game of medicine survival guide
DESCRIPTION
Published by MSSBU (Medical Students Society of Bond University) Edited by: Fred Chuang and Douglas BrownTRANSCRIPT
An EPIC NEW SERIES
Orientation week BOND Monday May 5, 2014
ONLY AT
Game of Medicine: Summer is Coming
A letter from the Editors,
Welcome all to your first year at Bond University as medical
students and a huge congratulations to being accepted! In the
coming pages, are a number of articles and other necessary
tools and information, guaranteed to help you not only survive
first year, but also thrive as well. Articles ranging from a wide
variety of topics are included to make sure you are well
prepared and ready to embark on your journey in the sunny city
of the Gold Coast, a city known for its beaches, theme parks,
schoolies and its general, laid back atmosphere. With this in
mind, make sure you make the most of first year by joining as
many clubs and activities as possible, as well as coming to as
many MSSBU events as you can!
If you would like to keep up to date with what your MedSoc at
Bond University (MSSBU) is doing, you can find out more either
via our Facebook or via our website, www.mssbu.org.au. If you
have further questions feel free to ask any of the MedSoc
committee members.
Remember, from here on in, as you enter the realms of the
‘O-Week Survival Guide of 2014’ sit back and enjoy the
experience of Bond University and the eternal summer of the
Gold Coast.
Douglas Brown:
Communications Director & Co-Editor
Fred Chuang:
IT Officer & Co-Editor
Disclaimer ............................................................... 1
Message from the President ................................... 2
Avant, Sponsorship ................................................. 3
Uncle Doug’s A-M ................................................... 4
Meet the Tribe ........................................................ 6
Med as Postgraduate ............................................. 7
Yellow Brick Road to Medical School ....................... 8
From the Pan into the fire ..................................... 13
PB What ............................................................... 11
Human Anatomy ................................................... 12
Surviving Med ....................................................... 14
AMSA ................................................................... 16
Textbooks ............................................................. 17
Medical Society Photos Preview ........................... 21
23 Ways ............................................................... 24
Meet The Team ..................................................... 26
Table of Contents:
Message from the President Congratulations on becoming a Bond University medical student! On behalf of the Medical Students’ Society of Bond University (MSSBU), welcome, and we look forward to meeting you in person!
The Medical Students’ Society of Bond University (MSSBU) is a student body elected by medical students for medical students. We are the peak representative group here at Bond University and are in place to support and advocate for the interests of our medical students. Our goal is to ensure that our students have a platform to share experiences, knowledge and new ideas as well as providing a comfortable setting in which to raise any issues with the academic aspects of the Bond Medical Program.
We liaise with the faculty of the Medical School, the Health Sciences and Medicine Association (HMSA), the Bond University Student Association (BUSA) as well as many other external associations, in order to create the best experiences for our students. The life of a medical student, which includes academic, social, physical, financial and emotional issues are all of the utmost importance to us. Getting through a medical program is a very demanding task, but we aim to be there to support all of our students every step of the way.
The society is also proud to be a part of the Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA), the peak representative group for all medical students nationwide. Our AMSA representative allows us to bring forth ideas and initiatives from our medical program on a national scale and gives us a voice on the main issues concerning our students. Examples include internships, changes to curriculum structure and research opportunities, just to name a few.
We strive to give the students of the ‘Bond Medical Program’ a voice and ensure that no-one is left out. You, the students, are the brain, and we are simply the voice, which allows your thoughts to reach the appropriate places. We want to make sure that you have the best ex-periences of your lives and ensure that the beginning of your careers as doctors, are enriching and fulfilling.
We are here for you!
Rehan Sequeira
President of Medical Student’s Society of Bond University (MSSBU)
Avant is Australia’s leading Medical Defence Organisation. You can
count on us for quality medico-legal expertise and professional
indemnity protection at every stage of your medical career.
Membership is open to medical students and benefits include:
FREE travel insurance cover
Student indemnity insurance policy
Unique work experience opportunities through our partnerships
e.g. Avant Interplast Asia Pacific Program.
Opportunity to network and be part of Avant’s
Student Advisory Council (ASAC)
Risk management education (case studies, webinars and more)
Student e-bulletins and member publications
Access to Avant’s medico-legal advisory phone
service, even in 24/7 emergencies
’
Sun, sand and water; that’s what the Gold
Coast, also known as the ‘GC’, is known to
many tourists who come to this city from
all across the country and the globe;
however there’s more charm to the coast
then that.
A – Aquaduck – If you’ve always liked the
idea of being able to ride a bus, that looks
like a duck, in the middle of the canals of
the Gold Coast; this is truly your perfect
opportunity. In no other city, would you be
able to experience something as iconic or
as memorable, whilst viewing the historic
buildings which made this city as it is today.
A MUST do for all Bond students, whether
you’ve just finished high school, or coming
in from your second degree.
B – Beaches – As stated previously, this is
one of the defining features of the Gold
Coast, and also, a romantic destination for
many. Head to popular areas, such as the
Surfers Paradise beach, found right
underneath the giant Q1, one of the tallest
buildings in the southern hemisphere. If
you want to go somewhere a bit quieter
however, try heading to the Main Beach
area, or the beaches found near ‘The Spit.’
C – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – For the
Kiwis, if you’ve always been a fan of the
kangaroo, the koala or baby crocodiles, this
is the place to be. It also hosts one of the
Gold Coast’s very first and most authentic
Indigenous dinner shows, the ‘Yanguwah.’
D – Dreamworld – You haven’t been to the
Gold Coast if you haven’t been to
Dreamworld. Perhaps, one of the biggest
theme parks in Queensland, it’s the home
of Big Brother and also the ‘Big 8’ rides,
which also include the ‘Giant Drop’, ‘The
Tower of Terror’ (highly recommended)
and the infamous, ‘BuzzSaw.’
E – Events – Gold Coast is full of events,
whether it’s the Surfers Paradise Festival,
Broadbeach Jazz Festival, or the up-and-
coming Gold Coast Airport Marathon, we
always have events that will suit your taste,
and take your mind off studying the Kreb
cycle.
F– Fishing – Fishing enthusiasts all around
can rejoice, due to the wide variety of
opportunities one has in fishing on the Gold
Coast. Whether it’s near Stradbroke Island,
or going with a fishing charter, Gold Coast
has it all for the locations in fishing.
G – Gold Coast Skydive – Skydiving, perhaps
one of man’s most frightening sports can be
experienced on the Gold Coast for a small
price. If you’ve got no fear, a highly
recommended, once in a lifetime
opportunity.
H– Hot Air Balloons – The perfect
opportunity to spend time with your signifi-
cant other (or potential significant other); a
romantic hot air balloon ride above the Gold
Coast is guaranteed to capture one’s heart.
I – Infinity Gold Coast – If you’ve always
been interesting in the multi-sensual world
of special effects, say no more, for ‘Infinity’
has it all.
J – Jupiter’s Hotel and Casino – Not only was
MedBall 2014 held here, it also has an
absolutely amazing casino. If you’re
considered lucky, or have never tried it
before, come to the main gambling precinct
of the Gold Coast; Jupiter’s Hotel and Casino.
If you’re not into gambling however, there’s
a great Chinese restaurant found within this
hotel, make sure you order their ‘Prawn
Dumplings!’
K– Kingston Park Raceway–Love Go Karting?
Say no more, Gold Coast has Australia’s
largest and most advance Go Kart hire place,
at Kingston Park Raceway.
L – Laser Skirmish – For some safe, outdoor
fun with your new-found friends, laser
skirmish is highly recommended. The closest
one from Bond University can be found in
‘Time Zone’ Surfers Paradise.
M – Medicine – At the end of the day, you’re
here to study, so live up to it and face it.
at Bond
Medicine was dream come true.
I did have my ions
knowing I would be one
only 20 or so other post grad students.
hoped that I would have at least a post
grads that were my age that I relate
with. I am so lucky I that I found
group of a mixture of both
and and we work
our
as a brings with
many that
not have to deal with. The of
are living out of home and having cook
and clean and pay the bills on of
and it is not a
walk in the park. Some also families to
take care of which is so But it
is not And the of
your fellow post grads can navigate these
An of being a post grad
having a degree already and knowing
university is like. You how
study and the stresses that come being
a because you have there be-
fore. Don't get me wrong is a whole
other ball game when it to how the
is set up and the amount of study
you will be doing, but it definitely helps having
studied (especially if you have studied a science
degree) as it won’t all be brand new and the
transition is a lot smoother. You also get the
opportunity to use your knowledge to help your
fellow students through the semesters
As a post graduate medicine is a goal
have been working towards for many
and that is agreat motivation when are
drowning in textbooks and Having
worked through an degree in
preparation for doing and then
actually getting into the is such a
dream come true and is the pletion of a
goal you have worked for many
years. You should all be very proud that you are
one step closer to dream of being a
Medicine is not just a degree it
your life and your passion. Being a
nd navigating through that how it fits
into your life is an exciting rewarding
experience. Embrace all of highs and lows
and do it with your postgraduates and
you will have such amazing time studying
medicine at By Bianca
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
to Medical School 2014
You’ve been accepted to medical school for 2014, and now
Bond wants to ensure they make a exceptional doctor out of
you. Before you start, it’s good to have an idea of what exactly
will be coming up and so, MSSBU have aimed to bring you this
‘O-Week Survival Guide – Don’t Just Survive, Thrive!’ To get
familiar with the course, let’s start on our journey.
Pre-Clinical Years
For first year, you’ll mainly be concentrating on cellular and
molecular biology, and also, briefly focusing on the major
systems of the body. You’ll be introduced to the fascinating
factors of anatomy and physiology, and also begin to
understand the psychosocial aspects of the patient. Clinical
skills sessions, as well as PBL sessions will be introduced to
make sure you have a grip on how to talk to patients and work
in a group environment.
Some of the material you’ll be covering on this journey
through the rigours of first year will include genes,
microbiology, taking a history from patients, cell biology,
ethics and more.
You’ve passed first year, and now well on your journey
through medicine! In second year, you’ll be spiralling back and
cycling through the body systems again, but in much more
detail. Pathology will be formally introduced as well as
pharmacology in some aspects. Your history taking will
significantly improve, your medical ethics knowledge will
expand and also your team working skills as well.
Year 1
2014
Year 2
2015
Through third year, you’ll be continuing on your way in
the body systems, specifically honing in on major
factors, including diagnosis, pathology and also
management. Skills will be developed to the eventual
point where you’ll even be able to properly diagnosis.
Your communication skills which were initially being
developed in first year will finally come together, and
you’ll be able to complete a proper examination from
start to finish on any patient at will.
Core rotations will also start to begin, where lectures
and learning will now be held in the facilities of Robina
Hospital. Furthermore, third year completes prepara-
tion for full immersion in the clinical learning environ-
ment of fourth and fifth year.
Clinical Years – 2017 & 2018
Clinical years seem far on the horizon of your journey,
however they will come sooner than you think. Fourth
and fifth year is often classified to be the ‘real’
medicine, the type of medicine you’ve been dreaming
about every day since being accepted. All you’ll need to
know for now is that a large amount of clinical subjects
will be covered, from subjects such as orthopaedics,
surgery and even emergency medicine.
Assessments and Exams
The important thing to note for first years, is that you
will usually have assignments in your first and second
semesters, mid-semester exam and also, point-of-
progression exams at the end of every year,
affectionately known as the ‘barriers’, which will assess
if you can progress to the next year. These exams will
give you a reason in not forgetting the content you’ve
learnt recently, and from the years prior. Staff members
are very friendly at Bond, so remember, if you have any
questions, don’t hesitate in sending them an email or
asking for help. Furthermore, we at MSSBU are also
always willing to help! Good luck, and make the most of
it!
Year 4
2017
Year 5
2018
Year 3
2016
First of all, congratulations to every one
of you for passing the hazardous and
difficult steps to enter med school!
However, remember your journey has
just begun, with many unknown surpris-
es and events to come.
Starting university as a highschool leaver
(especially one interstate), seemed like a
daunting and fearful step into the
unknown. I was constantly worried
about living away from home, if I was
able to make friends and whether I could
be able to handle the dreaded course
work that all the older students were
complaining about.
Nevertheless, taking this leap of faith, I
discovered that life on Bond University
was much more than just study, study,
study. The family and friends that I left
behind in Sydney were augmented with
a new group of people, who because of
the closeness of living on campus be-
came a second family on the Gold Coast.
The outwardly towering mounds of work
I got each week, I found could be dealt
with a little bit of self-application and
diligence, leaving plenty of time for so-
cial events and “exploration adventures”
of the Gold Coast and surrounding
suburbs.
A great thing about the Bond MBBS
course is the integrated and holistic
approach to medicine. The balance of
labs/practicals, science based lectures
and patient interactions/psychology pre-
pares us for when we enter the real
world as working professionals.
All in all, what I’d wish for you guys to
take from this is to just go with the flow.
Remember that university is a lot more
difficult than highschool and though it
may seem challenging at first, as long as
you are able to adapt and keep up with
the course, you’ll all be fine.
Good luck class of 142!
Matthew Lam
2nd Year Medical Student
By Douglas Brown
With your first semester of 2014 in full
swing as a student at Bond University,
I’m sure you’ll firstly be wondering, what
exactly is this PBL process that many
have been talking about? Although most
of you may not have heard of it before,
problem based learning, affectionately
known as PBL, truly serves as an im-
portant role, as you enter your future
careers as medical practitioner.
The problem based learning system was
originally stimulated in order to allow a
simulation of how a real doctor-patient
relationship would look like. With the
introduction of the case, the building of
your hypotheses, the construction of
your LIs (Learning Issues) and also of the
respective mind-map; PBL is truly seen as
a system that encourages all students to
apply their knowledge thoroughly, rather
than the usual, recalling ‘facts’ agenda
conducted in normally tutorials. PBL,
from my own personal experience,
allows you not only to work as a team,
but also reflect on the process as you do
so.
The PBL system you will be experiencing
will usually have about 7-8 of your
classmates, with a wise, knowledgeable
facilitator in the group, acting as both a
mentor and also, as a guide. The PBL
class, consisting of the chairman, or
woman, reflector, recorder, researcher
and group member, all work together
with their respective tasks, in order to
facilitate appropriate discussions and
resolving the case. The opening of the
PBL case usually accumulates to
‘Learning Issues’ being generated. These
are key concepts which were covered in
the case and are recommended for all to
study over the week. Furthermore from
here, the rest of week’s lectures will
usually revolve around the case you had
covered. Finally, the wrap up session will
usually cover the case in more depth in a
concluding sense, and will be a time
where you can also discuss concepts you
found difficult to understand, or you just
needed more clarification from your
peers from what you had researched
(self-directed learning) over the past
week.
As you can see from here, PBL although
at first may seem daunting (from your
experience in O-Week); at the end of it,
many grow to love it, as it truly helps to
not only understand what exactly was
covered in the case, but also promotes
your own self-directed learning in a
degree we all love studying.
8AM PBL AND No NAPS ??
Douglas Brown
Communications
Director
Rehan Sequeira President
Meet the Team
Laura Rishangan
Clinical Vice
President
Jasmine Ucas
Secretary
Bianca Rajapakse
Social Director
Andrew Daniel
Pre-Clinical
Vice President
Priyanka Ramachandran
Academic Liaison
Director
Frank Dorrian
GPSN Representative
Kunaal Kacker
Sponsorship
Director
Tabrez Sheriff
AMSA Representative
Karen Joseph
Treasurer
Navitha Kathirgamanathan
Community and
Well Being Officer
Amila Kaludewa
Junior Social Officer
Fred Chuang
IT Officer
Amelia Denniss
Publications Officer
Hailey O’’Neill
Junior AMSA
Representative