Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Why doesn't Melbourne Uni care?

The month has been a hectic one. There's never ending work to do, jobs to apply to, cover letters to write, CVs to update and what's more, exams at the end of the month. For the past 18 weeks, I've done Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology - it seems revision is possible in one week? Really? And this is on top of my job applications and interview (which can take upu to 5 hours - I drove up to Bendigo and back for a 30 minute session).

I believe the health services (i.e., the various hospitals in Victoria) are within their right to ask us to turn up for interviews. After all, they are seeking employees, and our welfare technically does not rest with them, yet. It is the University of Melbourne that should be looking out for us, medical students. Why not change the semester schedule in order to make this period less stressful and anxiety-provoking than it already is? Why do we have exams during the scheduled interview period for our internships?

It does feel like my University doesn't care - does it?

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

A medical career dedicated to the poor and needy

A medical career dedicated to the poor and needy

  • Carolyn Webb
  • June 9, 2008

ANDREW Dent, the director of St Vincent's Hospital's emergency department for 12 years, has endeavoured throughout his career to help the underprivileged.

During his University of Melbourne medical training in the early 1980s, he spent a month working at Mother Teresa's mission in Calcutta.

Dr Dent, who was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) today, worked in Africa after surgical training in Britain.

He was the only surgeon at the Shisong bush hospital in Cameroon, introducing modern treatments and raising money for equipment. He has also worked in Papua New Guinea.

Blandine Dent said her husband, who is seriously ill with colon cancer, was very pleased to receive his AM.

"He feels very honoured," she said.


The Age, Melbourne.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The passing of a man, a mentor and a teacher

Vale Associate Professor Andrew Wesley Dent, Member of the Order of Australia.


He was more than just my research supervisor. He was more than just the Emergency Department Director.

He was the one who checked on the progress of a medical student's research, during his lunch break - with a Coke in hand for lunch.

He was the one who brought smiles and jokes to the table. Who told stories of his days as a medical student and a junior doctor.

He inspired his Department and made Emergency such a great place

Most of all, he inspired me.

With his dedication and care, to his staff, his friends, his patients and his family;

With humbleness that has not been surpassed;

Thank you, Andrew, For your advice;
For your guidance,

For we will all miss you. For I will miss you. And your jokes. And your guidance.