Welcome to AMSA. It s YOUR AMSA

Transcription

1 2014 ORANGE GUIDE

2 The Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA) would like to congratulate and welcome you to the beginning of your medical career. This guide has been developed to help you understand what AMSA is and how our presence is relevant to you as a medical student. This guide provides an overview of how to get involved with AMSA, either locally through your MedSoc and interest groups or nationally via AMSA networks and AMSA events. Welcome to AMSA Welcome to AMSA AMSA is the peak representative body for medical students in Australia. The key mandate of AMSA is to connect, inform and represent each of the 17,000 medical students at Australia s 20 medical schools. AMSA s core operations include advocacy, events and programs, and publications. AMSA advocates for medical students through policy development, advocacy campaigns and representation to State and Federal Governments, universities and relevant medical bodies. Additionally, AMSA organises renowned educational, social and leadership opportunities for medical students. These include programs aimed at improving medical student health and wellbeing, and others to increase awareness of community, rural and Indigenous and global health issues. 2 It s YOUR AMSA

3 What is AMSA made of? AMSA COUNCIL Made up of the AMSA Representatives from each Australian medical school. AMSA Council meets three times a year to discuss issues facing medical students and is also attended by MedSoc presidents, the AMSA Executive and AMSA comittee chairs. AMSA REPRESENTATIVE These people are your voice at council. If you have an issue that you want heard make sure to contact your AMSA representative. AMSA EXECUTIVE Elected annually and runs the day to day business of AMSA. The executive provides leadership and strategic direction, represents and lobbies for students, and develops and implements services, initiatives, events and publications. AMSA COMMITTEES These are groups that are set up with a specific focus including Convention, Global Health, International Students and specialty interest areas. The commitees report directly to AMSA council and work in detail on their area of focus, which broadens AMSA s events and initiatives. AMSA AFFILLIATES Indepdent groups or bodies which share ideals in common with AMSA. AMSA often collaborates with its affiliates to work on shared issues or towards common goals. MEDSOCS Medical societies are each university, who interact with AMSA via their AMSA representative. They also attend council as official observers. Connect. Northern Territory Clinical School Inform. Represent. University of Notre Dame University of Western Australia Flinders University University of Adelaide Bond University Griffith University James Cook University University of Queensland University of Newcastle University of New England University of New South Wales University of Notre Dame University of Sydney University of Western Sydney University of Wollongong Australian National University Deakin University Monash University University of Melbourne University of Tasmania 3

4 President s Welcome Dear Students, Let me start by way of introduction; my name is Jessica Dean and I study Medicine/Law at Monash University. I am fortunate to be President of AMSA for Medical school can be challenging at times, but it can also be really great fun. Try to keep an open mind to the various opportunities that present themselves. AMSA is the peak representative body for Australia s 17,000 medical students. Our job is to inform, connect, and represent you. AMSA advocates for issues that affect medical students, like student mental health, financial support, the quality of medical education, and workforce issues. We also advocates for health issues that affect the broader community, and produce a number of impressive publications throughout the year: including Embolus and Panacea. Keep an eye out for AMSA events; like National Convention, Global Health Conference, the National Leadership Development Seminar, and many more. AMSA is also a great way to connect with other like-minded medical students. In 2014, the AMSA National Executive will focus on the continued sustainable growth of AMSA, effective advocacy both internally and externally, and continuing to engage with Medical Societies and the wider medical student community. If you are agree/disagree with any of AMSA s advocacy or priorities, or are interested in policy and the future direction of AMSA, then please do get involved through your AMSA rep and Thinktank. We want to hear what you have to say! On behalf of AMSA, it gives me great pleasure to formally welcome you to the medical profession! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way! ~ Dr Seuss Good luck, and enjoy the ride! Jessica Dean AMSA President President@amsa.org.au 4

5 Free online Student membership The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is Australia s largest professional general practice organisation and represents over urban and rural general practitioners. Take up free online Student membership with the RACGP and access an array of member-only resources such as gplearning, DynaMed, Database resources and much more.. The RACGP s highly interactive online education platform ideal for developing clinical knowledge and practising for examinations. Access DynaMed, an evidence based point of care tool that you can download direct to your iphone or desktop computer. Access the John Murtagh Library s online databases, ideal for research projects and assignment preparations. Visit us to further your medical training and learning

6 Advocacy AMSA represents the interests of all Australian medical students to relevant government departments, nongovernment organisations, media outlets, universities and the public, to ensure that medical students concerns are heard. Three times a year the AMSA National Council meets to formalise policy on medical education, workforce and public health issues. This policy is then used to represent medical students view to key stakeholders. AMSA s three key advocacy priorities in 2014 are the provision of quality internships to all graduating medical students, the quality of medical education, and youth mental health. AMSA has worked for many years to ensure that recent increases in the number of medical students do not compromise the quality of clinical training or the attainment of internship for all Australian medical school graduates. Completion of an accredited internship after medical school is necessary to gain full registration as a doctor. Despite AMSA s continued warnings, political battles have meant that, in recent years, some international students have been unable to gain internships. This is particularly wasteful in Australia, where it is estimated that there will be a shortage of approximately 2700 doctors in Also important to the future of Australia s health system is ensuring that the surge in medical student numbers does not compromise the clinical training received by these students. Medical Deans of Australia and New Zealand currently estimate a shortfall of over $20,000 in funding per medical student, which poses a real threat to the quality of medical education. AMSA lobbies government to support the training of Australia s future doctors. Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that over a quarter of young people (aged between 16-24) experience a mental health disorder in a 12-month period, but very few of these young people access mental health services. Medical students and doctors are recognised to be at even higher risk of mental health disorders. AMSA is pushing for universities to offer additional support to students, while reaching out to medical students who need assistance. AMSA, in 2014, will also be actively commenting on the content of medical school curricula, support for students in rural clinical schools and medical student income support. AMSA s other advocacy foci relate to rural and Indigenous health and global health. To find out more about AMSA s advocacy activities, visit the AMSA website or download AMSA s BIG Issues Guide. Getting involved with AMSA s advocacy helps build the capacity of medical students to effect change. To ensure that your voice is heard, contact your local AMSA Rep and find out how you can get involved and discuss the pertinent issues facing medical students on a local, national and global level. 6

7 AMSA Events Experience the incredible events that AMSA has to offer and they will definitely earn their place amongst the most unforgettable moments you have as a medical student. AMSA NATIONAL CONVENTION The AMSA National Convention is AMSA s premier event held in July each year. This event draws nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers to form an incredible academic program, highlighted by field trips, workshops and breakout sessions. Then, when the sun goes down delegates have the chance to network and unwind with a world-class social program. The reputation of this event speaks for itself! Join us this year in Adelaide and be a part of something spectacular! AMSA GLOBAL HEALTH CONFERENCE The AMSA Global Health Conference (GHC) is AMSA s second largest event held annually in September. The academic program is filled with speakers from many disciplines, including workers from Médecins Sans Frontières, health advisors to non-for-profit organisations, politicians and many more.delegates are also given the chance to relax as they enjoy the exceptionalsocial program. GHC aims to educate and empower medical students with knowledge about global health. AMSA NATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR The AMSA National Leadership Development Seminar (NLDS) is the premier leadership event for medical students in Australia. Held in Canberra each year, this event is like no other. Eighty future health leaders are selected to convene at Parliament House where they are privileged to hear from national leaders, innovators and pioneers in medicine, politics, business and academia. This is complemented by a workshop program, which focuses on core leadership skills and attributes. NLDS informs, educates and inspires some of Australia s future health leaders. Application details can be found on the AMSA website. NATIONAL RURAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR The National Rural Leadership Development Seminar (NRLDS) held every two years by AMSA and NRHSN, brings together medical, nursing and allied health students from around the country. NRLDS endeavors to develop a new generation of leaders who will have the knowledge, skills and inspiration required to champion the needs of rural and remote communities throughout Australia. 7

8 Community Events AMSA has a wide array of community events throughout the year where everyone can get involved. Paint the town red with the AMSA National Blood Drive throughout July and August and win the coveted Vampire Cup for your University. The National Charity Drive encourages medical students to contribute to their local community through innovative events and initiatives, so be creative and look out for ideas for events through the AMSA Medical Student Community Action Network (MediSCAN). Get involved in Movember, the national fundraising and awareness campaign for men s health. Look out for many more exciting opportunities throughout the year, and if you have a community initiative you want to start, get in touch and let us know. Medicine as a career can take a lot out of you but there is more to life than just medicine. AMSA has a number of projects and publications aimed at helping students deal with any challenges they are facing at medical school and with life in general. Keeping Your Grass Greener, the wellbeing guide for medical students, has been developed to assist medical students to maintain their health and wellbeing throughout their time at medical school. The Body Health Mind Campaign runs annually and encourages students to run their own wellbeing events, and importantly the Get-A-GP Campaign encourages medical students to have their own regular GP. Health & Wellbeing Advocating for improved mental health for medical students Australia-Wide Student Mental Health is a huge issue for AMSA in 2014 and we re committed the wellbeing guide to advocating for improved mental health for medical Australia-wide. for medicalstudents students the wellbeing guide for medical students Too many medical students try to cope with their issues alone, but AMSA hopes toprovide a forum for you to speak openly about these issues. proudly produced by the Australian Medical Students Association & the New Zealand Medical Students Association proudly produced by the Australian Medical Students Association & the New Zealand Medical Students Association 8

9 AMSA publications are channels through which you can voice your thoughts, opinions and stories. If you have a passion for writing or designing publications, then submit your work to us and have it potentially published for over medical students to either view online or in printed copies distributed to each medical school. To view some amazing past AMSA publications visit the AMSA website. Publications Panacea is AMSA s premier magazine published biannually. It provides commentary on current issues facing medical students and the activities of AMSA, as well as articles, photos and art from medical students across the nation. Panacea Vector Intern and Resident s Guide Embolus The Intern and Residents Guide (IRG) is designed as a core reference booklet for all Australian medical graduates and junior doctors. It is the only publication of its type giving detailed information on the range of national employment options for internship. Embolus is our monthly electronic bulletin, which gives you updates on what AMSA is doing for you and how you can get involved. Vector is the official global health magazine that connects, inspires and empowers students surrounding the issues of global health. Rural & Indigenous Health Experiencing rural and Indigenous health is an exciting and integral part of being an Australian medical student. There are numerous ways to become involved in rural health during your medical student years. Most students do at least four weeks placement in a rural area during their degree, and some do much more through further placements at Rural Clinical Schools across the country. Each university has a Rural Health Club (RHC), which has members from medical, nursing and allied health backgrounds. To find out about your local RHC visit: The John Flynn Placement Program (JFPP) is run by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). This program involves 8 weeks of placement in a rural community over 4 years and is a fantastic way to experience a rural community. To find out more, visit: For rural and Indigenous students needing financial support, consider applying for the Rural Australian Medical Undergraduate Scheme (RAMUS), information can be found at: Otherwise, the NSW Rural Doctors website has a fantastic scholarship database which can be accessed at: cfm?display=

10 Global Health GlobalEx - Explore. Excite. Extend. GlobalEx is a leadership development seminar which builds skills and connections to enhance the capacity of medical students to lead action on global health. An inaugural AMSA event, GlobalEx will host 50 of Australia s most active, innovative and committed young leaders. GlobalEx delegates are the future leaders of social change, progress and development and will have a profound influence locally, nationally and internationally. AMSA Global Health Conference The AMSA Global Health Conference (GHC) is AMSA s second largest event held annually in September. GHC provides delegates with an exceptional social program, whilst educating and empowering medical students with knowledge about global health. The academic program is filled with speakers from many disciplines, including workers from Médecins Sans Frontières, health advisors to NGOs, politicians and many more. Come join us this year in Sydney and broaden your horizons. Global Health Committee AMSA Global Health AMSA Global Health (AGH) is the national body that represents medical students on matters of global health. A part of AMSA, the AGH connects the 20 Global Health Groups around Australia to run advocacy campaigns, events, projects and many other cool initiatives. This year, the AGH has projects and campaigns relating to refugee and asylum seeker health, climate change, HIV/ AIDS, noncommunicable diseases, foreign aid and medical education. There will be the annual Training New Trainers and ThinkGlobal workshops, and an all new online global health short course, AMSA Global Academy. The AGH connects students nationally with AMSA s other major global health events, GHC and GlobalEx, and internationally via the International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA). Medical students are showing an exponential interest in global health, recognising the influence we can have as advocates for health for all. Stay tuned via facebook and twitter (@ youramsaglobal) for more awesome opportunities. Get involved! 10

11 GET SPONSORED TO STUDY AND GAIN A REWARDING CAREER You may not be thinking about your career after university just yet, but the Australian Defence Force is. If you have started your Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing or Allied Health degree at any recognised Australian university, you should apply to become a Defence sponsored student. While continuing to study at your university you will receive a salary of up to $45,456p.a., have your remaining Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) paid, enjoy subsidised accommodation, free medical and dental, text book allowance and graduate with a rewarding career in the Navy, Army or Air Force. AG80330 GPYR MDFT4208/AMSA To find out more call or visit defencejobs.gov.au/unisponsorship

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13 AMSA Membership Benefits ADORN MINERAL COSMETICS 15% off first online purchase PLUS VIP membership QBE 20% saving on travel insurance with QBE TOGA HOSPITALITY AMSA members receive large discounts on accommodation rates at Travelodge, Medina, Adina and Vibe Hotel EXPERIENCE OZ 10% discount on thousands of tickets for things including theme park entry, activites and tours all over Aus & NZ AUSTRALIAN DOCTOR 50% off subscription for all AMSA members McGRAW-HILL EDUCATION 25% off all print books by McGraw-Hill Education AusDI ADVANCED 90% discount for 12 months access to AusDI advanced for independent and up to date medicine information resource BUSABOUT 5% discount with Busabout and their other radical travel partners (Shamrocker and Haggis Adventure) WOLTERS KLUWER makers of UpToDate Use AMSA3107 special code online for 25% off their products 13

14 2014 AMSA Executive President JESSICA DEAN Vice President Internal GREG EVANS Vice President External KUNAL LUTHRA Public Relations Officer BEN O SULLIVAN publicrelations@amsa.org.au National Coordinator VICTORIA FORSDICK nc@amsa.org.au Treasurer CHARMAINE KREHULA treasurer@amsa.org.au Events Coordinator TOM CROOKES events@amsa.org.au Engagement & Promotions Officer SIDD PADMANABHAN epo@amsa.org.au 14

15 2014 AMSA Executive Global Health Officer TIM MARTIN Rural & Indigenous Officer ERIN MAYLIN Community & Wellbeing Officer KAREN FREILICH Information Technology Officer MAX MILANEY Publications Officer JENNIFER TANG Sponsorship Officer ANDREW SILAGY Sponsorship Officer DANIELLE PANACCIO 15

16 Visit the AMSA Website to find out more