Flinders University wins national medical student wellbeing award
Posted on: June 22nd, 2011 by Mitchell Fitzgerald
Professor Patrick McGorry
The Flinders Medical Students’ Society (FMSS) has been named winner of the Australian Medical Students Association Healthy Body Healthy Mind Campaign in recognition of their hugely successful “Mental Health in Medicine Seminar.”
The national competition was established in 2010 to recognise projects by local medical student groups aimed at promoting the wellbeing of medical students.
The FMSS held a seminar last August aimed at increasing awareness and reducing stigma about mental health issues among medical students. Presenters at the seminar included Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry, AM, and Flinders Executive Dean of Health Sciences, Professor Michael Kidd, AM.
The initiator of FMSS’ Mental Health in Medicine Seminar, Minh Nguyen, said: “Last year’s Mental Health in Medicine Seminar was a huge success and gave the next generation of Flinders medical students an insight into the challenges of the profession and how to be better prepared for a career in medicine. The feedback from students was fantastic, and many left with a renewed inspiration and vigour to be successful in their studies. I’m glad the topic of mental health for students is being recognised, and I hope this award raises awareness as well as encourages other medical schools to follow our lead.”
The FMSS has been awarded $1500 for their efforts and will hold the 2011 version of the Mental Health in Medicine Seminar on August 31st.
