#ClubOfTheWeek – A Look at the Carabins Crocodiles Club

Following our meeting with AMESF, this week we’re joining the 2019–2020 executive board of the Corporation Carabins Crocodiles (CCC) association. President Célia Pourtier and the other members tell us more about the Nîmes-based association.

In a nutshell, what is the CCC?

The Carabins Crocodiles Corporation is a nonprofit organization governed by the law of July 1, 1901, and the decree of August 16, 1901. Run by second- and third-year medical students, it plays many roles in student life at the Nîmes Faculty of Medicine: for example, publishing and selling handouts for students at the Nîmes campus of the Faculty of Medicine. We also occasionally organize student events, whether they are social, charitable, cultural, athletic, or recreational.

The association allows us both to represent our members before the administrative bodies of the Montpellier-Nîmes School of Medicine and the University of Montpellier—in collaboration with student representatives—and to integrate and support local SCOPE/SCORE leaders.

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year? 

Throughout the year, the association organizes public health events to raise awareness among students at the Faculty and raise funds for various organizations: 

• Movember to raise awareness about prostate cancer screening during the month of November. 
• The Telethon, the CCC is running a booth in the lobby of the Nîmes University Hospital and raising funds for the foundation. 
• Sexual Health Education and Rose Sales on Valentine's Day, to raise awareness about various STIs and methods of contraception. 
• The Teddy Bear Hospital to help young children become familiar with the hospital environment. 
• The Blind Dining Experience at Vatel with the French Federation of the Blind and Visually Impaired(FAAF) 

We support first-year PACES students by publishing and selling study guides, in consultation with university professors. We also support them throughout the year by organizing meals for them at the Carémeau campus, as well as by providing support after they take the first-semester exam. 

We organize many student social events, such as the annual gala in November and the PACES post-exam party in December. 

This year, we also organized the D4 mock exam in coordination with Lucas Dafontis and the ACM at the Montpellier campus.

Why did you personally choose to study medicine, and what does the association offer students in this program?

“On a personal level, I felt called to practice medicine while I was preparing for my PACES exam; I was 18 years old. It became crystal clear to me then that I wanted to help those who are suffering and vulnerable, and to preserve life in all its beauty. Medicine is a fascinating field; the studies are challenging, but I had never seen such a supportive, almost family-like spirit among those who would become my future colleagues.” CéliaP. 

“With a strong interest in the sciences and a desire to help others—though I wasn’t yet sure how—after graduating from high school, I first enrolled in a biology program at a university technology institute (IUT). After earning my degree, I took the PACES exam with the goal of pursuing pharmacy, which is what I ended up doing. Then, in my fourth year, with a growing desire to work directly with patients in a hospital setting and to make decisions about their care, I finally realized that medicine was the perfect fit for me. After a long personal and professional journey—and one bridge program later—here I am pursuing what I consider to be the most wonderful course of study. It’s long and difficult, but so engaging, satisfying, and enriching. And on top of that, there’s a great sense of camaraderie and some wonderful friendships.” LaureM. 

As for the association, it offers student members the opportunity to grow through teamwork, develop new projects, and find fulfillment through their personal involvement. It also provides members with a setting outside the hospital where they can meet, share ideas, and socialize.

Why do you think people should join your organization? 

Joining our association offers several benefits. First, students in PACES, DFGSM2, and DFGSM3 can purchase the lecture notes and handouts we offer to supplement their studying. Members also have the opportunity to participate in any of our student gatherings and to purchase the various merchandise and goodies we offer, such as the Faculty sweatshirt.

Finally, membership allows every student to have a voice at General Assemblies.

How do I sign up?

Joining is very simple: just fill out a membership form with your name, address, email, and phone number, and pay ten euros. 

You will then receive your membership card, which will allow you to purchase the courses you need at the student union office on the Nîmes Faculty campus. 

A few words about the 2020–2021 executive board?

Only one slate of candidates ran for the succession of the Executive Board of the Carabins Crocodiles association; it was presented and unanimously approved by the members present at the general meeting held to accept the resignation of the 2019–2020 Executive Board. Thus, following the resignation of our Executive Board, the association’s new representatives are: 

President: Alexandre CARRAT 

Treasurer: Arthur POMMIER 

Executive Vice President: Léhéna CACHIA 

Secretary: Ambrine BOUZIT 

Due to social distancing guidelines and in light of current public health measures—with the faculty closed until further notice—this general assembly was held via videoconference on Zoom. More than 40 people attended the meeting. 

Finally, you can follow us on Facebook right now: @CCC.Corpo 

Contact us on Facebook via the account: Charles Claude Croco 

And follow us on Instagram: @CharlesClaudeCroco