The 2022 Starting Med Guide
Time truly flies. It's 2022, and we're welcoming another cohort of first-year students to medical schools across Australia. On behalf of your AMSA, we are so happy to have you! Throughout your degree, AMSA is here to support you at every turn. Whether you have a passion for advocacy or policy, global, rural, Indigenous or queer health, medical education, mental health, gender equity, national and international health politics, leadership, events or community, you will find opportunity for growth and discovery within AMSA. We understand that starting medicine can be daunting, and so our team has put together this guide to help you along the way. Enclosed within are tips and tricks, academic and study, career and networking advice, and available crisis and non-urgent support services.
Time truly flies. It's 2022, and we're welcoming another cohort of first-year students to medical schools across Australia.
On behalf of your AMSA, we are so happy to have you! Throughout your degree, AMSA is here to support you at every turn. Whether you have a passion for advocacy or policy, global, rural, Indigenous or queer health, medical education, mental health, gender equity, national and international health politics, leadership, events or community, you will find opportunity for growth and discovery within AMSA.
We understand that starting medicine can be daunting, and so our team has put together this guide to help you along the way. Enclosed within are tips and tricks, academic and study, career and networking advice, and available crisis and non-urgent support services.
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
mEDICAL WELLBEING<br />
Reasons to Have<br />
Your Own GP<br />
None of us in the medical profession should ever be our own doctor - we all need and deserve<br />
good, independent and objective medical advice. <strong>The</strong> General Practitioner is the best person to<br />
provide this. A good GP will get to know you as a person and be able to take a holistic approach<br />
to your health needs, however few or many there may be. It’s not only important to have your own<br />
GP, it is also important to have a GP with whom you feel comfortable enough to share some of<br />
your innermost thoughts and anxieties. Sometimes this means moving on from the family GP that<br />
you’ve grown up with. Choosing your GP can be a very personal decision. It’s good to consider the<br />
following points when finding a match that’s good for you:<br />
Finding a doctor who’s comfortable treating<br />
other medical professionals<br />
Treats you like a patient, not a colleague<br />
Explains things to you as if you have no<br />
knowledge<br />
Finding a new GP when moving regionally or<br />
interstate<br />
Personal recommendations are good<br />
University health services - if available on<br />
campus<br />
Otherwise enquire through the University<br />
clinical school for a list of local GPs, with<br />
expertise with student related issues.<br />
Know that the confidentiality of your GP<br />
consultations is a given<br />
Nothing you say or do should be<br />
disclosed to a third party unless a) you<br />
want it to be or b) the doctor is obliged to<br />
report under mandatory reporting laws<br />
which are set out on the AHPRA website.<br />
Feeling stressed, depressed or having a<br />
mental illness are certainly not in<br />
themselves grounds for mandatory<br />
reporting.<br />
Finding a GP that fits your financial situation<br />
Ask about bulk-billing<br />
If cost is a factor, it will make you<br />
more likely to seek help when<br />
needed.<br />
Discuss any concerns about costs<br />
with your doctor<br />
Many will reduce or make sure<br />
there are no out of pocket<br />
expenses for medical students.<br />
You may also be eligible for a<br />
particular healthcare pathway<br />
which can help cover the costs of<br />
referrals, consultations, and<br />
medication.<br />
<br />
26
Change language