA events that you do not want to miss out on! These events leave you inspired, educated and the desire to achieve more out of your medical degree.

5 ways to get amongst it: 1. Participate in ThinkTanks. 2. Come chat to Nas or myself. There is nothing more we like than to talk AMSA. 3. Go To Convention. It will be the best week of your life. 4. Go to GHC. Learn more about Global Health and what you can do to make a difference. 5. Be as involved at you can with UNMS.

Go Coastal By Naseer Abdul

Ever heard people in years above say “that’s the best week of my life”? You think they are exaggerating, but they are dead serious. It is called Convention - the wildest, craziest, funnest 7 days of any med student’s year. Jr AMSA Rep Nas tells you why. So here I am sitting here at the end of a month long holiday in Europe, suffering from sleep deprivation and signs of alcohol withdrawal (traveling on a Contiki bus really changes your perception on what level of alcohol your liver can tolerate without you being rushed to the hospital) and being expected to write a report on the likes of Convention.

It’s hard to imagine what Convention really is without actually having experienced it. I remember when I was in first year it was an event the seniors would rave about, an event that seemed so ambiguous, but yet so simple. An event that marveled even the most pessimistic of people. Many who go once, go again. Many who didn’t make it in first year, regret it for the rest of their lives.

So what is it really? In a sentence, it’s the largest gathering of medical students across Australia in one venue for a week of academic events and social evenings. That’s what you would tell your mother anyway to get the money for registration.

In truth, Convention is much more than that. So much more. Convention is more than just a gathering, more than just a conference, more than just a week where you see more nudity than the mardi gras parade. It’s simply another world. A week where you’re no longer just an individual, but a part of something greater. So what can you expect from your first Convention? This year marks the 54th annual Convention which will be held on the sunny coastline of Australia’s Gold Cost. The week will start with an opening ceremony after which you will be expected to attend the first social night of the week.

It being Convention and it also being held in the party capital of Australia be prepared to rewrite everything you once knew about partying. And costuming. Especially costuming. Because nowhere else except Convention will effort put into costuming be rewarded so… handsomely.

As is tradition, the themes for each night will be released on a weekby-week basis on the lead up to Convention. Popular themes from Conventions before include: Jungle Party, Whips and Chains, Underworld, Sin City, Edible. Themes are ranked in popularity by many rangers on their ability to showcase their imagination and incorporation of body paint. The rule of thumb is, the more body paint, the better. (Side note: Look out for the definitive guide to costuming in the next edition of Ductus!) You will spend your mornings waking up from the night before, usually wondering where you ended up or trying to make sense of what happened. But regardless of what state you’re in, or who you’re with, attendance at the Academic ses-

sions is mandatory– and the hydralyte and coffee is free so you may as well make your way over there.

Because the academic sessions WILL. WOW. YOU. The host of speakers every year never fails to amaze. Inspirational talks that will cater to almost every interest. You will find yourself attending workshops, learning skills no medical school will teach, talking to people whose books you consider bibles, making friends who you’ll stay in touch long after the week is over. To everyone’s surprise, it is the Academic Sessions which really make Convention for me. Every year I think I’ve heard it all before, think I’ve figured it all out, think there’s nothing else from Convention that could possibly move me. I have been wrong EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. It’s fucking incredible.

And it’s what makes me keep going back for more. This year the academic sessions are themed each day to different aspects of medicine such as MedEd (suriving medical school), Off the Grid (What the hells is after medical school?), FutureMed (Where are we going?), and The Path Less Travelled (Wait. There’s more than one way to be a doctor?‼). And let’s not even start with the competitions – Debating, Australia’s Brainiest Medical Student, Convention Cup, Pipps and Cascade… Have I convinced you yet? No? Let me tell you a little story…

In first year, I was just like you. Unsure. Undecided. Didn’t really want to spend ALL that money on an event I had only just learnt about. And there are some people in situations where that’s okay – being

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Perth ‘Vench 2012 b

a student sucks. And I get that. But I was in a position where I COULD HAVE gone. I didn’t. I decided I would wait till next year and go when I was a bit more comfortable with Uni. Classic First Year Excuse.

I remember going to Convention in my second year. I had just had one of the best nights of my life, and we were all sitting in the lecture hall with our Newcastle hoodies on (Yay for Uni pride) ready for our first speaker. Right after the first session ended – there was just one thought running through my head “Why didn’t I go last year? Why didn’t I just listen to the seniors?”

First Year is THE best time to go to Convention. It only gets harder as the years go on and believe me, you’ll want to keep going. If not for the Medal of Honour you get after going to Convention every year of your degree, but for the experience. I missed out on going to Convention in First Year. It has been, to this point, the single biggest regret I’ve made in Medical School. And I’m not alone. DON’T BE THAT FIRST YEAR.

I plan on going every year I can to Convention. You have 5 potential Conventions in your life. 5 opportunities for the best weeks you can ever imagine. Don’t waste any of them. That’s all I’m saying. Rangers, I’ll see you at registration March 21.

Yours in Convention love, ‘Enis Envy k

Introductus

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Your 2013 UNMS Committee

In 15 years, I will be half way to 70 - Seshika, President

• • • • •

My job in MedSoc: Overseeing all different aspects of MedSoc through providing guidance and direction whilst also advocating on behalf our members to the faculty, university, media and external organisations. Your nerdiest trait: One trait? I’m the queen of nerds all my traits are nerdy! Best pickup line heard/ used: This one time at O-Camp this guy lay across a table and said something like ‘You, me, hook-up.’ By best you meant worst, right? Fun fact about myself: I hate chocolate. I hate the taste and I hate the smell. In first year, I wish I knew that: I didn’t have to know everything!! Enjoy first year, get to know everyone, focus on the big picture not the tiny details, and if you don’t know something or need some help - ASK SOMEONE!

In 15 years, I see myself not filling out inane questionnaires about myself - Anneliese, Vice President •

• • • •

My job in MedSoc: I’m the leader of Sesh’s “minions” (as she so endearingly calls us). I make sure all the events run to plan and (try to) keep everyone in line! Welfare is also part of my job description, so if you have ANY problems with absolutely anything at all, I am here to help! If you see me in Huxley, you should come talk to me because: What’s Huxley? Your nerdiest trait: Nerdy? Please. Fun fact about myself: I accidentally, and sometimes on purpose speak in other accents. In first year, I wish I knew that: Having a big house party for my 21st would leave me with a hole in my bathroom door.

In 15 years, I see myself having my 37th birthday party Alex S, Treasurer •

• • • •

My job in MedSoc: My responsibilities include doing UNMS’s budgeting, planning our financial strategy for the year, and ensuring the Society’s financial security. Day to day tasks include making and approving transactions. Your nerdiest trait: I used to be an engineering student. Best pickup line heard/ used: You’ll do. Fun fact about myself: My porn name is Raza Fishing. In first year, I wish I knew that: The Vege Club serves good and cheap lunch at Auchmuty Courtyard.

In 15 years, I see myself as a paediatrician (after a million years worth of specialist studies) - Courtney, Secretary • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: I have the amazing role of secretary which involves a lot of emails, letters and co-ordinating between people. If you see me in Huxley, you should come talk to me because: I am not that scary, and am always happy to have a chat. Your nerdiest trait: Highlighters are my favourite accessory! Fun fact about myself: I have 8 younger brothers and sisters. In first year, I wish I knew that: The post office sells cheaper bulk bus tickets. Would have saved a fair bit.

In 15 years, I see myself actually being able to call myself Dr God(de) - Lauren, AMSA Representative

• • • • •

My job in MedSoc: I am your go-to-woman on all things AMSA, and how this effects you. If you see me in Huxley, you should come talk to me because: After hours of study in Huxley, talking to someone lifts me out of study-depression Best pickup line heard/ used: “Can I play you?” (For context, I was wearing a roulette wheel as a costume) Fun fact about myself: I have an obsession for costume parties, making costumes and devoting too much time to the art. Hence my love for AMSA Convention. In first year, I wish I knew that: making friends with older years saves you A LOT of money when it comes to textbooks.

In 15 years, I see myself still trying to be more like Steve Hurwitz... James, Sponsorship Officer • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: My job involves coordinating agreements with our wonderful sponsors. I basically try and get as much money as I can and keep everyone happy. If you see me in Huxley, you should come talk to me because: There is exactly zero chance I will be doing any work so any distraction would be welcome.. Best pickup line heard/ used: If I said you had a great body, would you hold it against me? Fun fact about myself: My dream job when I was little used to be a garbage truck driver. In first year, I wish I knew that: the John Flynn Placement Program is a life-changing experience. Get on it.

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• • • • •

My job in MedSoc: I convene academic events! If you see me in Huxley, you should come talk to me because: Procrasti-talking... one of my favourite things to do in Huxley! Your nerdiest trait: I spend my Saturday nights studying, only taking a break to get a snack or watch Dr Who.... Fun fact about myself: I have a growing collection of Amanda-made dance moves. In first year, I wish I knew that: I didn’t need to worry too much if things didn’t really start to make sense and come together until third year!

In 15 years, I see myself graduating? - Elias, Social Convener • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: Not heaps hey, mostly just send emails at people. If you see me in Huxley, you should come talk to me because: I often carry a small bag of trail mix and am happy to share. Trail mix is a combination of dried fruit, grains, nuts and sometimes chocolate. Best pickup line heard/ used: Hey beb, get in the car beb. Fun fact about myself: N/A. In first year, I wish I knew that: All medsoc social events were mandatory or else you have to repeat public health, true story.

In 15 years, I see myself raising my family (and hopefully still having time to travel and explore the world) - Tasha, Charity Convener • • • •

Our job in MedSoc: Basically, we run events to mooch money off you, then donate it to Leap Frog: Fair Go For Kids! Fair Go For Kids helps to pay medical bills for sick children and their families in the Hunter region. Your nerdiest trait: I really, really enjoy puns. And doing brain teasers. And watching that show “Letters and Numbers” on SBS. Can’t tell if these things are nerdy or normal. Best pickup line heard/ used: If I were an enzyme I’d be DNA helicase so I can unzip your genes. In first year, we wish we knew that: 50% was a perfectly decent mark and that past students’ notes will save your life.

In 15 years, I see myself saving children’s lives as a paediatric surgeon! - Amanda DS, Charity Convener • •

•

If you see us in Huxley, you should come talk to us because: We love a great chat and love distractions from PBL even more! (That, and the fact that Amanda can’t stand being alone for more than 10 minutes or else she just gets too bored…) Your nerdiest trait: My Sudoku habits. After going to a stress relief lecture by Dr Dabson, I realised that playing Sudoku on my phone is my way of escaping stress. In my defence though, a neurologist once told us in a lecture that people who enjoy playing Sudoku are neurosurgeons in the making so I’m certainly not complaining!! Fun fact about ourselves: We’re full of fun facts. Did you know that sloths only poo once every two weeks? Yeah. Bet you didn’t know that before.

Your 2013 UNMS Committee

In 15 years, I see myself as some kind of 36 year old specialist in some part of the world! - Amanda P, Academic Convener

In 15 years, I see myself having a very long and very well earned rest with a stethoscope around my neck - Ned, Sports Convener • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: Together with Alex, I try to ensure a healthy balance in the lives of UNMS members with a bit of sport here and there. Your nerdiest trait: Could be my uncanny knowledge of the Deltora Quest series. Best pickup line heard/ used: Yes, I am a medical student. Fun fact about myself: Allegedly, I have been spotted more than once sleeping with my eyes open. In first year, I wish I knew that: Tea contains caffeine (I had no idea!)

In 15 years, I see myself regularly high-fiving DJs at Newcastle nightspots - Alex T, Sports Convener • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: along with Ned, I will bring sports to the MedSoc masses. If you see me in Huxley, you should come talk to me because: I’m usually pretty lonely. Your nerdiest trait: As a sports jock, I pick on the nerds. Fun fact about myself: I can lick my nipples. In first year, I wish I knew that: Histology labs were a waste of a sleep-in!

Introductus

Your 2013 UNMS Committee

In 15 years, I will be in rehab - Jill, Publications Editor • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: I’m the co-editor of Ductus. Watch what you say around me because it may end up in writing one day. If you see me in Huxley, you should come talk to me because: You want to catch up on some current medschool affairs or to buy me a long black. Your nerdiest trait: I do five sudoku puzzles a day: Alzheimer’s will never get me! Fun fact about myself: My nose has less cartilage than most so I can fold it in half. In first year, I wish I knew that: Even sitting in the second row from the back during an ethics lecture won’t save you from on-the-spot questioning.

In 15 years, I see myself working as an editor for French Vogue while playing the flute for an orchestra in Paris - Ming, Publications Editor • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: Besides managing the ongoings of Ductus, Introductus and e-Coli with Jill, I also work as MedSoc’s creative guy - especially with Conveners to promote and publicize their events by designing posters and booklets among others. If you see me in Huxley, you should come talk to me because: Being the nerd that I am, I will give you PBL or study advice whether you like it or not. Your nerdiest trait: I have a photo album devoted to 60s spidey memes on my iPhone. Fun fact about myself: ...I may possibly be in the wrong degree. In first year, I wish I knew that: Knowing less is actually knowing more.

In 15 years, I see myself catching waves - Alex D, Membership Officer • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: Have you seen the $10 medsoc shirts?! Buy one! Your nerdiest trait: I’ll probably be in an art gallery if you can’t find me. Best pickup line heard/ used: I want to be a cardiothoracic surgeon so I can look into your heart. It works ...sometimes. Just ask Sam Green. Fun fact about myself: I’m half Zimbabwean. In first year, I wish I knew that: Ethics lectures are compulsory.

In 15 years, I see myself working in Africa somewhere - Nas, Jr. AMSA Representative • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: Organize the JMP Convention delegation with Lauren. Ruin Sesh’s hair. Make jokes at meetings. Make Sesh feel short. Body Paint. Eat. Your nerdiest trait: I can solve a traditional Rubiks Cube in under 2 minutes. Best pickup line heard/ used: Baby, do you have spanners in your eyes? ... Because every time you look at me, my nuts tighten. Fun fact about myself: I scuba dive. In first year, I wish I knew that: Going to Convention would change my life for the better.

In 15 years, I see myself as a paediatric surgeon hopefully, and a mother of 5 children. I love kids! - Farah, International Officer • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: I’m the new International Officer for 2013, so you can just grab any of us if you ever need our help. Your nerdiest trait: I have no nerdy bone in my body. LOL, that’s a lie. I like to study in the library till wee hours in the morning. But that’s only during stuvac of course! Best pickup line heard/ used: If you are a McDonald’s burger, you’d be the McGorgeous. Fun fact about myself: I love music & language, and I will sometimes randomly sing any Japanese/Korean/Chinese/English song in the library. In first year, I wish I knew that: I should enjoy the sweet and relaxing life of pre-clinical years.

In 15 years, I see myself juggling my roles as a neuropsychiatrist and a mom to two beautiful kids - Arlina, International Officer • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: Help international students with any difficulties that they might encounter and probably try my best to explain to them why Australians love vegemite. If you see me in Huxley, you should come talk to me because: I always have food with me when I’m in Huxley. Your nerdiest trait: I am sapiosexual. I find guys with calculators attractive. Fun fact about myself: I sing all the time, except when there are people around me. In first year, I wish I knew that: EQ is equally as important as IQ.

Introductus

•

• • • •

My job in MedSoc: I am your friendly neighbourhood Education officer. This is a new role for Medsoc so I want you to tell me how I can best represent you with all things academic. Watch this space for some great events and some extra support in terms of study resources and assignement assistance.. Your nerdiest trait: Obtaining copius med ebooks “just in case” (in a way that doesn’t infringe on copyright of course). Best pickup line heard/ used: POLAR BEAR- it breaks the ice. Fun fact about myself: I have 3 minature dachshunds. They are cute. In first year, I wish I knew that: Chatime makes coffee frappes. They are the best.

In 15 years, I see myself working as a Dermatologist - Eric, NSWMSC Representative • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: Keep UNMS and the NSWMSC in touch with each other. If you see me in Huxley, you should come talk to me because: I’m approachable. Your nerdiest trait: Its really impossible to single it down. Fun fact about myself: I went to a French school growing up. In first year, I wish I knew that: The Oxford Handbook of Medicine is the single greatest book ever. Go buy one. Seriously.

In 15 years, I see myself going well, as a doctor - Sam, AMA Liaison Officer • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: I am the Australian Medical Association representative for UNMS. Your nerdiest trait: I know all of the words to the entire ‘Les Miserables’ musical. Best pickup line heard/ used: “My Femoris isn’t all that’s longus” – James Lawler. Fun fact about myself: I have my commission as an officer in the Royal Australian Air Force. In first year, I wish I knew that: That the free parking at uni is close enough to the PBL rooms and lecture theatre that its not worth paying $170 for annual parking.

In 15 years, I see myself in my mansion, living the life of a king (to get there I would have left medicine, become a lawyer and have sued a lot of doctors) - Sina, IT Officer • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: I am mainly in charge of the UNMS website, with other occasional IT/graphic support. Your nerdiest trait: Referencing House in my discussions in PBL. Best pickup line heard/ used: … yup, I’m an ED doctor. Always works! Fun fact about myself: Throughout my med education, I’ve had the opportunity to claim two amazing titles: the coke champion (by finishing 21 regular Hungry Jacks cokes in an hour) and the Big-Ass Burrito champion (give it a go at Cantina Mexican restaurant) In first year, I wish I knew that: Public health stuff is actually gonna be useful one day.

Your 2013 UNMS Committee

In 15 years, I see myself still figuring out how to get through the next 15 weeks - Teeni, Education Officer

In 15 years, I see myself pursuing my creative interests, travelling, and exploring national and global advocacy roles. Maybe a bit of medicine too - Emma, O’Camp Convener • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: Aside from just generally being one of Sesh’s loyal minions, I’ve organized O’Camp this year with my awesome friend Jazmin! Your nerdiest trait: I want a sonic screwdriver like Dr Who. Best pickup line heard/ used: “Emma, you’re surprisingly attractive - for a dork, that is” – Elias Sachawars. Fun fact about myself: I have the same birthday as Usain Bolt, which makes perfect sense – I talk as fast as he runs. In first year, I wish I knew that: Med-cest is rarely (i.e. never) a good idea.

In 15 years, I have absolutely no idea where I’ll be. Life’s full of surprises. But if somethings go to plan I’ll have Dr as a title and be practicing in a field I love - Jaz, O’camp Convener • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: Emma’s partner in crime in organising this years O’Camp and one of the second year representative. Your nerdiest trait: I love Harry Potter, it wasn’t until well after my 12th birthday that I finally accepted the fact my letter from Hogwort’s wasn’t going to arrive by owl. Best pickup line heard/ used: My love for you is like diarrhoea... I just can’t hold it in. Fun fact about myself: I love traveling- currently answering these questions in Laos. In first year, I wish I knew that: 8am video link lectures with UNE are probably not worth waking up for - they never run smoothly or on time!

Introductus

Your 2013 UNMS Committee

In 15 years, I see myself in the mirror, just like I do now - Scott, MedRevue Co-ordinator • • • • •

My job in MedSoc: I co-ordinate MedRevue - a showcase of med student talent in stage performance, be it dancing, singing or acting. If you see me in Huxley, you should come talk to me because: I’ve an eye for talent, a friendly smile, and there is an off chance I will burst into a musical routine ala HSM. Your nerdiest trait: I’ve always found the word ‘nerd’ to be lacking in mellifluousness, I much prefer the word ‘geek’ for it’s poetic properties. Fun fact about myself: I once broke the sound barrier, but you may never ask me how. In first year, I wish I knew that: First year is the best time to have fun and do extra curricular activities - studying medicine is easy if you have the right people around you.

In 15 years, I see myself in an operating theatre, anywhere in the world - Kim, MedBall Convener • • • • •

Our job in MedSoc: We organize the biggest, sexiest social event of the year – UNMS’s inaugural MedBall! Your nerdiest trait: I don’t know if I can answer this in just one sentence – perhaps the obvious organization that is evident in my notes, and also in just about everything I do. Best pickup line heard/ used: If you were a Dementor, I’d become a criminal just to get your kiss. Fun fact about myself: I’m able to answer any Harry Potter question you throw at me. In first year, I wish I knew that: You’re not expected to know everything – there is waaaaay too much to know, and never enough time to learn it all!

In 15 years, I see myself having some sort of mid life crisis - Susan, MedBall Convener • • • • •

If you see us in Huxley, you should come talk to us because: Between the two of us, we have heaps of past papers, PBL notes and friendly advice. Not to mention JMP gossip! Your nerdiest trait: I still handwrite all of my notes. Best pickup line heard/ used: Does this rag smell of chloroform to you? Fun fact about myself: I’m obsessed with the TV show Suits. In first year, I wish I knew that: Except for PBL, clinical placements and some additional lectures and tutes, nothing is compulsory. Doing well in exams depends on how much you cram in stuvac and how many past papers you’ve done.

Why YOU should run for first year representative! What the hell does ‘representative’ actually mean…? I’m the academic embodiment of the ideal fresher? I’m the good-looking spokesperson for my cohort? No and no, not even close! (My cohort is far too intelligent and ridiculously good looking for it’s own good.)

As a particularly enthusiastic first year I had no idea, but I didn’t care – I just wanted to get amongst it! Allow me to elaborate on the role, so your decision to apply is less noob-riddled than mine was. People in your cohort have complaints, concerns, and general feedback on aspects of the first year program (like assignments, or clinical skills sessions). Rather than a barrage of individual feedback, your job is to seek out, collate, and present these issues at UNMS committee meetings. In doing this, you really need to be in touch with your cohort. Talk to people, seek out their opinion, encourage them to email you, make a Facebook poll… whatever it takes! So you need to be approachable and frequently willing to have a chat. It helps to be a confident speaker, too. My personal highlight was drafting and presenting agenda items for the Year 1 & 2 Committee meetings, and meetings with the Dean of Medicine. On a more relaxed note, you have the opportunity to build friendships with people in other years, particularly those on the committee. By helping out at the UNMS academic, charity and social events, you learn about ‘behind the scenes’ event management.

Despite all this, First Year Rep is fairly relaxed– at no point should it ever become a time consuming role! But if you have any questions about it, don’t hesitate to ask me at emma.cure@uon.edu.au.

Emma 8 On behalf of Emma and Arjun First Year Reps 2012

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What's Up with WakeUp!? By WakeUp!

3. 4. 5.

2013 is a HUGE year for WakeUp! your local global health group. This year will include all the usual, such as: 1. Birthing kit night, making it possible for 1200 mothers in poverty to have the equipment for a safe and hygienic birth. 2. WakeUp! week, a week filled with fun, fundraising and facts about an important and cur-

rent global health issues. Red Party, a night to raise funds for HIV/AIDs and let loose. Jazz in the Park, a classy evening to raise funds and awareness about our Patan Libraries Aid project. Global Health Shortcourse, a series of global health related seminars associated with iLead to raise global health awareness.

There will also be some big changes, as our focus shifts from fundraising to raising more awareness of global health issues and empowering students by giving them pathways to personally make changes, rather than donate your change (although this would still be much appreciated and helpful). Our global health short course will

be more spread out over the year, providing practical ways to get involved in different global issues such as the environment, refugee health and preventable disease in the developing world. Our aim is to bring global health to your doorstep, making it accessible and engaging. We all know the world is not a fair and just place, so get involved and make a difference; whether it be with your time, your money or educating yourself and other about these issues.

WakeUp! is also a medium in which you can bring up important global health issues that you are interested in, so feel free to email: info@ wake-up.com.au with any suggestions or projects that are important to YOU. The WakeUp! Team \

Photos from 2012 WakeUp! events. Clockwise from top left, Global Health Challenge at Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Camp Birthing Kit Night, Red Party, supporting the African Aids Foundation; Shots Party, supporting pneumonia vaccination awareness.

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University of Newcastle Surgical Society [SurgSoc] This year is looking to be an eventful and interesting year for SurgSoc. There are numerous events both old and new planned for this year with something for everyone. Our dedicated committee will strive hard to bring the exciting and vast world of surgery to you! Here are some of our exciting events for 2013: ¥ Junior Surgical Skills - chance for 1st - 3rd years to practice and master the basics of suturing and surgery without the risk of harming patients! These sessions are led by experienced and keen doctors with all equipment and refreshments provided. We will also have a senior surgical skills night.

¥ Roadside Surgery - If you are a fan of Grey’s anatomy, Scrubs, House or any other medical drama then this is for you! We will hope to impart some knowledge of emergency medical and surgical techniques that may save somebody’s life in a dramatic fashion.

¥ Live Dissections - for the Þrst time medical students at UoN will be given the chance to observe and interact in live dissections to improve our competency in anatomy.

¥ Forensic Autopsy Lab Viewing - back again this year is the opportunity to attend forensic pathology labs. DeÞnitely the most effective and interesting way to learn pathology and clinical anatomy.

Other events that will be held include Women in Surgery Seminar, O-Camp Challenge, First Year Welcome, Fred Hollows Social Night and Anatomy Tutoring. Dates are subject to change so visit and bookmark our website or search for us on Facebook for more information and updates. Food and refreshments are provided at all of our events. We look forward to seeing you! Events th • 9 March – SurgSoc First Year Welcome th • 14 March – Junior Surgical Skills Night th • 16-17 March – Fresher O-Camp th March – Insight into Surgery Lecture 28 • th • 11 April – ‘Roadside Surgery’ - First Aid th • 16 May - Senior Surgical Skills Night th June - Live Dissection 5 • th • 12-16 August – ‘SurgSoc Week’ th • 16 August – Social Night – Fred Hollows th • 5 September – Live Dissection

https://www.facebook.com/newcastle.surgsoc http://www.uonsurgsoc.org.au

4. If nothing else, you get a rad Get ready for T-shirt. one of the most Which OCamp unforgettable Personality are weekends of YOU? all your BMed Diagnose yourself early and follow years! our prescribed treatment plan, to en-

Rx: • We don’t think you need alcohol to have a good time! We’ve got games, trivia, and optional breakout groups heading to lasertag & rockclimbing, or cinemas & coffee. Additionally, there will always be fun shenanigans happening at the caravan park, on both nights.

Hi First Year! Jazmin and Emma have the enviable task of putting together a sensational weekend of parties, team challenges, mentor sessions… and anything else ridiculous we can squeeze in there!

Symptoms: • He’s fairly keen for O’Camp, but hasn’t gotten around to buying a ticket yet. • By leaving it to the last minute, Leonard misses out on a place – as unfortunately there’s not quite enough tickets for everyone • Arriving bright and early to FRS’ on Monday March 18, he regretfully listens to all of the stories and realises he’s missed one of the best weekends of his BMed life. Rx: • Don’t be a Lazy Leonard – grab your ticket while you still can! Head to http://www.trybooking. com/CGHF

Have you bought your O’Camp ticket yet? If you haven’t, it’s high time you do! To best explain why you should come to O’Camp, let us share why WE have decided to come back for a second delicious serving of O’Camp-y goodness. 1.

O’Camp was simply too much fun - sumo wrestling, dancing on the beach, tackling mentors, blindfolded games, working in a team to seek challenge day glory, and just chilling out by the pool, to name a few things. There’s no better time of year for a sneaky weekend getaway. It’s early in semester so the workload is yet to pick up in pace, and it’s the perfect time to forge some solid friendships for the year ahead. It just so happens that Jaz and I were in the same mentoring group at our O’Camp!

We want to meet YOU! One of the things we love about the JMP is the social culture – we’re a relaxed, non-competitive medical school, and it’s commonplace for friendships to flourish between year groups. We’ve got nearly 40 mentors keen to befriend you, help ease you into the program, and party with you. My 2012 O’Camp mentor has become one of my best friends!

sure an optimal O’Camp experience!

Dx: Hopeless Harry

Symptoms: • Packs nothing but a pair of boardies, a toothbrush, and 2L of vodka. Rx: • At least bring some clean undies, for goodness sake!

Dx: Overpacked Olivia

Symptoms: • Can’t decide between hair dryer and GHD, so brings both. • Thinks heels are appropriate attire for a casual beach getaway. • Wants one last chance to sport her entire summer wardrobe before the autumn sales begin. Rx: • Calm your farm! We’ll give you a suggested packing list once you’ve purchased a ticket. We just want you to be casual and comfortable, so you can run around and have fun.

Dx: Randy Rodney

Symptoms: • Keen to get up close and personal with the lovely ladies at O’Camp. Rx: • Here’s hoping he’s got a positive serology for past exposure to Epstein-Bar Virus, or he’ll be macking his way to infectious mononucleotic glory! • Medcest: it’s not recommended. But if you do it, do it wisely – bring a chapstick!

Dx: Underage Ursula

Symptoms: • High school leaver. • Still 17. • Afraid she’ll be locked in a room watching Pixar and Disney classics all weekend.

Dx: Lazy Leonard

This one time at OCamp ...this guy told his roommates he sleeps naked, but no one believed him. A few seconds later, everyone was scrambling to look away. Everyone in that cabin are still good friends till this day. ...this guy put on a rather lenghty talk show about his life views (a.k.a. coming out of the closet party) to a cabin full of other first years he’s only met once before. Him and everyone in that cabin are still good friends till this day. ...this girl chose to go back to Sydney to be with her family than go to O’Camp. Not a day passed without her regretting that decision. Big OCamp love from your 2013 Convenors, Emma and Jazmin ‘

Letters to the editors or Dr Ductus Got something burning up inside you? Want it addressed or just want some advice? Are you all that desperate to get a question answered? Dr Ductus is here for you - ready to answer your questions about love, life or anything on the surface of your cerebrum. Or do you have an opinion you want heard? Or you just have something to say about the world? Do you have something you want to shout out from the rooftops?

If so, then send your letters or questions to the editors at publications@unms.org.au! Letters will be published and/ or answered in the next edition of Ductus, anonymously at request.

Still have questions and want to talk to someone on the committee? President

president@unms.org.au

Secretary

secretary@unms.org.au

Vice President Treasurer

AMSA Rep

Sponsorship Officer Academic Convener Social Convener

Charity Conveners Sports Conveners

Publications Editors Membership Officer

vicepresident@unms.org.au treasurer@unms.org.au amsa@unms.org.au

sponsorship@unms.org.au academic@unms.org.au social@unms.org.au

charity@unms.org.au sports@unms.org.au

publications@unms.org.au

membership@unms.org.au

International Officers international@unms.org.au Education Officer Jr AMSA Rep

AMA Liaison Officer NSWMSC Rep IT Officer

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Camp Conveners

MedRevue Convener MedBall Conveners

education@unms.org.au jramsa@unms.org.au

samantha.stott@uon.edu.au eric_quin@hotmail.com admin@unms.org.au

ocamp@unms.org.au

medrevueuon@gmail.com medball@unms.org.au

Or send all your general enquiries to secretary@unms.org.au.

Want to contribute to the next edition of Ductus? Have a love for writing and want your works to be read? Simply keen to join the publications team? Send an email our way at publications@unms.org.au! Introductus