My third year in medical school

Written by Keisha Nash

The third year of medical school is also the first clinical year taught in the hospital setting. It has been both exciting and terrifying to complete procedures such as cannulation, catheterisation and venepuncture on real patients. Luckily most people are supportive and enjoy helping to educate medical students.

My hope was to complete my placement at Frankston Hospital, so I could stay close to family and I was fortunate to get my first preference when I started my rotation in February. The days are quite long, ward rounds start at 7am followed by classes until 5pm, but I have really enjoyed my first three rotations.

When I am not on the wards I help to mentor two first year postgraduate medical students. It’s an intensive year covering content from two preclinical years, and having completed it myself last year I understand that it can be difficult, especially when placed away from family. They both share my interest in obstetrics and gynaecology and we aim to meet at least once a month.

I was also voted in as site representative for Peninsula Health, and work with other site representatives to coordinate events such as an upcoming R U OK day fundraiser. I have also used the position to help educate my peers about NAIDOC week by organising workshops and educational activities. Outside of university I have commenced a research project alongside doctors and researchers at the Department of Health to investigate women’s health issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, an important cause that is close to my heart.

It’s now second semester, and I’m at the Alfred hospital for a rotation in renal medicine, trauma, and urology. I look forward to further improving my procedural skills and to continue building on my medical knowledge.

I am incredibly grateful toward Bupa and the Dr. Evelyn Scott Scholarship for helping to support me through my medical studies. Without the stress of daily living costs I have been able to move out of home to be closer to my placements. I believe the reduction of financial stress has helped me maintain a high distinction average in my assignments, which would not be possible without the scholarship.

I also wanted to say another thank you as the scholarship has allowed for me to organise a voluntary medical placement in the Torres Strait, on my mother’s home of Thursday Island. The placement will allow for me to learn from other doctors, whilst also further educating me on my culture.