MD1 Survival Guide

Whether you're a part of the Integrated Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice major or graduate entry, your first year will consist of two units, IMED3111 and IMED3112

In these units you will learn the background information necessary for further learning in the clinical setting. They will demand a lot of your time, but you're finally starting to learn how to be a doctor!

Work out a study strategy that works for you but being consistent is the key to success; this isn't like a normal undergraduate unit where you can leave everything to the last minute.

Many have found success with flashcard programmes like Anki.  WAMSS usually runs a 'How to study with Anki in the MD' workshop. You can even find decks prepared by previous years in WAMSS Notes, though half the study can be preparing the cards yourself.

You should consider all content examinable (lectures, tutorials, seminars, labs etc) unless instructed otherwise. It can be useful to look at what they are trying to get across to you, rather than just rote memorising

For example: Do I understand how a change in blood pressure will affect cardiac output rather than just memorising the Frank-Starling equation?

Finally, enjoy MD1, you won't have this opportunity to learn in a judgement free zone for long and you'll be separated from much of your cohort when you start clinical rotations, not to say clinical isn't great, but don't view MD1 as something just to get through. 

WAMSS Notes is accessed by following this link to a Google Form (there's a new form each year and you need to submit a request each year for access - It's one person approving requests so please be patient, especially around exams) and filling in your details for approval.

Once approved the password is: WAMSSknowsnotes

It contains Anki decks, rotation guides, notes from previous years, and more. This is for UWA Medical Students ONLY!

The faculty has generously allowed us to continue maintaining this resource with the understanding that it is for our use and will not be shared.

The most popular models are the 3M Littmann Classic III (lightweight, cheaper, more colours), or the 3M Littmann Cardiology IV (more sensitive, pricier, heavier, taller headpiece can be useful in thin/cachectic patients).

For those with hearing difficulties there are digital options but you should consult with faculty as they may need to approve them for exams. 

Unfortunately, Perth can be rather car focussed at times but there is usually enough public transport to get you where you need to go, especially QEII Health Campus and the tertiary hospitals.

Our recommendation would be to download the Transperth app to monitor your account and view live bus and train timetables. Google Maps is usually accurate to plan your journey.

Make sure to link your SmartRider with Student Connect so that you can access student fares, you also save an additional 20% if you turn on auto-reload. 

Welcome to UWA, the oldest and arguably the most beautiful university in the state. You will spend most of your time at the QEII Health Campus located next to Sir Charles Gairdner (Gardner) Hospital.

There is student parking available in the yellow bays but you must have a student parking permit (obtained by applying through Student Connect and paying a fee - You must live in an eligible suburb to qualify).

A permit does not guarantee you a space and you'll be fighting with the dentistry students for parking.

If aiming to park at QEII you're best to arrive BEFORE 7:30am. 7:30 - 8:00am you may get parking on main campus, beyond that...you'll have trouble. You may park in red or yellow bays without a permit after hours but always check signage. Paid parking is limited and very expensive so try to use public transport if you can.