Archive for February, 2010

I had a discussion with a friend the other day about my first year of medicine here in Newcastle and her first year of law at a fairly prestigious law school. It came down to a teaching philosophy of sink or swim – somewhat ironic considering I work as a learn-to-swim teacher. She felt that she had, in her standard style degree, barely kept afloat all year and was in no way a better swimmer (ie a better law student) than 12 months ago. At this point I became acutely aware of my gratitude to the Newcastle way, to PBL, to UPs, to MedSoc and to the whole experience that is BMed. Read the rest of this entry »

Before medicine, my passion was Biology. I studied biology at high school then at the ANU before coming to Newcastle, and found myself fascinated by amazing stories of how creatures adapt and survive in the wild. I love my animals, and I love my animal analogies. Some may be familiar with my ‘South American Gerbils’ from the Great Debate, whose entire male population basically copulate themselves to death during mating season (a true story by the way).

So it was no surprise that when I was told the Wildebeest Analogy by an older and wiser third year medical student, as I expressed my deep and unfamiliar fear of failure, that it stuck. Some may have heard this story already, and I make no claim to have thought of it myself. However as you head into life in med and series upon series of those terrifying med exams, I thought it was fitting to share this short but reassuring bit of wisdom with all. Read the rest of this entry »

Beach Sports Day is coming up. It is a great opportunity to meet the other med students, unleash your competitive streak or even just bum around at the beach.

Details are as follows:

• Date: 24th of March (coming Wednesday)
• Start time: Around 3pm
• Location: Nobbys Beach (right outside Newcastle station and Customs House)
• Attire: To make the years more distinguishable it would great if you could colour coordinate:
  • Year 1: White
  • Year 2: Blue
  • Year 3: Red
  • Year 4&5: Yellow

Being a med nerd doesn’t mean you stop having fun…
O-Camp is fast approaching and that means that soon a bus load of Newcastle first years will be heading up to Port Macquarie as soon as they escape their first Opening PBL.

When: Friday 5th March- Sunday 5th March
Where: Port Macquarie (Buses depart from the Uni)
Price: Early bird special $85 (Normal price $100) – includes buses, beachside accommodation, all meals, full weekend of activities Read the rest of this entry »

University of Newcastle Medical Society presents

First Incision

Date: Wednesday 3rd of March 2010

Venue: Noah’s on the Beach ( Map)
Cnr Shortland Esplanade & Zaara St, Newcastle

Time: Year 1’s at 6.00pm – 12.00pm
Years 2-5 at 8pm – 12.00pm Read the rest of this entry »