PH-Q PUBLIC HEALTH QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 1
WELCOME Thank you for taking the time to read the first issue of PH-Q. We are all currently navigating the challenges associated with living in a global pandemic, and adapting to different ways of studying, working and connecting with each other. The QUT Public Health Student Society (QUTPHSS) have been working together to develop new and creative ways to build community and connection during this challenging time. We decided to create a newsletter titled PH-Q. This quarterly newsletter will keep you updated with student stories
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
and experiences, exciting research, industry events, QUTPHSS activities, volunteering opportunities and so much more. Happy reading!
The QUT Public Health Student Society (QUTPHSS) acknowledges the Turrbal and Yugara, as the First Nations owners of the lands upon which QUTPHSS is an offical QUT
IN THIS ISSUE
affiliated student society. We pay respect to their Elders, lores,
What is QUTPHSS? Student experiences of studying overseas "WE ARE QUTPHSS" interview
customs and creation spirits. We recognise that these lands have always been places of teaching, research and learning.
Reconciliation Week
QUTPHSS
Webinars
important
Volunteering links
Torres Strait Islander people play
Important upcoming dates
within our university community.
Study snack recipe A public health poster!
acknowledges role
Aboriginal
the and
PH-Q // ISSUE 1 CREATED BY GEORGIA HAWKINS FOR QUTPHSS, 2020. PUBLICHEALTHSTUDENTSOCIETY@GMAIL.COM
WHAT IS QUTPHSS? Our Beginning
At the end of 2019, a group of QUT public health students
and
staff
gathered
together
to
brainstorm ideas for a student society. QUT’s Public Health Student Society (QUTPHSS) was officially launched in early 2020.
Instagram page for members. These social media platforms are a great way to connect with each other, be involved in QUTPHSS social events and discuss research and public health issues! We would love to hear from you ... Do you have a
Our Objectives
1. To foster a strong sense of community between public health students in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. 2. To
QUTPHSS has an active Facebook group and
advocate
for
and
support
career
story to share? Have you recently attended a conference or volunteered? Do you have an idea or article you would like to contribute to PH-Q? Please email us at publichealthstudentsociety@gmail.com
development and volunteering opportunities for students. 3. To be community focussed at the core, and to
raise
awareness
and
funds
for
stay connected!
organisations and causes that members are passionate about.
QUT Public Health Student Society
Our Hope
We hope that this society creates a space for members to contribute their diverse knowledge, interests
and
skills
to
projects
they
are
passionate about. As QUTPHSS grows, we believe that members will develop strong friendships and feel a greater sense of belonging within the QUT community.
Above: some of the awesome ideas that evolved during the brainstorming session in late 2019.
@QUTPHSS
HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED STUDYING OVERSEAS? TWO PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENTS SHARE ABOUT THEIR STUDY EXPERIENCE IN CANADA
SHONNY'S EXPERIENCE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, ONTARIO
Where did you go on exchange and why?
I chose to study at The University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, during winter semester. I’d never been to Canada before and thought it was the perfect opportunity to study in another country and do some travelling at the same time. What subjects did you study overseas?
"THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT FOR ME WAS MEETING SO MANY PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD."
I used all of my electives for my exchange, however, I still chose to study health-related subjects whilst abroad. My subjects included Canadian Health Care Systems, Mental Health Literacy, Public Health Ethics and Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Throughout all of my classes, the Australian health care system and health initiatives were mentioned frequently which I thought was pretty cool! What was the highlight of exchange for you?
There were many highlights throughout my exchange in Canada. During mid - semester break I was able to travel to Vancouver and visit Whistler as well as see the sites of Toronto over a long weekend.
However, if I had to narrow it down I would say the biggest highlight for me was meeting so many people from all over the world. Being an exchange student, you don't have much interaction with Canadian students. Rather everyone on exchange kind of "bands together" and becomes a super close group. What was the greatest challenge?
Definitely missing friends and family back home. However, this challenge didn’t last long... Like I said before, every exchange student is in the same situation so you really do bond quickly and become that support system for each other.
systems works, which I can now compare to the subject I took at QUT - "Australian Health Care Systems." What advice would you give to students considering exchange?
100% go for it! AND don’t forget about the small towns! Everyone puts so much emphasis on what city you go too and if it’s a well-known university. Waterloo, although not well known to people outside of Canada, had a great reputation amongst Canadians. This small-town vibe meant you got to know the bartenders at the local pubs and the barista at your favourite cafe on campus all whilst still having that "college experience."
How will your exchange will help you in
the
future
as
a
public
health
professional?
The University of Waterloo offers some great public health subjects which I definitely think have aided me in my knowledge of public health as a whole. I personally believe taking the subject ''Canadian Health Care Systems" has given me great insight into how another health
GEORGIA'S EXPERIENCE SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Why did you decide to go on exchange?
The furthest I had ever travelled was to New Zealand and I had always lived at home with my family. Exchange to Simon Fraser University (SFU) was not only an opportunity to study and travel in a new country, it was a personal challenge. My ultimate goal, more than studying, travelling and making new friends, was to grow as an individual.
What
challenges
did
you
face
on
exchange and How did you overcome this?
I cannot explain how much I missed my family, church community and friends back home. However, I found that I really connected with the Canadian students and I appreciated their friendly, relaxed culture.
What was it like to study at Simon Fraser University?
I absolutely loved studying at SFU. The campus had beautiful views of lakes and snow-capped mountains, numerous running trails and was only a 45-minute bus ride from Vancouver city. One of my favourite memories was watching the SFU varsity basketball team play each week with my housemate - it felt like the ultimate “college experience.” What classes did you take?
I studied Epidemiology, Global Health and Adolescent Health. The assignments were creative and interesting – I wrote a report on youth homelessness in British Columbia, participated in a class debates, analysed films and song lyrics about teen sexuality and created beautiful chalk artworks with my peers on campus to promote positive body image. During my time at SFU I felt very inspired to learn. I think it is a testament to the wonderful education system Canada has developed and it was such a privilege to experience studying at a Canadian university.
"My passion for public health and my desire to learn new things grew significantly."
What
advice
would
you
give
to
students considering exchange?
Push other people’s expectations aside and be open minded about the experience – it won’t always be aesthetic travel photos for your Instagram (although Canada is great for that!). It will be lonely at times, and you will encounter many hardships. But I can promise that it will be overwhelmingly positive, and you will have many fond memories of people you meet, things you learn and places you visit. Most of all, you will be proud of yourself!
Exchange Resources The QUT Global Office on Campus offers great advice and support: Location: A block, Level 1, Room 102, Gardens Point campus. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm (excluding public holidays) Telephone: 3138 4300 Email: stae@qut.edu.au
For an overview on applying for Exchange and links to the application in HiQ visit: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/options/study-abroad-and-exchange/outboundexchange
For a full list of QUT Exchange Partner Institutions visit: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/options/study-abroad-and-exchange/outboundexchange/partner-institutions
For up-to-date travel advice for students visit: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
"WE ARE QUTPHSS"
SHARING STUDENT STORIES
AMANDA SEEK
BUILDING BRIDGES MAY 30TH 2020 In May we started a new project in our
founded QUTPHSS was to build a stronger
QUTPHSS Facebook group called “We are
sense
QUTPHSS.” In this project, members share a
amongst public health students. Getting to
photo of themselves, discuss why they
know each other and hearing each other’s
chose to study public health and how they
stories is the beginning of meaningful
hope to positively impact the community in
connection and community. Although we
their future careers. This idea developed
cannot meet in person (yet), we still want to
from a QUTPHSS social catch-up via Zoom
create opportunities to get to know each
where we discussed strategies to connect
other.
online as a new society, particularly with the
conversation I recently had with Amanda
challenges of COVID19 and our inability to
Seek (she is the creative mind behind much
physically gather. Part of our vision when we
of our social media content).
of
To
friendship
begin,
I
and
want
community
to
share
a
Amanda grew up in Singapore and moved
a topic choice that was influenced by her
to Australia in 2015. After completing a
placement and a Vacation Research project
certificate four qualification focusing on
she worked on during her undergraduate
health
degree.
sciences
and
nutrition
at
the
Newcastle International College, she moved to Brisbane to study a Bachelor of Nutrition
I was also interested to learn more about
Science at QUT. Although she enjoyed her
Amanda’s experience as an international
undergraduate degree in nutrition science,
student at QUT. “At first when I moved to
she
the
Australia, I did really miss my family. As time
knowledge and skills she needed to impact
passed, I got used to an independent
health at a population level. “I wasn’t very
lifestyle. I think the experience is different
interested
of
for each international student. It was ok for
very
me because my first language is English, so
individual and clinical focussed. I wanted to
I didn’t have too much difficulty speaking
reach more people.”
and fitting into the culture.” She explained
didn’t
nutrition
feel
in
equipped
the
science
with
biochemistry …
it
was
side
also
that “Singapore is quite westernised; I think Soon after graduation, she enrolled in the
it would be harder for someone who comes
Master of Public Health (MPH) at QUT.
from a less westernised culture.”
Amanda explained that she did learn about public health in her bachelor’s degree, but
Amanda
not in great depth. “I think people are
challenges
beginning to see the need to broaden their
students face and the strategies that she
focus, looking less into the clinical side of
believes could help students to feel more
being a dietician and showing more interest
supported and connected. “I think it can be
in public health. Asian culture is also quite
hard for Asians to stay in Australia – not all
collective, so I think that had quite an
Asians are open to speaking to Australians
influence.” Amanda shared that she also
because they are afraid of stereotyping. I
experienced feelings of uncertainty as she
have had good support … I feel really at
drew towards the end of her undergraduate
home in Australia and I want to stay here
degree:
the
permanently … but the experience differs for
face
everyone … International students might feel
adulthood,” so the decision to continue
afraid to speak to Australians or anybody
studying was her preferred option.
who doesn’t look like us. We have different
“I
workforce
wasn’t –
I
ready
wasn’t
to
go
ready
to to
also that
described she
some
feels
of
the
international
culture and skin colour. Some people like to Amanda
chose
promotion
just be with people in their own circle and
stream within the Master of Public Health,
aren’t open to other cultures.” When I asked
and
health
Amanda how this affects her personally, she
intervention to be both challenging and
explained that “I struggle to bring people
extremely
know
together. I try to ask my Singaporean friends
developing an intervention was so much
to be friends with the Australians, but
work, you really have to look into the theory
sometimes they don’t feel comfortable. I’m
as
always
has
well
the
found
health
planning
rewarding.
“I
a
didn’t
as
the
process
engagement
and
advocacy.
of
political
I’m
doing
physical activity among transport workers,”
the
“bridging
person”
to
bring
people together. My Australian friends are quite reserved about asking questions to
Asians because I think they are scared they won’t ask the right questions or that they might come across as racist.” This conversation reminded me again of the first objective of the QUT Public Health Student Society: “To foster a strong sense of community between public health students in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.” I began to consider how we could extend this sense of community beyond
our
course
to
support
other
students, such as the international student community. How could QUTPHSS help to break down some of the barriers that Amanda had described? We agreed that it begins with listening to the experiences of the international student community, and understanding what their needs are. “We could do a buddy system with international students … This is something the Public Health
Society
could
do,”
Amanda
suggested. When I asked Amanda what her vision for QUTPHSS was, she replied: “I would like to see everyone being friends with each other and giving support. I would like to see people look at our society and start to think about what public health is and why it’s an awesome and important thing to study.” I also asked Amanda what she hopes for her own future: “It’s not easy for me to stay here for my life – I would need to get a job and apply for permanent residency. At the moment I’m on a student visa. In ten years’, time I hope I will be in Australia and get a job. There is no specific organisation. Buying a car too – I just got my red Ps in January.” At this point in our Zoom call we both laughed - it turns out we both
recently
got
our
red
Ps.
It’s
conversations like these that remind me of the value of listening and taking the time to get to know each other. I am excited (now more than ever) to see our society connect and grow! Georgia Hawkins
Above: Amanda focussed on promoting nutrition and physical activity among bus drivers during her placement in the Bachelor of Nutrition Science.
RECONCILIATION WEEK 2020 HOW CAN WE CONTINUE TO PLAY OUR PART?
The 27th May - 3rd June was National Reconciliation Week and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the
THE NEXT STEPS . . . Actively increase your awareness, knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and communities. Reflect on your part in the broader reconciliation of Australia. Explore how Indigenous knowledge and perspectives can increase your capability as a health professional. Consider other ways to support Indigenous Australians such as donating to an Indigenous organisation, reading work by Indigenous writers and supporting Indigenous artists. Register for the free webinar below which will discuss policy development and advocacy to improve the health of Indigenous children. https: //aifs. gov. au/events/families-focuswebinar-series/what-will-it-take-all-aboriginaland-torres-strait-islander-children-live-vibrantjoyful-lives PHAA recently hosted a webinar on Reconciliation and the challenges facing Australia: https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=2IPZ_nsPFZ4
Walk for Reconciliation. This year's theme was ‘In This Together,' a reminder that each and every one of us has a role to play in the Reconciliation between Aboriginal and
Torres
Strait
Islanders,
and
non-Indigenous
Australians. This past week has been a time for Australians to learn about our shared history, cultures and achievements, and to contribute to building a reconciled Australia. I mportant dates: May 26th - National Sorry Day to honour the Stolen Generations. May 27th, 1967- The Referendum in which more than 90% of Australians voted "Yes" to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the census and include them in the law. June 3rd, 1992 - The Mabo Decision where the High Court of Australia recognised native title - the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s rights over their lands did survive British colonisation.
The REAL Podcast shares the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Resources & Updates FOR PH
STUDENTS
STUDENT MEMBERSHIPS PHAA An annual student membership costs $65 and provides access to networking opportunities,
DONATE
such as a mentoring program, as well as updates on public health news, research, and jobs. https://www.phaa.net.au/membershipinfo/become-a-member
BLOOD BLOOD DONATIONS ARE NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER Visit https://www.lifeblood.com.au
The
COVID19
Pandemic
and
social
isolation
regulations have resulted in a decline in blood donations across Queensland. Donating blood is an essential service.
STUDENT MEMBERSHIPS
If
you
next
donor
donated
IUHPE
previously time
to
given
appointment.
before,
you
blood,
consider If
can
now
booking
you
take
have
a
is
a
your never
short
quiz
online to see if you are eligible to donate, and
The IUHPE Student and Early Career Network (ISECN) connects young professionals and students
have
much-needed
book
your
first
appointment
on
the
Lifeblood
website.
around the
world to "influence and support the IUHPE agenda." https://www.iuhpe.org/index.php/en/netw orks/students-early-careers-isecn
The
Australian
Red
Cross
emphasises
that
"there are no confirmed reports of coronavirus being
transmitted
anywhere
in
the
by
blood
world"
and
transfusion that
"donor
centres remain safe places to visit." Donating IUHPE Membership details can be found at https://www.iuhpe.org/index.php/en/mem bership
blood
takes
each
donation
approximately you
can
an
hour,
make
difference by saving three lives.
a
and
with
tangible
Resources & Updates FOR PH
STUDENTS
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNTIES? Websites to check out...
QLD Government https://www.qld.gov.au/commun ity/community-organisationsvolunteering/volunteering
Seek volunteer https://www.volunteer.com.au
Volunteering QLD https://volunteeringqld.org.au/
SOMETHING TO LISTEN TO... 1619 - New York Times “1619” is a podcast series by the New York Times that examines how slavery shaped American political, social, and economic institutions.
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES In the Public Health space...
Refugee Week 14th - 20th June https://www.refugeeweek.org.au/
Men's Health Week 15th - 21st June https://www.menshealthweek.org. au/
SOMETHING TO READ...
Australian Public Health Conference 2020
"Educated"
19th - 30th October
An inspiring memoir by Tara
https://www.phaa.net.au/events/c
Westover about the transformative
ategory/australian-public-healthconference-2020
power of education.
STUDY SNACK Banana Oat Pancakes 2 medium ripe bananas 2 eggs 1/2 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 ½ cups rolled oats 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp salt Olive oil for cooking
Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on high until mixture is smooth. Step 2: Lightly coat a pan with olive oil and place over medium heat. Once pan is hot, add a generous spoonful of batter for each pancake onto the pan and cook for 2-4 minutes until pancakes are slightly puffy and you can see a few bubbles along the edges. Step 3: Flip cakes and cook until golden brown on underside. Now they are ready to enjoy! Step 4: Add your toppings - we chose ice cream, raspberries and maple syrup. Yoghurt, fruit and honey is also delicious.
Recipe adapted from: Ambitious Kitchen. (2019). Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes. Retrieved from https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/banana-oatmeal-pancakes/
AVES LIVE PUBLIC HEALTH