The MB ChB programme is challenging and demanding, as is a medical career. It is important to the medical school and the profession that students are supported to develop the personal attributes they will need to manage both their studies and their postgraduate professional lives. These include learning how to look after yourselves, as patients will need you to be as healthy as possible, competent and safe.
Physical health
- A full vaccination schedule is mandatory for medical students.
- Students are not expected to attend classes if they are ill, but they are required to advise the relevant people, and apply for leave as required.
- If you have a health condition that affects or could affect your studies or full participation in the course, or could raise issues of safety for you or patients, please come and talk with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs.
- Know your limits, both in terms of work and play, so that you can continue to do your best at both.
Psychological help
- It is best to deal with any emerging emotional strains early. If you are struggling with personal issues or stress in the course, come and talk with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, who can offer support and referral as necessary to available University services.
- Each campus has access to both GP and mental health care, and the ADSA can point you in the right direction.
- In Dunedin, Student Health provides a great service. In Christchurch and Wellington excellent access is available to GP services and psychotherapy / counselling services.
Health services
Dunedin based students have access to Student Health facilities for their physical and psychological health needs; the Student Affairs Offices provide contact information for the alternative arrangements available for UOW, UOC, and RMIP.
Dunedin
Christchurch
Wellington
Student Affairs Offices
Each campus has an Associate Dean Student Affairs to provide encouragement, support and advice if you are experiencing difficulties in your course or issues with your health or lives that might affect your studies. You will find more information on the Student Affairs offices in Moodle.
Reporting concerns
Students are advised that OMS has a confidential process for dealing with events they might experience in their learning environments that might concern them.