GPSN UNSW & UNDS – First Steps Conference
Last month, GPSN clubs across NSW and ACT hosted First Steps, our flagship statewide annual conference aimed at inspiring the next generation of general practitioners.
This year we established a theme: Beyond the Mediverse, which brought a spotlight on GPs within the creative and technological space. The event brought together over 150 medical students for a full day of interactive workshops, engaging panel discussions, and networking with experienced GPs and healthcare organisations.
From hands-on suturing and VR Eye Condition Simulations to career insights and mentorship opportunities, First Steps empowered students to explore the diverse and rewarding pathways within general practice.
GPSN UniMelb – Clinical Skills Night
GPSN UniMelb hosted a hands-on Clinical Skills Night at the Arts West Building, giving students the chance to sharpen their skills in suturing, otoscopy, and dermoscopy. More than 40 attendees rotated through interactive stations guided by demonstrators, with students grouped in small numbers to ensure hands-on learning.
The night was a great success, thanks to fantastic support from RACGP, Amboss, and Geeky Medics. Each attendee received a free GYG burrito, a suturing kit to take home, and the chance to win amazing prizes like Amboss and Geeky Medics subscriptions and a scrub set from RACGP.
Students left with improved clinical confidence, new skills, and a strong sense of community – a true testament to the collaborative effort of the UniMelb GPSN committee.
GPSN UNSW – Blood pressure screening at Royal Randwick
The GPSN UNSW team recently headed out to the Royal Randwick Shopping Centre for a full-day blood pressure screening event, engaging with the public to promote heart health awareness and early detection of hypertension. This initiative was part of GPSN’s ongoing commitment to meaningful community outreach.
The team showed incredible adaptability and teamwork, screening over 25 members of the public throughout the day. Medical student volunteers who had attended previous BP training and GP subspecialty nights had the opportunity to practice clinical skills in a real-world setting, while also educating the public on the importance of monitoring blood pressure. The volunteers did not provide medical advice – they can’t legally do this just yet – but they engaged with the public in the shopping centre under the guidance and supervision of a Fellowed doctor.
The event not only empowered the community but also fostered professional growth among student volunteers. With plans to run similar screenings every two months or during university holidays, GPSN UNSW continues to build valuable bridges between medical students and the wider community – of course with all the insurance/medico legal boxes ticked!
GPSN Bond – GP Revision Night
GPSN at Bond University recently hosted a GP Revision Night for third-year medical students concluding their general practice rotation.
Tutors led the session by reviewing common clinical presentations encountered in general practice and quizzing students to reinforce key concepts.
The event received positive feedback and was well-received by attendees for its engaging and practical approach.
