AMSA 2023 Embolus Publication

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
11
VICE PRESIDENT
EXTERNAL
GABRIELLE DEWSBURY
The VPE oversees the external image of
AMSA, and is extensively involved in the
organisational advocacy work, for example,
the Cost of Living Campaign and rural
healthcare. Below is a little summary of
one reactive advocacy campaign: Medical
Students in the Cost of Living Crisis: a
reactive advocacy campaign
“The purpose of this campaign is to obtain a strong understanding of the cost of living
pressures faced by medical students from all backgrounds, share stories and raise awareness,
then use this alongside our policy base to lobby for changes. As an extremely prevalent issue
that many students are currently facing, AMSA needs to advocate for medical students and
ensure they are supported throughout their degree, and ensure the financial barriers to
medical student education are addressed.” Key components of this campaign have included:
Financial barriers of medical school admission
Discussions with UCAT and GAMSAT
Solution based meetings with members of parliament
Alleviating the costs of living for current medical students
Cost of Living Forum
Cost of Living Survey for medical students
Advocating for paid placement
Collaborating with Medical Education for evaluation of current AiM programs
Creating the Cost of living Website for medical students
Lobbying for more accessible housing
Lobbying member of parliament and senators such as Janet Rice, Jordan Steele, Jason
Clare, Amanda Rishworth”