Feb 2023

Welcome to Orange

Edition #2

February 2023

2nd edition lessgooo.

Scroll to hear some summer highlights, news from CHARMS, and to find out where to get your cones packed in Parkes.

Remember that if you ever have any what's-ons or a lil creative something-something to share send it in to Heidi via literally any medium.

A word from the CHARMS President

A very warm welcome to our first-year freshers and welcome back to our second and third years!

First years - know that everything you are feeling, e.g. ...

  • the stress of Bud's "intro lectures"

  • the overwhelming decision of whether to use Osmosis or Jackie Wu's WSU notes

  • the excitement of starting your journey to being a doctor

... are all feelings that the students in the years above you have had. Make sure to look after one another and know that you’ve got this! It can sound hollow, but 2nd and 3rd years are genuinely here for you and want to see you succeed!

Second years - as you wipe off the dust from your Robbins and Guyton’s and restart your anki streaks, get ready to strap in for a big but exciting last year of your pre-clinical years in the wonderful Orange.

Third years - we may be far apart, but the chaos of being the inaugural year of a medical program will always bring us together. Enjoy exploring your new town and finally being in the hospital! Don't do too much damage!

As the calm of holidays leaves your body and imposter syndrome settles in, please remember to look back at how far you’ve come and look out for each other

❤️ Caitlin

Next match: Argentina

  • Huge shoutout to Eve, Grace and everyone involved in organising the incredible orientation events! Us third years were getting major fomo (but were obviously happy to see 2nd years take the L in soccer).

  • Student rep position nominations have been extended until next Sunday. Don't regret not applying down the track; just go for it now! Click here to apply.

  • Remember to follow us on socials @csucharms on facebook and instagram and tag us in any cute (and appropriate) pics from last week's events

  • Tix still available, and at a reduced price for SydCon!! $1000 for a group of 5 is actually a steal for the fun you'll have. Speak to @Caitlin del Solar for more info

  • There are heaps of AMSA position callouts atm, check their facebook if you're keen

  • No-one is allowed to get any tattoos or dental work in the next weeks; we need your blood for Vampire Cup.

  • As we near RDN Cadetship applications opening study up with The Destination Medicine podcast.

Opportunities

  • Be a student rep for us! Our hero! Our champion! Best friends with Gribble! Reminder to use the link above to apply asap^^^

  • Paediatrics 101

    • Zoom, February 28. Part of an AMSA Adolescent and Child Health Series.

  • AMSA Career Conference

    • Adelaide March 29-30 2023. Get ready for an incredible conference that will show you the infinite possibilities of your future career, including access to representatives from speciality colleges, inspiring academic speakers, engaging and relevant workshops and a showstopping cocktail night.

  • SydCon

    • Sydney, April 14th-16th. 2 massive academic days and 3 incredible social nights in April 2023! With inspiring speakers from all across medicine, this is an event you don't want to miss.

  • Scholarships

    • Don't forget to apply for this year's Charles Sturt scholarships!!

    • Or check out the RDN Database

  • RACGP Rural Health Webinar Series

What's On in Orange

RDN Outreach Programs

Outreach Programs as supported by the RDN are just about done for the summer.

Early ECG changes of hyperkalemia include peaked T waves, shortened QT interval, and ST-segment depression.

In January I went to Coffs Harbour for two days and experienced a neurologist outreach clinic. It was a fast-paced clinic with lots of patients. The use of botulinum toxin for treatment of migraines was a heavy focus of the two days as was the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease with dopamine agonists. The patients were very thankful for this service and drove long distances to access the speciality.

The Coffs area is beautiful, and I enjoyed seeing the sights, including grabbing a banana milkshake from the iconic Big Banana. A highlight was being able to go straight from the clinic, driving 5 minutes and jumping into the ocean which was super warm being so North.

Caitlin del Solar

Clin School Communiqué

Central West

Parkes! The great land of all things Elvis. As the first medical students doing an extended stint here, we were met with great excitement by both the local and hospital communities, with our beautiful faces even making it onto the Parkes Champion Post. The hospital boasts ED, inpatient, and surgical units as well as extensive outpatient clinics, visiting specialists, and allied health. The town itself is well-equipped with a Big W, four Chinese restaurants, and a gorgeous library complete with a Country Universities Centre. It also caters to any vices one might have, with ten pubs, and a “Packed Cones” empire – home to the both the best ice cream and coffee in town.

Chloe Johnston
Surf Life Saving in Scott's Head

On the weekend, the Northern Rivers squad were invited to join the Surf Life Saving Club at Scott’s Head for some Rubber Duckie fun and paddle boarding. The day was ended with a free lunch and the surf life savers catching a brown snake that had been swimming (outside of the flags smh😠). Scott’s Head definitely has one of the most stunning beaches on the Mid-North coast and we will all be back once our sunburn goes away!

🤙 just drop in, smack the lip, wapow 🤙

Research Corner

For my MD project, I’ve been lucky enough to undertake research at the Epworth in Melbourne. The department I’m working with is the Molecular Oncology and Cancer Immunology (MOCI) unit whose work is to provide patients with precision genomic testing as well as research into current and potential treatments for lymphomas, leukemias and myelomas. The paper I will be working on is exploring additional therapies for patients with relapsed or refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, which is the most common type of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. So far, I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in sample collections (Bone Marrow Aspirations) as well as laboratory work. It has been a steep, yet valuable, learning curve being able to see the process of collection through to analysis, from paddock to plate, if you will. My idea of it being a simple procedure was quickly squashed after watching a Haematology Registrar working up a sweat trying to get the marrow tap turned on (certainly glad that there’s no BMA stations in OSCEs). The team of Haematologists, Professors, Doctors and Research Coordinators have made me feel so welcome and have certainly begun my thought process about what he future years may bring. I hope everyone has had a superb break, looking forward to 2023!

James Croke

this is what happens when you don't provide a picture

Hidden Gem of Orange

Ode to the Tradie Roll

Down town, in old summer street lies The greatest cafe we have in town If a Dolly Parton cutout you spy with your eyes You’ve stumbled across our dear Bensons

If you have the good fortune of stepping inside And tear your eyes away from the sexy smurfettesI implore you, to open your mouth wideAnd be brave, order the tradie roll

A majestic combination for the ages

This is a roll sure to cure all of your ailments I can promise, you won’t mind spending all of your (Centrelink) wages

Sincerely, a third year, well versed in the Sunday scaries

Sophie Matthews (Heidi apologises for line breaks not working)

Study Tip

App recommendation incoming. If you're still trying to memorise the Cockcroft-Gault equation you're a fool. Download this app and have it at the ready for all the CHA2DS2-VASc and Well's Scores (both!) you could ever want. Perfect for placement or PBL it explains the test and your results.

MDCalc - Medical calculators, equations, scores, and guidelines

The source for medical equations, algorithms, scores, and guidelines.

https://www.mdcalc.com/

If you're interested in contributing for next month's edition get in touch with Heidi on facebook 💗