ABOUT AMSA

AMSA is the peak representational body for students studying Medicine in Australia. Every medical student in Australia, whether international, HECS or domestic full fee paying is automatically a member of AMSA. This equates to over 15,000 students at 18 universities.
AMSA exists to make your life at Medical School the best it can possibly be. AMSA provides representation on issues directly affecting medical students to various university, government, and professional bodies. AMSA Executive and Office Bearers are members of numerous committees, and always present the position of AMSA National Council and AMSA Policy to decision-makers. Indeed, the AMSA executive is the only student body that the federal health and education ministers will approach on issues that affect Medical Students.
AMSA’s main role is to provide a voice for students studying medicine in Australia, so that their concerns are heard by all levels of government as well as relevant stakeholders in the medical arena. AMSA does this by-

• Forming close but independent relationships with other organisations who share our concerns (eg. The AMA)
• Engaging federal and state health ministers and shadow ministers in discussion about the important issues faced by our members
• Providing representation on committees like the Australian Medical Council who are directly responsible for medical education
• communicating with all our members to ensure their voices are heard.

So, other than representation, what else does AMSA do?

CONFERENCES
AMSA Convention- This is the premiere event on the AMSA calendar. AMSA convention will see over 700 medical students from all over Australia converge on one city  in July for a week of stimulating lectures, workshops, and amazing parties. For more information check out the website or talk to people who have been before.

Global Health  Conference (GHC) - To be held in Perth just prior to convention, the DWC offers delegates the chance to engage themselves in the health issues that are effecting 3rd world countries. Last year the DWC sold out in two days, this year it promises to be even better.

AMSA Leadership Development Seminar (LDS) - Held for the first time in September 2005, LDS allowed students from all over Australia to meet and learn from politicians, media personalities and health leaders. This is a great opportunity to further your interests in representation and leadership.

Asian Medical Students Conference (AMSC) - to be held in a major Asian city, the AMSC is a great opportunity to network with fellow medical students from all over Asia.

PUBLICATIONS
The Panacea - AMSA’s premier publication dedicated to keeping you informed about all things AMSA as well as what is happening around Australia’s medschools.

The Aesclepian - This is an educational and political newsletter designed to inform members of AMSA policy and political breakthroughs.

Interns and Residents guide (IRG) - The IRG is distributed to all sixth years to assist in their decisions on which hospital to go to.

Embolus - is AMSA’s eNewsletter, published sporadically throughout the year, Embolus keeps members abreast of the latest news, issues and competitions.

So, how can you get involved?
Contact- your AMSA representative about any issues that are affecting you. We are here to go into bat for you. We are also a great source of information in regards to anything to do with AMSA, student and medical politics and issues

Attend- AMSA Convention in Perth, Developing World Conference, the Summit of International Students, Leadership development Seminar, Asian Medical Students’ Conference (its not just for Asians), and AMSA sub-committee meetings (held regularly during term time)

Visit- our website for more information and to enter our competitions- www.amsa.org.au

Donate- your blood during AMSA blood drive - let it flow!
AMSA AMEX Card
Want an AMSA AMEX card... find out how here.

The AMSA Subcommittee-

If you want to get involved in AMSA and you don’t know how, come along to one of our Representative Committee meetings. To be held regularly throughout the year, the Representative Committee will give students the opportunity to voice their opinions and have a say in AMSA policies and current medical and student issues.


Email the AMSA rep

Visit the AMSA website


Ross Roberts-Thomson
AMSA Representative
M. 0431 051 589