President’s Letter Our Team Ideas and Initiatives Meet the Team President Vice President Internal Vice President External Treasurer National Coordinator Public Relations Officer Events Coordinator Engagement and Promotions Officer Community and Wellbeing Officer Rural and Indigenous Officer Global Health Officer Publications Officer Internal Communications Officer Sponsorship Officers Supporting Documents Final Notes
nswamsabid2014.com 2
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
Page 03 04 07 15 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 45 56
President’s Letter
John’s Welcome Dear Ben and AMSA Councillors, On behalf of the NSW Bid Team, it is with great pleasure that I officially notify you of our intention to bid for the AMSA National Executive in 2014. We are all excited by the possibility of working with the Board and Council to lead AMSA in 2014. We have developed substantive and achievable goals for 2014 by working with AMSA Representatives and medical society Presidents from across the country to develop a framework of ideas that will strengthen AMSA’s position as Australia’s peak medical student representative body. We believe increased engagement, financial sustainability and a focused advocacy platform are the three pillars essential to the long-term success of the organisation. I am honoured to lead such an accomplished team of medical students from seven schools across New South Wales. Our diversity of experience with AMSA, university societies, and external organisations demonstrates a history of connecting, informing and engaging on issues relevant to Australia’s medical students. Our commitment to continue the successful initiatives of past and present executives is matched by our commitment to strengthen AMSA with initiatives developed under our three pillars. I look forward to seeing you on the Gold Coast and introducing the New South Wales bid team to you and AMSA Council. Sincerely,
John Cherry President Candidate NSW AMSA Executive Bid Team
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
3
Our Team
7
1
1
1
New South Wales Universities Represented
Member of the Current AMSA National Executive
Chair of the AMSA Global Health Committee
Chair of the National Rural Health Student Network
4
4
23
21
Medical Society Presidents
Global Health Group and Rural Health Club Presidents
Total Years of Service to Seven Medical Societies
Total Years of Service to GHGs and RHCs across Seven Universities
3
15
10
11
Members of AMSA Event and Project Committees
Attendances at AMSA Councils
Attendances at AMSA NLDS and NRLDS
Attendances at AMSA National Conventions and Global Health Conferences
John Cherry President
Georgia Carroll VPI
Kelly Thompson VPE
John brings extensive leadership experience to the team as the current MedSoc President of Wollongong and the AMA NSW Student Councillor. He is passionate about leading AMSA’s advocacy platform and strengthening AMSA’s position as the peak medical student representative body in Australia.
Georgia brings the ideal skillset to the VP(I) role, as a former MedSoc President and a member of the current National Executive. Georgia will relish the opportunity to manage a team once again, and her immersion in the operational aspects of AMSA puts her in a great position to support the Executive, and to strengthen our integrity as an organisation.
Most medical students will know Kelly as their AGH Chair, but a quick glance at her CV shows that she has done great work in advocacy in the international health setting. Even as we submit this document, Kelly is in Geneva participating in the WHO Assembly. She has policy experience with AMSA and other bodies which has seen her travel around the world from New York to Ireland and now Sydney.
4
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
Arushi Madan Treasurer
Nicola Wood NC
Helen Wilson PRO
Arushi worked as a Senior Financial Associate at Macquarie Bank prior to commencing medicine, and her current position as Wollongong MedSoc Treasurer shows that she still hasn’t let go of her passion for spreadsheets. Arushi offers a professional financial perspective to AMSA and has the necessary discipline to keep AMSA’s budgets in check.
Nicola’s extensive involvement in all areas of university life is truly impressive. Her commitment to various teams and willingness to assist with additional tasks reflects not only her organisational skills and time management, but that she is a ‘team player’ if ever there was one. Nicola’s skill set is perfectly suited to the role of NC, and her open and friendly personality mean that she is a pleasure to work with.
Helen’s past experience in public relations and advocacy as the President of Canteen and later in AIHW as the co-author of multiple mental health reports is ideal for a PRO. Her work with AIHW is highly relevant to AMSA’s current and our planned advocacy focus on student mental health. Helen’s inherently calm nature is seen through the carefully considered and thoughtful advice that she brings to the team.
Emma Curé Events
Tom Crookes EPO
Brian Fernandes CWO
Emma herself is a testament to the benefits of expanding the Events Coordinator portfolio, as a member of the inaugural NLDS Committee. Her infectious enthusiasm and passion for events began in her first year of medicine through attending Convention, NLDS, and GHC and her love of AMSA is topped only by her love of puns.
Between running his own company and working as a successful Sydney DJ, Tom is also President of MANDUS. His clear work ethic and substantial background in promotions, as well as his innovative vision for the EPO portfolio in 2014 promise to see AMSA’s engagement grow. We can’t wait to see the same positive results from Tom’s work that he has delivered for many large scale companies in the past.
Brian brings his experiences instituting new wellbeing initiatives on a medsoc level to the role of CWO. As a former President of the UWS GHG and the current Community Health Officer of the UWSMS he intimately understands the scaffolds needed to bring community and wellbeing initiatives to each medsoc. His determination and vision is perfectly fitted to the autonomous nature of this portfolio.
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
5
Francesca Garnett RIO
Chelsea Ricketts GHO
Ming Yong Publications
Francesca’s experience as Chair of NRHSN and her hands on work in Indigenous and rural health has provided an invaluable perspective of how medical students can engage with these areas and make a meaningful difference. From her early childhood through to her extra curricular activities in medical school, she has always embodied the values of the RIO portfolio.
As a former President of the Wollongong Global Health Group and treasurer of a tuberculosis charity, Chelsea brings invaluable experience to the role. Her professionalism and management abilities have been evident by her work as Vice President of the Wollongong MedSoc and her suitability for this role is only enhanced by her extensive travel and her experiences around the world.
For someone so early on in their university life, Ming has already proven his capabilities in design and has demonstrated his creativity, from as early as his days in high school to as recent as his tenure as the UNMS Publications and Promotions Officer. The speed at which Ming can produce publications is unbelievable, and this bid document is, in itself, a testimonial to Ming’s eye for detail and commitment to his works.
Oliver Mills ICO
Jenny Namkoong Sponsorship
Emma Kelso Sponsorship
Oliver has a fascinating background and has been gifted with a seemingly omniscient understanding of technology from an early age. He has built successful websites and IT systems first in the UK and now in Australia, with a consistent history of achievement. While Olly’s skill set makes him our dream ICO, his warm and relaxed nature is what makes him invaluable to our team.
Jenny is a goal oriented individual. She is intuitive and skilled at building relationships. Her many years of NSW MSC and UNSW MedSoc experience have this year culminated in her fulfilling the role of MedSoc President. Jenny is the perfect mix of friendly and professional and she approaches this role with excitement and confidence.
Emma has a strong background in corporate relations. Her most recent achievements include being elected to the role of Sponsorship Officer for MANDUS, where she has had impressive success. Not only does Emma bring the professionalism required for this role, but she also brings her good humour to the team, particularly having worked as a sperm scientist.
6
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
Insert Name20 medical societies. 17,000 students. Position 1 AMSA. Bringing it back to you.
AMSA is a huge organisation - with millions of dollars of cash flow every year, over 100 volunteer office bearers, and a unique structure of corporate governance. We are a professional body and should always be aiming for growth and expansion. It is all too easy to focus on these heady notions and forget what has always been at our core: AMSA is run by students, for students. We need to constantly reexamine what we are giving back to our members. As it stands right now, we believe that we can do much more to support medical societies, engage and inform our 17,000, and give our members the power to guide AMSA’s path in the years ahead.
In 2014, we plan to establish a pilot program of state-based events. Events have long been identified as the most successful way in which AMSA connects our members. This is a strength that should be utilised further to foster engagement and benefit our members in their diverse range of interests. We plan to begin with three events, each held in a different state: a ‘Crash Course to Business in the Medical Profession’, a ‘Mental Health Forum’ and an ‘Indigenous Health Seminar’. Each of these have been identified consistently in feedback given to this team as areas of personal interest and importance to us as medical students, both now and in our future careers. We recognise that this is an ambitious goal but we are confident in our ability to achieve it through the establishment of subcommittees to convene these events in conjunction with our Events Convenor. Emma herself is a testament to the success of recruiting fresh faces to AMSA’s events, as a member of the 2013 NLDS Committee. 8
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
‘‘
We plan to begin with three events, each held in a different state: a ‘Crash Course to Business in the Medical Profession’, a ‘Mental Health Forum’ and an ‘Indigenous Health Seminar’.
Expanding the avenues of involvement and leadership
‘‘
Improved accessibility to events and training
The establishment of subcommittees and Project Manager positions are a key step in increasing the accessibility involvement in AMSA for our members. By creating these leadership opportunities we can offer tremendous personal and professional reward to members who may not have had the chance to become involved in AMSA before. Our team is committed to continuing the work of the current Executive in providing such opportunities through appointing Project Managers for campaigns, initiatives and events, and within the Executive portfolios of Sponsorship, Community and Wellbeing and Rural and Indigenous.
‘‘
‘‘
itory of the knowledge and expertise that already exists and can be added to in the years ahead. A President will be able to look up ‘AMC Reporting’ and see the tips and guidelines from other MedSocs, and even see the reports submitted by other universities to adapt as a template. A Wellbeing Officer could look at a ‘Wellbeing events’ page The AMSA website is the place to go for all and seek inspiration for a new initiative by the information you need to know about those already established at other MedSocs. AMSA as an organisation and what it can of- A Treasurer could download a template for fer you, but there’s a lot of room for improve- events budgets that has worked well for anment to be had. We will completely rede- other MedSoc. This would serve as a datasign the website, with the view to launch this base that MedSocs can refer to and update in January as we enter our term as Execu- as they develop new protocols, guides and tive. This will mean more than a new look. management strategies, overseen and faIt will make the information contained on cilitated by the Executive. the website more organized and allow us to identify deficits in the information contained [We] will set up ... a MedSoc Wiki ... there, such as more information about the a central repositatory of ... knowledge work of the executive and a comprehensive and expertise. guide regarding how to get involved.
The format of the publications as they are accessed online will also evolve, so that reading Panacea and our publications isn’t just a matter of scrolling through a PDF copy. Instead we will present Panacea as an interactive outlet, with opportunities to comment on content so individuals can share their views. The launch of this new approach to our online media will occur in conjunction with targeted promotions via our social media platforms.
Supporting MedSocs
‘‘
‘‘
The format of the publications as they are accessed online will also evolve, so that reading Panacea and our publications isn’t just a matter of scrolling through a PDF copy.
One of the strongest aspects of AMSA is the fact that we bring together representatives from every MedSoc in Australia. This allows a dialogue and exchange of experience to occur three times per year at Council, but we can do much more to provide tangible support to MedSocs on an everyday basis. This Executive will, over the next 18 months, set up the structures for a ‘MedSoc wiki’ resource and coordinate the collaboration of information with the MedSoc Presidents and AMSA Reps to produce a this central repos-
‘‘
Valuing Council
Since the establishment of the Board, the role of Council has been redefined and we’re still finding our feet in the changed context. Our Executive will enter into our roles with the expectation that we should be transparent with Council and seek their input on our activities. We will provide monthly reports to Councillors to update them on what work we are doing, the progress towards our goals, issues that we have encountered and what input we seek from Council to help guide us in how we go forward. By keeping Council informed between the tri-annual meetings, we also open the door for Councillors to share their thoughts on activities of interest to them and in doing so, create a two-way flow of dialogue between Executive and Council.
‘‘
Our Executive will enter into our roles with the expectation that we should be transparent with Council and seek their input on our activities.
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
‘‘
‘‘
It will make the information contained on the website more organised and allow us to identify deficits in the information contained there.
‘‘
An interactive online presence
‘‘
Our team is committed to … providing opportunities through appointing project managers ... and subcommittees.
9
Affecting long term Insert Name change Position
Advocacy has consistently been a relative strength for AMSA in the last few years, but as with anything there is room for growth and improvement. The success we have had through our public and political advocacy strategies is something that we will maintain, but we also need to look to how we can achieve our policy objectives at local and individual levels, always looking to affect realistic and meaningful change that is in line with the collective voice of Australian medical students.
Post-graduate training
of our message to the general public, from whom we can garner support, and the poliThe State and Federal governments have ticians, who ultimately shape the debate. failed to adequately address the internship We believe it is important to add our allocations system to account for the invoice on internships to the work of creasing number of medical students and this will form a major part of our advocacy organisations representing junior platform. The instability of the current funddoctors and develop a unified message ing arrangements and the inequality in outthat spans the training pipeline. comes for domestically trained international medical students is occurring at a time when the Federal Governments Health Workforce Australia agency have emphasized the need for all Australian medical graduates The 2010 organisational Health Review identito be offered internship positions in order to fied a need for broader consultation with medmeet the future healthcare needs of Aus- ical students across Australia, to ensure that our tralia. The eleventh hour solution that was voice on the national and state level is truly in brokered last year has not been renewed line with the collective voice of the 17,000 that and significant uncertainty still surrounds this we represent. Through the ‘Australia We Want’ year’s internship allocations. campaign, we will pursue open consultation with
The Australia we want
We believe that AMSA should reposition the ‘Internship Crisis’ to address the greater issue of post-graduate training. Successive governments have failed to address the greater issue of the postgraduate training pipeline, of which internships form the vital first step. We believe it is important to add our voice on internships to the work of organisations representing junior doctors and develop a unified message that spans the training pipeline. This will facilitate an easier delivery 10 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
‘‘
‘‘
students from July 2013 if elected, to ensure that we are positioned ideally to address the collective voice’s advocacy and policy priorities from day one of our term in Office. We will identify the gaps between the current state of health in Australia, medical education and broader social issues, and the state that medical students would like to see in the future. Through this process we aim to develop a stronger, more representative advocacy base for AMSA, allow us to act swiftly and accurately on behalf of Australian medical students as issues develop on a national level.
Medical student education in Indigenous health and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students are AMSA’s top priorities in this area. Medical student education in Indigenous health is key to ensuring that the next generation of doctors have the skills to close the gap. AMSA plans to work with MDANZ to increase the quality and consistency of medical student education in Indigenous health.
‘‘
‘‘
AMSA plans to work with MDANZ to increase the quality and consistency of medical student education in Indigenous health.
Increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students is key to addressing disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health outcomes. Ensuring that these students are able to access medical courses and are well-supported throughout their studies is an important aspect of this and something that AMSA will advocate to universities on.
Rural health care The two main aspects of rural health that AMSA will focus on for 2014 are rural medical training pathways and student placements in rural and remote areas. We will advocate for increased opportunities for rural postgraduate training for interested students both in internship and specialty training places. Our team will also focus on coordination of training pipelines for rural doctors, and make information on these pathways available to medical students considering rural practice. We believe that rural placements are a valuable aspect of medical training. Placements need to be well coordinated and supported to ensure that students have a positive rural experience and are not disadvantaged in their training. Francesca’s expertise in this area will prove invaluable.
‘‘
‘‘
We will advocate for increased opportunities for rural postgraduate training for interested students both in internship and specialty training places.
The demands and stresses of medical school place medical students at a higher risk of mental health related conditions than the general public. This has been recognised by AMSA with appointment of the a ‘Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Project Manager’ position and Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy passed at Council. With Helen’s extensive background and employment in mental health, we plan to build on AMSA’s position in 2013 and work to bring greater attention to the issue in the medical education community. We will support and develop the position of Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Project Manager which has the potential to provide significantly improved outcomes to medical students at risk. We also plan to use AMSA’s resources to develop practical and achievable goals with medical societies around Australia to help address the mental health of medical students at a grassroots level.
‘‘
We will support and develop the position of Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Project Manager which has the potential to provide significantly improved outcomes to medical students at risk.
Policy review
In the past few years, AMSA Executives have consistently identified the need for a database of AMSA policies, as well as a streamlined process to review current policy. By the end of 2014, we will have reviewed all policies currently adopted by AMSA. Past and current Executives have made significant progress in this, and we recognise the substantial time and thought that has been put into this process.
‘‘
By the end of 2014, we will have reviewed all policies currently adopted by AMSA.
‘‘
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care
Medical student well being and mental health
‘‘
The results of the consultation process will allow us to direct AMSA’s activities to best reflect the interests of students, and serve as a vehicle for increasing the engagement of medical students with AMSA.
We want to ensure that our Executive will work closely with the current Executive to fully understand the work that has been undertaken and to identify continued areas of need, and to ensure that project is continued to completion. We will also work with the current Executive to ensure that the process of policy review is something that is maintained to ensure that AMSA policy consistently reflects the beliefs of Australian medical students. NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 11
Insert AchievingName a stable foundation Position for our organisation.
Two of the most prominent threats to AMSA’s integrity as an organisation are the lack of organisational memory, and the precariously balanced nature of our financial health. Our team is acutely aware of this, and we are committed to allocating a considerable amount of time and effort to eliminating these threats, with the knowledge that this will ultimately stabilise AMSA’s foundation and create better organisational integrity in the years ahead.
It is an inevitable consequence of AMSA’s structure, with Executives and Events teams changing from year to year, that the retention of corporate knowledge is dependent on the informal transfer of knowledge between incumbent and incoming office bearers. This is unreliable and inconsistent corporate practice. By the end of 2014, we will address the deficiency in internal protocols and formalise the handover process by providing flexible frameworks that can be applied to every portfolio. This process would begin in July. We will work with the current Executive during the next six months to conduct a SWOT analysis and to trial a structured formal handover framework, and to identify gaps in our documented knowledge. From January 1st, it will be an expectation of our team that we maintain a running handover document throughout the year, detailing our activities chronologically and in real time rather than retrospect, including the steps we took in carrying out our duties big or small and how we overcame issues as they arose. This is something that can be passed on for years to come and updated to stay consistent with future practice.
12 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
‘‘
We will address the deficiency in internal protocols and formalise the handover process.
Our financial wellbeing
‘‘
Retention of corporate knowledge
Money makes the world go around and AMSA is no exception to this - currently, our longevity as an organisation hinges on whether or not the budget balances each year. In 2014, we aim to deliver budget balance. This is not an extravagant goal, but is practical and achievable, and of vital importance to AMSA’s financial sustainability. This will be the primary goal of the finance team. However, it is important to recognise that this isn’t something that just involves the Treasurers and Sponsorship Officers. Every aspect of AMSA’s activities, whether it be advocacy or engagement, will strive to operate within a strict framework of financial rigour and discipline. It is key that each team member on the Executive, events teams and AMSA Committees, is familiar with the gross picture of the 2014 budget and intimately understands each line item of expenditure and income relevant to their portfolio. This expectation will be in place from day one.
‘‘
‘‘
It is key that each team member on the Executive, events teams and AMSA Committees, is familiar with the gross picture of the 2014 budget and intimately understands each line item of expenditure and income relevant to their portfolio.
Tighter financial discipline and control
Many of those involved in the internal financial and budgetary processes within AMSA have identified that the current protocols for reporting, documentation and approval processes are unclear at best. By the end of our time as Executive, we will have set up streamlined processes and internal protocols to guide us in making key financial decisions, from setting the budget to the allocation of funds from sponsorship packages. During the Sponsorship income is the currency by which handover period, we will conduct a comAMSA lives or dies. We acknowledge the risk prehensive review of all existing documenthat this poses, but at the same time strongly tation surrounding financial decision making believe that sponsorship is a genuinely lucra- and what decisions have been made in the tive and successful aspect of AMSA. absence of protocols. We will also work with the current Executive to establish guidelines We need to capitalize on sponsorship reve- for the formation of all AMSA budgets, with nue while concurrently controlling conserva- a focus on achieving realistic outcomes by tive expenditure limits that we will set in the setting conservative sponsorship targets and budget. The key step in driving expansion of provisions for ‘stretch’ expenditure if profit sponsorship is to establish a Sponsorship Sub- margins are exceeded. committee. Jenny and Emma will work with the current Sponsorship Officers to get this We will … set up streamlined Subcommittee off the ground and ensure processes and internal protocols to that good management strategies for delguide us in making key financial egation of tasks are in place by the time we would officially be taking office in six months. decisions, from setting the budget to The value of a Sponsorship Subcommittee the allocation of funds from lies in the fact that by increasing the size of sponsorship packages. the Sponsorship team, we are increasing the collective hours available for managing sponsorship business. These extra hours will afford the sponsorship team the time to:
Expansion of the sponsorship portfolio
‘‘
‘‘
Increasing communication, transparency and accountability
‘‘
‘‘
By increasing the size of the Sponsorship team, we are increasing the collective hours available for managing sponsorship business.
We are genuinely excited to see a drive towards growth of the sponsorship portfolio in 2014.
We all know that AMSA is a large organisation, and that many people are involved in it’s finances across multiple teams. It is vitally important that these people are given the opportunity to communicate with each other, as a ‘Finance Reference Group’. We will institute monthly teleconferences between AMSA’s Treasurers, Sponsorship Officers, and Events Convenors, to facilitate group discussion in a collaborative approach, to counter the fragmented nature of finances that has prevailed in prior years. In the long term, we look to establish a systematic framework of internal communication protocols - the product of which will be passed on to future executives and events teams.
‘‘
We will institute monthly teleconferences between AMSA’s Treasurers, Sponsorship Officers, and Events Convenors, to facilitate … a collaborative approach.
‘‘
• Review AMSA Central sponsorship packages, with a view to move to a contribution-based level model mirroring that of the events teams. • Comprehensively research individual partners’ corporate identity and goals to better tailor what we ‘pitch’ to sponsors • Sit down face to face with partners, putting in the time needed to negotiate multi-year agreements • Pursue new opportunities with new partners outside of the traditional arenas of business that we have relied on for decades
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 13
So that’s our vision and the big picture of what the next 18 months would look like for us. We hope you share our vision and we would love to talk to you more about our plans in the coming weeks. If you’re a medical student from anywhere across the country, please email us at team@nswamsabid2014.com to share your thoughts with us. Your feedback is exceptionally important to us and we will always be guided by this as an Executive.
John Cherry President
AMSA started in 1960 as a haphazard collection of medical students assembled in Brisbane. Years of student dedication have brought about AMSA’s growth to our current position as the peak representative body for over 17,000 medical students across Australia. I am committed to honoring the successful history of our organisation, but at the same time recognise that change is needed for organisational growth. I am driven by the belief that my team can continue AMSA’s history of growth, to provide more for our members and increase their voice at a national level.
Active interaction with AMSA’s members
The growth of medical education across Australia has diversified AMSA’s member base and we must develop our engagement initiatives to serve our range of members. If elected, I will foster a culture of engagement innovation on the Executive by encouraging new engagement initiatives for students and developing subcommittees for the portfolios of sponsorship, rural health, Indigenous health and community and wellbeing. As President of the WUMSS, I have witnessed the benefits of increased engagement with our members and I am committed to continuing this work with AMSA to engage with more medical students around the country.
Stability and integrity
As a Board member I would make it a priority to see the implementation of a three year strategic plan in 2014. AMSA’s Organisational Health Review in 2010 demonstrated a need for improved stability and integrity of the organisation and I am committed to working with the Board and the Executive to improve the retention of our institutional knowledge and our financial stability. Developing sustainable and achievable goals for AMSA through effective strategic planning is essential for our long- term success and I believe my experience developing similar objectives in both professional and voluntary organisations has prepared me well for the role.
Advocacy
I am confident in my ability to lead AMSA’s advocacy in 2014. I also recognise that at the same time, AMSA has a rich pool of volunteers both past and present, who
16 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
have substantial experience in policy and advocacy and I aim to draw on this to reframe our current advocacy focus towards the broader issue of the training pipeline. Successive governments have failed to address the effect of increasing student numbers on postgraduate medical training, of which internships form the first step. The time has come for AMSA to work more closely with key stakeholders like the AMA CDT to sculpt a uniform message on the effects of the current training pipeline model. I am also passionate about reinvigorating AMSA’s advocacy for rural and Indigenous health and maintain our strong stance on the mental health of medical students. Studying at a rurally focused medical school has shown me the stresses placed on medical students but it has also provided me with invaluable insight into the differences of health outcomes between rural and metropolitan and Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. As some of Australia’s future health leaders we have a responsibility to advocate for the health and medical education systems that we want. I am committed to forging stronger positions on these issues and promoting greater public awareness of our positions and with Helen and Francesca’s extensive experience in mental and rural and Indigenous health respectively, our team is ideally placed to achieve this. I am proud to lead such a diverse and talented team of medical students from across New South Wales. As President I would foster our enthusiasm, energy and fun to provide improved outcome across AMSA in 2014.
John’s Background John is English by birth but after seeing the light he moved south and gained Australian citizenship. In Australia he has worked as a teacher, co-founded a successful education project in Papua New Guinea and trained as a helicopter pilot before having his passion for medicine lit on an expedition to Antarctica. Since beginning medicine he has been elected President of the Wollongong University Medical Students’ Society and more recently Student Councillor of the Australian Medical Association, New South Wales. In his spare time, and despite his English roots, John volunteers as a patrol captain and club vice-captain for Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club and an emergency jet ski responder for Sydney Northern Beaches Surf Life Saving.
John’s Curriculum Vitae Education 2012 – 2015e MBBS, University of Wollongong 2006 – 2010 Commercial Pilots License (Helicopter), Helicopter Transport and Training 2007 – 2008 Bachelor of Teaching in Secondary Education (Science), UTS 2004 – 2005 Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astrophysics (Hons), ANU 2003 – 2006 Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astrophysics (Hons), University of Manchester
Relevant Employment
2009 – 2011 CSIRO Scientists in Schools Coordinator 2008 – 2010 Co-founder – Bougainville Education Project, Papua New Guinea 2008 Expedition Leader – Ostional Conservation Project, Costa Rica 2006 – 2013 Club Vice Captain and Patrol Captain – Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club 2003 Expedition Leader – Mayan Conservation Project - Belize
Community
2013 Convenor, WUMSS Inspiration Lecture 2012 – Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine – Member 2012 – Aerospace Medical Association, Leadership and Representation United States – Member 2013 – 2015 Student Councillor – AMA (NSW) 2012 – Royal Aeronautical Society, United Kingdom – Member 2012 – 2013 President – Wollongong University Medical Students’ Society (WUMSS) 2012 – Wollongong University Health Over Wealth (WUHOW) - Member 2012 – 2013 Vice President - Tanna Island Hospital Relief Fund 2012 – Student Health Alliance for Rural Populations (SHARP) - Member 2012 Student representative – UoW Student Representatives forum 2012 Student member AMA (NSW) Awards and Achievements in Medicine 2010 Expedition Leader – Antarctica 2013 Christopher Zweerman Memorial Science Expedition Scholar 2010 Expedition Leader – Zero Gravity 2013 NASA Scholar, Aerospace Medicine Science Expedition Research Rotation 2009 – 2011 Australian coordinator – The Global 2012 – John Flynn Scholar, Australian Footprint Network Antarctic Division 2012 First Wave Scholar, GPSN 2008 – 2011 2003 – 2006
Teacher, St Joseph’s College Sydney Royal Air Force, Manchester
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 17
Georgia Carroll Vice President Internal
I have lived and breathed AMSA orange since 2011, and something that never ceases to amaze me is the enthusiasm and excitement of 17,000 Rangers and the endless hard work of all AMSA’s volunteers. This is what drives me to consolidate our integrity as an organisation, with a wonderful team at my side. AMSA is a multifaceted entity, with the internal health of the organisation determined by the strength of each individual team, committee, and event. It is the role of the VP(I) to oversee the smooth running of each component and facilitate internal cohesion, for one stable AMSA. I have seen the everyday challenges that each Executive portfolio holder faces first hand, been inextricably involved in AMSA’s finances, and have had the pleasure to work intimately with each events team. This has afforded me a unique understanding of the internal workings of AMSA and a global view of our strengths, as well as the weaknesses that continue to plague our organisation year after year. You can be confident that I have the corporate knowledge and team management skills necessary to support my team from day to day.
Expansion of our human capital
The most significant limiting factor for the expansion of AMSA as an organisation is the human capital that we draw upon. In the past, expanding our scope has meant additions to the executive with high burdens of workload and responsibility. To ensure that AMSA continues to grow and fulfill its potential, we need to look to our capable and enthusiastic pool of 17,000 medical students for involvement in subcommittees, to take charge of initiatives and projects. In reducing the human capital stress of the executive and events teams, we are simultaneously giving ownership of AMSA back to the members we endeavor to connect, inform and represent through meaningful involvement with executive-driven projects. 18 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
Retention or organisational knowledge
An area that I have seen AMSA struggle with is retention of organisational knowledge, which is confounded by a deficiency in internal policy and protocols. Formal handover documents for each team and portfolio are integral to the smooth transition between incumbent and incoming executives and events teams. Imagine a comprehensive resource - an AMSA-wiki - that contains information compiled and updated by successive executives; the one-stop shop to refer to for any problem that arises for any team or role. Collaboration and creation of internal policies and protocols is intrinsically linked to this, giving direction and setting out steps for management of the issues that have a trend of recurrence.
Happy teams, healthy AMSA
Our organisation relies on the hard work and goodwill of our amazing volunteers, and we need to look after them - they are what keeps AMSA running every year and the long term implications of this are huge. The feeling of burnout and impending pressure of deadlines has the potential to overshadow the personal and professional reward that comes with being an AMSA office bearer. I can’t state enough how thrilled I would be to have the chance to utilise the team management skills I consolidated as a MedSoc President to ensure my team continues to enjoy their involvement in AMSA as much as I have enjoyed working with them for this bid.
Georgia’s Background From her early days as Captain on the soccer field to her more recent background in MedSoc and the AMSA Executive, Georgia has always shown an aptitude for leadership and has thrived in a team environment. After moving to the bush for her pre-clinical years at Armidale, Georgia has now returned home to the beaches of Newcastle. She enters her final year of medical school in 2014, and would like nothing more than to say a long, fond farewell to AMSA in the year ahead.
Georgia’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2010 – 2014 Bachelor of Medicine - Joint Medical Program, University of New England
Leadership and Representation
2013 Sponsorship Officer, AMSA National Executive 2013 Member, Australian Medical Council Medical School Accreditation Committee 2012 President, University of New England Medical Students’ Association (UNEMSA) 2012 Councillor, Australian Medical Students’ Association 2012 Councillor, NSW Medical Student Council 2012 Student Liaison, UNE SRM Executive 2012 Member, JMP Curriculum Renewal Steering Committee 2012
Member, JMP Committee, UNE SRM Executive, JMP Clinical Skills Working Party, JMP Medical Students’ Consultative Committee, SRM Student Professional Leave Committee
2012 Delegate, NLDS 2011 – 2012 Spokesperson and media contact for UNEMSA with ABC radio and Prime Television 2011 Social Convenor, UNEMSA 2011 PASS Leader, UNE School of Rural Medicine 2010 UNEMSA Medicine Charity Ball Subcommittee
Community
2012 Ultrasound Tutor, UNE SRM 2011 Volunteer Table Tutor, Dissection Course for Pre-SET, SET and AST Surgical and Radiological Trainee Candidates
2011 – 2012 Delegate, AMSA National Convention
Awards and Achievements
2012 JMP O’Camp ‘Leading by Example’ Award
2011, 2012 UNEMSA Miss Medicine All Rounders award
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 19
Kelly Thompson Vice President External
I would like to take my combined experience from both my medical career, as well as my previous work and education experience to continue to grow and develop the advocacy and policy portfolio of AMSA. In particular, I would like to apply the knowledge of governance and political process, gained in my work at the United Nations, and at the attendance of a variety of high level meetings to ensure that the AMSA VPE portfolio continues to flourish. I would like to take my external knowledge of health workforce issues, and research into medical curricula in Australia and apply it directly to the post-graduate training issues currently affecting the futures of medical students nationwide. Since beginning medical school I have worked with AMSA policy both locally and nationally and I am excited to take on the role of the driving force behind AMSA’s policy work. I also look forward to implementing my networking and partnership skills into the everyday working of AMSA, expanding our current reach with external organisations.
Post-graduate training
Post-graduate training will consistently be at the core of AMSA’s work. I would like to re-frame the current campaign beyond the focus of internships and expand that to ensure that AMSA is working with external partners to guarantee training pathways for all current medical students.
Making policy work for AMSA
It goes without saying that policy is at the core of all the VPE’s activities. I plan to continue the work of previous AMSA Executives to ensure that AMSA has a strong core of policy that accurately represents the viewpoints of Australian medical students. I would like to finalise the AMSA policy review process and ensure that a cohesive and comprehensive policy review process is developed and implemented as part of the AMSA strategic plan. I would also like to make sure that AMSA policies are not mere opinion pieces, but rather core documents that should serve as the guiding principles in our advocacy and programming. I would also like to take the work of policy local, and work with medical societies, to develop guidelines and assistance for medical societies to develop effective policy at a local level, as well as assist medical students who would like to develop policy locally to present nationally. In working locally with medical societies, I would like to ensure that national advocacy is reproducible on the local level and that AMSA representatives are able to easily implement AMSA campaigns at their medical schools.
20 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
Australia We Want campaign
Using the Australia We Want campaign, I will be working with the AMSA Executive and Council to facilitate a consultative process with medical students nationwide to ensure that AMSA is working effectively for them. In particular, I hope to use the information gathered from this process to advocate on behalf of Australian medical students with external partners.
AIDS2014
In 2014, the 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014), will be coming to Australia for the first time ever. This represents an amazing opportunity for Australian medical students to actively participate in a high level meeting and to gain exposure to health diplomacy on a global level, as well as exposure to some of the most influential people currently working in health. It also represents the opportunity for Australian medical students from around the world. I believe that AMSA can and should have a strong presence in AIDS2014. As such, I have been working with the current AMSA Executive and the organisers for AIDS2014 to ensure as many opportunities as possible are made available to Australian medical students personally, and AMSA as a whole. In the role of VPE, I would like to continue to expand this relationship and to use it as a platform to expand the work of AMSA´s advocacy profile.
Kelly’s Background Kelly is a passionate and driven medical student with a variety of experience in leadership positions, policy development and advocacy work. The breadth of her experience spans the United Nations and World Health Organisation to involvement in AMSA and IFMSA. Kelly believes strongly in the value of medical students taking an active role in advocacy and policy development. She is ready to take the plunge from her current role as Chair of AMSA Global Health to the AMSA Executive and looks forward to ensuring a strong and fruitful future for the organisation and the students it represents.
Kelly’s Curriculum Vitae Education 2011 – 2015e MBBS, University of Sydney 2007 – 2010 Master of Letters (MLitt- Masters by Research), History Trinity College, Dublin IReland 2006 – 2007
Master of Philosophy, Modern Irish History, Trinity College, Dublin Ireland
2002 – 2006 Bachelor of Arts, History (major), New York University
Relevant Employment 2010
Intern, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
2007 – 2009
Assistant, Infection Control Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital, Dublin
2013
Member of Organising Committee, Youth Pre-World Health Assembly, Geneva
2012
Head of Delegation, IFMSA Delegation to 63rd WHO Western Pacific Regional Meeting, Hanoi, Vietnam
2012
Delegate, 65th WHO World Health Assembly, Geneva; AMSA IFMSA 61st General Assembly, Mumbai, India
2011 – 2012
Secretary, AMSA AGH
2012
Observer, Chief Executives Board Meeting of the WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
2011
Delegate, AMSA NLDS
2004
Project Healthcare Coordinator, Bellevue Hospital Center, NY
2010
Coordinator, HIV and Disability Panel Meeting, UN Headquarters, New York
2004
Assistant Psychometrician, Ageing & Dementia Research Centre, NYUSOM, New York
2010
Participant, Millennium Development Goal Summit, UN Headquarters, NY
Leadership and Representation
2012 – 2013 Chair, AMSA Global Health Committee 2013 2013
Community 2009 – 2010
2009
Mentor, Big Brother Big Sister, Ireland Team Member, Habitat for Humanity India Build, Ireland
Delegate, 66th WHO World Health 2003 Volunteer, Bellevue Project Assembly, Geneva; Women Deliver Healthcare Conference, Kuala Lumpur; AMSA 2001 – 2002 Translator/Student Aide, Honduran IFMSA 62nd General Assembly March American Medical Mission Meeting, Baltimore USA 2011 – 2012 Delegate, AMSA Global Health Leader, AGH Policy Review Conference and President’s Subcommittee Workshop NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 21
Arushi Madan Treasurer
After leaving the world of corporate finance and accounting behind in 2010, I changed gears to pursue a career in medicine and have not looked back since. However, my years of experience have ingrained that financial stability and absolute transparency are core pillars to any organisation’s success. I look forward to working with a diverse and motivated team to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of AMSA, with the aim of returning to a budget balance.
Greater financial discipline
To ensure the financial stability of AMSA in the near future, a comprehensive review needs to be undertaken which will specifically assess current reporting, approval and documentation processes. Understanding the current financial situation will allow future decisions regarding allocation of funding and cost reduction to be much smoother and increase our chances of success. Having worked on preparation of Budgets, Profit and Loss analyses and Strategy Review Projects across a range of industries, I am comfortable and confident that I have the experience and drive required for the Treasury role. Specifically, I plan to review current budgeting processes as a whole and on an event basis to identify key areas of weakness so that we are better able to allocate fiscal resources. With a significant experience working in the corporate sector, I understand the real importance of continual collaboration amongst executive members. Meeting budget targets are an aspect that each and every team member should be comfortable with and I will ensure that a streamlined process of internal protocols is implemented to help make key financial decisions.
Vital revenue from sponsorship
Sponsorship continues to be a key source of revenue for AMSA. It is imperative that we build upon the strength of our relationships with pre-existing
22 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
partners and think of ways that we can maintain return for these clients, and create opportunities that facilitate the growth of our sponsor base. I will work closely with our Sponsorship Officers to assess opportunities for longer term deals with sponsors in order to secure funding for future years, redefine sponsorship packages and pursue new opportunities in other fields that have currently not been explored. The 2014 Convention Sponsorship Officers have already begun to explore such avenues, and I will ensure that further time and efforts are invested in this.
Collaboration with finance
Clear guidelines for protocols and accountability will ensure increased transparency within the organisation. Initiatives that I would like to develop include implementing strategic communication cadence within the executive members and greater collaboration between all executive office bearers to ensure a systematic framework of internal communication protocols. These protocols will ensure that executive members are comfortable when making decisions and that allocation of resources is a transparent and accountable process. Taking a holistic approach to what is required for each event will allow us to implement the most effective strategies to achieve our financial goals.
Arushi’s Background Arushi began her working career in the financial services industry, gaining over three years experience as a Senior Financial Associate at Macquarie Bank. After realising there’s more to life than Excel spreadsheets (still debatable), she hung up her corporate suit to pursue a career in Medicine. Since beginning her degree in 2012, she has had the pleasure of being Treasurer of Wollongong University Medical Students’ Society. Apart from playing with debits and credits, Arushi has a passion for all forms of dance and weakness for travel. She looks forward to bringing her creativity, skills and unique perspective to the world of AMSA.
Arushi’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2012 – 2015e MBBS, University of Wollongong 2009 – 2011 CA Program, CA Australia 2006 – 2008 Bachelor of Accounting Co-operative Scholarship Program, University of Technology, Sydney 2008 Exchange Program, San Diego State University (SDSU)
Relevant Employment
2009 – 2011 Senior Finance Associate, Macquarie Group Limited 2011 – 2012 Web Design & Project Management Consultant, SlimTel Pty Ltd 2008 Finance Intern, Macquarie Group Limited 2006 Finance Intern, Unilever Australasia
Leadership and Representation
2012 – 2013 Treasurer, Wollongong University Medical Students’ Society (WUMSS) 2012 – 2013 Sponsorship Officer, Wollongong University Health Over Wealth Global Health Group (WUHOW)
2007
Director, Young Achievers Business Program
Community
2013 Tutor, WUMSS Peer Tutoring Program 2013 Member, New South Wales Medical Students’ Council
2012 – 2013 Member, Student Health Alliance for Rural Populations (SHARP) 2012 – 2013 Member, General Practice Students’ Network (GPSN) 2010 – 2011 Director, Macquarie Graduate Volunteering Network (MGVN) 2009 – 2011 Volunteer, Reading For Life - Big Buddy Reading Program 2007 Dance Teacher, St Lucy’s School 2005 School Prefect, North Sydney Girls High School 2004 Organiser, Sri Lankan Association Tsunami Relief Fund
Awards and Achievements
2005 Academic Proficiency Award, North Sydney Girls High School 2005 Recipient, Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 23
Nicola Wood
National Coordinator
The key AMSA principles ‘inform, connect and represent’ sum up the role of the National Coordinator perfectly. A National Coordinator needs to be an effective and efficient disseminator of information and a port of connection between AMSA Representatives and the Executive. I have had the pleasure of being heavily involved in various student organisations throughout my time at university and derive great personal enjoyment from being an active member of a cohesive team. My experience of AMSA to date has opened my eyes to the incredible collective talent of its members and the thought of extending my involvement to the 2014 AMSA Executive and working with such capable and gifted individuals genuinely excites me. As National Coordinator my top priority would be to ensure that AMSA Representatives are adequately supported. Approachability and availability I feel are both incredibility important aspects of the role of National Coordinator. I am confident that these are two qualities I possess. AMSA representatives can have faith that I will make myself as available as humanly possible to answer questions, provide support and communicate and alleviate any concerns. I am a strong believer in the value and efficiency of direct voice communication between individuals and as such will endeavour to verbally connect with each and every AMSA Representative once a fortnight via either Skype or telephone.
24 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
It is vital that National Coordinator is receptive to feedback and encouraging of change for the sake of progress. I will strive to regularly seek feedback from AMSA Representatives to deliver to the Executive for the purpose of bettering AMSA as an organisation. The organisation of three Councils across two states is not to be taken lightly and calls for a National Coordinator with logistical prowess. My experience in the execution of events has taught me that thorough planning, meticulous organisation and early action are key. There is no substitute for putting in the legwork early. I am 100% committed to en- suring that Council in 2014 runs smoothly and is an accurate reflection of the well-oiled machine that is AMSA
Nicola’s Background Since starting university, Nicola has been an active and involved member of the University of Newcastle’s MedSoc, Rural Health Club and more recently AMSA. Over the past four years she has demonstrated her ability to successfully lead teams, be the backbone of event organisation and logistics, and act as an advocate. Nicola brings to the position of NC the meticulous organisation and flexibility she has cultivated in her previous roles. She will be deferring medicine to undertake a B.Med Sci next year to ensure her flexibility and availability for interaction with AMSA Reps.
Nicola’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2010 – 2014e Bachelor of Medicine JMP, University of Newcastle Australia 2010 Introduction to Information Processing Systems (Microsoft Word and Excel) 2009 Bachelor of Biomedical Science, University of Newcastle Australia
Leadership and Representation
2013 Minute Taker, AMSA March Council 2013 Secretary, BREAATHHE UoN Rural Health Club 2013 Logistics Convenor, Inaugural Rural Health Week, BREAATHHE 2012 Logistics Coordinator, BSP and John Flynn Scholarship Information Night 2013 Member, JMP Medical Student’s Consultative Committee 2013 4th Year Representative Hunter Clinical School, UNMS
2010 – Councillor, BREAATHHE Rural Health Club 2013 Representative, John Flynn Interview Selection Panel 2012 Member, UNMS Charity Subcommittee 2011 Member, UNMS Academic Subcommittee
2008 School Captain, Chatham High School, Taree NSW
Community
2013 Participant, RACGP Policy Discussion Forum 2013 Volunteer IMU, International Student Orientation, UoN Faculty of Medicine 2013 Representative for UoN, Rural High School Careers Day (Taree) 2012 Assistant, UoN School of Medicine Admissions Multi-Mini-Interviews 2012 Speaker, Rural High School Careers Expo, Maitland NSW 2012 Delegate, AMSA National Convention
Relevant Employment
2011 Tutor, Kip McGrath Education Center 2011 English Language Tutor for International Students, UoN
Awards and Achievements 2008 2008
District Finalist Rotary Public Speaking Competition
NSW Education Week Award for Excellence in Academia
2008 Greater Taree City Council Award for Excellence in Community Contribution
2009 Member, UoN International Leadership Program (iLead) NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 25
Helen Wilson
Public Relations Officer
The importance of AMSA in representing the interests of a large cohort of medical students in Australia is paramount to building a strong, supported medical workforce in the future. I am passionate about strengthening the link between AMSA and every medical student in Australia, and believe that the diverse team bid team will provide this. It is important that the PRO is articulate, confident and well informed about AMSA in order to best represent our organisation to media outlets, and to the student membership. A key part of this role is assisting in decision making regarding which issues AMSA chooses to comment on in the public forum, and how best to communicate these. I am acutely aware of how important effective communication is. This awareness has been built through working with media outlets while representing a number of different bodies; the government for public health publications, universities for academic research and cancer organisations an advocate and member leader. More broadly, it is imperative that the PRO works effectively with every other member of the Exec team, particularly in the advocacy and engagement streams of the Executive’s business. I will continue the work of the current PRO, fostering established relationships with media contacts, and forging new ones under the guidance of a diverse and accomplished team. I hope to bring some positive changes to the accessibility and effectiveness of AMSA to the general medical student body, particularly harnessing social media in an appropriate and effective way.
26 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
My involvement with the organisation CanTeen, from member through to President afforded me the chance to work with other young people to bring the most effective services to young people living with cancer in Australia. This role included interacting with members and decision-making from national level down to the state and local level, and has provided me with ideas about how to continue this multi-tiered relevance in the PRO role. During the handover period, it will be my priority to come up to speed on the current state of play from the current PRO in order to plan our strategy for our 2014 campaigns, in order to best represent our organisation to the wider public. The opportunity to become involved in AMSA at such an early stage in my medicine career is exciting to me, and I would bring enthusiasm and commitment to the role if successful in 2014. Being new to both the profession and to AMSA, I hope to bring fresh eyes and new ideas to the role, while having the benefits of being guided by those in this team who have extensive experience in AMSA.
Helen’s Background Growing up in Canberra and Sydney, Helen initially pursued a career in public health and psychology. A growing passion for specialised cancer care in young people led her to advocacy, research and employment in the area. She began her studies in medicine just this year, and she hopes to bring a fresh perspective to AMSA in 2014. Outside of medicine, Helen enjoys fashion design, running, cooking, and enjoying living in the Inner West of Sydney.
Helen’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2013 – 2016e Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Notre Dame University Australia 2011 Bachelor of Science in Psychology (First Class Honours), University of Canberra
Leadership and Representation
2011 President, CanTeen ACT and Southern NSW 2012 Consumer representative, ACT Youth Cancer Networks Steering Committee
2012 2004 – 2007 Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology & Bachelor of Arts 2011 – (Psychology), Macquarie University 2009 – 2012
Relevant Employment
2012 – Research Officer, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital/ University of New South Wales 2010 – 2012 Data Analyst, Mental Health and Palliative Care Unit, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Including authoring AIHW Mental health services in Australia 2011-in brief, Mental health services in Australia 2011, Mental health services in Australia 2007-2008, Australian Hospital Statistics 2008-2009.
Ambassador, Youth Cancer Fund, Sony Foundation and CanTeen Member, Psych-Oncology Co-Operative Research Group Member, CanTeen
Awards and Achievements
• Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence, Semester 1 & 2 2011, University of Canberra • Member of the Golden Key International Honour Society for Academic Excellence.
2009 Data Analyst, Cardiovascular, Diabetes and Kidney Unit, AIHW
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 27
Emma Curé
Events Coordinator
The people I’ve met and things I’ve learnt while at AMSA’s events have formed some of my fondest memories of medical school so far. From my time on the NLDS 2013 team under the current Events Coordinator, I’ve gleaned valuable insight into the role. I’d relish the chance as Events Coordinator to creatively pursue my interests in advocacy and public health policy, by further shaping our events portfolio to better align with AMSA’s advocacy agenda. Events Coordinator is a relatively new and vaguely defined role on the AMSA Executive. This role demands creativity to establish new projects and committees where appropriate, and also approachability and excellent communication skills to serve as a liaison between the Executive and the event committees.
Institutional memory & avoiding goldfish syndrome
As has been noted by many past Executives, retention of institutional memory is vital for the efficiency, success and expansion of AMSA. Having attended the pilot ‘Events Stream’ at First Council this year, I witnessed firsthand the need to continue and expand this initiative. In 2014 I will further formalise the handover process for each of the events committees. I will do this by firstly giving greater structure to the Events Stream at Council, introducing role-specific workshops. Secondly, I will solidify a mentoring network from past events teams to guide new event committee members.
Your AMSA & getting amongst it
In 2013 I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to engage directly with AMSA via the newly established NLDS 2013 Committee. I’d like to see our events portfolio grow to create similar opportunities for more of our members in 2014. In addition to overseeing the expansion and role development of the NLDS Committee, I will continue the ‘Pitch Your Project’ initiative, building from the 2013 pilot which will be run at Conven-
28 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
tion this year. In the pursuit of better connecting directly with our members, I will work closely with our National Coordinator to increase the accessibility of AMSA Council. We would like to see an increased number of guest positions and the formation of a ‘Guest Stream’ at Council, in a logistically and financially reasonable manner. The Guest Stream will involve a Q&A session with guests, exploring the processes of Council and the key topics of that particular Council’s discussion.
What is the state of our States?
As recommended by the 2010 Organisational Health Review, AMSA would benefit from establishing a greater presence in state-based healthcare issues. In 2014 I will coordinate three state-based forum models, each to be run in a different state. These will address the following key areas of interest: • Business skills in the Medical Profession • Mental Health • Indigenous Health These pilot events will serve to create social, skill-building, leadership and policy discussion opportunities, while also engaging students in new event management committees. Additionally, these forums will better synchronise AMSA’s advocacy efforts and policy proposals at the State and Federal levels. Contingent on their success, these forum models may be introduced across multiple states in future years.
Emma’s Background Hailing from the sandy shores of Newcastle, Emma began her university life as a Biomedical Science student. Simultaneously, she pursued her love of volunteering with the disabled, the impoverished, and refugees at local and international levels. Since starting Medicine last year Emma is actively involved with her MedSoc and Global Health Group, and more recently with AMSA as Logistics Co-Coordinator for NLDS 2013. Having already attended every major AMSA event at least once, Emma embodies the enthusiasm of a devout AMSA Ranger.
Emma’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2012 – 2017e Bachelor of Medicine, Joint Medical Program – University of Newcastle, NSW 2010 – 2011 Commenced Bachelor of Biomedical Science – University of Newcastle, NSW
Leadership and Representation
Community
2013 Medical Student Mentor, UNMS 2012 Delegate, AMSA National Convention 2012 Delegate, AMSA Global Health Conference 2012 Assistant, JMP Multiple-Mini Interviews for B.Med applicants
2013 Logistics Coordinator, AMSA National Leadership Development 2011 – 2012 Student Mentor, Bachelor of Biomedical Science Seminar 2011 Volunteer Medical Assistant for 2013 JMP O’Camp Convenor, UNMS & 14-day Cambodian Medical Aid UNEMSA Trip, International Children’s Care 2013 Academic Coordinator, WakeUp! 2011 Refugee Homework Centre Global Health Group Volunteer, San Clemente High 2012 – Core Leadership & Advacacy School, Mayfield NSW Team, MSAT 2011 – Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) 2012 Delegate, AMSA NLDS Leader, Faculty of Health 2012 First Year Representative, UNMS 2010 – Member, International Leadership Experience and Development 2012 Advocacy and Promotions program (iLead), University Sub-committee, WakeUp! Global of Newcastle Health Group 2009 Volunteer, Wat Preah Yesu 2012 Member, JMP Medical Student orphanage, Cambodia Consultative Committee 2012 Member, JMP Year 1 and 2 Committee 2012
Liaison for SAV’D to UNMS Committee (Student Ambassadors and Volunteers for Organ Donation)
2011 Secretary and Biomed-Ball Co-coordinator, Bachelor of Biomedical Science Society
Award and Achievements
2012 – John Flynn Placement Program Scholar 2012
JMP O’Camp award for ‘Most Ridiculous Future Doctor’s Name’
2009 ‘Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award’, Australian Defence Force NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 29
Tom Crookes
Engagement and Promotions Officer
No more should medical students in this country ever mutter the words “so, like, what even is an AMSA?� As a promotion, marketing and management director at an ever increasing range of NSW venues and events, I see engagement as pivotal to business success and in the maintenance of a strong financial model. This stems from the generation of primary interaction, which allows for greater deployment of ideas and increasing manpower to maximize outcomes. We need to look no further than the ethos of AMSA to see this importance. Indeed, engagement transcends everything we do and success is based on the sheer momentum of the student drive pushing AMSA forward. AMSA recognizes that it represents over 17,000 students, but only truly engages a select few. To move forward we need to generate a new breed of AMSA, one that gives students a real reason to care and a passion to get involved.
Financial stability through active engagement and creative promotion
My experiences in the business world have led me to believe that creative and active promotion is the key to financial stability. My background with companies that depend on ingenuity and forward thinking to devise strategies for maximized financial outcome is pivotal to this success. I believe that AMSA must promote more creatively and better utilize our strong associated networks and groups to improve both the dissemination of our message and the attractiveness of our brand to external companies. In short, active engagement through improvements in student involvement, AMSA branding and promotion will result in increasing opportunities for future stakeholder involvement and investment. I plan to include student engagement as a key player in the three year strategic plan for AMSA and utilize my experience in marketing and promotion to assist in delivering the planned 2014 budget balance.
Up-skilling for the future
I believe that AMSA has an obligation to inform and up-skill students as they progress from day 30 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
one of medicine to the information required for ongoing training post-medical school including skills for life-long medical vocation. The planned foundations of a medical vocation program is designed to provide students information and knowledge on several pivotal areas in the medical pipeline, from surviving first year medicine, to getting onto a training program, to then running a practice with skills in business and financial management. It is my plan that these training and information resources will include representation from a wide variety of networks, including those of the Royal Colleges, and that they will work to supplement the already valued interns and residents guide to further ensure AMSA’s commitment to supporting students at every step of the medical pathway.
Engagement through access
Experience is not enough; direction and leadership is the key. As a current MedSoc president with skills in IT management, social media marketing and graphic design I look toward bringing aspects of the executive team closer to employ new promotion strategies to improve dissemination of information and access to AMSA. This includes a completely new AMSA website, improved technology integration and definitive strategies for social media marketing, all of which are designed to generate improved students interaction and access to information and resources.
Tom’s Background Tom was born in rural Australia and lived in several small mining towns spanning four different states before making the move to Sydney at the age of 12. Having completed a B. Med Sci whilst concurrently running his own events and marketing business during the week and traveling interstate as a touring DJ on the weekends, Tom now embarks on the quest for medical enlightenment at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney.
Tom’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2012 – 2015e Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Notre Dame University Australia
2013 Student Co-ordinator, ASPIRE Program, University of Notre Dame School of Medicine
2009 – 2011 Bachelor of Medical Science, University of Sydney
2013 Board Member, Notre Dame Leadership and Community Development Fund
Relevant Employment
2013 Board Member, Notre Dame SoMS Alumni Advisory Committee
2009 – 2012 Owner and Director, Playday Events - Artist Management and Marketing 2012 Promotions Manager, Strike Bowling 2010 – 2011 Promotion Team Manager, Soho 2010 – 2011 Team Leader, Promotions, Stereosonic Festival NSW 2009 – 2011 Events, Promotions and Marketing Manager, Alberts Tavern
Leadership and Representation
2013 President, Medical Association of Notre Dame University Sydney (MANDUS)
2013 Delegate, National Leadership and Development Seminar 2012 Social Representative, MANDUS 2012 MedBall Convenor, MANDUS 2012 Co-coordinator – So They Can Medical Program, Pipeline IDPC, Kenya
Community
2013 Anatomy Tutor, University of Technology Sydney 2013 Student Mentor, MANDUS
2012 – 2013 Delegate, AMSA National Convention
2013 Councillor, NSW Medical Students 2008 – 2009 International Ambassador, F1 In Schools Science and Engineering Council Foundation 2013 Councillor, Student 2007 – 2008 Australian Ambassador, F1 In Representative Council, UNDS Schools Science and Engineering 2013 Councillor, Student Advisory Foundation Committee, UND Australia
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 31
Brian Fernandes
Community and Wellbeing Officer
The Community and Wellbeing Officer spreads orange AMSA love outside amongst the community and inside our medical schools. As CWO, I will turn AMSA policy regarding community heath and student wellbeing into action by empowering students in their community and enhancing their ability to seek help for themselves and others. In 2014, I intend to continue the tradition of strong AMSA initiatives like The National Blood and Charity Drives. I will use the autonomy that exists in the CWO portfolio to expand AMSA’s presence at the GPSN Breathing New Life Conference, community outreach in the AGH project pool and increase our links with the Mabel Research group. I also look forward to working closely with the new Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Project Manager to improve health and wellbeing of medical students across Australia.
AMSA student health focused
I have focused on three themes that I hope to deliver tangible results for AMSA 2014.
The 2012 Health and Wellbeing Policy highlighted the need to enhance the ability of individuals to access help for themselves and others by improving wellbeing awareness and education initiatives. I want to build on the progress of AMSA’s 2012 Mental Health report card initiated this year, by compiling a database of wellbeing activities run by Medical Societies so they can inspire similar wellbeing initiatives across the country. Updating the AMSA wellbeing programs like ‘Get-A-GP’ on the AMSA website with updated links or simply adding QR codes to the ‘Keeping your Grass Greener guide are ways to boost accessibility for students.
AMSA mental health focused
AMSA refugee health focused
With the 2013 Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy recently passed, I will use this promising policy to take effective action and reduce the stigma associated with mental health. I am dedicated to working closely with Mental Health First Aid Course providers across the country to empower students with their encounters with mental health. I will work to publicise and advocate on the findings of the 2013 National Mental Health Survery of Doctors and Medical Students and emphasise their relevance for our profession. Pursuing partnerships with the Inspire Foundation, Headspace and Beyond Blue, I want to link AMSA reps and Medical Societies with access to tangible resources in reducing the stigma of mental health out in the community and in our medical schools.
32 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
The 2011 Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health Policy highlighted the need for students to be mindful of the unique state of Refugee Health in the community. In the last few years, community health programs across the country have chosen to focus on the improvement of health literacy in Refugee Health. I’m determined to embrace these programs and encourage AMSA support where possible, whether it’s the Healthy Start program in Queensland, Crossing Borders Villawood Visits in New South Wales, The Water Well Project in Victoria or the various Crossing Borders Programs that exist around the country.
Brian’s Background Brian was born in Campbelltown Hospital and now finds himself in the same familiar hospital two decades later studying as a UWS Medical student. Brian’s passion for raising the community health profile of Greater Western Sydney has meant that he’s met people from all walks of life from the disadvantaged and disabled all the way up to the NSW Premier.
Brian’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2011 – 2015 MBBS, University of Western Sydney
Leadership and Representation
2013 Community/Global Health Officer, University of Western Sydney Medical Society 2013 Coordinator, UWSMS MedCamp Challenge Day 2012 President, Global Health Awareness Western Sydney 2012 Student Representative, Year 1/2 Evaluation Commitee
2012 Coordinator, GHAWS HIV/AIDS Red Week 2012 Coordinator, GHAWS Bake Sale for Mission Australia Winter Sleepout Appeal 2012 Auctioneer, GHAWS Charity Auction Night 2012 Volunteer, GHAWS Crossing Borders Program 2012 Student Assistant, UWS Multiple-Mini Interviews for MBBS applicants
2012 Group Leader, UWS MedCamp
2011 – 2012 Delegate, AMSA Global Health Conference
2011 First Year Representative, Global Heath Awareness Western Sydney
2011 – 2012 Volunteer, Autism Advisory Support Service
2011 – 2013 Student Representative, Assessment Committee
Community
2013 Delegate, AMSA National Convention 2013 Coordinator, UWSMS Blue Mental Health/Student Wellbeing Week 2012 Coordinator, Robert Townsen High School Medical Mentoring
Awards and Achievements
2012 NSW Building Inclusive Communities Awards for GHAWS Mentoring Program 2012 Medical Intern Positions (Private Members Statement), Parliament of NSW 2011 “Best Costume (Male)”, UWS MedCamp ‘Pirates of the Campbelltown
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 33
Francesca Garnett Rural and Indigenous Officer
Understanding the health of rural Australians and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is a crucial part of medical student education. The three things I’d like to address next year are: increasing grassroots engagement with rural and Indigenous health, providing clear information about rural health opportunities and establishing local Indigenous health placements.
Grass roots engagement
I would like to form both a rural health and an Indigenous health subcommittees to give students a pathway to get involved in AMSA’s work in this area. These subcommittees will also allow for expansion of AMSA’s activity in rural health and Indigenous health by providing the manpower to realise the goals outlined below. I will also use the state-based forums to engage our membership. As part of these events, there is scope to include rural, remote and Indigenous health content. These forums will provide locally available access to rural and remote health content, which is particularly important given that the majority of medical schools are metropolitan-based.
Increase rural health opportunities
Rural and remote health is a key aspect of Australian medicine, but many opportunities in exploring this are missed due to unclear pathways and information. I am keen to make these pathways more straightforward and accessible to all students through provision of information on scholarships, placement opportunities and rural training pathways. A key aspect of this will be to collaborate with the NRHSN to coordinate
34 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
advertising of relevant scholarships and events. I would also like to update the rural health section of the AMSA website to include placement opportunities, scholarships and information on rural training pathways. Both my previous NRHSN experience and the rural subcommittee will be key to gathering this information.
Providing opportunities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
Indigenous health is an area in which medical students can play a key role, but may not know how to start in gaining experience in the area. To address this, I will link MedSocs with their local AMS or ACCHO, allowing students to gain first hand experience about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in their local area. I will work at the national level with AIDA and NACCHO to support local engagement, so that there are consistent expectations between services and students. To partner this, I plan to create a “howto” guide for students seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health placements/experience, to facilitate both remote and local placements with Indigenous health organisations.
Francesca’s Background Born in Buninyong and now living in Wagga Wagga, Frankie is a country girl through and through. She loves rural medicine and living in the bush, enjoying seeing wallabies on her run and being in the Wagga choir. Frankie also has a passion for Indigenous health, having been on placements in AMSs from Campbelltown to Lajamanu. She would love to share her excitement about both rural and Indigenous health with as many medical students as she possibly can and things that the rural and Indigenous officer is the best way to do this!
Francesca’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2008 – 2014
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery/Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies), University of New South Wales
2011 – 2013 Masters of Indigenous Public Health, University of New South Wales
Leadership and Representation
2011 Co-Chair, National Rural Health Students’ Network (NRHSN)
2012 – 2013 Community and Advocacy Portfolio, NRHSN 2013 Presenter, National Rural Health Conference 2013 Coordinator of Health, Riverina Day in Canberra, Albury and Wagga 2012 Academic Coordinator, National University Rural Health Conference (NURHC) 2012 Presenter, GP12 2011 – 2012 Co-Convenor, Rural Appreciation Weekend (RAW)
2011 Presenter, National Rural Health Conference 2010 President, UNSW Rural Health Club 2010 Member, NRHSN Indigenous Portfolio Working Party 2010 Presenter, NURHC 2009 Vice President, UNSW Rural Health Club 2009 Indigenous Festivals Officer, NRHSN 2008 First Year Representative, UNSW Rural Health Club
Community
2010 Delegate, NRLDS 2010 Research Assistant, UNSW Public Health Curriculum for the MBBS
Awards and Achievements
2011 Westpac RDAA Medical Student of the Year
2009 – John Flynn Placement Program Scholar 2010 Janie Dade Smith Award
2011 Academic Coordinator, National Rural Leadership Development Seminar (NRLDS)
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 35
Chelsea Ricketts Global Health Officer
My interest in global health was sparked during my travels throughout Central America and Madagascar where I witnessed inadequate medical facilities, individuals walking miles upon miles for healthcare, and children succumbing to curable diseases. Since then, I have been motivated to take ownership of change towards global health equity. As GHO I look forward to providing the resources and opportunities necessary for Australian medical students to do the same. As GHO, it will be my responsibility to foster the fundamental principles of AMSA within the context of global health. With interest in global health among Australian medical students increasing dramatically I am dedicated to ensuring that global health continues to become an area of great opportunity. To accomplish this, I am committed to working closely with AGH to: (1) increase student engagement, (2) develop a career advocacy platform, and (3) ensure that AGH, as an organisation, remains strong and financially viable.
Engagement
In order to engage more students I plan to implement high-quality educational and training programs at a state level. This will help to provide opportunities for those students who for whatever situational reason, such as financial hardship, cannot attend the GHC. To accomplish this I will connect with IFMSA and AsMSA, our international peers, to draw inspiration from their ideas. Furthermore through IFMSA’s and AsMSA’s networks and contacts we can support our GHGs and their members, by providing opportunities to attend high-level international conferences. To further engage the Australian medical student body I think it is important that we aim to share accurate, timely, and useful information about global health issues and opportunities through various media and delivery methods.
36 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
Career advocacy
Without guidance, it may seem difficult to get involved in global health after graduation from medical school, yet there are many opportunities to do so. By creating opportunities for students to become familiar with their options whilst in medical school, there is potential to secure great opportunities in global health soon after graduation. In 2014, I would like to develop a career advocacy platform thereby providing guidance to those students wanting to integrate global health into their medical career. I am excited at the prospect of creating a mentor program whereby doctors can offer insights into their personal and professional pathways surrounding global health. Furthermore, I would like to build partnerships with Australian and International global health organizations. This will allow us to support our members in finding volunteer, internship, and job opportunities.
Financial stability
I believe that the stability of AGH is essential to the organisation’s success. Strategic planning is currently underway to develop a clear vision and concrete set of goals for AGH. I plan to ensure that the strategic planning is carried out and that sources of income are continually sought.
Chelsea’s Background Chelsea hails from Canada with a background in fish physiology. After her experiences backpacking throughout Central America and working as a Biologist in Madagascar, Chelsea began a medical degree driven by the provision of global health equity. Since starting medicine she has been actively involved with the Tanna Island Hospital Relief Fund and the Wollongong University Health Over Wealth Global Health Group.
Chelsea’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2012 – Member, General Practice 2012 – 2015e MBBS, University of Wollongong Students Network, UOW (UOW) 2012 Tuberculosis Educator, Tanna 2006 – 2009 Master of Science in Biology, Island Hospital Relief Fund, University of British Columbia Vanuatu Okanagan (UBCO), Canada 2010 – Volunteer, The Ladybug Project 2000 – 2006 Bachelor of Science in Honours Inc., USA Biology, UBCO, Canada 2010 Biology Intern, Community Centred Conservation, Leadership and Representation Madagascar 2012 President, Wollongong University Health Over Wealth Awards and Achievements: (WUHOW) Global Health Group, 2009 Governor-General’s Gold Medal UOW for Top Academic Gradate 2013 Vice President, WUHOW, UOW Student 2013 Vice President, Wollongong University Medical Students’ Society (WUMSS), UOW 2013 PASS Leader, UOW 2012 –
Treasurer, Tanna Island Hospital Relief Fund, UOW
2012 Year 1 Representative, WUMSS, UOW
Community
2012 – Member, Student Health Alliance for Rural Populations (SHARP), UOW
2007 Pacific Leaders Graduate Student Fellowship 2006 The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Canada Graduate Scholarship 2006 UBC Rhodes Scholarship Nominee 2006 UBCO Barber School of Arts and Sciences Valedictorian 2005 – 2006 Co-captain, UBCO Heat Women’s Varsity Soccer Team
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 37
Ming Yong
Publications Officer
What good is a publication if it is not read by the people it is produced for? As Publications Officer, I want to improve this area– to make AMSA’s publications more relevant to medical students. I will also strive to utilize creativity as a tool to promote engagement and advocacy through publications big and small.
Assessing the role of Panacea as a magazine and as an engagement platform
In my capacity as Publications Officer, I would like to re-evaluate the use of Panacea as an engagement tool and reassess its relevance to students, with the ultimate goal of making it the magazine of Australian Medical Students. I believe that Panacea could benefit more if each edition is themed to a big issue, for instance, a Global Health or Rural and Indigenous Health Issue. By doing this, I believe that the contents would prove more invaluable - and I would like nothing more than an edition of panacea to be kept as reference to a student from their days in med school, to having a spot on their bookshelves in their future offices. In addition, I wish to establish a number of small subcommittees, recruiting anyone with an interest in the intricacies of publications, with a creative eye, or just simply keen to get involved. I would encourage involvement by offering year-long tenures within Panacea, to working groups, established to advice and work on the specific contents in an edition of Panacea.
ePublications, accessibility and interactive contents
Getting a publication from the printing machines to the hands of 17 000 medical students is no easy feat and despite electronic versions of various publications already existing within the AMSA Intranet, I’d like to see access to our works being, at most, two clicks away. My plans to increase accessibility include utilising the already
38 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
well-established means of communication - social media. With that, I will ride the waves of Facebook to create a hype, attempt to launch AMSA into the blogsphere as means of easy access to information, and utilize easy-to-read web publishing applications like Isuu. With the help of the ICO, I’d also like to make our key publications, especially Panacea and the IRG more interactive through web development initiatives. That way, AMSA publications will not be just a pdf file somewhere on the Internet, but an easyto-read online magazine packed with interactive contents, making the read more worthwhile.
Publications supporting you throughout medical school
Why stop at an Interns and Residents Guide? Why not explore the other spectrum of Medical School as well? During my tenure as Publications Officer and working with Olly, I will introduce the “Prospective Medical Students’ Guide,” a neat parcel of information about medical schools across Australia, life as a medical student, useful resources, and the likes. My goal as Publications Officer would be to get this off the ground, ready for prospective students looking to begin med school in 2015.
Ming’s Background Ming comes from Malaysia and after a year of advocating for local international students, he decided to return to his creative roots by using his skills in design and understanding of the clockworks of publications to serve Newcastle’s MedSoc. With over three years of experience in student publications, four major works published as editor-in-chief to his name, and dozens of event promotional materials in his portfolio, Ming is positive he can utilize his creativity as a tool to engage to and advocate for medical students across Australia. Outside medicine, Ming enjoys speaking passionately about colours and is always on the lookout for new additions for his silk bowtie collection.
Ming’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2011 – 2015e Bachelor of Medicine, University of Newcastle Australia
2007 – 2008 Managing Editor, ACSian Publications of Anglo Chinese School, Malaysia
Leadership and Representation
Community
2013 Project Coordinator, AMSA’s Pitch Your Project Competition
2012 – 2013 Publications Officer, University of Newcastle Medical Society 2012 – 2013
Promotions and Publicity Officer to nine University of Newcastle Medical Society Events and Special Events Portfolios
2012 Delegate, AMSA National Leader ship Development Seminar 2012 – Member, University of Newcastle International Leadership Program (iLead) 2011 – 2012 International Officer, University of Newcastle Medical Society 2011 – 2012 Councillor, AMSA International Student Network 2008 – 2009 Editor-In-Chief, ACSian Publications of Anglo Chinese School Malaysia
2013 Volunteer, the University of Newcastle Language Centre Friendship Program
2012 – Student Mentor, University of Newcastle Bachelor of Medicine Program 2011 –
Student Assistant, University of Newcastle School of Medicine Admissions Multi Mini Interviews
2011 – Student Mentor, University of Newcastle International Founda- tion Program 2011 Volunteer, WakeUp! Global Health Group Red Week
Awards and Achievements
2011 International Foundation Program Undergraduate Scholarship 2009 Award in Academic Excellence, Anglo Chinese School Klang
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 39
Oliver Mills
Internal Communications Officer
I am a passionate and vocal advocate for technology, especially regarding medical education. I think we’re at a turning point where the adventitious and judicious use of technology has fantastic potential benefits for the medical students. I see my role at AMSA as not only ensuring our own technology offerings are best in class but also advocating on behalf of medical students for proper training and understanding of medical technology. “Focus” is the watchword I intend to build my role around. With that in mind, I present my three pillars on which I will build the role of Internal Communications Officer in the 2014 AMSA executive.
Prospective students
I consider myself an interesting case study in that I applied to study medicine from abroad. I had no links to the medical world and didn’t know a Deakin from a Flinders. As such I relied exclusively on the information I could find online. AMSA should be a beacon for the prospective medling. A trove of wisdom from those who have hacked their way through the admissions process. I would build an easily updateable, current and comprehensive guide to getting in and getting on with medicine. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do and it builds trust with the people who will go on to become medical students and doctors. Which leads us onto the second pillar:
Current students
If there is one thing I learnt from building my own medsoc’s web presence it’s this: Students are time-poor and want answers. If they want to find out what AMSA is doing for them it needs to be there - no more than one click away. If they need information about convention it shouldn’t require more than a few seconds to find. To this end I plan to implement a guide to the best resources both electronic and non that students can use. No longer will med students have to wonder which anatomy app is the best out there. This section will be interactive and open to submission but, as always, tightly edited. The medsocs and their activities should be front and centre. Every society will have a login they can use to update their own page on the site and add relevant events to a central calendar. I implemented a similar system with my medsoc and it’s been a great success
40 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
as societies can now add their own events to a common calendar which can be easily subscribed to.
Alumni
It’s a common mistake to think that graduates will automatically want to get involved with an organisation which once represented them. That’s not true, they need a reason to get involved. A tailor newsletter which appeals to people who’ve ‘been there’ is a good start but so is offering them a chance for engagement. I think a strong presence on existing medical student forums would be a good place to start. An ‘ask AMSA anything’ policy would encourage dialogue and put us in a position of authority. With these three pillars I will start by eliciting feedback from the student community (via medsocs and forums) to find out what they’d like see our web presence being used for. Then, with this feedback, I will take the existing site and go through a rigorous edit as well as design overhaul. The resultant website will be modern, relevant and will set a high standard. I’ll work closely with the engagement team to forge a cohesive style and tone for our communications. In conclusion: There is no substitute for quality. All the websites and Facebook groups in the world won’t make up for a dearth of solid content. I see my role as that of an editor - I’ll conceptualise, design and implement our online presence and then fill it with the excellent work of all the other talented people on this team. Our virtual identity will be consistent, professional and, crucially, it will be functional. AMSA is a wonderful organisation that has been, is and will be filled with talented people. I see my job as taking all that talent and focussing it to a brilliantly sharp orange dot!
Oliver’s Background Olly was born in the deep South of London but quickly whisked off to Russia by his journalist mother, where he grew up. There he battled cold, communism and cabbage soup until, at the age of twelve, he returned to the UK. It was around this time that Olly started up his own website design business and has continued to build the odd site ever since. In this capacity Olly has worked for: The BBC, ITV and the Australian Defence Force to name but a few. Most recently he designed a the website for MANDUS, the University of Notre Dame Sydney’s medsoc. He has a M.A. in Philosophy and Art History from the University of St Andrews. Since graduating Olly has worked an eclectic mix of jobs involving a high degree of personal autonomy and responsibility. Olly loves traveling and has been stranded on a mountain in China and sick on a bus in Glasgow amongst other adventures.
Oliver’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2012 – 2015e Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, University of Notre Dame, Sydney 2004 – 2008 Masters of Arts in Philosophy and Art History, University of St Andrews, Scotland
Relevant Employment
2003 Intranet Developer, Department of Defence 2008 Station manager, University of St Andrews Radio
2004 – 2011 Freelance Photographer
Relevant IT Experience
2013 MANDUS Website This involved building the site from the ground up. It is run on a powerful content management system and features a central repository for students’ notes, electronic timetabling, and an online shop used for ticket purchases and merchandise.
2011 GetJazzical Design of the website and the back-end technologies on which it runs. 2003 Intranet Developer, Department of Defence Development of in-house applications for their intranet. This work was time sensitive and required programming and design skills across a range of platforms
Leadership and Representation
2013 - 2014e IT and PR officer, MANDUS Medical Association of the University of Notre Dame, Sydney
Community
2012 - First Responder, St Johns Ambulance Sydney
Awards and Achievements
2007 Finalist in the UK Electoral Commission design Competaddress.
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 41
Insert Name & Emma Kelso Jenny Namkoong Position Sponsorship Officers
We are only too aware that the sponsors who support AMSA are integral to the continued success of our organisation. We are committed to strengthening current relationships and building new partnerships with sponsors and believe that our wealth of experience in medical societies, private health care and marketing will ensure sponsorship success in 2014 and beyond. Teamwork will be a central element to the success of the sponsorship team in the year ahead. In 2014 Jenny will be completing her final year of studies in Sydney, while Emma will be moving to Melbourne. This presents an unprecedented opportunity to increase our face-to-face time with our biggest sponsors, most of whom are based in Sydney and Melbourne. The positioning of Sponsorship Officers in Australia’s two largest capital cities will allow us to actively work with a larger number of companies in a more intimate fashion. It is with the support of the entire NSW team that Emma is moving to Melbourne and we look forward to the benefits such a structure will reap.
Current relationships
AMSA’s financial security lies predominantly in the formation of successful relationships with sponsors, an avenue that is increasingly difficult to assess given the current financial climate. To establish a solid foundation upon which to address sponsorship in 2014, the handover period will incorporate a review of all current sponsors and an alignment of AMSA’s activities with sponsor’s corporate goals. By ensuring that sponsors feel secure in our relationship and supported that we are representing them appropriately, we believe that we can ensure financial stability and work to secure long-term contracts. An early review of the current sponsorship system of packages with a view to restructure will allow us to assess the features of sponsorship that are most highly in demand, value these accordingly and work with sponsors to commit to personalised packages therein reducing strain on 42 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
future executive committees and securing financial stability.
New relationships
Given that the majority of AMSA’s current sponsorship portfolio lies with a few key industries, the loss of one company can severely affect our financial position. In 2014 we will work to approach a variety of alternate sectors in order to increase the financial security of our organisation. Working with the current executive to assess the outcomes of member surveys regarding the appropriateness of additional sponsorship avenues, we aim to ensure that our members accept new sponsors and furthermore that sponsors appreciate AMSA’s purpose and goals. By understanding the corporate principles of individual sponsors we in turn can deliver suitable opportunities that are of benefit to all parties.
Sponsorship subcommittee
The formation of a sponsorship subcommittee will increase the scope of the Sponsorship portfolio, giving the sponsorship team the time to work towards the recruitment of new sponsors to the AMSA portfolio and to reexamine internal sponsorship policy. This opportunity will be integral in giving more members an avenue by which to engage with AMSA and so develop key skills in leadership, teamwork and corporate relations, and will additionally provide the Sponsorship Officers with more time to ensure that our major sponsors feel confident and protected in our relationship, leading to more profitable long-term partnerships.
Jenny’s Background Growing up with a twin brother, Jenny has been subconsciously trained to persuade others to her will since she could talk. From ‘why she gets to eat the last piece of cake’ in childhood, to ‘her need for the shared car more than her brother’ in highschool, her negotiation skills have been tested, trialed and fine-tuned. They have served her well in her extensive involvement in numerous student societies in university, dealing with everyone from the homeless to investment bank CEOs, club managers to university Vice Chancellors.
Jenny’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2009 – 2014 BMedMD, University of New South Wales
Leadership and Representation
2013 President, UNSW Medical Society 2013 Member, UNSW Medicine Faculty Dean’s Circle 2013 Member, UNSW Medicine Faculty Curriculum Development Committee 2013 Councillor, Australian Medical Students’ Association 2013 Councillor, NSW Medical Students Council 2013 Member, UNSW Medicine Faculty Phase 3 Committee 2012 Delegate, AMSA National Leadership Development Seminar 2012 Team Leader, KASEA Young Generation Forum 2012 Delegate, HWA Future Health Leaders Conference 2012 Member, UNSW Medicine Faculty Phase 2 Committee 2012 Delegate, AMSA FutureMed Sydney 2012 ILP Representative, UNSW MedSoc 2011 Academic Director & Co-Events Director, NSW MSC 2011 Organiser, SB Dowton Leadership Seminar
2011 Coursework Representative, UNSW MedSoc 2010 Social Director, UNSW MedSoc 2010 Medcamp Convenor, UNSW MedSoc 2010 Medball Convenor, UNSW MedSoc 2009 First Year Representative, UNSW MedSoc 2009 – 2012 Delegate, SB Dowton Leadership Seminar
Community
2012 Volunteer Tutor, UNSW MedSoc Clinical Skills
2011 – 2012 Student Mentor, UNSW MedSoc Mentoring 2011 – 2012 Team Leader, New Life Impact Community, Newcomers Team 2011 Volunteer Community Service, Queensland Floods 2010 Volunteer, UNSW Arc Yellow Shirts Program 2010, 2012 Cast, UNSW MedShow 2009 Cast, UNSW Med Revue 2009 Recipient, Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 43
Emma’s Background Emma’s undergraduate science degree could never have prepared her for a two-year stint working as a sperm scientist. While her time in the private health care industry allowed opportunities to work in science, research and development, marketing and quality assurance she decided to leave full time employment and embark on a medical degree in 2012. With a passion for travel and adventure and a need to be kept busy, Emma looks forward to the challenges that representing AMSA will present.
Emma’s Curriculum Vitae Education
2012 – 2015e Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery, University of Notre Dame Sydney (UNDS) 2010 – 2012 Scientist and Technical Services Coordinator, Genea (formerly Sydney IVF) 2010 Essential Skills for Supervisors, University of Sydney 2005 – 2009 Bachelor of Science (Honours Class I), UNSW
Leadership and Representation
2013 Sponsorship Representative, Medical Association of Notre Dame University Sydney 2013 Delegate, AMSA National Leadership Development Seminar 2011 Sponsor Recruitment Officer, Fertility Society of Australia National Conference 2011 Sydney IVF Representative, Family Planning NSW Conference 2010 Sydney IVF Representative, 4th Annual Men’s Health Conference
44 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
Community
2013 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Course, UNDS 2013 Peer Mentor, UNDS 2012 Delegate, AMSA FutureMed
2010 – 2012 Volunteer, Amnesty International Australia 2009 Peer Mentor, UNSW 2008 – 2009 Orientation Week Volunteer, “YellowShirts” UNSW
Awards and Achievements
2013 Second Place, Australian Technology Park Innovations “Biohackathon” 2011 Innovation Award, Sydney IVF 2010 Value award for Integrity, Sydney IVF
46 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 47
Professor Ian Symonds, Dean of Medicine - JMP The University of Newcastle School of Medicine and Public Health CALLAGHAN NSW 2308
22 May 2013
Dear AMSA Executive and Council
Re: 2014 AMSA Executive Bid from NSW Medical Schools I am writing to support the team of medical students from the Universities of NSW, Sydney, Notre Dame, Western Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle and New England (Joint Medical Program) in their bid to become the 2014 Executive team of the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA). The JMP students bring to the team extensive involvement in their local medical student organisations where they have demonstrated a strong commitment to teamwork. I welcome the opportunity for them to further develop their leadership skills and interact with other medical schools. Location of the AMSA Executive in NSW will assist the further development of lines of communication between medical student representatives and those interested in training and workforce planning. I am conscious of the time commitment required for our students to be involved and undertake to provide support if required during this period of additional responsibility. I am fully supportive of this bid and am confident the JMP students will do an excellent job if successful. Yours sincerely
Professor Ian Symonds Dean of Medicine - JMP T +61 2 4921 7776 F +61 2 49217788 Ian.Symonds@newcastle.edu.au
48 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 49
Professor Bruce Robinson MD MSc FRACP Dean, Sydney Medical School
22 May 2013
AMSA Executive
A
I am writing to confirm that Ms Kelly Ann Thompson (SID: 311056105) is a student of good standing in the University of Sydney Medical School and that I support the student in her bid for the AMSA Executive. Ms Thompson is currently enrolled in Year 3 of the 4 year University of Sydney Medical Program (course code KH006) and is studying towards the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). Ms Thompson is expected to graduate early in 2015. Ms Thompson has satisfactorily completed the course requirements in the first two academic stages and has successfully progressed to the third stage of the Program. The first two stages included studies in: Stage 1
Stage 2
Foundation Studies Drug & Alcohol Musculoskeletal Sciences Respiratory Sciences Haematology Cardiovascular Sciences Neuroscience, Vision & Behaviour Endocrine, Nutrition, Sexual Health Renal, Urology Gastroenterology Oncology & Palliative Care
In Stage 3 (Years 3 and 4) of the program, students complete 8 week blocks of study in Medicine (two blocks), Surgery (one block) and Critical Care/Surgery (one block); Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine (one block), Child and Adolescent Health(one block); Perinatal and Women's Health (one block); and Community (one block). In addition to this there is an Elective Term and Pre-Internship Term. These blocks and rotations are distributed throughout Years 3 and 4 of the program. All students undertaking the University of Sydney Medical Program are enrolled full-time. Yours sincerely
Bruce Robinson Dean
Sydney Medical School Room 201, Edward Ford Building A27 The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
50 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
T +61 2 9351 6570 F +61 2 9351 2433 E medicine.dean@sydney.edu.au www.sydney.edu.au/medicine
Course Code: KH006 Degree Code: MBBS University Code: 3040 CRICOS: 00026A ABN 15 211 513 464
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 51
52 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
From the President’s Office A/Prof. Brian K. Owler
MB BS BSc(Med)(Hons) PhD FRACS
In reply please quote: FD/51413/ck
8 May 2013 Mr John Cherry AMA NSW Councillor (Student Class) Email: John Cherry jjc513@uowmail.edu.au Dear John, AMA (NSW) support of the NSW 2014 AMSA executive bid team On behalf of the AMA (NSW) and the Board of Directors I congratulate you on forming an Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) executive bid team for 2014 and wish you and your team every success. As per our supporting documents, we will provide your team with the following:•
Fitted out office space – this will be located on the Ground Floor of AMA House, in the Conference Centre. The AMSA office will be locked and only accessible by AMSA Executive members. Access to the ground floor can be provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will organise a full briefing to be set up for the Executive team (or key members at your discretion) to discuss security measures. Attached to the office space is the main Conference Room and Kitchen both of which may be utilised by AMSA as required.
•
Office equipment – the space on the Ground Floor will be provided with a fax and printer and two phones with direct line access and voicemail.
•
Postal address – AMSA can utilise AMA (NSW)’s existing postal address, PO Box 121, St Leonards NSW 1590 and our Level 6 reception for office hours deliveries. Mail will be delivered to your office unopened for further action.
•
Meeting facilities – as above, the AMA Conference Room will be available for use by AMSA at agreed times.
•
AMA (NSW) will also dedicate administrative assistant Sharyn Chan to be your point of contact for booking meetings and to assist with catering or other meeting needs you may have from time to time.
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 53
Page 2 of 2
If you require any advice, direction or assistance from myself or any of the Board of Directors please contact us at any time. We look forward to hearing good news from you on the AMSA team bid. Yours sincerely,
A/Prof. Brian K. Owler President, AMA (NSW)
54 NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid
Proposed Changes to the Regulations and By Laws These changes refer to Appendix 4 of the AMSA Regulations and By-Laws and reflect proposed changes to the roles of Sponsorship Officers, Internal Communications Officer and Events Coordinator.
Appendix 4 AMSA Executive Position Descriptions 6. Sponsorship Officers 6.1 The Sponsorship Officers will: 6.1.1 constantly seek new sponsors for AMSA and its specific projects; 6.1.2 ensure the strength and value of relationships with sponsors; this includes: 6.1.2.1 liaising with sponsors to ensure that: 6.1.2.1.1 existing agreements are mutually satisfactory; and 6.1.2.1.1 maximum benefit is being obtained for AMSA and Medical Students. 6.1.2.2 negotiating sponsorship agreements; and 6.1.2.3 co-ordinating the development and implementation of sponsorship packages. 6.1.3 co-ordinate sponsorship of AMSA Events; this includes: 6.1.3.1 being responsible for major sponsorship of the National Convention and , Global Health Conference and National Leadership Development Seminar; and 6.1.3.2 overseeing minor sponsorship of the National Convention and, Global Health Conference and National Leadership Development Seminar. 6.1.3.3 ensuring that all AMSA Events meet sponsorship obligations. 13. The Internal Communications Information Technology Officer 13.1 The Internal Communications Information Technology Officer will: 13.1.1 develop and maintain the Website and any other electronic methods of communication; 13.1.2 develop and maintain systems for document management and corporate knowledge retention; and 13.1.3 co-ordinate the production and distribution of AMSAtv. 14. Events Coordinator 14.1 The Events Coordinator will; 14.1.1 Liaise between the Executive and the: 14.1.1.1 AMSA National Convention Committee; 14.1.1.2 AMSA Global Health Conference Committee; 14.1.1.3 AMSA National Leadership Development Seminar Committee; and 14.1.1.4 Convenor of any other AMSA Event, where such a convenor exists. 14.1.2 Co-ordinate development, planning and execution of all AMSA Events for which a convenor is not appointed, including, but not limited to the: 14.1.2.1 AMSA National Leadership Development Seminar. 14.1.2.2 AMSA National Rural Leadership Development Seminar. 14.1.3 Collaborate with all relevant parties to ensure that all AMSA Events: 14.1.3.1 are run in accordance with the Official Documents and Board Directives; and 14.1.3.2 reflect AMSA’s core values; and 14.1.3.3 meet sponsorship obligations.
NSW2014 AMSA Executive Bid 55
Final Notes Get in touch with us
We welcome the feedback of every medical student across Australia (and any other person reading this, for that matter), so please don’t hesitate to email us at team@nswamsabid2014.com with your comments and questions.
Bid presentation
During our bid presentation at 2nd Council on the Gold Coast, we sadly will be missing three members of our team due to overseas travel and family matters. Olly and Emma Kelso would love to answer any questions you might have prior to Council, so please email them via the above address. Arushi is looking forward to meeting as many Councillors as possible on Thursday night and Friday before flying out to Fiji on Saturday.
Final Notes Photo credits
Our team thanks Eugene D’Souza for his assistance in taking our portrait and team photos.
Thank you
We would like to thank the AMSA Reps, Presidents, Board Members and Executive members past and present for the feedback you have given to us. Your wisdom and expertise is invaluable.
Want more?
Please head to nswamsabid2014.com for more information about our team and our ideas.
nswamsabid2014.com