Welcome Back to Australia’s Annual Student Conference and Graduation

(Don’t miss the PHOTO GALLERY at the end of the story)

When the Welcome Reception kicked off OUM’s 6th Annual Student Conference on 6 May, it became the first to take place since March 2020 when COVID lockdowns began. This was also the first Student Conference to be held in Brisbane, Australia.

During a weekend filled with knowledge and celebration, attendees reconnected with old friends, made new connections, and watched classmates earn their medical degree. “Networking” with classmates, graduates, faculty, and staff is always one of the most important aspects of attending the conference.

Taffy Gould, Founder and Chair of the OUM Council, welcomed attendees via Zoom on Saturday morning,
7 May. Her welcome was followed by Professor Hugh Bartholomeusz, Vice Chancellor, delivering the Taffy Gould Oration, “Tissue Reconstruction in War and Peace.” The keynote address was followed by updates from regional deans and University leadership, as well as speakers focused on the Clinical Curriculum — the Clinical Skills Course, Clinical Mentors, and Clinical Placements.

Sunday’s focus was Preparation and Research. Morning sessions shared a wealth of information with attendees regarding preparing for Pre-Clinical and Clinical Exams, the FCE, OSCEs, AMC Exams, and Intern Interviews. The afternoon was dedicated to Student Research, closing with the announcement of the Research Prize Winner. (See the Walter Ikealumba story.)

Congratulations, Graduates!

Perhaps the most anticipated portion of each conference is the OUM Graduation Ceremony, which was held late Saturday afternoon. Attended by graduates’ friends and family, as well as their OUM colleagues, 19 graduates received their MD at the Brisbane ceremony — another 15 were there “in spirit,” receiving their MDs in absentia. Graduates were: