As I sit writing this report 6th Year students have started their final examinations which will go for a total of 8 days. Over the past 2-3 months the 6th Years have received amazing help preparing for their final exams and I wish to thank all those that have been involved. The students feel very well prepared not only for their exams but also for the excitement of commencing Internship and beyond. At the end of July, Professor Graeme Richardson retired from his University role as Professor of Surgery. Graeme has given amazing service to UNSW over the past 20 years, particularly since the Rural Clinical School commenced in 2000. The University is extremely grateful for all that Graeme has contributed over the past 20 years. The RCS campus will not be same without him. We wish him all the best in retirement and welcome Dr Damien Limberger and Dr Len Bruce in their new roles as joint Directors of Post Graduate Training. I’ve already had a fairly lengthy meeting with Dr Bruce and I’m confident that we will be able to build on the partnerships that already exist between UNSW and Post Graduate education. We’d like to welcome Mr Andrew Pidgeon who’s taken a part time position at the University assisting with skills training and developing the Anatomy curriculum for Phase 2 and Phase 3. Andrew brings immense enthusiasm and expertise to the role and will complement existing staff to ensure that these 2 very important parts of education are delivered to a level well above curriculum expectations. John Preddy, Head of Campus Farewell Professor Graeme Richardson We say goodbye to “Prof” who has played a major part in the UNSW Rural Clinical School, Wagga Wagga campus since its establishment in the year 2000 running the surgery curriculum for many years including the pre internship program, PRINT. Graeme has made an invaluable contribution to medical student teaching in his long association with the Wagga campus. His love of teaching, depth of experience and his rapport with students year after year has developed into a deep respect and fondness by RCS students. His “pearls of wisdom” bestowed on Wagga medical students have gained him an iconic status that will endure for many years. We all wish him the very best in the years ahead
STUDENTS ASSISTING STUDENTS Eyes Wide Open‌‌ The Eyes Wide Open Mentoring Program continues to be a great success with local high school students reaching out to mentors as they prepare for exams, make subject selections and submit applications for university. Feedback so far has been positive, with hopes of continuing the program for year 10 and 11 students next year as they progress into senior school. A big thank you to all the mentors who have participated in the program. Simple steps to HSC success: On Saturday, 26th September 2015 UNSW medical student Matt Lennon will present to local HSC students a package of short presentations: High Efficiency Exam Study in StuVac, Exam Technique in HSC exams and a masterclass review of content in English/Mathematics along with an outline of resources to assist students in study and preparation for their upcoming exams. This event will be held at the RCS Lecture Theatre from 9am to 12.30pm. For more information please contact Matt by email Matthewlennon1994@gmail.com or call 0403 859 787.
Red25 is a Red Cross blood donation program uniting groups and organisations around Australia to encourage blood donation. The mission is to save lives by achieving 25% of all blood donations needed across Australia. Medical students from UNSW Rural Clinical School Wagga Wagga campus have added to the numbers and registered as a group to donate blood and plasma. The local media were involved to raise awareness of the importance of blood donation for the local community and to strengthen the local healthcare system. Any organisation big or small is welcome to register for the program. Individual donations are also encouraged to boost the blood product stocks locally.
Exam Prep: All RCS students are currently preparing for their exams with Year 6 sitting their MCQ exam on Monday 14th, followed by the Clinical exams on Tuesday 15th and the VIVA exam on Wednesday 16th Sept. Year 6 students have approached their exam period with focus and discipline and we wish them all the very best with their results. Year 5 students These students are next off the block with the BioMed exam on Thursday November 12. Students are making the most of their teaching opportunities and individual study in the lead up to their exam. Phase 2 students The final exams for Phase 2 include the MCQ Exam on Monday November 23 and the ICE clinical exam on Tuesday November 24. We very much admire the focus and maturity of all our students as they prepare for their exams. ILP Update ILP students Maggie-Kate Minogue and Peter McIntyre are now writing up their ILP research and completing data analysis for the submission date of 12th October. Once submitted, ILP students will begin their transition from research to clinical in preparation for Phase 3 studies next year. The Clinical Transition Course runs for 4 weeks with tutorials along with patient examination and assessment. Maggie-Kate will stay at Wagga Wagga campus next year as a Year 5 student while Peter will return to Sydney.
Welcome to new staff: Zoe Steiner, Administration Assistant Zoe comes to the UNSW RCS team with more than 10 years financial planning experience where she was involved with complex business structures and succession planning. After taking some time away for her family and to commence studies in the health sector, Zoe has decided to expand her strong interest in medicine and commenced her role with the RCS in June 2015. Zoe will organise the Paediatric and Women’s Health teams at the Wagga Wagga campus. Zoe is keen to seek ways to streamline student life here at Wagga Wagga. Zoe loves to travel and experience different cultures.
Andrew Pidgeon, Clinical Skills Educator
“After growing up and attending high school in Ballarat, I undertook a gap year in the UK eventually
studying Medical Imaging at CSU Wagga Wagga. Three years as an undergraduate at CSU prepared me for the health workforce where I undertook my professional year plus 1 ½ more at the Wollongong Hospital Medical Imaging department. A couple of 6 month stints working and studying in the UK and the US, with 2 public hospital terms at Royal North Shore and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead led me back to Wagga Wagga. I’ve worked on and off at the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital for the past 9 years, with 3 years spent in between at CSU as a lecturer and Clinical Coordinator in Medical Imaging. I hold a Masters degree in Public Health and enjoy the opportunity to work with and help teach a wide variety of health practitioners. I am married with 2 very active daughters aged 7 and 3 who keep me busy. My main teaching interest and experience is related to anatomy, pathology and all things Radiology. I’m excited to be part of the team at UNSW and will no doubt be called to fill the gaps where needed."
WINNERS: The RCS 2015 photo comp was launched again this year by Joel Katz the Publicity Officer resulting in many outstanding photos entered by students from all campuses featuring various aspects of life in the country and rural campuses. Winners were announced in July with 2 Wagga campus students taking out 1st and 2nd prize for their outstanding entries! CONGRATULATIONS Nathan and Sally!!
1st Prize Winner—”Star-trails” By Nathan Mortimer, Year 6
2nd Prize Winner—”Tourist Resort” By Sally Newton, Year 6