May 2023

Ludicrously Capacious Bag

Edition #4

May 2023

Who's keen for placements?! I know us third years are all busting to meet the meshers now that you have your first stints somewhat locked in.

This edition will talk a little on what to pack (we know you're already prepped and ready dw), how to save some moolah so you can treat it like a mini-break (and/or scrape through), and report on some highlights from the sunny end of the state. We won't remind you that exams come first (:

A word from CHARMS

Chookas for exams! That's all!

And if you want something to motivate you, check out AMSA's latest internship guide here. It has the lowdown on what internship actually is and how to apply. Keep in mind that by the time we graduate it will be the 2-year system, but the networks, rotations and hospital ratings will be much the same.

Vampire Cup - Good but not good enough

Look at these recent stats! Amazing effort! Incredible outpouring of blood products! So many milkshakes drunk! But sadly this means that over 70% of YOU (more if those plasma stats reflect multiple goes by individuals) haven't donated???? Unless your exempt I don't want to hear excuses. Sadly I'm a cool girl who got a tattoo over the summer (boo) without considering VC, but if you're in any town with a donation centre book in now, roll yo sleeves up, in and out, and enjoy that nippy and sausage roll. The app is hella easy to book on and check out our insta or chat to rep Chelsea for more info on how to make it count towards our team. Obvis you're donating to give the gift of life but would also be great if we won.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood | Home

Make Lifeblood part of your routine, whether you're donating blood, plasma, breast milk, microbiota or organ and tissue.

https://www.lifeblood.com.au/?fbclid=IwAR1trYtC_rockmRuzxQpSkhW-Z45QDtPXWV1PZtCCcrwOWCkJhkMw3Hz4k8

Opportunities

  • Keep an eye out for the NRHSN's publication Cooee! coming out soon with heaps of inspiring stories and ads from stakeholders within.

  • NRHSN Rural Health Webinar series:

    • Career Pathways in Rural and Remote Medicine

    • The Chronicles of Critical Care (a glimpse into the edge of life and death)

    • Register here!

  • RMA23

    • Get involved with RMA23, ACRRM's rural med conference, this year in Iutruwita. Volunteer to attend for free or apply for the pres prizes or sponsorship here. Late October, speak to some of our students who spoke last year for more info!

  • RDN Cadetship applications opening soon!

What's On in Orange

  • Underground Conversations: the trees are talking: May 11th-24th

    • art installation at the Botanic Gardens

  • Maggie Mackellar Author Talk, Orange Library: May 20th

  • Acoustic Sunday, Millthorpe Bowling Club: May 21st

    • Andy Nelson and Jon Wilby playing live

  • Anne Edmonds and Lloyd Langford @ Factory Espresso Comedy: May 23rd

  • Bathurst Writers' and Readers' Festival: May 25th-27th

  • Simply Ukes Open Rehearsal, Orange Con: May 27th

  • Sydney Symphony performs Beethoven, Orange Civic: June 2nd

  • Orange Brick Show: June 10th-11th

  • Frost and Fire Festival, Forbes: June 17th

  • Frank Sultana, Blind Pig: June 17th

  • Newbridge Winter Solstice: June 24th

  • Woodfired Eugowra: Aug 5th

Hidden Gem of Orange

Borenore Caves

My boyfriend and I were bored one weekend, and he came up with a brilliant day trip idea to visit the Borenore Caves! The name Borenore is derived from the language of the Wiradyuri people, Bora meaning ceremony and Nora meaning shelf or overhanging rock. These caves are a 15-minute drive west of Orange, which can be found inside the Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve.

We arrived at the Reserve entrance in our Hyundai i30 (hatch back 2WD will not do the job in the rain), and down the rocky driveway we went! Once we made it to the bottom of the hill, we adventured off into the caves. The limestone architecture made for a beautiful sight after being inside all day. Opaque water dominated one of the caves floors, making it fun to jump from rock to rock to avoid getting wet.

The higher cave was pitch black, so I recommend taking a torch with you. When we entered the cave, Jake decided to scare me because I hate the dark, little did he know there were bats inside sleeping. The poor babies woke up, so we made a run for it. After exploring the caves for an hour or so, we headed back to the car.

Note from Heidi: These caves are culturally significant, traditionally used as birthing caves by the Wiradjuri. Also I have broken down out here so let people know your plans lol.

Jacques Fletcher-Cauchi - MDII

Clin School Communiqué

Hastings-Macleay

med students or athletes? you decide

When we’re not too distracted by the beaches, coastal walks and cafes in Port Macquarie you’ll probably find us having a pretty good time up in Kempsey hospital. The hospital has been an unreal combination of interesting cases and hands-on experiences as well as a super welcoming environment. We’ve gotten to do 100s of cannulas (ultrasound guided ones too… the Anthony Vidler special), sutures, abscess draining, relocating breaks (another Anthony special) and intubations. As part of our MiC we worked the medical tent for the Australian ironman which saw over 200 patients come through, and if you search up how far the race is you’ll understand why (hint - it’s really far). As well as getting to see cool cases come through the tent we also got a heap of merch, food and got to sneak to the race finish line (photo above). But yeah heaps of fun up here and we are looking forward to meeting those who decided to come join us!  

Cameron Martin - MDIII

Packing for Placement

As placement fast approaches we thought we’d try and give you a few pointers on what to pack so that you don’t end up looking like a year 7 with a tortoise shell of a backpack. This is of course very general and non-exhaustive, and the weather/leisure activities vary hugely from Seal Rocks to Beechworth. Best source for info is therefore the students already on location, especially regarding day to day. The main thing we want you to know is that you don’t need to fork out on patagucci and RMs to look profesh on the (unpaid) job.

  • Scrubs: Scrubs aren’t compulsory, but if you want to wear them they should be the official ones. A thermal top to wear under can be handy too, or if you’ll be scrubbing in, a sports bra can make quick changes more comfortable.

  • Clinical Clothes: a couple of pairs of pants and a couple of tops that you can mix and match will cover you for GP and consult days. And a comfy, warm and professional enough sweater. Remember no sleeves below the elbows and pants with pockets. Our hot tip is to thrift these, you never know what bodily fluids you’ll get on them.

  • Athleisure: the best way to explore a new place is just walking around and lots of places have a gym you can join for the two weeks. And always pack a bikini.

  • Shoes: sneakers rule, and personally I think they go with anything. If you’re going a leather option, just make sure you break them in and have done a full day test run. And some birks/jandals and uggs will keep you cosy at home/the beach.

  • Stethoscope: this is the only clinical instrument you really need. And it’s not even essential, so don’t spend a million bucks on it. If you can get our hands on cheapies/freebies, a pen torch and neurotip are easy to have in your pocket too.

  • Notebooks: personally I don’t want to look like an ipad kid but if that's your aesthetic no h8. A palm sized notebook for your scrubs pocket is good for on the ward, and then a bigger notebook (A5 hardcover is g) for teaching/grand rounds/long cases. Unique pens make for better boomerangs too (but still expect to lose them).

  • Laptop: It’s likely that you’ll want to do homework at night, it may even be expected. Be ready to hotspot to it, so bump up your phone data if you need. Don’t bring textbooks, they’re all on ClinKey. Remember to write portfolio entries whilst away. It’s also likely that there will be issues with your official forms so have these all on your device, and the ability to edit them.

  • Watch: a non-smart watch is so handy. It means you don’t have to pull out your phone for the time, and you should expect to do manual BP's and RR.

  • Water bottle: please don’t give yourself an AKI. And go a cheaper, lighter option that can't be weaponised by an angry patient. A lunch box and cutlery is also a must, not all hospitals cafs are as good as Swan Hill's.

  • Laundry detergent: It’s annoying to have to buy a big laundry powder/liquid. Considering you can get away with one or two loads you may as well pack a lil suspicious sanga bag to see you through. Communicate/share with your travel buddies though, maybe you're all detty pigs and need a whole box.

  • Hand cream: If you are a fellow sufferer of a filaggrin deficiency, don't let Skinman® ruin your life and remember your eczema cream. It's winter so find a hand cream, lip balm, etc that work for you and remember that not all of these towns have a chemist warehouse. I like Tough Hands Du'it and that hemp body shop one.

  • Cold protection: Placement is post exams and mid-winter, you might be sharing accomm and you WILL be sharing air with sick kids. Boost yourself as much as you can before going, because it's shit to be sick while your away. This also goes for taking some comforts if you're expecting your period. You know your body and what vitamins, lozenges, decongestants, etc. might work for you. Help yourself out by keeping up your iron, eating good food and sleeping during the exam period. And if you're sick; admit it, address it and don't push yourself. Your colleagues don't want to catch it, let alone your patients. A good medmoir is nice to have on hand for any sick days.

Wellbeing - Bring Me That Money

Bring me that money

You might have missed it because you have been having a small mental breakdown over anatomy (I feel you 2nd years), but the federal budget dropped last week. And like the joy of free sandwiches at hospital teaching, the budget is going to drop a few extra dollars in the old youth allowance. So it's time to fix up your own budget or if you don’t have one maybe get one to figure out how best that extra cash can fit in.

There are also plenty of good budgeting apps that you can use to track your expenses, such as:

• Pocketbook – connects with your bank, super and investment accounts, giving you an overview of your wealth and automating your data.

• Mint – allows you to set up alerts for low balances, or if you’ve gone over your set allowance.

• Wally – one of the best budget apps for bills. It helps you stay organised with bill reminders and allows you to set financial goals.

• Fudget – a simple budgeting app, which doesn't require you to sync your bank account.

• YNAB – uses four rules to help you get into the habit of budgeting, allowing you to get hands-on while planning out your finances.

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