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News
15 Jul 2008
NLDS Applications Now Open
We are now accepting applications for the National Leadership Development Seminar, to be held from September 1 to September 3, 2008 in Canberra. The online submission form is available here. Feel free to print the form and submit it electronically once your have prepared your responses. You will receive an email confirming that you application has been received shortly after submission. Applications close on August 1.
Read More »
11 Jul 2008
AMSA Launches National Blood Drive!
The final day of the academic program at AMSA Convention saw the launch of the National Blood Drive. The Blood Drive will run from now until the end of August. Donating blood at your local Red Cross centre will earn your university points in the race for the coveted Vampire Cup, and you'll also be saving lives. So go on, keep bleeding, keep keep bleeding, and once you've done it, fill out this form.
Read More »
10 Jul 2008
Media Reminder: Euthanasia Panel and Future of Medical Education Forum
The final day of the Australian Medical Students’ Association National Convention kicks off today with hot debates and panel sessions on issues in medicine.
Starting at 9am, medical students and junior doctors, led by a panel of experts including Dr Phillip Nitsche, Beth Wilson and Lyn Gillam will debate the issue of euthanasia and its place in contemporary medical practice.
Read More »
10 Jul 2008
Media Alert: Eminent Pathologist & Author Prof Vinay Kumar Available for Interview
Professor Vinay Kumar will address the Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA) Conference in Melbourne this morning.
Best known as the author of Pathology’s “Bible” of textbooks, Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease and Basic Pathology, Prof Kumar’s book is used by medical students and professionals the world over and is considered the definitive source for pathology.
Read More »
08 Jul 2008
Media Release: Medical Students Compete for Emergency Medicine Glory
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) will tomorrow host the Annual Emergency Medical Challenge, as part of the 49th AMSA National Convention, held in Melbourne for the first time since 2001.
Read More »
08 Jul 2008
Media Release: New Generation of Doctors Urged to End Workplace Bullying
A new generation of doctors will be urged to end bullying in the workplace in an address by Dr Sally Cockburn, GP and media personality, at the Australian Medical Students’ Association National Convention today.
Read More »
07 Jul 2008
Apple Competition for Convention Delegates
Convention delegates can enter the Apple prize draw here for a chance to win awesome Apple prizes.
Read More »
06 Jul 2008
Media Release: AMSA Hosts Largest Medical Student Conference in Southern Hemisphere
The 49th Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) National Convention will kick off in Melbourne tomorrow, with 900 future doctors joining leaders in health and politics to debate hot issues in health.
Read More »
01 Jul 2008
Embolus June '08 - The End of Financial Year Edition
The June Edition of Embolus in available now. There's all manner of things inside - I shan't tell you what they are, you'll have to find out for yourself. Self-directed learning and all that. Get it here.
Read More »
30 Jun 2008
Medical Student Conference Scholarships Available
The Australian Integrative Medicine Association has two medical student scholarships available for the 14th International Holistic Health Conference. The conference will be held from the 19th to 21st of September in Sydney. For details of how to apply visit admin@aima.net.au. Applications close July 31.
Read More »
30 Jun 2008
Media Release: AMSA Supports Call to Train Doctors in Private Hospitals
The Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) has welcomed Federal Health Minister, Nicola Roxon's call to expand training of the medical workforce into the private hospital system.
Read More »
19 Jun 2008
Media Release: General Practice: A New Image for a New Era
More medical graduates must choose general practice as a career to ensure the ongoing quality of primary healthcare in Australia, the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) said today.
Read More »
17 Jun 2008
Media Release: AMSA: Training Cuts Threaten Quality
Expansion of training opportunities in general practice is essential to maintain the quality of our medical graduates, the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) warned today.
Read More »
16 Jun 2008
NZMSA Conference Position Available
Applications are now open for an Australian Medical Student to attend the New Zealand Medical Students' Association's 2008 Conference. The conference will be held in Wellington on July 19th and 20th and will focus on education, training, research, community and global health.
Read More »
16 Jun 2008
AMSA DHF Bursary Winners Announced
The winners of the second round of Doctors Health Fund AMSA Medical Student Bursaries for 2008 have been announced. Congratulations to the 20 students who received bursaries worth between $300 and $1000 each. Another round of Bursaries will be available later in the year. Click here for more details.
Read More »
15 Jun 2008
AMSA Life in the Real World Seminar Registration Now Open!
Being catapulted out into society following years of life inside libraries and laboratories can be a shock to the system for medical students and junior doctors alike. Life in the Real World is an event designed to provide you with the skills necessary to juggle your life outside of medicine.
As the title of this news item suggests, we are now accepting registrations for the 2008 AMSA Life in the Real World Seminar. The Seminar will be held from 9am to 1pm on Saturday 12 July at the Sebel Albert Park, the 2008 AMSA Convention venue. Go here to read more and register.
Read More »
12 Jun 2008
AMSA pleased with JFPP Increases
AMSA has written to the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon. Nicola Roxon MP, to congratulate the Government on their decision to double the number of places available in the John Flynn Placement Program scheme. We have also called on the Government to maintain commensurate increases in JFPP, RAMUS and MRBS postions in the next few years as medical student numbers continue to rise.
Read More »
08 Jun 2008
AMSA Submission to NHHRC
AMSA has made a submission to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission, the newly established body charged with driving reform in the health system and providing input to the upcoming Australian Healthcare Agreements. AMSA's submission covers suggested solutions to address increasing student numbers, expand the medical teaching workforce, encourage medical graduates into rural areas and close the gap in the health status between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Read the AMSA submission here.
Read More »
03 Jun 2008
AMSA Welcomes New National Exchange Officer
After an extensive application process, AMSA welcomes Colleen D'Arcy (Monash University) as the AMSA National Exchange Officer (NEO) for 2008 - 2009. As part of the IFMSA Standing Committee on Professional Exchange Program, Colleen will coordinated student exchanges for both Australian students abroad and foreign students within Australia. If you're interested in exploring how you can travel overseas on your elective or host foreign students at your Medical School, please contact her at neo@amsa.org.au.
Read More »
31 May 2008
AMSA concerned by National Accreditation reforms
AMSA has raised significant concerns with the Federal Government's proposed National Accreditation and Registration reforms. Chief amoung our concerns is the loss of independence of accreditation of medical education and training, which will allow Goverments to directly interfere with standards of medical training in order to pursue workforce reform agendas. Read AMSA's briefing paper on the issue here.
Read More »
31 May 2008
Embolus May '08 - Green Eggs & Hamartoma
The May Edition of Embolus is out right now. You can find it here.
Read More »
20 May 2008
Applications Open for European Medical Students' Conference
The 19th annual European Medical Students' Conference will be held in Berlin from 29th September to 3rd October 2008. Australian Medical Students are eligible to submit abstracts (due 1st June) and attend the conference. For more information click here.
Read More »
13 May 2008
Media Release: AMSA: Budget Wins and Losses for Future of Medical Workforce
The Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) tonight welcomed the investment in medical education and training in the 2008-2009 Federal Budget, but warned that the gains could be offset by increasing service delivery demands within the public health system.
Read More »
05 May 2008
Media Release: AMSA: Graduating doctors Will Leave Queensland if Jobs Aren't Available
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) has welcomed the federal government’s $100 million investment into medical student training in Queensland, but has warned that the funding will be wasted if jobs aren’t made available for graduating doctors.
Read More »
05 May 2008
Application open for Women in Surgery Committee
Applications are now open for a student representative on the Women in Surgery Committee. The Women in Surgery Committee was established to support and encourage relevant change for surgical trainees and women in surgery. Applications are due by COB on Friday May 23.
Read More »
05 May 2008
Help make a difference to the medical workforce
In light of the highly publicized and significant national health problem of the shortage and maldistribution of doctors in the Australian medical workforce, the Doctors' e-Cohort Study has been established to examine factors influencing the career decisions of Australian doctors and medical students, and the recruitment and retention of doctors in metropolitan, rural and remote regions. Access the survey here.
Read More »
30 Apr 2008
Federal Government Announces New Funding for Rural Clinical Schools
Health Minister Nicola Roxon today announced the completion of an audit of Australia's rural and regional health workforce. As part of the reforms proposed following the results of this audit, the government has pledged $6.3 million in extra funding for a number of existing rural clinical schools and university departments of rural health to expand their capacity to provide rural education and training support.
Read More »
28 Apr 2008
ACTION: Applications now Open
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) is proud to open applications for the Australian delegation to the 5th annual meeting of the Asian Collaborative Training on Infectious Disease, Outbreak, Natural Disaster and Refugee Management (ACTION) Project of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Association (IFMSA). This year’s meeting will be held in Manila, The Philippines from the 17th to the 23rd of August, 2008. Click here for more information.
Read More »
23 Apr 2008
IRG 2008 Launched
AMSA has launched the 2008 Interns and Residents Guide (IRG). The IRG contains information about all of the intern training hospitals in Australia, as well as details about intern selection procedures in each state and life as a junior doctor. Final year students can get a hard copy from their AMSA Representative. You can also download an electronic copy of the IRG here.
Read More »
22 Apr 2008
Media Release: Indigenous Health Education Essential to Close the Gap
Indigenous health education in medical schools needs to be improved if we are to achieve the aims of “Close the Gap”, the Australian Medical Students’ Association warned today.
Read More »
22 Apr 2008
AMSA Supports Close the Gap Day
AMSA is proud to support Oxfam's Close the Gap Day today, Tuesday 22 April. AMSA is also proud to be a signatory of Oxfam's Close the Gap Day pledge, which calls on Australian governments to take action to achieve health equality for Indigenous Australians within 25 years. Visit the Close the Gap Day website and sign the pledge here.
Read More »
20 Apr 2008
AMSA Submission to Australia 2020
AMSA has contributed a submission to the Australia 2020 Summit which was held on the 19th and 20th of April in Canberra. AMSA's submission can be accessed here.
Read More »
18 Apr 2008
Letter from AMSA Executive & Convention 08 Committee about Convention 08 registration
In the last two weeks we have become aware of numerous concerns held by students regarding the process of registration for this year's Convention. We have collated our responses to these issues into a letter which was issued today. This letter is available here.
If you have further questions, please contact AMSA President Michael Bonning, PR Officer Carly Fox, or Convention Convenors Sam Merriel and Carlee VanDyk. These contact details are available in section 5 of the document.
Read More »
17 Apr 2008
Media Release: Future Doctors Call for Action in Global Health
The Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) today affirmed its commitment to tackling Global Health issues, in the lead up to the 2020 Summit this weekend.
Read More »
14 Apr 2008
Applications Open for AMSA National Exchange Officer
AMSA is opening applications for the position of National Exchange Officer (NEO) to lead the Australian exchange program as part of the Standing Committee of Professional Exchange (SCOPE) within the International Federation of Medical Students’ Association (IFMSA).
Read More »
14 Apr 2008
IFMSA August General Assembly Applications Now Open
AMSA is proud to open applications for the Australian delegation to attend the 57th August General Assembly (GA) of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Association (IFMSA).
Read More »
08 Apr 2008
AMSA Global - Training New Trainers Program
AMSA is proud to open applications for the inaugural Training New Trainers (TNT) Program to be held in Australia. The application letter is available here.
Read More »
07 Apr 2008
Ready, SET, Go for Academic Surgery?
AMSA's domination of the MJA Letters section continued today, with this letter from Tim Smith (AMSA VPE), Carly Fox (AMSA Public Relations Officer) and Michael Bonning (AMSA President). The letter was in response to an article by Bruce Waxman about the new Surgical Education and Training program (SET) and its implications for medical students. Read AMSA's response here and Waxman's original article here.
Read More »
07 Apr 2008
Informing Prospective Medical Students
AMSA's Medical School Guide was published for the first time last year. This guide aims to inform prospective medical students about the challenges of studying medicine and the diversity of medical courses on offer. This letter to the Medical Journal of Australia about the Medical School Guide was published today, written by AMSA Past President Rob Mitchell and Community Liaison Officer from 2007 James Hillis.
Read More »
06 Apr 2008
The Convention Team released this official update regarding Convention Registration today.
Please go to the Convention Website for more information or email registration.convention08@amsa.org.au.
05 Apr 2008
Masters students now eligible for Austudy
A recent change to the Social Security Act (1991) effective on 1 January 2008 enables students undertaking a graduate medical degree who have previously completed a Masters degree to qualify for Austudy. For a summary of the relevant changes click here.
Read More »
03 Apr 2008
Media Release: Living Well Starts in Medical School
The AMA Work‐Life Flexibility report highlights the need for very early emphasis on professional health and wellbeing, according to the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA).
Read More »
31 Mar 2008
Embolus available online
The March 2008 edition of AMSA's e-newsletter, Embolus, is now available online. Access the March 2008 edition of Embolus here to catch up on all the latest AMSA happenings.
Read More »
31 Mar 2008
AMSA GHC2008 Registration to go ahead at 10:00pm AEDST
A reminder to all that registration for the 4th Annual Global Health Conference will go ahead as planned at 10:00pm AEDST tonight.
Please click here to go to the registration page. We look forward to seeing you online tonight.
Read More »
31 Mar 2008
AMSA Convention Registration Update
Thank you for your keen interest in AMSA Convention in Melbourne this July. Unfortunately, such unprecedented numbers simultaneously accessing the AMSA server resulted in the website becoming temporarily offline on the scheduled registration evening, Sunday 30 March.
If you are subscribed to the convention emailing list you will receive an email today regarding the exact time which registration will reopen. If you are not subscribed...
Read More »
25 Mar 2008
Media Release: Honours Awarded for Excellence in GP Education
The General Practice Students’ Network (GPSN) today launched the GPSN Honour Roll, a scheme that publicly recognises individual general practitioners and clinics that make outstanding contributions to education and training.
Read More »
25 Mar 2008
Keep up to date with the latest medical news
AMSA is pleased to announce that the online medical newsletter, 6 minutes, is now offering subscriptions to medical students. 6 minutes is a free daily e-bulletin which contains the latest news from the Australian medical communtiy. To subscribe to 6 minutes click here.
Read More »
24 Mar 2008
AMSA Research Bursaries - Judgement Day Looms
Judging of the Avant Research Fellowship and the AMA John G Hunter Fellowships is underway. We expect to announce the results in the next couple of weeks - please watch this space for further details.
We apologise for the delay in finalising the winners of these bursaries. If you have any queries, please contact Carly Fox at publicrelations@amsa.org.au.
Read More »
18 Mar 2008
Media Release: Future of General Practice Meets in Canberra
The General Practice Students Network (GPSN) is hosting its inaugural summit in Canberra tomorrow, to discuss the future of general practice in Australia.
Read More »
28 Feb 2008
Media Release: AMSA Calls for Caution in Pharmaceutical Marketing to Medical Students
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) today called on Medicines Australia, the peak representative body for prescription pharmaceutical companies in Australia, to regulate the interaction between their membership and medical students.
Read More »
27 Feb 2008
Media Release: AMSA Urges Governments to Commit to Medical Student Training
The Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) today urged Australian Health Ministers, meeting at the Conference of State and Federal health Ministers in Sydney on Friday, to address long‐term sustainability in health care by enshrining education and training benchmarks into the new Australian Health Care Agreements (AHCAs).
Read More »
26 Feb 2008
AMSA National Council Endorses Pharmaceutical Sponsorship Guidelines
The AMSA National Council has unanimously endorsed the adoption of the AMSA Guidelines for the interaction between pharmaceutical companies and Australian medical students.
The Guidelines detail appropriate interactions between pharmaceutical companies and AMSA, it's constituent medical student societies, and medical students. They also outline the regulations and procedures with respect to accpeting sponsorship from pharmaceutical companies.
Read More »
26 Feb 2008
AMSA Welcomes Two New Affiliate Medsocs!
The February meeting of the AMSA National Council, held on the Gold Coast from February 22 to 24, unanimously endorsed the affiliation of the medical student societies from Australia's two newest medical schools: Notre Dame Sydney and Deakin.
Their affiliation takes the number of member medical student societies to 19. The 2008 AMSA Executive looks forward to working with the representatives from these schools to help develop their societies and connect, inform and represent their student cohorts.
Read More »
31 Jan 2008
Media Release: Queensland Home of Student Leaders in 2008
The Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) will be led by an executive of students from three Queensland medical schools in 2008.
The team is headed by president Michael Bonning, a final year student at the University of Queensland. Mr Bonning said the team is looking forward to furthering AMSA's advocacy agenda, building on the work undertaken by the 2007 Melbourne-based executive.
Read More »
16 Jan 2008
Media Release: Indigenous Health Education - Fostering a Fresh Approach
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) today released a report urging stakeholders in medical education to recognize the importance of Indigenous Health in medical school curricula.
The report, based on the proceedings of the Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) conference in late 2007, outlines areas of key importance in Indigenous Health education.
Read More »
16 Jan 2008
The LIME II outcomes report, based on the proceedings of the Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) conference in September 2007, outlines areas of key importance in Indigenous Health education at Australian Medical Schools.
To see the report please click here.
11 Jan 2008
AMSA Research Bursaries: Applications open for one more week!
Application deadlines for the AMSA Research Bursaries, including the Avant AMSA Bursary and the AMA John G. Hunter Fellowship Awards, have been extended until the 18th of January. Follow the link to the Bursary Application forms under the Membership section of the website to complete the form and go in the running for bursaries worth up to $1,000!
Read More »
02 Jan 2008
Media Release: AMSA Calls On Government to Act on Full Fee Degrees
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) today called on the Federal Government to outline details of their plans to scrap domestic undergraduate full-fee paying (DUFF) places at Australian Universities.
This call comes as Howard government legislation to remove the 25% cap on the number of full-fee paying places universities can offer came into effect on 1 January 2008.
Read More »
31 Dec 2007
Applications for the 2008 Asian Medical Students’ Conference Now Open
Applications are now open for the 29th Asian Medical Students’ Conference (AMSC) in Tokyo, Japan. The conference will be held from the 25th of July to the 1st of August 2008 and will based on the theme “Non communicable diseases and health promotion”.
This year there are 15 general delegate and 2 chief delegate positions available for medical students from Australia. The deadline for applications is the 1st of February 2008.
Read More »
20 Dec 2007
AMSA Research Bursary Applications Now Open!
Applications have now opened for the $2,000 Avant Research Fellowship and the AMA John G Hunter Fellowships. Click on the Research Bursary banner or follow the link under AMSA: Membership to download the application forms.
Applications close at midnight, January 3, 2008. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be rewarded for your work in the medical research field!
Read More »
15 Dec 2007
An article written at the time of the launch of the new Australian Health Workforce institute about proposals for expansion of existing roles, and new models of health care workers here.
13 Dec 2007
Media Release: Physician Assistant Courses May Compromise Medical Education Standards
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) today welcomed the emerging public debate over the role of Physician Assistants within the Australian health workforce.
AMSA National President Mr. Rob Mitchell said, “as the peak organisation representing Australia’s 12,000 medical students, AMSA has grave concerns that the introduction of Physician Assistant courses will compromise clinical training and vital learning opportunities for future doctors.
Read More »
12 Dec 2007
Media Release: Medical Workforce Worthy of Attention
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) today welcomed the Prime Minister and Health Minister Nicola Roxon’s commitment to undertake a national audit of Australia’s health workforce shortage.
AMSA National President Mr. Rob Mitchell today said, “a comprehensive evaluation of the nature of this workforce crisis is long overdue. It is imperative that we have a solid understanding of where the problems lie if we are to have any hope of solving them.”
With rural and regional areas of Australia most severely affected by the medical workforce shortages, we must do more to attract and retain doctors and other health professionals to these areas specifically...
Read More »
11 Dec 2007
AMSA Web-site Makeover
The AMSA website has been given a facelift today. If you have any trouble viewing parts of the page try to refresh the site cache by holding down the shift key and hitting refresh. if you still have any trouble please email me at webmaster@amsa.org.au.
Read More »
10 Dec 2007
AMA Council of Doctors-in-Training: December E-dit released
The AMA Council of Doctors-in-Training has released the latest edition of its electronic publication E-dit…
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30 Nov 2007
Media Release: AMSA Welcomes New Health Minister
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) today welcomed the appointment of Nicola Roxon as Federal Minister for Health and Ageing.
AMSA President Mr. Rob Mitchell said, “I look forward to working with Ms. Roxon in her capacity as Health Minister.
Read More »
17 Nov 2007
Media Release: Parties must do more to attract young doctors to rural Australia
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) is calling for greater incentives and support to attract medical students and junior doctors to work in rural areas.
AMSA National President Mr. Rob Mitchell said, “we are in the midst of a medical workforce crisis, spanning across both rural and regional Australia.
“We must do more to entice young doctors to these areas of workforce need.”
Read More »
15 Nov 2007
Media Release: Commonwealth Learning Scholarships Need Fixing
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) today welcomed Labor’s expansion of the Australian Commonwealth Scholarship program, but warned that there are a number of flaws in the program that must be fixed before rolling out additional scholarships.
Read More »
14 Nov 2007
Community Bulletin Board - FUSION
For more information on how to support Hospital Refurbishments in Bundibugyo, Uganda please click here.
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07 Nov 2007
2007 AMSA Research Bursaries Coming Soon!
Interested in research? Then watch this space- applications for the AMSA Research Bursaries will be opening soon. Forms will be downloadable from the AMSA website within the next few days, so keep an eye out!
Read More »
02 Nov 2007
Media Release - Medical Workforce Crisis Needs Smarter Solutions
The latest annual Medicare report shows the Government's HECS Reimbursement Scheme, designed to attract graduates to rural areas, is failing to realise its full potential. $5.95 million dollars per annum is allocated to the scheme, but the new figures show it is being underspent by $3.25 million each year.
AMSA National President Mr. Rob Mitchell today said, "The HECS Reimbursement Scheme is a positive program, but would be substantially improved if the rebate to junior doctors was increased. However, it strikes me that the scheme has been underspent by such an extraordinary amount of money. This sum could be better utilised in other workforce programs, such as the Bonded Medical Places scheme."
Read More »
01 Nov 2007
Media Release - AMSA Welcomes Coalition’s Medical Workforce and Training Proposal
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) has welcomed the Coalition Government’s recent election policies for health, in particular those focusing on medical workforce and training.
The Government is committing $145 million over four years for the provision of training positions in both general practice (a 50% increase to 900 positions by 2011) and specialist training (a 100% increase to 300 positions by 2011), as well as the 80% increase in the number of placements for junior doctors to rotate into general practice surgeries.
Read More »
18 Oct 2007
Media Release - AMSA Applauds PM for New Clinical Training Model
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) today welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that a Coalition Government would invest $13 million in a clinical school for the Greenslopes Private Hospital in Queensland.
AMSA National President Rob Mitchell said, “This is certainly a positive move. Over the next five years Australia will see a doubling in the number of medical trainees; it is imperative we look at innovative new ways of building training capacity within our system. There is no doubt that increased investment in the private sector is required if we are to maintain high quality standards in medical education.”
Read More »
09 Oct 2007
Priorities for Australian medical students in the 2007 Federal Election
AMSA's document 'Investing in Tomorrow's Health Workforce: Key Priorities for Australian medical students in the 2007 Federal Election' can be accessed here.
Read More »
09 Oct 2007
Media Release: Investing in Tomorrow’s Health Workforce - Key Federal Election Priorities for Australian Medical Students
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) has released its key priorities for the 2007 Federal Election at the conclusion of its third National Council in Melbourne this week.
Emphasis has been placed on the improvement of clinical training resources, provisions for the expansion of medical education capacity, and the revision of Commonwealth health workforce schemes.
AMSA National President Mr. Rob Mitchell today said, “AMSA’s key priorities for the upcoming election reflect the changing nature of the health workforce environment.
Read More »
03 Oct 2007
Rural Health Education Foundation Satellite Broadcast 23 October
The Rural Health Education Foundation is screening a live satellite broadcast for health prfessionals on the effects of crystal methamphetamine and patient management.
”Ice”-Out in the Cold – LIVE satellite TV broadcast
Produced by the Rural Health Education Foundation
Tuesday 23rd October 2007
(repeated Friday 26th October 12:30pm EST)
Funded by Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Crystal Methamphetamine or "Ice" is a growing problem in Australia. As a long-acting stimulant, "Ice" causes significant strain on the cardiac, respiratory and nervous systems.
Read More »
01 Oct 2007
Commonwealth Learning Scholarships for Medical and Law students
AMSA, in conjunction with the Australian Law Students' Association (ALSA), has written to relevant politicians seeking modifications to the Commonwealth Learning Scholarship (CLS) scheme.
The text of the joint letter can be accessed here.
AMSA and ALSA suggest:
- The duration of the scholarship should be increased beyond 4 years
- Post-graduate students should be eligible for the scheme
- Access should not be restricted to HECS-CSP students
- Holders of the Commonwealth Accomodation Scholarship should not be precluded from applying for the CLS
For more information on AMSA's position on the Commonwealth Learning Scholarship initiative, please contact Paul Eleftheriou, Vice-President.
Read More »
01 Oct 2007
AMA Indigenous Peoples' Medical Scholarship Trust Fund
Applications for the AMA Indigenous Peoples' Medical Scholarship Trust Fund for 2008 are now open. AMSA is proud to support this excellent initiative.
For more information, please visit http://www.ama.com.au/web.nsf/doc/ween-6tn9kq. Medical students can also contact their local AMSA rep, or the AMSA Rural & Indigenous Officer (rural@amsa.org.au), with any queries.
Read More »
28 Sep 2007
Winners of AMSA Rural & Indigenous Elective Bursaries
Congratulations to the winners of the 2007 AMSA Rural & Indigenous Bursaries!
- Alison Gilmour, UNSW
- Rebecca Kelly, Monash University
- Nicole Sleeman, Adelaide University
AMSA thanks all the applicants for their enthusiasm in pursuing rural & Indigenous electives and wishes them all the best in their endeavours.
Read More »
27 Sep 2007
Media Release- AMSA Launches National Medical School Guide
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) has launched its first AMSA Med School Guide, serving as a valuable tool for any student considering a career in medicine. The AMSA Medical School Guide is endorsed by the Australian Medical Association and Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand, and features detailed course information on each of the 19 medical schools taking applications in 2008.
Read More »
27 Sep 2007
AMSA National Leadership Development Seminar a Great Success
As the nation gears up for yet another federal election, we here at AMSA have been right in the heart of the action, hosting our 3rd AMSA National Leadership Development Seminar (NLDS) at Parliament House in Septmember. Four students from each of Australia’s 17 medical schools traveled with the AMSA Executive to our fair Capital, and settled in for three busy days jam-packed with debates, workshops, forums, media training, Question Time (John Howard gave us a wave and a wink, I’m sure), and a spirited evening program to boot.
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26 Sep 2007
The AMA Indigenous Peoples' Medical Scholarship Trust Fund for 2008 is now open. If you are interested in applying please contact the AMSA rep from your university or the AMSA Rural & Indigenous Officer (rural@amsa.org.au) for more information and application forms.
20 Sep 2007
Media Release- GPSN Awarded $1 million in Government Funding
The General Practice Students’ Network (GPSN) has been awarded $1 million in government funding to go towards the promotion and increased awareness of General Practice amongst medical students.
The newly developed GPSN, a joint venture between the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) and the General Practice Registrars’ Australia (GPRA), is chaired by AMSA National Coordinator Mr. Joe Rotella.
Read More »
18 Sep 2007
Pre-Internships in Medical School
AMSA Council has endorsed the Australian Medical Association (AMA) Position Paper on Pre-Internships in Medical School. Medical students provided input to this document via the AMA's Council of Doctors-in-Training.
The paper details key requirements of pre-internship placements, and can be accessed here.
Read More »
12 Sep 2007
Call For Delegates to the IFMSA General Assembly
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) is proud to open applications for the Australian delegation to attend the 57th March Meeting of the General Assembly (GA) of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Association (IFMSA). This year’s March Meeting will be held in Monterrey, Mexico from the 1st to the 7th of March, 2008. To find out more Click here
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07 Sep 2007
Optimising General Practice Rotations
The current climate of medical education is changing. With an increasing number of medical students, it will be necessary to broaden the scope of clinical teaching to include alternative learning environments external to tertiary teaching hospitals. General Practice (GP) will play a major role in this expansion of medical education. It is imperative therefore that the learning experience in general practice is optimised to match the expectations of medical students, GP clinical teachers and medical schools alike.
With this background, the General Practice Student Network (GPSN), on behalf of AMSA, has prepared a briefing paper on how to best optimise General Practice rotations. This paper can be accessed here.
Read More »
06 Sep 2007
Medical Career Choices Research Project
A large longitudinal cohort study is now taking place across Australia, looking at what and how medical students make career choices for the future. To find out how to get involved in this important research, read more here.
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05 Sep 2007
ATT ANU Students: AMSA NLDS Indigenous Health Forum
The AMSA National Leadership Development Seminar will be held in Canberra from 10-12 September. The program features an Indigenous health session entitled "Looking To The Future".
The session will feature many high-profile speakers who work in the field. They will each do a short presentation, followed by a question and answer panel session. It is open to NLDS delegates, ANU medical students, and invited guests.
Speakers include:
Mr Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
Mr Jeff McMullen, CEO, Fountain for Youth Foundation
Mr Don Palmer, CEO, Jimmy Little Foundation
Ms Dea Delaney-Thiele CEO, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
Dr Bill Glasson, Former Federal President, Australian Medical Association
Dr Tamara McKean, President-elect, Australian Indigenous Doctors Association
In a separate session, Rev. Tim Costello, CEO World Vision Australia, will present a keynote on sustainable development and NGOs. This will immediately follow the Indigenous Health session.
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05 Sep 2007
Bonded Medical Places (BMP) Scheme - UPDATE
On Monday the 13th of August, the Australian Federal Government’s Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) sent an email to all students with a Bonded Medical Place (BMP). In this email, the Department introduced several changes to the BMP scheme, and also introduced to the new support program for students, managed by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). These changes have come about just as the first cohort of BMP students prepare to graduate at the end of this year.
AMSA has been meeting with DoHA about the Bonded Medical Places scheme on a regular basis for some time. We have been pushing heavily for more flexibility and support to be built in to the program; for students to have a positive experience and feel empowered and in control of their career pathway. The email sent by the Department, and the changes made to the scheme, certainly represent a step in the right direction.
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04 Sep 2007
Media Release- Medical Students’ Blood Drive a Resounding Success
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) has completed its 2007 National Blood Drive, run in conjunction with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
Australia’s 17 medical schools have been competing throughout the month of August to win the coveted Vampire Cup, awarded to the University with the highest number of medical students donating.
AMSA National President Mr. Rob Mitchell said, “as AMSA’s largest and most successful public health initiative, the National Blood Drive is always a highlight on our calendar. This year has seen an unprecedented level of enthusiasm from medical students, their families and friends.
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02 Sep 2007
Join the student Lancet!
Participate in a new initiative by the Lancet, one of the world's leading academic medical journals!
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02 Sep 2007
Youth Responses to Global Challenges Conference, Copenhagen 2007
Participate in a youth conference dedicated to the examining global issues!
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02 Sep 2007
Call for IFMSA SCORA Asia-Pacific Assistants
Interested in the impact HIV/AIDS is having across the world? The apply for the position of the IFMSA SCORA (Standing Committee for Reproductive Health and AIDS) Regional assistant to the Asia-Pacific region!
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31 Aug 2007
National Close the Gap Day
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders can expect to live 17-years less than other Australians. You can be part of the solution by participating in National Close the Gap Day on Tuesday 18th September 2007. Organise your own event or attend one of the National Close the Gap day Events being held in every state.
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31 Aug 2007
AMSA Leadership Development Workshop: Melbourne, 15th September 2007
This AMSA Leadership Development Workshop is part of AMSA's Leadership Development Program which is made possible by the generous support of Defence Force Recruiting.
Hosted by AMA Victoria, this AMSA Leadership Development Workshop is an opportunity for Victorian medical students to develop their leadership, communication, management and teamwork skills in an interactive environment.
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31 Aug 2007
AMSA Medical School Guide
The Australian Medical Students' Association has released a Medical School Guide for all Australian medical courses.
The guide, which has been produced in conjunction with the Australian Medical Association and Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand, is the first publicly available guide with details of all medical courses across the country.
It will be an important resource for future medical students, parents and teachers alike.
Click here to view the guide.
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29 Aug 2007
Att: AMSA NLDS Delegates
Delegates to the AMSA National Leadership Development Seminar (NLDS) are advised that briefing/pre-reading materials are now available from www.amsa.org.au/nlds.
NLDS is kindly supported by Defence Force Recruiting and the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
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27 Aug 2007
Media Release: Education and Training Should be Key Priority in GP Super Clinics
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) is pleased to see the Australian Labor Party’s acknowledgement of General Practice as the frontline of the Australian healthcare system with its proposed $220 million GP Super Clinics plan.
Labor’s policy aims to bolster primary care facilities in areas of workforce need and encourage young doctors into the field of general practice, and this is certainly a positive step forward. Labor acknowledges high quality teaching opportunities as a key attraction for prospective GP trainees and junior doctors, and offers a capital grants program to build capacity into new and existing practices.
But it has not specifically quarantined funding for educational infrastructure.
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23 Aug 2007
Australian elected IFMSA Treasurer
University of Notre Dame medical student Eric Miller has been elected Treasurer on the Executive Board of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA). The election was held at the 56th IFMSA General Assembly in Canterbury, UK.
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22 Aug 2007
Media Release: AMSA Applauds Changes to Bonded Medical Places Scheme
The Australian Medical Students’ Association has applauded the Federal Government for making positive changes to the Bonded Medical Places (BMP) Scheme.
AMSA National President Mr. Rob Mitchell said, “AMSA has maintained an open dialogue with the Department for some time, advocating for increased flexibility and support to be built into the program.
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20 Aug 2007
AMSA Life in the Real World Seminar in Melbourne
Ever wondered.......
How to plan a financially sound future?
What's it really like to toughen out a gruelling 20-hour shift?
What are the most common mistakes made as a Doctor in Training?
Come find out at the AMSA Life in the Real World Seminar!
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17 Aug 2007
Media Release: AMSA Slams Higher Education Fee-HELP Loan
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) today slammed the sky-rocketing prices of full-fee medical degrees. The recently released Good Universities Guide 2008 has detailed the escalating costs, which include $242,000 for medicine at Bond University and $237,000 for a combined medicine/arts degree at the University of New South Wales.
With the cap on the number of full-fee university places removed as part of the federal Government’s budget in May, more and more students across the country will be faced with the prospect of severe financial hardship.
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15 Aug 2007
AMSA Report: MedEd 2007 and Seamless Medical Education
The biannual MedEd Conference was held 11 - 13 April 2007 in Melbourne. The theme for this year's event was seamless medical education.Vertical integration is a topic often explored in medical education circles.
A large student contingent attended the conference. At the conclusion of each day's proceedings, the group came together to consider the key themes and outcomes of the preceeding sessions.
Discussions in this forum have formed AMSA's comprensive report on Conference proceedings. This report can be downloaded here.
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09 Aug 2007
Australian to contest IFMSA Treasurer post
University of Notre Dame medical student Eric Miller will today contest for the position of Treasurer on the Executive Board of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA).
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03 Aug 2007
Media Release- AMSA: Medical Student Numbers on the Rise
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) today raised concerns over the increasing number of medical students studying in Queensland and across the rest of Australia, and the ramifications for their continuing education and training.
Medical student numbers will increase by 81% over a seven year period from 2005 to 2012, with Queensland experiencing the greatest leap, from 276 graduates in 2005 to a predicted 760 in the year 2012. The Queensland State Government has so far refused to guarantee an intern position for students graduating after the year 2009.
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01 Aug 2007
Media Release- Medical Students Launch National Blood Drive
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) is today launching its annual National Blood drive in conjunction with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
In what is AMSA’s major public health initiative, medical students from Australia’s 17 medical schools donate blood throughout the month of August and compete to win the coveted Vampire Cup.
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01 Aug 2007
AMSA Medical School Guide
The AMSA Medical School Guide for 2008 is on its way and will be launched on the AMSA Website over the coming weeks. It includes advice on choosing the right medical course, as well as details for all of the courses around the country.
Please keep checking the AMSA webpage as it will be up here soon!
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31 Jul 2007
THE AMSA NATIONAL BLOOD DRIVE STARTS HERE!
It's the moment you've all been waiting for... the AMSA National Blood Drive starts today!
Donating blood can save a life, so do it in the month of August and help your medical society secure the coveted Vampire Cup.
Pick up the phone, dial 13 14 95, and make an appointment at your local Red Cross Donation Centre.
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23 Jul 2007
AMSA National Blood Drive- it's nearly here!
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of year again…
Time to roll up your sleeve, close your eyes, grit your teeth and dream of the donuts and the sweet, sweet milkshakes that await you…
Yes, it’s time for the AMSA National Blood Drive.
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20 Jul 2007
AMSA National Leadership Development Seminar: Applications Due Today!
The AMSA National Leadership Development Seminar will be held from 10th-12th September 2007 and is a program open to all medical students with leadership aspirations. Held in our nation's capital and proudly supported by the Minister for Health and Ageing, The Hon. Tony Abbott MP, delegates are provided with an opportunity to question parliamentarians about issues facing medical students and Australia's health system today. Attendees also participate in workshops designed to improve skills in media and negotiation. This is an opportunity for medical students to spend three days in Canberra, exploring the concept of leadership with prominent figures in Australian health and politics.
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17 Jul 2007
Media Release: Medical Education in General Practice - A Way Forward
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) today called for a nationally co-ordinated capital funding source for the provision of quality education for medical students in the general practice setting.
Articles featured in this week’s Medical Journal of Australia have highlighted the need for the expansion of medical education and training within the community care sector.
AMSA National President Mr. Rob Mitchell today said, “with the rapid increase in medical student numbers, we are running the risk of overloading the training capabilities of the public hospital system.
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17 Jul 2007
Rural Health Education: Television broadcast timetable
The Rural Health Education Foundation has released its timetable of satellite television broadcasts from July to October 2007, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
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13 Jul 2007
Attention Victorian Students: AMSA LDW 28th July 2007
Following the success of the first Victorian Leadership Development Workshop (LDW), another LDW is being held on the 28th of July. This program has been made possible by the support of Defence Force Recruiting and is a joint initiative of AMSA, AMA Victoria, MUMUS and UMMSS.
This workshop comes highly recommended for any Victorian medical student. Read further for more details.
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12 Jul 2007
AMSA National Convention: Adelaide a Great Success
Every year come July, medical students from around Australia make the pilgrimage to a chosen city for one week: one week that stands apart from the others in every imaginable sense. This week is known simply as the AMSA National Convention.
This years’ Convention, held in Adelaide, was the largest in history with 1,000 delegates from each of Australia’s seventeen medical schools in attendance....
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11 Jul 2007
Scholarships: The European Summer Academy on Bioethics
The European Summer Academy on Bioethics is an international, multid