Previous News Items

This page contains details of archived news items.
For further information about any of these items, please contact the Deanery team on (02) 4620 3611 or by email.

2011 - An exciting year ahead

On Monday 28 February 2011, the Dean of Medicine, Professor Alison Jones will formally welcome the commencing cohort of MBBS students to the University of Western Sydney. The commencement address is an important and exciting event on the School calendar. The family and friends of students are invited to share the beginning of their journey in becoming members of the medical profession.

This is the first year that there are five years of the program in place, with the initial 2007 cohort graduating in December, and entering the workforce as interns in 2012.

We have already welcomed other year groups back to the course, Year 3 (17 January), Year 4 (31 January), Year 5 (7 February) and Year 2 (14 February).

Visit by Prof Arjun Karki

On 13 October, Professor Arjun Karki, Vice-Chancellor of the Patan Academy of Health Sciences in Nepal visited the School of Medicine at UWS and spoke about the establishment of the Academy and its commitment to the sustained improvement of the health of Nepali people especially those who are poor and living in rural areas.

The Academy also seeks to train doctors from those communities, and staff and students of the UWS School of Medicine learnt about the fundraising being undertaken to support this objective.

Paediatric Presence

During Year 4 students undertake a Paediatrics rotation developed by Professor John Whitehall, Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health. As well as community placements (which was covered in a previous news item) students are also experiencing the range of paediatrics service in local hospitals.

Research Findings - Eating Disorders 

Professor Phillipa Hay, Professor of Mental Health at the School of Medicine recently reported on findings of a qualitative community study of Australian women with eating disorders. The research was presented at the UWS Mental Conference in Sydney last week.  Read more about this study.

Samantha Lupton - UWS Winner of the 3 Minute Thesis Competition

Samantha Lupton, the first Bachelor of Medical Research graduate and the first PhD/MBBS student, was also the first School of Medicine 3 Minute Thesis Winner.

Following success at the College of Health and Science competition, she competed at the University finals on 19 August and was awarded first prize, and the people's choice award.

She will now compete in the national finals in September. 

Congratulations Samantha!

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Commissioning of Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital as a UWS teaching facility

On 13 August 2010, staff from the University of Western Sydney joined with those from Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital for this historic event.

Professor Neil Merrett and Mark Shepherd, Hospital General Manager provided a fascinating snapshot of this hospital's development and the opportunities UWS medical students will have working with busy and innovative clinical teams.

First Do No Harm

This is an important principle in Medicine, and is the title of the book distributed to Year 1 students at a recent afternoon tea. Each student received a copy signed by all their Professors as well as other key staff including Year 1 Co-ordinator, Dr Carl Parsons and Dr Amanda Walker, Co-Ordinator of the Personal and Professional Development component of the course.

Students begin their studies at Rural Clincial Schools

This week marks the beginning for two new sites of Clinical Training for the School of Medicine. Students in Year 4 are commencing studies in Bathurst and Lismore, where they will be joining these communities for 12 months. On Thursday 1 July, students were officially welcomed to Bathurst by Mayor Paul Toole.  

Exciting new equipment for Biomedical researchers

Staff from the School of Biomedical and Health Sciences and the School of Medicine recently welcomed a new addition to their laboratories on the Campbelltown campus. The cell analysis machine will enable researchers to investigate changes and impacts at a cellular level.

SoMed Students in the Community

UWS Medical Students undertake their training in traditional medical settings, but also in other locations in which they develop a strong understanding of the interaction of health and illness with people's lives.

Year 4 students in their Paediatric placements are exploring these issues  at Mater Dei Camden.

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Prime Minister visits Campbelltown and Blacktown/Mt Druitt Hospitals and meets UWS Medical Students 

UWS Medical Students met with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd when he recently toured Campbelltown Hospital.

See students coaching the Prime Minister through resuscitation techniques at Campbelltown.

Year 4 students at Blacktown/Mt Druitt Hospital also recently demonstrated simulation skills experience when the Prime Minister visited the hospital on its 45th birthday. 

Teaching commitment recognised

Recently two staff members have been recognised for their commitment to teaching.

Professor Brad Frankum, Professor of Clinical Education and Clinical Dean at UWS's Macarthur Clinical School enjoys seeing students become part of the hospital community.

Read about Professor Frankum and clinical teaching at Campbelltown Hospital.

Professor Connie Katelaris, Professor of Immunology/Allergy was recently recognised by The Royal Australasian College of Physicians at the World Conference in Internal Medicine with the Excellence in Mentoring Award in Clinical and Professional Practice.

Connie was nominated by previous trainees, a testament to the extent to which her advice, guidance and mentoring to to junior doctors and early-career specialists in Immunology and Allergy is valued.

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Dean Appointed

Professor Alison Jones has been appointed as the Dean of the UWS School of Medicine. She is currently Professor of Medicine and Clinical Toxicology at the University of Newcastle. Read more about Professor Jones' appointment on the official UWS announcement.

Acting Prime Minister opens the Medical School facility
The Hon. Julia Gillard, MP offically opened the $47.5m facility on the Campbelltown Campus on Monday 17 November 2008. See this 'special insert' for more information about this exciting and historic day.