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The University of Newcastle Medical Alumni

The University of Newcastle Medical Alumni aims to develop collaborative relationships that foster academic, business, social and career opportunities for medical graduates. The chapter was launched in November 2008 with a dinner to celebrate 30 years of the medical program at the University. 

Latest news and events

Medical Alumni Magazine - Edition 1

Read about the activities and achievements of Medical Alumni and current students during the past year. Click on the cover to open the magazine or download a pdf version.

The School of Medicine and Public Health hopes to produce this magazine on an annual basis. Please let us know of achievements, your own or of other Alumni, which could feature in the next edition. Contact Neroli.Foster@newcastle.edu.au for further information.

We hope you enjoy the magazine.

A heart set on cardiology

Kelly Stanton graduated the BMed in 2007 with distinction including being awarded the Wiley Blackwell publishing prize for the highest overall ability and capacity in written examinations. Kelly has now been awarded the Bryan Hudson Medal for achieving the highest overall performance in the Royal Australian College of Physicians written and clinical exams for adult medicine in 2011. This year Kelly has begun her Cardiology Advanced Training at RPA. The technical side of cardiology will fill the next three years and will conclude her specialist training. Congratulations on your award, Kelly. For the full story visit the Medical Alumni Newsletter above. 

Review of the Bachelor of Medicine program

Thank you to medical alumni and students from both campuses who have been involved in the review focus groups so far. Participants offered constructive feedback on a number of aspects of the current program and the proposed changes including; length, research emphasis, training and assessment of clinical competencies. Many participants emphasised the importance of maintaining early clinical experiences within the medical program. It has been determined that the start date of a restructured program would be 2014. Visit the website to see what common issues are being raised across the consultation groups so far.

Implementation phase commences

The curriculum renewal process has progressed from the initial consultation phase to the implementation phase.  A number of working groups have been formed, concentrating on aspects of the curriculum: Pathways and Themes, Modules and PBL, Competencies and Objectives, Assessment, Clinical Schools, Interprofessional Learning and Research. The working groups will report back initially to the second retreat on 29 and 30 March.  If you wish to provide input into any of these working groups you can do so via this email address: jmp@newcastle.edu.au - comments will be forwarded to the relevant working party chair.

Graduate making an award winning impact in rural health

Sarah McEwan (nee Gibbons) (BMed 2005) has been awarded the University of Newcastle 2011Indigenous Alumni Award and the prestigious Rural Registrar of the Year Award by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). The awards recognise Dr Sarah McEwan’s dedication, passion and understanding for the medical needs of people in remote areas. Sarah has a particular interest in the needs of women and Indigenous communities. This has led her to her current role as District Medical Officer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Emergency at Port Hedland Hospital Western Australia, via placements in other regional areas including Tamworth, Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah. Congratulations Sarah.


Social media and the medical profession

The AMA has released a guide to online professionalism for medical practitioners and medical students. Inappropriate online behaviour can potentially damage personal integrity, doctor-patient and doctor-colleague relationships, and future employment opportunities. Our perceptions and regulations regarding professional behaviour must evolve to encompass these new forms of media. These practical guidelines (link to http://ama.com.au/socialmedia) assist doctors and medical students to continue to enjoy the online world, while maintaining professional standards.

Medical Alumni reunions

This year the class of 2001 is planning an event on 19 November. Please contact Rodney James on rod_s_james@yahoo.com.au. if you would like more details. The School is happy to assist past cohorts in organising and promoting their reunion and encourage the 1991, 1992 and 2002 cohorts to contact the Office of the Dean of Medicine on +61 2 4921 7776 if they are planning an event.

Keeping in Touch

Update your contact details so we can keep in touch with you. Go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni/gradlink-stay-in-touch/

Your story

We would like to know your story. If you would like to share it contact neroli.foster@newcastle.edu.au