Faculty of Medicine scoop VC's Awards
The Faculty of Medicine has scooped this year’s VC Awards. Two initiatives of the Faculty of Medicine have been awarded the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Support of the Student Experience and a Senor Lecturer wins Outstanding Teaching award.
The Postgraduate Research Students Society (PReSS) from the Northern Clinical School at Royal North Shore Hospital, has received the VC's award for making life and work for postgraduate students more satisfying.
"What really impressed the committee was the breadth of the work of PReSS", said Barb McLean, Executive Officer (Teaching and Learning). "PReSS not only worked to provide social activities for postgraduate students, but they liaised with the broader university to enhance a postgraduate common room. PReSS also offers a range of developmental programs of both a professional and personal nature. This is really a unique offering and provides a fantastic model of how student organizations can improve the experience of students outside the Darlington - Camperdown campus".
The Summer Vacation Research Scholarship program was the second initiative rewarded for its innovative approach in enhancing the student experience.
"These scholarships offer a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to undertake real medical research projects and to test out whether research is for them", said Faculty of Medicine's Summer Scholarship convenor, Professor David Handelsman. "In the summer of 04-05 scholarships were awarded to 28 undergraduate students from the University of Sydney, University of NSW, Newcastle University and the University of Otago in NZ and the program plans to expand the number of scholarships available for the coming summer vacation.”
Students successful in their application for this scholarship undertake research projects with a dedicated supervisor in one of the Faculty's research institutes or clinical schools across Sydney and receive a weekly stipend. Several of last year’s recipients have already gone on to enrol in research programs.
"This is an important initiative for a University such as Sydney which prides itself on its research strength", said Barb McLean. "The Summer Scholarship Program not only supports and affirms the University’s professed goal of research-led teaching but also provides undergraduate students with the valuable experience of undertaking real research in a working laboratory with staff as colleagues.”
"It is no longer sufficient to provide quality lecturers and curriculum alone; we must provide an exciting and supportive educational experience to our students. These awards prove our commitment to this end", said Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Andrew Coats. "I am immensely proud of the work of our staff and students engaged in these award winning projects."
Dr Roger Pamphlett, has also won a prestigious VC Award for Outstanding Teaching. Roger brings with him a wealth of expertise. As one of only two practicing medical specialists teaching in the School of Medical Sciences and as a dual specialist in both neurology and pathology, Roger provides not only a stimulating case laden learning environment but also an excellent role model of clinician-scientist.
Awardees will be honoured at a graduation ceremony where their work will be introduced to the audience of Faculty members and graduands. In addition each award winning team is presented with a $10,000 prize.
More information on the Summer Vacation Research Scholarships can be found by contacting:
Joanne Elliot