#AssociationOfTheWeek – Meet the Carabins Crocodiles Corporation

After our meeting with AMESF this week, we are now meeting with the 2019-2020 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 CCC?

The Carabins Crocodiles Corporation is a non-profit association 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, such as publishing and selling handouts for medical students at the Nîmes campus. We also organize student events, including parties, charity events, cultural events, sporting events, and leisure activities.

The association allows us to represent members in dealings with the administrative bodies of the Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine and the University of Montpellier, in collaboration with student representatives, and to integrate and support local SCOPE/SCORE leaders.

What activities or actions do you implement 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 associations: 

• Movember to raise awareness about prostate cancer screening during the month of November. 
• The Telethon, the CCC has a stand in the lobby of the Nîmes University Hospital and raises funds for the foundation. 
• Sexual health awareness and rose sales on Valentine's Day, to raise awareness about different STIs and methods of contraception. 
• The teddy bear hospital to familiarize young children with the hospital environment. 
• The blind date dinner at Vatel with the French Federation of the Blind and Visually Impaired(FAAF) 

We support first-year PACES students by publishing and selling lecture notes, in agreement with university professors. We also support them throughout the year by organizing meals at the Carémeau site and helping them after the first semester exams. 

We organize numerous student gatherings, 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 site.

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

"Personally, I felt called to practice medicine when I was preparing for my PACES exam at the age of 18. It seemed obvious to me that I wanted to help those who are suffering and weak, and to preserve life in all its beauty. Medicine is a fascinating field, and the studies are difficult, 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 science and a desire to help others but not yet knowing how, after graduating from high school, I initially enrolled in a biology program at a university institute of technology. Once I obtained my degree, I attempted the PACES exam with the goal of becoming a pharmacist, which I achieved. Then, in my fourth year, with a growing desire to be in direct contact with patients in the hospital and to be involved in decision-making regarding their care, I finally realized that medicine was the perfect fit for me. After a long personal and professional journey, and a transfer program later, here I am in what I consider to be the most wonderful field of study. It's long and difficult, but so engaging, satisfying, and enriching. What's more, there's a great sense of mutual support and I've made some wonderful friends." LaureM. 

As for the association, it gives student members the opportunity to fulfill themselves through teamwork, develop new projects, and achieve personal fulfillment through their involvement. It also allows members to meet outside of the hospital setting to exchange ideas and socialize.

Why do you think people should join your association? 

Joining our association offers several benefits. First, PACES, DFGSM2, and DFGSM3 students can purchase the courses and handouts available to help them with their revision. Members also have the opportunity to participate in our student gatherings and purchase various merchandise and goodies that we offer, such as the Faculty sweater.

Finally, membership allows all students to have a voice at General Meetings.

How do you join?

To join, it's very simple: just fill out a membership form with your name, address, email address, and phone number, and pay the ten-euro fee. 

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 board?

A single list was presented for the succession of the executive committee of the Carabins Crocodiles corporation. It was presented and approved unanimously by the members present at the general meeting to resign the 2019/2020 executive committee. Following the resignation of our executive committee, the new representatives of the association are: 

President: Alexandre CARRAT 

Treasurer: Arthur POMMIER 

Executive Vice President: Léhéna CACHIA 

Secretary: Ambrine Bouzit 

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

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

Contact us on Facebook via the account: Charles Claude Croco 

And find us on Instagram: @CharlesClaudeCroco