Medsoc Fresher's Info Pack 2017 - University of Plymouth
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Transcript of Medsoc Fresher's Info Pack 2017 - University of Plymouth
MedsocFresher’s Info Pack
2017
You’ve fought off the fierce competition to earn your place here at Peninsula, and we want to take some time to wel-come you onto the course. This is the beginning of a fantastic and rewarding career, and we hope that you enjoy your first year as much as we did.
As you may be aware, MedSoc is the society run by a medic committee for medics of all years throughout the uni-versity. Our aim is to support our mem-bers in all aspect of medical school life. We offer supplementary lectures and teaches to cement your understand-ing of the case units taught throughout your course and seek new interests from guest lecturers in specialist fields. On the other hand, MedSoc offer a wide variety of social events, both so-ber and not-so-sober, to help you let your hair down and make some new friends for life. For those that have a competitive edge, or just fancy a kick-about every so often, MedSoc offers a wide variety of sports, from football, rugby, netball and hockey teams, to fitness and yoga groups.
Those of you that demonstrated how charitable you were on your personal statements can put those skills to the test with our many events and volun-teering opportunities with our fantastic charity partners. We will even give you a MedSoc family; parents that will help guide you through your first year and
be a voice of reason when you need someone to talk to. There is something for everyone in MedSoc.
We hope that winning Plymouth’s so-ciety of the year award five out of the last seven years speaks for itself, and we would love for you to be part of it. MedSoc offers a wide range of activi-ties and academic help exclusively to our members, and we would encourage every medical student to join us. You can get some more information about us from our website, and we would love it if you get involved with our Face-book, Instagram and Snapchat feeds (details inside the front cover). We hope that you enjoy the booklet and that it answers any questions that you may have, but if not, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
See you in September, fresh!
TobyVice President, MedSoc
Congratulations!
Last year’s Fresh on the final afternoon of Summer Term
There’s quite a lot of information to get through, so we’ve split this booklet into a few sections...
This booklet
ContentsMedSoc 1
The Committee 2MedSoc Families 5Social media 6MedSoc stash 6Charity 7Balls 8MedSoc fitness 9MedSoc sports 10Plymouth and Exeter Medic’s RFC 12
PUPSMD 13MedSoc Academics 14Induction 14Your Timetable 15Glossary 16PBL 17SDL 17Assessments 18Recomended Reading 20Top tips 21
Plymouth 22Top tips for halls 23Nightlife 24Eating out 25Places to visit 26Staying safe 27
Getting Ready 28What to bring 29GPs 31Opticians 31Dentists 31Student Bank Accounts 32
Insurance 32Cars 32UPSU’s Advice 32
Welfare 33Looking after yourself 34Pastoral Support 35
Freshers 37Fresher’s timetable.. 38
Run by Plymouth Medics for Plymouth Medics, Peninsula MedSoc has won UPSU’s Prestigous Gold Award every year, and Society of the Year for five of the seven we’ve been run-ning - that’s not for nothing.
In this section we’ll introduce our committee, what we do and, the families system and MedSoc’s social media. Who knows - you could be writing this next year?
MEDSOCA LITTLE ABOUT
A little about MedSoc | 2
Hassan Qadri, PresidentThe original Cambridge roadman, you’ll probably struggle to spot Hassan out and about given his love for camo Adidas jumpers. His notable moments have in-cluded being told off for swearing in lectures, missing a competency (though he blames the bus driver) and sleeping through the first half of the mock end of year. Despite having a well-deserved reputation for being MedSoc’s aggy teenager, Hassan is happy to help in any way he can - especially if you offer him food.The President is responsible for leading the committee, liasing with the SU and act-ing as a figurehead. He can be contacted at [email protected]
Toby Ball, Vice PresidentJanner through and through, you’ll be surprised to know Toby has actually already done a degree -given he looks about 12. Our resident immunology expert once got engaged as a joke, prompting confused phone calls from both his mum and girl-friend. After already doing a degree, you’d assume Toby can generally survive a night out; Julia’s shower (which rapidly became his second bedroom) would disa-gree. You’ll probably find Toby in the library in the evenings, where he’ll be happy to explain anything you’re struggling with.The Vice President is responsible for administration, leading the committee and the MedSoc families. He can be contacted at [email protected]
Alex Gordon, Pre-Clinical Academic SecA direct school leaver, Alex first graced the medical school by turning up to his first PBL session with #NoRagrets sharpied on his neck, alongside various bits of male anatomy. Despite the image he gives off in his social life, Alex does actual-ly possess some intelligence, becoming the “AMK King” at the end of his second year. A worthy pre-clinical academic sec with a passion for underlying physiolo-gy, he will be your academic port of call.Alex is one of MedSoc’s welfare leads. The Pre-Clinical Academic Sec is responsible for organising academic support to Years 1 and 2. He can be contacted at [email protected].
Phil Hamilton, Clinical Academic SecA former graduate and healthcare assistant before studying medicine, Phil enjoys a bit of physiology and pharmacology. When he’s not walking his cat on Dartmoor with his wife, he’s cracking jokes around campus and educating the clinical years. For anything research, journal or humour related, this is your manPhil is one of MedSoc’s welfare leads. The Clinical Academic Secs are responsible for academic support to Years 3, 4 and 5. They can be contacted at [email protected]
The Committee
A little about MedSoc | 3
Neil Marshall, Clinical Academic SecMedSoc’s big cheese, Neil seems to know everyone and everything. He’s held a number of positions with the sailing society and is a trustee of UPSU (we don’t know what that means but we think its important). A keen sailor, you’ll probably spot Neil strolling around campus in sailing gear and flipflops. A former biomed turned Medic, Neil knows a lot about.. pretty much everything to be honest. When he’s not sailing, you’ll probably find Neil cycling around Dartmoor at break-neck speed. The Clinical Academic Secs are responsible for academic support to Years 3, 4 and 5. They can be contacted at [email protected]. Neil is also MedSoc’s Health and Safety Officer.
Lucy Longbottom, Sports SecOne of the many mysteries of Peninsula is how Lucy actually finds time to do (pretty much) every sport known to man. Even after falling over and getting con-cussed on the post-AMK, Lucy still managed to turn up to PBL the next morning - even if she doesn’t remember what was discussed (to be fair, we don’t either). Poor Lucy even felt rather unwell at the winter ball (though not as unwell as the person who then had to clear up her plate)! If (for some strange reason) you’re awake at 6:30AM, you’ll probably spot Lucy out for a run - occasionally back from a night out. The Sports Sec is responsible for organising MedSoc fitness and liasing with the MedSoc sports teams. She can be contacted at [email protected]
Jocelyn Saxelby, Social SecThe self-proclaimed “Baroness of the Sesh” comes from Gloucestershire but mi-raculously has the standard number of fingers and toes. How Joc gets any work done is a mystery to us, as rumour has it she hasn’t missed a medic or dentist night out all year. She was famously taken in by Boris’ pledge to give the NHS £350million/week, but would prefer that most of it be put directly into the Med-Soc socials budget. The winner of the “On the Wrong Course” award, Joc seems to be just about the only medic who actually likes the dentists.The Social Secs are responsible for organising all your socials (sober and otherwise) . They can be contacted at [email protected]
Milan Patel, Social SecOur male social sec enjoyed first year so much he tried to do it twice. It’s not for nothing he won “Most likely to be struck off”. Hailing from South-East London, our male Social Sec enjoyed Freshers, and particularly Surf Trip (ask him about the costly mattress incident) and would love to help you do the same — if he makes it out of bed in time for the 9:00PM bar crawl starts. As much as we’d love to tell you to approach Milan if you’re struggling with work, he probably doesn’t know the answer.The Social Secs are responsible for organising all your socials (sober and otherwise) . They can be contacted at [email protected]
A little about MedSoc | 4
Krishna Ravulapalli, Ball SecOur ball sec has grown up a lot during his first year at university, even if he does still live off frozen curry his mum sends down. The perfect example of how NOT to do freshers (has he replaced that vase yet?). We talked him out of starting his own coffee blog and instead he’s been working hard this summer to make sure you get two nice balls (cheeky) and he’s even promised that they won’t be in a field this time. Never found without his Chelsea Boots and ridiculous assortment of Apple gadgets, our methodical ball sec will be happy to explain anything - though you’ll have to wait a few months for that impossible Middlesbrough accent to fade into something comprehensible.The Ball Sec is responsible for organising MedSoc’s two annual balls. He can be contacted at [email protected]
Alshimaa Elmasry, TreasurerAlshima will normally be found worrying about something.. anything. MedSoc’s anxious treasurer lives locally and commutes, but holds the record for committee member least likely to be seen at a MedSoc event. MedSoc’s money is safe with her - she’s the only reason the boys haven’t spent it all on dinghys and drones. Our treasurer has the distinction of being the only second year committee mem-ber not to have embarassed herself in some way.. yet. She’ll be happy to help you with anything you don’t understand (if she’s not at Mr Wok).The Treasurer is responsible for MedSoc’s finances. She can be contacted at [email protected]
Julia Egierszdorff, Charity SecMedSoc’s very own charity case herself, poor Julia once spent £6 on a Caffeine Club breakfast at 4AM, only for it to violently disagree with her and end up all over the toilet door (nothing to do with the jaegerbombs earlier in the night, we promise). Despite living in South-West London, Julia sounds suspiciously like a Polish person trying to fake a northern accent. Owing to her crippling daddy issues, Julia’s friends are basically all guys - and horses.The Charity Sec is responsible for fundraising for the MedSoc charities and ar-ranging volunteering. She can be contacted at [email protected]
James Morganti, Publicity SecOften found with enough energy drinks and vodka in his system to paralyse a small elephant, rumour has it James would manage to sleep through the apoc-alypse (as well as frequently his alarm clock). The world’s most bipolar drunk, James can normally be found either embarrassing himself with poor dancing or sulking in the corner “cus he’s not feeling it” – that’s if he’s not hugging the toilet. James’ goals for this year include being able to remember either ball for once. He’d love to help you with anything you’re struggling but as he doesn’t really know an-ything apart from eyes he’s probably no help – did you know he had a gap yahhh?The Publicity Sec is responsible for MedSoc’s website, social media, emails and as-sisting with event organisation. He can be contacted at [email protected]
A little about MedSoc | 5
Through joining Peninsula, the medical school will preach to treat everyone as a family. MedSoc go one step further.
When you join MedSoc, you will be give parents, who found “love” in their first year. These parents will be your first port of call if you have any prob-lems, academically or otherwise. They will be some-one to talk to that has been through first year al-ready, and give you extra bits of help and tips when you need it. You will get a chance to meet your par-ents at the welcome drinks and again at the barbe-cue in Freshers Week.
Once you have found your feet, you can even start to think about kindling a MedSoc love interest of your own, just make sure your proposal is good!
New for this year, we are going to try and match you up to parents with similar background and interests. In order for us to do that, we need you to fill out and questionnaire about your own interests. We will then match you to the parents that we think you are similar to.
The questionnaire is available here
For any extra information, or if you have any problems, don’t hesitate to send an email to [email protected]
MedSoc Families
Hassan officiating at the marriage cere-mony (don’t tell his mum)
Last year’s family barbecue on the Hoe The boys (and Stevie) looking dapper for their mar-riages
A little about MedSoc | 6
One of the key ways we’ll let you know what’s going on is through the various MedSoc social media accounts. We’d really encourage you to:
• Join your year specific Facebook group• Join the main MedSoc Facebook group• Like and follow the MedSoc Facebook page• Follow MedSoc on Instagram• Add MedSoc on Snapchat (we’ll be giving the username out in your welcome
lecture!)
Get involved on your year group and get to know the people you’ll be studying with - they might even be your flatmates!
Social media
For some reason, uni students love walking around with in their course/society/sports team stash - and medics are no different. We’re currently in the process of re-designing our existing stash to try and keep the prices as low as we can for you and add some new items to our range (MedSoc underwear, anyone?). In the mean time, we do have a few of our extra hoodies for sale on a first-come-first served basis. If you’re interested, get in touch with James when you arrive!
MedSoc stash
A little about MedSoc | 7
Hello, my name is Julia, I’m a second year Medic and your charity secretary for Medsoc 2017/18. I have done a lot of charity work in the past and I hope to bring my passion and experience into this new role. I’m very eager to get as many Medsoc members involved in charity work as it’s a great way to meet new people and gain new skills and more confi-dence. I’m very approachable so if you want to get involved with one of the brilliant charities we are supporting this year (listed below) or if you just fancy a chat, please don’t hesitate to chat to me if you see me or send me an email on [email protected] Shekinah Mission This is a fantastic charity dedicated to helping the homeless population of Plymouth, who we have worked with for a few years now. They run a soup kitchen every Sunday, which always needs vol-unteers and is a great, rewarding way to give back to the community so make sure to get involved
Mind, PlymouthMind is a charity focused on working with people with mental health problems, which affect a quarter of people at some point during their lives. As Medsoc, we are eager to support the vital work this charity does and get involved in the refurbishment of their café, which will provide a safe space for anyone to come in and talk about their mental health, as well as providing jobs for at risk young people in the community. Students and Refugees Together (START)This charity helps the growing refugee population in Plymouth, specifically the students, to find their feet in a new country. This involves teaching English language and culture, providing legal advice, and helping integrate new refugees into society. We hope to get Medsoc members involved in their events and helping to fundraise as much money as possible for this amazing cause.
MarrowLast year’s UPSU Charity of the Year, Marrow work closely with the Antony Nolan; a charity focused on stem cell donation. Marrow have worked closely with MedSoc for many years, and have a close partnership, so make sure you sign up for spit clinics and keep an eye out for the slave auction later in the year!
Charity
Julia and Mike at Shekinah’s Soup Kitchen
The 17/18 Marrow Committee
A little about MedSoc | 8
Winter BallThe winter ball is a perfect way to end your first term at medical school with a bang.One of the biggest events of the year with consistently high turnouts, this is one you won’t want to miss.The perfect opportunity to party the night away in your shiny suits, dresses and shoes and the first of many classy nights at Pen-insula.
The night starts with a 3-course meal and drinks to get the conversations flowing and occasionally ends with a few alcohol related mistakes. We’ll be hosting this year’s Winter Ball at The Orangery in the Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. We’ve arranged a ferry to pick us up from the iconic Mayflow-er Steps in the Barbican.
December 2nd 2017 at The OrangeryDress Code: Black TieFurther details coming soon..
Summer BallThe summer ball is the biggest and most stunning event of the year.
We team up with Exeter MedSoc to give you a chance to meet our neigh-bours. Often held in some of the most amazing venues in Devon and Cornwall (such as the Eden Project), everything from transport to food and drinks is taken care of – you just need to dress up!
Ask any older medic and they’ll have fond memories of the summer balls – and some amazing photos to prove it.
We’re still in the process of organising it so we’ll be sending out some more de-tails soon!
Balls
Last year’s Freshers posing in their finery at the Win-ter Ball 2016 in Torbay, © Thomas Hanks
The Committee (minus Alshimaa, Neil and Phil) at the Summer Ball 2017 in Lostwithiel
A little about MedSoc | 9
Medsoc Fitness allows medics from any year group to get together and keep fit. Primarily this group are focused on running and allows students to go for a run with a group of friends of simi-lar ability to them. In terms of running we will split into two groups, - one fast and one at a more relaxed pace! Both groups will usually be run by a second year medic who are happy to go at a pace that suits the group on the day.
As this is an informal group, there is no coaching involved. We also organise a group to partake in the local park run each Saturday at Mount Edgcumbe and are happy to meet at the campus and then jog down to the ferry together to ride over to the start. There is also the monthly 10km run at Saltram Park and the weekly sweatshop runs in town which many of our members are keen to join in with! All this running is free and fun so feel free to come along and join in!
Aside from running, members are also willing to organise a jog down to the hoe for some more intense bodyweight
training, however, once again we do not provide coaching for this but rather an opportunity to workout with friends.
Medsoc will also be running regular climbing trips up to High Sports Climb-ing Wall at the Life Centre throughout the year - whether you’re a keen moun-taineer with plenty of experience on the rock or a complete novice, come along; the life centre is a fantastic safe facility with plenty of great instructors too. If you are keen to workout with fellow medics or would like further info or to share ideas please contact Medoc’s sports sec Lucy Longbottom at [email protected]
MedSoc fitness
A little about MedSoc | 10
HockeyPUPSMD HC is a mixed team for medics, dentists and biomeds and we train weekly at Plymouth College on friday evenings. We hold sober dinners and not-so-sober socials regularly. Anyone is welcome, regardless of experience. We com-
pete locally against teams in Plymouth, against Exeter Medical School (in the Interpeninsula Cup) as well as in the TITS (Tournament in the South) in November and NAMS (National Associa-tion of Medical Students) in March. Our first session will be on Friday 29th,
where we’ll be meeting on top of the SU at 5:40PM. We’ll also be holding welcome drinks the next week!
Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/124636281216979/
NetballPUPSMD NC is a brand new netball club formed in 2016 for medics, dentist, nurses and all other health care students. Even if you haven’t played before we’d love to see you come along and have a go as it’s a fantastic way to meet other
medical students from all five years. During the year we will be having training ses-sions on Wednesdays 6-7pm, so there is still time after for all you fresher’s to be ready for those University Wednesday socials! There is the op-portunity to play fun matches in the University intramural league against other departments. However if you want to play more competitive netball we will be holding trials to be part of the NAMS (National Association of Medical Schools) team, playing matches against the other southern medical schools and aiming to qualify again for
the National finals.Come along and see us at the Medics Freshers Fair, we’d love to meet you!
MedSoc sports
A little about MedSoc | 11
Email: [email protected] Captain: [email protected] Captain: [email protected] Chair: [email protected] Social: [email protected]
FootballPeninsula medical school’s prestigious foot-ball team has been running for 17 years and is keen to recruit enthusiastic new players of all abilities. We compete in the Plymouth University’s 11 aside intramural league as well playing casual 5 aside football on a regular basis. Highlights of our football calendar in-clude bi-annual varsity matches against historic rivals Exeter and the Peninsula dental school as well as the National association of medical schools tournament at the end of the season. Team socials are also an essential part of football here at Plymouth and give a great opportunity to connect with students from higher year groups! Don’t hesitate to get involved if you interested!Drop an email to the team captain [email protected] if you have any questions
GolfWelcome to Medsoc’s newest sports society! Whether you are a total beginner who has never held a golf club or a scratch player, this is the society for you. Run by a committee of an extremely large range of playing abilities, we organise regu-lar rounds of golf at local clubs, group lessons with a professional instructor and most importantly regular pub golf socials! We have lots of extra sets of clubs for beginners that need to borrow, so dont hesitate to contact one of our committe members if you’re intrested!
Jon Greenspan (President, [email protected]) Sam Couch (Vice-President, [email protected]),
Hope to see you on the course soon!
A little about MedSoc | 12
INTERESTED IN PLAYING RUGBY WHILST AT UNIVERSITY? Look no fur-ther.
Who we areWe are a club run by students from Plymouth and Exeter Medical schools. Most of our players are medical stu-dents, but we welcome players from all courses! Our team is ideal for people from Exeter and Plymouth universities who want to play a decent level of rugby, but can’t/ don’t want to commit to the time-consuming training sessions expected by the university sides. We usually train or play on Wednesdays and have games on Saturdays.
What to expectPEMRFC (aka ‘the Squirrels’) is a friendly club with a good social atmosphere. Our main league is NAMS (National Association of Medical Schools) where we play against teams from across the country, but we also play in a Navy league in the South West. Our biggest fixture of the year is an annual charity match against the Royal Marines 1st XV at Plymouth Albion stadium which regularly is played in front of a few thousand spectators.
Interested? Contact us for more information:Vice President: Daniel Vowles email – [email protected] Captain: Adam Kedzierski email – [email protected] Rep: Joe Macpherson email – [email protected]
Cherish the nut.
Plymouth and Exeter Medic’s RFC
The Team at the Medic’s vs Marine game The team beat the Royal Marines 1st XV 20-7 in 2015
You’ve met your offer, got into one of the best medical schools in the UK and you’re ready to start learning some ac-tual medicine. Here are our top tips.
In this section, we’ll brief you on what you need to know. This includes: Med-Soc academic support, induction, the timetable, a glossary of acronyms/ terms and a bit on exams
PUPSMDSTUDYING AT
© University of Plymouth
Studying at PUPSMD | 14
With MedSoc, we aim to give you all the extra support you may need on your journey through medical school. Medics may know how to party, but we view the academic support we provide as even more important!
Self-directed learning is quite a daunting prospect. It was for all of us at the beginning! One of the hardest challenges you will face in first year is working out how much you need to know and also trying to identify what you don’t know!
Fortunately, this is what the medsoc academic team will help you out with. When you sign up for medsoc you will have access to a multitude of online resources, such as videos on difficult topics, recommended reading material, quizzes and previous lectures. All at the touch of a button on our shiny new medsoc website! On top of all this, there will be student led teaching sessions 3 times a case unit as well as Friday evening drop-in clinics. So don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
This academic section holds information about some of the bits and pieces of medical school that we think you’ll need…if you have any questions about your academic experience of Plymouth, don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected].
MedSoc Academics
InductionYour first two weeks at Plymouth are dedicated to getting you ready to start case units - you are not expected to remember everything they tell you! The faculty office will be emailing out a timetable, but you can also find it online here. At the end of the first day, we’ll be giving you an introduction talk and arranging a photo of your year group together on your first day (won’t your mum be proud!).
Lots of stuff says its optional but we’d really recomend going anyway. Also, don’t miss out on the Medic’s information fayre on the afternoon of the first Friday as you’ll get loads of freebies get a chance to sign up for insurance so you don’t end up getting stern emails from the faculty office later in the term. Littman are often there and sometimes give a discount on stethoscopes- don’t buy one yet!
Finally (and most importantly) enjoy this fortnight and your time being a fresher. The uni deliberately don’t give you much work to do outside of the timetabled activities for this reason, and you’ll be busier when case units start (though you’ll still find time to enjoy yourselves). Feel free to go out and have fun every night, go to the Fresher’s Fayre (don’t join too many societies and blow your loan - you won’t have time) and get 30 £1 Dominos pizzas. As long as you make it to the sessions (in body, if not in spirit)
Prof Bristow’s induction lecture a few years ago©University of Plymouth
Studying at PUPSMD | 15
First of all, ignore the one on the uni timetable site- its wrong. The Medic timeta-ble after induction is on the DLE. You’ll be taught how to access it (and probably be made to put it in your phones) during the TELMeD sessions in induction.
During induction follow the one you’re emailed!
Your Timetable
Monday Week 1
Tuesday Week 1
Wednesday Week 1
Thursday Week 1
Friday Week 1
Monday Week 2
Tuesday Week 2
Wednesday Week 2
Thursday Week 2
Friday Week 2
9:00
PBL Session 1
PSQ
PBL Session 2
PSQJigsaw
PBL Session 3
PSQLSRC Session 1
PSQ
10:00
11:00 Plenary PSQ
12:00 Plenary PSQ
Plenary PSQ
Plenary PSQ
Plenary PSQ LSRC
Session 2 PSQ
Plenary PSQ Interactive
Session PSQ 13:00
Community Placement
LSRC Session 2
PSQ
14:00
CSRC Session 1
JBB
CSRC Session 1
JBB
15:00 WRAP PSQ
16:00
An example timetable for a case unit, generally stays the same with a few variations
Plenary - the Peninsula word for a lecture (typically an hour long)PBL - The main focus of the course, 3 two hour sessions over two weeks. Groups follow a case unit, breaking it down and asking questions about it. LSRC (Life Sciences Resource Centre) - 2 or 3 consecutive 40 minute sessions in the life science resource centre. Like plenaries, but in small groups and with more interaction, in-cluding the anatomage table and model patients. Community Placement - 2 hour placements, once a fortnight, rotating around services pro-vided around Plymouth. These include GP surgeries, in Derriford Hospital, pharmacies and non-clincial placements - and the funeral directors.CSRC (Clinical Skills Resource Centre) – Putting learning into practice at the John Bull building at Derriford Hospital. The clinical skills tutors will teach you how to give examina-tions and treat your patients. Interactive Sessions - Plenaries longer than an hour with an interactive element to stop you falling asleep/messing around - often involve foodWRAP - a recap and quiz (anonymous, don’t worry) on the content from the case unitPSQ - Portland Square Building on Campus, where you’ll spend most of Years 1 and 2JBB - John Bull Building at Derriford, where CSRC is and your base for Years 3, 4 and 5
Studying at PUPSMD | 16
The medical school loves acronyms and random names - aside from the ones over the page here are some others we reckon you need to know, adapted from Exeter MedSoc
ADB - Assessment Database (where re-sults for everything apart from AMK/ EOY are uploaded)
AMK - Applied Medical Knowledge Test (see the next page)
CDM - Clinical Decision Making (sessions during SSU on using stats and interpret-ing evidence)
DLE - Digital Learning Environment (Moodle site where lectures, timetables and much more can be found)
EOY1 - End of Year 1 Test
GMC - General Medical Council (regula-tors of medical education and conduct of doctors and medical students)
ILSA - Integrates Life Sciences Assess-ment (a formative, anonymous test on the previous case units held during consoli-dation week to help you find gaps in your knowledge)
Logbook - the website where (among oth-er things) medical knowledge results are released.
MDU - Medical Defence Union (one of the two indemnity providers, you’ll meet
them during the Freshers Fayre)MPS - Medical Protection Society (the other indeminity provider)
PA - Portfolio Analysis (twice a year you’ll create a portfolio for your academic tutor to review - it’ll be explained during induc-tion)
PBL - Problem Based Learning
PCMD - Peninsula Colleges of Medi-cine and Dentistry (a medical and dental school run jointly by Exeter and Plym-outh, which split in 2013 creating PUPS-MD and University of Exeter Medical School)
PMS - Peninsula Medical School
PUPSMD - Plymouth University Penin-sula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry (our faculty)
SDL - Self Directed Learning
SSU - Student Selected Unit/ Special Study Unit (see the next page)
UPSU - University of Plymouth Student’s Union (our SU and the body MedSoc are registered with)
WAMS - Widening Access to Medical School (a team of students running events in local schools to improve access to med-ical school)
Glossary
Studying at PUPSMD | 17
PBL
SDLSelf Directed Learning is another big part of the course. You’ll typically have 15-20hours timetabled sessions a week, and you’re meant to do another 15hours of self study. This includes recap on previous sessions, preparation for upcoming sessions and generally reading around the subject you’re learning about.
You may well struggle (especially if you haven’t done a degree already) but you’ll quickly get in the swing of things. As you find ways of working that suit you better, you’ll need to spend less time. Most of us don’t do anywhere near 15hours SDL a week and we all did fine!
CSRC also ask you to do SDL, where you book slots on Logbook and practice skills you’ve already done in sessions to keep your knowledge up. They have a few rooms set aside for this. SDL is important for CSRC PJs and they monitor it when they’re writing the PJs so try and do at least a session a month. Don’t do too much SDL though! In first year as there’s simply no need to do it more than once a fortnight and it involves a trip up to Derriford.
Problem Based Learning is a key part of Year 1 and 2. In groups of around 10 which you’re placed into from induction (they also change halfway through the year) you’ll examine a scenario, pick out themes and key concepts and come up with questions to investigate before the next session.
You might find PBL uncomfortable to start with, but you’ll soon end up enjoying it (most groups take it in turns between members to bring snacks/ breakfast). You’ll have an explanation during induction and a couple of practice sessions with your group (on a non-medical scenario). It’s a really effective way of learn-ing because you research things rather than being told them.
You’ll also have lectures and LSRC where you learn the sciences, while PBL tends to focus on specific conditions and their management.
Studying at PUPSMD | 18
If you’re anything like we were, you’ll already be stressing about exams, we’ll give you a brief overview and explain why you shouldn’t.
Unlike normal degrees (graded in firsts, 2:1s etc) assessments here are generally graded as satisfactory (pass), excellent (better pass), borderline and unsatisfac-tory. Whether a borderline is a pass or not depends on the type of assessment. But don’t worry about that at all, just see what excitement is in store.
Your first attempt at everything (aside from competencies and PJs) are con-sidered formative - meaning they won’t count towards you score or affect your progression to second year. Your entire score from first year counts just 5% of your final ranking.
Your first year counts for just 5% of your final ranking.
You’ll have a whole lecture from the Head of Assessment on this during Freshers so don’t worry if this doesn’t make much sense.
Applied Medical Knowledge / Pro-gress Tests (AMKs)The main method of assessment at Peninsula. This progress test is tak-en 4 times a year, with the same test being given to all 5 years. There is no pass mark as such, but you are graded
against you peers using the unsat - ex-cellent scale above.
AMKs are 125 questions over 3 hours, and they’re negatively marked, mean-ing you lose 0.25 mark for every incor-rect answer. You can put that you do not know, and save losing anything, but forfeit the chance at gaining a mark. Don’t be surprised if you a get single digit result out of 100 for the first couple, this is normal. Remember your first AMK is formative. AMKs are sat in October, January, March and May on a computer system.
End of YearThe big one. 100 questions over 3 hours testing everything you have learned throughout year one. Negatively marked in the same way the AMK is, but this exam has a pass mark around 40%. The final thing you will do in year one, and the gateway to summer.
Professionalism Judgements (PJs)These are more subjective assessments of how you are participating in ses-sions. PJs are given throughout the year for PBL, jigsaw, clinical skills and SSUs. Engage in sessions, be on time and don’t skip sessions, and you will be fine.
You can also be given “On the spot PJs” for good (or bad) conduct. These don’t count towards your final grade at all
Assessments
Studying at PUPSMD | 19
though (but try not to get bad ones)
Student Selected Units (SSUs)Sometimes called Special Study Units as well, SSUs are something a little different. Students pick from topics put on by facilitators, and write a 2000 word essay on that topic. These take 3 weeks away from case units, where you will have a minimum of 3 contact sessions with your facilitators. Topics surround the themes of biomedical science, healthcare environments and medical humanities. Biomedical sci-ence SSUs are generally with lecturers in the university. Medical humanities look at topics surrounding medicine (history, ethics, art etc.) and are with more non-medical facilitators and will make you look differently at medicine. Healthcare environments are general-ly conducted by doctors and surgeons, and will offer time in and around hos-pital settings. These can be intense, but offer valuable experience and learning.
Clinical Competencies These test some of the skills you have learned in clinical skills. In year one, these are taking vital signs, basic life support, and cardiovascular, respira-tory and gastrointestinal exams. These are low stakes exams, and you can have 3 attempts at each if needed.
What if I fail something?Don’t stress about failing - the assess-ment team’s motto is frequent assess-ment and rapid remediation, meaning they test you frequently to work out
if there’s any issues, then they’ll give you intensive support to help you get better. Once you’re here, as long as you work, they’ll fight to help you stay here.
Studying at PUPSMD | 20
You’ll be receiving a recommended book list from PUPSMD before you arrive. If it’s anything like the one we got as freshers, you DO NOT want to get everything on that list...you’ll have access to the titles on the list in the library and in the LSRC book store. The most important titles on that list are available as free ebooks from the university! Our main piece of advice is to try a few titles out when you get here - don’t buy anything you haven’t had a skim through first!
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems – L. SherwoodGood descriptions and helpful diagrams to really help you get your head round all those different systems. Great for just getting an overview of what everything does.
Gray’s Anatomy for Students – R . Drake et al.The best place to start with your anatomy before you get bogged down by col-lateral arteries and the nth branch of whatever nerve... Simple diagrams, easy to follow descriptions and helps you grasp the important stuff before you put the whole human body together!
The Anatomy Colouring TextbookMakes a very dry topic a hell of a lot easier to remember. Also helpful for educa-tional procrastination.
Dr Najeeb Lectures These are a series of online videos of a man who lectures Indian medical stu-dents. They’re called the world’s most popular medical lectures for a reason! They will stand you in good stead in your pre-clinical years to smash the core sciences.
These are just some of the ones we like - you’ll find out what works best for you through experimenting when you get here.
Recomended Reading
Studying at PUPSMD | 21
• Bring smart clothes for CSRC and placements! Guys need shirts, trou-sers and smart shoes, girls need knee length skirts, covered shoes and clothing that covers midrift and back.
• You’ll be able to get the FREE bus to Derriford, so don’t worry about not being close to the hospital! (Number 42 or 1 picks you up from uni/ top of North Hill/ Mutley Plain)
• Always leave for CSRC AT LEAST an hour before your session is due to start. The traffic up and back from clinical skills is a nightmare and completely unpredictable. There are currently roadworks going on sched-uled to end in September but they may well go on further.
• You can absolutely go on the surf trip and keep up with your work-load!
• You DO NOT need to do any work during Freshers. Take the oppor-tunity to settle in and get to know your coursemates. You’ve got the next 5 years to learn medicine, you can leave it for a couple more weeks while you settle into your new envi-ronment
• You get FREE E-BOOKS provided by the medical school on your core medical sciences. USE THEM.
• Lectures are signposting what to learn, and their content is definitely not everything you need to know on a topic..
• If you don’t understand something, ask an older student or a member of academic staff for some help
• Try not to leave writing your SSU until the final weekend (yes we all always do this)
• Make the most of gaps in the time-table like consolidation weeks and SSUs to catch up on work you’re behind on, rather than just viewing them as free time
Top tips
©
© University of Plymouth
Britain’s Ocean City is the largest city in the South West (Ha, take that Exeter). It’s a truly amazing place to live and study with an active SU and a buzzing nightlife.
In this section, we’ll cover where the shops, clubs, resteraunts can be found, give you some hints on living in halls, some advice on keeping safe and tell you about our favourite spots!
PLYMOUTHLIFE IN
Life in Plymouth | 23
Most of this is common sense, but it’s worth a quick read nonetheless..RAs are Resident Assistants (older students who live in halls and enforce the ralls/let you in when you lose your keys)
1. Check your room and the com-munal areas thoroughly for any dam-age when you arrive, take photos and be clear on the inventory sheet – oth-erwise they may try and fine you for existing damage2. Put the duty RA number in your phone before you go out in case you lose your keys3. Be friendly with the RAs and don’t get a reputation as the flat that’s always causing trouble – they might be flexible with the curfew on special occasions4. Conversely, don’t feel bad about phoning the RA if someone is being annoying and keeping you awake5. RAs can and will appear from an-ywhere in the communal areas (at least in the newer halls)6. If your mattress is particularly bad, ask for it to be replaced. If any-thing is broken, bug the halls reception to get it fixed7. If you’ve got an ensuite, clean the tiles frequently and let it air as much as possible to stop mould building up8. Get to know your flatmates and do the freshers events the SU organise on the weekend they arrive
9. Agree some ground rules with your flatmates about how clean you want to keep the communal areas (though not so dirty you annoy the cleaner!)10. Consider sharing things with short use-by dates and washing up liq-uid/ kitchen roll11. The freezer is your friend (bread, split up packs of meat) but don’t have too much in it in case someone leaves it open/accidently turns it off12. Don’t leave stuff going off/leak-ing in the fridge – especially if you go away for the weekend. Watch out for things you’re defrosting/packs of raw meat13. Try not to set the fire alarm off burning food – you might get fined and the rest of your block will hate you14. Damage to the communal areas will be split between everyone with ac-cess to it if they can’t find the culprit. If you can prove you weren’t in Plymouth when it happened, they can’t fine you.15. If you’re caught breaking the law or get so paralytically drunk the RAs have to call an ambulance the medical school will be told – enjoy yourselves but be mindful of the higher standard of conduct you’re being held to.
Top tips for halls
Life in Plymouth | 24
Plymouth’s nighlife might be a bit different to what you’re used to if you grew up in a big city. We have lots of small clubs and bars. As different as it is, we love it and we’re sure you will too! MedSoc members get discounts at some of these!
AirBliss when the sun comes out, this open air bar is opposite the uni and has food deals every day of the week. What’s not to love?
Bac BarKryptonites of all the colours of the rainbow, and a new drink deal every night. The perfect place for a drunken heart to heart
CubaFor those night where only cocktails, shooters and dancing on the poles are the only option. Pound a pint is a regular feature.
Fresher and ProfessorInfamous for the Terminator and £1 drinks Thirstday Thursday, this is the perfect place for all alcoholic needs
PryzmPlymouth’s biggest club, with rooms for R&B, dance and cheese music. When your in the mood for belting out the classics or having a good shuffle
SwitchMedics love switch, pound pint deals all evening once a week and 11PM - mid-night every day, two floors and many many memories to be made (and then promptly forgotten)
SU BarOpening suspiciously early in the day, the SU bar is the perfect place to have a quick break from all the annoying medicine stuff. On weekend nights (and spe-cial occasions) the SU is transformed into a nightclub where you’ll rapidly end up spending your Friday nights because its easy and actually quite good fun. You can also often catch big sporting events broadcast on huge projector screen. Keep an eye out for the cider festival!
Nightlife
Life in Plymouth | 25
As well as all the chains you’re used to from home (they’re also finally opening a Greggs this summer), here are a selection of our favourite smaller chains/ in-dependent places we love. We’ve sorted out discounts for MedSoc members at some of these, you’ll hear more during Freshers!
Aroma2 for 1 tasty cheap Halal pizzas? We’ve spent way too much of our student loan on giant pizzas here..
Boston Tea PartyFor anything coffee, cake, breakfast or brunch related, this should be your first stop. Did we mention it’s right on Sutton Harbour, beautiful any time of day and a lovely venue for a quick study break
Caffeine ClubThe eatery that never sleeps. Open 24 hours to satisfy your needs for 2 pint milk-shakes, comfort food (James recommends the Nachos and Mozzarella sticks) and a fry-up at 4am after a night out
The CamelAnother Halal eatery (and shisha bar if that’s your thing), Camel is reasonably priced and quite good food. If you’re particularly adventurous, you can order a whole sheep with rice (with about 15 friends)
Jake’sLike caffeine club, only riskier, no seating and potentially the best chips on the way home from Pryzm ever. Look out for the cheese melts (hotdogs with a pile of cheese melted on top)
Mr WokFound in the city centre, this Thai noodle bar specialises in £5 meal pots. We love it and we’re sure you will too!
PL4 CaféA small club by night and a wonderful café by day – look out for the amazing burgers and curly fries
Eating out
Life in Plymouth | 26
Prime CafeKrishna’s favourite place in Plymouth, Prime sell some lovely coffees and hot chocolates, as well as serving a lovely breakfast - even if its a bit pricey!
The Quarterdeck (the SU café)Found in the SU and open for breakfast, we’d recommend popping in here if you want a cheap but tasty warm meal for lunch
The StableLovely pizza and pies on the Barbican, keep an eye out for the student nights where you can get a pizza, salad and drink for £10 - perfect for dates!
Three JsSpecially made sandwiches (ESPECIALLY crisp sandwiches), homemade fudge, a resident pug and the nicest people in business
Places to visitHere are just a few of our favourite places in the local area
Cremyll Point and Mount EdgecumbeA cheap ferry from Stonehouse will take you over the river to Cornwall. You can find a lovely pub with a great Sunday carvery here, as well as a lovely country house. This is a favourite of MedSoc fitness for running!
DartmoorA big reason many of you chose Plymouth. Dartmoor is a vast national park that’s reasonably accessible from Plymouth on the bus. If you like cycling, head to Burrator reservoir!
The HoeA huge grass area with Smeaton’s Tower in the centre, the Hoe is lovely during Plymouth’s sunny afternoons. For bonfire’s night, the entire city will be up on the Hoe watching the amazing bonfire and fireworks display – as well as enjoying the funfair
Royal William YardA rather upmarket development just out of the city centre (you can get the bus or ferry from the city centre). You’ll find a bunch of fancy restaurants as well as chains, where you can enjoy a meal with the fantastic view
Life in Plymouth | 27
Staying safePlymouth is a really safe city, but it is still a city. Here’s some general advice on staying safe while you’re getting to know the area. You’ll spend most of your time in the city centre, North Hill and Mutley Plain. These are fairly stu-dent-y areas, packed with shops, bars and restaurants and these areas are generally very safe.
•Try and avoid walking around alone after dark until you get your bearings
•Put the number for your hall’s RA in your phone
•Avoid areas like the sundial (the other side of Drake Circus to uni Campus) after dark unless you’re in a group
•Try and walk to and from pres in a group, and stick together on the bar crawls/nights out
•If you lose something, ring the bars you’ve been to, ring uni security (who handle lost property) and fill out the police form online
Specific tips on nights out:
•Stick with a group and don’t leave an-yone behind
•Put the numbers of people you’re out with in your phone
•Don’t share taxis with people you don’t know and only use proper tax-is you’ve ordered or got from the Taxi ranks (there’s one on North Hill by Cuba)
•Be careful accepting drinks from peo-ple you don’t know
•Don’t get too drunk
•Spread out alcoholic drinks, ask for tap water from the bars, they legally have to give it to you
•If someone is bugging you, let the bouncers know
•Stick to the clubs/bars in the city cen-tre and Pryzm, avoid areas like the Barbican and Union Street until you know your way around
•Put your keys on a lanyard and wear them round your neck under your top
•If someone in your group drinks too much, make sure they get home and are safe before you leave them
© University of Plymouth
Mum’s panicking, you’re panicking. What do you need to bring?! We’ve got it all covered in this section..
GETTING READYADVICE ON
Advice on Getting Ready | 29
Adapted from Residence Life’s list. This isn’t an exhaustive list
Bedroom• Duvet• Pillows• Two sets of duvet covers, pillow cases
and sheets• Warm blanket/fleece throw• Mattress protector• Photos/ fairly lights• Pins for your noticeboard• A door stop (but hide it from the RAs!)• Speakers• Washing basket• Washing machine tablets• A small suitcase/ bag for weekends
away• Small first aid kit (antiseptic cream,
plasters, painkillers)• A second phone charger (so you’re not
stuffed if you break the first)• Clothes drying rack (the halls tumble
dryers are a rip-off)
Bathroom• Toiletries • Bath towels and hand towels x 2• Toilet rolls
If you’ve got an en-suite• Bathroom bin (you’ll have on in your
bedroom though)• Toilet brush and bleach• Shower cleaner and cloths (the tiles get
mouldy very quickly!)
Kitchen• A couple of pans
• A frying pan and/or wok• Oven trays• Baking dish• Mixing bowl• Tupperwear (with your name on it!)• Measuring jug• A few plates, bowls, glasses (plastic if
you’re especially clumsy) and mugs • Cooking scales• Cutlery• Grater (the tub ones with lids work
well because you can put anything you don’t use straight away in the fridge
• Cooking utensils• Tea towels (bring a few, they start to
smell really bad if they’re not washed often enough!)
• Freezer bags and/or foil containers• Washing up and cleaning stuff (the
rolls of dish cloth are cheap and very useful)
• Possibly a thermos flask for taking your morning coffee/tea to 9AMs
Clothes• A winter coat and a lighter waterproof
one (Plymouth drizzles pretty much the whole winter but can still be rela-tively warm)
• Day to day clothes (we do get some very nice weather in Plymouth during Autumn!)
• Going out clothes (only one club cur-rently has a strict dress code though)
• All the fancy dress you have (including scrubs if you have them)
• Smart clothes for placement and CSRC, you’ll need to be able to keep your arms bare below the elbow (and
What to bring
Advice on Getting Ready | 30
not have your sleeves sliding back down your arm). Bring a few as you might not have a chance to wash clothes between CSRC sessions (typ-ically Tuesday and Thursday of the second week of each case unit). Essen-tially what the junior doctors you saw on work experience wore (not scrubs though!)
Boys: Chinos, shirts with a collar and smart shoes work well. You might want a smart jumper as well for when it’s cold. Girls: like above, or blouses/ dress-es/skirts (they need to go below your knee)• Sports top + shorts (on occasions you’ll
be asked to wear these to CSRC to practice examinations of the limbs)
• Pyjamas (for lounging around in your kitchen on weekends)
• Dressing gown and tracksuit (for when the fire alarm goes off in the middle of the night)
• Your prom suits/dresses (MedSoc has two balls a year)
• Hangers• Possibly a shoe bin (if you’ve got a lot)For uni• Your laptop (you might want to bring
an ethernet cable as the halls wifi was flaky on occasions last year)
• Laptop charger – put your name and mobile number on it in case you leave it somewhere
• Pens/pencils/ paper (even if you don’t make notes on paper)
• Post-it notes• Marker pens
• Small whiteboard and pens• A fairly sturdy bag/ rucksack for car-
rying stuff around• Possibly your A-Level/ IB Biology
textbook (some of the first case units is in the syllabus for some exam boards) – don’t worry if you don’t have it, the library has loads of textbooks. You won’t need any of your notes or other textbooks
• A stethoscope – most of us have Litt-man Classic IIs/IIIs. Don’t get an-ything too fancy – especially if you don’t know how to use it. GET YOUR NAME ENGRAVED ON IT/ A CLIP-ON LABEL FOR IT SO IT CAN MAKE ITS WAY BACK TO YOU IF YOU LOSE IT. Don’t buy one if you don’t already have one - Littman often exhibit at the Fresher’s Fayre and give discounts.
• Medical books you already have – don’t go any buy anything extra, the important ones are available as free e-books from the uni and there’s loads of copies of everything in the library and the LSRC.
Things (aside from the obvious) you should find in your halls room already• Desk light (most have a light built into
the desk)• One bin• A few noticeboards• Desk chair• A hoover (per flat)• Iron and ironing board (per flat)
Advice on Getting Ready | 31
It’s well worth registering with the University Medical Centre before you come because it can be a bit of a faff, especially if you need an appointment in a hur-ry. The Uni Medical Centre is on campus (above Boots) on Endsleigh Place and is only open to students and staff (so normally has shorter waiting times for ap-pointments, paticularly when the main uni students are on holidays).
For some reason completely unknown to us, there are two practices working out of the same building. Try and remember which one you’re registered with oth-erwise you’ll spend an age being looked up by both receptionists. There doesn’t seem to be a huge difference between the two, and no students have placement there to maintain confidentiality.
Register at:http://www.umcplymouth.co.uk/
It’s also worth considering applying for help with prescriptions if you have a lot, Google HC1 form.
Occupational Health will be onto you about the important vaccinations you need, but check you’ve had your Meningitis jab. It’s worth considering contra-ception.
GPs
OpticiansYou can get your eyes checked for free by third year Optometry students (super-vised by qualified Opticians) at the Centre for Eyecare Excellence near Pilgrim Halls. You’ll get a discount on glasses made up from a prescription from the free sessions.
DentistsNormal dentist clinics have very long waiting lists to even register in Plymouth so it’s well worth having a checkup at home if you can. You might be able to get seen by the student dentist clinics though.
Advice on Getting Ready | 32
Student Bank AccountsStudents can normally get accounts that give them an interest free overdraft, which might be useful as there’s sometimes a delay between you arriving and your student finance being paid. You can normally get some good freebies with student bank accounts so make sure you do your research!
Have a look at Money Saving Expert’s advice here
InsuranceUPP Halls normally have insurance, but check to be sure and make sure it cov-ers what you need. It’s also worth considering making notes of serial numbers of everything valuable (and maybe marking them with a UV security pen). We don’t know of anyone having stuff stolen from halls, but its better to be safe than sor-ry!
CarsYou’ll spend most your life as a student (especially in Year 1 and 2) in the city cen-tre which is pretty small and easy to walk around. If you’re really keen to bring your car, make sure you apply early for the parking spaces around halls (although in our year they assigned them through a random ballot). Be aware that the main “halls car park” is actually in Mutley and you’ll get expensive parking fines if you try and leave it on campus without a permit.
You get a free bus pass up to Derriford.
UPSU’s AdviceHave a quick scan through our SU’s list of advice, found on their website:
The A-Z of Help
Medical school can be a high-pressured environment. Here’s some advice (possibly the most important in this booklet) on looking after yourself and where to get help if you feel you need it.
WELFARELOOKING AFTER YOURSELF &
Looking After Yourself & Welfare | 34
Here are some some tips on easy ways of keeping yourself healthy
Eat healthilyYes, this is what your mum will be banging on about and yes, this is much eas-ier said than done; eating a balanced diet will have a huge impact on both your physical and mental health. Try not to be that person who get’s a Jake’s for tea every night.
SleepRecognise when you’ve been out late too much. To be at your best you need enough sleep for you. There’s absolutely no point pulling all-nighters or staying in the library once you’ve nodded off. Avoid caffeine too late at night too!
Life outside MedicineGet involved in stuff outside of medicine! Even if its watching something on Netflix, make sure you make time every day for something you enjoy to distract from what you’re studying. Consider joining a society and/or taking up a hobby - there’s loads to choose from at the SU
ExerciseDo at least 30mins exercise 3 to 5 times a week. As well as keeping you physical-ly healthy, you’ll be told over and over by one of our lecturers (not naming any-one) that there’s a link between exercise and improved mental well-being - he’s right!
AlcoholBe careful with your drinking - while its really important you enjoy yourself, if you’re frequently missing uni because of a crippling hangover or making yourself a liability because you’re out of control, take a step back and think about cutting down on your alcohol intake
Looking after yourself
Looking After Yourself & Welfare | 35
Medical school is an incredibly fun and rewarding part of life. Being in a small cohort is without doubt one of the best things about the medical school, and allows you to really feel like you’re part of a community of like-minded people. Medics are a tight-knit bunch and we’d urge you to watch out for your friends and to be there for them if you spot signs they’re struggling. If you’re feeling like you haven’t settled in or made friends try not to worry! Everyone felt like that at points and we promise that without realising it you’ll have found you’ve made some amazing friends. Get involved in things outside of medicine!
Whilst university years are hyped up to be some of the best of your life, this may not always be the case. It’s important to us as a student community that every-body is happy at university and whilst MedSoc will try it’s best to achieve this, it may not always be possible. Life as a medical student can be incredibly stressful. It is a sad truth that medical students have one of the highest rates of mental illness out of the student population. This is due to high workload pressures and we are hardworking individuals used to academic success.
It is important to us that you feel you can talk to any of the committee, but there are also professional people we would recommend that you talk to as well if you are worried about anything. There is no shame in talking about any issues you may have, and talking to someone professional will have no impact on your fu-ture career.
Pastoral TutorsThese are medical school staff that will listen and give advice in a confidential service. They are very approachable and also very experienced. Please do not hesitate to contact them if you feel you need to use them! An issue only becomes a bigger issue if no one else knows about it.
https://dle.plymouth.ac.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=22632
University Counselling and Mental Health ServicesSituated on the ground floor of Roland Levinsky at the learning resource gate-way, you can drop in and organise appointments with this very similar service.
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/learning-gateway/counsel-ling
Pastoral Support
Looking After Yourself & Welfare | 36
24-hour Anytime Advice LineFree and confidential assistance provided 24/7 by experienced and trained counsellorsCall on: 0800 042 0134The Samaritans24 hour helpline - 08457 909 090 www.samaritans.org
Plymouth University SHINE (Self Help Inspiring E-Resources)Provides links and advice on what you can do to help yourself if you are strug-gling with any aspect of university life
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/learning-gateway/shine
BMA Mental HealthYou don’t have to be a BMA member to call their 24 hour helpline on 0330 123 1245 to reach a counsellor or their doctor advisory service.
https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/work-life-support/your-wellbeing/know-men-tal-health
Alex and PhilMedSoc Welfare Leads
You’ve made it - now its time to celebrate and meet some new friends. We’ve organised a packed schedule - both sober and non-sober, but left enough time for you to explore and meet your new flatmates.
We’ll also leave you with details of things happening throughout the year (you’ll want to keep these clear)
FRESHERSTWO WEEKS OF
Two weeks of Freshers | 38
Get ready for probably the most manic and enjoyable fortnight of your life. These events aren’t fixed in stone, but here’s what we’re planning..
Fresher’s timetable..
Sun 10th
Welcome Drinks 8PM, Air
You’ve moved your stuff in and got ready for Monday morning so come and meet your year in Air, an outdoor bar opposite the PSQ building. You might even get a
chance to meet your MedSoc parents (second years who’ll help you through settling in and with any academic issues you have) if they’ve come back to uni yet!
Mon 11th
Fish and Chips 6PM, The Barbican
To celebrate the end of your first day (and as a sign of what’s to come with your diet) we’ll be heading to the many lovely Fish and Chips shops on the Barbican to get tea.
Bring cash as lots of these shops won’t take card!
Neon Tight and Bright Pryzm, 11PM
We’re teaming up with DentSoc for the first big night out of Freshers and heading to Pryzm (where you probably won’t look that out of place in sportswear). If you haven’t guessed, dress in your most lurid sportswear or hit up Primark. This promises to be a
night you won’t forget (or want to remember)
Tues 12th
MSF “Graffiti” Bar Crawl 9PM, Switch
Tonight’s social aims to help you get to know eachother and raise some money for a very good cause - MSF (Doctors Without Borders). We’ll be selling t-shirts during
the day which will be your ticket with the proceeds going to MSF. Bring some marker pens and get ready to walk around covered in crudely drawn bits of male anatomy..
Wed 13th
Speed Mating 7PM, Roundabout
You’ve had a few big nights out in a row so we’re given you (and more importantly, our livers) a break from the bar crawls. Head to Roundabout to get a chance to meet your year group a bit better. For those who aren’t big drinkers, we’re planning this to
be a fairly sober social.
Two weeks of Freshers | 39
Thurs 14th
Marrow Presents “Pimps and Hoes” 9:30PM, Fresher and Professor
For our second charity event of Freshers, we’re helping raise money for Marrow. Marrow raise awareness, funds and recruit for bone marrow registries so it’s a fan-
tastic cause to support! Hit the charity shops or the first aid store, or steal something from Hassan’s wardrobe and get ready for a memorable night out
Fri 15th
“Crossdressing” Bar Crawl 8PM, Pres TBC
For the third fancy dress night of Freshers, you’ll be borrowing eachother’s clothes and heading to pres with our social secs, who’ll take you on separate bar crawls
before you meet up at the end of the night. Make Ru Paul proud, make us proud but don’t let your aunts see the pictures on Facebook
Sat 16th
Charity PBL Dodgeball 2PM, Nancy Astor Sports Centre
You’ve survived your first week - well done! You’ll be teaming up with your PBL groups and choosing a fancy dress theme between you to see which group can
dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge the best. We’ll be raising money for MIND (the mental health charity) with this event so bring along some money. Make your facili-
No evening social Your flatmates have just moved in, so go out with them tonight!
Sun 17th
Marrow Treasure Hunt 12PM, Location TBC
Marrow will be taking you on a treasure hunt around Plymouth to give you a chance to get to know the sights while raising some money. You’ll have a blast - and it’s a
good chance to get to know the city that will be home for the next 5 years! You’ll be hearing more from them soon
Family Picnic on the Hoe 4PM, Plymouth Hoe
We’ll be ending up the first week with a chilled picnic on the famous Plymouth Hoe (it’s pretty amazing), which will give you a chance to meet your parents and get to
know them a little more. Hit up Sainsburys and get a meal deal, or a portable BBQ (if you’re feeling adventurous)
Two weeks of Freshers | 40
Mon 18th
Pub Quiz 7PM, Fresher and Professor
Our second big sober evening social, we’ll be holding a pub quiz for you in Fresher. It’ll be the perfect break from this boring induction stuff, and we promise there’ll be
absolutely no talk of medicine, progression or PBL. For those who aren’t big drinkers, we’re planning to keep this fairly sober
Tues 19th
No evening social planned There’s Icebreaker going on, so we’d suggest going to that with your flat to get to
know them better
Wed 20th
Family Bowling 7PM, Tenpin Plymouth Barbican
Head down to the Barbican to go bowling with your (probably fairly dysfunctional) MedSoc family for a chance to get to know one-another a little better. Get ready to bring your A-game (and those fancy shoes if you have them) and see who’s got the
best skills - and who still needs the rails..
Thurs 21st
“The Movement” @ Pryzm 10PM, Pryzm
Run by a third year Medic, Danny, the Movement doesn’t dissapoint! This promises to be one of the biggest Freshers nights of the year and we’ve sorted out a discount on tickets for you, which you can pick up from our social secs during Freshers (fur-
ther details TBC)
Fri 22nd
“Doctors and Nurses” 3 Legged Bar Crawl 8:30PM, Switch
Probably the most famous MedSoc freshers events - and of the most fun. Dress up as a doctor (or nurse) and head to North Hill where we’ll be waiting to gaffer tape you to one of your year so you can hobble around together for the rest of the night. Dress to
impress - you never know, you might meet future bae
Sat 23rd
MedSoc Mystery Night 10:30PM, Fresher and Professor
For the final night out of Freshers, we’ve arranged a night of mysteries for you with the mystical clinical years. We’ll be releasing more details closer to the time (ahem it’s completely been planned) but this promises to be a night you won’t forget (or
won’t remember, depending on how much you drink)
Sun 24th
SFGH Presents “MedSinema” and “Herk and the Crash Team” To end Freshers on a calmer note, Students for Global Health have organised a
movie night for you to help raise some money for their work improving healthcare around the world. We’ll then be heading to Switch to hear some third year medics - Herk and the Crash Team - who’ll be doing a set in Switch for you alongside some
interesting drinks deals, which we’ll tell you more about soon
MedSoc
Surf Trip2 nights in Newquay29th Sep - 1st OctTickets on sale during Freshers
PENINSULAMEDICAL SOCIETY
MEDSOC CONFERENCE2017
peninsulamedsoc.org/conference#PMSConf17
21st October 2017
Keynote speakers:
Prof. Stephen WestabySurgeon Cpt. Andy Burgess
Dr Kate Sharp
..and more!
PENINSULAMEDICAL SOCIETY
THE ORANGERY, TORPOINTSATURDAY 2ND DECEMBERFERRY FROM MAYFLOWER STEPS
3-COURSE MEAL AND DRINKSTICKETS ON SALE OCT 15TH FORMALWEAR (BLACK TIE)
peninsulamedsoc.org/ball
Winter BALL 2017
PENINSULAMEDICAL SOCIETY
Plymouth Medical Societyand Peninsula MedSoc
PRESENT
NO IDEAS,CONCERNING EXPECTATIONS
15th & 16th DECEMBER 2017peninsulamedsoc.org/revue
A huge thanks to MedSoc’s spon-sors who make this all possible..
Some pictures supplied by the University of Plymouth (indicated)Logos used with permission from our sponsorsAll others are property of MedSoc, its members or royalty-free stock photos
