It’s Coming…  - will you answer the call?

http://convention2010.amsa.org.au/

From the 4rd to 11th of July this year Hobart will be infected. Infected with something much stronger and virulent than any bacteria, virus, fungus or genetically inbred disease. Convention will take hold of Hobart. 800 medical students will engulf this city for a week that will blow their minds…

Not too many first years from Newcastle usually head to AMSA’s National Convention, but strangely enough heaps of second years do. Why you ask? Well just like the cause for multiple sclerosis, no one is really sure. But I do have a theory. I didn’t head to convention in first year because of a number of reasons. I didn’t really know much about it, it seemed expensive, and it didn’t seem that good. Then my friends in second year got back from convention and they wouldn’t shut up about it! So all the first years seem to get tired of hearing about it and have to experience! They then jump on their next opportunity.

So I guess I should explain what the experience is. Over 7 days, you get to hear from some of the best speakers in the world. This includes, but is not limited to, Nobel prize winners, Australian’s of the year and writers of the bible. No not the actual bible, but the medical bibles! Last year we had the editor of Robbins Pathology and writers of Talley and O’Connor Clinical Examination, books that all medical students know well by the end of their degree. Then of course you add on to the speakers incredible workshops and stimulating discussions and we’re not even half way there!

Each day is capped off with a social night that will top any party you’ve ever been to. You will see more body paint than you would think could ever exist and costumes you have to see to believe. In fact I don’t want to brag but last year I had the best costume ever (it was a giant sperm)! Then the social occasion is topped off with a gala ball that last year included roller coasters, fireworks and a broken heart.

Sports day! This day plays an integral role in the convention program. It includes the Emergency Medicine Challenge which last year involved chemical spills, gun wielding maniacs and army vehicles rolling. The EMC is just the beginning of the inter med- school competition as the day continues with tug-o-waring and boat racing.

I don’t know if I’ve convinced you to get down to Hobart for AMSA’s Convention 2011, but let me leave you with a little statistic: Last year over 1300 people applied for the ballot system which only had 800 places. It’s amazing, don’t miss out!