DAY 378/379/380

Sept 13, 14 & 15

1) As Fresher's Week draws to a close, there were still two more events on my agenda - the RCSI Debate Society Inaugural Event, as well as the RCSI Cancer Society's Pink Party, at DTwo Club. But before that, I had a meeting with our Personal Tutor this morning. We usually meet up with our mentor twice a semester to discuss on any problems or issues we may have. For our first meeting this semester, Dr Natasha Rafter had a special surprise for us - a box of Rolling Donuts! It's fast becoming a tradition for us students - if it ain't pizza, it's probably doughnuts... Anyway, we talked about our summer experience, as well as our expectations for the following year.

2) This evening, I went for the Debate Society's Inaugural Event - 'The Devil's Advocate'. We were divided into "for" and "against" groups, and given various motions to debate on. It was really informal, to allow for debaters of various experiences to have a go. Some of the more interesting topics included a) tea: before milk or after?; b) RCSI is the best medical school in the world; c) live to eat, or eat to live?; d) pets should be allowed in class; and e) pineapple on pizzas should be banned. It was really challenging coming up with points in a mere 30 seconds, but we tried our best, and enjoyed a nice round of pizzas afterward.

3) Later tonight, it was time for Pink Party! Held at DTwo Club, this event takes place annually to raise money for charity - specifically for Breast Cancer Research. We arrived early to set up our props (mostly balloons), and to secure our spot to party. Loud music blared from the speakers above us, and there was a nice stage for people keen to strut their dancing skills. I spent some time taking photographs using Jeffrey's beautiful DSLR camera, and not long after people started trickling in. Soon the entire place was packed, while the line just grow longer and longer. I didn't want to arrive home too late, so I said goodbye to everybody and left. That brings to an end yet another memorable day for me, and I hope you enjoyed reading about it. Thanks very much for visiting, and have a great weekend ahead. Cheers!

Awesome night out, and for a good cause too ^^

My friends and Dr. Natasha Rafter (centre),

ft the Rolling Donuts

Rolling Donutssss

With old and new members of the Debate Society!

With Suzanne and Claire :D

On the Dance Floor

Breast Cancer Ireland

With Jeffrey and Claire ^^

DTwo as the night progressed :D

Pink Party Tickets to Dtwo

DAY 221

Apr 10

1) Today has been a typical day for me. I brought my stuff to the library right after breakfast, and started studying. It's mostly anatomy that I'm covering, as that is one of our first exams for the finals. Took a break from studying to have lunch at the Mercer Cafe, before returning to continue.

2) In the evening, Melissa, Melvin, and I went for the launch of the 10th edition of the Student Medical Journal, which is a journal made up completely of student articles, by students and for students. That, to me, is amazing. As I'm sure everyone is familiar, writing research reports and academic papers is no mean feat, which is why it's a proud moment that we can boast of such a medical journal.

3) As part of the launch, there was a debate between two RCSI lecturers, on the motion "THBT Bariatric Surgery Should Be Made Available to Adolescents and Children". Supporting the motion was Prof. David Smith, while opposing the motion was Prof. O'Shea. After a very entertaining battle of wits between the two lectures, the audience voted - and the winner was Prof. O'Shea. But interesting points from both sides indeed.

4) Afterwards, there was a reception at the Board Room, courtesy of the Dean of RCSI, Prof. Hannah McGee. We chatted with each other and offered our opinions to support our stance. Then, it was back to the library for the three of us, where we deliberated on where to go for the summer. That's all for toady, and thanks very much for reading. Have a great day, cheers!

Reception at the Board Room

It was a full house at the Albert Lecture Theatre

The 10th Edition of the RCSI Student Medical Journal 

Prof. David Smith (FOR)

Prof. O'Shea (AGAINST)

Everything looks so fancy ^^

Tomato bruschetta, profiterole, salmon hors d'oeuvres

DAY 207

Mar 27

1) Today has been another beautiful day for me - at the library. Granted, exams are fast approaching so there really is not much left to do other than study for the end-of-semester exams. I only recently found out that our Histology quiz is worth a LOT more than I expected - it's 15% for REGUB, 10% for GIHEP and 5% for FUN2! And the best part; I've barely started touching it...

2) My afternoon and would be spent covering as much as I could, but it isn't easy considering we have Anatomy card signing just four days before our histology. Card signing is only worth 2.5%, so being the rational person that I am, I decided to take a gamble and NOT study for it until the very last minute. Hopefully that gamble pays off, and it's not like I have a choice otherwise.

3) In the evening, there was a talk organised by the RCSI Cardiovascular Society, called Life of A Cardiologist. RCSI's very own Dr. Dermot Kenny was presenting, so I had to attend. Presentation started at 7.00pm at the Albert Lecture Theatre, and was followed by a cheese and wine reception. A very interesting speech indeed, where we learnt a bit more on why he chose cardiology as a specialty, how he went about it, and his research on ischemic heart disease. I thoroughly appreciate the myriad opportunities we get to attend such talks, as they will ultimately be our guide to choosing our postgraduate options.

4) Afterwards, it was back to the library, where I spent a short time studying, before calling it a day. Packed my stuff up, and headed straight home. That caps the end of my day, and I hope you enjoyed reading about it. Have a great day, cheers!

Dr. Dermot Kenny's lecture, on how he came from medical student to professor XD

Dr. Dermot Kenny,

Professor of Cardiovascular Biology