adelaidemedblog

It’s been a really long time since I’ve posted on this thread, good on Jono and Tony (and everyone else) for keeping the posts going.

Today I thought I would talk on the topic of service, particularly service in med school and involvement in the student community. Those who know me would know I’m pretty heavily involved in the various student societies both within and outside of medschool. AMSS, AUSS, Insight, Team Education, p2p, and the Photographic Society is just this year.

Now while it is impossible for every single med student to be involved in each of these societies, I do strongly recommend that people get involved in one that they support and believe in. It may be because you think things could run better regarding social events, or you have a fantastic idea for a global health initiative. You might want to get a headstart on that surgical career of yours, or just think there are plenty of un-addressed educational issues. Whatever your passion might be, being a part of these societies (or one not mentioned here) does help you out personally in some way. It helps you work in a team, have responsibility - and slowly earn more of it, and begin to realise the complexity of certain issues beyond their face value.

I have to say my time at medschool has been made all the more fruitful for being a part of these societies. I’ve made a lot more friends, I’ve been a part of the curriculum, I’ve worked in a team to address shortcomings of our course in a constructive and helpful manner, and I’ve learnt. A lot.

So my advice is, get involved! Don’t be afraid if you’ve never done anything before, I hadn’t until 4th year! And I do regret not being involved right from the start, as our time in med school is finite. Make the most of it, grow with it.

DC