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Wanted Down Under(The Clyde)
No full textIn 2021, Glasgow SNIMS was cancelled. This made a lot ofpeople very angry and was widely regarded as a bad move. It\u27s2023 and we are so back."It’s like Christmas morning!" - medical student who will findthe transition to FY1 very challenging. A weekend that seamlessly blended the five medical schoolsacross Scotland and Northern Ireland kicked off ineveryone\u27s favourite… The Garage. Or Campus, or Buff, welove variety here! An opportunity to get to know your enemybefore it all comes out on the pitch on Saturday… “Delighted to have won basketball this year!We have had a rough few years in terms ofSNIMS results, but I think the class of 2028 willdominate in years to come. On a personal note- the last time we won at basketball was duringmy first year in 2018 - so it is somewhat poeticthat my swan song has resulted in a victory!” Emmett Lui, PresidentI didn’t hear back from netball to hear theirtrademarked (I think?) ‘rose bud thorn’ reviewof the weekend, but I learned from watchingtheir SNIMS 23 instagram highlight that theircaptain’s name is Morven, their captain’s nameused to be Eve and they have personalisedsocks. Redbull also made an appearance attheir tournament which was super cutie.
Glasgow University’s veryown Milfy Medics FC cannotshake off the poor bedsidemanner allegations. We can’thelp it that we\u27re popular!Our football girls finishedfirst place, all thanks to starplayer Annie McLaughlin.Women\u27s rugby came firstplace also, and are forgivenfor cheating in musical chairs<3. On Saturdays, we beatDundee."Singlehandedlyrevolutionised the SNIMSinstagram scene” - MilfyMedics FCAnd of course a special shoutout to the universitieswho came to visit us, Queens, Aberdeen, Dundee, StAndrews and even Edinburgh <3. Special thanks toAberdeen for your terrible poem.
This wonderful weekend was only made possible by ourincomparable sports reps Freya Macdonald and ElouiseBorthwick. We owe it all to you ladies. And so the sun sets in the west (of Scotland); on SNIMS atleast. Over to you Edinburgh.
The Cost of Being a Medical Student: Part 2
No full textIn our previous issue we highlighted theharsh reality of how the cost-of-livingcrisis is impacting medical students. Webrought to light the plight of medicalstudents with regards to dealing withfinancial struggles on top of the demandsof medical school. In response to thispressing issue, SURGO conducted a survey to gauge the impact on medical studentshere in Glasgow.We received 40 responses from Glasgowmedical students over the past 3 monthsand the findings were striking: 80% ofrespondents acknowledged that theirstudies had been affected by the cost-ofliving crisis, with nearly half feelinginadequately supported financially by theiruniversity. While this revelation wasn\u27tentirely surprising, delving deeper into thesurvey responses shed light on theunderlying reasons behind thisoverwhelming sentiment.Response to the question: Do you feel wellsupported finacially?A primary factor disrupting students\u27 studiesappeared to be the necessity of working tofinance their education. Many respondentsvoiced the struggle of balancing part-time orfull-time employment with the demands of afull-time medical degree. Approximately 70%relied on income from employment, yet asignificant portion still found it challenging tocover necessities such as groceries, utilities,rent, and even commuting expenses to attendlectures. Such financial strain not onlyhampers academic performance but alsodeprives students of the social aspectsintegral to the university experience. Lastly, while some respondents reportedreceiving support from family or personalsavings, it raises concerns about thosewithout such safety nets. This underscoresthe persistent financial barriers hinderingaccess to education.Response to the question: Have your studies beenimpacted by the cost of living crisis?
Despite these challenges, our survey yieldedconstructive suggestions for alleviatingfinancial burdens. Many advocated formedical students to receive bursaries orgrants comparable to other healthcarestudents, especially for those undertakingmedicine as a second degree. Additionally,there were calls for enhanced support fortravel expenses related to mandatoryplacements, particularly for those studentsineligible for government travel assistanceprograms such as free or discounted travelfor under 22s. Results in response to the question: Have youever felt like dropping out of the course due tofinancial constraints? Moreover, respondents advocated forgreater transparency in the university\u27shardship fund decision-making process,urging for a more streamlined and lessintrusive application procedure. Finally,respondents emphasized the importance ofcompassion and understanding from theuniversity regarding the necessity of workingalongside full-time studies. Many felt that thestringent stance adopted by the medicalschool fails to resonate with the practicalrealities faced by students who rely onemployment to finance their education.Alarmingly, our survey revealed that nearly40% of respondents had contemplateddropping out due to financial struggles, asubstantially higher proportion thanreported by the Office for Students (OfS).While this figure was derived from arelatively smaller sample size, it remainsdisheartening to witness individualscontemplating dropping out as a potentialsolution. However, it\u27s heartening to notethat the majority expressed resilience andcommitment to their academic journey,reflecting the dedication inherent in medicalstudents pursuing their future careers.In conclusion, while our survey underscoresthe significant financial strain on students, italso highlights opportunities for interventionand support. As we navigate thesechallenging times, it\u27s essential to foster acommunity of support and empathy. In aclimate marked by heightened awareness ofmental health, solidarity and support aremore vital than ever. In the spirit ofresilience, we\u27ve compiled some invaluablepearls of financial wisdom from ourrespondents to offer hope and guidance amidthe adversity. Enjoy our pick of the bunch!
"Save up and work during summer and winter so thatyou don\u27t have to work (as much) during term time. Oh,and electives wi l be expensive so save from first year.""Had I known the financial burden faced in medical school, along withthe increasing cost of living, I would have taken a year out to savebeforehand.""Split money between different accounts - it\u27s a very foolproof wayof budgeting which prevents you from over spending"" .set aside a travel budget for placement." Try to go to the big supermarkets for shopping once aweek/fortnight instead of little Tesco because its so much cheaper.If al else fails, you can always make your savings back when youstart working as a doctor…""The further into medical school you get, the less time you wil haveto work. Capitalise on the time you have now and save up becauseyou wil need it. Take every discount and freebie you can.""Make use of the young scot card as much as possible!""Work when you can, especialy via shift or bank-shift work as theseare super flexible and can fit around your schedule very easily.Lastly, sometimes a bit of extra work is good because that way youcan earn enough money to not just survive but to live your life fuly!""Apply for funds and help from organisations and the universitywherever possible.""Tesco meal deals add up fast!"Don\u27t study medicine if you want to be able to afford life for thenext five yearsBetter planning, and communicate with those you live with. Forinstance decide how long you wil have the heating on etc to minimisebi ls and stick to that."That it\u27s very hard for people to get into medical school who are not from an affluent background - they do tel youthis. But what they don\u27t tel you is that it\u27s hard to STAY in medical school from a non-affluent background due tothe sheer costs involved. Stethoscope, scrubs, appropriate smart clothing (and cleaning said clothing) and smart shoes,blood pressure cuff, tendon hammer - al these hidden costs realy add up! Then add in the consequential loss ofearnings due to the sheer intensity of the degree and clinical placements
The Street Names of Inverness: A Diachronic Study of their Cultural, Political, & Religious Connotations
Full text linkOnomastic evidence offers a unique opportunity for us to understand and reflect upon what we find important enough to notice and lend a name to. This paper studies the street nomenclature of Inverness, a city of key importance throughout Scottish history, to explore what can be inferred about its political, religious and historical past from its street naming patterns and priorities. At its core, this paper surveys the diachronic development of Inverness by looking at maps and town plans from different time periods and qualitatively analyzing the ways in which they represent the fundamental ethos of the city
Modern Conflict, Transnational Migration and the Experiences of a Sudanese Youth
Full text linkThis paper explores the experiences of a Sudanese youth through interviews and analysis, tracing their journey from conflict in their home country to transnational immigration. The objective is to humanise the collective immigrant experience, particularly in the context of modern conflict and migration. Originating as an assignment on oral history, the research employs an interdisciplinary oral historical methodology for data analysis. Integration of linguistics and psychology with oral history methods is emphasised, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the interview transcripts and the socio-political implications of the discussed topics. Additionally, the paper contextualises the interview findings within relevant secondary literature to deepen comprehension. Lastly, it examines the socio-political climate of 21st-century Europe concerning immigration influx, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the complexity of collective experiences. From facing terrorisation from a tyrannical regime and its secret police to being stranded on the Mediterranean and travelling Europe, this paper examines the story of a young Sudanese man
Hello From Your New Editor-in-Chief
No full textHello everyone, it’s Daanyaal your SurgoEditor-in-Chief for the 2024/25 academicyear. I am very excited to continue Surgo’slegacy and build on it along with the rest ofmy team. We have many plans for theupcoming year with our main goal being todeliver fun and informative editions ofSurgo. This year I want each Surgo editionto have an overarching theme which fitswith the time the editions are going to bereleased. Another big goal for us is thebuild on and push the Surgo Instagramwith fun articles and reels being put onthere. Finally, I would like to run moreSurgo competitions and a medicaljournalism course to help build the Surgoname and audience. I am excited for a newyear of Surgo and hope everyone else is aswell
Tail Lights
No full textA big welcome back to Glasgow Medical School everyone! I trust everyone has had a chillaxing summer and are now raring to get stuck into the 2024/5 Academic year. An especially big “Welcome!” to all the new students starting their first year with us. We are very happy and congratulate you heartily on joining the friendliest medical school in the 2nd best city in the world to live (Timeout, 2023). I am excited to work with the new Surgo Editor-In-Chief, Daanyaal Ashraf, to bring you interesting, inspirational, educational reads and competitions throughout the year. New this year will be a “Surgo Vision: Capturing the Art of Medicine” competition. William Osler said, “Medicine is a Science of Uncertainty and an Art of Probability”. Please consider submitting and sharing your Art (any media or form) with the readership of Surgo – an internationally accessible platform. We will consider publishing up to 5 images, with each artist winning £20 and international fame - priceless! We kick off this series with a piece by Heather Mulvany (MB4).
This photo was taken on a Canon A-1 film camera on a 10-hour-long cross-country train in New York. I love its inception theme and enjoy how the lighting appears in the shot. I like that you can see the next exit doorway off in the distance giving the illusion that the train is never ending, much like this long journey felt! I hope you love it as much as I do - Heather Mulvany
We shall be continuing with our popular and prize-winning “Visual Abstract competition” – where the top 5 entries win £20 and are published with each issue of Surgo. An overall winner is selected at the end of the year to win £100. So get cracking on your SSCs, audits, and elective projects – not only might it win you some cash for a nice meal, but it is now legitimate CV fodder as Surgo is open access and discoverable (DOI and ISSN).
This brings me neatly to share the exhibition currently on display at the Clarice Pears’ Byres Road Community Hub. This showcases the amazing talent of some of your fellow medical students and maybe inspire you to pick up your camera, pencil, or paintbrushes to unleash your creativity onto the world. I hope you enjoy this issue, which features an interview with Professor Frank Sullivan, Glasgow Alumnus, and a piece on how to study. Until the next Tail lights
Your Ramadan, My Ramadan: Exploring the Dynamic Shades of the Holy Islamic Month in Hyderabad City
Full text linkThe commercialisation of festivals can be clearly observed around the world and the term “festivalisation” has been coined to suggest an over-commodification of festivals exploited by tourism and place marketers. While this has attracted a substantial amount of academic work, not many works have focused on Islamic observances like the holy month of Ramadan, particularly in India. In this context, this paper seeks to explore the varying expressions and significations of Ramadan in modern-day Hyderabad, an Indian metropolis whose history is rooted in Islamic tradition. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight participants from different age groups and social strata, seeking anecdotes and experiences about the observation and/or celebration of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr in Hyderabad. Responses were then broadly thematised to bring out the following major points of discussion: first, the multiple interpretations of the Islamic month within the Muslim community, namely variances in Ramadan culture among Islamic sub-communities; secondly, class differences in celebration of Ramadan among cosmopolitan groups; third, gendered notions about Islamic festivities, and lastly, indulgence in pleasure and public display of religiosity through Ramadan. This revealed the dynamic shades that Ramadan has taken on within the culture of Hyderabad City
Reconceptualising Barriers to Engagement with Climate Change
Full text linkThis paper contributes to the discourse on climate change by emphasising the imperative for inclusive engagement, particularly at the intersection of socio-economic challenges and climate impacts in Glasgow, Scotland. Despite recent shifts towards a ‘Just Transition’ and increased public engagement efforts, working-class voices remain marginalised. To address this gap, the paper first reviews existing literature on Climate Change Communication (CCC), examining some of the competing conceptualisations of barriers and public engagement and their policy implications, and more specifically, participatory policymaking and its role in engagement. Through doing so, the central debates of how public engagement with climate change ought to be pursued will be established, and to what degree this can be understood in the context of developing engagement with working-class people. Subsequently, it proposes a novel framework synthesising insights from Lorenzoni, Sutton, and Tobin utilising an ecological Marxist perspective that aims to address barriers to climate change engagement among the working class
Your New Head of the Undergraduate Medical School - An Introduction from Prof. Malcolm Shepherd
No full textA long time ago….. and by a long time Imean before new Dr Who, before iPhonesand around the first appearance of StarWars Lego …… truly a very long time ago,things were simpler. Not necessarilybetter, different, much simpler….notclearly better, but definitely better!Conversations never ended, lasting longinto the night without conclusion; no onewas blessed with facts, just opinions andpassion. ‘Britain will remain at the centre ofEurope….’‘no way William Shatner (original CaptainKirk for non-geeks) will ever get intospace …’‘Glasgow could never host the biggestcycling event of all time…..’‘no, you could not possibly be allergic tored meat, you are made of red meat…’Of course now smartphones and theinternet have relegated the art ofconversation to a list of facts and dates,and no one speaks to each other without aseries of emojis and hand gestures. Or Imight have got that wrong you tell me…….‘But surely. Old man’ you say, carefullypicking the most contentious topic fromthe list above, Surely you cannot beallergic to red meat, we are all mammals,and the rules of Immunology say youcannot be immune to self.’‘Ah’ says the wise old man (In this scenariobizarrely that is me), ‘a long time ago youwould be correct, but in 2002 strangereports emerged that people with ahistory of tick bites, experiencedanaphylaxis after eating red meat’. Now across the world from Australia toNorth East USA the phenomenon of redmeat allergy causing strange delayedonset anaphylaxis, often as much as 4 hours after eating has been recognised.Breaking many rules of allergy fromrapid onset to variable presentation thestrangest aspect of this allergy is thatsensitisation seems to follow the bite ofparticular species of ticks. One of thoseticks is the indigenous Deer tick in theUK and so yes this allergy is found inrelatively high numbers in Scotland.Don’t worry, it is very very rare, but wehave identified around 40 patients whohave this allergy after being bitten byticks in Scotland.‘So what?’ you may say ‘its so rare whyshould we worry’. Well the truth is thattick populations are growing in the UK.There are a number of reasons, butglobal climate change with warmermoister winters probably play a part.Increased use of rural environmentswith Scotland’s amazing right to roamlegislation and wonderful landscapeincreases the exposure of urban andrural populations to ticks and we areseeing sufferers from all regions of thecountry. Climate change is an engine of change inhealth science and while self-allergymay seem a trivial example, it is a verypowerful concept; our immune systemsturning on ourselves in the face of awarming climate. Allergy medicine is fullof the human consequences of awarming climate from self-allergy topan-allergens crossing botanical speciesand we see new patterns of disease emerging from theenvironmental catastrophe we arefacing. Learning about the engines of change inmedicine and discovering what healthscience can do to limit our global impactwill become an increasingly importantaspect of Medicine as you becomeleaders and innovators of the future. Ihope we can inspire you to think aboutthe ways we can all work to limit this andavoid potential catastrophe
Tail Lights
No full textHow quickly time flies – Christmas and NewYear are in the rear view mirror and we arehurtling towards Easter! Phew! I wanted to learn more about Disability in(Medical) Education - so I hunted down DrBeth Dillon (MBChB 2023, co-founder andTrustee of the award winning LUNA Project),Scott Duguid (Disability Services, UoG) andProf Ines Alvarez (Dept of Education UoG,Programme Leader for the MEd in InclusiveEducation) to learn more. I have included anexcerpt of Beth’s interview for your perusal.Niall Holden (current student) has alsowritten a piece to share his experiences andknowledge on this complex topic.I found out “Disability” is a broad category:ranging from visible and physical disabilitiesto invisible ones such as long term chronichealth, mental health issues, ADHD, Autismand specific learning disabilities such asDyslexia. Dyslexia is common – affecting 10%of the population worldwide. Highfunctioning learners with (undiagnosed)dyslexia can “mask” and perform exceedinglywell academically until their “usual” supportis reduced - such as when they start life inHigher Education. Students with any disability are entitled tohelp (they are protected by law under the UKEquality Act 2010, particularly while inEducation). “Help” can range from extra timefor assessments, flexible deadlines,(“reasonable adjustments”) to individualised,personal learning support with study skills,computer software, mentoring and coachingto help adjust to life - and thrive! - atUniversity. Scott wanted me to raise awareness amongstudents that the doors to DisabilityServices are wide open. Even if you are notsure if you have a disability, fill out a formand Disability Services will get in touch,provide support if appropriate and how toprogress if not. Also, 18 March markedNeuroDiversity Week. Here is a fantasticresource to check out:https://linktr.ee/neurodiv.I am very much looking forward to see allyour “Visual Abstracts” – this is youropportunity to showcase the projects youhave been doing throughout the year, getpublished in a peer reviewed journal and thefirst 5 can even earn a little bit of money(enough for a nice meal out). The best visualabstract of the year will be selected byProfessor Matthew Walters – winninganother £100! Get your skates on and getyour abstracts in! Finally, a little plug for my fabulously exciting and fun summer elective: NavigatingUncertainty in Medicine. Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/k5ngU1D9FGyn9XCA8 andspend 4 weeks with super star doctors and moi! Until the next Taillights! Cindy.