f i r s ty e a rguide

Welcome to Medica l Schoo l

amss publicationsadelaide medical students’ society

Welcome to the Adelaide Medical Students' Society!

As a First Year medical student at the University of Adelaide, you may find yourself asking:

“What the hell is the AMSS!?”

Here we aim to provide you with a brief and general overview. For more information you can always go to our new website (www.amss.org.au) or, preferably, chat to some of the members of the Executive: we will be around for all of O’Week and beyond! The Adelaide Medical Students’ Society (AMSS) is the representative organisation for medical students at the University of Adelaide. Currently the Society represents over 900 full-time medical students from all six year levels of the undergraduate course. The AMSS is proud to provide these students with a myriad of activities which fall beneath six pillars: representation, education, recreation, health and wellbeing, philanthropy and membership. The AMSS is incredibly vibrant and has a rich culture, and it is recognised as being amongst the very best medical student societies in Australia. In 2011, the AMSS enters its one hundred and twenty-second year of operation and continues to grow and prosper. The Society boasts

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an inclusive and representative committee of over fifty voting members, ensuring that all medical students are provided ample opportunity to be involved and contribute to their community. The most important function of the Society is to actively represent medical students to the University of Adelaide. It achieves this through its extensive educational representation on numerous boards and committees within the Faculty of Health Sciences. The healthy relationship of the Society with the Faculty enhances its capacity to provide meaningful student input into the curriculum and course structure. The AMSS has a huge events calendar, with over 80 social, educational and recreational events planned already for the year! From volleyball, MedFooty and debating, to International Food Fiesta, the annual MedRevue and of course some parties along the way, there is something on almost every week to help maintain a healthy balance of work and play. Much-loved favourites like MedCamp, Jazz Night and MedBall bring together hundreds of medical students to encourage the vibrant culture of the AMSS. [stimulus], the Society’s quarterly publication, along with regular AMSS email updates provide insight in to student and Society news, educational resources, medical issues and other interesting bits and pieces. The brand new AMSS website is constantly updated with everything from social events and photos to educational material and current medical news. The vibrant AMSS culture and the aims of the Society can be summarised by its motto, “Traditio, Spiritus, Gaudium” – Tradition, Spirit, Good Times. We try to keep this in mind as much as possible – after all, that is what Med School is about! The AMSS is an open organisation which enthusiastically welcomes involved from all medical students from first year through to sixth year. Getting involved is a great way to meet colleagues from all year levels, develop skills for your future career, and generally make the most of your time in medical school; the only potential downside to getting amongst it is having too much fun! The AMSS has produced a Guide to Getting Involved to outline the plethora of opportunities open to students to contribute to the Society, so if you are interested please check this out and chat to some of the members of the Executive.

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An Owl From Percy Weasleya.k.a. AMSS President, Tom Crowhurst

Dear First Years,Welcome to the University of Adelaide Medical School. Welcome to the Adelaide

Medical Students’ Society (AMSS). Welcome to the most exciting and enjoyable six years of your life. Welcome to a limitless horizon.

Welcome to your future. Welcome.

This booklet is produced by the AMSS to provide you with the information required to survive your transition to life as a Medical Student. It also provides extensive information about the AMSS and all it does for you; therefore please ensure you read the following pages carefully. Now let us get to the hyperbolic rhetoric in which only a President is permitted to indulge. There are four (bon jovi) themes that I want to explore with you.

ExcitementMedical School is an exciting place. You will embark upon a tremendous journey of learning; you will develop knowledge not just of the human body and medicine, but of yourself and of the human condition. You will explore the intimate details of childbirth and death and everything in between, from the scope of the cell up to the overarching social context. Very few people are able to undertake this journey. You are privileged to have the opportunity. You are also placed in a cohort of approximately 200 colleagues, in a Medical School of around 1,000 students. We are fortunate to have an extremely close Medical Student community, both within and between year levels. Your new colleagues will be your friends forever; enjoy the exciting personal and social journey that beckons.

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OpportunitiesThe phrase ‘limitless horizon’ is almost an understatement. Doctors work from outposts in Antarctica to robotic surgical suites in Manhattan. Doctors pursue careers as scientists, researchers, administrators, politicians, clinicians, leaders, teachers and more. Even as a Medical Student the possibilities are extensive; whatever your passion or interest, you will have excellent chances to pursue and develop it.

InvolvementI urge you to seize the opportunities available to you as a Medical Student. Will it be getting involved in the AMSS? Undertaking a summer research scholarship? Representing your colleagues in the medico-political arena? Contributing to medical aid for the developing world? Attending every social event on the AMSS Calendar? Attending the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) National Convention? There are so many exciting and valuable pathways available to you, and the AMSS directly provides many of these. If you want to make the most of your six years as a Medical Student, get involved in the AMSS! This year we have produced a Guide to Getting Involved for this very purpose. Please get a copy and throw yourself into the stimulating and rewarding world of the AMSS.

FutureThe field of medicine is expanding at an astronomical and accelerating rate. A new biomedical article is published roughly each minute. On the horizon are mechanical hearts, antibodies that fight cancer, curative stem cell treatments for neurological conditions, and the list runs on ad infinitum.

You can be a part of this exciting future of medicine. Get amongst it!

Yours sincerely,Tom

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Gryffindor Prefecta.k.a. Vice President (communications), Georgie Hanus

Welcome, once again, to the most fun and exciting six years of your life. Welcome to an adventure. Welcome to the AMSS.

There is something very special about our Medical School; a vibe, a culture, something impossible to describe. Something which makes us distinctly Adelaidean. Over the next few months you’ll encounter the Adelaide culture, and over the next six years, I hope you’ll learn to love it. I like to think it’s the AMSS events which keep the Adelaide culture alive. It’s the traditio of MedFooty, the spiritus of inter-year debating and the gaudium of MedCamp, Skullduggery and MedBall. It’s not just meeting students in your own year, but building friendships across all six years of Med School. The AMSS calendar is jam-packed with a huge range of events to help you maintain a healthy balance of work and play: from sport, debating and charity fundraisers, to music and drama productions, education forums and good old parties… We know there will be something you’ll love! Team Events, a dedicated group of year representatives and event convenors, will be organising nearly 100 AMSS events during 2011. There are so many opportunities, it’s hard not to get involved. So your job is easy: meet some other first years, get yourself a MedCamp ticket, discover the AMSS and learn what it means to be Adelaidean.

Let the gaudium begin!!LoveGeorgie

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Hello and welcome to Medical School – you are about to enter a very exciting six years.

My role involves coordinating the:• Educationalactivities of the AMSS; we have a variety of programs

and educational events that will supplement your learning throughout the course. Keep an eye and an ear out for them!

• Studentadvocacyarm, which is comprised of advocacy to the University, the Australian Medical Students’ Association, and external medical bodies such as the Australian Medical Association.

I suppose you could summarise my role on the AMSS as being responsible for coordinating its various education and advocacy-related subcommittees, and to ensure the AMSS Executive is kept up to speed on the activities of these subcommittees. Later in this excellent guide, you will find a section by TeamEducation, the group which handles the advocacy to the university. As co-chairperson of this subcommittee of the AMSS, Team Education is one of my primary businesses. So if you see me around and want to talk education (or MEDucation as I like to call it) please feel free. I am currently undertaking my Honours year, and many people will tell you that it is pretty much a year-long holiday (although people who have actually done Honours may disagree). Finally, I encourage you all to get involved. It’s a cliché, but you do get out what you put in.

I look forward to meeting all of you in the coming weeks.Karthik

Ravenclaw Prefecta.k.a. Vice President (education), Karthik Venkataraman

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Surviving First Year MedicineShane Selvanderan (junior education coordinator) & Karthik Venkataraman

Whether you’re fresh out of high school or have transferred from another degree, starting first year medicine can be a daunting experience. Fortunately, TeamEducation is here to help!

Before we start, some general advice:• Print important documents such as guidelines, assignments and CBL

notes at home. Percy, the med school printer, is about as reliable as Australia’s current batting line-up.

• Have a look at Textbook Talk and ask older year students for advice on which books to buy. Textbooks represent a significant investment, so do your research before you purchase any.

• The temperature in the Florey lecture theatre is typically glacial, no matter how hot it is outside, so bring a coat. Same goes for the anatomy labs – always dress warmly for Resource.

Case Based Learning (CBL)With two-hour tutorials occurring on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, CBL forms the backbone of first year learning. With the guidance of a tutor, you and 8-10 of your peers will work through cases, most of which are based on real patients.

• Study logically – read up on the basics (anatomy and physiology) before moving on to pathology and management.

• Each case has its own Case Wrap lecture that summarises the key topics – it is highly recommended that you attend these.

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• Filing all your notes according to the case they relate to is recommended and will make exam revision a lot easier, given that everything within each case is highly integrated.

We highly recommend you visit the AMSS Internet Resources Guide (www.amss.org.au/education/team-education/internet-resources-guide). It will help you find the resources you need to prepare for each session.

ResourceResource involves spending up to two 90 minute sessions each week in the anatomy labs looking at prosections (cadaver dissections), as well as histology slides, pathology pots and other miscellaneous resources. There’s always been a stigma associated with resource, because it’s often the reason people fail pre-clinical years. However, with preparation and active engagement in sessions, this can easily be avoided.

Some useful advice:• You will draw upon the anatomy you learn in resource for the rest of

your degree and, indeed, the rest of your medical career. Not working at it now can cause you a lot of grief down the track.

• The tutors in the sessions are very eager to help you learn. Don’t be afraid to ask them for assistance.

• Discussing specimens with friends during the sessions can help you consolidate your learning.

• Anatomy, pathology and histology texts are essential. An anatomy atlas with colour photographs of prosections can be really useful, particularly in the lead-up to exams. Some students have also found flashcards useful.

• A lab coat, enclosed shoes and student ID are required for each session.

• The pathology lab on the 3rd floor (North wing) contains all of the pathology specimens as well as folders with past exam questions and histology/histopathology slides. Visiting once a week will really help you with your resource learning.

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Clinical SkillsClinical skills learning begins very early in the course. Weeklytwo-hour tutorials plus a few hours of preparation for each session is the expected commitment. You will be learning how to take patient histories and examine patients. The OSCE (Observed Structured Clinical Examination) is the exam for Clinical Skills, and occurs just after the mid-semester break in semester two.

• Practice before each session. You may be called upon to perform an exam in front of the class and few things are more embarrassing than having no idea of what to do.

• Aside from Talley and Swartz (the two recommended clinical skills texts), the online Practical Guide to Clinical Medicine (http://meded.ucsd.edu/clinicalmed/) is very useful for preparation.

• Dress sensibly. Boys are expected to wear dress pants, leather shoes and a dress shirt. Standards for girls are somewhat more flexible but essentially should be nothing too tight, short or low-cut.

• Always wash your hands before doing anything involving an SP (standardised patient). The importance of this is going to be stressed many times to you (in fact, the bulk of the first tutorial is about handwashing), and failure to do so in OSCEs can mean that you fail a station.

Medical Personal and Professional Development (MPPD)The MPPD aspect of the course includes weekly lectures and 12-15 tutorials for the year, as well as two hospital visits in semester two. You will be given a grounding in medical ethics and learn how to communicate with different types of patients. Don’t underestimate the complexity of MPPD, as it regularly appears in exams and the skills you learn will be useful when it comes to dealing with real patients in clinical years and beyond.

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Department of Gaudium

Welcome! We’re so excited to have you on board in 2011, and we’re excited to share this excitement with you! Our aim from this article is to get you massively pumped for the year ahead, so brace yourselves! But first, some quick introductions…

Alyssa is your Pre-Clinical Coordinator this year, and has the pleasure of helping out Years 1-3 with various aspects of med school life. She is your direct port of call to the AMSS and will be working closely with your year reps to ensure you can make the most out of this year on a social and advocacy front. Medicine can be tough, especially when you’re just starting out, so if you need it, Alyssa is always around to point you in the right direction, or to help you find the right person to talk to. She’s also responsible for the lockers, so see her if you’d like your own little safe-haven in the med school. Despina holds the position of Clinical Coordinator for 2011; she is basically responsible for ensuring that Years 4-6 are happy with the many different facets of being a medical student. Remember that she is another friendly and approachable member of the AMSS who is happy to help you sort out any issues that arise. This year will be exceptional in every way. You will meet amazing people, you will learn some amazing things – not only about the human body (yours and others!) – but also about yourself, and you will face some amazing challenges. To put it simply, it won’t be easy. The initial stages and the rapid changes can be daunting for some, but it’s important to figure out what works for you, and to make sure you don’t lose sight of the other things going on around you. If you’ve always loved sport, keep playing sport. If you need that coffee with your friends, give yourself the break. Don’t forget the fun things – they will get you through. We cannot stress this enough!

Pre-Clinical coordinator, Alyssa Parsons & Clinical coordinator, Despina Papps

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It’s also important that you know where you can turn if you need help. As mentioned, Alyssa and Dezi are here for you to talk to and can help steer you in the right direction. The AMSS has also introduced a new HealthandWellBeingInitiative this year, and you’ll be able to find links to contacts and services on the AMSS website. Older years are also always happy to help out – we’ve all sat where you are now, so we feel what you’re going through! BUT – med school certainly isn’t just about the study. There are a huge number of awesome events held throughout the year that give you priceless opportunities to get to know each other and those in older years. There’s truly something for everyone, but do your best to get along to as many as you can. Here’s a run-down on just a few marks on the Social calendar…

Pres KegHeld early in the year, President’s Keg is one of the favourites in the AMSS social calendar. Provided you have signed up with the AMSS, the event is free, with drinks and good times all included. What a bargain! Location has varied over the years from the old common room to the well-loved Estonian Hall, but the president’s layback with a goon sack has always been a constant feature. Be sure not to miss this icebreaker into the AMSS social life.

Jazz NightThe social highlight of the year, short only of MedBall. You will not find a med student who doesn’t rave about this free AMSS event, which takes place on the lawns surrounding the Rotunda at Rymill Park. Rural students have been known to book flights home months in advance to make sure they don’t miss it. Picture autumn sunsets, jazz music, picnic rugs, fancy dresses, wine bottles, and exquisite company. Whatever you do, don’t miss this one!

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DebatingInter-year debating was extremely popular when introduced in 2010 and the AMSS will continue this event in 2011. Are you a budding public speaker who would love the opportunity to show off your debating prowess? Or do you just like the idea of talking loudly about the superiority of your year level (while wearing a goon box as a hat)? Make sure you keep an eye on the discussion boards about being part of this event!

Pre-Clin PubcrawlEvery good uni course should have a good Pub Crawl. Thus, being an exceptional uni course, the med students each year host an exceptional Pub Crawl. Recent Crawls have proven to be both memorable and forgettable, largely dependent on which side of the alcoholic beverage you’re on. It is from such events that the Adelaideans develop their macking and somewhat incestuous culture, and where fitness is improved ten-fold on the D-floor.

RedPartyRedParty is a fundraising event held to support AIDS sufferers, and in 2010 it was held at the London Tavern on North Tce. If philanthropy floats your boat, or if you just like the idea of partying down in the name of charity, be sure to get in touch with your Philanthropy Officer Katherine Watson (Med V).

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MedBallThe highlight of the year, this glamorous event proves yearly that there is some class left in the Med School. This is the perfect excuse to get your frock or suit jacket out and play grown-ups for a night. The Adelaide MedBall is so well-renowned that students from MedSocs around Australia flock to the otherwise quiet town for this unforgettable night, and tickets have sold out two years in a row. Undoubtedly, this year’s will be even bigger and better still.

MedRevueMedRevue is the perfect opportunity to display your talents in singing or acting! It is yet another fundraising event completely written and produced by medical students. Even if you are not a performer, assistance is always required backstage or at front-of-house, so get involved!

There are so many events organised by your friendly AMSS and there is such variety that there is bound to be something that tickles your fancy.

Looking forward to meeting you all soon. Best wishes for the start of your Adelaidean life!

Much love,Alyssa and Dezi

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Women of Medicine!Congratulations – your time at Adelaide will be spent amongst wonderful people, including the women who will be your workmates for many years to come. Throughout your time here you will be included in the sisterhood that thrives amongst your peers – the AdeLadies.

JessicaMcCole(II) is your Officer for 2011, and she is looking forward to fulfilling her role in the year to come. The Women’s Officer

is an advocate for you, a friend to talk to, and will also be the orchestrator of the MissMed event. This is the sister event to the Menof Med celebration and in past years has included dancing lessons, learning how to change a tire, and many unmentionable party games before meeting up with the boys at the after-party venue.

Women's & Men's officers

Luisa Rositano

Greetings to you, young men! You are now joining the hallowed company of those who have gone before on the journey through the maze of medicine. Your Men’s Officer for 2011 is Lorenzo“TheGeneral”Chewparsad, and this year he will take charge of helping you to avoid making too many wrong turns and looking out for your mental health and wellbeing, although the same can probably not be said of your liver’s health...

The General will be running Men of Medicine this year, a night of revelry about which only one thing may be said: the rumours are true. Welcome to medicine, congratulations for getting in, and enjoy your progression through the ranks.

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Hogwarts: A HistoryHistorian, Evan Papps

Let me first say a big welcome to fresh-faced first years of 2011! Welcome to one of the most prestigious medical courses in Australia, in one of the best universities in the world. One often hears catch-phrases like “multidisciplinary interdependence”, “holistic learning”, and other sundry rhetoric thrown around by the higher-ups wishing to advertise the University to the rest of the world. But, despite all the babble, the Adelaide School of Medicine and the AMSS have a remarkable history behind them, and as the 2011 AMSS historian I will offer some illumination on both these institutions. The Adelaide Medical School was founded in 1885 to provide world-class medical education for our state, and for most of its history its students have been cared for by the AMSS. Founded on the 21st of May 1889, the AMSS has been the representative body for medical students for over 100 years. Over the years, the AMSS has expanded massively and its presence is ubiquitous in the medical school. From social events, charity organisations, inter-year tutoring, and student advocacy, it is the beating heart of the medical student body. Adelaide is also the alma mater of the renowned Nobel Prize winner, Dr Howard Florey. Dr Florey is the most commonly cited example of the Adelaide Med School’s greatness, and his contribution to medicine is undeniable, though Adelaide is still home to the great minds and ground-breaking research being produced in the current day. But despite the most certain future greatness and recognition that awaits Adelaideans upon graduation, one of the best things about this School is the sense of camaraderie. Unlike the other courses in the mysterious land beyond Frome Rd, Adelaide med students not only forge great friendships amongst their year cohorts, but also lasting friendships with people from every other year level.And so, on this heart-warming note, I wish you the best of luck for your first year of medicine. Evan

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Help A Brother OutPhilanthropy officer, Katherine Watson

Most of us said something about helping people in our interview. As you will quickly discover however, saying and doing are worlds apart. A wise little green man once said, “Do or do not. There is no try”. Lucky for you, the AMSS and I are here to make the task of translating your words into actions much easier for you. In other words, we’re here to help you “help a brother out”.

Philanthropy is one of the core pillars of the AMSS and a sense of service to others is integral to all that we do. My role is to coordinate a series of AMSS initiatives focusing on fundraising, awareness and involvement. Old favourites include the “ClosetheGap”campaign for Indigenous health equality, the AMSSMovemberteam, FloreyBadgeDay and our annual PinkRibbon event. We’re currently working on some newbies to squeeze in to 2011 as well, so keep an eye out for more about these on Facebook and your discussion boards. Lastly, and most importantly, if you have any ideas for fundraising, want to suggest a charity you’d like to see the AMSS support or would like to get involved in any way I would love to hear from you! Please don’t hesitate to approach me for a friendly chat or alternatively you can hit up my email at philanthropy@amss.org.au.

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Sports officers Stefan Lammerink, Victoria Cox & David Barlow

The AMSSSportsteam is an ultra-progressive, non-denominational sports movement fuelled with the unrefined passion of youth. Our mission is to bring you sporting events which stimulate your mind and move your body – not necessarily in the same way as other events.

The AMSS calendar kicks off with MedCricket on March 27, traditionally a spirited showdown between ‘Australia’ and the ‘Rest of the World’. Much like cricket this summer, the tourists currently have the upper hand – and at our cricket matches you are all welcome to enjoy the members’ benefits (hello Pimms tent!). Other sporting events follow thick and fast and cater for all levels of enthusiasm, experience and expertise. Highlights include MedFooty (we get the day off uni, don’t miss it!), CitytoBay (our ‘Kenyan’ team pushes a hospital bed 12km) and almost every other sport you can think of...volleyball, soccer, netball, running, cycling. This year we’re looking to branch out into other sports as well – stay tuned. The AMSS has specialist running and cycling groups, TeamProteolysis and the AMSSPelotonrespectively, who get together on weekends for regular training sessions. It’s a great way to become friends with older medical students (and doctors) who share similar passions. Email us if you would like to get involved. AMSS members have competed all at all levels of competition in both team and individual sports – recently we had an Olympic rower! If you’re doing anything cool we’d love to hear about it!

If you have any questions, suggestions or would like more information please contact us at sports@amss.org.au.

Even Better than Quidditch

Adelaide University Medical OrchestraClarissa Darmasetiawan & Paaree Senguttuvan

The Adelaide University Medical Orchestra is the world’s first and only single faculty medical student orchestra.Since its inception in 2008, AUMO has expanded to incorporate an Orchestra, Stage Band, Vocal Ensemble and various Dance Crews. Involvement has flourished to nearly 150 students, spanning across all year groups. We are best known for our bold ideas, talent and the vivacious intensity we bring to our performances. Our artistic style explores a myriad of repertoire, encompassing both classical masterpieces and contemporary works, along with innovative projects formed through arrangements and compositions by members of AUMO. For members, AUMO is a creative outlet from the demands of study, a great opportunity to maintain musical or dance interest and to share this with other students, and the perfect way to explore and create almost any audacious idea. Performance opportunities include medical and faculty events, and functions to raise awareness and funds to support other medical charities. These encompass our Christmas project at the RAH and WCH, National Doctor’s Conference, Medicine 125th Celebrations, events held by Insight, the Neurosurgical Research Foundation, and much more. Our annual concerts, Aumogenesis (Scott Theatre) and The AUMO Experiment (Adelaide Town Hall) were spectacular sell out events. Past repertoire has included hip hop/RnB and Disney medleys (collaborations between all ensembles); O Fortuna, Coldplay’s Viva La Vida (Orchestra); Herbie Hancock, Frank Sinatra (Stage Band); and traditional hymns, jazz and popular songs (Vocal Ensemble). Dance groups have included Hip hop, Contemporary, Ballet and Martial Arts.No auditions, no fees. Just pure fun.To

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Harry, Ron & Hermione, a.k.a. MedCamp convenors

Dear First Years,We cordially invite you to Medcamp 2011: The Magic of

Medicine.This year’s proceedings will be held at the magical Camp

Dzintari, in Normanville, from the 4th-6th March.

Medcamp is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet your new peers in a fun and educational environment. Throughout the weekend there will be a variety of activities which are aimed at helping you to get to know each other and the older year levels, as well as giving you insight into what it truly means to be part of the Adelaide Medical Student community…

The Social SideOn Friday night, get your dress robes out and have your wands at the ready for the First Year Party! Dress as any form of magical, mythical or medical creature. Butterbeer and our own special potion (read: punch) will be provided in plentiful volume.

On Saturday afternoon we will be heading down to the beach for our very own Triwizard Tournament. Be prepared to face the most fearsome, terrifying, horrific creature you have ever seen...

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Christian!

Not really. The activities are designed as fun ways to help you get to know one another, all whilst you are soaking up the sunshine at the beach.

On the Saturday night, you will have an opportunity to fraternise (define that as you will) with the older year levels at the Inter-Year Party. Knowing some of their faces can always come in handy when you are lost in Med School!

The Educational SideWhilst being fun for all, Medcamp also has a terrific array of educational activities. These take place on the Saturday morning and include plastering, suturing, measuring blood pressure, and examining reflexes.

We look forward to seeing you all there, until then remember: make love, not horcruxes!

Arrabella MackayChristian MingoranceJoshua Lushington

2011 Medcamp convenors

“We solemnly swear we are up to no good…”

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The AdelaideUniversitySurgicalSociety (AUSS) is an educational body that offers free membership to those studying medicine at the University of Adelaide. It is run by students for students, and holds a unique nationwide status as being the first and strongest society of its kind that caters specifically to those interested in a career in surgery. The society is represented via an elected committee of 16 like-minded and enthusiastic pre-clinical and clinical students.

The AUSS runs events throughout the year for its members. These events focus on increasing students’ surgical knowledge and skills, and educating members on the pathway to surgical training beyond university. Amongst our many events, examples include the suturingworkshops, careersseries, anatomysessions and revisionlectures.

The AUSS is also working on an exciting new researchandmentorshipdatabase, where motivated students are provided with the opportunity to participate in a research project. With recent changes to the surgical education and training program, varied specialty options and constant advances in the field of surgery, the AUSS serves to ensure its members are informed, represented, educated and best prepared to pursue a career in surgery.

Medical students can keep abreast of the latest in AUSS via our websitewww.auss.org.au, or our Facebook group under the name Adelaide University Surgical Society.

Adelaide University Surgical SocietyAUSS Co-Chair, Latifah Mah

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Insight

Singapore AssociationThe Singapore Association, University of Adelaide was re-established in 2004 and serves to provide Singaporeans in Adelaide a home away from home. We organise social activities, such as our welcome gathering for new students to meet with seniors, a road trip around South Australia during the April break, and our very own National Day Celebrations, just to name some highlights on our calendar for the year. In the medical school, we have a Medical wing to specifically cater for the needs of medical students through the compilation of past year papers for the pre-clinical years, as well as organising mock OSCEs during the September holidays for First Years to get a taste of it before the real exam. We also organise attachments in Singapore for students to experience working life. Feel free to contact us at singaporeassociation@gmail.com if you have any queries.

Singapore Association (University of Adelaide) President, Tommie Choo

Welcome to Medicine, First Years of 2011! Congratulations on choosing a challenging and rewarding career. When you think about why you wanted to do it, chances are you’ll think – I want to help people. Well, we’re Insight and we’re here to help. Insight is the university’s Global Health Group. We aim to raise the profile of health issues in disadvantaged and developing communities, and in doing so, we aim to put our students in the picture. Joining Insight means joining a community of like-minded students, keen to engage and be empowered. Whether it’s putting together a birthing kit to send to mothers in Ethiopia, attending the annual Photo Exhibition to raise funds for the Mosquito Net Project, or receiving medical equipment to take with your on your elective to a developing community, Insight can help you to make a difference.We’re Insight, and we’re here to help. Come and join us.

Insight Memberships officer, Alyssa Fitzpatrick

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Adelaide University Malaysian Medical Students' Association

Starting all over in a new environment (especially one far away from home) can be quite daunting. That’s why it’s always a relief to meet people whom you share something in common with. Even if it’s only the love for a cup of teh tarik. Hence the Adelaide University Malaysian Medical Students’Association (AUMMSA) was born, to be our home away from home, a place where we can celebrate being Malaysian. But it’s not all fun and games either, as AUMMSA supports its members academically with regular OSCE practice workshops and lectures to help everyone tackle their end of year exams. So what are you waiting for? Sign up with AUMMSA (membership is free after all) and make some new friends. Membership is open to all MBBS students, so even if you’re not Malaysian, you are more than welcome to join us. The more the merrier!

AUMMSA Secretary, Chien Yen Poh & AUMMSA President, Vishnu Jeganathan

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Australian Medical Students' AssociationAMSA Senior Representative, Daina Rudaks

You have probably been told this once or twice already, but by starting med, you have just embarked on an amazing adventure and surrounded yourself with some truly incredible people. What you may not have realised, however, is that this is not limited to your new second home on Frome Road. Far from it. Throughout your studies, and your career, you will have the opportunity to meet, work and play with like-minded individuals from around the country. How you ask? Well, one of the best ways is by getting involved in the activities of the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA).

AMSA is the peak representative body for medical students in Australia. AMSA aims to connect, inform and represent each of

Australia’s 15,000 medical students at Australia’s 19 medical schools.

AMSA advocates for medical students through policy development, advocacy campaigns and representation to governments, universities and relevant medical bodies. Further, AMSA organises renowned educational, social and leadership opportunities for students. These include programs aimed at improving medical student health and wellbeing and others to increase awareness and improve community, rural and global health. Add to that a magazine or two and you have AMSA in a nutshell.

Interested? Got questions about AMSA? Want to get involved in policy writing? Fancy attending a National Council? Get in touch with myself as the AMSA Rep (Daina Rudaks, amsa@amss.org.au / 0430 452 091) or Aakriti Gupta (AMSA Junior Rep) or look out for the Team Rep meetings where you will have the chance to find out more. We’d love to hear from you.

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AMSA’s Events...not to be missed!

Jump head first into developing world health at AMSA’s GlobalHealthConference (GHC). Taking place at the start of July, GHC aims to provide knowledge and provoke discussion about the present and future of global health practices.

As the year slowly moves on you will start to hear whispers. Many of these will spell out a ten letter word: Convention. What is it? The only way to really know is to join us in July, but in ten words AMSA’s National Convention is: seven nights; academic; social; sports; workshops; costumes; crazy; amazing; Sydney. So, what are you waiting for? Visit the website to find out more. And if you happen to come along

(Adelaide had the largest delegation in 2010), be good – I’ll be the one looking after you all!

AMSA’s NationalLeadershipDevelopmentSeminar (NLDS) is an incredible event hosted in Canberra each year. NLDS brings together delegates from around the nation for a three day program that hopes to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

Keep your eyes and ears open for more AMSA Events and initiatives: Vampire Cup, Get-A-GP Campaign, Life in the Real World, member benefits, AMSAtv, and more!

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President of the Student Representative Council, Ali Thompson

University presents a dichotomy of frolicsome revelry and intense learning. Juggling the two can be difficult, but the University of Adelaide is full of services and systems to ease the pressures of acclimatising to university life – and they’re available to everyone, even across Frome Road!

The Adelaide University Union Level 4, Union HouseThe AUU is the peak representative body for students at the University. The Union provides services to all students, not just Union members (although members receive additional benefits). They offer the following (and more):• Free legal advice• Free counselling – personal, academic and financial• Financial assistance (emergency interest-free loans)• Free tax advice (but book an appointment early – they fill up really

quickly)• Academic advocacy (including amazing pulling power when it comes

to fighting a student’s case against a faculty or even the University)• Employment services and volunteering services• Lockers ($15 a semester, $10 for members) and a secure bike shed

The Other Side of Frome:A first year med student's guide to uni services across the road

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Student Representative Council Level 3, Union HouseThe SRC is the AUU’s first point of contact for students, and represents them directly. The SRC has regular events and campaigns where students have an opportunity to make queries, suggestions or complaints. All students are welcome at the fortnightly SRC meetings. SRC members sit on many important university committees. The SRC also has an office in Union House, where councillors can be approached directly. Often dubbed the “activist” arm of the AUU, the SRC makes it a priority to lobby for improved student services to the University, the government and other relevant sectors.

The Sports Association Ground Floor, George Murray BuildingThe SA has numerous sporting clubs that have a lively culture and rich history. The SA also controls the Sports Hub Fitness Centre on campus, which has a fully-equipped gym and also offers classes such as yoga, aerobics, dance and cross-training. Undertaking regular exercise does absolute wonders for your mental and physical state, and should not always be forfeited in favour of study.

Clubs Association Lady Symon BuildingHere you can join and have access to information about the University’s clubs – for music, debating, dancing, language, religion, video games, “creative anachronism” and much more.

Student Centre Level 4, Wills BuildingThe Student Centre is your one-stop-shop for matters concerning your student card, university fees, internet and printing credit, graduation certificates and academic transcripts.

Counselling, Disability and Elite Athlete Services Ground Floor, Horace Lamb BuildingHere professionally trained counsellors can be seen for free (drop-ins arewelcome, but it’s often a good idea to book an appointment). The

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counsellors also assist with arranging special provisions for exams, assignments or timetable if necessary. They are also the main advisors for students with disabilities and students who are elite athletes.

Security (currently in a transportable office on Western Drive)Security provides services such as self-defence classes and evening security escorts. If your destination is within a 2 km radius of the University, a security staff member can walk with you there in the evening for your safety. There is also a shuttle bus that does the same thing within a 2.5 km radius, from 5:15 pm until 11 pm. Security is also where any lost property should be reported.

Image and Copy Centre Level 1, Hughes BuildingThe ICC will professionally print and bind your work, for a reasonable price. They also photocopy, slice, holepunch and really perform stationery miracles you never thought possible.

ScholarshipsThere are many scholarships available for students at the University. Most scholarships for commencing students close late in the year prior to commencement, but there are also plenty of scholarships for continuing students. One example for med students is the Lottie and Aileen Connon Fund Grant, which gives two second-year students a grant of $5000, if they are in financial need. There is such a massive list of scholarships available that I would advise students to visit www.adelaide.edu.au/scholarships.

There are many more services available. Medical students have a history of being deprived from these services, partly because the AMSS does such a great job of looking after them that they forget to look, and partly because they are isolated across the great chasm that is Frome Road. The University has a lot of means to help you, but you need to make yourself aware of them. Please feel free to contact me or anyone on the SRC for more information about these services.Good luck, and have a wonderful first year!

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Marauder's Map

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Ah, Adelaide. Don’t be fooled – those of you who have moved here from the country, interstate, or even overseas will soon discover that

there’s so much more to this town than churches, wine, and cricket.

While we’ll leave you to fully explore rip-roaring Radelaide over the next six years, here’s a few basic pointers to help you get started…

GroceriesThere are plenty of grocery stores in the Adelaide CBD, so fear not – you won’t starve while studying for your degree. The Adelaide Central Market has an incredible range of market-style fruit and produce, fresh seafood, quality meats, and specialty food stores, as well as a large Coles supermarket. There’s also a Woolworths in the centre of Rundle Mall, several IGA Supermarkets (Hutt St, North Tce, Gilbert St), and a plethora of 24-hour convenience stores at close reach.

TransportThe layout of the Adelaide CBD is in a convenient, one square mile grid, so it’s easy to find your way around on foot. You can also grab the tram, which is free and runs along the western half of North Tce and the entire length of King William St. The 99C city loop bus is also a

free service that runs in a bi-directional loop around the busiest parts of the city. For more information on these services and other public transport around greater Adelaide, see the AdelaideMetro website or visit the info centre on King William St.

Guide to AdelaideSusanne Nicholson

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Shopping & RecreationAs the Wizarding World has Diagon Alley, so too do we have Rundle Mall. Located in the heart of the CBD, here you will find over 800 shops crammed into every nook and cranny of this shopping strip. Admire the bronze pigs, dodge the pigeons, politely ignore the wacky buskers, and look out for the crowning glory – a pair of giant silver balls.

There’s plenty of other entertainment in the CBD too. For a huge range of alfresco restaurants, classy bars, boutique fashions and Sunday markets, wander down to Rundle Street in the East End. If alternative specialty stores, pubs, nightclubs and a heavy police presence is more your scene, then feast your

eyes on the (in)famous Hindley St, just west of the Mall.

SightsIn the CBD alone you’ll need days to explore North Terrace, home to the Botanic Gardens, Art Gallery, Museum, State Library, Government House, and Parliament. Just a short walk away is the Torrens River Precinct, a spectacular backdrop to the Festival Centre, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Zoo, and gateway to classy North Adelaide.

Don’t forget, SA is Australia’s Festival State, and there’s always something going on. February/March marks the Fringe Festival, Arts Festival, Womadelaide, and Clipsal 500. Keep an eye out for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, International Guitar Festival, and many more later in the year. The State Opera and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra also run diverse seasons each year, and there are always plenty of world-class acts passing through the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Festival Theatre.

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PublicationsSusanne Nicholson (III), Steph Fong (V), and Luisa Rositano (III)

Welcome first years, and congratulations! You have earned a place in one of Australia’s finest Medical Schools, and asking SATAC to allow you into the VIP section of Frome Road is certainly a much more challenging process than merely putting on a Sorting Hat…

The First Year Guide is designed to help you with the transition into the Medical School, and in this booklet you will find information on the AMSS, MedCamp, education, social events, university services, tips for living in Adelaide, and much more.

The Publications team is a part of the AMSS Committee, and in addi-tion to this First Year Guide we are also responsible for producing its official magazine, [stimulus] – and yes, we do enjoy the many delicious double entendres made available to us by its titillating title. While we may not be armed with anything quite so exciting as a Quick-Quotes Quill, rest assured that we do contribute to this job a trifecta of wits sharper than a scalpel, and an ethical code that is not above trawling Facebook for print-quality photos…

Now kiddies - read your Guide, join the AMSS, grab a MedCamp ticket, and get ready to get amongst it.

Love,Suse, Steph & Luisa

As Harry approached the building, the words MEDICAL

SCHOOL emblazoned over the sliding doors, he wondered what

awaited him. Ron (whose older brothers were in Fourth and Sixth

year) had told stories of a room full of brains floating in fluid-filled

jars, a polar bear skeleton, resource sessions in the basement, and

– most incredibly – a room full of computers that was enchanted

to alternate between not having enough computers, chairs, or

working printers. Harry shook his head. Ron was a good friend,

but sometimes his brothers told some tall tales...

Front cover illustration by Jennifer Sim