MDA National Goes Country & Western at AMSA Convention '09

AMSA Convention '09 was a great success! By day, medical students roamed the Brisbane Hilton attending many of the workshops, seminars and expos available in the comprehensive academic program. By night, they threw on costumes, assumed alter egos and cut loose at the various themed social nights.

This year, MDA National took AMSA Convention attendees on a journey to the Wild Wild West. We came in search of the ultimate 'MDA National Bull Rider Champion'.

The 'MDA National Wellbeing Saloon' was the only saloon in the west (north in this case) that didn't serve liquor. Adorned with giant cacti, haystacks and barrels, and with our team dressed as cowgirls handing out glitter cowboy hats, sheriff badges and refreshments, you couldn't miss us.

Our workshop 'The MDA National Wellbeing Rodeo' was held on the Tuesday of Convention. Cowboys and cowgirls from every university showed up to test their skills on the mechanical bulls and stake their claim to the title. One-by-one we watched the riders flung from their saddles until finally, a competitor with thighs of steel claimed his victory! The winner was Craig Mattern from the University of Western Sydney. Congratulations Craig!

MDA National takes a 'no bull' approach to medical students' wellbeing. At AMSA Convention this year, we wanted to make a big statement on a big issue; medical student wellbeing. Are you achieving a study-life balance?

Over the past three years, MDA National has been working with students and universities to deliver our 'Live Well Study Well' programme which identifies some of the biggest wellbeing issues faced by medical students and promotes the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and good risk management practices. This year we have teamed with AMSA on their student wellbeing campaign 'Healthy Body Healthy Mind' to raise awareness of these issues and encourage medical groups to run their own wellbeing activities. For more information about the AMSA 'Healthy Body Healthy Mind' campaign please visit http://www.amsa.org.au/community-hbhm.php

We look forward to seeing you next year at the AMSA Convention in Tasmania in 2010!