WHEN you start studying medicine, you don't expect to find yourself working in the middle of a pandemic before you graduate.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
However, that is the situation many medical students have been thrust into, including Arunan Mahen, who has been on placement at Bathurst Hospital.
Mr Mahen, who started his degree in 2015, is coming to the end of his course, with graduation planned for December this year.
ALSO MAKING NEWS: Drive-in cinema on Mount Panorama a feature of revamped winter festival
As a medical student, he helps with rounds on the wards under the supervision of registrars and other medical officers, as well as carries out tasks such as cannulation, blood taking and discharge summaries.
Students also attend consultant clinics and assist in operating theatres.
Since the pandemic started, Mr Mahen has seen a few changes at Bathurst Hospital to respond to the new needs of the community.
Students were also prepared to step up to the plate.
"Within our degree, since the start of the pandemic, there was a push to move final 'barrier' examinations forward in anticipation of students joining the workforce," Mr Mahen said.
"These exams represent the final hurdle of medical school and content from the whole five years is tested. As a result, our examinations were moved seven weeks forward and was conducted online with online invigilation during April."
Students from Western Sydney Medical School were also asked for expressions of interest to join the workforce early, which Mr Mahen put his hand up for.
"Those who replied yes, underwent intensive training to refresh theory and apply clinical knowledge," he said.
"Here in Bathurst, we received talks from several doctors from various specialties and hospitals regarding our role and how to manage common presentations we may see. We also underwent refresher courses in suturing, advanced life support, venepuncture and more."
He said that all students in Bathurst have been offered a 16-week position as an Assistant in Medicine (AiM), commencing from June 1.
They will be working in various departments, but they won't be allowed to prescribe medications and all clinical decisions will be checked by senior staff.
After working as a student during these tough times, and seeing how COVID-19 has affected other countries, Mr Mahen said he would describe the response in Bathurst as "nothing short of amazing".
"Quick work by the managing staff of the hospital have allowed the number of COVID cases to become manageable," he said.
He looks forward to extending his stay in Bathurst and joining the workforce.
"Now with the examination results being released and the university workload decreasing slightly, I feel prepared and glad to extend my stay in Bathurst by 16 weeks to join the workforce," Mr Mahen said.
"Although I do hope we continue this down trend in cases and our role is not entirely needed."
