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.
UWS celebrates the graduation of its first cohort of medical students and Doctors of Philosophy
On Wednesday 21 December 2011, the families of graduating students came together with staff of the School and University and conjoint staff and community supporters to celebrate the achievements of our first MBBS and PhD cohorts. Visit the special feature on the graduation.
School of Medicine receives award for Indigenous Health Attachment
The UWS School of Medicine received a LIMElight award at the Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) Connection IV conference held in Auckland, New Zealand. The award was in the category of Leading Innovation in Community Engagement.
The Year 5 Indigneous Health attachment, provides for a 5 week immersive experience, has been developed in conjunction with Aboriginal Medical Services across New South Wales and is an important feature of the UWS MBBS program.
New Clinical School at Blacktown/Mt Druitt opened by the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister and Health Minister officially opened the UWS Blacktown/Mt Druitt Clinical School on 19 October. Read more in this account of the day, including a link to the recording of the formal proceedings.
A Tall Poppy in our midst - A/Prof Hilary Bambrick
Associate Professor Hilary Bambrick has been named as one of the 2011 NSW Young Tall Poppy Science Award winners.
Hilary's work is focused on the direct consequences of climate change on the community's health especially vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and those from Indigenous communities.
She is the 4th Tall Poppy from UWS.
Research - NHMRC & ARC Grant Success
Staff from the School of Medicine have continued to increase their profile in NHMRC and ARC grants. In October 2011, researchers at the School of Medicine investigating areas as diverse as muscle pain, pre-eclampsia, smoking cessation during pregnancy and 'potentially preventable hospitalisations' were awarded NHMRC grants.
Congratulations to Dr Alys Harvard, Professor Annemarie Hennessy, Professor Louisa Jorm, Professor Vaughan Macefield, and their UWS colleagues - Professor Bill Price, Dr Angela Makris and Dr Ingvars Birznieks. Professor Mark McLean and Dr Slade Jensen from the School were members of team who were also successful in obtaining support from the National Health and Medical Research Council.
In November 2012, School of Medicine researchers (Professor Vaughan Macefield, Professor Beverley Raphael and Dr Mel Taylor) were in teams successful in obtaining support from the Australian Research Council.
The full list of UWS outcomes can be accessed from the Office of Research Services.
Announcement of the new Dean of the School of Medicine
The Vice-Chancellor has announced the appointment of Professor Annemarie Hennessy as the Dean of the UWS School of Medicine.
Professor Hennessy was initally appointed as Foundation Chair of Medicine at UWS prior to the commencement of the first cohort of students who will graduate in December 2011 and begin their medical careers in 2012 as interns.
Historical Ties
While the UWS School of Medicine has only a very short history, one of its staff is a leading figure in looking much further back. Dr Louella McCarthy, Senior Lecturer - Medicine in Society was recently elected President of the Australian and New Zealand Society of the History of Medicine.Research: TV and Medical Education
Dr Roslyn Weaver from the UWS Family and Community Health Research Group, and Professor Ian Wilson, Head of Medical Education in the UWS School of Medicine have recently published their findings from a study of Australian medical students' perceptions of professionalism and ethics in medical television programs, published in BMC Medical Education.
Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning awarded to Dr Joanne Lind
Dr Joanne Lind has been recognised in June 2011 nationally for her superior contribution to teaching and learning. The citation reads: For the use of research-led "story telling" teaching from laboratory to diagnosis, transitioning students from rote learning to a first principles approach in medicine. She is one of only 8 staff from UWS recognised in this way, and will be formally presented with her award at the Sydney Opera House in August.
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
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
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!
Commissioning of Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital as a UWS teaching facility
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.
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.
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.
