I would like to acknowledge the Kaurna people, the original custodians of this land, and recognise the relationship between Indigenous people and the lands and waters of the Adelaide Plains, on which we learn and grow every day.
The FMSS events calendar continues to be a highlight for medical students in the Flinders programme. In April, FMSS representatives including Kosta Antolis, FMSS AMSA representative, and myself attended the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) Council in Melbourne. This was a national advocacy platform where we discussed national and international policies, and benefited from the opportunity to build connections with students from medical universities all across Australia. Following this event, at the Flinders Plaza we hosted a revamped FMSS retreat for our new junior committee members to get to know our senior committee through fun team bonding activities, and over a delicious Indian lunch. Additionally, the MD1s attended the much awaited Med Camp, which consisted of interactive clinical learning opportunities, sports day and social activities.
FMSS is excited to announce that this year we will be hosting our first alumni charity cocktail night. At FMSS, we truly believe that vertical integration of all cohorts, clinical sciences to the MD and through to our graduates, is essential for creating a sense of community and collegiality between current and future colleagues. We also extend an invite to staff in the college to attend this event. Tickets are available on our website. FMSS has three mains aims of hosting an alumni charity cocktail night. Firstly, we want to create an opportunity for alumni to come together and reflect on past memories, as well as network with students and build connections for the future. Furthermore, we hope this event can create opportunities to increase teaching by Flinders graduates in our MD programme. Finally, we will use this event to raise funds for Iwiri, an Indigenous organisation that seeks to sustain the cultural roots of Anangu.
FMSS is also currently supporting the Red Cross Australia’s urgent need for blood and plasma donations through our annual vampire cup. Every day, FMSS members, recently more commonly known Flampires, are visiting the Red Cross to donate blood and support this important cause. This initiative is being led by Kosta Antolis, our FMSS AMSA Representative. All members who donate enter draws to win prizes, many of which are being kindly donated by Flinders medical students themselves.
It is wonderful to see how the work of our committee and our strong relationship with the college continues to have a positive impact on the lives of our students and members of the wider community. I feel so proud to represent such a passionate, creative and dedicated group of volunteers.
Kritika Mishra
FMSS President
