Student Spotlight: Recapping the 2022 Alberta Medical Students’ Conference and Retreat

AMSCAR 2022

March 21, 2022

Contributed by Giselle Tucker Belliveau, University of Alberta medical student, AMA's Junior Representative from the U of A as well as the AMA Board of Directors MSA Observer.

Taking place on January 21 and 22, 2022, the 18th annual Alberta Medical Students’ Conference and Retreat (AMSCAR) was held virtually over Zoom for the second time in its history. While initial hopes were for an in-person component to the event, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic once again warranted a change of plans. Despite this, the organizers created a well orchestrated weekend of learning and fun that allowed for an enjoyable virtual experience. There was a total of 246 students (179 medical students from the University of Alberta and 67 from the University of Calgary) who came together for a weekend of health and wellness – an especially important topic given the current climate.

Prior to the event, all those who registered were able to pick up packages on campus that included a high-quality suturing kit, the option of Stoggles (stylish, protective eyewear) or a handy white coat clipboard, a Door Dash gift card and painting supplies.

The first night of the event commenced with a presentation by Dr. Katherine Smart, the current CMA president. Participants were then divided into assigned breakout activity rooms, either Barre Fitness class or watercolour painting. I participated in the watercolour painting activity which was quite enjoyable and relaxing, and the paintings produced by some of my fellow attendees were impressive. The final event of the night was a mix-and-mingle followed by a competitive, heart-racing scavenger hunt. For me, that was fun and exhausting! I ran up and down my stairs numerous times trying to collect items in the time limit provided. Unfortunately, my efforts did not equate to prize-winning.

Continue reading this Student Spotlight profile (Alberta Doctors’ Digest, March-April 2022)

Submit your story to Student Spotlight in Alberta Doctors' Digest Do you have an experience that you think will make your colleagues exclaim, “Wow! That’s neat!”? We’re keen for inspirational and fascinating stories of students doing extraordinary things for the Student Spotlight column in our digital magazine, Alberta Doctors’ Digest. Are you interested in being featured? View our criteria for submitting a story.