News Archive

Every year, final year medical students spend six weeks in a clinical elective, with most of them choosing to go overseas, often selecting a developing country - and always coming home with an experience that enriches their future.

The students often bring back inspiring photographs and this year, the WA Medical Students' Society (WAMSS) has brought them together in a moving exhibition at the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery .

"Come on a journey across the world as we explore lands, cultures and communities through the eyes of medical students," invited Anthony Rengel, one of the co-ordinators of academic events for WAMSS.

Two students worked in the little hospital of Kisizii in rural Uganda, where they helped out with everything from childbirth to skin grafts. "As clichéd as it may sound, my time in Uganda has truly changed my life," said Hsern Tan. "My perspective on things has been broadened and my long-term goals and aspirations altered."

Another two students chose Vietnam, where they treated tropical diseases and experienced the effects of poor sanitation and overcrowding, working in an under-resourced hospital.

Others went to Lesotho, Christmas Island, Swaziland, and the Philippines.

Students also learnt valuable lessons and skills in first world countries, including stints in plastic surgery at St John's Hospital in Edinburgh, and in the Department of Native Hawaiian Health at the University of Hawaii.

Some of their photographs are related to their work and some simply capture the scenery, people and activities the students enjoyed outside of the clinical practice.

"Since most of the photos were taken in a medical setting, we decided to exclude from the exhibition any photograph that failed to protect the identity, the dignity and the humanity of the subjects," Anthony said.

Prizes, sponsored by the medical defence organisation Avant , and Medical Protection Indemnity Society , will be presented to the students who submit the best images.

The 2014 Elective Photography Competition will on display in the Dr Harold Schenberg Study centre in the Gallery from 24 to 28 September.