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Students from the Graduate School of Medicine Helen Freeborn (left) a...

UOW medical students leaders in their field

Two University of Wollongong students have been elected to the executive boards of national medical student bodies, showing that the two-year-old Graduate School of Medicine can hold its own among Australia’s medical community.

Second year medicine students Helen Freeborn and Mary-Therese Wyatt have been elected to the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) and the General Practice Student Network (GPSN) respectively.

Helen has been elected as National Coordinator of the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) – the peak representational body for medical students.

“My election demonstrates to the wider medical community that UOW medical students are ready and prepared to undertake leadership roles within the medical student community,” said Helen.

AMSA helps link medical students to professional and government bodies, and provides opportunities for them to engage with their local, state and national community.

As part of her role as National Coordinator, Helen will facilitate communication between medical schools around the country and will organise a range of meetings where students discuss the issues Australian medical students face.

“I think it’s important for UOW students to be represented on these national bodies because we are an up and coming school and we are really seen as the trailblazers of the program,” Helen said.

Mary-Therese Wyatt is a mother of four and is also in her second year at the Graduate School of Medicine. Adding to her already busy schedule, she has been elected National Secretary for the General Practice Student Network (GPSN).

The GPSN is an interest group for students who want to learn more about General Practice and aids networking between students and practicing GPs. Mary says this is vital for Australian’s health system.

“General Practice is a fundamental component of the health force in Australia,” she said.

“GPSN helps to dispel common myths about the profession and highlights the many opportunities that exist for medical students who choose General Practice as a speciality.”

Both students said that UOW’s Graduate School of Medicine is highly regarded in the medical community.

“All the people I’ve spoken to look at our program as a really good model,” Mary said.