Murmur. Issue One, 2012
Reviews / Views / News / Wahoos The Cafe Review Series: Be shocked, and most definitely alarmed
One-on-One with superstar Kwong Djee Chan
Advice from Dr. Anon
Life as an Intern....
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Murmur n. a rumour a soft indistinct sound made by a group of people a low continuous sound, almost inaudible a recurring sound heard in the heart, a sign of disease
Murmur.
Issue One, 2012
Editor’s Welcome Elliot Dolan-Evans Page 6 Letters to the Editor Page 7 President’s Welcome Jono Davies Page 8 First-Year Report Laura De Souza Page 9 JFPP Report Kris Blucher Page 11 Zombies and Studying Kristel Kemmerling Page 14 Intern Year Report Dr. Yasmine Medunic Page 16 Kwong Interview Elliot Dolan-Evans Page 19 Study without studying Tegan McMonagle Page 21 ANS Conference Review Mat Wong Page 23 Upcoming Conferences Page 25 AMSJ Welcome Jessamine Yong Page 26 Book Review Christoper Maguire Page 27 AMSA 2013 Convention Update Page 28 Diagnose That! Dr. Anon Page 29 Healthy Living Corner Carlin Saldanha Page 31 Cooking Corner # 1 Jasmine Davis Page 34 Cooking Corner # 2 Felicity McIvor Page 35 Textbook Review Tess Asgill Page 37 Opinion Piece Page 38 Cafe Review Series Elliot Dolan-Evans Page 40 In Med and in Love Jen McAuliffe Page 42 Projects Abroad Offer Page 44
Publications Sub-Committee Disclaimer:
Chelsea Aitchison MBBS 1 Nicola Campbell MBBS 1 Siobhan Fitzpatrick MBBS 1 Kristel Kemmerling MBBS 3 Christopher Maguire MBBS 1 Claire McAllister MBBS 3 Felicity McIvor MBBS 2 Tegan McMonagle MBBS 2 Samantha Nataatmadja MBBS 3 Carlin Saldanha MBBS 1 Jen Thompson MBBS 2
All published articles and images represents the views and attitudes of their respective authors and do not reflect the policy or beliefs of the Griffith University Medical Society. No warranty is made to the accuracy or currency of the information. GUMS, its executive and associated people will not be held liable for any claim, loss or damage arising out of reliance on the information in Murmur.
Murmur Edition One 2012 Editor Elliot DolanEvans Cover Beautiful illustration by Aditi Rai (MBBS III)
GUMS Would like to thank our wonderful sponsors; without them we wouldn’t be able to produce Murmur, please show them your support! Gold Sponsors:
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The Welcome Outlawed in over twenty countries, and wanted for treason in another three, Elliot Dolan-Evans sets his sights on our shores... Welcome to the very first issue of Murmur for 2012! Although more commonly known as a sound that medical students regularly purport as to hearing, Murmur is also a student-produced magazine distributed by the Griffith University Medical Society (GUMS). This magazine is really a celebration of the wonderful talent we have within our various cohorts, and is a medium whereby we can all share in the glory of our fellow peers. The magazine will be undergoing a transformation throughout the year the GUMS Publications Team will be trying to evolve the magazine to an exceptionally polished product by year’s end, to have a publication that every medical student at Griffith University is proud of. This year, Murmur will be featuring a host of controversial writers, creative pieces, and interviews with various members of staff, along with many other pieces to both excite and inspire. We really don’t ask much here at the GUMS Publications Team, we just hope we’ve changed the way you think about
life. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m the maverick in second-year who is regularly caught loitering around some of the dodgiest areas in Southport, living the rough-and-tumble lifestyle, disrespecting the law, and generally not playing by the rules. Indeed, I regularly ignore pedestrian crossings when walking across the road. Scared? You should be. If the magazine is only half as exciting as my criminal record, you should all be in for a treat! Please read on, and don’t hesitate to get in contact with me with any feedback at publications@gums. org.au Kind Regards, Elliot Dolan-Evans
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Letters to the Editor
Have something to say? Don’t agree with an article contained in Murmur? Want to vent your furious anger on a public forum? Send your letters to the Editor at publications@gums.org.au, where they will be included in our ‘Letters to the Editor’ section! publications@gums.org.au Also look out for the ‘Murmur Posse’ Facebook page!
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The President’s Speech Here’s a president who doesn’t need speech therapy to deliver some wise words, Jono Davies keeps you informed...
2012 – We’re still here! Welcome (back) to Griffith in 2012! So, being nearly 3 months into the year, the world STILL hasn’t ended yet. So I guess that means we shall continue with business as usual in the meantime. Having said that, ‘business as usual’ doesn’t seem like the appropriate term to describe what will no doubt be an awesome year ahead! We’ve already kicked off with Disorientation, the newbies have been well and truly baptised into the Griffith ranks. We then backed it up with Scrub Crawl and all its far-flung anarchism. Academically, our Peer Mentor program is up and running, and no doubt countless nuggets of advice (academic and otherwise) have already been passed down the mentoring line. We also hooked you up with some free stuff courtesy of our lovely sponsors on Opportunities and Exhibitions Day. A lot has happened so far this year, but
we’ve still got more up our sleeves. Here are some things that you can look forward to this year with GUMS: • • • • • •
•
Monthly meetings at The Court house A brand new GUMS website Inter-uni/inter-degree sport facilitated by our new Sports Convenor (Ed.: Nathan Price) The premier release of the GUMS Wellbeing Cookbook Release of a brand new edition of the GUMS Guide to Clinical Skills Med Ball, Colour Party, Trivia Night and all the usual mainstay events, PLUS the addition of all new social events to the calendar Academic help with Futures Evening, Finance Evening, Electives and Selectives Evening, Clinical Skills tutorials and more…
Well, I don’t know about you but I’m pretty excited. It’s going to be a massive year so get on board! See you around, Jono xoxo
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This is the start Laura De Souza (housemate of Elliot Dolan-Evans) gets bullied into writing something describing the excitement of her foray into medicine...
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of something.... The year, month and week that has been of baby GU first year…
A series of lectures during our orientaMar 2011: The GAMSAT crazies begin! tion week stress our After months of study (and just a few departure from unsleepless days and nights spending inti- dergraduate frivolimate time with organic chemistry), D-Day ties, and our entry arrives… Longest. Day. Ever. One hell of to the responsibilia test. And, of course, one hell of a night ties of ‘physiciansout afterwards!! Only the fittest survive in-training’, the both! And then the waiting begins. importance of our maintaining a digniOct 2011: Finally receive a GUMSAA fied demeanor and conducting ourselves spot! Big interview day arrives. Answers in a subsequently gentlemanly/ladylike to the ever anticipated ‘Why do you want manner. to be a doctor/save the world/work insane hours/be like Meredith Gray’ are That weekend at the Courthouse and sufficiently Googled. Why does Griffith at O-Camp, we then proceed to learn – require competency in 1000-piece Edfrom the direct wisdom of our superior ward Cullen puzzles?? 2nd years - the integration of the aforementioned principles with damn hardDec 2011: In. Win! Now to fill, fold, copy, core med school partying. bind, email, sign and print 500 forms. Almost proves to be more difficult than the Feb 2012: PBL is well and truly underactual GAMSAT. I find myself wondering way, and we are learning that cupcakes if this is a secret part of a screening-forand cooperation are the keys to success the-idiots process, and whether this is here. We’ve nearly got our heads around why the GAMSAT entry score has been LI’s, LO’s, DKHI, DLEPP, DHC, D&P, LGRS, raised in recent years. PC and Hx, … (I’m sure there’s more). Our first experience of an actor in clinical Jan 2012: Forms are in and new resiskills brings home the exciting thought dences are found. Eugaree St was an that the ‘physicians-in-training’ phrase is unmistakably good choice (or chance, as starting to feel like a fact. The rest of the it were – thanks Elliot Dolan-Evans). month will hold much of the same, not to mention the much-anticipated med We are somewhat acquainted with the parties! Thanks for the wonderfully welCourthouse, the coffee cart on GC Hoscoming start GU, we’re amped and ready pital level 2, and the abundance of ‘free’ to go. textbooks in PBL room A.
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John Flynn Gentleman esquire, lord of the gentry, and occasional moooostache wearer, Kris Blucher entertains us with his foray into country musi... uh, I mean country medicine.
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Placement Tale Wow. 2011 was a massive year for me. I (successfully) completed my first year of med-school, and before I even had the chance to have a post-exams catch up with friends and family, I rushed away to Tamworth for my first rural placement. I had never been to Tamworth before this placement, and my experience ‘in the bush’ was minimal. I packed my suitcase to roughly 23kg (who am I kidding, I weighed it to 22.5kg exactly, because airports are a punish) and left my humble home on the Gold Coast for the country music capital of the world Australia.
Just before leaving, I fired off a quick email to my mentor (Dr. John Pearson). I wanted to express my eagerness for placement and make a joke about having my stethoscope and sense-of-humour packed. However, I was too conscious of my first impression, so I left out the finer details of my what was in my suitcase, only to get a response along the lines of “Turn up Monday at 9am with your stethoscope, a pen and a sense-ofhumour”. I knew I was going to have fun in Tamworth. Tamworth is in the middle of nowhere. The town is smelly, and the people are not nice. That is, if we’re talking about the one that is located just outside Birmingham, England… Tamworth (NSW) is nestled at the base of some rolling hills (it’s actually a range, I think) and is in line with Port Macquarie on the coast. It is surrounded by greenery, is full of beautiful trees and has plenty of parks and ovals. The closest major city is Newcastle, but residents will drive to Sydney if required. My accommodation this year was at Tamworth Base Hospital in the Nursing
Quarters. I had a single-room with shared bathroom/kitchen; however, it was almost deserted at this time of year. I attended Barton Lane Practice, a small general practice with 7 surgeries, across the road from Tamworth Base Hospital. I was actually quite nervous the morning of my first day on placement. I had no coffee to get me going (I have a grinder and machine at home – a morning without coffee is foreign and wrong) and felt like I couldn’t remember anything I had learned this year. I arrived early, and introduced myself to the administrative staff. I was shown to the tea-room where the early-birds were congregating, and was introduced to a handful of doctors. Each name disappeared as the next was introduced, though luckily, my mentor was one of the doctors in the room, and he quickly took me under his wing. As I was early, he asked if he could make me a coffee, gesturing over to his pride-and-joy: a table behind me with a decent coffee machine, grinder and fresh beans. I instantly felt comfortable, less nervous and part of a team. It didn’t take me long to meet most of the team. I can honestly say that the doctors, nurses and administrative staff were like family. They made me feel comfortable, were excited about me being around, and were only too happy to teach me. (continued next page...)
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I learned from everyone. The nurses were invaluable resources; they are full of clinical tips and tricks (so make sure you stay on their good side!) I had rotations with many doctors and enjoyed watching different people approach similar problems/patients in their own way. The patients I met were very tolerant of my first-year-questions and were proud to be a part of (my) medical education. Here’s a small sample of what I was exposed to in Tamworth. • My first day involved me doing a digital rectal exam/perirectal exam (I hadn’t even covered GI-systems in med-school) – it was all down hill from there • Friday was ‘minor-op’ day - I excised 3 lesions and sutured the wounds myself (all were squamous cell carcinomas with clear margins – and I have 14 stitches up my belt now) • I removed numerous stitches • I dressed/cleaned some wounds – mostly lower limb ulcers in elderly patients • I aspirated fluid from a swollen knee • I injected steroid into an inflamed knee • I observed numerous skin checks and looked at a lot of suspicious skin lesions • I performed a few INRs • I visited Tamworth Base Hospital Emergency (the biggest rural emergency in NSW) and assessed a few patients, took blood (100% success rate so far – 1 of 1), practiced a cardio-exam, looked at some CT and pathology reports, sent some bloods, did some paperwork and laughed with some cool young doctors • I sat in on hours of consultations • I learned how to check joint movement • I learned how to palpate a thyroid • I observed some motivational interviewing and lifestyle management
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• I reremembered some of the medications I had learned for my exam (why are drugs so hard to learn/ remember) • I observed some mental health cases • I observed a lot of workcover cases • I met some amazing patients with incredible histories/stories • I made some coffees (easy way to win the nurses over – trust me) • I had poetry read to me • I met some drug reps (and ate the food they brought with them) • I got schooled on Australian war history – not all of it, just the relevant parts •I laughed, a lot Needless to say, my placement was amazing. I had expected to sit in on consultations, but never imagined they would be such a great experience. I did not anticipate being so ‘hands-on’, and could not thank my mentor (and staff) and the lovely patients I met in Tamworth enough. JFPP was the best 2 weeks of my medical degree (so far)!
Zombies: Guaranteed to improve your DLEPP results!* Resident zombie-hunter, Kristel Kemmerling, discusses how to avoid the brain eating associated with this misunderstood monsters to help you achieve great things at medical school! Ok, I’m going to say this upfront: there aren’t any foreign, subtitled, meaningful films in this list (but I’m sure the title has already given that away). If you’re after that sort of thing, maybe you should skip this article lest you fall into a pop-culture induced coma and lose your hipster glasses. If I’ve spent the last few hours reading about the finer points of glomerulonephritis or familial adenomatous polyposis, I really don’t want to have to think a great deal about what I’m watching. In that spirit, I present to you some of my finest choices in cinematic procrastination featuring… zombies!
really, you should probably stop watching after the first movie. Seriously. • 28 Days Later & 28 Weeks Later. Rage Zombies! Need I say more?
Personally, zombie movies have helped me survive writing DLEPP assignments & studying for DLEPP exams. I’m not sure how exactly this works, but every time I have to read/write something related to the baffling dimensions of medical law, or the mysterious realm of medical ethics, the simple act of watching those poor, hapless chaps shuffling around seems to make DLEPP study a breeze. Sure, you may make the occasional error (speaking from experience, it’s awfully easy to replace ‘plaintiff’ with ‘zombie’... always remember to proofread, guys!) Try it, it may help you with DLEPP too!**
Recommendations: • The Lion King. There’s a reason there are so many videos on YouTube of people re-enacting this movie using a cat & a heartfelt rendition of ‘The Circle of Life’. • Up. The first 10 minutes of this movie made grown men cry. You have been warned. • Finding Nemo. I’m pretty sure we’re all familiar with P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. If you’re not, I recommend chilling out watching this movie!
Recommendations: • Dawn of the Dead, Night of the Living Dead, etc… These are the classics, with George A. Romero’s ‘Dead’ series proudly extending back to the 1960’s. • Resident Evil Series. I wrote ‘series’, but
Some people just can’t handle watching those unfortunate folk wandering around, searching for brains. For those people, I recommend winding down with a Disney or Pixar movie. Even if you are 20+ years above the recommended target audience. And you get judgmental looks from the DVD store cashier.
*I offer no guarantee that zombie movies will increase your DLEPP results. **In fact, judging from my abysmal DLEPP results, it would be wise to ignore my advice in its entirety.
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Transition from medical student to Intern: A personal account Dr. Yasmine Medunic explains why being an intern is exactly as described in ‘House of God’... The transition from medical student to intern was something I feared but also looked forward to. It was great to finally get out into the real world, a chance to apply the skills we had carefully honed over four years of medical school, and start making a difference to people’s lives. And of course, the anticipation of our first pay check definitely helped feed the hype. But you very much feel like you are being thrown into the deep end. One day, you are a shielded medical student with next to no responsibility. The next day, full-blown responsibility land in your lap. Their lives are now in your hands. Ranging from very simple to complex medical cases, from the non-acute cases to the critical ill, this can be a daunting prospect for any newbie whether they admit to it or not. And you find yourself thinking that the medical education you received really is just a drop in the ocean, with a huge set of skills to acquire over the course of your medical career to look forward to. All medical students can take a comprehensive history, do a physical examina-
tion and formulate a basic management plan for each presenting complaint in their sleep. We know the red flags inside out, and we know when we’re out of our depth and need help. But we don’t always know the best way to get it. Because shouting is most definitely not going to help. This is when all the other practical things we get exposed to in our clinical years come into play, the stuff that were often way too boring to pay much attention to. That stuff now becomes central to your working day. Like learning what forms need to be fill out and when, who to speak to in order to get essential components of your patient’s care organized, and what patient services are available at the hospital, and who needs to approve what. But once you know how to navigate your way through the system, it becomes easy, and you can let yourself breathe a big sigh of relief and shift your mental focus back to the fun stuff - your wonderful patients and managing their medical conditions.
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But our senior colleagues really were not joking when they said that the majority of your time as an intern is occupied by paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork. But I’m told it gets better. The first day you literally feel like a deer caught in a headlight. But fortunately, the title of ‘intern’ comes with some benefits. You find that everyone is eager to help “that poor lost intern” and that your seniors are forgiving of your blundering case presentations, handovers, and referrals. You find yourself on a steep learning-curve, and already after one week on the job, you’re amazed by how much you have achieved in your professional development.
and more concise, your examination technique more fluid, and discussions with your consultant/registrar are more directed. You find yourself walking with a new spring in your step, and feel more like a real doctor for each passing day, and no longer like the day one ‘pretend doctor’. You find yourself hitting the books in your spare time, your curiosity sparked by interesting cases you’ve managed through the day, and spurred by the desire to be the best doctor you possibly can be. You are no longer the ‘tail’ of the medical team. You are now an appreciated team member.
You are the patient’s advocate, and although you may not get to participate Your confidence grows everyday – those in all the exciting medical stuff that your cannulas you once struggled over now registrars/consultants occupy their time easily slide into veins on the first go. with, you have just as an important job, Referrals to the medical registrar which and that is facilitating and coordination you once feared and stammered through your patient’s care, making sure what while profusely apologising for taking up needs to be done gets done, and that their time, now gets done systematically no one is lost in the system. and with purpose. And every day after your shift, even And you find yourself enjoying each though you may not always have the patient interaction, regardless of how best of days - because let’s face it, being challenging it is – whether it is a medical a doctor is stressful and time consuming challenge or an inter-personal challenge, - you can leave your work-place knowing because let’s face it, the withdrawing that you made a difference, however opiod addict is not the most pleasant small it was, to somebody’s life. And person to deal with. you feel proud of what you have accomplished that day, and look forward After each case you are involved in, you to doing an even better job the next day. find your approach slightly improved; your history skills become slicker
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Join us for free student membership and enjoy the many MIPS membership benefits Medical Indemnity Protection Soci including free elective medical Ltd indemnity (MIPS) is an Australian Finan Services Licensee (AFS Lic. 3019 insurance cover, MIPS Protections for non MIPS Insurance Pty Ltd (MIPS Insuran is a wholly owned subsidiary of M medical indemnity matters, medico-legal and holds an authority issued by AP advice, newsletters, special student benefits to conduct general insurance busin Join us for free student membership and enjoy the many MIPS Medical Indemnity Protection Society Ltd an Australian Financial Servi including IT offers, competitions and andis more! Licensee (AFS Lic. 247301). Any finan membership benefits including elective medical indemnity po box 25 carlton south vicfree 3053 | info@mips.com.au | www.mips.com.au Apply online at www.mips.com.au product advice is of a general nat member services | p. 1800 061 113 | f. 1800 061 116 | abn 64 007 067 281 and not personal or specific. insurance cover, MIPS Protections for non medical indemnity matters,
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Medical Indemnity Protection Society Ltd Medical Indemnity Protection Society Limited po box 25 carlton vic 3053]info@mips.com.au]www.mips.com.au po south box 25 carlton south vic 3053 | info@mips.com.au | www.mips.com.au member services]p. 1800 061| p. 113]f. 1800 116]abn 6464 007 281 f. 1800 061 116 | abn 007067 067 281 member services 1800 061 113 | 061 Medical Indemnity Protection Society Ltd (MIPS) is an Australian Financial Services Licensee (AFS Lic. 301912). MIPS Insurance Pty Ltd (MIPS Insurance) is a wholly owned subsidiary of MIPS and holds an authority issued by APRA to conduct general insurance business and is an Australian A5 FMSS Placebo 1 Financial ServicesMIPS Licensee (AFS Lic.Ad_cartoon_1011.indd 247301). Any financial product advice is of a general nature and not personal or specific.
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Medical Indemnity Protection Society Ltd (MIPS) is an Australian Financial Services Licensee (AFS Lic. 301912). MIPS Insurance Pty Ltd (MIPS Insurance) is a wholly owned subsidiary of MIPS and holds an authority issued by APRA to conduct general insurance business and is an Australian Financial Services Licensee (AFS Lic. 247301). Any financial product advice is of a general nature and not personal or specific.
14/10/11 11:12 AM
KWONG
One-onONE
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In the first of the series, Murmur goes one-on-one with a particularly famous staff member....
1. For the first question Kwong, a lot of the medical students at Griffith don’t know what your PhD is about, so could you please explain what your PhD is on, and let us know how is it going? ‘The ongoing PhD is about exploring the educational needs of Chinese funeral ritualists in Malaysia and to develop their capacity in providing grief and loss support. When I left medical school, I had a lot of passion about grief, loss, death and dying - and because of this I did counselling training and then a Masters, and then became a counsellor in Australia. I felt I needed to then bring myself a ‘notch’ up, and do a PhD in the area. The original thought was to develop spiritual care in hospital palliative care, but I had difficulty getting access into the clinical world to do this - so then, I was happy exploring grief and loss, as I had written two books in Malaysia on the topic - where I became a best-selling author, in a relatively smaller market I only sold 3, to 5,000 books to get that status. These books were about loss and dying; the first one was called ‘Afternoon Tea with Death’ the other book was named ‘Hide and Seek with Death’. Both of the books focus on death anxiety and grief and loss. As a poor PhD student I was lucky that in Malaysia there was a funeral company who wanted to work with me, due to my work with the books. We worked out a joint project with me training their employees. So I decided to make a PhD out of this opportunity: grief and loss support!’ 2. A lot of the students enjoy the fact that you are so prominent on Facebook, do you know how the School feels about you having a relationship with students on this medium? I am actually in the process of writing a paper on the utilisation of social media to enhance educational experience for medical students, which is research coming from my experience of interacting with students on Facebook. For example, arranging students to help out in voluntary events, social media is a much more efficient - it has become a very important thing we may not be able to avoid or dismiss anymore. It requires a serious sit down and think about, rather than saying either ‘no you can’t be on Facebook’, or ‘yes you can’. I’ve been a public figure in Malaysia for years, and I am very aware of how to behave and act in such contexts as social media, so that you conduct yourself in a professional manner.’
3. So when you say ‘public figure’, was that from your time as an author in Malaysia? ‘I’ve been a public speaker since 1998, and I’ve spoken to more than 60’000 people, as well as through the radio interviews. I was talking about death and dying in these arenas as well, but I have a humorous approach to gain the interest of the public. So the way I approach Facebook reflects this professional approach I gained through these experiences. Also, there is a very different studentteacher relationship in Taiwan; when I was doing my Master’s degree, I was always hanging out with my supervisor - having lunch, dinner, meeting each other all the time. It’s very much an apprenticeship relationship. But in Australia, I am very aware of the boundaries here, and I always have to conduct myself in a professional manner. ‘ 4. You are known to be approachable among the students. Can you tell me more about that? ‘When I was a student, I had some fairly negative experiences – At times I would feel lost, like I had no one there to support me. As an academic within the scope of acceptable professional boundaries, we play a pastoral and supportive role and are encouraged to deal, as far as possible, with individual student and group issues as they arise. I wanted to make a difference for students and give them something that I did not have when I was a student. For example, one evening when I was still a new overseas student, living thousands of kilometres away from my family, I had a panic attack. I was so overcome, I just raced to a support officer on campus, and just poured out all of my emotions on her! Just letting absolutely everything out. And she just listened to me; and the little bit of support she was able to give to me in such a hard situation really left an impression on me. So now I want to be there for the students.’ 5. What was your most embarrassing moment in Medicine? ‘Hmmmm [thinking...]. A story that I tell quite a bit is my ‘decompaction’ incident. I had to do a faecal decompaction on a lady back in Taiwan in the hospital I was interning in. I started the procedure, and she made somewhat of a ‘yelp’, and I realised I had done something wrong. I walked out to the nurses’ station with the fingers I had used raised above my head and I said, ‘I got it in the wrong hole’. I went in the front instead of the back!’
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15 Ways to Study. Without Studying. Sounding like some kind of vicious, lying paradox? It probably is, but I’m going to allow Tegan McMonagle to explain herself. I know, I know – studying without studying? Impossible! But just take a gander at these 15 activities and you’ll be a-learnin’ in no time! 1.
Pick up any of the following books: Trust me, I’m a junior doctor – Max Pemberton The Patient – Mohamed Khadra This common secret – Susan Wickland White Coat – Ellen Lerner Rotham How Doctors Think – Jerome Groopman Where does it hurt? – Max Pemberton Kill as few patients as possible – Oscar London Making the Cut – Mohamed Khadra An Imperfect Offering – James Orbinski
Open the cover. Read.
2.
Check your vitals. Five times
3. Bake PBL food. Relate it to the condition of the patient. Cholera cake, anyone? 4. Do surveys that predict what specialty you will go into. If you don’t like the result, do them again. 5. Have some friends over (friends, yes, friends – probably best if they are med friends). Rent the following DVDs: 50/50 John Q Anatomy Lorenzo’s Oil Patch Adams Contagion Any appropriate medical documentary Get some popcorn. Enjoy
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6. Exercise. Think about what your lungs, heart, brain, musculoskeletal system are doing to keep you going. Think about the shorts and crop tops you have to wear for clinical workshops. Exercise harder. 7. Practice physical exams on your husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, hot neighbour. Gain consent first. 8.
Meditate – mindfulness, mindfulness, mindfulness!
9. 10.
Pick out stylin’ clothes for HBCT. Match them to your steth colour. Watch Gary and Peter on My Kitchen Rules. Enough said.
11.
Check the Griffith Med FB page. For the 6th time today.
12.
Use your steth to listen to random body parts. Be amazed.
13. Eat. Mindfully. Think about digestion and metabolism. Decide not to eat McDonalds. Or Tim Tams. 14.
Practice injections. On oranges. Gain consent first.
15. And finally, the one I know you’re all doing anyway – watch any (or all?) of the following TV shows: Scrubs House MD Boston Med RPA Grey’s Anatomy A Country Practice (for when you’re feeling rural) Dougie Howser MD Offspring Nip/Tuck The Doctors [Ed.: Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace]
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Australian Neuroscience Society 32nd Annual Conference, 2012 - Review
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By Mat Wong MBBS II
Part-time researcher and full-time wonder-boy Mat Wong takes us on an exciting adventure into the brain at the ANS Conference... The 32nd ANS conference was held at Jupiters Hotel & Casino earlier this year, here on the GC. Being a local Research Assistant in the neuro field, I was glad to be able to attend.
tive reinforcement.
There were over 300 delegates in attendance this year – with attendees ranging from honours students, PhD candidates, research fellows, professors and clinicians, all involved in the broad field of neuroscience.
The rest of the day was filled with a multitude of talks (symposiums) on all manner of neuro-things from the latest theories on memory circuits to new treatments for spinal cord injury and Alzheimer’s. There was also an array of free pens, chocolate, coffee and food to be had whilst perusing the poster presentations of the latest findings at the fore-front of international research in the neuro field.
The conference started with Sunday night “welcome drinks” – at an extra charge that I did not pay, and thus I did not attend the welcoming. The real conference started at 9am on Monday with a plenary lecture from a world leader in the emerging field of “optogenetics”. If you don’t know what optogenetics is (I didn’t), it is a research method that uses genetically modified mice / rats whose neurones have been altered to generate action potentials in response to specific wavelengths of light – instead of a chemical neurotransmitter. So if you are up on your neurobiology – it means you can study how the CNS works and also manipulate it using light. One example shown was using a fibre-optic cable, delivered through an intra-cranial catheter, to deliver blue-wavelength light to the dopaminergic neurons of the reward pathway in the brain of these mice. The mice were put in a box with two levers – only the left would deliver a flash of blue light to the Dopaminergic neurons targeted. So this mouse would press the left lever EVERY chance it got, like a little meth-addict hankering for the next high, he would continuously press that lever to activate his reward pathway. I doubt that the mouse gets high from the blue light but it is definitely experiencing some sort of reward or posi-
Yes, this is extremely nerdy but it’s kinda cool too.
I chose to sit Tuesday out in order to attend at least part of the Year 2 “intensive week” before returning Wednesday for some more talks and my own poster presentation. After meeting other researchers in the field and discussing the “joy” of western blotting, I visited the exhibitor stalls to collect more free pens, usb’s and enter the competitions. Most large conferences have a “passport draw” whereby if you visit each booth, pushing their latest expensive research tools and consumables, and procure EVERY stamp; you go into the draw for a heap of nice prizes. Unfortunately I did not win any of the 5 ipads up for grabs, nor any of the coffee machines, wine packs or gift vouchers – despite the odds being relatively high. Overall, the ANS conference was quiet a broad meeting featuring the latest research in many areas from clinical treatments to debilitating neurological diseases, academic research into how the mind learns and even down to the molecular mechanisms of neurobiological phenomena. Lastly, the meeting was great opportunity to meet fellow researchers, clinicians and network with them.
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Upcoming Conferences! Women in Medicine Looking after You Lunch Saturday 17th March, The Greek Club, South Brisbane Topics include: - Fairness in the Work Act - your entitlements - The Pregnant Career Pause - Don’t be a superhero - outsourcing options - Returning, rostering & routines http://www.amaq.com.au/icms_docs/117459_Women_in_Medicine_Lunch_Motherhood_and_ Medicine.pdf 4th Annual National Telemedicine Summit Creating a Viable Alternative to Face-to-Face Medical Care 22 - 23 March 2012, Sydney Marriott Hotel Clinician-led Case Study Focused Agenda: - The Effect Of Telemedicine On Neonatal Intensive Care - Pediatric Telemedicine Consultations - Providing Mental Health Services To Under Resourced And Under Serviced Rural And Remote Communities - Burns Telehealth Coordinator - Using Teleoncology To Enhance Patient Care http://www.training-conferences.com.au/events/iir-1/healthcare/national-telemedicine-summit 21st Annual Medico Legal Congress 29-30 March 2012, Sydney Marriott Hotel The 21st Anniversary Medico Legal Congress 2012 will look at the current issues and major changes impacting public health today. Benefit from key case studies and presentations delivered by professionals at the forefront of both the medical and legal industries. http://www.medicolegalcongress.com.au/ Australian Pain Society 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting 1 - 4 April 2012, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Victoria. Keynote speakers will explore the evolving issues in pain management, with a view to updating modern pain practice. Of note, topics will include how to engage people in their health care, improve patient and staff education, and be informed of the policy debates regarding pain management service delivery. http://www.dcconferences.com.au/aps2012/ Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2012 Congress “Cells, Circuits and Syndromes“ 20-24 May 2012 - Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart Tasmania http://www.ranzcp2012.com/
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AMSJ Introduction Jessamine Yong tells us how you can get your research and opinions published in an up-andcoming medical student journal... As a medical student, reading journal articles has to be a staple diet for our knowledge source, to keep up-to-date with current research and developments. The gold standard in finding information for our DHC/DKHI assignments are evidence-based medicine research, best FOUND in peer-review journals. Of course, reading through every article available through Lancet or the British Medical Journal will be entirely time-consuming (something of a luxury to medical students), and may not be too interesting for those with short attention spans (like me!). Thus, the birth of student journals, to cater to the personal and professional interests of all medical students. Although there are few medical student journals in Australia ranging from the informal (i.e. Panacea from AMSA) to the hard-core (Sydney University Medical Journal) none has yet to cover the broad spectrum of a student’s interests; from learning about the use of mobile phones during ward rounds to the use of technology to enhance surgical skills, like the Australian Medical Student Journal (AMSJ). Many may be unaware of this, but the AMSJ was a dream conceived by 3 medical students from the University of New South Wales that began in 2009. The dream started when they realised there wasn’t a nation-wide medical journal available for all medical students to contribute quality-written articles spanning topics of personal interest to research reviews. Since then, the dream became a reality when they managed to publish their first inaugural AMSJ publication in 2010, and has since released biannual publications for the benefit
of all Australian medical students. The aims of AMSJ can be found on their website (www. amsj.org). In a nutshell, it is to provide a reliable and credible platform for medical students to submit their articles spanning both personal and professional interests for the benefit of all health science students. What started as a small volunteer group of 22 students has since spanned into a group of 34 volunteer students from 4 universities, with a representative in all Australian medical schools. Students wanting access to the AMSJ can visit their website at www.amsj.org and read through all the articles that have been published. Limited physical copies are provided to each university at the release of each publication, and this can be obtained through the university representative. Those wanting to submit any written pieces, whether it’s a review (of any sorts, including textbooks!), research article or opinion letter, can do so by visiting the website and follow their submission guidelines. All submissions are vetted through the academia of medical schools, providing a comprehensive peer review process that would benefit any would-be student contributor. Griffith has been a part of AMSJ since 2010 and have since had 1 article published (Ed.: By a damn fine gentleman at that), and we would like to see more. So put on your thinking hats and write away! Submission to AMSJ would definitely provide a beneficial experience to all first-time contributors (whether or not your article gets published).
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Book Review: Every patient tells a story Christoper Maguire branches outside of Kumar and Clarke, Harrison’s, and Rang’s to actually give you something you’d enjoy reading.. imagine that! Author: Lisa Sanders, M. D. I’ve never been one to follow mantras, but if there were ever something worth keeping in mind throughout life one could do worse than to ask ‘what would Hugh Laurie – well, let’s be honest, Bertie Wooster do?’ So you can imagine my delight when my girlfriend deposited a book in my hand garnished with his endorsement on the cover. “If you need to be reminded that there are still diseases that can’t be cured in an hour – including commercial breaks – then this book is for you. Fantastic stuff.” The author of ‘Every Patient Tells a Story,’ Lisa Sanders, is the medical mind behind the television series ‘House,’ and she goes to almost apologetic lengths in this work to remind us that we should do as she says and not as her characters do. In short, physical examinations are invaluable, patient histories are essential and that if you know this much – given enough coffee and textbooks – you too can make a passable doctor. For a time-starved student the style is simple and the writing is clear, though it can have a little of the wash, rinse and repeat quality about it at times as cases are sequentially presented with the same critical message. Putting this to one side though, the message is a good one, and while the
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moral of the story may not change, the cases do, and oh what cases they are! Sanders spares no quarter in delivering to us the most interesting patient files that she has; and considering the repository that she has accumulated as a physician and diagnostic writer for the New York Times, this is no small thing. In her own words, “In telling you these stories I try to put you, the reader, in the front line, in the shoes of the doctor at the bedside – to know that feeling of uncertainty and intrigue when confronted with a patient who has a problem that just might kill him. I try to show you the mind of the physician at work…” Considering the length of the book (a mere 250 pages) and the PBL-like nature of the cases presented (Each condition is slowly revealed as the doctor receives the information) this book deserves to be read by you this year, and the next, and the next again. I doubt, as your knowledge increases, that you will find it the same twice. It is just ‘one of those books’. Take House’s advice and learn not to be like him, or, take Bertie Wooster’s and never trust anyone who spells Gladis with a W. I’ll leave it in your hands. But for my part, I loved it.
AMSA 2013 - Update and Subcommittees Hello ladies and gentlemen,
The AMSA 2013 Convention Executive has been selected! From Griffith please give congratulations to: Stefanie Tran & Rhys Young (Academic), Laurie McLaughlin (Sports Day), Alice Ayres & Jonathan Davies (Social), Alice Bowen (Publications), Benjamin Wakefield (Deputy Convenor) and Nidhi Krishnan (Sponsorship). As a bonus, Griffith has the majority of seats on the Convention Executive! So we can pretty much do what we like.
the chance to help organise an event for over a 1000 people will provide you with important life skills and introduce you to many people you may have otherwise never met (there may be further financial incentives to lure you as well...). Undoubtedly we will spam Facebook but watch this space. Regards, Your AMSA Convention 2013 Team
In the coming weeks we will be opening applications up to those interested in joining sub-committees. General positions and a secretary role will be available in: Social, Academic, Logistics, Sponsorship, Publications and Promotions. Being part of Convention as a subcommittee role is a wonderful experience -
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Diagnose This! Doctor Anon, a medical celebrity so spectactular we’ve had to de-identify him/her, provides helpful advice to grieving individuals who have asked so desperately for his/her wholesome wisdom... Dear Doctor, Diagnose This
Dear Doctor, Diagnose This
I am experiencing a cold with severe head pressure. Sometimes when I blow my nose it is bloody. I have recently changed health insurance providers so I am not sure whether this has taken effect yet. Is that normal or not good? From Sam
I have soft tissue damage around my Achilles tendon, the result of an accident that occurred three and a half weeks ago. I am able to walk without any pain and there is only some discomfort when I land awkwardly on the foot.
Doctor Anon: I don’t know if you have realised this Sam, but I am a Doctor not an insurance salesman. These are the kind of questions you should be asking the provider when you sign up for private health cover and not an internationally revered, celebrity medical practitioner like myself.
However, I am wearing a support and taking anti-inflammatory tablets. I had planned to go scuba diving next week but am unsure whether I should follow through with this or not. From Emily Doctor Anon: Before I answer your question, Emily, I must point out that if you ever write to me again, keep your question brief and avoid all this surfeit information next time. This is not a coffee date where you get to talk at length about what you and your girlfriends get up to on the weekend while I pretend to be interested.
Every second of the day, I receive a multitude of questions from the general public requesting a diagnosis from me to aid their ravenous, debilitating disorders and diseases. Within the medical community, I have been described as a mercurial saint whose place in heaven is assured thanks to the miraculous and altruistic deeds I This is a forum for health related questions. have bestowed upon the common man. Because of my generous and kind-hearted reputation, I will answer your pathetic question. Though it may seem a fruitless and highly ambi- Scuba diving is an experience that should never tious task, I endeavour to answer every single be missed. I went scuba diving once around the question I receive, without payment, as most Great Barrier Reef. It was an engaging, exciting of those who write to me are too poor to visit a and highly enjoyable experience. What is even general practitioner. I deal with a magnitude of more exciting is that the Great Barrier Reef is serious inquiries day to day - while moonlightrumoured to be an untapped oil resource. ing as a professional lawn bowls instructor – and all you can think about is shaving a few dollars Now, as a man of both science and medicine, I here or there off your new private health plan? can appreciate that this oil needs to be extractYou are the worst kind of scum and I spit on you ed as soon as possible to boost our economy and your family. during this harsh and unforgiving economical climate. So my advice is for you to go scuba diving there as soon as possible before they commence digging for oil. After all, you can’t delay progress!
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Dear Dcotr, Diagnose This
Dear Doctor, Diagnose This
My little brother will be three years old in May. He is hitting all of his milestones normally, but he doesn’t like to play with kids his own age or younger. When he does, he has problems getting along with them. He is very sensitive to sunlight and doesn’t like it when I open the curtains, so they usually stay closed. Is this something he will grow out of when he gets older? From Robyn
I am a 27 year old male. About 6 weeks ago I began experiencing a pain in my right knee. When I am sitting still or just walking there is just a mild ache or feeling of discomfort, but nothing bad. I can’t remember any specific injury that would have caused it, nor was I particularly active when it started. From Michael
Doctor Anon: Any chance your son is a vampire? Recently there has been an influx of misconception as to the symptoms and traits of ‘Vampiricism.’ The highly circulated myth that vampires have a radiant sparkling glow, allowing them to venture outside during daylight and mingle with the rest of society is a fabrication by the Vampiric Affairs Ministry Precinct (VAMP) to underplay the current vampire crisis sweeping our glorious, harmonious nation. By successfully penetrating international media outlets, VAMP have been able to spread propaganda through the medium of books, movies and television programs, portraying vampires in a positive light and guiding public attention away from their frenzied feeding on human blood to attain their ultimate goal of human slavery and global dominance. Carefully heed the following advice on how to deal with your son’s condition.
Doctor Anon: It seems to me you have just answered your own stupid question, Michael. We all feel pain at one time or another. Whether it is physical pain like the minor discomfort you have been experiencing or emotional pain, like when a woman you have been in a relationship with for years doesn’t respond to any of your text messages and instead cheats on you with a first year air-conditioning and refrigeration apprentice mechanic who earns $6.90 an hour instead of remaining faithful to a fully qualified, world renowned medical practitioner like yours truly. Everybody experiences pain, some more than others. Doesn’t mean you have to cry about it.
Send your questions to Dr Anon. Email publications@gums.org.au with the subject line: Diagnose This! And we’ll pass it on!
While your son is asleep (most likely during the day), hang some garlic up in his room, and drive a wooden, splinter ridden stake through his heart. If your son is indeed a vampire, he will die an excruciatingly painful and very bloody death. If your son is not a vampire, he will die an excruciatingly painful and very bloody death. Trust me, it is worth the risk killing him now before you grow too attached. Otherwise you will be blamed – most likely by me – for opening a Pandora’s Box that you will never be able to close, bringing with it an orgy of chaos and suffering upon the world. No pressure.
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Carlin’s Top 10 Healthy Living Strategies Medicine getting you down? Feeling run-down and horrible all the time? Instead of helping others, take some time to let Carlin Saldanha help you help yourself Hi everyone, let me introduce myself as I’m hoping to make my health tips column a regular thing here at Murmur. I’m a first year medical student, and I’m also a naturopath, professionally trained vegetarian and live foods chef, as well as a yoga teacher. I believe that we should all try to be healthy and balanced in order to help patients to be healthy and balanced themselves, and lead happy, vibrant lives. Obviously, keeping healthy is a challenge with our busy medical school schedules and constrained student budgets. So, I’m going to try and keep my column simple, easy, and full of cost-effective lifestyle and food strategies. If you ever have any questions or things you’d like me to address in Murmur, just drop me an email (carlin@carlinhealthandwellness.com) or grab me for a chat around GH1. Here are my top 10 tips for more health and vitality: 1. Eat more veggies and less sugar: as I’m sure you know, there are many different nutrition schools of thought out there, and some of them get a lot of press. I’ve reviewed many of these, and though they all differ greatly, there is some common ground across all of them.
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They all tell you to eat more vegetables, and they all tell you to eat less (or no) sugar. It is not hard or expensive to increase your veggie intake, but it does take a bit of planning, as you need to have veggies on hand in the fridge if you are going to be eating them regularly. I include veggies in all of my main meals (yes, even breakfast!) and lots of snacks too (hummus with veggie sticks? Yes please!). For breakfast try having multigrain toast with avocado, tomato and some sprouts. Or, you can step it up a notch and make a green smoothie-mix a handful of any leafy green with fruit, protein powder, and some water, juice, yogurt, or milk. Add salads on the side for dinner, or throw a bunch of veggies into a stir-fry or soup. If you have them, you will eat them so always buy a wide variety of veggies at the shops. Too time-strapped to make it to the shops? There are some great organic boxed veggie delivery services that are a great value if shared between flatmates. Plus when your fridge is stocked you’ll save money on takeaway.
2. Avoid packaged and processed foods and sodas whenever possible: this is probably obvious to most, however it is so easy to grab convenience foods when we’re busy and they are right in our faces.
update or you want to finish cramming for anatomy lab the next day. But, electromagnetic radiation from tv’s, computers, and mobiles can disrupt our ability to fall asleep and be over-stimulating in the evening when our body’s natural inclination is to slow These foods are full of health-depleting down and prepare for rest. This is especially nasties: trans-fats, sugars, salt, preservatives, important if you have troubles sleeping. additives, refined and processed flours, and more. They don’t nourish us, and on top 5. Deep breathing exercises: a wellof that drain our body of vital nutrients and oxygenated body is a happy body, and add to our toxin load. more likely to be a healthy and energetic body too. So, try to incorporate some This is another thing all those conflicting deep breathing exercises every day, even 5 schools of nutrition thought seem to agree minutes makes a huge difference. Sit in a on. If you must buy packaged foods (and comfortable position with your spine uplet’s face it, we all have to sometimes!) try to right. Close your eyes and breathe deeply find the most wholesome versions you can: through the nose, focusing only on the foods without additives or preservatives breath. You should notice when you open or added sugar: hummus, all-natural dips, your eyes again that your head feels lighter multigrain crackers, low-salt rice crackers, and clearer. pre-packaged chopped veggies, fruit juice instead of soda, etc. Remember fruit is a 6. Dry skin brushing: too broke to go to convenience food that you can always grab the day spa? Yeah, me too, sadly. However, on-the-go! I even like to just have an avothere is a daily spa-like ritual you can incorcado and a spoon in my backpack, but I’m porate which will really help move the lymph kind of weird...... and give you healthy, glowing skin. Before you take a shower use a dry skin brush for 3. Morning exercise: morning is the about five minutes, brushing all over the best time of day to exercise as it increases body in the direction of the lymph nodes. your energy levels for the entire day. Also, how many of us finish a long day of study The first time you do this it might be sore, and don’t feel like working out? Yeah, me but your body quickly gets used to it. Skin too! If you’ve already done it, you’re sweet. brushing helps move the lymph and clear toxins, and also clears dead skin cells from Studies show morning exercise increases the surface, smoothing skin and allowing your metabolism for the day, thus helping to you to sweat out more toxins when you maintain healthy weight. Additionally, even- exercise. ing exercise can rev you up too much and disrupt sleep. That being said, exercise at To up the ante, follow skin brushing with a any time of day is better than no exercise at shower alternating warm and cold water, all. always finishing on cold water. You will feel smooth and refreshed! If you have access 4. Turn off electronics 30 minutes to a sauna at the gym or your apartment prior to bed: yeah, I know, you don’t want complex skin brushing is a great thing to do to miss that last minute facebook status before you take a sauna.
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7. Positive thinking/mantra: Studies are coming out showing that our thoughts do affect our health, and quite profoundly. So, try to think positively, and see things from a positive angle. Mantra doesn’t have to be some sanskrit chant you heard buddhist monks in the Himalayas use (though if this speaks to you, by all means go for it!). It can be anything you feel you want to incorporate in your life, or emphasise in your life. Think simple: “I am healthy and vibrant and I love my life”; “I am grateful for all the opportunities in my life”, “I am surrounded by wonderful people” . Whatever you want, but it is useful to say it to yourself first thing when you wake up, and last thing before you fall asleep, and maybe also during stressful moments in your day. I used my own personal mantra to get through GAMSAT, and it must have worked because here I am! 8. Gratitude: this ties in with the positive thinking above, but I feel it is so important I want to stress the point again. Gratitude is an important practice across many religions and spiritual groups, and for good reason. It really works! Having gratitude helps us to cope with disappointment, and maintain a positive attitude. For example, when you’re stressing about your workload, try to have gratitude that you have this amazing opportunity to be in medical school, and keep in mind all those who couldn’t get into medicine that wanted to.
want to forget your woes, doesn’t it? It’s not realistic to expect the majority of medical students not to drink, and luckily by following some of these tips you can nourish your liver and help it cope with the drinks a bit better. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussell sprouts, and kale have compounds in them that help detoxify the liver. Rosemary and turmeric are also great for the liver. In general, all leafy green vegetables are also very nourishing for the liver, so deal with that hangover with a big salad instead of a greasy big breakfast. Yeah, right you say? Well, let me let you in on a little magic herb naturopaths and integrative medical doctors know about (and before you roll your eyes, head over to Medline where there are MANY studies supporting its use). It’s called St. Mary’s Thistle and it’s an antioxidant that helps the liver detoxify and regenerate cells as well. Reputable companies that follow GMP who make St. Mary’s Thistle products include mediherb and biomedica. As a medical student, you can probably even sign up for a wholesale account so that come scrub-crawl, muster, H party, or any other excuse for a good time, you’ll have your little happy liver pills to pop after.
10. Love your adrenals-and don’t overstimulate them! You’re in medical school, I don’t need to explain to you how much your adrenals do. They cope with stress, and if you’re the typical medical student, that’s a lot to cope with. When you throw in things Another example, instead of thinking that like coffee or sugar, that puts extra pressure the person who brought PBL snacks brought on the adrenals, and they can easily burn food you don’t like, have gratitude for them out. So try reducing your daily coffee intake that they made the effort to bring someto a lower level, and replacing coffee with thing in, even if it’s not your favourite food. herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile When a major life challenge strikes-like that are soothing and calming. Reduce illness or death of a family member, try to quick-fix sugar treats with less stimulating think of what lessons you can learn from this foods including fruits, whole grain baked challenge, and have gratitude for that. goods sweetened with unrefined sweeteners, or yogurt. 9. Reduce alcohol intake, or balance it: A day at medical school really makes you
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Healthy Banana Bread Recipe Jasmine ‘Jamie Oliver’ Davis shares her secrets that make her the best PBL-fooder this side of the galaxy.. and she’s in my PBL! I’m sure you have already discovered that awesome food in PBL makes it easier to solve the world’s problems, but sometimes it can be hard to cater to the myriad of dietary requirements while making something reasonably healthy to snack on. Enter ‘Healthy Banana Bread’, it is gluten free, dairy free, and contains honey instead of white sugar so should meet most criteria for PBL food, but most importantly of all, it still tastes awesome!
4. Add the pecans and blitz to cut up a little but leave in big chunks 5. Line a loaf pan with baking paper (or grease well) or use cupcake liners if you prefer (just reduce cooking time). 6. Pour mixture into loaf pan and top with slivered almonds
Keep an eye out for the GUMS Wellbeing Cookbook throughout the year for more reci- 7. Bake for ~45 minutes or until the top is pes, healthy PBL ideas and money saving tips! browned and a skewer comes out clean HEALTHY BANANA BREAD (GF, dairy free) 3 ripe bananas 2 eggs 1/4 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup almond meal 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup pecans Slivered almonds for topping
8. Leave to cool slightly before removing from pan
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Money saving tip: If you are on a budget and it doesn’t matter if your banana bread is gluten free, change 1/2 cup of almond meal for wholemeal flour and leave out the pecans
Preheat oven to approx 160 degrees
2. Place bananas in food processor (or use potato masher) with eggs, honey and cinnamon and blitz until smooth and the mixture is light and fluffy
9. Serve sliced (left overs are amazing crisped up under the grill) Note: during baking it will puff up and look like it is rising but will settle when removed from the oven into a dense, moist cake.
3. Add the almond meal and baking powder and blitz briefly to mix
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Gluten & DairyFree Cookies Felicity McIvor shares another delicious gluten-free recipe... and it is purely coincidental that the editor of this magazine is gluten intolerant. Ingredients 150g gluten free plain flour 50g unsweetened cocoa powder ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda ¼ tsp baking powder (check that it is gluten free!) Pinch of salt 115g dairy-free spread (eg. Nutellex Lite) 100g white sugar 100g brown sugar 1 egg (or you can use an egg replacer like ‘Orgran No Egg Gluten Free’ – follow the instructions on the box) 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 200g dairy free chocolate (like Whittaker’s Dark or Dark Ghana) Procedure Pre-heat the oven to 160o. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Chop the chocolate into chocolate-chip sized pieces & set aside in another bowl. In a third bowl, beat the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy and then beat in the egg and vanilla essence. Add the flour mixture and mix until almost blended, then add the chocolate and mix. Roll scoops of the cookie dough into balls (about the size of a ping-pong ball), and place on a tray lined with baking paper, about 4cm apart. Press each ball of cookie-dough into
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flatter, cookielike shape before baking for 12-14 minutes. After baking, transfer to a wire rack to cool. Important Points 1. You can make these with regular flour, unsalted butter and/or regular chocolatechips if you’re not restricted by differentlyabled diets. 2. You can store them for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge.
Textbook Review - Medical Physiology Despite our best efforts, Tess Asgill is determined to make Murmur actually useful to medical students by discussing textbooks.... by W. Boron & E. Boulpaep I was first introduced to this textbook in undergrad for a course in physiology, my not-bad looking lecturer was pushing us to buy it – “This book is great, medicine students in Melbourne use this and it contains everything they could need for their exams, in fact medicine students don’t seem to know enough physiology for my liking!” – so I got it. I can’t comment on how true my lecturer’s words are, but I do appreciate this book and it really does seem to have pretty much all you could need to know! All the major body systems are covered as well as other aspects such as exercise physiology & sports science, how the body creates & uses its energy, physiology of aging, temperature regulation and hell, even diving physiology. The best part for me is the cardiovascular section which is seriously fantastic and it even has a good chapter on how ECGs work and how to interpret them. The GIT section is pretty awesome too. Another thing that is done well are how most chapters contain various clinically relevant bits and pieces and information on various common conditions that you’ll need to know about and briefly their pathophysiology e.g. Myocardial infarctions, atherosclerosis, abnormal respiratory patterns, diarrhoea…
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A lot of people are visual learners as well, so I’ll comment on the diagrams used. Some of the pictures/illustrations are exactly what you need - clear with just enough detail that you get the idea but aren’t overwhelmed with information like the pictures for ECGs and cardiac action potentials or the flow chart for the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. But others are either far too detailed or just weird. The major downside is that my lecturer was right, it does contain way more information than we need and it often goes into far more detail than required for LOs and general knowledge needed for your clinical and intern years, so it can be hard to sift through the info you don’t need and get to what you do. Some of the text can also be quite technical/complicated if you haven’t done much physiology before medicine or aren’t so great at formulas or physics (like me!). If you were to ask me to rate it out of 10 in terms of relevance to medical students, ease of use and understandability (I realise that’s not really a word), I’d give it a 7. I’m not going to say buy it or you’ll never forgive yourself, I still prefer Marieb’s ‘Human Anatomy & Physiology’ and Kumar & Clark’s ‘Clinical Medicine’, but Boron & Boulpaep’s ‘Medical Physiology’ is definitely worth a look at.
SDL - A Modern Tragedy. Everyone knows of at least someone who dropped out of school or university because it ‘wasn’t for him or her ’. Even our parents and our grandparents knew these people. And while some of them went on to pursue perfectly valid life g oals and become functioning members of society, a somewhat large group of them were inspired by statements like Einstein’s “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid”, or the s tory of Leonardo da Vinci who taught himself science, disregarding the likelihood that true genius is limited to a small percentage of the population. Historically, these people didn’t make it to the top of their conventional classes, reassuring themselves that they were more similar to Darwin, Leibniz, Edison or Hemingway in their non- standard approach to learning, and that conventional education was more suited to the average pedestrian living life in the mainstream. Whether they struggled thoug h formal education or left to pursue their own genius, nevertheless their collective belief has filtered its way through various fields, first finding some significance in the liberal arts, less in the sciences and finally, taking root in medical education. Thus, we find ourselves labouring under the tyranny of ‘Self-Directed Learning’. This doctrine of ‘Self- Directed Learning’ or SDL hereafter, is supported by research that suggests that medical students forced to become SD Learners early in their medical education, are more likely to be SD Learners later in life. Why is this a good thing? The answer is supposedly that before SDL was introduced, graduating doctors erroneously believed that the knowledge they took away from medical school was set in stone, never to be questioned or added to. This is obviously not a positive outcome, and we can begin to understand the motivation to create SD Learners. However the problem
therein lies that the majority of medical school cohorts in the present are made up of individuals much younger than the faculty members, and as a result, we have had a very different experience of the world. Instead of having to take our high school and university educators’ teachings as fact, we were willing and had ready access to information that may have provided an alternative or updated perspective. We were SD Learners the moment we could “Ask Jeeves” in primary school, and haven’ t stopped questioning since. The risk of being polluted by a single source of information on a topic has been so greatly reduced for anyone with a personal computer, smartphone or birthdate post- 1980. And yet, our medical school continues to promote an ‘organic’ learning experience such that we rarely experience a formal teaching session, rather medical professionals are required only to ‘fac ilitate’ our eduction. This would be acceptable if medical knowledge was somehow locked in our subconscious, and needed only an indiscriminate amount of mindfulness sessions and textbook readings to release it. I doubt that this is the case, and as such I feel that we are being deprived of the educational possibilities that lurk inside the mind of every medical professional who sits mutely in our PBL’s, workshops and communication sessions. I expected and hoped to engage in learning that resembled a slow bu t steady trudge on the path of knowledge, guided by valued and experienced mentors, yet I find myself in an artificial environment that provides education in short bursts with disproportionate assessment, that resembles more an embarrassing fumble in the dark. Under the guise of providing a novel and valuable approach to education, faculties have a brilliant excuse to employ often unqualified, incapable and misdirected non medical professionals to ‘facilitate’ our learning in whichever manner they see fit.
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We are desperate for guidance, and when we do happen upon a skilled educator who has not yet been fully indoctrinated into the SDL cult, and therefore willing to impart knowledge, the learning experience is dramatically more useful. Is this is the intention - to starve us of formal education so that when it happens upon us we are more than eager to retain the information? If so then the concern might be that, similar to starvation, our mental stomach may not cope when and if we ever receive an infl ux of useful information, so used are we to sifting through mountains of information until we find a small amount of something valuable and assessable. It is not that we need knowledge to be served up to us at every session, rather that we might not have our intelligenc e insulted so often
if our educators weren’t required to ‘keep secrets’ from us instead of contributing to the collaboration of ideas. While medical practice remains the goal, the process of medical school is unfortunately becoming more of a hurdle to pas s and forget about, than the essential contrivance it should be. I live in a state of chagrin that we are required to attend mandatory sessions, while simultaneously being told to engage in SDL, and at the plethora of perpetual contradictions and redundan cies that are found in abundance in the course. I was prepared for the difficulty of the course content, and not the grand folly I would be required to participate and engage in.
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Cafe Review Series #5 In one of the most controversial cafe-reviews of the century, Elliot Dolan-Evans defies the laws of physics, morality and good-taste to bring you the latest update... O glorious day! How I praise thee for such an opportunity! You see faithful readers; the explanation for my unbridled happiness in this review is the astounding luck I have had to dine with three celebrities, nay, three superstars of the Griffith Medical student world. I am delighted to announce that in this coffeeseeking adventure, I was joined by Adam Jackson, the current Academic Representative/Demigod, Jasmine Davis, the Well-Being Officer/goddess, and Jasmine’s trophy partner Kris Blucher, who is also an occasional wearer of mooostaches. Having been joined by such venerable company, it was decreed that we would visit a place that would be surely suited to such extravagance as afforded by our party. Thus, Spendelove, a coffee parlour located at Ferry Road Markets, was anointed as the place to descend upon in a ravenous frenzy of class and stupor. For those unfamiliar with the area, Ferry Road Markets in all its extravagance and modern architectural design certainly makes you forget you are in Southport - indeed, the environment is more suited to a wealthy inner-city suburb of Sydney or Melbourne. Equipped with art deco design, populated by boutique stores, and oozing with wealth, I predicted that the experience at Ferry Road Markets would be fit for a Tsar of Russia; which would be quite passable in the context of the current company. Indeed, the extravagance of the place and the class of the customers that frequented the locale was summed up exquisitely by Kris:
‘There are more Soccer Mums here than you can poke a schtick at’ (Blucher, 2011) Tremendous. With promises of elegance and glory, we entered Spendelove all dressed in casual ‘student’ attire befitting of our financial circumstances (myself in particular). This style of fashion was immediately seen to be inadequate upon entering the premises. Dining at this cafe was a large number of people dressed in their Saturday best, and the atmosphere spewed elegance. We eagerly took our seats in Spendelove’s ‘middle area’. It seemed to me that this cafe was divided into three portions; one in the actual shop, our middle section that was located just outside the store in an open dining area, and a final third section set slightly below our level further into the main complex. Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that this middle section was also a walk-way for the hundreds of shoppers visiting the main grocery stores, and we unluckily took our seats at the edge of this pedestrian road. Life is such. I went to a nearby ATM to extract some paper of the money variety whilst my guests were seating themselves. Upon my return, I was slightly indignant to hear that they had placed an order of drinks without me; though I calmed myself by remembering the terror of God’s eventual wrath upon them for this insult. Waiting for our drinks, we were engaged in delightful discourse; relating to each other our pursuits and adventures thus far on holidays.
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It was, I must humbly admit, a delight to again see my colleagues after such an absence, and hearing everyone was doing so well! Kindly, Spendelove allowed this conversation to continue unabated for ages, before they bothered us with anything trifling such as our drinks or requests for food. Although when they finally did, we were slightly bemused by their eagerness to take our food orders without the provision of previously ordered drinks (I had by this time submitted my own request to this end). Regardless, we humoured them to see how the ‘order calamity’, now known as OrderGate, would carry out. Speaking of, this is what was requested: Jasmine:
• Fig & Nut Loaf $8.50 • Fresh mixed juice $6.50
Kris:
• Corn Fritters $18.50 • Mango yoghurt smoothie $6.50
Adam:
• Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon $18.50 • Mocca $4.00
Elliot:
• Fruit Salad. $12.00 • Chai Latte. $4.20
As I’m sure you’ve immediately noticed, and recoiled in burning terror, the prices were offensively high; indeed, they were akin to the total cost of feeding myself for a week, and as such I expected to be very impressed. Following the placement of our noble orders, we were again allowed a large stretch of time to converse. At the despair of some of the guests, the discourse did eventually turn to GUMS business, which bored most amicably and is the reason for the less than ideal conversation scores here. As my faithful readers fondly remember my previously documented hot date with Jen McAuliffe, the prior Academic Representative, they would have expected me to comprehensively interview the new incumbent Adam on his views on the role, as well as how he went about committing mutiny and then figurative regicide to gain the top role.
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Despite obviously still enjoying the glory of such a victory, Adam was cagey about his role in the biggest political take-over since the French Revolution, instead offering a variety of fart jokes. Finally, we received our orders.... but food was served first. We were quite perplexed to not receive our beverages before the main dish, especially when we could see said drinks. After hassling the nearest waiter to solicit us with our liquid pleasures (ewwwww), we feasted on the food. A glance towards my colleagues’ plates revealed that the meals were extremely small, especially considering the prices paid, in the fashion of a fancy gourmet restaurant. However, though my friends seemed satisfied, their obvious lack of enjoyment and unconvincing praise of the food did not move my heart to desire such offerings . The fruit salad I received was tasty, as well as fairly large, with a very sweet sauce to pour over it. Though I must admit it was nothing special, and I could create a similar offering for 1/5 of the price. Everyone agreed that the drinks were good, and so all was well in the world. Eating and drinking was made somewhat difficult by busy shoppers pushing past our chairs, in what was quite a noisy and disruptive setting. Although pressured to leave by the waiters servicing the locale, we persevered and enjoyed each other’s company immensely. However, OrderGate had left its mark on me, and I won’t be going back in a rush, no matter how many Soccer Mums there are; and as demonstrated again, you can’t go wrong with cheapness! Ratings: Jas Kris Adam Elliot Food 8 8 7 6 Ambience 7 5 5 4 Drinks 9 8 8 8 Cost 3 3 3 2.5 Conversation 6 7 9 10 Service 5 3 2 lol
Being Taken and Being in Med Jen McAuliffe relates her real-life experiences as something akin to the love between Romeo and Juliet.; warning, an antiemetic may be required... Many a person will tell you that medicine is hard on relationships. And indeed, there are many relationships that in my 2 years I have seen come and go among my friends and fellow med students. But rather than dwell on why life in med can tear people apart I thought I would present the often forgotten side of how it can work and some things that helped me and my Mr Wonderful stay happy. *Disclaimer: more vomit worthy text ahead. Read with caution… or a bucket* 1. Get Yourself a Great Partner Awesome advice you say? If only it was that easy you say? Well Duh! I hear you. I am incredibly lucky to have a wonderful partner who is fully supportive of my career and studies. I feel that I had some advantage since I had been with “Mr Wonderful” 4 years prior to beginning med and in some ways being in a committed and stable relationship has made the transition easier, although there was a time I was worried about how life might play out. Don’t be disheartened if this isn’t you or if you are unsure about what your future holds. What follows will hopefully be much more helpful than advice point number 1. 2. Its Their Life Too – So TALK About It Before even applying for med school, Mr Wonderful and I had a talk. We were a team and this was a part of my life that would have a massive impact on his as well as our relationship. Therefore it was his decision too about where I
should apply, particularly since there isn’t more than 1 med school within a 100km radius of the other when you are based in Qld. Plus, ‘Med’ is a big deal (having gotten here you know how much effort and commitment it requires). It’s not just your average degree or profession. From this day on you will be sharing yourself between your study/patients and the people you love in life. Balance is hard but it’s possible. I won’t lie, there are weeks and months even when I kind of suck at it. But I try and make up for it when I can (and thankfully that’s been okay with Mr W!). Keep in mind that medicine is a profession of life long learning and that the demands you experience in med school are only going to grow as your career progresses. So getting on top of this earlier rather than later could prove best. 3. Get Them Involved Right from the start I wanted Mr Wonderful to understand what life for me would be like. I wanted him to feel that he belonged in my world and not isolated from something that he at least initially felt very intimidated by (and probably still does a little). While not every med related event is appropriate for partners, there are definitely plenty of opportunities to bring your beloved along to meet all your new friends.
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4. Your Partners Profession Makes Absolutely NO Difference A mentor I had in first year, a successful surgeon, told me without an ounce of compassion that, since Mr Wonderful wasn’t in med and didn’t know a thing about it, my relationship was doomed to suffer and die a horrible, painful death. Real charmer. Advice: Don’t believe everything that your superiors tell you (regardless of what the statistics on divorce in medical relationships say). However – there is a disclaimer on this. Your partner’s profession will make no difference, as long as you don’t let it. Mr Wonderful might not know much about the scientific content of what I do, but he is happy to listen to my day (minus some of the more gory details) and talk to me about uni just the same as I listen to him talk about all things mechanics and cars. And if you are hung up on the fact that you are now a “med student” and a “Dr to be” and they… well… aren’t, things can get hairy. 5. Having a Non-Med Relationship Rocks. This statement really doesn’t need any explanation, but I will give a few great reasons as to why this statement reigns true. i. If you hook up after the start of med school there isn’t crazy gossip and giggles from the whole cohort ii. If you break up after the start of med school there isn’t crazy gossip and giggles form the whole cohort iii. You get a break from all things medicine (enough said) Occasionally having a non-med partner has its down points. Sometimes, no matter what I do, I feel like Mr Wonderful just doesn’t get it. Doesn’t understand the stress, the passion or whatever ridiculous pathophysiology I’m just NOT GETTING! And mostly when I (eventually) stop ranting, I realise that having him under-
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stand absolutely everything is not essential. But having him know me, and know when I need a hug or a cup of tea or a neck massage is essential. Reading this back, it sounds like I’m a conceited, pretentious, and a (bleedingly) annoyingly happy Dr Phil. Potentially true, but not what I had originally set out to do. I guess what I was really going for was to share what has (so far) worked for me and what I have seen fail for others. Obviously every relationship is different and you will find what works for you… or not. Either way it’s a learning process. And believe me at times it has been a process… But for Mr Wonderful, its definitely worth it.
GUMS Projects Abroad Elective Bursary. Projects Abroad have kindly donated a $250 bursary for students planning on doing an elective in a developing community. The purpose of the bursary is to allow you to purchase supplies that the community would find particularly helpful or to donate the money to a project that is already underway. If you would like to apply for the bursary please provide a 1 page summary of the community you are visiting and what you would like to do with the money by June 15th to sponsorship@gums.org.au
More information regarding electives in developing countries can be found at http://www. projects-abroad.com.au/
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GPYR MDFT3862
YOU ASK AND WE ANSWER. INSTANTLY. Whether you’ve applied for one of our Medical and Health roles or are considering joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF), we thought you’d be interested in our upcoming live interactive broadcast. This is your chance to ask and gain first hand information from current officers in the field about their job, life in the ADF and more.
REGISTER TODAY The broadcast will commence on 29 March 2012 at 6.30pm AEDT. In order for you to participate, you will need to register prior to the event at broadcasts.defencejobs.gov.au
MEET THE SPEAKER
MEDICAL OFFICER LISA MAUS
BROADCASTS.DEFENCEJOBS.GOV.AU
Meet Flight Lieutenant Lisa Maus of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Lisa provides primary care services to members at RAAF Base Williamtown; performs on-call base emergency response duties; and on-call duties for operational Defence tasks. Her skills and experience have also been put to use in numerous Defence exercises and humanitarian operations across the world.