Alberta Medical Students’ Conference and Retreat
Celebrating a dozen years of connecting and inspiring Alberta’s medical students
July 23, 2016
On the weekend of January 29-31, over 300 medical students from the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta came together in Banff for the 12th annual Alberta Medical Students’ Conference and Retreat (AMSCAR).
Over the past dozen years, AMSCAR has grown into one of the standout annual events for Alberta medical students. The weekend retreat provides a wonderful opportunity for Alberta’s future physicians to connect with their colleagues, gain inspiration and knowledge in the medical profession, and participate in a variety of fun activities promoting health and wellness.
Students were able to choose from a wide range of sessions: learn about nutrition, sexual health and financial wellness; exercising creativity in clay sculpting and charcoal drawing; working out with yoga, flow power and massages; and practising clinical skills like inserting IV lines and suturing. All of these activities were held at the beautiful Banff Centre, with Alberta’s famous mountain scenery as a backdrop.
The weekend also featured a number of speakers who shared their personal experiences and thought-provoking messages for those just beginning their journeys in medicine.
Alberta Medical Association (AMA) President Dr. Carl W. Nohr participated throughout AMSCAR in many ways, from greeting students to joining them on an alpine jog. His keynote address to attendees called on them to reflect on the social contract between doctors and society, encompassing the true meaning of accountability and their responsibilities to patients as they embark on their careers.
The Honorable Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health, was also present, giving an address highlighting the current state of health care in the province and calling on students to work as allies with government in tackling Alberta’s most pressing health issues.
As part of the AMSCAR banquet, the Rural Physician Action Plan 2015-16 Dr. John N. Hnatuik Rural Medical Student Bursary recipients were announced. In addition, the celebration featured speeches by Dr. J. Breanne Everett and Dr. Shawna Pandya, resident physicians already making their mark as leaders and innovators.
Dr. Everett is a plastic surgery resident, CEO and founder of Orpyx, a company which aims to prevent the foot complications of diabetes through wearable technology. She shared her experiences of training in medicine and the desire to make social change, while highlighting the importance of awareness and self-care to address the burnout faced by many trainees and physicians.
Dr. Pandya is a resident in family medicine who has worked in aerospace medicine with NASA. She has a master’s degree from the International Space University in Strasbourg, France and founded CiviGuard, an emergency response software company. Dr. Pandya candidly shared her advice on things to consider when choosing a medical specialty, as well as tips for future doctors to reflect on in their practice.
Of course, AMSCAR also offered plenty of opportunities for students from both medical schools to relax together, from evening socials to free time exploring Banff and surrounding areas. Many students took the chance to go skating, skiing and visit the local hot springs.
Thanks are due to the incredibly dedicated AMSCAR Committee who worked hard over the entire year to make this conference another resounding success. In addition, the support from our extremely generous sponsors, including the AMA, makes this event possible. Thanks to this support, AMSCAR 2016 united medical students in building a common sense of wellness and resiliency, empowering and inspiring them to work together in service of Alberta patients and communities.
