medsoc newsletter 2014/2015 - issue one
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
MedSoc Newsletter
Issue 1 – September 2014
Welcome to the first issue of the NUIG MedSoc newsletter for this
academic year!
We have lots inside this publication, including an intro to our new
MedSoc Committee, articles on volunteering, mentoring, applying
for an Erasmus semester, and an introduction to some of NUIG’s
other medically-based societies.
Of course, there’s also an update on what MedSoc have gotten up
to over the past few months, our plans for the coming year, and in
particular, a little more about MedSoc events we have planned for
the next few weeks.
A special welcome to the new pre- and first-meds who are joining us
this year – make sure you’ve signed up to MedSoc to hear about all
of our educational and social events throughout the year – starting
with some great First Year Parties, and a Welcome night in
September! There’s more info inside on how to sign up to become a
member of the society……
Throughout this year, the MedSoc newsletter will be published 2-3
times per semester, and each issue will have a theme of sorts. This
first issue is particularly aimed at introducing our new Committee,
and on welcoming all of our new members to NUIG. I hope you
enjoy!
Caoimhe
WELCOME!!!! Contents;Page Number Content
2 Welcome and Contents
3 What is MedSoc about?
4 Committee Profiles
12 An Erasmus Experience in Bochum, Germany.
13 Diary of an Erasmus Student
14 Working with the Order of Malta
16 Volunteering at NUIG – ALIVE!
18 Dear DrOMantic – MedSoc Agony Aunt
19 PreMed Award Ceremony 2013/2014
20 Barretstown
22 NUIGs Other Medically-Oriented Societies – An Introduction
28 Jack Flanagan Medal
29 MedFest 2014
30 So… What are MedSoc Planning?
31 More about MedSoc events
32 EVEN more…..
33 Getting in Contact
What is MedSoc?
MedSoc is the Medicine Society here in NUIG.
It has the following aims;
1. To represent students of the School Medicine.
2. To advocate for the interests of students of Medicine and of
doctors.
3. To promote good health among all students of NUI, Galway and
the wider community.
4. To facilitate and encourage philanthropic activities by students of
NUI, Galway, to benefit the wider community.
5. To ensure representation of NUI, Galway at intervarsity
competitions between students of Medicine.
6. To support students of the School of Medicine academically and
to encourage high educational standards.
7. To encourage and organise social interaction between its
members.
All students and members of staff of the University are eligible to become
members of the Society.
In short….. MedSoc is here to represent you guys, to provide something along the lines of entertainment and craic during the year, and to make educational topics more interesting here in NUIG! Find out what we have planned for the year on page 30
Committee ProfilesSince the new MedSoc Committee took over leading of the society on July 1st, here’s a short introduction to some of the committee members for 2014/2015……..
Lisa Flynn – Auditor Semester 1
Lisa Flynn is MedSoc’s auditor for Semester 1,
and will be taking over as Vice-Auditor during
Semester 2, when Kate McCarthy will head
the society. She’s in 4th Med, is currently on
her Obstetrics rotation, and come January will
be moving to the Academy in Castlebar.
When asked about her plans
for the coming year in relation to MedSoc,
this is what Lisa came up with; “Apart from
general global domination, I’d really like to
see the society continue to grow as it has
done in the last few years (big shoes to fill!).
Obviously I’d like to see Medsoc through the
best Medball of all time but apart from that
I’d love to see the society representing and
being accessible to all students, helping them
with any issues they have as much as we can.
And of course to organise as many unreal
events as we can to get everyone mixing with
each other!”
Her favourite joke…… “Who
are the nicest people in the
hospital….?”
…………….. “the ultra-SOUND
guys…..” Turn to the next page to find out more about
Lisa and our other Committee members!
Kate McCarthy is Co-Auditor of
MedSoc this year, and will take over as Auditor from
Lisa during semester two. She’s a fourth Med, and is
currently on placement in the Academy in Sligo.
None of us expected that she’d enjoy being away
from her native Cork as much as she had – she lists
“I’m from Cork” as her Number 1 ‘Interesting Fact’
about herself…
Kate has a lot of plans for MedSoc,
but her main aim is to keep the society’s
momentum going, as the society has grown so
much recently. She is also very much involved in the
planning of the Masquerade Ball, which will be held
in Sligo during semester one. Apparently, she has
something big planned for February, but says she
can’t give too much away - it’s all very hush-hush at
the minute………
Other than MedSoc, Kate is also
involved in VSA and DanSoc, and briefly
moonlighted at the NUIG Hockey Club in her first
year of college. She’s a Gaelgeoir, but was once told
she had “a Kate Middleton look to her” – she’s never
gotten over this event. Fitting nicely into the theme
of royalty and British-ness, Kate’s stethoscope is a
classy black shade, and at 5 years old, she wanted to
be a West-End star. This has changed a bit since
Junior Infants, but career-wise, she says she can’t
rule anything out just yet! However, she is really
looking forward to her GP placement this semester.
Finally, Kate has also worked at a
fudge and ice-cream shop while on a J1 in America
– so we’re all looking forward to any refreshments
she might provide at future MedSoc Committee
Meetings……….
Kate McCarthy – Auditor Semester 2
Lisa says she tends to get obsessed with whichever specialty she is currently
rotating through, but has been really interested in Paediatrics for quite some time
now. Perhaps in preparation for her future career plans, she sports a bright pink
stethoscope. And this preparation isn’t something new – when she was younger,
Lisa regularly wandered around the house wearing a stethoscope and tiara –
Doctor-Princess is a thing, right?!
Interesting points about our Co-Auditor include a falling-over-at-
the-altar-oops-that-was-really-embarassing-incident during her First
Communion. She still hasn’t gotten over the fact that there wasn’t a bouncy
castle at her 21st, and was told during a sight-singing section of a music exam
that “It’s ok, we can’t all be singers..” Finally, she’s pretty sure that she embarked
on a medical career thanks to her little sister – apparently the younger Flynn
spent a LOT of time in the ED with “biscuit crumbs in her ear, beads and Barbie
shoes up her nose, swallowed coins… the list goes on!”
Don’t be afraid to say hi to Lisa if you see her around, and as with
all members of the Committee, give her a shout if you have any ideas for
MedSoc!
Lisa Flynn – Auditor Semester 1 (contd.)
Carl Byrne is MedSoc’s new Education Officer
and a member of the 2014-2015 Committee.
He’s currently in 4th Med, and will be heading
to the Academy in Castlebar on placement
during the second semester.
He has numerous plans for
MedSoc and the Medical School this year –
particularly in relation to his role as Education
Officer. He is in the midst of putting together
a series of talks on interesting and abstract
topics, as well as a talk on summer research
and USMLEs. A specialties night is also on the
cards, where doctors and surgeons from
different fields will shed some light on their
area of expertise and answer questions from
students.
When he was younger, Carl
wanted to be a pilot – his career aspirations
have changed a bit since, and he maintains he
hasn’t settled on anything in particular yet.
Currently, he’s interested in Cardiology,
General Surgery and Emergency Medicine,
but expects this will no doubt change as
soon as he begins his next batch of rotations.
Other than MedSoc, Carl is highly involved in the Archery club in NUIG, having been Club
Captain in the past. He regularly represents the University in National and International
competitions, and coaches for the club in addition to this. He’s been involved since pre-
med, and is the most modest sportsman in existence.
An Englishman through and through, he believes he’s currently 42,185th in
line for the British throne. MedSoc have their very own Prince Harry this year! And in
keeping with his princely wild side, Carl once broke a girls skull (upon provocation - she
had tickled him unawares!)
In TY, Carl auditioned for his school musical – there were 31 auditionees for
30 singing parts. Guess who came 31st..?
And finally, Carl’s favourite joke; “.…This will be the best night of your life…………”
Carl Byrne –Education Officer
Sinéad Dilworth - Treasurer
Sinead Dilworth is the Treasurer on our Committee
this year – she’s in charge of spending, and
balancing the books. Like the majority of the
committee, she’s in 4th Med, and as yet isn’t really
sure in which direction her career may take her.
She has been planning a MedSoc
surf trip for the first semester, and hopes to
organise a few more nights out throughout the
year. She also counts one of her main aims as
“Hopefully I won’t bankrupt the society”……
Like most first years, Sinead tried out
lots of various clubs and societies, but didn’t really
stick at any. Last year she went back to play soccer,
and says she will definitely keep it up now–
apparently when she was younger, Sinead was a
proper tomboy and wanted to be a soccer player.
Sinead’s favourite joke…. “What did Jay-Z call his girlfriend
before they got married…????”
“Féyonce!”
Sinead is from Cork, and like most people from Cork, is a little obsessed. In her
own words, “Cork, Cork, and more Cork!!!” Other than Cork, Sinead holds J1s in
high regard, and thinks everyone should try and do one while in college. She
claims her dream man is either Steven Gerrard or Chuck Bass, and she doesn’t
like Boojum!!
If anyone has any suggestions or good ideas for MedSoc, you can talk to Sinead,
or any member of the Committee
Sam Fanous is Secretary of the Committee in 2014/2015, and is
a 4th Med on Clinical Placement in UHG at the moment. When
asked about his plans for the year regarding MedSoc, he replied
“Well really this is my first time to be a part of an official
committee, so I’m really pumped to be a part of the events and
planning this year. It’s going to be a learning experience for me,
but I plan to chip in on anything I can get involved in”.
Sam moved to Canada from Egypt as a five-year-
old, and says he was very confused as to how there was so
much snow everywhere – completely wiped any thoughts of a
future career from his mind. That said, he was a huge Batman
fan at the time, so maybe the world will get to see the first
Egyptian Batman in the future?! In addition to the snow, Sam
remembers having the time of his life on the plane journey to
Canada- until the stewardess told him to stop running up and
down the aisle
Sam’s career aspirations at the moment include
Family medicine and Geriatrics – he’s had the chance to dabble
in both areas in the past, and he says both seem to fit his
personality and future plans.
Our Secretary’s first job was in a retirement home in Edmonton, as a
server. Throughout high school, he worked mainly as a pharmacy
technician, and also as he started University in Canada. He originally
considered applying for Pharmacy, but is glad that Medicine seems like
a much better fit.
Sam’s hobbies include volleyball and building custom
computers – he claims he was a “wee bit of a computer nerd back in the
day”. And finally, Sam’s favourite joke is anything written by Louis C.K –
but he also says he quite enjoys and jokes courtesy of Carl Byrne… “his
jokes are always quite the knee slapper!”
Sam Fanous - Secretary
Kevin McMahon – Sports Officer
Kevin McMahon is the MedSoc Sports
Officer this year. He is currently a Third
Med, and has major plans for some new
MedSoc sporting events this year – a 5-
side and a badminton tournament
among them. He is also working to
make sure that NUIG MedSoc is
represented by an All-Star team at the
annual Intervarsity Competitions.
In addition to MedSoc,
Kevin is involved with the GAA club in
the university, and plays for the college’s
Fitzgibbon hurling team. He reports that
his stethoscope is a dashing shade of
black, with a stylish “hint of fuschia”, and
that as yet, he really hasn’t a clue where
his medical-related career may take him.
As a 5 year old though, he had
aspirations of becoming a vet or
paramedic.
Currently, Kevin works at
the Gresham Hotel in Dublin. He has a
history of successfully chancing his arm;
as a younger student, his team won an
award at the Young Scientist
competition for a project that was, in his
own words, “borderline factual/an
interpretation of our imagination”. In
addition to this, his TY company
operated through purchasing iPod
covers from the 2euro store and selling
them at a 400% profit – don’t buy any
MedBall tickets from Kevin!
Kevin’s favourite joke ; A horse
walks into a bar. Several
people get up and leave as
they spot the potential danger
in the situation. And finally, he
lists the fact that he is
neighbours with Bertie Ahern
as one of the most interesting
things about himself…..
Pishoy Gouda – Immediate Past Auditor
Pishoy Gouda is one of MedSoc’s
Immediate past Auditors. Along with
Simon Neary, he was head of the society
during the academic year 2012-2013, and
is currently in Final Year. He sees his role
in the society as providing support and
assistance to the committee as necessary.
Career-wise, Pishoy has a
strong interest in cardiology,
electrophysiology and medical education.
He sports a burgundy stethoscope, and is
currently on placement in the Mayo
Academy, Castlebar.
With regard to involvement
in other societies and clubs, he is
Chairperson of the Association of Medical
Students in Ireland, and a Student Editor
of the International Journal of Medical
Students. He has also taken part in the
Dublin City Marathon – his personal best
is 4hours 10 mins. Pishoy is also (in his
own words) “an enthusiastic volleyball
player”.
As a child, Pishoy had planned to become a fighter pilot – he is now a glider
pilot, and can’t wait to be able to afford getting back into the sport. Another
point of interest is his skill with accents…. Ask him to attempt an Egyptian
accent and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with what could very well be
mistaken for an Indian one!
This is Pishoy’s last year in NUIG’s medical school, and he says
he is not ready for college to be over in the slightest……
Simon Neary – Immediate Past Auditor
Simon Neary is one of MedSoc’s Immediate Past-
Auditors – he was Co-Auditor with Pishoy in the
academic year 2013-2014.
He says he’s looking forward to
another fantastic MedBall, the Masquerade Ball in
Markree Castle, and the Swing Ball in Hotel
Meyrick. Along with the rest of the Committee,
Simon is also hoping NUIG have the chance to
retain the coveted Spike Milligan trophy this year
(more info about that later in the year!)
Career-wise, Simon is considering
Obstetrics and Gynaecology, or Medical
Education. When he was younger he wanted
exactly the same things….. if you count being an
extra on Barney, or an astronaut as similar to a
medical career?
Simon has a black stethoscope,
has travelled to Montpellier on an Erasmus
Semester, and this summer completed a general
surgery elective in Butare, Rwanda, with VSA
(read more about VSA on Page 27 ).
He has a diploma in Irish from
NUIG, and has worked as a cinnire, ardchinnire,
feighle and múinteoir with Coláiste na bhFiann
and Cumann na bhFiann.
Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh - OCM
Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh is one of our OCMs on
the MedSoc Committee this year (Ordinary
Committee Members).
He was a pre-med last year, and
this year will be in 1st Med. He hopes to
improve representation of younger meds within
the society, and to turn the “MedSoc Shave or
Dye” into an annual event.
Lorcán organised the First
MedSoc Shave or Dye last semester, and it was
a huge success. He’s a really motivated and
enthusiastic member of the society, and
definitely will contribute a huge amount to the
societies activities this year.
He says its still too early in his
studies to have a proper idea of a career path,
but as a child, he wanted to follow in his
parents’ footsteps and become a vet. In his
spare time, he plays football and hurling with
his local clubs as well as with the university, and
speaks the cúpla focail.
Lorcán is planning on heading
to the US A next year on a J1 “purely in the
hope of meeting Zach Braff and Donald Faison”.
Possibly his greatest achievement so far though
involves a sports injury, unconsciousness, an
ambulance journey, and a selfie with the
paramedics…….
Lorcán, along with his classmate Aisling Dunne, also organised the first “Premed
Awards Ceremony” last year, of which more details can be found on page 19
“Guím gach rath ar an
gcoiste leighis nua don
bhliain atá amach romhainn!
Beir bua!”
Joseph Conway - OCM
Joe Conway is one of MedSoc’s two Ordinary Committee members for 2014/2015. He’s a Fourth Med, is currently on a Paediatrics rotation, and will be moving to the Academy in Castlebar in January.
Joe describes his role for the year as “Helping MedSoc in organising all of it’s events”.
Career-wise, Joe is interested in Emergency Medicine, and is Auditor of the NUIG society “Voluntary Services Abroad (VSA)”. He sports an orange stethoscope, so you can see him coming from miles away!
At 5 years old, Joe apparently wanted nothing more than to “be taller!” And to keep on the theme of humour, Joe’s favourite joke; “What did the fish say when it swam into the wall?”……… “DAM”.
Interesting points about Joe include that he;
• “likes food, especially when it’s free”• He hails from Dungarvan in Waterford• He’s worked as a Beach Lifeguard and
a Sailing Instructor• And finally, he dreams of winning the
Lotto…….
Aoife Cunningham – AMSI Representative
Aoife Cunningham is the AMSI representative on the
MedSoc Committee for 2014-2015. AMSI is the
Association of Medical Students of Ireland. Aoife is
also in 4th Med this year.
She hopes to continue Pishoy’s work in
keeping the lines of communication open with the
other medical schools in Ireland, and bring any ideas
or improvements to NUIG from the other medical
societies.
With regard to her career , Aoife is
trying to stay open-minded until she gets more
experience, but is very excited about paediatrics.
When she was 5, “anything to do with the limelight”
appealed to Aoife as a possible future career. She’s
now a great fiddler who loves trad music and going to
fleadhs !
Aoife claims one of her main talents is
the ability to make great tea, and she’s very proud of
her mal-shi, called “Buster”.
Her favourite joke; “the midget fortune
teller who killed his customers is a small medium at
large (Ba doom tshhhh)
Caoimhe O’ Sullivan – Newsletter Editor
Caoimhe is the chief newsletter editor and a member of the MedSoc Committee for 2014/2015. She’s currently in 4th Med, and has a lot of plans for the newsletter this year. Among these, she hopes to publish more frequent issues of the newsletter than previously, to include more of MedSocs’ activities and events in each issue, and to increase student involvement in the publication...
At the moment, she’s very interested in Emergency Medicine and Anaesthetics, but like a lot of others, this tends to change with every new rotation….. Either way, whichever specialty she eventually chooses will be a far call from her plans as a five year old – Caoimhe originally wanted to be a tightrope walker, or failing that, a dancer in Las Vegas.
Other than MedSoc, Caoimhe has been a member of the NUIG orchestra, and teaches contemporary dance with DanSoc each week during the semester. She’s also a Student Connect Mentor this year, and volunteers with the Youth Mental Health Service JIGSAW.
Our newsletter editor is the proud owner of a green stethoscope, she speaks the cúpla focail thanks to a Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge from NUIG, and also has fluent German. In fact, she hopes to work in Germany for a time after she graduates. And last but not least, her favourite food is cereal –in her own words, “there’s no time of day that you can’t enjoy munching on some Shreddies!”
If you’re interested in writing for the MedSoc newsletter, contact Caoimhe via email; [email protected], or get in touch via the MedSoc Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NUIGMedSoc.
David O’ Reilly – Entertainment Officer
David O’ Reilly is the MedSoc
Entertainment Officer this year,
and is a 4th Med like most of the
Committee. He’s hoping to
introduce a few new MedSoc
events, including a mystery tour,
and he’s heading up the plans for
MedBall this year – watch this
space!
Career-wise, David
is interested in Anaesthetics .
When he was younger though, he
had aspirations of becoming a
chocolate taster…
He is also heavily
involved in HorseRacingSoc, hails
from Wexford, and spent a year in
Dublin before moving to Galway.
Last semester, he spent 3 months
in Germany on Erasmus, which he
says he highly recommends.
David’s favourite
joke; If toast always lands butter
side up, and cats always land on
their feet, what happens when you
strap toast to a cat and drop
it..????!
Matty Sheridan, Outreach Officer
Matty Sheridan is MedSoc’s Outreach
Officer, and is a 3rd Med interested in
becoming a paediatrician.
He had the following to say when asked
about his role and plans for the society
this year; “Hopefully, I’ll be able to provide
volunteering opportunities for medical
students and to take suggestions for any
projects from students that they would
like help in getting other people behind –
don’t be shy! Also a secret event which
will hopefully take shape at the end of the
year. And of course to help organise the
best Med Ball to date!” All these plans
sound very exciting!
Other than MedSoc, Matty is really involved in the Slainte Society (see page
25), and was PRO on their committee last year. He’s really looking forward to
all of the VSA nights out over the next few months, as well as to both the
Masquerade and Medical Balls – don’t miss any of these great events!
However, his favourite annual event is of course the Teddy Bear Hospital run
by Slainte Soc.
As a child, Matty claims his only aspirations involved being
faster and taller than other children around him – and his claim to fame is that
Amy Huberman was his babysitter…..
He’s worked as a sailing instructor, lives for triathlons, and has
tasted whale. Matty is also regularly seen volunteering in Barretstown – you
can read his account of that on page 20.
Finally, our Outreach Officer’s favourite joke is…. “Why did the traffic light go
red? Well, because it was seen changing in public!”
Margaret Brennan, Public Relations Officer
Margaret Brennan is MedSocs Public Relations Officer for the
academic year 2014/2015. Along with most of our Committee,
she’s currently on placement in UHG and is in 4th Med. Her plans
for the year so far include helping to organise a really great
MedBall, and working to make each MedSoc event bigger and
better than ever.
With regard to her clinical rotations, Margaret says she’s
interested in a lot of areas, but as yet, doesn’t know which one
appeals to her most – her stethoscope is a lovely shade of
Hunter Green.
At home, she has quite a zoo, as her Dad apparently can never
say no to a new puppy or kitten – as a result, there are a lot of
furry creatures running around; Eight dogs (Jake, Alfie, King,
Coco, Bertie, Charlie, Siuain and Zack. Seven horses (Larry, Blue,
Andy, Ralph, Hegritty, Eric and Maggie). And finally, somewhere
around the number of ten cats – she can’t remember those
names though!
Margaret’s favourite joke is “What
do you call an elephant that
doesn’t matter? An irrelephant!”
As with all Committee members,
talk to Margaret if you have any
questions or suggestions for the
society
So on the fourth of January just past myself and two others set off for Bochum, a city nestled in the heart of the so-called ‘Ruhrgebiet’, an industrial area in north west Germany. Not having spoken the language since our good old LC days, communication was initially a little rocky. But it wasn’t long before we were confident enough to just yap away in German (broken though it may have been).
Living in a big student accommodation offered a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world, with different cultures and backgrounds and each with different reasons for being in Germany. Many evenings were spent chilling together in the big communal kitchen and Friday evenings inevitably brought some sort of celebration to the party room on the ground floor of the accommodation.
Saturdays were generally spent taking a day trip to a neighbouring city – Dusseldorf, Bonn, Essen, Cologne, Dortmund, Munster. And Saturday night brought either another Erasmus party or a visit to one of the many clubs, some of which opened until 2pm the following day. So Sundays were invariably a chill day, taking a walk in the forest in which the accommodation was built (who builds student accommodation in the middle of a forest?!) or down to the Kemnader See, a beautiful lake nearby.
Mondays saw us back in the hospital for the week. There were many hospitals in Bochum and we got to spend time in a few, each one large, spacious, modern and impressive. It was great to see how a different healthcare system works and how some of the roles in the hospital are different than from at home. All the staff I interacted with were extremely friendly and once we explained that we were visiting from Ireland, they were happy to speak German slowly to us or to repeat themselves if asked.
I found the German hospital environment very relaxed. The doctors wore more casual clothes which I think added to the chilled out atmosphere. One of the bonuses of being a student in a German hospital is that they give you free dinner in the staff café every day. So that pretty much took grocery shopping off the to-do list for a while!
An Erasmus Experience in Bochum, Germany
Our experience was very much ours to mould
and I found most of the doctors very willing
to accommodate us if we had a particular
interest in seeing anything in particular. They
also wanted us to make the most of our
Erasmus experience and encouraged us to go
travelling and have as much fun as possible
(as if we needed much encouragement!)
I learned a lot from my Erasmus experience and had the most
amazing time. I would definitely recommend anyone to apply and if
anyone going to Bochum would like more information about it, feel
free to get in touch.
Laura
Diary of an Erasmus Student
Orla Cullivan is a 3rd Med who is heading to Uppsala, Sweden, on
Erasmus during semester 2 this year. She’s keeping a diary for
MedSoc about her experience, an excerpt of which will be
published in each issue of the newsletter. Keep reading to find
out how Orla applied for a place on the Erasmus programme, and
her preparations so far……
I was resolute that Uppsala in Sweden was where I wanted to be.
Why? Well, let me see:
1. Firstly it’s the only programme that is executed through
English.
2. The Swedes, in addition to being an exceptionally beautiful
race, are efficient, organised and intelligent, so I had no doubt
that I’d receive a good education there.
3. Thirdly, I had heard wonderful things about the country, and I
wanted to experience this place in person.
4. Lastly, ah sure why not? You only live once after all!
However, I was also conscious of the fact that to study abroad is a
‘once-in-a-lifetime’ phenomenon, and any offer of such would be
splendid regardless of the country.
From the very beginnings of my time in university, it had always been my intention to
participate in an Erasmus programme-no matter what course, year, or country. But to be
honest, I actually hadn’t given it much thought past that. What spurred me to attention
was when my friend Sinead, who’s in the year above me, was offered the chance to study
abroad in Sweden. Suddenly my dream became a lot more tangible. So NUIG meds study
abroad in third year. There’s a form. And it’s based on grades from second year you say?
Tell me more...
There are 5 universities that you can choose from; Uppsala in
Sweden, Montpellier or Grenoble in France, Bochum in
Germany, and Lausanne in Switzerland. The programme in
Uppsala is through English, Bochum through German, and the
remaining 3 through French. Each university takes a different
number of students, and this number may change from year
to year; A maximum of 2 can study in Uppsala, 4 in Bochum, 7
in Montpellier, 2 in Grenoble, and 4 in Lausanne. Are the odds
ever in your favour?
The process commenced in early February, when the class
received an application form in an e-mail from the Med
Faculty. Before you ask, we didn’t receive any orations or
information about Erasmus prior to this. So we were pretty
much shooting in the dark. A bit of head scratching ensued
on my part, since I’m appalling at paperwork in general.
The attached form consisted of 2 tables; one was a list of the participating
universities and links to their respective websites, while the other was blank and
requested university preferences in order of 1-3, language proficiency (equal to the
grade attained in the language at Leaving Cert level), desired disciplines for study,
and the preferred length of time to spend abroad. Okay, so I guess that doesn’t
sound too terrible in retrospect. What flummoxed me was the discipline question. I
barely knew what I was studying this semester, let alone a year from now! As I do in
times of crisis, I asked for divine help. In other words, I rang my friend Sinead, who’s
in the year ahead of me. She kindly forwarded me her application from last year.
Under the heading in question, she had simply put ‘Medicine’. Needless to say I felt
a bit stupid, but that’s nothing new.
Continued on the next
page….
Regarding the options of time, you could either spend from January-March or
January-April abroad. I figured the longer the better, so I opted to stay away until
April. I’ll be seeing plenty more of NUIG in the future sure! As far as I recall, those
studying in Switzerland can only begin in February, and thus have to stay there until
the very end of the semester. So filling out the form wasn’t too taxing after all!
Indeed, the paperwork is the least of your worries. You also need to have fairly
decent grades from the modules in semester 2 of second year if you want to get
your first preference. And maybe modules from semester 1, just to be sure. Better
safe than sorry! It also depends on the competition for places and your choices-if
lots of people want the same programme as you, it follows that you have you have
to work a bit harder. Language also plays a role: since German isn’t as popular as
French, the number of students applying for Bochum are lower than for the other
spots. Lucky for some, but not for all.
The deadline for returning the form (via e-mail just in case you’re wondering) was
the middle of March, so there was plenty of time for debating and deliberating and
changing your mind and then changing it back again. Once that was done, all that
was left was to sit and wait. And study too, I suppose.
Since I had studied French in school, there was no way I could consider Bochum in
Germany as an option. I reckon climbing Mount Everest would be easier, but maybe
that’s an overstatement. I elected Lausanne second and Montpellier third, simply
because I liked the sound of them. Sorry Grenoble, but Montpellier has a beach.
And more sunshine. Then again, Grenoble has ski slopes. It was much of a
muchness really. I did a bit of snooping on the Uppsala and Lausanne university
websites, but I didn’t feel like I gleaned much from them. Maybe I just didn’t snoop
enough though, so don’t read too much into that. I really just glanced at the
Lausanne website to figure out if it was in the French or German part of Switzerland.
In case you haven’t been paying attention, it’s in the French part.
Orla will have another update in the next issue……
Working with the Order of MaltaBy David Gorey
David Gorey is a 4th Med, and works with the Order of Malta in his spare time…..
The Order of Malta Ambulance Corps is a voluntary organisation, which provides first aid, community care, youth development and numerous other things. It is the charitable wing of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta - more commonly known as the Order of Malta.
The organisation dates back to the Middle Ages where the Knights of Malta provided medical aid to pilgrims during the Crusades. The ambulance corps was started here in Ireland in Galway 76 years ago by Professor Conor O’Malley in the old Central Hospital, the now University Hospital Galway. Currently there are approximately 4,000 volunteers in the Ambulance corps in 80 units country wide.
I first joined the organisation four years ago in Clonmel, County Tipperary. I had no experience in emergency care, knew very little about the organisation and really was only going because my friend wanted to join. As things turned out my friend ended up getting sick and I went to the first meeting alone.
Since then I have undergone numerous training courses, currently just received the National Qualification in Emergency Medical Technology: Emergency Medical Technician. This means I am now a medical practitioner licensed to administer numerous medications and perform procedures in the pre-hospital setting. This is one step below a Paramedic.
It was a year long course I undertook through the Order which also involved two four day weekends in the Wicklow mountains. I took part in intensive hands on training and lectures and two training weekends closer to home. There were also numerous online tutorials, quizzes and assignments to keep us busy. Before this I held the qualification of Emergency First Responder.
However, the best training that all members of the organisation receive are the countless hours spent doing duties. The experiences at these events are invaluable and have stood with me while on clinical placement as a medical student.
We cover duties from equestrian events to motorcrosssades, from Electric Picnic and Oxygen to the Eucharistic Congress and Novenas. At these duties you do not know what is coming next or what is going to walk through the door. Quite often there is nobody ringing ahead telling you what’s “coming in”. You usually don’t have the support of specialist doctors, anaesthetists, emergency doctors or even a paramedic by your side. Nor are you able to send off a blood test or get an x-ray.
Often its just you, another volunteer and a first aid kit with basic equipment which with the right training is better then most of the expensive machinery. All you have to rely on are your basic skills of history taking and examination. You might not have any medication on hand straight away and you have to treat the patient with what you got.
Some days its all go and more days you have nothing to do at all. To these volunteers the thought of working on a ward is daunting, to them a field or the side of a road is their hospital.
The other major component of the Order of Malta for me is the Cadet Unit. This is a unit for volunteers between 10 and 16 years of age.
The officer in charge and I set up this unit in Clonmel two years ago. We don’t just teach them first aid but also different life skills. We try and take them off on trips and every year we compete in National first aid competitions where they meet other Cadets from around the country.
To work with them I had to under go a Youth Leadership course and soon I intend to do an Advanced Youth leadership course and a first aid instructor’s course. The cadet unit has taught me a lot from; organisation to accounting to training. Also it’s a great way to maintain your own skills. You have to be prepared to be asked absolutely anything.
Working with the organisation has undoubtedly been stressful at times and I have questioned my sanity but overall it has been a great experience. I have met so many new people, learnt so much that I wouldn’t have had elsewhere, have had amazing experiences and all in all have had a brilliant time. And if that isn’t good enough you also get to ride around in a flashing ambulance…….!
For more information about the Order of Malta, log on to http://www.orderofmaltaireland.org, or chat to David
The ALIVE Student Volunteering Programme was established in 2003
by NUI Galway to harness, acknowledge and support the contribution
that students make by volunteering. We are dedicated to helping NUI
Galway students volunteer in the area of their choice that suits their
individual needs, interests and time commitments. We are here to offer
you information, advice, guidance and support throughout your
volunteering experience. ALIVE works within NUI Galway and also
with over 300 non-governmental external organisations - this allows
for both varied and interesting volunteering opportunities.
As exciting new volunteer opportunities come into the ALIVE Office we
advertise them on our ALIVE website www.nuigalway.ie/alive.
You can sign up for the ALIVE weekly volunteer newsletter at
[email protected], which will keep you up-to-date with all things
volunteering.
Or, you can follow us on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/alive.nuigalway.
Volunteering at NUI Galway –
ALIVE!
Volunteering is freely giving a commitment of your time and energy,
for the benefit of your local or NUI Galway community, society,
environment and/or individuals outside ones immediate family.
There are always new and exciting opportunities available; some of the
more common opportunities involve the following for volunteers:
Talking to people in need • After school support for children •
Working with young people • Hosting events • Raising funds • Writing
letters • Playing music • Giving first aid • Spend time with older
people • Campaigning on justice issues • Listening to people who
need a friendly ear • Keeping accounts • Office work • Working with
animals • Planting trees and much more!
So, what are the benefits?Volunteering can make you stand out from the crowd!
Coming to University for the first time or returning after the summer can be a
bit stressful, with new routines, new people and a lot of study! Fortunately at
NUI Galway there are a great variety of extra-curricular activities to get
involved with - how about doing something different like volunteering?!
Build on your skills & talents
Make a difference
Meet new people
Have funNetwork
Gain valuable
experience
Give back to society
We also reward your efforts with the NUI Galway Presidential award for
volunteering, the ALIVE Certificate. To qualify you need to be an active volunteer
for at least one semester. All kinds of volunteering are recognised by the Certificate.
You may have volunteered in Galway, in your hometown or internationally. You may
have volunteered on campus through involvement with clubs, class reps, student
radio or newspaper, societies, or mentoring a first year student or off campus with a
school, charity or hospital. All volunteering is recognised!
To apply students must complete the application form which is a series of questions
about your volunteering. You can find this on www.yourspace.nuigalway.ie. Log in,
complete the application form and click submit. You can save your application,
return and edit it and manage your volunteering portfolio. The next Award
Ceremony will take place on 31st March 2015.
Volunteer Fair
Don’t forget our Volunteer Fair will take place on 24th
September 2014, from 1pm until 5pm in the Bailey Allen
Hall, Áras na MacLéinn, come along and meet the community
partners who will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Be ALIVE! Start Volunteering!
NUIG Family Science Day
MovemberSoup for LifeTeddy Bear Hospital
Dear DrO’Mantic…
DrO’Mantic is MedSoc’s resident
agony aunt. The following are
some problems with which he has
been contacted since the last
publication of the newsletter……. If
you or a medical student you
know has a problem, please
contact the doctor at this email
address;
Dear Ever-Hopeful 2nd
Med……..
You need a social life.
Or to leave the country.
Either way, you will probably
increase the number of tall,
dark, handsome and hairy men
you meet.
Yours with much sympathy,Dr O’ Mantic
The Premed Awards Ceremony was organized by myself
and Aisling Dunne, as an event that would wrap up the
unique year that was Pre-med. A final get together for
the whole class before people went their separate ways
for the summer.
There were 22 awards in total, which were
suggested in the last month of college by the students.
Once the awards were settled on, people sent in their nominations. The awards ranged from ‘Most Likely to Win 8 Gold Medals’ to ‘The Best Drinker’, and from
‘Quote of the Year’ to ‘Best Tea Maker’.
So that we could have everyone take part
on the night, we had different people presenting the
awards. Our very own Erica Carthy, founder of ‘Ericakes’
also baked us an end of year cake!
PreMed Awards Ceremony 2013/2014
By Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lo0oIQFNdA
A parody of the
scrubs
introduction
was also filmed,
with different
people from the
year taking part
in it. Again this
was filmed to
promote the
event so that
we all had
something big
to look forward
to after the
exam.
This video was
even tweeted
by John C.
McGinley (Dr.
Cox from
Scrubs). It can
be found on the
NUIG MedSoc
Youtube
channel – see
link below…….
This summer I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work in
a very special place. Nestled away in the heart of Kildare, Barretstown is a place like
no other. It is a camp that exists for one purpose and that is to rebuild the lives of
children and families affected by childhood cancers and other serious illnesses. This
year we celebrated our 20th anniversary and since the founding of the camp by the
Hollywood legend Paul Newman, Barretstown has welcomed over 27,000 children
from all across Europe through its castle gates.
Through its unique Therapeutic Recreation programme, Barretstown
gives these very special children the platform to regain their confidence,
independence and self-esteem while having more fun than many of them (and
indeed ourselves!) may have ever thought possible.
At the gates to this camp, children can leave behind their labels and limitations that
have prevented them from enjoying life at a time when it's most precious - a time
when they should be thinking about fun and games, not worrying about blood
counts, needles or their next visit to the hospital. Here, challenges are met with
success, smiles and laughter in everything from rock climbing to high ropes, horse
riding, archery, fishing, scavenger hunts, canoeing, drama, talent shows, fun science
experiments, film making, music, arts and crafts, orienteering, discos, spins in limos
and racing cars, dressing up as well as hundreds of songs and games of all shapes,
sizes and levels of silliness to name but a few!
Throughout the Autumn and Spring we also run weekend-long camps
for the whole family. Sadly, when a family is devastated with the news
of a diagnosis of childhood cancer, each member of the family suffers
in their own unique way. Siblings, particularly those who are very
young, are often left feeling forgotten or isolated, parents are
exhausted and stretched as they struggle to cope with looking after
their sick child while keeping their family together as best they can
outside of the hospital - but the challenges are immense.
All of these lives are affected in some way by the illness
of one son, daughter, brother or sister. That is why we afford the whole
family opportunities to experience the magic of Barretstown through
programmes specially tailored for them. It is a wonderful opportunity
for all of the family to come together, escape some of the harshness of
their daily routines and especially to meet other children and families
experiencing the same realities.
Barretstown!!!
Matty Sheridan, 3rd med
I know the whole operation sounds bizarre and even impractical at first - How do the children get their medical treatment? How do they play with some of the others when they can't even speak the same languages? How do they participate in all of these activities if they're sick? What makes it all so much fun? To be honest, it all just has to be seen to be fully believed and understood!One of the most common questions I and many of my very good friends who volunteer or work at camp get after describing the experience is something along the lines of "is that not very depressing though? Seeing all of those sick children in one place?" Absolutely not! Nothing could be further from the reality as this is literally the happiest place on earth. The most tears are shed on the final day of each camp as after just eight days new friends must say goodbye to each other and return home.
It gets even better - all of these programmes are provided for these families completely free of charge! That includes everything from flights, to visas and insurance for all campers travelling from abroad - be they Spanish, Swedish, Cypriot, Polish, Hungarian or German to name but a few of the nationalities which we welcome to camp every year!The ethos of camp fits perfectly into the biopsychosocial model of multidisciplinary care. Oncologists, radiologists and GPs are all vital elements of the medical care of a paediatric patient. However it must be remembered that these 'patients' deserve and indeed need to be afforded the opportunities to be who they really are and that is children. This is where Barretstown comes in - it helps to heal the emotional scars (proven through research carried out by Yale university!).
It is without a doubt the best thing I have ever tried or gotten involved in, being a part of the magic at this camp is a life changing experience which I couldn't recommend highly enough to anybody!
If you have any interest in working with children go to www.barretstown.org to find out more about volunteering for a weekend between March and May or for a week over the summer, I promise you won't regret it!
Barretstown is a truly magical place - Where the impossible becomes the possible, where very special life long friendships are forged and where language barriers are smashed through the universal language of fun.Paul Newman was once asked in an interview what kind of a difference he has seen his now global network of camps make in the lives of others to which he responded "To have some kid come up, who's been in the hospital for six months out of the year and say 'this place - to come back here is what I live for". For myself I think it has been the countless times I have seen children, teenagers and and adults of all ages who have been to hell and back discover something new about themselves, come out of their shells, make dear friends and grow in confidence and happiness over such a short space of time.I have spent the majority of my summer in some form of costume, pretending to be anything from a pirate to a wizard to a superhero, being given manicures and make-overs by young girls, eating meals blindfolded and with no hands, singing, dancing, collecting campers from the airport for their first time ever being away from their parents - let alone in a different country, being laughed at for my butchering of the Russian and Greek languages and most of all laughing to the point of tears and my sides hurting. For me the most incredible things to take away from the experience were that it is astonishing just how much you can learn about life from people less than half your age and that where there is a will there is a way - especially when it comes to children who are determined to achieve new things and to have fun despite everything they have been through.
The following articles introduce some of NUIGs othermedically-based societies – societies are a huge part of university life, and a great way to make friends, gain
experience, and have fun
As with all societies, you can join on SocsDay in first and second semester; you can sign up online on
http://www.YourSpace.nuigalway.ie; or you can get in contact with the society directly.
The 'NUIG Psychiatry Society' is a brand new society this year and we
hope to hit the ground running. Our society aims to spark interest in this
fascinating field of medicine and also to promote positive mental health
throughout our NUIG campus.
We plan to host interesting debates, movie nights with films centred
around mental illness, to invite guest speakers to discuss the newest
advances in research and treatment. We also plan to support students
who are interested in psychiatry research projects and summer electives.
Psychiatry is one of the most fascinating and rewarding areas of
medicine. Mental well-being is an essential component of health not
only for the patients we will treat but for ourselves. We hope to promote
and create awareness about this interesting specialty.
If you want to find out more or get involved drop us an email at
[email protected], looking forward to seeing you soon!
PsychSoc
Matthew Smyth, Final med
Friends of MSF are groups established and run by students to promote and
support the work of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)
among third level students across Ireland. Friends of MSF groups provide a
platform for university students to get involved in MSF whilst studying.
Médecins Sans Frontières is a humanitarian organisation
dedicated to providing emergency medical aid to people affected by armed
conflict, epidemics and natural or man-made disasters. MSF has teams
providing life-saving treatment in over 60 countries around the world. As an
organisation, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.
The current committee are determined to make this year the
best yet for the NUIG branch of Friends of MSF and will soon be throwing
themselves into the task of organising a medley of great events ranging from
film screenings, having guest speakers and holding fundraising events.
All Friends of MSF societies share several core objectives;
• Raising awareness about MSF’s work on campus
• Stimulating students to consider working for an organisation like MSF after
graduating
• Raising funds for MSF's work where the need for medical care is greatest.
There are loads of opportunities to get involved this year and we would be
thrilled to have you on board. This is the year you can be a part of an up-and-
coming society, try something different and develop those lauded teamwork
skills. Plus it makes an nice addition to a CV! Go on, give it a go!
Friends of MSF
KiriRenssen, Final Med
EMSSI is a national student-based society run under the supervision of
Emergency Medicine faculty across Ireland and is composed of health science
students from Trinity, UCD, UCC, UL, RCSI, and NUI Galway.
We are honoured to have Professor Ronan O'Sullivan
(Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Crumlin Hospital and Director
of the Specialist Registrar Training Scheme) as our Inaugural Honourary
President.
Emergency Medicine is a relatively new specialty in Ireland, and our aim is to
help foster opportunities for networking, run emergency skills workshops, as
well as offer wilderness medicine trips in the field.
Like the specialty itself, being quite possibly the only true
generalist specialty, we hope to cater to the interests of not just medicine and
surgery, but to specialties like paediatrics, obstetrics & gynaecology,
psychiatry, with a focus on both the common and the traumatic.
Our focus is on teaching practical skills to students at all levels
and to host talks which students find both entertaining and relevant.
As a national student society, we invite students from all over Ireland and
abroad to attend our events. Regardless of your interest in doing Emergency
medicine as a career, we promise good craic for all.
The Emergency Medicine Student Society of Ireland (EMSSI)
By Seán Ó Diollúin
Follow us or get in touch at:
http://emssi.ie
https://www.facebook.com/EMSSINuiGalway
https://www.facebook.com/emergencymedicinestudentsocietyireland
Sláinte Society
Oisín
In order to be successful, the event relies heavily on volunteers from the
society in order for it to be a success and every year the volunteer
participation and interest is overwhelming. Volunteers are needed to act in a
variety of roles such as doctors, MRI operators, entertainers, jugglers, face
painters and stewards for activities such as monitoring the bouncy castles.
The Society also organizes many other events during the year.
A huge amount of energy goes into fundraising for the Teddy Bear Hospital
and for other charities throughout the year in addition to numerous other
events organized by the society. For example, last year, a hugely successful
club night was organized in cooperation with Electric in which over €10,000
was raised for charity, a new record amount for the society! Of the money
fundraised: €2,500 of this money was donated to the children’s medical
research branch of Crumlin Hospital while a further €2,500 was donated to
Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Another charity event which takes place during the year is the
annual Movember bakesale which raised €300 last year!
The Sláinte society is always eager to take on new members and is constantly
looking for fresh perspectives and creative initiatives to develop and help the
society grow. This academic year 2014-15, the Teddy Bear Hospital at NUIG
will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. It is an exciting opportunity to get
involved in the fun and mayhem – not to be missed!
The Sláinte Society is NUIG’s health promotion society. Sláínte society was established as
an affiliate of the IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students’ Societies) almost
a decade ago. Since then the society has grown from strength to strength; reaching a
and last year reached a membership of 563 students in 2013-14.
It aims to gathers University students from all the academic disciplines
together with the aim of promoting physical and mental health both on campus and in
the broader Galway community.
The Sláinte Society is responsible for organising the internationally
acclaimed Teddy Bear Hospital at NUIG which has garnered recognition as one of the
most anticipated and exciting events on the University calendar. The Teddy Bear Hospital
is an event which invites Junior and Senior infant students to visit NUIG from schools
around the environs of Galway with “sick” Teddy Bears in tow. The aim of the event is to
help children feel more comfortable around doctors and Hospitals. Last year over 1300
school children attended over the course of the 2 day event. The event takes place in the
Bailey Allen Hall which is transformed for the event and adorned with colorful
decorations and artwork for the day.
Voluntary Services
Abroad is a medical aid
charity run by the 4th
year medical students of
NUI, Galway. Founded in
1977 by Dr. Dom Colbert,
it sends groups of
student volunteers to the
developing world each
summer.
Voluntary Services Abroad Society (VSA)
VSA….. Bringing medical aid to the developing world
(and bringing fun and games to NUIG)
since 1977……….
Since its foundation, more than 400 NUIG medical students have
been sent overseas as healthcare volunteers, bringing with them
funds to develop and support healthcare delivery in the areas they
are working. These places have included areas of Zambia, Malawi,
Ethiopia, Tanzania, Peru, Ecuador, Belize, Vietnam and India.
Throughout the year, events and as many fundraising
activities as the calendar will allow, take place. Some events are now
iconic indications of what time of the year it is. For example, the
cryptically named Halloween Ball or the equally subtle VSA
Christmas Concert; more accurate than an iPhone for telling you the
time.
Every summer, after looking their exams in the eye,
groups of students set off to their chosen destinations where they
will spend 4-6 weeks. This time is spent volunteering their own skills,
improving the facilities of our partner clinics/hospitals and gaining
valuable, often inspiring experience working in challenging
environments.
Each volunteer pays
for their own travel
and accommodation
expenses, in addition
to reaching their
own personal
fundraising target.
This means every
euro, cent, and
whatever else we
find in our buckets,
goes directly to the
clinics, hospitals and
communities in
question.
By Joe Conway
MedSoc would like to wish the best of luck to final year medical students Simon Neary,
Aoife Kirk, Lauren Hughes and Matthew Smyth, who have been chose to represent
NUIG at the 2014 annual Jack Flanagan Competition.
The competition is a geriatrics-psychiatry case based competition, where teams of final
medical students from each Irish medical school compete for the coveted Jack
Flanagan Medal in geriatric medicine. The event takes place on October 15th in RCSI.
Jack Flanagan Medal in Geriatric Medicine 2014
The surgical society has entered its second year!
With an excellent committee behind us this year, we
are sure it’s going to be a hugely successful year.
Each event last year proved to be a huge success
with demand for places in our workshops exceeding
the available places every time. The students who
represented NUIG on national-level proved
extremely successful, with Domhnall O’Connor,
taking first place in the RCSI National Surgical Skills
Competition. We hope to be equally successful this
year, and keep the title in the west!
The surgical society at NUIG strives to expose the
preclinical years to the specialty at an early stage to
spark an interest in surgery while aiming to guide
the clinical years towards key techniques to allow
them hone in and master essential skills.
Events which will be happening over the coming
semester include:
Suturing
Workshops
Laparoscopic
Simulation Surgery
Workshops
Surgical Scrubbing
Workshops
Along with other events targeted towards each year
individually.
Surgical Society
Ger Browne, 4th Med
A variety of events will be kicking off shortly. For more details on these, keep an
eye on our Facebook page ‘NUIG Surgical Society’ and any questions, feel free to
send us an email at [email protected]
MedFest is a medically themed film festival run by UK psychiatry trainees,
and with primary funding by the Royal College of Psychiatry. It began in
the UK in 2011.
MedFest has 2 aims - these are;
1. Firstly, to increase interest in psychiatry – amongst medical students,
medical professionals and the public.
2. And secondly, to inspire people through the medium of film.
MedFest 2014 was held in February of this year. During the festival, 32
events took place in medical schools across the UK and Ireland, as well as
overseas. Art and Music Festivals and a Gala Event at the Royal College of
Psychiatrists were also included on the itinerary. The 2014 festival also saw
international events in Australia and Latvia.
The events themselves cost nothing to attend, and although audiences
tend to be predominantly comprised of medical students (they are held in
medical schools after all!), the evenings are open to medical professionals,
film fans, and members of the public who have an interest in attending.
Therefore in reality, the events are accessible to everyone!
For the first time, MedFest took place here in NUIG during February of this
year. It had previously been a successful event in University College Dublin
in 2013 – the original introduction of MedFest into Ireland. MedFest had
been introduced this side of the English Channel by the Trainee Committee
of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, in collaboration with their Trainee
colleagues from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK.
The theme for 2014 was “From Cradle To Grave”. In keeping with the
theme, an array of interesting short films were shown - these explored
different periods in life, using psychiatry as a backdrop for discussion.
The first session of the night looked at childhood, and hoped to raise
awareness of the profound and long lasting effects of bullying in childhood
as well as the eradication of the last 1% of polio from the planet. ‘To This
Day’ was an animation of a poem by Shane Koyczan about the effects of
bullying. Next, we saw two short clips which compared polio in remarkably
different ways: a public education film from 1946 entitled ‘His Fighting
Chance’, narrated by Eleanor Roosevelt, and a production from the Gates
Foundation urging us to help eradicate the last 1% of polio from the
planet.
In part two, the films addressed medicine in adulthood. The short sci-fi
drama, ‘Dr Easy’ imagines an emergency psychiatric assessment in the
future, carried out by “Robot Doctors”. This was juxtaposed with the
second film-clip ‘Bedlam’, a documentary featuring the reality of a man
coming to terms with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Finally medicine and the elderly was examined. ‘Irene’ is a tender
documentary made by the granddaughter of a 92 year old Scottish lady
suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This was in stark contrast to the last film
of the evening, the flashy and dramatic documentary entitled “Flatline”,
which featured two visionary surgeons as they recount their invention of a
prosthetic heart implant.
Each film was strikingly different from the last, and varying styles of
cinematography and story-telling were employed to portray their messages.
This in turn ensured the discussions around each short film shown were
really very interesting, with some unusual points of view put forward by
members of the panel.
We had 4 guest speakers on our discussion panel. These speakers included;
Professor Colm McDonald, Professor of Psychiatry here in NUIG, Professor
Loftus, Professor of Paediatrics, Dr Ann Jeffers, retired psychiatrist, and a
film producer, Ms. Viviene Dick. After the floor was opened to questions
and comments by audience members, the evening moved into the café next
door, where refreshments were served.
We hope to host another MedFest event in spring of this academic year, so
keep an eye on your MedSoc emails and our Facebook page for more info!
MedFest 2014
Caoimhe O’ Sullivan, 4th Med
So…… What Are MedSoc Planning for the Next Few Months….?
• 10th September - Societies Day!
• 11th September - First year class party
• 12th September - TedMed 2014.
• 18th September - Welcome night
• USMLE talk – Information on sitting the USMLEs.
• Weekend Away - New event for 2014/2015!!!
• 18th of October - Masquerade ball in aid of VSA.
• 5-A-Side Soccer Tournament
• Quad Tag rugby tournament
• Student-led Grand Rounds – talks led by students for all members of the medical
community – monthly events!
• MedSoc Screenings - recommended films for psychiatry students (4th meds)
Also During Semester 1……
• Badminton tournament. There will be trophies for winners and runners up.
Alcohol-free reception after the finals.
• “How to Succeed in Exams” – Talk given by Dr Flaherty, a really interesting and
informative evening for all years.
• Research talk – a discussion about what research entails, how to apply for funding
etc. New event for 2014. Presentations will be given by faculty and former student
researchers on the possibility of completing a summer research project with the
School of Medicine. The evening will be of particular interest to 2nd and 3rd Meds.
• Joseph Browne Memorial GAA matches
• Medball
Events to take place in Semester 2;
• Shave or Dye event in aid of the Irish Cancer Society
• MedFest – screening short films for the school of Psychiatry
• And much, much more!!!!
Some More About MedSoc’s Upcoming Events….
11th September - First year class party ;
Starting off in the Skeff, and moving to Karma. A great way to get
to know your class and get the year off to a good start!
12th September - TedMed 2014;
Screening of the internationally renowned Ted Med talks, live from
Washington . They’ll be shown in the CSI small lecture theatre, from
9am to 2pm, and based on last year’s experience, it should be a really
great event. Look out for more info in MedSoc emails and on our
Facebook page, and To keep up to date with the event info you can
follow us on twitter @TEDMEDLiveNUIG!
18th September - Welcome night;
This involves a small bit of advice on your upcoming academic year by
the year above. Individualised presentations are given to each medical
year, and include topics like subjects, books, rotations and
examinations . followed by wine and cheese in the csi! The after-party
will be held in The Skeff, moving on to Karma afterwards, where
everyone will get free in. Again, a great way to start the year!
Tag Rugby Tournament;
An Inter-Year tournament taking place in the Quadrangle. The winners
of each group go straight into the semi finals. Teams: 8players per
team (Minimum 3 girls per team playing at any one time). Prize
money: Cash prizes for winners and runners up. A reception will be
also be held after the final Sign-up will be soon, so keep an eye out,
or chat to your class reps!
18th of October - Masquerade Ball;
In aid of VSA. Held in Markree Castle, Sligo. Really great event,
especially well-attended by older years and interns…. Look out for
tickets on sale soon!
October - USMLE talk;
Information on sitting the USMLEs (exams required to practice
medicine in the United States). Of particular interest for international
students, and 2nd-final meds.
October - Weekend Away;
A Surf Trip to Lahinch – New event for 2014/2015!!! Transport,
Accomodation and Surfing lessons all included. Keep an eye out on
MedSoc emails and Facebook for more information…..
EVEN More About MedSoc’s Upcoming Events….
How to get in touch with the lovely MedSoc Committee………?
• Email; [email protected]
• Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/NUIGMedSoc
• Website; http://nuigmedsoc.com/
• Or come up and chat to any of the Committee Members at any stage, see us at SocsDay, or come to any MedSoc event
P.S If you’re interested in writing an article for the MedSoc newsletter, or have any interesting ideas for it, either get in contact with MedSoc as above, or email [email protected]