The Fresher Guide

UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCATION

THE FRESHER GUIDE

FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS

2016 CONTENTS

A welcome from the President...... 3 About UNEMSA...... 4 Med Events...... 5 Meet the team...... 6-7 The Course...... 8-9 Resources...... 10 PBL, electives and what to expect...... 11 The staff...... 12 Scholarships...... 13 Accommodation...... 14-22 Things to do...... 23-25 Special Interest Groups...... 26-29 AMSA...... 30-33 ST JOHNS AMBULANCE...... 34 MEDREVUE...... 34 O-CAMP...... 35

“Armidale - the best decision you never made”

Page 2 A WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear New First Years, welcome and congratulations on practice practical exam days, guest speakers or our Great getting into the MD B.Med at UON UNE! After all the hard Comedy Debate. We advocate for your issues to the JMP work in year 12 or beyond, and that mind-numbing UMAT, Faculty and wider bodies like AMSA (Australian Medical you’re finally on your five year journey to becoming a Students’ Association) or NSWMSC (NSW Medical doctor! And although you may not feel it now, you will Students’ Council). We subsidise sporting teams like quickly come to realise just how lucky you are to have mixed netball or our undefeated Volleyball squad. And had the opportunity to embark on this journey at UNE. we even splurge on a bar-tab at a social event every now and then like the challenging MedWeek or our inaugural It’s understandable to have some initial hesitations, and cocktail party ‘First Incision’. We are here for any academic I even know what you’re likely thinking: “Where even IS or personal issues that you may face during your degree, Armidale?”, “Do they even have internet there yet?”, but and getting in contact with the committee is only ever an put that uneasiness aside because here we present to email, facebook message or simply a “Hi” away. you the 2016 Fresher Guide – an insight into what your next 3-5 years at Armidale will be like! UNE also has a few special interest groups that you should consider joining as well. ASPIRE for all your global health So let’s begin. Armidale is inconveniently located needs, GPSN or UNESS for the budding GPs or Surgeons approximately half-way between Sydney and Brisbane, amongst you, and NERCHA for those interested in rural about 5 and a half hours to each depending on police health. Check out pages 26-29 in this guide for more patrol. It’s about 2 and a half hours inland from Coffs information about each! Harbour, so if you’re a really keen bean, a beach day is still possible! The town itself is nice and cosy, small Studying medicine at UNE will become the best decision enough that you will see some familiar faces around you never made, and we are so very excited to meet you (only 23,000 people), yet big enough that you can do all. most things (there are AT LEAST 3 cafés, a Woolies AND a Welcome to Armidale! Coles!). But what the Armidale region lacks in beaches or skyscrapers, it makes up for in tranquil rural landscapes and colourful autumn leaves – strongly advise a stroll down Elm Avenue or a quick trip to Gostwyck Chapel. For the next 3 years, your life will primarily revolve around the university campus – and this is where Armidale really shines. For the majority who choose to live on campus (especially in their first years of med), the college system at UNE has a lot to offer, and I strongly encourage you to read through our College Guide on pages 14-22 to help you with your choice. Our med cohort is small with less than 70 people per year, meaning by the end of your first week of lectures you’re likely to know most people’s names and even regard a few as friends – or perhaps even a girlfriend or boyfriend, it’s been known to happen! And over the next 5 years, these 70 people will become like a family to you – bonding over sleeping through ethics lectures or anatomy labs, and over a shared bar-tab at Med Ball! As a medical society, the University of New England Medical Students’ Association – or ‘UNEMSA’, is here for one main purpose: YOU! We run some engaging academic events throughout the year to help you throughout your Dean Boucher degree and beyond, like student prepared PASS Sessions, UNEMSA President 2016

Page 3 University of New England Medical Students Association www.unemsa.org

UNEMSA was founded by the first cohort of recruit experienced doctors to share their UNE medical students in 2008. Since then, expertise and experiences with you UNEMSA has grown to be the representative - We host some fantastic social, sport and body for over 300 medical students in all wellbeing events (if we do say so ourselves) 5 years of the JMP. In this time, UNEMSA to help you attain that elusive work-life has formed an ongoing relationship with balance that all Med students dream of the UNE and JMP Faculties, the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA), The 2016 Committee has already been the New South Wales Medical Student planning how we can make your first year Council (NSWMSC) and the Australian in Medicine the best it can be, and we are Medical Association (AMA). We also provide dedicated to working hard to maintain this academic assistance, information evenings, goal as you progress through the program. sport and wellbeing events and a fully We will always have time for you though, so sick social program to keep us sane as we come and have a chat, feel free to ask any progress through medical school. questions swimming in your head, or, have a drink with us at O-Camp and First Incision. Instead of boring you with long paragraphs about why UNEMSA is so great, let us We are looking for something from you first summarise the best bits in a few brief dot years too – two year representatives! The points: election will take place in the first few weeks - The main aim of UNEMSA is simple: we are of term. Becoming involved in UNEMSA is a here for YOU very rewarding experience and is a great - We are your go-to guys and gals if you way of getting to know the other year levels! encounter any issues, be they academic or personal We are looking forward to meeting you - Together with faculty, we address any all and sharing 2016 with you! See you in issues that you may encounter and aim February :) continuously to improve the program by relaying your feedback and representing Gabi Francis and Henry Davies, Vice your needs Presidents - We work with AMSA, NSWMSC and the AMA to discuss what they can do for you now and in the future - We attend countless meetings (so you don’t have to), assuring that you are getting the best medical education possible - We provide academic support by running peer assisted study sessions and a mentor program - We run information sessions about the pathways you can take in medicine and

Page 4 UNEMSA EVENTS Semester 1 Semester 2 ORIENTATION WEEK INTERNATIONAL ELECTIVES NIGHT O’CAMP UNEMSA 1st YEAR VS 2ND YEAR SOCCER FIRST INCISION MATCH SURVIVING MEDICINE NIGHT UNEMSA GREAT DEBATE MED WEEK SKATING AND BOWLING NIGHT FUTURES IN MEDICINE THIRD YEAR FAREWELL MED BALL END OF YEAR DINNER

ASPIRE NERCHA

GLOBAL HEALTH AMAZING RACE UNE LIFESAVER DAY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP SKILLS DAY INDIGENOUS HEALTH DAY BIRTHING KIT WEEKEND BAREFOOT BOWLS MATERNAL HEALTH WEEKEND RURAL HEALTH SCHOOL VISITS INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER NIGHTS AGQUIP RED PARTY MENTAL HEALTH WEEKEND (AMSA GLOBAL HEALTH COUNCIL) ALLIED HEALTH CHARITY BALL (TBC)

GPSN UNESS OSCE PRACTICE DAYS FUTURES IN SURGERY LECTURE SERIES CLINICAL SKILLS DAY SCRUB CRAWL TRIVIA NIGHT CLINICAL SKILLS EVENTS TAKE A BREAK NIGHT GP SPEAKER NIGHTS

Page 5 Meet the Team - Executive

PRESIDENT: Dean Boucher [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT INTERNAL: VICE PRESIDENT EXTERNAL: Gabi Francis Henry Davies [email protected] [email protected]

SPONSORSHIP OFFICER: AMSA REPRESENTATIVE: TREASURER: SECRETARY: Ish Trivedi Rosey Chen Patrick O’Connell Alex Buckley sponsorship@unemsa. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

ACADEMIC CONVENOR: SPORTS & WELLBEING OFFICER: Steph Van Ruyven Ed Brentnall [email protected] [email protected]

SOCIAL CONVENOR: Tim Keys [email protected]

Page 6 Meet the Team - Committee

AMSA JR. REPRESENTATIVE: MEDREVUE CONVENOR: Kate Penfold Jo Anugerah [email protected] [email protected] NSWMSC/AMA(NSW) REPRESENTATIVE: WEBSITE OFFICER: Amir Taher Paloma Ghosal [email protected] [email protected] COMMUNITY & CHARITIES OFFICER: YEAR 3 REPRESENTATIVES: Jonah Taylor Nathan Gore-Lenskyj & Rene Lazzaro [email protected] [email protected] PUBLICATIONS & PROMOTIONS OFFICER: YEAR 2 REPRESENTATIVES: Alice Stuart Alex Duller & Megan Adams [email protected] [email protected] MEMBERS, ALUMNI, MERCHANDISE & YEAR 1 REPRESENTATIVES: ARCHIVES: To Be Considered Bonnie Lau [email protected] [email protected]

Special Interest Groups ASPIRE: Stormie De Groot [email protected] GPSN: Lauren Yip [email protected] NERCHA: Kiera Barnard and Jaffly Chen [email protected] UNESS: Rene Lazzaro [email protected]

Page 7 The Course Format YEAR ONE Semester One: • Consists of four units: Introduction to Professional Practice (MEDI1011), Introduction to Medical Science (MEDI1012), Public Health (MEDI1013), and an elective unit of your choosing (see later in this guide). • This semester is designed to provide you with a basic overview of the body systems from birth to death, basic communication and clinical skills including history taking, and a grounding in statistical analysis (don’t let that scare you!). • Involves lectures and weekly PBL plus a weekly Public Health tutorial. Semester Two: • Consists of two units: Professional Practice 1 (MEDI1014), and Medical Science 1 (MEDI1015) • This semester is designed to provide you with an understanding of the gastrointestinal, renal and musculoskeletal systems – in terms of the physiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment and management of common issues. • Involves lectures, weekly PBL and histology laboratory sessions. • Also four clinical sessions with a local doctor or clinician, in which you will learn to perform abdominal and musculoskeletal examinations on patients. • You will be required to complete 10 patient histories by visiting the hospital in pairs. YEAR TWO Semester One: Consists of two units: Professional Practice 2 (MEDI2011) and Medical Science 2 (MEDI2012). • This semester is designed to provide you with an understanding of the cardiovascular, respiratory and haematological systems – in terms of the physiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment and management of common issues. • Involves lectures, weekly PBL, and clinical session to teach you the cardiology and respiratory physical examinations. • A set of patient histories and physical examinations are to be conducted independently. Semester Two: Consist of two units: Professional Practice 3 (MEDI2013) and Medical Science 3 (MEDI2014). • This semester is designed to provide you with an understanding of the neurological, psychiatric and endocrine systems – in terms of the physiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment and management of common issues. • Involves lectures, weekly PBL, clinical sessions and patient histories/examinations as per semester one. YEAR THREE Semester One: • Comprises of one unit: General Practice and Subspecialties 1 (MEDI3017). • This semester has a focus on chronic disease and sub-specialty clinical practice (i.e. everything!). • Involves lectures and weekly PBL. • You will have regular clinical sessions and 4 weeks of GP placement (in two week blocks).

Page 8 Semester Two: • Comprises of one unit: General Practice and Subspecialties 2 (MEDI3018). • This semester is a continuation of semester one, focusing again on chronic disease and sub-specialty clinical practice. • Involves lectures, weekly PBL, regular clinical sessions and 2 weeks of GP placement. Health Equity Selective (MEDI3014)

This is a two-month elective at the end of Year 3 Semester Two, that you can undertake anywhere in Australia or overseas. You have to arrange it independently and are financially responsible for your travels. On HES, you will complete a project that examines inequities within the streams of global health, rural health, Indigenous health, drugs and alcohol in health, mental health, or paediatrics. This is an amazing opportunity that many students use to travel overseas and see what it is like in a different healthcare system – this is definitely something to look forward to! YEAR FOUR

• This year involves rotations in paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology (Women’s Adolescents’ and Children’s Health – MEDI4015), and rotations in medicine, surgery and an elective rotation (Medicine and Surgery – MEDI4016). • Assessment includes case presentations and examinations. YEAR FIVE

• This year involves rotations in medicine, psychiatry, palliative care, and a Primary Health Care Selective (PHCS – a bit like HES) – MEDI5015, as well as rotations in anaesthetics, intensive care, emergency medicine, orthopaedic surgery, oncology, and a Special Study Option (SSO – another self-directed elective) – MEDI5016. • Assessment includes case presentations and examinations. Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)

• Between third and fourth year, or between fourth and fifth year, some students may choose to take a year off of their medical degree to complete a supervised research project – equivalent to an honours year. • There are a variety of projects that may be undertaken as long as they broadly relate to the field of medicine and follow an appropriate scientific methodology.

Page 9 Textbooks Most importantly, DO NOT BUY TEXTBOOKS YET! Finally, there’s also the hard drive from the more The JMP has no essential/required texts. While this senior students floating around. This contains may seem rather stupid (and occasionally you’ll a goldmine of textbook PDFs and PBL notes think it is) this allows you to choose your textbooks from past students (our worst kept secret). This purely based on personal preference. The thing collection of files is invaluable and you should about textbooks is that everyone has their own definitely seek out members of older year groups favourites and there’s no single book considered to get you hands on it. the best for every aspect of medicine. Once you’ve utilised all of the above and decided As a result everyone here at UNE strongly suggests on what you’d like to buy you’ll need to find the that you hold off on purchasing anything before cheapest source. There are many suppliers out becoming versed in the various textbook options there so be sure to shop around in order to get the available to you. You will be able to do this by best deals. We won’t list all the options here but a accessing the UNE library, specifically the med source many students here find preferable is Book reserve. This is an area specifically for medical Depository (www.bookdepository.co.uk). students that contains most of the textbooks we’ll ever need. Here you’ll be able to investigate the various options available to you before you throw Below is a brief list of some of the more common more of your hard earned money into the financial textbooks owned by students at UNE: abyss that is your education. Another good place to have a look at textbooks • Tortora’s Principles of Anatomy and Physiology is online through the AccessMed database. Once • Guyton and Hall’s Text book of Medical you’ve obtained your UNE login details you’ll be Physiology able to access this enormous online database and • Netter’s Atlas of Human Anatomy check out your options from the comfort of your • Talley and O’Conner’s Clinical Examination own room. (Semester 2, Year 1) • Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology (Year 2)

Other Resources Your first stop for info in first year should be either Tortora or Guyton. Failing that, use AccessMed or BMJ Best Practice and just search for the topic you are researching. Despite its reputation, Wikipedia is without a doubt an enormously helpful resource for us. If you’re researching something you know nothing about (and this is the case most of the time), Wiki is probably the best place to go for a basic introduction but should NEVER be your only source. Another helpful resource is the notes done by older students – we tend to pass on these notes to anyone that asks us for them, so if you’re struggling to find the info you need just ask us!

Page 10 PROBLEM BASED LEARNING (PBL) PBL is something you are going to have to get used to fast – you will be doing it every week for the next three years (and after that, too). The basic gist of PBL is that you will go through a patient’s case in the opening session, and the topics (or learning targets) that are brought up in that opening session are researched and presented by individuals in the closing session. A few tips for PBL – whatever your feelings about PBL, you will get the most out of it if you really push yourself to participate. In the opening session, if you brainstorm ideas about diagnosis, about what’s happening in this patient, you will be in a good position later when it comes to exams in which questions are often similar to those raised in PBL sessions. As clichéd as it may sound, PBL is also about learning to work as a team (you will be doing this for the rest of your career), so get a head start and take some initiative to make your PBL experience truly rewarding for you and your group. In closing, our advice is to stick to the basics and not bore your group to death by reading from Powerpoint slides for half an hour. The more interactive you can be, the better. It takes extra effort but it will pay off in the long run, and chances are it will make you a better teacher too. Also, make sure you do your notes properly! Don’t just wing your presentation, it just does a disservice to you AND your group. But most of all, like with anything, don’t take it too seriously! PBL is also about getting to know your group, so go in with a good attitude, have fun, and make the most of it.

ELECTIVES AND ANATOMY CLUB In your first semester of year one, you get to choose an elective unit to complete alongside your medical units. In previous years, there has been an anatomy dissection elective that most students have chosen, however this is not being offered next year – so we can’t help too much in which elective is best to pick! However, this free elective is designed to broaden your learning and allow you to pursue other interest outside of medicine (so you don’t become that boring ol’ med kid whose only hobbies are PBL and talking about med). UNE offers many great electives including languages, histories, etc., so choose something that interests you! If that fails, you could always just chose the easiest unit with the least amount of hours… Although it is looking unlikely, there is still a chance that the previous anatomy unit may be run offline as an ‘Anatomy Club’ which wouldn’t count towards your degree but would be more for your personal interest. If this is the case, I’m sure all of us would strongly recommend that you get involved. Although it will be challenging at times, it is well worth your time and effort as anatomy is such a huge part of medicine, and the opportunity is invaluable.

WHAT TO EXPECT It goes without saying that medicine is, by no means, a walk in the park. However, it is worth keeping in mind that you are here because you deserve to be. You are all intelligent, and the theory of medicine won’t be THAT much of a challenge (most of the time!). The hardest thing is the huge amount of information that you have to cram into your head in a short period of time. Because there is such a bulk of content, this can make learning the concepts hard to process. But don’t let this put you off! You are all capable! The key is to stay on top of work as you go in order to prevent the exam-time freak out. Also, keep in mind that you are first year students, you are not expected to know every single thing about the human body yet. Stick to the basics (don’t get caught up in too much detail), keep on top of things, and always talk to an older student if you’re not sure about anything. One of the best things about being at UNE is that med students here aren’t anywhere near as competitive as at some of the other med schools. We all help each other out, we share notes and resources, and we endeavor to support each other if we’re struggling. We don’t receive grades, or distinctions or credits. We pass or we fail, and there is no set quota of students that must fall under the fail grade, so we do our best to make sure everyone passes. If you work together, you will enjoy studying and life will be so much easier than if you try to do everything alone. All in all, what you can expect is a great amount of coursework, which is entirely manageable if you stay on top of your studies and if you all work to help each other out. By the end of first year, you will know everyone in your year and the camaraderie that will develop is something that will help you in the years to come, and you will look back on it fondly. You have an enjoyable three years ahead of you in Armidale, so make the most of it!

Page 11 MEET THE STAFF WHAT IS ONE INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU? I love food! I get really excited planning what I am going to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner (often planning 24hrs in advance).

WHAT IS YOUR FONDEST MEMORY FROM UNIVERSITY? Saying goodbye to the first year students each year – not because I want to see them go. I am happy for them and super proud that they make it through the year! And of course that means holiday time!

Kim Prater - Year One Manager HOW WILL YOU BE INVOLVED WITH THE FIRST YEARS NEXT YEAR? Being the Year Manager, I am often the first point of contact for any queries and concerns. My main role is to make sure teaching is delivered to first year students (which I am sure second year’s will tell you comes with numerous last minute timetable chang- es).

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO THE COMING FIRST YEARS? Enjoy your time here, study hard and make many lifelong friends. Before you know it you will be heading into the real world saving lives, your time at UNE will fly.

WHAT IS ONE INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU? Over the years I played cricket against four different future Australian representatives (and got smashed by all of them).

WHAT IS YOUR FONDEST MEMORY FROM UNIVERSITY? Coming to mutual agreement with the Head of School that I would not be continuing into second year chemistry.

Stuart Wark - Course Coordinator HOW WILL YOU BE INVOLVED WITH THE FIRST YEARS NEXT YEAR? Course Coordinator and tutor for MEDI-1013 (Introduction to Public Health)

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO THE COMING FIRST YEARS? Pay close attention to advice from your Year Manager and Clinical Academic Coordinator :)

Page 12 SCHOLARSHIPS Depending on your financial circumstances OR interest in specialty areas, you may wish to apply for scholarships; in both cases it is best to apply for/research scholarships sooner, rather than later. General Financial Scholarships Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship Commonwealth Accommodation Costs Scholarship Auscott Limited Undergraduate Scholarship - Secondary student from specific rural highschools

UNE Scholarships Medical/Special Interest Scholarships Working HUGGS - rural placement GPSN First Wave - 1 week general practice placement John Flynn Placement Program - 4 x 2 week rural placements GP Synergy General Practice Scholarship - GP based research project President’s Prize - Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Bush Bursary & Country Women’s Association Scholarships - 2 week rural placement Royal Agriculture Society of NSW Foundation Rural Scholarship - interest in rural & regional health Rural Australia Medical Undergraduate Scholarship (RAMUS) Scheme - rural backrgound Hyman Scholarship for Rural Medicine - secondary school merit & financial need Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme - Indigenous background NSW Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetship - 2 of 3 PGYs at a rural base hospital NSW Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetship for Indigenous Medical Students - 2 of 3 PGYs at a rural base hospital Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship (MRBS) - interest in rural health, 5 years rural bonded Aina Ranke Scholarship in Medicine

Page 13 Whether you spendCOLLEGE a semester or your entire three years at one, the UNE colleges are fantastic places to set up life-long friendships. They are also a great way to help you maintain a life outside of medicine. Be sure to get involved in a team sport, debating, music, or the multitude of college social events, all of which are excellent ways to ensure that you don’t become THAT med-kid (the one chained to his/her desk and, if ever seen away from said desk, is carrying a pile of textbooks to the only other place he/she might be seen… the library). Seek out people in the years above you to make sure that you get the most out of your college experience and really go out of your way to make friends outside med… a little bit of effort early on will go a long way in making your time in Armidale the best it can be (and it’s really not that bad, we promise!) NB: information is only given on the colleges that currently house one or more medical student(s) as it has been found that being only med fresher can make things difficult due to a lack of support as we often have different holidays to the other students at UNE, as well as many different commitments.

Page 14 MWC/theMary haven up the hill, is the placeWhite to be for med freshers. It’s the closest to the med buildings and library by a mile (literally!) when compared to the other colleges, and additionally, it’s MED CENTRAL. We have consistently had the most in numbers of med students for many years.This means you’ll have countless med friends to assimilate with. This will include those in your year and more senior students who can shower you with oodles of wisdom.

If thats not enough, we offer many sporting opportunities (soccer and waterpolo to name a couple) as well as more acedemic pursuits like chess and debating. As far as the social scene, we are continuously creating more and more events and are sponsored by ‘The Stro’ which is the nightclub on campus, only a 2 minute walk from your room at MWC, making it a lot easier to hobble back at 2am on a Thursday night. Thus MWC is the perfect choice for those who seek maximum convenience, a strong med culture and the occasional alcoholic beverage.

Alice Stuart, Mary White resident for 1 year

Page 15 Austin Austin is the place to go for a great mix of inebriated college nights and a good study atmosphere. Austin is very involved in sport with it’s own basketball, netball, water polo, volleyball, and soccer teams (amongst others), and also a fantastic music ensemble.

It has a small but friendly medical community that is always willing to lend each other a helping hand. So come to Austin if you’re looking for great personalities and you intend to get more out of College than just a good work environment.

Varun Randev, Austin resident for 1 year

Page 16 St Albert’s College,St. commonly referred Alberts to as ‘Albies’, is an extremely popular college for med students. As the only private college at UNE, the Albies advantage is definitely clear. With almost 50 years of tradition and spirit behind us, Albies boasts large and well-equipped rooms (including an unexpectedly handy sink), 21 fabulous and fully-included meals per week, competitive sporting teams and a packed social calendar.

A new Albies benefit for med students is that unlike most other colleges, med kids will be able to spend the whole year at Albies with no pesky moving in trimester holiday periods required. The Albies med kids are a tight knit family, always willing to have a good time and help each other out. Every year the freshers (1st years) have their own Academic Advisor (AA) to help them seam- lessly adjust to college, uni and med life. This AA acts as a great link between the new freshers and the medical school, especially at the start of the year. Albies is also connected with an invaluable network of GP’s available for help which is the envy of the other colleges. These GPs will often be brought in to the college to run tutorials if need be, as well as engaging in part of the community aspect of the social life of the college.

A terrific choice if you believe in a healthy study-life balance, Albies has a multitude of sporting teams and social events for you to let your hair down. From netball to rugby and Beach Party to Gender Bender night, the wider college atmosphere and comradery will make you feel at home in no time. Finally, I’d like to point out that although our fees are slightly higher, if you look at our facilities, programs and benefits you’ll see that we really are the best value for money. With all meals provided, and so much support, that little bit extra really pays off. - Once you’re Albies, you’re Albies for life!

Tim Keys, Academic Advisor and 1 year resident of St Albert’s College

Page 17 Robb Robb is a college that can offer a great balance to your life during your time as a UNE medical student. Robb offers a wide range of fun events on top of those that you will experience as a medical student. As the only med student at Robb, it gave me the opportunity to meet a whole new group of people and make some great friends. Some of the events include weekly themed pub nights, sporting teams and many other events throughout the year. Robb college is one of the stronger colleges in terms of community and everyone is made to feel very welcome. Robb has handled the redevelopment plans and is just as strong as numbers have never been higher.There is a strong rural focus at the college but people come from a wide range of degrees and backgrounds. Robb college has very stong sporting teams in rugby, netball, basketball, volleyball as well as performing arts and public speaking. You’ll never expeirence a dull moment at Robb! #rollonrobbcollege

Nick Schnitzler (Parmi), Resident of 1 year

Page 18 Wright Village Wright Village is a self-catered college that offers a choice between a 4, 6 or 8 bedroom flat. It’s the perfect option for students who want a bit more independence, with the convenience of living on campus. The flats have good-sized bedrooms, with bathrooms, a kitchen and a living/common room (perfect for communal study sessions or watching terrible reality TV). If you’re worried about living in a flat with total strangers, feel safe in the knowledge that our college head ensures that all medical students are either living with or close to fellow med kids.

We have at least 40 medical students returning in 2016, so you can relax knowing there’s lots of support. You can also get involved with Wright’s social and sporting activities. In summary, Wright Village is a fantastic, affordable college with a large and friendly medical community – we hope to see you next year.

Megan Adams, Wright Village resident of 1 year

Page 19 Earle Page Earle Page College, affectionately known as Page or EPC, is a vibrant and caring college, which guarantees an absolutely incredible university experience. EPC is the most well-rounded college on campus. There is an awesome mix of everything a college has to offer, from musicals to sports to academics to mind-blowing parties (look Earle Page College up on Facebook to have a look!). But most importantly, there is an amazing family atmosphere that is welcoming to everyone, making it impossible not to make friends.

There has always been a strong history of medicine students at EPC, with 19 of us residing here in 2015 (please don’t be deterred by the 35 week length of contract offered). The Earle Page ‘med kids’ are a super tight-knit group, and there is always one nearby to lend a hand and help you through all the fun that studying medicine has to offer!

Callum Walker, EPC resident of 1 year

Page 20 Wright College Wright College is UNE’s newest college and is still in the process of developing its own heritage and culture. Each room boasts a double bed, private kitchen and bathroom facilities - which is perfect for those who seek independent living without having to sacrifice the tradition- al college experience. Common rooms are great for socialising as they feature pool tables, table tennis tables, 55 inch plasmas, multiple ovens and cooktops, and plenty of sofas and bean bags for relaxation. We also have lovely outdoor courtyards and BBQ areas to enjoy during the warmer months. There are an increasing number of second and third year med students who are returning or moving to Wright College, so you’ll definitely find peers to study and socialise with. If you are looking for a com- fortable and a relaxed environment, Wright college is easily one of the finest options. You will definitely feel a sense of community and a well-balanced college experience here at Wright!

Bonnie Lau, Resident of 1 year

Page 21 Town Initially the term “Townie” felt like a derogative term, but it didn’t take long to grow on me. Most people tend to live in college, at least for their first year. In our year there were only 7 of the 60 or so students who lived in town, but don’t let that dissuade you. Townies seem to stick together, which is a great opportunity for friends and study buddies. Plus, there are many perks to living in town; freedom, privacy, no curfew during exam period. You can be as messy or as clean as you like. And even the small things like not having to carry your toiletries with you to the bathroom every time you have a shower.

I can understand people may find the idea of living out of home for the first time scary or daunt- ing, having to cook for yourself, do your own laundry and general household chores, but everyone has to do it eventually. Some people may find it more isolating being in town, away from the college atmosphere, but from my experience I’ve found everyone in Med to be so close that you end up getting invited to all the good social events anyway.

Living in town you may need to be wary of crime in certain areas, as break-ins are certainly not unheard of. So try and do a bit of research into where the best places are to live in Armidale. I certainly didn’t do that, and probably don’t live in the best area in town, but so far have yet to have a break-in.

Disclaimer: I had already lived out of home for around 8 years prior to moving to Armidale, so may be bias.

Trevor Crain, Townie for 1 year

Page 22 THINGS TO DO I N (F)ARMIDALE - The brain’s main source of energy is glucose, as you will learn, Eatso luckily, the small town of Armidale is pretty much full of places to eat. There’s a range of chinese restaurants (ranging in quality), as well as Thai, Indian and Mexican eateries. There are also places for those more on the uni student budget including Sharky’s fish and chips, Armidale kebabs and yes, Maccas. If you’re from Melbourne, head to the Goldfish Bowl for an ‘indie’ experience and great coffee. If you love a good burger head to Black Jacks, or even the (only) on campus cafe, ‘Cafe life’. And finally if all you’re really looking for is a good schnitty and a cold one, Armidale literally has 4 pubs almost next door to each other. (Also $5 pizzas at Dominos).

- The gym is the only way to compensate for all the ‘de- Sweatlicious’ food you’ll be eating at college, and is also a great way to avoid your study commitments while feeling good about yourself. But if you’re one of the talented few, you could try incorporating your pursuit of being ‘swole’ with your studies: “what muscle group is peaking right now?”, “what’s the metabol- ic process going on in my biceps right now?”, “how many HDLs should I be eating to compensate the accumulation of LDLs after last night’s 11pm Mac- cas run?” – All while cycling/rowing/running/dead-lifting your way to a pass! Membership prices are quite reasonable and include access to the pool, classes, and the weight/cardio room. So head to Sport UNE medlings to set a good example for your future patients, and we’ll see you at Med Peak-hour (approximately 4pm weekdays).

Page 23 - Movies in Armidale are seriously cheap and Watchif it’s not showing here, just an hour down the road is Tam- worth and it’s sure to be there (watch out though, the big city lights might be a shock to the system, even after just a month in small-town Farmidale). Even cheaper, however, is the college download power (very technical terminology right there) or your friendly neighbourhood pirate… but nothing beats the big screen and a choc-top!

- There are many bushwalks in the Armidale re- Walkgion… Google will help you out with the best ones. But if you’re not looking to go too far on a sunny Saturday afternoon (they do happen), a trip up to the lookout provides a panoramic view of pretty Armidale. How perfect!

Page 24 - Don’t strike out just yet, there are plenty of Bowlthings to do in Armidale with your spare time! According to the website: “Armidale Sport and Recreation Centre can cater to a fun social game for the whole family.” If memory serves correctly, it’s BYO and they sell pizza… so don’t be a pin-head, give it a go sometime! Punni- ness. Also at the rec centre there is roller-skating and laser tag. This year we had a med event involving both the alcohol and the skating during which we rediscovered our youth (and broke a few bones).

Travel• Head down to Tamworth to check out the Golden Guitar. • Have a day out in Bellingen – check out the waterfalls and the markets. • Keep on driving and hit up Coffs Harbour for some coastal respite. • If you’re really keen, Byron Bay is less than five hours over the mountain… spot the Tenterfield saddler on your way across. • Newcastle is an easy weekend trip. • Sydney is not impossible, you can get return flights from the very casual Armidale airport for $200.

Page 25 ARMIDALE STUDENTS PROMOTING INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND EQUALITY (ASPIRE)

Firstly a huge Congratulations on being accepted into Everyone on the ASPIRE teams has a passion for global medicine! We are all very excited to introduce you to health and are really excited to get know and work with Armidale and UNE. all of the first year students next year! There are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved so look out for us ASPIRE is UNE’s student run Global Health Group (GHG). during O’week, O’Camp, at First Incision, or come along We are all dedicated to promoting Global Health and to our first meeting! Health Equity to the students at UNE and the wider local community, by providing educational, advocacy and All of our meetings are open to everyone, they are held fundraising global health opportunities. every second Monday at 5pm in the Medicine Common Room and our first meeting for next year will be on: To achieve this, we work very closely with a number Monday 29th February 2016 at 5pm. of organisations including; the Australian Medical Student’s Association’s (AMSA) Global Health Committee If global health is something you enjoy and would like to (which connects all of the GHGs at each medical school get involved with next year, or you would just like to find across the country), Sustainable Living Armidale (SLA), out more some more information, feel free to contact Armidale Rural Australia’s for Refugees (ARAR), UNEMSA anyone on our committee to find out more! and the other special interest groups (SIGs) at UNE. Our contact details can be found on our website page We are currently working on four major projects; these at: http://www.unemsa.org/aspire include: Climate Change and Health, Refugee and You can also visit our Facebook page and group for more Asylum Seeker Health, HIV AIDS and the International information: Burden of Communicable diseases, and International Maternal and Child Health Care. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ ASPIREUNE/?fref=ts If you have any other exciting global health project ideas you’d like to start with ASPIRE, just let us know! Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/140435282314/?fref=ts ASPIRE also have a number of exciting events that run throughout the year, as found on page 5. We can’t wait to meet you in 2016! Regards, the ASPIRE team! Each year AMSA hosts a Global Health Conference (GHC), and this year it is going to be held in Newcastle from Stomrie Groot (President) the 26th-30th August! We are encouraging all students at Armidale to get involved next year as it is such a rare opportunity to have a GHC hosted so close to home (last year it was hosted in Perth). For more information about how to attend or become a part of the organising sub- committees be sure to like our Facebook page and join our Facebook group (see links below).

Page 26 University of New England Surgical Society

UNESS is all about skills and scrubs! You will get to suture with us, learn surgical knot tying, try simulated laparotomies, listen to fascinating case studies, meet surgeons, and much more! Our events are a great way to learn about the different specialties in surgery and develop and appreciation for the discipline. Look out for how to get your very own UNESS scrubs!

Rene Lazzarao (President)

Page 27 NEW ENGLAND RURAL CLUB FOR HEALTH ALLIANCE NERCHA is UNE’S rural health club, and we operate as part of the National Rural Health Students’ Network. We run a number of fun events throughout the year that we would love to see you at, including all expenses paid trips to rural high schools and to Indigenous Festivals. We also have great social events, such as a charity cocktail party and (new in 2016) our Naughty Nurses and Dirty Doctors Night! We aim to maintain a multi-disciplinary focus and include students of all allied health degrees, so we also run skills evenings and information nights with guest speakers who have a wide variety of experience. Congratulations to all of you on getting into medicine, and we cannot wait to see you at some of our events! For more information please visit our website: http://www. nrhsn.org.au/nercha/home Email: [email protected] From Keira and Jaffly, your friendly NERCHA Co-Chairs

Page 28 Hey there freshers! suturing that will be valuable We are GPSN (General Practice for a career in medicine, listen Student’s Network), a special to inspiring clinicians talk about interest group that focuses on their love for general practice and promoting the amazing benefits also meet and network with other of a life and career in general students who have an interest in practise, while also clarifying general practice through the John any misconceptions that people Murtagh First Wave Scholarship might have about this unique Program. specialty. There are many fab So, if you’re keen for amazing events that we have planned for events with food, freebies and this coming year – our annual prizes and great company, then Trivia Night, Clinical Skills day, we’re the group for you! If you First Incision Photobooth, Red would like more info, check out Flags Night and plenty more, so www.gpsn.org.au we hope to see you there! We’re super excited to meet you GPSN isn’t a group just for people all next year! who want to become GPs – everyone’s welcome, and there are plenty of fun opportunities to Lauren Yip (President) get involved in. Learn skills such as venepuncture, plastering and

Page 29 ABOUT AMSA MEET YOUR REPS

The Australian Medical Students’ Association, Kate, Junior AMSA Rep or AMSA, as it is more commonly known, is the Hi, I’m Kate Penfold and I’m your 2016 Junior AMSA Rep! peak representative body for every medical I live at Earle Page College and am super exciting to be student in Australia! AMSA seeks to connect, representing you next year. If you ever have questions or inform and represent all of Australia’s 17,000 comments, or even just want to have a chat, feel free to medical students. send me a message or come see me! Rosey, AMSA Rep Worried about the decreasing internship Hey first years, congrats and welcome to med (even positions at the end of your degree? AMSA though it’s Armidale, pinky promise you’ll learn to love is advocating for your rights and concerns at it)! I’m currently in third year and living at Wright Village. the highest levels of government. Passionate As your AMSA rep this year, I promise to: about global health? Join AMSA Global Health - stalk all your facebooks so I can add you to events in the fight against inequality. Want to mingle involving free pizza with not only your fellow UNE friends, but also - take all your concerns and opinions to AMSA and even- medical students from the 20 medical schools tually up to the big dogs so you can actually get heard all over Australia? Come along to AMSA’s (government, AMA etc) amazing events: AMSA National Convention - - advocate for very important medical student issues the biggest student run event in the world, in such as mental health sunny Townsville. - unashamedly convince you to come to AMSA events because they are actually amazingly fun, inspirational and unforgettable and I have the biggest regrets not Global Health Conference in Newcastle, UNE’s getting involved in first year ‘beloved’ home away from home - sacrifice party times at convention and take you home and many more! if any of you accidentally have too much of a certain liquid that makes you unbalanced and nauseous It’s a no brainer that you’ll want to join AMSA, your NATIONAL organisation for all things med! Can’t wait to meet you all, and feel free to shoot any Hop on to https://www.amsa.org.au/member- questions this way about AMSA, med, or what to eat for ship/ to become a member and find out more! dinner - I’m super friendly and always up for a chat!

Page 30 Page 31

AMSA global health conference will be held in New- castle 26-30th of August this year, and applications for sub-committees close in early 2016. Stay tuned for more information from your AMSA Global Health Rep- resentative, or head to the website at newghc.com.au

Page 33 St John

MED REVUE ! Med Revue: an all singing, all dancing experience or ability, are welcome to comedy stage show, starring YOU, the join the team, and help make Med Revue Med Students of UNE. the best it can be. Med Revue offers A time-honoured med school tradition, students a unique opportunity to test Med Revue is an amazingly fun, out their comedy chops, and cut their heart-poundingly intense and pants- teeth in the world of acting, dancing, wettingly hilarious way to make the singing; or if you’re shy, pulling rope (not most of your Med School experience a euphemism, we need people to help here at UNE. It’s about making people with the curtains!). laugh, putting on a show, and having There are opportunities for people of a great time, all to raise money for all talents in Med Revue: Writers, Actors, Charity! Dancers, whatever. If you’re keen to have Each year, the show delivers a hilarious fun and have a laugh, WE WANT YOU! No glimpse into the semi-charmed lives of need to worry if you have no measurable UNE’s med students, with compelling talent; none of us do! action set pieces, gripping dramatic Get involved, get keen, and FSU tension, and plenty of saucy nudity (Actual results may vary). Jo Anugerah, Med revue director 2016 All students, regardless of level of

Page 34 WHAT IS IT?

OCamp is an annual event for first year medical students in the Joint Medical Program both at Newcastle and Armidale, run by older medical students. It is your chance to hang out with and get to know the people you will be studying medicine with for the next five years. You will also have an opportunity to meet more experienced medical students and get some inside information about what to expect from your medical degree. Most of all, O‐Camp is an action packed weekend for you to get away, make new friends, have loads of fun and form some of the best memories in your entire medical school life!

HOW MUCH WILL OCAMP COST?

The total cost for the whole weekend will be between $100 and $150. This will include transport to and from Barrington Tops, accommodation, food and the entire OCamp program. The OCamp team is still working out the cost of tickets – rest assured, we will make sure you get the most (and more) out of your ticket!

WHAT WILL WE GET UP TO AT OCAMP?

There will be a huge mix of activities ranging from mentor sessions, epic night parties, to simply chillaxing with your new friends. The mentoring program will be a key component to OCamp 2016 where older students will walk you through the BMed, medicine, life at uni and everything in between. Once the sun sets, be ready for fun-packed nights (did someone say bonfire?) O‐Camp is for everyone so rest assured that whether you are the outgoing type who wants to get a little crazy or you just want a relaxing weekend away, your interests will be catered to.

ARE WE ACTUALLY CAMPING?

Definitely not! OCamp 2016 will be held in Riverwood Downs, a campsite at the Barrington Tops with a riverfront and acres of greenery. Your ticket will include a nice warm bed in this quality accommodation. Most of our activities will be held in the resort’s activity hall and catered food will also be provided. Refer to http://jmpocamp.com for more information

Page 35 UNEMSAunemsa.org