Issue 7SYNAPSE

Presidential FarewellHello Everyone!

Twenty Fourteen has been an amazing year for us on the committee and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed bringing you

some fun filled events and activities. The MSSBU in 2014 has thoroughly connected, represented and engaged its students.

We would like to thank you, our medical students & staff mem-bers for your ongoing support and involvement within the society.

In case you’ve missed it, here’s a quick snapshot of what we’ve been up to in 2014:

After thoroughly successful Electives, Trivia and Internship Nights, semester 141 was capped off with the annual and hugely entertaining Med School Ball at Jupiters Casino. In Semester 142 we welcomed the new medical cohort of 2014. Medsoc’s premier event ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’ saw bake sales, mocktails, a comedy gala and an Olympics all in the name of mental health. The week was awarded the Australian Medical Students’ Association Wellbeing Cup for best initiative undertaken for student health and wellbeing and the Bond University Executive Drinks award for best social justice initiative.

Now, in semester 143 with the year coming to a close, a successful elections wrapped up and a new committee taking over for 2015, the 2014 MSSBU committee would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for the upcoming barrier examinations and trust you have a great new year. We would also like to wish our 5th years all the very best following their graduation, as they embark on the next stage in their medical careers.

On a personal note, I would like to thank every member on the 2014 MSSBU committee. The work ethic and commitment you each displayed during the year is true testament to your character. You have all achieved amazing things so be proud of them. Each and every one of you are true troopers and I could not have asked for a better group of gals and guys to learn from and work with. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I would also like to convey my thanks and appreciation to all the candidates who ran in our recent elec-tions. There will be plenty of opportunities for all our students to be involved in the MSSBU so keep an eye and ear out for announcements.

And finally I would like to congratulate our new President Douglas Brown & his team for stepping up to the plate and leading us into 2015. I know they will do some incredible things and raise the roof into space!! So, with that we sign off with a goodbye…

‘Goodbyes are not forever, nor are they the end. They simply mean we’ll miss you, until we meet again.’

Sincerely,

Rehan Sequeira MSSBU President 2014

ContentsYear in Review Photos brought to you by your MedSoc 2014

1

Handover to MedSoc 2015Farwell to your MedSoc 2014, Wel-come to MedSoc 2015

3

Meet your Executive and Non-Executive Q & A Session with the team

Meet your President Introduction to Douglas Brown

6

Letter to a Junior Col-league A PLAN to Endure the Medical Trek by Daniel Thämbïräj

11

Like our new Facebook pageFor your chance to win Netter’s Anatomy Flash Cards

13

Making a Difference How to get involved with global health

15

Adopt-a-pop says Hi! Because everyone deserves some-thing to look forward to

17

Fruits in TutesGet Fruity.

18

7

MedSoc 2014

YEAR IN REVIEW

2

Thankyouto MedSoc

2014

Rehan Filip Sequeira Laura Rishangan Andrew Daniel Jasmine Ucas Karen Joseph Douglas Brown Kunaal Kacker Tabrez Sheriff Bianca Rajapakse Priyanka Ramachandran

President

Clinical Vice President

Pre-Clinical Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Communications Director

Sponsorship Director

AMSA Representative

Social Director

Academic Liason

Welcoming MedSoc 2015...

4

Presidential Welcome

Presidential Welcome

Hi All,

What a year 2014 has been for the Medical Students’ Society at Bond University (MSS-BU). 2014 delivered many new initiatives including Careers Expo, Internship Night and also, the well acclaimed, Mental Health Awareness Week. Factors which allowed MSSBU to grow in 2014, and factors which I am honoured to being able to continue, as your newly elected President of MSSBU in 2015.

2015 will be a new, exciting direction for our society, with many new initiatives already underway in areas where we hope to improve upon and deliver, including factors in the academic and social arena. I am confident that with the newly elected executives, and selected non-executives, 2015 will be a truly fantastic year where we will be able to bring forth ‘strong results’ and make a positive impact on your well-being, your experiences, and your journey as a medical student at Bond University.

The new committee members are a group of fantastic individuals who not only have the necessary skills and expertise to deliver a ‘strong’ MedSoc, but are also a com-mittee who have a strong drive, passion and dedication in wanting to improve the welfare of each and every student, from first to fifth year. Showing how your MedSoc is in safe hands, and will continue to work for YOU, the medical students of Bond University.

With this, I would like to thank Rehan and their committee for the strong leadership they have shown to MedSoc for 2014, and the bold new initiatives they were able to bring forth. It was a great pleasure and honour in being able to work with the 2014 committee, and the platforms they were able to lay for the years ahead.

Finally, I would like to thank YOU, the students, for your continued support of your MedSoc and would like to remind you that we are here to serve you, and enrich your experiences as a medical student at Bond in 2015. So, if you ever have any questions, query or concerns, you know where to find us!

Douglas BrownMSSBU President 2015

6

What is your life motto? I believe life is very, very short and every day presents new challenges and opportunities. So because of this, I live by the life motto that since life is short, I should live a

life of no regrets and make every day a unique day!

What do you do to de-stress? Recently I’ve been hooked on episodes of The Office, which isn’t a great thing to do considering how addictive this show is, and

how we’re right now in Barrier’s semester.

How do you stay focused? Think about why I’m studying medicine, and what I hope to achieve with my future goals. Thinking about the bigger picture often helps to stay focused.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Absolutely South America, ever since I was young, I’ve always had a huge fascination with

the continent and its diverse cultures and so, after graduation, I do hope to trav-el all across the continent and visit many of the countries (including Brazil – trying

to sharpen up on my Portuguese!)

What are you most looking forward to doing as a part of MedSoc 2015? Bringing forth new initiatives that we can all benefit from, introducing new events particularly in the realm of academics and also, leading our society and advocating our interests both in the state and federal spheres.

What is your life motto: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Dr Seuss

Have a night out or an evening in? Have a night out

Your go-to med resource? BMJ best practice

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Necker Is-land- British Virgin Islands and play with the lemurs.

What are you most looking forward to doing as a part of MedSoc 2015? I am looking forward to creating awesome events that will be beneficial to our future as doctors and also lots of fun. I’m also excited to be a voice for students

and to create wanted change in the medical faculty.

What is your life motto? Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away.

Favourite outdoor activity? Nothing beats a good surf to clear the mind and the gold coast really brings it.

Favorite space to study in? For exam study a quiet room at home and the whiteboard is key. Otherwise the laptop and Burleigh beach works a treat. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? I wouldn’t say

no to a trip to Cinque Terre, Prague, Cape Town or Dubrovnik.

What are you most looking forward to doing as a part of MedSoc 2015? Creating foundations for some great annual events and opportunities and better

interaction with the med cohort’s needs.

Douglas BrownPresident

Tash OlssonClinical Vice President

Fabian RingPre-Clinical Vice President

Who is your role model? Wasn’t this an interview question? Erwim Rommel

Best book? Shantaram hands down; a book about Mumbai, motivated me to come to bond.

Your go-to Med resource? Hands down, Yahoo answers/Wikipedia

If you could be any fictional character, who would you be? Senor Chang

What are you most looking forward to doing as part of Medsoc? Jokes aside, I think 2015 is going to be a wonderful year with a ton of exciting events. I think I’m most looking forward to the new cohort coming in and hosting the best

Initiation day there ever will be.

Alice AitkenheadAMSA Representative

Fred ChuangSecretary

Tanvi KarnikTreasurer

What are your future plans?I’m incapable of planning my life more than 1 week in advance. Before I graduate I will have changed what I think my future plans will be about 497 times.

Favourite time of day?Nap time

How do you stay focused?Exercise regularly, eat well, live a little, and use the app ‘Self Control’ so I don’t end up watching fail compilations and puppies being ador-able on YouTube while I should be studying

If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?Allie from The Notebook, because who doesn’t want the Gosling to be the love of their life?

What are you most looking forward to doing as a part of MedSoc 2015?I’m really excited to be working with a fantastic and dedicated group of people

in this year’s MedSoc. I’m looking forward to meeting and getting to know more med kids from across all the year levels to find out what’s important to you guys

as medical students and represent you at AMSA. I’m also looking forward to increas-ing the engagement of the Bond medical students at AMSA-run events (not just con-

vention!) during my coming term. If you see me around, come say hi!

.What is your life motto? “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than

you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” - AA. Milne

Favourite outdoor activity?Hiking and climbing a mountain to see amazing views.

How do you stay focused?I take short breaks and always have some good study snacks ready to go. Also, having something fun to look forward to after study is great!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Santorini, Greece.

What are you most looking forward to doing as a part of MedSoc 2015?Get-ting to know everyone in Medsoc and working as a team to bring some awesome

events and initiatives to the med students!

8

What are you passionate about outside of medicine? C2H5OH

One song on the soundtrack to your life? Tunak tunak tun- Daler Mehndi (don’t judge, just YouTube it)

Best advice for younger cohorts? Study hard, party harder. If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Our presi-dent, Douglas Brown

If you could go anywhere where would you go? Krrish (Yes, I do get free butter chicken for saying this)

You win the lottery. What do you do? Buy Krrish- Butter Chicken Supplier

What are you most looking forward to doing as a part of MedSoc 2015? Work-ing together with the MedSoc to create a better universe for all mankind. With the

sponsors, of course.

Who is your role model? Vivian Thomas. Vivian was an African American who want-ed to be a doctor but was not allowed to because of segregation laws. Instead he became a janitor at Johns Hopkins University and went on to develop the proce-

dures used to treat blue baby syndrome. ...and Victoria Brazil... no explanation needed.

Favorite time of the day? Sunset – who doesn’t love a pink sky?

Favorite space to study in? Somewhere outside – fresh air and a cup of tea is the best remedy for tackling neuroblock

If you could be any fictional character, who would you be? Whinnie the Pooh... mmmm.. honey.

What are you most looking forward to doing as a part of MedSoc 2015? I am looking forward to working with the wonderful people on the committee and

strengthening ties between the faculty and student body

What are you passionate about outside of medicine? Pizzagate, if you don’t know about it read up.

One song on the soundtrack to your life? S Club 7- S Club Party

Your go-to Med resource? I want to say pubmed, but it’s not.

You win the lottery. What do you do? Pay back half my degree,

What are you most looking forward to doing as a part of MedSoc 2015? Making sure all students have ample avenues to relax, unwind and get loosey

goosey.

Navtej ChhibberSponsorship Director

Natasha McNamaraAcademic Liason

Amila KaludewaSocial Director

Amanda LiesegangCommunications Director

What is your life motto? “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in comparison to what lies inside of you” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Favourite space to study in? Usually absolutely love being outside but given the high incidence of magpie terrorism on campus at

the moment, anywhere with windows is decent. Best movie of all time? The Seventh Seal and Rashomon – not the happiest of movies but brilliant none the less.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? An afternoon with Oscar Wilde would be sass and sarcasm enough for a lifetime.

What are you most looking forward to doing as a part of MedSoc 2015? Extremely excited to work with the MedSoc

committee, and am looking forward to promoting stronger rela-tionships with students via developing the platforms with which we

communicate with you!

Your go-to Med resource? Wikipedia... and then maybe Acland’s

Jeans or chinos? Chinos.

Best place you have traveled to of all time? The island of Langkawi, Malaysia!

Favorite outdoor activity? Kicking the ball and a bit of banter on the ornamen-tal lawns.

Best advice for younger cohorts? Host a med-eagle pre’s. It’s the easiest way

to become popular... and then invite me.

What are you most looking forward to doing as a part of MedSoc 2015? MedSoc 2015 are a highly enthusiastic bunch and we have the opportunity to bring in some great new initiatives that will cater to every medical student. From new social

events to improving academic resources, we’re working to deliver a whole host of new initiatives in the forthcoming year. It’s an exciting time to get involved with your

MedSoc and I can’t wait!

Non-Executive Team

(from left to right)

Junior Social DirectorJames Henshaw

Junior AMSA RepresentativeKate Smith

Publications OfficerPranav Sharma

Community and Well BeingJasmin Alloo

IT OfficerKelvin Lo

Amanda LiesegangCommunications Director

Raiyan KhanResearch Officer

10

Dear colleague,

It is great that you have chosen the pathway of medicine. Medical school is more than just a journey: it is a trek. Trek by definition is a long and arduous journey, and in prac-tice it comes with unforeseen surprises. It would be disingenuous if anyone stated that medicine is a breeze for what would be the purpose of pursuing a challenging career? The law of undulation, as coined by C. S. Lewis, denotes that there will be acme and nadir moments in medicine, in life as a mat-ter of fact, but that is what makes this trek all the more worth it. However, to ensure the holistic health of our crew of colleagues, each of us must take up our cross and walk the extra mile. Below are some tips for medical school and our lives beyond.

Perseverance:Medical school learning will test your boundaries from the mental to the physical. There will be days where you doubt your abilities, yet I have come to believe that that is natural. The Australian-Canadian medi-cal ethicist, Prof. Margaret Somerville once said, “Doubt is the shadow side to Faith” (in the context as to why dissenting viewpoints are necessary for a healthier perspective in any matter). Perseverance is an insulin baseline in your life of undulation. In the end, you are the one who makes the choice to persevere despite any negativity. It is paramount that one stays healthy and foster mutual-symbiotic relationships with family, mentors, and friends. Organize efficient study methods and stick to what works. Medicine is a new language that requires a triple-A focus, but do not work to the point of overexhaustion. Are you a religious person? Go to a place of worship regularly to “de-tox”. Are you a musician? Join the Music Club on campus. I believe you get the idea for a diversified life-portfolio. My mentor in first year, Dr. James Fink once said, “Resilience, Daniel, Resilience! You have to

Persevere, cherish each and every small victory that comes your way in medical school, and keep going.”

Letting go:Medical school is a hefty process of organ-ization and studying which requires prior-itization. This may mean sacrificing some previously cherished outings and organis-ing your thoughts. Perhaps some of you feel unworthy of being in medical school. Perhaps the critics (e.g. family, friends, in-structors) displayed negativity towards you for your achievements. Let it go, friend; let it go. Remember you were chosen, elected for this calling. Letting go the past is one of the most challenging tasks known to man-kind as it still leads to wars and devastation. Another mentor, Dr. Narlaka Jayasekera, was kind enough to sit me down for a coffee and challenged me,

“Let go of the past, Dan! It’s time to push your-self beyond!”

He is correct in that we often seek familiari-ty rather than pushing beyond. Understand that this trek is about you taking up your cross and forsaking the past, knowing that you are on a quest to serve others: hang on to that promise.

Acceptance:Medical school, like any other institute, is filled with people! No surprises there. As the acquaintanceships fade and friendships foster, cliques inevitably emerge, dissent gets unwisely cast aside, and monolithic blocs insidiously forge. I say to you that this cannot be since the acceptance of others is a hidden criterion in the medical school curriculum. You will be placed in groups and in teams of people whom you will get along amicably or undesirably. That is acceptable, but what is not professional is when we primitively gossip and slander the other. Honour and respect those above and

Letter to a Junior Colleague: A PLAN to Endure the Medical Trek

behind the desk for they are placed for our own correction. Win hearts around you by your character shining through your con-duct. The chaos of judgmentalism is the failure to understand the thoughtful order of grace: the former, unfortunately, happens everyday wrecking much-needed accept-ance, but the law of entropy reminds us that we can change that by investing our energy for the latter. A smile and a grateful ethos can kickstart the works for a bridge between two sides. Maybe reconciling with someone close to you may be needed. Shake off the pride, swallow the statin of humility, and learn to say, “I am sorry”. Accept yourself, each day, and each person that comes your way with gratitude.

Not comparing to others:Medical school will have competition, but I urge all of you now to please stop com-paring yourself to others the moment you read this line. Not everything is profitable. Cease comparison immediately as it can affect your performance in the long-run. Howard Gardner, a developmental psy-chologist, once wrote about the Multiple In-telligences, where everyone is gifted in their uniqueness. Everyone learns differently, and everyone is going to learn at different paces as demonstrated and acknowledged in liberal education. I was rather shocked when I heard of two study-group mates squabbling as to why one got an 83% and the other an 81%. Is this really necessary? Is it any wonder why many are afraid to ask for help? Granted, we should admirably struggle to attain a desirable rank, but is not the lowest-ranked graduate in any medical school also an Intern-elect? Let those of us who are mature think this way and hold true to what we have learned: if any of you think otherwise, time will reveal that also to you.

I have learned to appreciate a healthier perspective in this medical school trek: a greater appreciation for God, family, men-

tors, friends, supervisors, and colleagues. Learning should not cease on graduation day: there will come a time when we will be asked to healthily bequeath what we (should) have holistically attained to fu-ture generations. Acknowledge the law of undulation, anticipate the obstacles in the trek, and practice showing gratitude in the course. I am reminded of the wise words my ICU supervisor and sub-dean Dr. Joe Ogg taught me,

“Always care about your patient, Daniel. Why? Everything will naturally follow, in how you get your work done, in how you relate with the patient’s family, and in how you will relate with your Team. Your team members will see your positive attitude when you care about your patient.”

Plan well and keep your eyes towards the prize: a holistic person, continually carrying your cross, worthy of graduation day.

Yours sincerely,

Daniel ThämbïräjFinal Year Medical Student at Bond Univer-sity

About the Author:“Daniel Thämbïräj is a final-year Bond Univer-sity medicine gradute and currently in his final, elective term. Daniel had previously studied history and education. Hailing from Canada, Daniel was globally-raised a ‘third-culture-kid’ (TCK) and is a proponent for diversity. Daniel is a global sports fan and an avid musician who enjoys occasional jamming sessions.”

12

Fun and Games

AbscessAdenomaAnaphylaxisBronchiectasisBenign Cachexia CarbuncleCellulitisTelangiectasisSuppurationSclerosis Polyp PrognosisPathognomonicKaryorrhexis

Lymphokines LithiasisHaemoptysis Haematemesis Goitre FibrinoidErythema DysuriaMetastatic calcifica-tionThrombophlebitisPhlebothrombosis Vesicle ZoonosisLeucopenia

14

A DIFFERENCE

MAKING

How To Get Involved in Global health

A part of me hopes that we all want to be MAD, Making A Differ-ence.

The Bond Global Health group wants to Make A Difference. MAD wants to promote a world where health inequalities no longer exist. Within Bond we want to empower students with the knowl-edge, experience and skills that they need to create sustainable change to health inequality.

2015 will be an exciting year for MAD. We are working towards starting our new initiative, the Teddy Bear Hospital! This project will give Bond students the opportunity to vis-it primary schools and teach children about healthcare, with the overall aim of getting rid of ‘white-coat syndrome’. The Healthy Start Project will be continuing in 2015, giving stu-dents the opportunity to receive training in, and then to educate newly arrived refugees on basic nutrition, general health, women’s and men’s health.

Semester 1 will see love and roses take over Bond, with MAD’s Valentine’s Day stall. Birth-ing Better Health will allow all students to get involved and make a difference to mothers in underdeveloped countries by equipping them with a birthing kit, which will assist them in having a safe delivery. Red Party 2015 looks to be even bigger and better than 2014, and will see Bond and Griffith Students party the night away as we raise funds for the FIJI+ HIV network.

We at MAD hope there is something for everyone and that with each individual contribution we are able to Make A Difference.

Maya CherianPresident – Making a Difference: Global Health Group

Top: Red Party 2014; Right: Valentine’s Day Stall 2014; Down: Red Party 2014

16

The Adopt-A-Pop program was created by James Stewart, a current third year medi-cal student at Bond University. Due to his commitments to studies he has forgone the organising and running of the program onto myself, Sean Adcock and Kate Cleary.

The purpose of the program is to spend time with a resident from an Aged Care fa-cility and hopefully brighten their day. Most of the elderly Gentlemen and Women in the program are those individuals who do not have many visitors and therefore have a lot of alone time. The staff are fantastic, but even then, some residents fall through the gaps and can become very lonely.

So, our solution is simple. Students partic-ipating in the Adopt-A-Pop program will just need to find some time to spend at least half an hour out of their week to go and visit their “adopted pop”. This has an over-whelming impact on their day and gives them something to look forward to.

I have found the experience very positive. Each resident has a wealth of real life ex-periences and information to share, which is not taught in any schools. I believe the program has humbled me and prepared me for the fragile life of the elderly, which will be important for my medical future. But more importantly I believe my old fel-low gets great enjoyment out of my visits, which is the point of the program. Some days we do not even need to talk, we just sit and stare out of the window together or I accompany him on his daily walk.

It is very easy to get involved. The Aged Care facilities are the Opal and the Terrac-es, which are across the road from Bond. So if you are interested feel free to email myself at sean.adcock@student.bond.edu or Kate at kate.cleary@student.bond.edu for more details or questions.

Adopt-A-PoPBy Sean Adcock

18

Brought to you by the Communications Division

Kelvin Lo IT Officer

Amanda Liesegang Communications Director

Pranav Sharma

Publications Officer

Matt Lam

Best Photographer Ever

Special thanks to our offical MSSBU Photographer

Issue 7 - 143