| Congrats! You made it! Welcome to Medical School. The Otago University Medical Students Association (OUMSA) has a proud tradition of providing support to students and we would encourage all of you to become members. Below is some important information on what our amazing organisation can offer you during your time as a medical student as well as great deals on gear that you’ll need for your ELM and future years. | Quick Links President’s Welcome Class Facebook group Who and what is OUMSA? Why join? Buying a stethoscope Textbooks Med Clothing Sign Me Up! |
A note from the OUMSA President
Con-Grad-ulations! (: Lol please let me explain. At the beginning of December, I witnessed friends who studied Medicine, amongst a crowd 
dressed up in their gowns, ready to take their place in the world. Now here you are and the countdown begins!
The next five years ahead will at times feel like a roller coaster ride, but they will indeed go by quicker than you know it. Eventually, it will be your turn to walk the stage in 2020…Dr (insert your last name) has a ring to it, doesn’t it? It’s an amazing feeling to have received an offer to be in Medicine – but it is even more exciting to have taken it up! So once again, congratulations and welcome to the club.
You might be wondering, a day in the life of a Dunedin Med Student – what does that look like? Personally, my ELM years (Pre-Hospital years) have had me living on Great King Street, surviving morning lectures in Colquhoun (pronounced Col-hoon) with a coffee from Dispensary, tutorials and lunchtime hang outs in the Hunter Centre, sometimes finished with a study-date at the Med Library. But don’t get me wrong; it was not always about the books. The OUMSA Exec has always worked hard to ensure a wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities were on offer. I can promise you that my team and I will endeavour to do the same this year!
So, whether it is with from an academic, social or personal perspective, my hope is that you really enjoy your five years in Med School, and not just endure it. OUMSA is here to support you where we can, so don’t hesitate to get involved or ask for a helping hand!
Begin with the end in mind. You are going to be an amazing Doctor one day – don’t ever forget that!
David Wang – OUMSA President
Class of 2021 Facebook Page
Facebook – love it or hate it, it is definitely the place to be to stay in touch with all the happenings in your class. We’ll be posting events, resources and advice to help you out, as well as being a forum for you to share information with your classmates or ask questions. Join the Class of 2021 Facebook Group here.
There are very few rules on the page, however we ask that you be respectful of others. You will be advised of the expectations of the Medical School in terms of confidentiality, professional conduct and use of electronic communications during your orientation.
Please do not add non-med students. At present this is an open group – shortly after O-Week we will remove anyone who is not a medical student and the group will be made private.
Who and what is OUMSA? Why join?
The Otago University Medical Students’ Association is the association that is here for YOU, we are group run and led by a medical student exec team that is voted for every year by their peers.
OUMSA offers great support and benefits to its members! Membership is voluntary – however the majority of medical students join OUMSA. Subscriptions are $200 for your ENTIRE 5 years at medical school, and members receive discounts on equipment, textbooks and events. All our members can take advantage of local deals with our sponsors, in addition to those offered by OUSA. Not only this, but OUMSA membership also registers you as an NZMSA and NZMA member, for no additional cost! As an NZMA member you will receive great discounts at Beaurepaires, Noel Leeming, Air NZ Koru Club and Avis Car Hire as well as many others. Check out their full list of member benefits here.
We host both social and educational events every year including Med O-Week, Med Ball, Med Tramp, Wine and Cheese, Steins, Med Revue, Welfare Week, MECA and Ski Camp. For those sports lovers amongst us we have several sports teams who regularly play in inter-faculty sports challenges, and compete in national sports exchanges with other medical students from around the country.
Welfare is an important part of our work. Last year we trialled a mentoring scheme, and we have more of this in store for next year. We provide support and advice for students with concerns or difficulties during their studies, including our Emergency Grants. We organise events and teambuilding for students during Med O-Week and provide lots of opportunities for you to get to know each other.
Education-wise, we provide an academic peer tutor program as well as academic support for those that are required to sit special exams. Our Education Reps come from all stages of the medical school pathway. We work closely with the University and provide input into curriculum changes. Our goal is to help maintain and improve the high standard of education that is provided at the University.
We think we provide a hugely important service for Otago Medical Students which is definitely value for money – not to mention all the discounts! Members have access all to our great services and social events too. We hope you’ll join us!
Buying a stethoscope
A quality stethoscope is one of the first pieces of medical equipment that you will need to purchase for ELM2 and is a course requirement. OUMSA have partnered with Frontier Medical to bring you an amazing deal on top quality American Diagnostic stethoscopes. You can pre-order your stethoscope from our online store and collect it from the Frontier Medical stand during O-Week and avoid paying any shipping fees. Limited stock will be available to purchase during O-Week if you prefer to check out the stethoscopes before you buy.
Many ELM2 students also purchase a blood pressure cuff. The ADC brand cuff that we have selected to offer to students is $10-15 more expensive than other brands, but is made of more sturdy materials. Many students last year found that the cheaper cuffs did not last long.
Frontier Medical is a New Zealand company who have brilliant local sales and support. They offer great warranties and service – and our very own local Dunedin representative is looking forward to meeting you all during O-Week at the Frontier Medical stand.
Stethoscopes – Frequently Asked Questions
ADC Stethoscope Range Specifications / Cross Reference Guide
 |
 |
Textbooks
Free textbooks are available via ClinicalKey, which as a Otago University Medical Student you should have full access to.
 |
We have also partnered with the University Book Shop Otago to bring you a great bundle deal on textbooks. These can be ordered through our online store and will be ready to pick up during 17th / 18th Feb from 9 – 3pm at the Hunter Center 118/119. If you prefer to collect your textbooks earlier, you can select an option to pick them up from their store.While not all students purchase textbooks – we believe that we have worked out a deal with makes this one of the cheapest bundle deals available in New Zealand. University Book Shop has offered us a great deal at $369.50 – the usual retail price of all four books is $450 .Please be aware that there are several choices when it comes to textbooks. You can also purchase second hand (check out TradeMe). There are limited numbers of textbooks available at the Medical School Library on closed reserve, as well as many textbooks provided in a web based online format via the University library site, as mentioned above. |
Med Clothing
This year once again we will be offering students the opportunity to purchase top quality med clothing, as well as Med Rings. The summer range of clothing is currently available to order in the online store.
 |
 |
 |
Want to join us?
To join OUMSA all you need to do is purchase a subscription via our online store. Payment can only be made via our online store using POLi. If you are with a bank that is not supported by POLi please email website@oumsa.org and we can make alternative arrangements. Orders for equipment, textbooks and clothing received before 31st of January will be ready to collect from the Pop Up Shop in Hunter Centre on February 17th and 18th.
Note that to receive OUMSA membership discounts you must pay your subscription at the same time as purchasing other items, or be an existing member.
After payment is confirmed you will receive email confirmation of your order and your own username and password to access member only areas of our site. Note that during the Christmas / New Year period there may be a delay in confirming your order or replying to queries. For any enquiries regarding your order please email us.
Click here to visit our online store.