Congratulations to Emma Baghurst, Alex Griffiths, Sophie Wilson, Saffron Hicks and Kate Lee for completing the Cambridge half-marathon today and raising a combined total of over £2,150 for Cancer Research UK. The run, starting at Jesus Green and passing through King’s College, Queen’s Backs, Trumpington St., and Grantchester, was done in good conditions, with bright sunshine on a pleasant Cambridgeshire Spring day. This was a fantastic effort from these students and we are very proud of their achievements. Other members of the society were present to give moral support. Sophie Wilson, finishing in exactly one hour and thirty minutes, was awarded a prize for placing third in the women’s 20-24 age category.
This year’s Lent society dinner was as good as it gets, starting with a drinks reception in the New SCR that was followed by a three-course meal in Selwyn’s Hall. There was a substantial turnout from the society this year and we were pleased to welcome a particularly large number of first-year Medic and Vet students. As now seems to be tradition, following the dinner a number of informal awards were given out including one contested by two of our students related to each other: best Lagorio Price. Many thanks to the Fellows who attended – Dr Chivers’ famous gibbon calls were certainly appreciated – and again thanks to the catering staff for such an fantastic meal.
Our Committee and third year students hosted a ‘Part II Taster Evening’ for second year students, where they spoke about their third year Part II choices, and answered any questions the second years had about these courses. We are lucky to have a very diverse group of Part II courses amongst our third years this year, including genetics, pathology, PDN, pharmacology, PNB, psychology and zoology. We also have students completing research projects, as well as dissertations as part of the BBS undergraduate degree.
Selwyn Medical Society hosted our final academic talk of the year by Mr George Lamberty (SE 1962). Mr Lamberty is a retired Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon. He trained both in London and the US and became Consultant Plastic surgeon at Addenbrooke’s Hospital from 1982-2008. He has won many awards in his field.
Mr Lamberty presented a number of skin flap surgeries for people who have been in accidents or for cosmetic purposes. He also presented some of his most fascinating and memorable cases. In particular, he told us of a 13 hour operation that he completed which involved rejoining a complete severed hand to its corresponding arm. In addition, he emphasised the changing role of a plastic surgeon; it is become more sub-specialised which means surgeons of his generation completed a broader range of surgeries at the consultant level.
Many of the audience members were very captivated by his work and we thank him for introducing us to the amazing field of plastic surgery!
Picture above: Medic Co-Presidents with Mr George Lamberty prior to him dining at formal.
The first session of our ‘What I wish I knew at Undergrad’ series, kindly hosted by our Clinical Representatives this year, was a massive success. Our clinical students initially covered taking a comprehensive history, followed by the steps involved in both cardiovascular and respiratory examinations, both of which are taught in fourth year as part of the Clinical Medical course. This was followed by an exciting Clinical Quiz, where our undergraduate students formed groups and went up against each other completing rapid-fire clinical medicine questions. This session was both informative and fun and gave preclinical students a taste of the types of content and skills required as part of the Clinical Medicine course.
Pictures above: Head-to-head of one of our first year students with Anoop, our SCMVS Co-President, answering rapid-fire Clinical Medicine questions (Left). Our Clinical Representatives speaking about the importance of history-taking in a medical interview (Right).
Session 2: Life as a Clinical Medic (23/02/19)
The second session of the ‘What I wish I knew at Undergrad’ series involved a talk on ‘Life as a Clinical Medic’. Our lovely Clinical Representatives went through a typical day as a clinical medic, and spoke about placements, opportunities and facilities available for clinical students. They used an interactive quiz to clear up some misconceptions about the clinical course, followed by a lengthy Q&A session that addressed many of our preclinical students’ questions – touching topics such as accommodation, placements and tips and advice for those entering clinical school this year!
The second session of the ‘What I wish I knew at Undergrad’ series involved a talk on ‘Life as a Clinical Medic’. Our lovely Clinical Representatives went through a typical day as a clinical medic, and spoke about placements, opportunities and facilities available for clinical students. They used an interactive quiz to clear up some misconceptions about the clinical course, followed by a lengthy Q&A session that addressed many of our preclinical students’ questions – touching topics such as accommodation, placements and tips and advice for those entering clinical school this year!
Picture above: Our SCMVS Clinical Representatives, Sony, Simran and Harry (left to right) before the second session of the series about ‘Life as a Clinical Medic’.
As always, one of the main highlights of Lent term was our MedVetSoc Dinner. This term saw an amazing turnout, with over 50 guests attending the dinner. This invariably proves to be an enjoyable event for all, with fine dining and plenty of lovely photos being taken (including the annual society photo)! The committee also gave out lighthearted awards to Society members, including ‘Supervisor’s pet’, ‘Best Chat’ and ‘Worst College Parent’, amongst many others! We hope everyone who attended had a great time and many thanks to the Committee members and college staff without whom these dinners would not be possible.
Picture above: Our annual SCMVS photo 2018-19, taken at the Dinner Reception
The current 6th Year Selwyn Medics, who were in receipt of funding from the Selwyn College Medical Elective Fund (or from funding from alumni and/or the Master of Selwyn), came back to College to present us with their Elective stories. The audience was filled with current medical students, alumni and Fellows of Selwyn. Dr Whitaker introduced each speaker and they were each given 10 minutes to speak on their experiences with a Q&A afterwards. The event was an eye-opener for the younger medical students, as it gave them an insight into what a Medical Elective entails.
It was very inspiring to see their rewarding and life-changing experiences. We are very grateful to the Master, medical Fellows and alumni of Selwyn College for helping to fund our electives.
Picture above: George Tang (6th year Selwyn Medic) presenting his research elective.
SCMVS were fortunate to have Dr Charlotte Summers, our college Dean and Clinical Director of Studies, speak to us about careers in Clinical Academic Medicine. This talk was extremely informative, and Dr Summers highlighted the many different approaches to achieving an academic career in medicine, as well as her own experiences. The talk ended with a 10 minute Q&A, where students were able to ask about many aspects of the application requirements and process.
The talk was attended by Selwyn medical students from first year, all the way to fifth year students who will be submitting their applications later this year. We are extremely grateful to Dr Summers for sharing her experiences and clarifying opportunities within a rigorous and highly rewarding career path.
Image above: Flowchart showing the training pathway in Clinical Academic Medicine. Image obtained from the ‘Rough Guide to the Academic Foundation Programme’ (2013). Accessible at http://www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk.
Following a successful first session of the ‘What I wish I knew at Undergrad’ series, the SCMVS enjoyed an exciting Nando’s social in town. Such events are important for our Society – as well as the good food, it gives an opportunity for all years of Selwyn Medical and Veterinary students to meet and mingle, and particularly for the clinical students to share their experiences and get to know pre-clinical students.
Picture above: Pre-clinical and clinical medical students enjoying a lovely Nando’s meal!
Tonight we had our last Selwyn MedVet Soc academic talk for Michaelmas term. We were delighted to invite Selwyn alumna Dr Suzanne Talbot to talk to our Society about medical research and Army Medicine. She is the current Adjutant with the Army’s ‘Rapid Response’ Field Hospital. Dr Talbot spoke about her experiences doing a PhD at the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge University. This was followed by a short but informative overview of her time working as a Medical Support Officer under the Royal Army Medical Corps, and the logistics of providing health care in more remote locations.
SCMVS Co-Presidents meeting Dr Talbot prior to her dining with Selwyn Fellows at Formal Hall. From left to right: Dr Suzanne Talbot, Dawn, Anoop, Professor Benson.
Selwyn College Medical and Veterinary Society 