November 2024

Is it hot where you are? I hope that you’re relaxing somewhere as you read this, using someone else’s AC or even overseas. The fun part about this time of year is not only celebrating getting through another year of med school, but we start to welcome the 2025 intake to our clan 😍. If you find any lost lambs in your travels, make sure to point them in the direction of the DoM facebook group, and of course welcome them with big arms!
Read on for some news from CHARMS, a run down of what Rh+ has been up to, and some postcards from electives!

As always we are after contributions, including anything from research updates to movie recommendations. If you’re really keen and interested in joining fluoro as an editor (would love someone on the ground in Orange) please email [email protected] 😚 

🧡 Hot off the Pres 🧡 

CHARMS President Report

Hi Everyone,
I’m excited to share an update on our position statement and highlight the fantastic work being done behind the scenes by our amazing CHARMS representatives!

Firstly, a massive thank you to the entire CHARMS community for your ongoing support and collaboration. It’s been inspiring to see us come together to create a unified position statement.

Following an overwhelming majority vote to proceed, Bella and I crafted the position statement, which was submitted along with a letter that was composed by our Vice President-elect, Harvey. The position statement was addressed to the Minister for Health, The Hon. Ryan John Park, and NSW Premier Chris Minns. We’re anticipating a response within 21 days and will keep you updated as soon as we hear back.

While awaiting a response, I wanted to provide an update on developments within the Western NSW LHD following the leaked referral pathway at Orange Health Service by the Gynaecologists. Termination services have been reinstated at OHS, and a comprehensive review of policies across all public facilities within the Western NSW LHD is currently underway. This review of Western NSW LHD facilities sets a precedent for similar evaluations to be conducted across all public hospitals in New South Wales.

In addition, ABC News has reported a similar issue at Queanbeyan Hospital and Health Service within the Southern NSW LHD. Surgical termination services at this facility have also been reinstated, reflecting progress toward equitable healthcare access.

This significant milestone was made possible with the endorsement of Charles Sturt University. We also received warm congratulations from our Dean, Prof. Lesley Forster, who commended CHARMS for its commitment, collaboration, and dedication as a community.

Meanwhile, the CHARMS team has been hard at work! TJ and Gwen are putting together a fantastic Orientation Week for our incoming first-years. Charlie has been engaging with our sponsors and uncovering exciting opportunities for 2025 (MIPS has some surprises in store for us!). Jethro is already generating fresh ideas for next year’s social media, and Bella is working with the school to implement a PASS program for Year 2 students—amazing work all around!

Thank you all for your ongoing enthusiasm and involvement. Our position statement is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, and I’m so proud to serve as your president. Enjoy your break, and I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for us!

Warm regards,
Jacques

If you’d like to know more about CHARMS or even take on a role in next year’s committee get in touch with Jacques!

Support us to support you by letting us know your thoughts and what you want by chatting to us or emailing [email protected] 

Opportunities

• AMA Indigeonus Medical Scholarship

  • $11k pa!! but only one recipient per year

  • applications close Jan 31st

• RANZCP PIF Essay Comp

  • The 2024 PIF essay competition topic is– 'Addressing equity in psychiatric care’ – including but not limited to improving mental health care of culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and in rural and remote areas.

  • 1st prize $1k, with cash for 2nd and 3rd too

  • Closes Jan 20th

• Other Scholarships

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

  • Or check out the RDN Database, or Ruralhealthpro database

• Rh+

  • Remember to join our university and discipline wide rural health club or follow us for events and opportunities

  • We’re still looking to fill some positions (small $ attached) and to continue our rural high school visits into next year so get in touch!

• PRIDOC, Kaurna Country

  • Presented by AIDA, Dec 2nd-6th

• Survey; ‘Exploring perceptions of health and wellbeing of women and non-binary individuals in rural and remote Australia’.

  • 👋 Calling all women and gender diverse people living in regional, rural or remote Australia! CSU academics are running this survey, fill it out here.

• What’s on in Orange?

🎒 We Did It! Rural Health Positive’s 2024 High School Road Trip Adventure

Well, we did it! The 2024 annual rural high school road trip has officially wrapped up, leaving us with a treasure trove of unique, unforgettable memories. From forging new friendships to leaving our mark (sometimes a little too loudly), this trip was nothing short of legendary.

Our dream team, featuring our own Caitlin del Solar, Miki Budda-Dean, Faith O’Connor, Sophie Lotz, and Achira Perera - teamed up with an amazing group of healthcare students from CSU campuses to deliver workshops that were equal parts inspiring and entertaining. Along the way, we got the VIP treatment at the RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service) base and managed to stir up some loud and thunderous echoes in the Wellington Caves.

The journey kicked off in Dubbo, where we stayed at Billy’s Bush Retreat in Wongarbon with Billy as our caretaker - except, here’s the thing: Billy doesn’t actually exist. His name was Mark!! But try telling that to me after I spent two days cheerfully calling him Billy 💀 🤦 One thing’s for sure though: Mark’s Bush Stew? Absolute chef’s kiss 💋 

Day one started with a VIP tour at RFDS, where we enjoyed a fabulous breakfast and a behind the scenes tour that had us walking around like we owned the place. Then it was off to the Wellington Caves, where the Thunder Cave absolutely lived up to its name, especially after the RH+ crew gave it some, should I say…enthusiastic applause 👏 👏 

Day two was when the real action began. We launched our workshops at Trangie Central School, featuring stations on snake bites, CPR, pharmacy, balance, vitals, and dental health. From there, it was on to Nyngan, where we unintentionally became that group. You know, the one that overwhelms a local restaurant with a lunch order so big it probably made history. We then walked off the food coma with a visit to the Big Bogan. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like - a larger than life statue of a mullet wearing, flip flop rocking Aussie icon with his beloved dog Rusty. The whole town really leans into its Bogan pride, with shop names like "Bogan Café" and "Bogan Bites." Mad Respect!

That night, the boys (and this is totally unbiased, of course) scored the best accommodations at a tourist park overlooking the River. While some went for a refreshing dip, others solved the world’s problems in one of those deep, completely random conversations instigated by an anonymous person. All in all, a perfect prep for the whirlwind of day three.

Day three was nothing short of a whirlwind. Two schools, back to back, with a schedule so tight we felt like health ninjas on a mission. First up: Nyngan High, where we nailed our workshops and barely paused for breath before racing to Warren Central School. The students at both the schools were absolute gems, showering us with gratitude, and the teachers were full of kind words and curiosity. We arrived in Dunedoo for our final night of accommodation at the Rose Cottage Boutique BNB running completely exhausted but ready for another day nonetheless.

At the Rose Cottage Boutique BNB, we also devoured a grazing platter in record time and made a heroic attempt at a movie night. Let’s just say the TV didn’t cooperate, but the laughter and conversations made up for it. Our last dinner at Hotel Dunedoo was the perfect supper, filled with murder mysteries (blame Caitlin for that), jokes, and a touch of bittersweet banter. 

Reflecting back, sure, we mispronounced a few town names (I still don’t know how to say Nyngan), drove more kilometers than we care to count, and might’ve given Mark a new nickname, but what’s a road trip without some good natured twists?. This trip wasn’t just a road trip, it was a celebration of community, learning, and the power of connection. Whether you’re a healthcare student, a rural enthusiast, or just someone looking for a meaningful adventure, the RH+ Annual Road Trip is the place to be.

Archie Perera - MDI

+ Yarrawonga College DIDO trip

A small group of us also did a quick presentation to Yarrawonga senior students at the school’s request (after the success of last year’s RHSV). Four fourth years took up the challenge the week of exams running brief stations of plaster casts, snakebite first aid, name-that-bone and stethoscope technique to a group of students who would have much rather been at their muck-up day celebrations. But we got to bust some myths and hopefully provide some positive role modelling! I also headed to Balranald the next week to present to students from a few schools, where again we ran through casts and bandaging, as well as a fun segment of guess this medical device featuring the below:

If any schools ever get in touch with you about a visit be sure to send them to [email protected] to organise a visit on the government’s dime!

Heidi Annand - MDIV

🌞 How is your elective?

A summer column where we post postcards from the 4th years currently out and about on elective 🛩️ 🧑‍⚕️ 

📖 Summer reading rec (TW: mention of ED and body dysmorphia)

📍 Central West Hidden Gem

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