Editors Susanne Nicholson Photography & Artwork Jess Dalwood

Welcome to Edition One of [stimulus] for 2011! We hope you are as excited about [stimulation] as we are We cant wait for you to take us home.
[stimulus] AMSS since 1889, and has evolved over time to the incredible standard of work that we are accustomed to today. [stimulus] serious issues in the medical world, or your opinion on bananas and their numerous practical applications. We see [stimulus] and the person you are when allowed out of it. And who are the behind-the-scenes wizards who put [stimulus]

Susanne Nicholson Naomi Nuridin Despina Papps Kristen Pierides Jen Saunders

Andrew Vanlint Kate Wilson Stock photos from Stock.XCHNG (www.sxc.hu) Graphic Design

We hope you enjoy this Edition of [stimulus] as much

Texts From Last Night & Katherine Watson Front Cover AndreaMosaic (www.andreaplanet.com/andreamosaic)

deadline on merely reading

With love and [stimulation],

in no way associated with the views of the University solely those of individual writers and do not represent the Adelaide Medical Students Societys the editors, writers and artists. [stimulus] reserves

[contents]
Letter to the Editor Executive Reports Year Reports Life in Medical School Education Issues Summary AMSA Report AMA(SA) Update Skullduggery Compulsory Rural Service? A Note On The Common Room MedCamp The Evolution of Medicine IMVS EdForums Presidents Keg AUSS International Students Welcome Philanthropy Debating News From The Sports Folio Sixth Year Specials Week Miss Med/Men of Med Jazz Night A Few Words From Flinders (FMSS) Its A Mall World After All Texts From Last Night Research: Post-Convention Depression Harry Potter and The End of an Era A Place Called Ellis Close... Med Student Syndrome The Medicine of Art Got Rice? 1,2,3... Jump! Diagnosis: Pneumonia From Where Id Rather Be Remier and Uzzles Overheard at the Medical School Procrastination Mechanism: Crossword Vox Pop 2 4 12 19 20 22 24 [26] 26 28 29 30 32 35 36 38 38 39 40 42 44 46 48 50 53 54 56 60 62 64 66 [62] 70 [74] 72 74 76 79 82 85 87 [29] [22] [42]

[72]

[60]

[76]

[46]

3 May 2011

Tom Crowhurst (V)

[stimulus]

[stimulus]

Clinical Co-ordinator: Pre-Clinical Co-ordinator: AMA(SA) Representative: Senior AMSA Representative: Junior AMSA Representative: EdForums Convenors: Rural Representative:

First Year Reps: First Year Education Reps: First Year O&M Rep: Second Year Reps: Second Year Education Reps: Second Year O&M Rep: Third Year Reps: Third Year Education Reps: Third Year O&M Rep:

Education Events Co-ordinator:

Fourth Year Reps: Fourth Year Education Reps: Fourth Year O&M Rep: Anna Di Bartolomeo Fifth Year Reps: Fifth Year Education Reps: Fifth Year O&M Rep: Sixth Year Reps: Sixth Year Education Reps: Sixth Year O&M Rep:

Historian: Photographer: Functions Co-ordinators: Skullduggery Convenors: MedCamp Convenors: MedRevue Convenors:

Georgie Hanus (IV)

Karthik Venkataraman(H)
[stimulus] - AMSS Australian Medical Council Submission

- Clinical Rotation Survey

- Updates on Advocacy on the Assessment Change

John Tillett (VI)

-

ability to not -

*I have subsequently realized that at least some of this could be deigned from the Curriculum Website. This further reduces the usefulness of the database.

Candice Houda (IV)

663 Members.

Sam LaBroome (IV)

[stimulus]

Lisa Raven (III)

*Note: In the time it took me to write this article, I received 6 more e-mails from thomas.crowhurst@ gmail.com. By the time you read this article, I estimate that I will have received at least 1300 e-mails from him.

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[stimulus] 2011;1:7(15)

Assessing V.I.B.E.
Venkataraman, Karthik (Hons)
Demographics

A Cohort Study of the 2011 Honours Students

Background

1 2

Potential Outcomes (Highlights)

Limitations (Lowlights)

Acknowledgments

References

Random person: You Random person You Random person You

Sam Ellison & Rachel Goggin (V)

Life In Medical School

Whats Hot:
First year: Second year:

Whats Not:

Third year:

Fourth year:

Fifth year:

Sixth year:

Its a Numbers Game:

Year First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Total Males 79 75 65 82 89 51 411 Females Total Ratio Pr(M) Pr(F) 110 189 1 : 1.392 41.8% 58.2% 113 188 1 : 1.507 39.9% 60.1% 95 160 1 : 1.462 40.6% 59.4% 83 165 1 : 1.012 49.7% 50.3% 94 153 1 : 1.593 38.6% 61.4% 66 117 1 : 1.294 43.6% 56.4% 561 972 1 : 1.365 42.3% 57.7%

Hey Teacher!
ISSUE: REMOVAL OF MID-YEAR EXAMS FOR MBBS II AND III Student Opinion

Leave Them

Kids Alone...

A Summary of Education Issues by Karthik Venkataraman (H)

ISSUE: END OF YEAR OSCE TIMES FOR MBBS III Student Opinion:

Advocacy to date: Advocacy to date: Outcome/Plan for the future: Outcome/Plan for the future:

ISSUE: END OF YEAR OSCE TIMES FOR MBBS I & II Student Opinion

ISSUE: THIRD YEAR RURAL WEEK Student Opinion:

Advocacy to date: Outcome/Plan for the future:

Advocacy to date: - Nil Outcome/Plan for the future:

ISSUE: REMOVAL OF END OF YEAR OSCE FOR MBBS IV Student Opinion:

ISSUE: UPLOADING OF LECTURE NOTES FOR PRE-CLINICAL STUDENTS Student Opinion:

Advocacy to date: Advocacy to date: Outcome/Plan for the future: Outcome/Plan for the future:

20

[report]

22

23

Really

(Eds - We can see at least 6.)

26

Compulsory rural service for junior doctors - closer than we may think...

1 3

The Common Room...

Alyssa Parsons (III), Pre-Clinical Coordinator
-

A Note On

Arrabella Mackay (II), Christian Mingorance (II) & Joshua Lushington (II) MedCamp convenors

In 2011, First Year students were given the opportunity to appease the disappointment they felt as an 11 year old child when their Hogwarts letter of acceptance was not received (it must have been an unreliable owl, surely), as they received their own personal invitation to the magical event that was MedCamp 2011. As they boarded the Knight Bus on the Friday afternoon, they were transported out of the Muggle World and inducted into the community that is the Adelaide Wizarding - I mean Medical - School.

can open a tub of hair gel, as First Years and Helpers alike adorned their wizarding robes for the Magic of Medicine themed party. The toy army men graciously donated by Perks were a hit as the Freshers went to (Ive no idea why). However, it wasnt all fun and games as whilst they learnt what it was like to party as a Medical Student, John Tillett learnt the basics of vomit-cleaning, a job which is he is apparently unsuited for. The Saturday morning was eagerly anticipated by the Quidditch training session! Sadly, First Years did not appear quite as keen, perhaps due to the quantities of Butterbeer they had consumed the night before, and as a result although, rest assured, it pained us

30

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The evolution Of Medicine

Evan Papps (III), AMSS Historian

32

been taken by doctors for centuries]

33

Supporting Training and Medical Research

New IMVS website

www.imvs.sa.gov.au
Log on and upload the

free iPhone app

with game.

MAJOR AMSS SPONSOR 2011

AMSS 110617 A4.indd 1 17/06/2011 4:01:36 PM

IM

S V

Presidents Keg

International Students Welcome BBQ

Elaine Wu (II)

Latifah Mah & Shravan Varanasi AUSS Co-Chairs

Katherine Watson (V)

Shoeboxes of Love

Worlds Greatest Shave

Close the Gap

Live Below the Line

Australias Biggest Morning Tea

Inter-Year Debating
John Tillett

Debating Volume One was, in the words of one observer, an event where good arguments went to die. It was a night where the opinion was never relevant, and the evidence was probably invented about ten seconds before it was used in an argument. The goon was in quick supply, albeit without cups, and food arrived forty minutes too late. It was still a bloody good night.

and Annie Hebenstreit). The Fifth and Sixth Year debates adjudication gave inconsiderable prowess at criticism. His conclusions (which were fed to him by the more experienced Sean Jolly) consisted of a jargonistic critique of the Sixth

them up on Wikipedia for a stimulating twenty It started with an exploration of the validity of Sixth Year tutors, which the Second Years took as an opportunity to vilify highly experienced almostprofessionals who work very hard to educate their younger peers. In spite of the disrespect, their enthusiastic anecdotal arguments won over a possibly deaf adjudication panel. In retrospect, the First Years missed a golden opportunity to discuss the fact that the Medical School was too poor to pay nothing, even if they cant clean up vomit - Tessa Moody should take note. Following the disrespect, we proceeded with what the Exec intended to be a soulful exploration of the importance of AMSA Convention to life at Adelaide Medical School. Honestly, however, this debate is memorable for only two reasons - for Susanne The Smack Nicholson calling Daina Rudaks a b*tch, and for the extended and bizarre exploration of Fitzys surprising and unexpected Convention sex life. Even with the Fourth Years having anchorage from Georgie Hanus and Lachlan McMichael to help steady their sinking ship, they were smashed by The Smack (with excellent support from Jared Fairbank

the apocalyptic vision presented by the Sixth Years, I still maintain that both teams general abuse of the opposition speakers was consistent with the tone of the night, and that the debate was good (though I may be biased). It was with the task of promoting reasoned debate that the Exec then set about creating a moderately coherent Debating Volume Two, so that poor Daina Rudaks (Senior AMSA Representative) could work out who could actually debate and win at megalomaniacal everything). desire that the AMSS win

Changes were made to include the inclusion of cups for goon, give Sean Jolly veto power over creative topics, and mix up who debates who. It was a good recipe for a slightly more polished night of argument at Volume Two. The First Years took on the Fourth Years in an exploration of just how generous Medicare should

40

We

was

T Cox

year

42

News From The sporTs-Folio

Brought to you by David Barlow, Victoria Cox & Stefan Lammerick (IV)

the

Sixth Year Specials Week

Matt Roberts (VI)

140 brave AdeLadies donned their Little Black Dresses (with a touch of pink) on a chilly 11 degrees Celsius night, at this years Miss Med. Esteemed Neurosurgeon & Head of Surgery at the WCH, Dr. Cindy Molloy, opened the evening with her inspiring take on work-family balance as a female in the competitive neurosurgery arena. Frivolities ensued, as girls enjoyed Nandos, fermented beverages, and some informative presentations by year level representatives. A cheeky Popeye cruise along the River Torrens clocked in further girl-time. Shenanigans followed as the girls met up with the MoM crew at the suitably loose post-event bash at the Cumby. AdeLadies: can party.

2011.
On the evening of Friday, 27th May, the city of Adelaide felt the presence of the black shirt and the pink tie. Over 100 Adelaide men came along to become friends, share memories and witness some boys become men. e night kicked o with a lecture from the RAHs Senior Orthopaedic Registrar, previous AMSS President and previous AMSA President; Dr Matthew Hutchinson. He passed on intriguing knowledge to the room full of gentlemen which he gained from his vast experience as a Man of Med. Following his insightful talk on the advantages and importance of leadership, ambition, aplomb, legacy and lineage in a Man of Med, we all made our way to the Dog and Duck. Mischief, madness and misdemeanours soon followed precipitated by beer, wine and the odd pint of Jagermeister. e Cumby a erparty brought some new and welcomed additions to the evening. ese included but were not limited to: Adeladies, a dance oor and copious amounts of glitter. Men of Med. Outrageous. [The only picture permitted for public view]

Who says

you cant have it all?

Join MIGA for free and you could also win 1 of 2 iPhone 4s!

Join MIGA between 15 June 2011 and 30 November 2011 and you could win one of two 32GB iPhone 4s, each valued at $999!* With savvy technology and sleek styling, the iPhone 4 is a complete package.
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Insurance Policies available through MIGA are underwritten by Medical Insurance Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 255906). Membership services are provided by the Medical Defence Association of South Australia Ltd. Before you make any decisions about our Policy, please read our Product Disclosure Statement and Policy Wording and consider if our policy is appropriate for you. Call MIGA for a copy or visit our website. *Visit www.miga.com.au for full competition terms and conditions. Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/11/04985, ACT Permit No. TP 11/02193.1. MIGA June 2011

Always on your side

Jazz

Night

Lulu Butler (IV), Poppy Whitchurch (IV) & Bec Wayte (IV) Functions Co-ordinators
Jazz Night 2011 was held on the 15th of April, and lived up to expectations as one of the best-attended and most enjoyable events of the year. A sad lack of daylight could not dampen proceedings and the turnout was arguably higher than ever before, with the crowd spreading out well across Elder Park. While Perks and assorted lovely AMSS helpers provided drinks and sausages for the masses, The Love Supreme played amazing music for those who wanted to dance. Picnics were had, wine was consumed, midnight trysts by the Torrens were held, and general gaudium was had by all. Special mention must go to the random members of the public who also decided to attend this year, and to dance moves. Thanks must go to Perks for providing cocktails, First-Year-James and President Crowhurst for cooking much of the barbecue, the Sports Team for their slightly suspicious surplus sausages (just joking, they were grand!), Jack for providing lastminute spotlights/extension cords/Poppys clothing, the AMSS Exec, The Love Supreme, and everybody else who helped out, particularly those who spent time cleaning at the end. Jazz Night 2011 was a resounding success and we look forward to stretching the Rotundas capacity to even more ridiculous levels in 2012. We had a great time and hope you all did too!

48

[stimulus]

^
On

London

(695): Ive got a date with an assignment tonight. Its going to be hot. (904): Wow. Do that assignment! Do it all night long! (695): F*** yeah baby! Its so hard! (904): Is it long? Hard and long? Or just a short one you can hammer out for a quickie? (695): Oh, itll go all night.

(099): I hate histology. I cant tell what anything is. other to me. and I started thinking and listing, and about ten drinks in I (229): Wait what? I do not remember sending you

desk. (185): if an ambulance tries to take me home Ill call you wanted to burrow inside me... (687): I just had sex with my exs best friend, does that (337): Doesnt matter had sex. (337): Still counts. emotional crisis by texting me Lonely Island lyrics. (337): Like a boss. (977): How did you go fwend? Does it look like youll need to. as a gift? (814): Would you like to come over? (089): Lve too buv Im so dribkkkk (089): I gunk my alcholohom tolerance is decreasing so I is drnk atom bad. Whyyyyy???? (782): I just asked your girlfriend if she knew what 4x4 was, and she said 21. Nice catch you got there (571): 4x4 is 24 for values of x = 1.5. Im sure thats what she meant. (782): Sure 2am on a Friday night (618): [own name removed] the village bicycle. (282): [own name removed] the tree on the side of the road out with was

Booker. (856): Please come. I need to wee and I feel really awkward (274): Be there soon. (856): Hurry. If my bladder had tear ducts it would be (183): Who the f*** is going to marry a freak like me? (899): Someone married Hitler. I dont see that as much of a hurdle. (183): Yes, this makes me feel much better. Kind regards, (099): Did you go to the lecture this morning?

Great tins! (011): Great tins to you!

(573): I havent even thought about Genetics yet. How will you be revising for it? (836): Going through tute questions and tests, and by (573): Like. chicken is all you need. (018): Aww hun, are you okay? Need anything? (854): A hysterectomy would be great. (018): LOL. Let me know if you need anything surgical. I can bring it over on my way home. myself. suggests someone has just smudged a bit of cat faeces

(949): I dont fully understand but cheers anyway. Youre

(836): Go to bed man. (904): Never mind, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Lucky for him you have terrible vision.

mangina. Average day. Adelaide. (687): I think this cab driver is judging me because my head is covered in mayo. cafeteria? They have couches... (116): Who is going to see you that actually matters? (870): No one matters. (635): Where are all the good men at? (523) F***ed if I know. Im never going to be married. Ill

(904): Rangas On A Plane!! (206): LOL (206): I just showed that to Tom. (904): WHAT?? Why would you do that??? Hes the (206): LOL jks.

(635): Wow, thats horrible. (011): This lecture is horrendous. (989): S***balls (011): Other balls. (989): Transvaginal hysterectomy. (884): I had a lot of dreams last night. I had a really detailed one about how I went on an adventure to get my neighbours signatures for something but they all lived in (215): WTF? dose. I love drunk me. (549): Slowest day ever. (762): Have you tried telekinesis? (549): Ahh to get babies out? (762): Yeah. Although I imagine you could use it for lots of things if you really good at it. (228): Wooooooaawoowoahwoowoahwoowoahwoooow! (443): How goes the essay? (016): So so. Getting into the meat of it. Vous? (443): Thats what she said. (783): Did [name removed] and her guy look like they were on a date last night? ones Asian and the others not... (809): Tatty! (809): F*** you, autocorrect. (809): *Yayyy! breathalyser!! (794): Youre drunk, arent you? (935): So I wasnt joking when I said I would take a billion

autocorrect. (866): Autocorrect is a dick. (904): Suck a dick. (866): ...Suck or such? (866): I am actually LOLing.

tortoise and four donkeys! (312): Wtf, why donkeys? (312): Donkeys arent really cute

(531): do you have a bandaid because i think i skinned my knee when falling for you?

left in the street i will die ot get arrsted

you on my desk and you would be really hard. (531): i dont believe you... i think we should do an

(904): Harassing you is my moist favourite activity. (904): Of all my friends, I love you the moist. (206): You have too much time on your hands my dear. (904): Nah, Im moistly doing homework, I just annoy you on the side (904): Youre moist welcome. (563): How was ur day? (563): Pretty sidewalk.

(531): but theres still a chance youre a dud root...still not convinced... (784): my P value is >12 inches so even though the for you! (531): Game on!!

RESEARCH

Post-Convention depression: a novel Axis I mood-spectrum psychiatric disorder

Timothy C. Coppafeel, B. Med Sci (Hons); Rooster, MBBS, Psychiatry Registrar. INTRODUCTION Post-convention depression (PCD) is a moodspectrum psychiatric disorder known to affect approximately 5% of Australian medical students of PCD, with a spike observed in July to August each year, has been the key factor leading to a novel categorisation. This observation inspired research at a national level. A recent landmark study of the medical student population revealed a sub-group with a 75% prevalence of tightly grouped psychiatric symptoms. This vulnerable population had all recently been exposed to participation in the annual Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA) National Convention. These dual discoveries contributed depression as a psychiatric diagnosis. PCD is not a subcategory of major depression, but rather a novel entity within the spectrum of Axis I psychiatric illness. The hallmarks of PCD are predominantly based in the mood-spectrum with marked disillusionment towards social activity, depressed mood and persistent concern regarding looming medical examinations. However, the clinical presentation can incorporate elements of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and in the most severe cases, frank psychosis. PCD is a concern because it places an additional burden on a population with known predisposition to of this disorder by is important because prompt treatment may greatly ameliorate its impact. Here we employ a clinical vignette to explore the nature of PCD. We suggest criteria for inclusion of this Axis I condition into the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), and describe further clinical investigation of the condition based on these criteria. Finally we years of experience. notice the unmistakable sparkle of glitter stuck to his face. His dress is appropriate notwithstanding the glitter. The student is downcast and avoidant of any engagement. With seemingly great effort, he manages to drag himself along as you move between consultations. He excuses himself frequently to visit the bathroom and you coincidentally overhear him retching loudly. When addressed there is a latency of response and his voice is hoarse. Speaking appears to cause him considerable discomfort. he is observed to be incongruently elevated and disinhibited with selective colleagues. His interviewing technique with patients became tangential at times, with the introduction of several inappropriate lines of questioning including: What is the greatest night you have ever had? followed by Have you ever wondered what life is all about if that night is over?. At one time, the student muttered Whoop and ended the interview by stating Time out, consume. The student denies any hallucinatory disturbances, however you note that he occasionally laughs aloud for no apparent reason, and then mutters to himself whilst smiling reminiscently. Combined with the CLINICAL VIGNETTE It is a cold, dark July in Adelaide. You are a Psychiatry registrar working in a large tertiary referral centre. Your responsibilities include providing structured clinical teaching to medical students in their fourth year of a six year Medical Program delivered by an engaged and motivated, who presents for ward duties after a period of absence. You carefully observe him throughout the week and note some worrying signs: The male student appears dishevelled, his eyes are bloodshot with dark rings beneath them, and he possesses a vigorously productive cough, usually indicative of some forty pack years. The dark tinges around his eyes resemble eye-liner and you begin to wonder about gothic tendencies until you discover

humming of a disturbingly familiar tune, you are concerned this may represent a response to internal stimuli. You venture to question him about his wellbeing, to which he answers strangely, I am a Ranger. On further exploration, he acknowledges he has been sense of hopelessness and no energy. He has also been isolating himself from his usual friends. He since before entering medicine and that he cannot see the point in studying for exams. His insight is good but you are concerned that his current mental state is altering his judgement and he may even be at risk of committing deferral. You believe the student should be further assessed and treated, you believe he is suffering from a diagnosable psychiatric disorder, and you believe is at serious risk of deferring his degree. You arrange for him to be reviewed voluntarily at a nearby private psychiatry clinic. PROPOSED DSM-V CRITERIA A. Four (or more) of the following symptoms present during the same two-week period and representing a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1) or (2) 1. Disillusionment with normal social activity (patients typically describe disinterest at going out with friends because no night can ever be as good as a night at Convention). 2. Concern regarding looming medical examinations (patients typically state the only reason I can be bothered studying is so that I can go to Convention next year). 3. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day (indicated by subjective report or observation by others). 4. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all activities for most of the day (indicated by subjective report or observation by others). 5. Inability to integrate into social and cultural dress code and general fashion sensibility. This may be evidenced by: a. The presence of costuming residue, ranging from residual body paint or glitter to an obviously well-coordinated costume; or b. Overtly sexualised and inappropriate clothing, out of context to previous level of

arousal. 6. Moderate to severe lassitude every day, especially in the mornings. 7. Hypersomnia every day, with requirements for twelve hours rest per day. 8. Diminished ability to concentrate on everyday tasks (indicated by subjective report or observation by others). 9. associated with recent positive experiences perceived to be incompatible with everyday life (this may include nightmares about never again attending Convention and/or Convention eternally being held in Melbourne). 10. In extreme cases withdrawal from their MBBS may actually be attempted. B. The patient attended the Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA) National Convention within one week of the onset of symptoms (a milder syndrome of PCD has been seen in patients who have not attended AMSA, known as PCD by Proxy). or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. D. The symptoms must be, at least to some degree, the direct physiologic effects of a substance or a general medical condition; note that the presence of one or more of the following diseases do not exclude or necessitate a diagnosis of PCD alone and vice versa: 1. Alcohol withdrawal; 2. 3. Alcoholic gastritis; 4. Bronchopneumonia; 5. Tonsillitis and quinsy; 6. Musculoskeletal trauma, or; 7. Sexually transmitted disease. Complicated PCD is a psychotic subtype of this disorder. The presence of hallucinations, delusions or bizarre behaviour occurring concurrently with Criteria A indicates a diagnosis of Complicated PCD. Patients commonly present with: 1. Auditory hallucinations of a command nature, such as instructing the patient to consume alcohol or to dress inappropriately.

2. Delusions based on a belief that the patient is actually still at AMSA Convention and that Convention will never end. Often misinterprets everyday environments as themed parties. 3. Bizarre behaviour including compulsive skolling of liquids. Also bizarre posturing, commonly hands reaching for the lasers or in extreme cases intractable catatonia. APPROACH The approach to any patient presenting like that described in the clinical vignette can be tailored due to the classical symptoms and extremely high index of suspicion for PCD. The diagnosis of PCD can be focussing on the required symptoms of social disillusionment and concern regarding examinations. Suggested questions could include the following: Are you looking forward to going out with your friends this weekend? Are you looking forward to the rest of this academic year? Can you see any hope for the future? Is there anything you look forward to? (Patients will typically respond: Convention next year. That is it.) Always remember to ask about potential plans for deferral. Although the relative risk of deferral is low, this is essential. assessment should include potential comorbidities before offering treatment. Frequent comorbidities include alcohol withdrawal (7) and organic diseases such as bronchopneumonia (8) and quinsy (9). These can generally be managed with rest, nutrition musculoskeletal injury can be a cause of ongoing morbidity (10). Most patients can be managed on an outpatient basis with one or two consults. TREATMENT The framework for treatment of PCD can be divided into two main arms. First, the psychiatric disorder must be diagnosed and the patient counselled; psychopharmacology is rarely indicated. Second, the patient needs to be screened for contributory organic disease. Counselling the Patient Patients should be counselled on the following principles:

A. Disillusionment with social activities; patients should be reassured that: Convention will happen again next year; social activities until then can be viewed as practice for an even better Convention next time; Social activities are important in maintaining proper alcohol tolerance for the next Convention; Social activities can serve as opportunities to develop relationships which can be consummated at the next Convention; If the patient has been to their last Convention, Suggest controlled exposure to photos and videos of their Convention experience. This should be carefully monitored, as obsessive reliving of the experience has been associated with poor prognosis. B. Concern regarding looming medical examinations; patients should be reassured that: Examinations are months away, and will probably be either abolished or changed by the Medical School to be formative by then anyway; There are many people above you who are no smarter than you are; if they got through, then surely you can as well; The closer examinations get, the closer the next Convention becomes; indicate that PCD is associated with an aboveaverage exam performance; Patients seriously considering deferral should be referred to a peer support network immediately. C. Other symptoms; patients should be reassured that: Other psychological symptoms like depressed mood and lassitude will improve with time and treatment of other organic comorbid conditions; Convention is a once in a lifetime experience, however, once in remission the patient can expect future events such as weddings and the birth of Treating Comorbid Conditions Comorbid conditions can generally be ameliorated by the following generic steps: It is important for patients to attempt to achieve at least twelve hours rest each day,

especially in the early phase of the disease; Pharmacotherapy (benzodiazepines)

may

concomitant alcohol withdrawal; Patients without access to benzodiazepines can attempt the tapering theory, where a steadily reducing number of alcoholic beverages is consumed over a one week period; we suggest and then tapering this by one standard drink each day. B. Nutrition: Dehydration can persist for days following the precipitating Convention; oral intake of three day is recommended for one week; intravenous therapy and anti-emetics can be utilised if there is severe vomiting associated with gastritis; Vitamin B loss through alcoholic bleaching is common; recommend patients to take both Berocca (or Hairy Lemon) plus a vitamin supplement for at least two weeks following the precipitating Convention; Nutrition is essential and is typically neglected during the precipitating Convention. Patients should be encouraged to ingest higher than usual quantities of nutritious foods, including fruit and vegetables. C. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy: Patients with symptoms and signs of infectious disease should receive broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy; a course of amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid is generally appropriate. REFERENCES
1. Aktekin M, Karaman T, Senol Y, et al. Anxiety, depression and stressful life events among medical students: a prospective study in Antalya, Turkey. Med Educ 2001; 35: 12 17. 2. Henning K, Ey S, Shaw D. Perfectionism, the imposter phenomenon and psychological adjustment in medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy students. Med Educ 1998; 32: 456 464. 3. Toews JA, Lockyer JM, Dobson DJ, et al. Stress among residents, medical students, and graduate science (MSc/PhD) students. Acad Med 1993; 68 (1o Suppl): S46 S48. 4. Toews JA, Lockyer JM, Dobson DJ, et al. Analysis of stress levels among medical students, residents, and graduate students at four Canadian schools of medicine. Acad Med 1997; 72: 997 1002. 5. Psujek JK, Martz DM, Curtin L, et al. Gender differences in the association among nicotine dependence, body image,

SUMMARY PCD is a novel Axis I psychiatric disorder. It affects approximately 5% of Australian medical students annually, and more than 75% of those attending the obligatory precipitating AMSA National Convention. The key features of this disorder are disillusionment with normal social activity, and concern regarding looming medical examinations, with other auxiliary symptoms typical of mood-spectrum disorders. PCD often overlaps with organic medical conditions; these frequently include infectious sequelae of alcoholinduced immunosuppression, and musculoskeletal trauma acquired through accidents associated with PCD must be diagnosed in order for the patient to be appropriately treated. Psychiatric treatment must focus on appropriate counselling of the patient, who may be distraught and even (rarely) catatonic. The concerns of the patient should be elucidated and re-analysed in a more positive context. Secondary imperatives of treatment include identifying and managing comorbid physical ailments. The take-home message for the medical student and the clinician is surveillance unique nature of the precipitant, AMSA Convention, prevention of PCD is not a practical option. In light of this we must be cognisant to the possibility of post-convention depression in both our colleagues and in ourselves. As a wise immunologist once said, what doesnt kill us only makes us stronger.
depression and anxiety within a college population. Addict Behav 2004; 29: 375 380. among medical students: a cross-sectional study. Med Educ 2005: 39: 594 604. 7. Capone S. Case report of post-convention depression associated with alcohol withdrawal requiring benzodiazepine therapy. 8. Sathanananananthanan D. The frequency of bronchopneumonia associated with post-convention depression. Chest 2008: 34: 67 89. 9. Head D. Quinsy and extra-thoracic respiratory tract obstruction associated with post-convention depression. Clinical Neu10. Coppafeel T. Case report of delayed diagnosis of knee haemarthrosis in a patient with post-convention depression. MJA 2008: 3: 314.

HARRY POTTER
And the End of an Era
TESSA MOODY (II)

[choose wisely]

can can can can

A place called Ellis Close

Editorial note: Not at the time this article was written, anyway...)

Med Student Syndrome

The overwhelming and irrational belief that one has been, currently is, or will be plagued by any and every pathology encountered during ones medical training, despite absolutely no evidence to suggest same.

you

do not

* All statistics and references have been shamelessly fabricated by this author.

The Medicine of Art: Why Literature should be taught to medical students

Nikhil Thyagarajan (III)

Uncultured lot, arent you. -Lecturer, 2011

Many doctors remained inept at interpersonal skills; some even viewed these with open disdain.

Inconsolable Grief

Why, it might happen to me, all of a sudden, at any moment, he thought, and for an instant he was

this thing had befallen Ivan Ilyich and not him, and that it ought not and could not happen to him Oh! Oh! Oh! he cried in varying intonations. He had begun by screaming I wont! For three whole struggled in that black sack into which he was being forced by and unseen, invincible power. He fought as

And every moment he felt that, notwithstanding all his struggles, he was drawing nearer and nearer to both to his being thrust into that black hole, and, still more, to his not being able to get right into it.

returneth into dust; the dust is earth: of earth we make loam; and why of that loam whereto he was converted might they not stop a beer-barrel? Imperious Caesar, dead and turnd to clay, might stop a hole to keep the wind away.

To which particular boozing shed? My casting vote is:

Aha! they may now wail, gnashing their teeth, Youre simply taking cheap shots!

Hamlet and His Fathers Ghost

GOT RICE?
An Exploration of Cultural Heritage by Joyce Ma (IV)

1. We need to have twice as many hand hygiene moments as any other student. Hand sanitiser is our best friend, second only to rice.

understanding section of our reports, even though theyre only meant for ESL international students

intelligibility.

3. For once, we are the racial majority (not to sound us. to heat up last nights stir fry - standing back to avoid radiation, of course.

5. We give up our Facebook accounts during swot vac, and actually use this time to do meaningful revision.

6. We look smug whenever Asians are mentioned as having the lowest risk for whatever disease were studying.

Asians

I will be back on the 29th of June

7. We can get away with attending Language & pretending to need hwelp.

8. Our water bottles are always of the BPA free variety. Anyone found reusing a plastic bottle can be only half-Asian, at best.

10. The anglicised names you know us by are never attire is almost as important as conquering mums kung pow chicken recipe. hospital security when youre arranging your ID tag.

1,2,3...

10 Steps to the Perfect Jumping Photo by L. Raven (III) and G. Hanus (IV).
1. DECIDING TO JUMP IN THE PHOTO

JUMP!
(2) (3)

(1)

2. DAY
a. Weather d. Matching e. Themed

b. Lighting

5. TYPE OF JUMP
a. Legs up (2) b. Star jump c. Holding hands d. Mirror image (4) e. Consistency (5)

3. LOCATION
a. Angle

6. PHOTOGRAPHER

4. OUTFIT
a. Shorts/Pants b. Appropriate footware c. Colours against backdrop youre

(5)

(4)

(9)

(10)

(8)

(11)

(7)

(6)

9. TIMING

7. WARM-UP 10. CHALLENGE YOURSELF 8. DISTANCE

Note: The authors of this article would like to acknowledge Maddie Griguols part in helping to make jumping photos cool.

Diagnosis: Pneumonia??

clearly

Case 1: I smell a diagnosis? Morning ward round

and

Claire administering atropine as I ventilate

A happy ending - saying goodbye to our little star patient

Case 2: inhalation burns

Case 3: pneumonia secondary to HIV/AIDS

From Where Id Rather(III) describes training at Be... Luisa Rositano

Island Muay ai, Koh Tao, ailand
2

Dear adelaideans,
I write to update you on important developments in remier league organisation. I have also employed this article to rovide you with useful written games with which to hone your remier league skills. I hope they rove an entertaining diversion from the many hours you must otherwise spend staring at walls in hospitals. The national rinking game of medical students is organised by an overarching and omnipotent body: the National High Able. This entity exists to rotect and romote the game of remier league. It is comprised of bon jovi layers each from Adelaide and erth, and meets a number of times each year to discuss important nuances and ass down My colleagues and I have concocted a number of ultra-fast and ultra-elite remier league uzzles for the intrepid layer to complete. I have developed a complex script which expresses the nuances of coincidentally was edited by the one and only Dr. new uzzles for your enjoyment. Adelaide is the home of remier league. It takes dedication and hours of double-erson invisibleerson ractice in the mirror each day to keep it this way. Let us uphold our osition and continue our long dominance. I look forward to laying with you soon. Kind regards, Timothy C. Coppafeel Chair, South Australian High Able

the land, please contact the National High Able at: highable@amsa.org.au. The game of games is further administered at the level of the state by the South Australian High Able. This somewhat autonomous group actively rotects and romotes remier league within South Australia and ensures our continued dominance. Its highly respected and highly esteemed members for this year are: Timothy Coppafeel (Chair), Dickhead, Capone, If you have any questions or even ideas for remier league events, please contact us at sahighable@ boilerblue.org.au.

Living on a rayer. Answers:

79

Bsq-Bg

An

Zo

Viking Master Whiz

Kuon-Kuon-Chi-Baa

Takahashi

Other

Zoom

Antlers

Chow-Chow-Bang

of the supporting move used at the end of said game?

Ch-Ch-Bg

Ch-Ch-CBg Cq 1 2 3 BJ An Bsq Ch-Ch An

Questions 1. Who made the error and what was it? 3. In whose court was the ball on move bon jovi? had slapped again? 5. What is the song sung if he had done so?

Ch-Ch-CBg Sp Ch-Ch-CBg Ch-Ch-CBg Ch Zo Fu ? Fu Fu Fu ? Sp Fu Fu ? Sp

Questions: 1. In whose court was the ball on line 3? 3. What is the function of a botsquali? 5. What was the error?

Sp

Sp

An TAn An 2 Wz Bn Ae Ae Ae Wz BJ

Sp

1 2 Zo Ch-Ch 3 Zo Ku Ku BJ CBg Sp Sp Wz

Questions: 1. Who needs to consume? 2. What was the mistake? 3. What is the name of the game if 15 are allowed?

Questions slap, what foul would have been committed? 5. If the 11th move had been a made? 3. When is it appropriate to use a Beezelbub-bub-bub?

Sp

Questions: 1. Who made an error? 2. What was the error?

Ch-Wz Sp-Sp Sp Fu ? ? Bsq

Procrastination

82

83

Overheard at the... Med School Clinic Hospital

say about

Two Asian students leave the lecture early at the same time...

Consultant

On a colorectal surgery unit, in theatre:

WITH Y O UR A MSS EXE C UTIVE

TO M C R O WHURST
At AMSS events, Im always that one person who:

V OX POP
I wish I could wear a to the hospitals because: Why is yellow the best colour for a submarine?

If I could be any inanimate object, I would be a

because:

G E O R G IE H A NUS
At AMSS events, Im always that one person who:

I wish I could wear massive high heels to the hospitals because The most awkward moment of my time in medicine was: ... [stimulus].

K ARTHIK
VENK ATARA M A N

If I could have a personal theme song, if would be because: The most awkward moment of my time in medicine was:

IN EDITI O N TW O , WELL BE TA KIN G T O THE H ALLS O F THE MEDI C AL S C H O O L T O P O SE THE H ARD-HITTIN G Q UESTI O NS T O STUDENTS. SEN D Y O UR SU G G ESTED Q UESTI O NS T O PUBLI C ATI O NS@ A MSS. O R G . A U

C A N DI C E H O UD A
At AMSS events, Im always that one person who:

Why is yellow the best colour for a submarine? The most awkward moment of my time in medicine was:

At AMSS events, Im always that one person who: If I could have a personal theme song, if would be because: The most awkward moment of my time in medicine was: Why is yellow the best colour for a submarine? If I could be any inanimate object, I would be a because: -

SA M LA BR O O ME

J O HN TILLETT

I wish I could wear

to the hospitals because:

Why is yellow the best colour for a submarine? The most awkward moment of my time in medicine was: If I could be any inanimate object, I would be a because:

LISA RA VEN
If I could have a personal theme song, if would be The most awkward moment of my time in medicine was: I wish I could wear to the hospitals because: If I could be any inanimate object, I would be a because:

because:

[stimulus]

we want you between our covers.