WSMS is electing all positions for 2019 in a single mega-election!*

*Except first year representatives

Every WSMS Executive, Council, GHAWS/SurgSoc/PhysSoc/Alumni Executive position will be decided by you, our members in an online election.

Timeline

SEPTEMBER 16 11.59PM - applications due (checklist below)...email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SEPTEMBER 19 - voting opens 
SEPTEMBER 26 11.59PM - voting closes
SEPTEMBER 30 - roles for 2019 are announced 

Check out the WSMS Constitution Part 4 for all the answers to your questions.

• Want to know what each position involves? PART 4
  
• Want to know what to put in your application? PART 4
  
• Want to know if you’ll get to meet Deng Adut at some point? Maybe. But also read Part 4
  
• Want to know how many giant pandas there are in the WSMS storeroom? Part 4
• Want to know how many positions you can run for? Part 4

Read. Part. 4. Then dive in and see what adventures await you in 2019!

Good luck, and we hope to see everyone logging in and voting at the end of September.
Returning Officers: Anu Ganapathy (Academic 2018). Please contact the returning officers by email if you have any questions!

What Roles are Available?
WSMS Council Role Descriptions are found in the Full Council Policy.

SIG Executive Role Descriptions are found HERE. This includes GHAWS, PhySoc, SurgSoc, Crit Care and Alumni Foundation.

Nomination Application Checklist

1. Complete the nomination form
2. Evidence of discussion with the person who currently holds this role (screenshot of FB convo or email is enough)
3. High definition photo to be used on website
4. Blurb which addresses application criteria. This will appear on the website. If there are no stated application criteria, simply describe your vision for the role and why you believe you are suitable!

Note: Word count for blurb:
<500 words for President of WSMS. 
<400 words for all other positions

***Note: Please disclose if you will be in Bathurst or Lismore for either Semester 1 or 2 in your blurb. 

If any of the above links do not work, all relevant documents can be found here: https://goo.gl/77FTYn

The mental health of doctors and medical students is a serious concern - as a profession, we have high rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, substance abuse and self medication.

At at time during the year to be announced, WSMS will be holding Blue Week, to tackle the issues surrounding Mental Health. This year, competitions and events will be running throughout the week, ending with our one-and-only - Blue Party!

As the workload piles up, the joyous feelings of Medcamp fade and the exam timetable is released you may be feeling a little blue. Enter our annual Blue Party charity event to lighten the mood and raise money for mental health awareness! Blue Party caps off the end to our Blue Week campaign which includes fun informative events all week at both the medical & clinical schools.

Date: 16th - 20th of April, 2018

For any enquiries, please contact Jess Stocker, your Social Director 2018 at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Blue Party

What better a way to end blue-week than by dressing up in blue, and grooving out together? 

When is it? 20th of April, from 7pm - midnight!

Where is it?? Marly Bar at the Malborough Hotel - 145 King street, Newtown

Get your Blue Party 2018 Tickets Here!

Prices are $15 each, or we have a special package deal of 5 for $70! All profits go to Beyond Blue.

Be sure to also check out our Blue Magazine!

The Blue Magazine 2016 is now available.  Check out the stories and creative works of your friends.

Blue 2016:

 Edited by Yvonne Nguyen, Cover by Bridgette Andrew

Voting has now opened for the March Election period.

First years are invited to vote for all FYR positions and Junior AMSA Rep.

Second years are invited to vote only for Junior AMSA Rep.

We wish all applicants the best of luck!

Vote here: https://uwsms.wufoo.eu/forms/mgloyim08a60vy/

Please note applications have now closed for the 2018 March Elections. Our next election period is held in September.

The time has come to elect your new First Year and Junior AMSA Reps! Being a Rep gives you the opportunity to get involved in WSMS by representing your peers, running events and helping make your cohort’s year of medicine one to remember! All information required is in this document, please read carefully before proceeding.

Available roles

-        2x WSMS First Year Rep

-        1x GHAWS First Year Rep

-        1x Western Sydney Surgical Society First Year Rep

-        1x Western Sydney Physicians Society First Year Rep

-        1x AMSA Junior Rep

To apply

1. Be a current WSMS Member in 1^st year or 2^nd year for Junior AMSA Rep. All WSU medical students are automatically WSMS Members.
2. Adhere to the Election Rules (Part 4 of the WSMS Constitution at https://goo.gl/6uGxGE).
3. Read the position descriptions, then contact the 2017 Role Holder/s to discuss the role with them.
4. Get writing:
   1. WSMS FYR: a 200 word blurb on why your peers should elect you
   2. SIG FYR and Junior AMSA Rep: answer the questions below
5. Complete the Nomination Form/Working Contract (https://goo.gl/qScy2h) with your details. Have any member of WSMS second your nomination with their name and student ID.

• The Nomination Form/Working Contract is a written agreement that all applicants are expected to enter into. It is a promise made by an applicant to the members of the Society that they will fulfill therequirements of their position as set out in the role description (this document) for their entire term. In the event these requirements are not met to their standards, or the standards set by the Executive Committee, the Council member will either voluntarily step down from their position or be removed by the Executive Committee. Election or appointment of a replacement will be conducted as per the Constitution.

1. Email your blurb/answers, nomination form, confirmation that you have contacted the previous role-holder and a photo of yourself for the online vote to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please attach the photo separately.

Deadlines

Application submissions will be open from 7^th March 2018 – 9pm 12^th March 2018.

Voting will open through the WSMS Website (wsms.org.au) from the 14^th March 2018 – 18^th March 2018. The new Reps will be announced at the WSMS Annual General Meeting on 19^th March 2018 at 6pm in Building 30.

Election process

Applications for the WSMS FYR and Junior AMSA Rep positions will be placed directly into an online public vote. Applications for SIG FYR positions will be de-identified and sent to the relevant SIGs, where the Executives will select the three most suitable written applications. These three applications from each SIG will then proceed to the online public vote.

Previous role holders

-        WSMS FYR: Sheree Nguyen-Hoang, Jack Mowbray

-        GHAWS: Kevin Chan

-        WSSS: Praween Senanayake

-        WSPS: Michael Denniss

-        Junior AMSA Rep: Thu Le

If you have any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for IT issues, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for application issues, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any other enquiries. Role descriptions and SIG questions can be viewed below.

WSMS FYRs should:

• Promote WSMS events and opportunities to their year.
• Ensure their year is represented in decision making in the Medical Society.
• Correspond between their year and Medical Society Executive body.
• Be a contact point for their year concerns to WSMS and the SoM.
• Represent and support their year until the new year representatives are elected in the following year
• Coordinate and develop events for their year
• Liaise with other members of council for events pertaining to their year
• Keep the year updated on pertinent MedSoc Events through weekly pinned posts on Facebook Group
• Convene MedCamp for the incoming First Years

How to apply

1. Your application should outline what you would bring to the role, and why your peers should elect you. (Max 200 words)

GHAWS is searching for an enthusiastic and passionate first year representative, who will be able to:

• Actively be a part of the growth of GHAWS by contributing their vision and their interest in global health
• Assist in the creation, coordination, promotion, and logistics of GHAWS events and initiatives on the whole
• Work with each member of the GHAWS executive to tailor events or subcomponents of events specifically to the first year cohort, bringing a fresh and unique perspective to the GHAWS program
• Work with other First Year Reps to help co-coordinate the SIG Trivia Night
• Showcase exemplary teamwork skills by cooperating and working efficiently the GHAWS executive
• Remain organised, diligent and committed to their role, and
• Take initiative to develop their role and themselves within their role to their greatest potential through

Over the course of the role, you’ll be involved in each of GHAWS’ major events: Auction Night, Birthing Kit Assembly, Short Course, Community Events, Bake Sale and the Overseas Trip. While you’ll be our main liaison with the current first years, and will be primarily responsible for their engagement, we also hope that you get something out of the role, too. During your time as First Year Rep, we want to you challenge yourself to learn more about global health, use the position to help upskill yourself, and maybe each teach us (the GHAWS Exec) a thing or two along the way. A journey in Global Health is one with many destinations, but First Year Rep is a great place to start.

How to apply

1. What would you like to see from GHAWS in 2018? How would you contribute to making that vision a reality? You may address current or potential projects. (Max 150 words)
2. It’s 3 weeks out and you’ve just found out that only 10 first year students are attending the GHAWS Auction Night. How would you motivate more students of your cohort to attend and participate in the event? (Max 150 words)

The Western Sydney Surgical Society is looking for our 1st year rep for 2018!

Your responsibilities would include:

• To act as a bridge between WSSS and the Western Sydney Medicine 1^st year cohort
• To organise WSSS activities for O-week and Medcamp (of the following year)
• To aid the WSSS Executive in their roles when required

How to apply

1. What do you hope to gain from being part of the SurgSoc team? (Max 150 words)
2. What qualities would you bring to the SurgSoc team? (Max 150 words)

Physicians society is looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking and reliable first year to join our Executive! This 12-month position is a great opportunity to work with us in bringing new events and resources to first and second years. If you are passionate about a career as a physician, pediatrician or dermatologist, and have the initiative to help us build this society, we encourage you to apply!

Your responsibilities would include:

• A key role in selling the activities and events of WSPS to pre-clinical students (1st and 2nd years)
• Providing feedback from pre-clinical years about how WSPS can better serve them
• Attending all Executive meetings
• Assisting with all stages of creation, organisation and running of events where required

How to apply

1. What makes you the ideal first year representative for WSPS? Detail any qualities and/or past experience you would bring to the team. (Max 100 words)
2. What do you want to achieve this year as part of the team? (Max 100 words)
3. Physicians panel is approaching in 2 weeks, and only a couple of first years are interested in coming. How would you motivate them? (Max 100 words)

Western Sydney University’s Junior AMSA Representative will assist the AMSA Representative in their administrative and political capacity.

Requirements/responsibilities

• Be in Years 1 or 2
• Works with the AMSA Rep to fulfil tasks set by the AMSA Executive under the guidance of the Vice President External, especially pertaining to the Rural Health, Academy and Medical Education committees.
• Is encouraged to attend AMSA Council 3 times a year to assist in representing the Western Sydney Medical Society to contribute to discussion.
• Will be the proxy for the AMSA Rep at AMSA Council in the event that the VPe is not able to attend in the AMSA Rep’s place.
• Absorbs the role of Vampire Cup Representative at Western Sydney and will head the organisation and promotion of the National Blood Donation Drive.
• Assists the AMSA Rep in National Convention duties including leading the delegation, organising merchandise and floorsweeps.
• Assists the AMSA Rep in organising ThinkTanks, distributing merchandise and publications and promoting AMSA’s events, projects and committees.

How to apply

1. Maximum 300 word personal statement on why you think you are fit for the role
2. Maximum 300 word response to the following question: Vampire Cup is AMSA’s National Blood Drive which runs for several months every year. Medsocs are ranked by the percentage of their med cohort who have donated blood during this period. Western Sydney University (and many NSW universities) has often placed towards the back of the pack due to various reasons (e.g. low engagement, difficulty in sourcing blood donation trucks). How can we improve our results this year?

Deep in the bushland of South West Sydney away from the scrying eye of the public, our infamous weekend-long first year MedCamp is held to discover ones self, make new friends and create ever lasting memories of your first year in medicine. 

Get excited First Years 2018! Throughout the weekend, games and team bonding activities will challenge you both mentally & physically - and when you emerge from the other side, you will be changed forever. When the sun sets on the Saturday night the party animals from all the years will emerge from the bush to descend on the biggest doof of the year! 

In 2018, the camp will be taking place at Cataract Scout Park on the 9th-11th March 2018. The theme this year is "Carnivale".

Click below to purchase a ticket.

WSMS is electing all positions for 2018 in a single mega-election!*

*Except first year representatives and junior AMSA reps

Every WSMS Executive, Council, GHAWS/SurgSoc/PhysSoc/Alumni Executive position will be decided by you, our members in an online election.

Timeline:

SEPTEMBER 11 to 18 - Submit an application (checklist below) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SEPTEMBER 21 - Voting opens 
SEPTEMBER 28 – Voting closes

Check out the WSMS Constitution – PART 4 for the answers to all your questions!

• Want to know what each position involves? Part 4.
• Want to know what to put in your application? Part 4.
• Want to know if you’ll get to meet Deng Adut at some point? Maybe. But also Read Part 4.
• Want to know how many giant pandas there are in the WSMS storeroom? Part 4.
• Want to know how many positions you can run for? Part 4.
• Want to know when the results are released? Part 4.

Read. Part. 4. Then dive in and see what adventures await you in 2018!

Good luck, and we hope to see everyone logging in and voting at the end of September.
Returning Officers: Christine Byrnes (President 2017), Ben Griffiths (Treasurer 2017), Melinda Lam (Academic 2017). Please contact the returning officers by email if you have any questions!

What Roles are Available?
WSMS Council Role Descriptions are found in the WSMS Full Council Terms of Reference 
SIG Executive Role Descriptions are found in the WSMS Full Council Terms of Reference 

SurgSoc Executive Detailed Role Descriptions are found here
PhysSoc Executive Detailed Role Descriptions are found here 

GHAWS Executive Detailed Role Descriptions are found here 

Alumni Foundation Detailed Role Descriptions are found here 

Nomination Application Checklist.

1. Nomination form 
2. Evidence of discussion with the person who currently holds this role (screenshot of FB convo or email is enough)
3. High definition photo to be used on website
4. Blurb which addresses application criteria. This will appear on the website. If there are no stated application criteria, simply describe your vision for the role and why you believe you are suitable!

Note: Word count for blurb:
<500 words for President of WSMS. 
<400 words for all other positions

***Note: Please disclose if you will be in Bathurst or Lismore for either Semester 1 or 2 in your blurb. 

Ever wanted a new Med Soc hoodie or hat?  WSMS now sells merchandise throughout the year through our online store.  Note that products can only be collected from WSMS in person (i.e. we do not do shipping). When you place an order, WSMS will collate the orders and submit them to the manufacturer. An announcement will be provided on the WSMS website when the merchandise becomes ready to pick up.

***HOODIES AND SWEATSHIRTS FOR SALE NOW***

Don't miss out on the 2017 new release of embroidered hoodies!

Note that you must be logged to your WSMS account before you can proceed to the checkout.  Currently only our special WSMS scrubs are available to purchase.

View Available Products

WSMS President 2018

Megan Foo

Grade: Iota, 4th Year

AKA: Megs

Interesting Fact:

I aspire to sneaky shower and sleepover in the med building one day. 

What I love about WSMS:

I love knowing that the initiatives that we work on help and support my peers! WSMS exists to represent us, advocate on our behalf and improve our medical student life. I’m so excited to be working with such a talented, dedicated, intelligent and truly passionate group of people in the coming year – we have been bursting with great ideas and I can’t wait for us to bring them to everyone. So much love for our WSMS family

Vice President External

Pragya Goswami

Grade: Iota, 4th Year

Nickname: Prags

Interesting Fact: 

I fainted when my year 9 Science teacher verbally explained the process of giving birth

What I love about WSMS:

What I love most about WSMS is the students themselves. We span across 5-year groups, and together create one of the most warm, welcoming and tightly knit student community’s. Our student body forms such an integral part of the experience of being a medical student as we go through our journey together (and eventually become co-workers together!). The people and culture of WSMS ensures that we develop both as students, peers and friends during this intense period in our lives. In addition to this, we have our student-run events that span throughout the year, created with the aim of supporting our necessities in academia, sporting and social events. We also connect students with staff to ensure that our medical school is continuously adapting, changing and improving. <3

Vice President Internal

Vedant Dave

Grade: Iota, 4th year

Nickname: Vedank, Vedo

Interesting fact: Believe it or not, I’m actually single!

What I love about WSMS: I love that the whole society is such a close-knit group of people, even between the cohorts. You’re going to develop some really special friendships over the next five or so years, and meet people who you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Over the last three years, WSMS has been integral in showing me how much more there is to uni than just studying.

My role this year will be to help our incredible Special Interest Groups put on some hectic events for you to enjoy, from Auction Nights to Careers Nights for our budding physicians and surgeons, there will be something for everyone! I will also be working with the Wellbeing Committee to cement the foundations that Anu and her team have developed in the past, continuing and consolidating the support networks within WSMS, with the School of Medicine, and with external organisations. Finally, I’ll be organising some hectic merch for you and make you look damn fine.

Your clothes can tell everyone you do med so you don’t have to!

In the end, WSMS gives you the most exciting experiences, and some of my best memories so far have come from all the time I’ve spent with my friends, both on campus and also at all the parties, and I am really looking forward to meeting you all. Hopefully I can help you have an amazing time in 2018. It doesn’t matter if you don’t drink, it doesn’t matter if you don’t dance, hit me up, I’ll be there, and we’re gonna have an absolute blast.

Secretary

Sophie Keen

Grade: Lambda, 2nd year

Nickname: Keen, skeen, so keen, too keen, treat em mean

Interesting fact: I was part of the world's largest human whale and have been rejected by Maccas employment 8 times. That's Guinness World Records right there. 

What I love about WSMS: 

WSMS is the most vibrant, passionate and driven community. There are so many opportunities and events from workshops and careers nights, to free food and a jam-packed social calendar. Getting involved and meeting new people is so easy and you realise there is a network of 630 or so med students here to support you.

Treasurer

Eka Cox

Grade: Iota, 4th year

Nickname: Eka, B-BOT, MileyCyrus#1Fan

Interesting fact: My parents made up my name and my brother got the unique, eccentric name of Benjamin.

What I love about WSMS: 

I love the people, the events and the opportunities to immerse yourself in areas of medicine that stray from the traditional academic pathway. Don't get me wrong, academic are important (stay in school kids), but remember that you only Medschool once - so make the most of it!

Academic Director

Anu Ganapathy

Year: Theta, 5th year

Nickname: Noobster, Nubby, Nunu

Interesting Fact:

I have gotten into more embarrassing situations than one can imagine.

What I love about WSMS: 

What I love about WSMS is the amazing people, teachers and environment! It's such a close-knit and wonderful community to be a part of, and I can't think of a more supportive place to be in. I am grateful for the warmth and kindness I have been shown, across all years, who have made medicine and student life at Western Sydney extremely memorable. The staff are extremely receptive to working with students, which creates a holistic environment that is constantly improving to take WSMS to infinity and beyond! 

Social Director

Jess Stocker

Grade: Kappa, 3rd year

Nickname: Granny Jess

Interesting fact: I've managed to hide my tattoo from my mother for a grand total of 3 weeks now and it's my proudest achievement yet

What I love about WSMS:

I love the sense of collegiality amongst students that bridges year groups, and all kinds of other barrier that Medsoc facilitates. We are such a diverse bunch of noodles and it's lovely that we have a platform to all come together and collectively cry/party our way through med school.

AMSA Representative

Jack Ashley

Grade: Iota, 4th year

Nicknames: Jashley

What I love about WSMS: Free food is pretty sweet, who doesn't love free food?

Sponsorship Officers

Matt Bojanic

Grade: Kappa, 3rd Year

What I love about WSMS:

The passion and enthusiasm our members have not only for Medsoc, but Medicine in Western Sydney in general - somethign which is great to see from such a young organisation. 

Swathi Sridharan

Grade: Kappa, 3rd Year

What I love about WSMS:

Our med school's made up of really diverse, interesting and pretty fun people, with a ridiculously wide range of different experiences. Medsoc and medsoc events give you a chance to meet more of them.

Publications Officer

Saira Gugnani

Grade: Kappa, 3rd Year

What I love about WSMS:

The nurturing environment, the countless opportunities, the exciting events, the focus on the various facets of student life and most importantly, the people <3  

IT Officer

Sarah Rusnak

Grade: Iota, 4th year

Nickname: Sazzdog McGee, Bosco, YerAWizardSarry

What I love about WSMS:

Seriously the most fantastic, interesting group of people you'll ever meet. Plus they let me be IT officer. Me. Pretty cool. 

Blacktown Clinical School Representative

Aziz Alsaraf

Macarthur Clinical School Representative 

Tom Hart