First Year Med Students Get Oriented

This year, a record number of first year medical students around the country started their long journey into the medical profession. A few formalities but mostly fun and food were the name of the game with the humble Aussie BBQ bringing first year medical students together in the great outdoors.

February saw the opening of a two new post graduate medical schools in New South Wales - The University of Wollongong and The University of Western Sydney.

On a typical hot and humid summer day at Wollongong Uni's Shoalhaven Campus approximately 80 new first year medical students from all walks of life merged together in the new medical school building to create their own slice of history.

MDA National was privileged enough to be part of the inaugural Orientation where we explained the ways in which we support medical students and the importance of medical indemnity cover for students completing electives, clinical placements and scholarships. After the formalities from faculty and sponsors, the Wollongong first years got on with some getting to know you exercises including Tunnel Ball, (yes, the same one you remember from primary school) where they promptly worked up an appetite for the sausage sizzle and a beverage or two! Click here for some photos.

The University of Western Sydney also launched a new medical school at its Campbelltown Campus, opening its doors to 100 first year students, over half of whom are from the surrounding areas of Penrith, Liverpool and the Hills District. Students will be completing a 5 year undergraduate course and we look forward to supporting these students during medical school and beyond.

In Brisbane, student orientation activities kicked off at the University of Queensland, St Lucia campus where a record 400 med students converged for a presentation from their med soc - UQMS, Faculty staff and of course, sponsors. MDA National had a great time meeting the masses and welcoming new members. At the Gold Coast, the Griffith Uni Faculty hosted Student Orientation with a political twist - a morning tea for 120 first years with a visit from Queensland Premier, Mr Peter Beattie who responded to media questions on how the Government plans to deal with the increasing intern numbers. Griffith Uni first years also had some fun at their "Dis-Orientation" Camp, at Mt Tamborine. Click here for some photos.

In Victoria, at Monash Uni, approximately 170 first years gathered on the aptly named Anatomy Lawns for MedFest, a Student Orientation event to meet, greet and eat. In similar fashion, Melbourne Uni kicked off their Med 1 orientation with a BBQ for 100 students. On the apple isle it was back to nature for 88 UTAS first years with a walk into the gully for you guessed it, another BBQ. Click here for some photos.

In South Australia, Adelaide University's Medical School rural club, AUHRA, welcomed old and new members at their preclinical BBQ and MDA National, as a sponsor, enjoyed the opportunity to meet the students and learn more about the AUHRA.

Over in the West, it was all about camping with both Notre Dame and UWA first years heading off on fresher camps. At Woodman Point, 65 Notre Dame first years, like their Wollongong fellows, enjoyed the frivolities of lots of fun activities including ball sports. Click here for some photos.

We wish all first years every success for the journey ahead!

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