ramsay & co.

the best all round performance St. Vincent's has known since the foundation of
its Clinical School some few years ago. To get three honours and then not a
residency has been far from the rule in previous years. It happened, however,
this year, and it is doubly unfortunate that such a popular chap as Kevin O'Day
should be singled out as the exception.
The new men have started rather shyly at first, especially in the case of
Frank, who seems worried with the long coat. Nevertheless, Hayden, D'arcy,
King and Brew are a competent quartet, from whom student difficulties will
elicit not only sympathy but assistance. Good luck to the retiring four. "Scrog"
at least will need a rest after his strenuous term.
While speaking of final exams., etc., one thinks there is reasonable ground
for complaint in regard to the Clinical Exams. in Med. and Surgery. Indeed, .
it is very questionable whether they should count as much as they do in the ultimate
result—especially in Honours. It is essentially a matter of luck as to what
case and what examiner turns up. Some require more time than others, and
some are more difficult and cover a wider field. Moreover, some examiners
make their time too valuable and many of their questions too abstruse. In not
a few cases we have had drummed into our ears at clinics and lectures that the
apparently simple cases frequently require at least an hour's thorough examination.
What, then, of the Honour cases, which have rarely a semblance of
simplicity ?
The first meeting of the Clinical Society was held on April 12th. Three
very interesting cases were presented for discussion. Ern. Burton deserves
special mention for the thorough way in which he prepared his case—one of
acromegaly. Dan. Crotty moved a vote of thanks to Dr. Shaw for presiding.
In reply he apologised for tackling medical cases with a surgeon's experience.
However, as Mr. Little said in reply, Dr. Shaw's medical knowledge appeared
as extensive as his surgical—almost unlimited. It is to be regretted that more
of the honoraries do not show more interest in these meetings ; their assistance
and co-operation would be vastly appreciated.
The "Resident Studentship" difficulty is still unsettled. Evidently it is of
little or no concern to the authorities, for no effort has been made to remedy
the defect. Their idea of a rather important part of our course seems to be
two meals, two lectures, two anaesthetics, and twopence home on the tram every
night for a cold two weeks. Apart from the four who are lucky enough to
secure residencies, that fortnight is really the only occasion during which a
student has the opportunity of gaining first-hand, practical hospital experience.
Surely we deserve better treatment in this matter. One man's fees would provide
the necessary accommodation.
Our part in the Commencement was memorable. Everyone entered into the
proceedings with spirit, and, as a result, things moved swimmingly. In jocund
mood, rotund Kevin insisted that Scan had been "lost in the Baw Baws"—what
time the "water froze in the taps." From the latter delusion we believed Scan
must have disappeared that evening, and discovered Ernest about to scale the
peaks of Wilson Hall. We are still waiting for an explanation.
With Casey, Keane, Crotty and Burton for committee, a Social Club was
formed among the students. A motor boat trip up the Maribyrnong opened the
proceedings. In spite of some unlooked for events which cropped up at the
eleventh hour, the day was enjoyed tremendously by all present. The next item
mooted is a dance.
39