Both universities have their own student run medical societies: University of Newcastle Medical Society and University of New England Medical Student's Association.

These societies are multi-faceted, student-focused and progressive. They're an important part of social, academic and political life for medicine students, and are open to all students in the Joint Medical Program.

If you join a medical society, you'll have access to:

• Academic events, including exciting guest speakers, forums, debates, tours and team challenges and Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Subsidised entry to all social events at both Newcastle and Armidale campuses
• Regular updates on advocacy endeavours
• Sporting activities: UNEMSA enters both a soccer and a netball team into university competitions, runs free fortnightly gym sessions, and has other sporting events such as Annual Tennis Day and Doctors vs. Students cricket match
• Voting rights in executive and committee elections
• Financial support to attend conferences
• Discounts at the UNMS Bookscheme (for Newcastle students)

The General Practice Students Network (GPSN) is for medical students interested in the most challenging and versatile medical career of all – general practice. GPSN offers clinical skills nights including everything from taking blood pressure, learning how to give injections, take bloods and suturing, giving members hands-on experiences in a fun environment.

Academic nights also allow students the opportunity to hear from inspiring GPs who discuss what drew them to general practice, the pathway they took to get there and exciting cases they’ve encountered along the way.

All events are free of charge and include food, drinks and prizes. New students are always welcome to join the team and get involved, including those who don’t want to become GPs or aren’t quite sure yet.

Your general practice adventure starts here. UON also has its own Facebook group that students can join to learn about upcoming events, competitions and ways to get involved.

Details on UNE's GPSN can be found here.  Details on events are also provided on their Facebook group.

Rural Health Clubs consist of members from a range of health disciplines who have a common interest in health issues faced by rural and remote communities.

Many members are from rural areas themselves, but many are also from cities and have gained an interest in rural health after having a great time on a rural placement or from learning more about healthcare in Australia.

The Newcastle Rural Health Club and Armidale Rural Health Club aim to promote rural and remote practice to their members through information exchange, placement opportunities, support and advocacy.

Surgical Interest Groups are available in Newcastle and Armidale for all the medical students that just can't wait until their third or forth post-graduate year to be involved with surgery. The group runs information evenings, talks by surgeons, skills evenings, hospital tours and more.

Wake Up

Wake Up! is an organisation that is a forum for involving students in a wide variety of global health initiatives, giving you the opportunity to make a difference.

ASPIRE

Armidale Students Promoting International Rights and Equality (ASPIRE) is a group of students working to promote better health equality globally and locally. As the Global Health Group for the University of New England, their goal is to educate the student population about global health issues and the positive steps they can take to promote global health equity.