Sports: Health Benefits

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Physical activity is not just a way to lose weight. Exercise offers significant benefits from a medical, societal, and economic perspective. It actually helps boost the immune system and promotes overall well-being: walking, running, or gardening activates metabolic processes—in other words, biological reactions—that take place within our bodies.

The benefits of exercise can be seen not only in one's physical appearance but also in one's mental health:

Physical Health

Combating Obesity and Diabetes-Related Diseases

Strictly speaking, exercise does not prevent obesity or being overweight. However, physical activity is often recommended as a supplement to appropriate treatment to help patients achieve their goals.

In general, exercise helps regulate weight with the goal of achieving a more toned physique. Muscles can produce certain hormones, called myokines, that have metabolic effects on various organs at a distance. As Cédric Moro (research director at Inserm’s Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases in Toulouse) explains, “In an obese patient, muscle tissue contains some fat. Exercise burns this fat, and insulin then becomes more effective at supplying the muscle with glucose. This, in particular, helps prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.” 

The positive effects of exercise on weight issues or diabetes are only beneficial if exercise is done correctly. There are guidelines that must be followed to ensure effectiveness with minimal side effects. 

Cardiovascular Diseases

When it comes to cardiovascular disease, the risk factors are well known: smoking, stress, high blood pressure… Regular physical activity improves and regulates the functioning of the cardiovascular system, leading to a reduction in cardiovascular risks:

  • Potential 50% reduction in high blood pressure
  • Increase in "good" cholesterol levels
  • Regulation of Blood Sugar Levels

We also know that below a certain VO2 max threshold—the maximum amount of oxygen the body consumes during intense exercise—a patient with heart failure must undergo a transplant. Thibaut Guiraud, a physiology researcher at I2MC, explains that “With exercise, you improve your physical capacity and can move out of the ‘red zone,’ which is above 5 METs (equivalent to the ability to walk at 4–5 km/h for a few minutes).”

Thus, regular physical activity helps the heart become stronger and can therefore prevent or slow the onset of cardiovascular problems.

 

Cancer

It's no secret anymore: physical activity can help with the recovery from certain cancers.

Cancer is the leading cause of death, ahead of cardiovascular disease: the number of cases has doubled over the past 30 years.

Exercising during treatment helps the body counteract certain negative effects of treatment, such as fatigue. Provided, of course, that the exercise is moderate and tailored to the specific treatment. Béatrice Fervers, an oncologist at the Léon-Bérard Center, explains that “The sooner a patient begins physical activity after diagnosis, the better they are able to counteract side effects.”

In fact, physical activity alters body composition (reducing visceral fat and maintaining or even increasing muscle mass) as well as muscle strength. The possible effects of regular physical activity on the mechanisms involved in tumor proliferation can be explained: the best-documented effects relate to breast cancer and involve blood sugar regulation, increased insulin sensitivity, an anti-inflammatory effect, and hormonal regulation.

According to researchers at ISERM, physical activity may help reduce the risk of recurrence in breast and colon cancers.

Mental Health

As we saw in the article on meditation, physical activity contributes to better mental health.

Exercise doesn't just help people with illnesses. It also promotes the well-being of those who engage in it, reducing psychological risks.

Stress Relief

Physical activity can help reduce stress. In fact, exercise triggers the body to produce hormones called endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones. As a result, anxiety levels are reduced after physical activity. 

Dr. Martine Duclos, an endocrinologist and head of the Sports Medicine Department at the Gabriel-Montpied and Estaing University Hospitals (Clermont-Ferrand), explains that exercise can help reduce the need for anti-anxiety medications; for example, “in people who are anxious or stressed, regular physical activity provides the same benefits as anti-anxiety medications, without the side effects or risk of dependence; it also has an effect similar to that of antidepressants in people suffering from mild to moderate depression.” Exercise also stimulates the release of neurotransmitters involved in depression when they are deficient, with serotonin being the primary one.

Beyond its calming effect, exercise also allows us to take a break from our daily lives and forget the little worries that usually occupy our minds while we’re working out.

Sleep Quality

It's just a short step from reducing stress to improving sleep. 

Dr. Duclos states that “exercise will have two positive effects: you’ll have less trouble falling asleep, and athletes will wake up less often in the middle of the night.”

This is due, in particular, to the regulation of blood pressure and the release of endorphins, which help us relax more effectively. As a result, exercise reduces stress, leading to physical fatigue rather than mental fatigue.

In addition, participating in sports requires people to organize themselves better and, as a result, regulate their biological rhythm (also known as the circadian rhythm). This also involves eating a healthier diet to improve performance. All of these factors play an important role in sleep quality.

However, it’s important not to exercise too late in the day “because otherwise it will push back your bedtime,” Martine Duclos points out.

The Brain and Depression

Finally, exercise causes the brain to release dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in the reward system.

Memory, cognition, mood: Physical exercise enhances mental performance and health.

Lisa Weinberg’s team at the Georgia Institute of Technology (United States) conducted a study with students: memorizing 90 photos. The first group was asked to perform a leg-strengthening exercise while the other group remained seated. Two days later, the students were asked to identify as many images as possible from a set of 180: the group that exercised was able to identify 60%, 10% more than the control group.

Researcher Martine Duclos observed a “positive correlation between their physical fitness and the type of high school they attended (general, vocational, agricultural).” According to Dr. Duclos, this can be explained by the fact that “muscle activity triggers the production of myokines, proteins that, through a complex mechanism, prompt the brain to produce growth factors, neurotrophins, and more specifically BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). It promotes the formation of microvessels (angiogenesis) and the production of new neurons (neurogenesis).”

Sports at the University – ASMM Association (AS Médecine Montpellier)

This sports club consists of 3–4 members who support medical students who wish to engage in regular physical activity. With the goal of promoting sports, it provides them with sports fields and equipment and organizes intercollegiate competitions.

Our projects:

  • Formation of a women's volleyball team;
  • Formation of a rugby team made up of medical and dental students;
  • Formation of a basketball team made up of medical, pharmacy, and dental students;
  • Organization of futsal, tennis, pétanque, and beach volleyball tournaments.

Office:

President: Mustapha MOUSTAFAOUI
Secretary: Maxime FOULQUIER
Treasurer: Youssef TRIGUI

 

 

Contact:


Institute of Biology 4 Boulevard Henri IV
34965 Montpellier Cedex 2

Instagram

 

Sources: 
https://lejournal.cnrs.fr/articles/le-sport-est-bon-pour-la-sante-cest-prouve
https://www.naturaforce.com/blog/2017/06/03/bienfaits-du-sport-sur-la-sante/
https://www.sciencesetavenir.fr/sante/bouger-ameliorer-le-cerveau_29226

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Meditation & Health: 3 Benefits of Meditation for the Body

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Stress and anxiety affect our cardiovascular system, which in turn leads to increased stress and anxiety. It’s a vicious cycle! However, non-pharmacological solutions do exist and are accessible to many people. Among them is meditation.

Meditation is known to have several positive effects on health.

Stimulates the brain

One of the unique aspects of mindfulness meditation is that it helps improve memory by enhancing attention. This involves thinking of the mind as a muscle. Just like any other muscle, to strengthen it, you need to train it daily through mindfulness meditation.

The latter helps keep your attention focused on a specific idea and prevents your mind from wandering too much.

Did you know?

Mindfulness meditation, or mindfulness, involves focusing on one’s sensations, breathing, emotions, and thoughts without making value judgments. It was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, a professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts. 

American studies led by neuroscientist Sara Lazar of Harvard Medical School have shown that meditation may increase gray matter in the areas of the brain associated with learning, memory, and emotional control.

This study also showed that meditation can be highly beneficial for people with attention disorders: it reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity, thereby improving attention.

Antidepressant 

Among the other benefits of meditation, research has shown that it helps reduce stress and anxiety, and thus lowers the risk of depression. How does it work? You focus on your breathing by simply becoming aware of each inhalation and exhalation. These techniques are easily accessible to everyone, even children.

Did you know?

Professor Tu-Anh Tran, a faculty member at the School, has posted four guided meditations* on her YouTube channel so that children and their families can practice them throughout the day to find inner peace and focus on their work.

Episode 1:

Watch the video

Episode 2:

Watch the video
 

Episode 3:

Watch the video
  

Episode 4:

Watch the video
  

 

This method increases respiratory movement, allowing for better oxygen diffusion throughout the body—and particularly in the brain. Finally, mindfulness meditation improves the functioning of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for regulating emotions. It enhances intuition and creativity while reducing negative emotions such as stress, fear, and anger.

“Meditation balances the levels of activity in the two hemispheres of the brain. This balance fosters harmony between the body and the mind. Meditation is a valuable resource in an era that is generating more and more psychosomatic imbalances” – Marc de Smedt, French publisher, writer, and journalist, specializing in meditation techniques and world wisdom.

Immune Booster

Finally, meditation is also valued for its benefits as an “immunity booster.” 

In fact, mindfulness meditation affects pro-inflammatory genes, allowing the body to recover more easily after a stressful or anxious situation. 

The rest it provides is considered more effective and deeper than that achieved during sleep. The body produces fewer waste products thanks to increased oxygenation of the lungs, which in turn affects the hormonal, vascular, and muscular systems. This, in turn, leads to a boost in immunity and a regulation of pain sensitivity.

Did you know?

The Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine offers a University Diploma (DU) in Meditation and Health. 
Course Objectives: To understand the principles and benefits of meditation and learn how to apply it to improve the health of healthcare providers and patients.
Skills acquired

  • Identifying What Meditation Is—and Isn't
  • Understand the physiological mechanisms of meditation and their health benefits; identify possible applications of meditation in healthcare settings
  • Continue or strengthen your own regular practice
  • Implement a project that integrates meditation into your healthcare setting (for your patients or colleagues)

Studies using the“Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction”(MBSR) protocol have shown positive effects on the reduction of pro-inflammatory genes, the immune response to the flu vaccine, immune signaling in people with cancer, and immune cell activity in patients with HIV.

Key Takeaways

During this unprecedented health crisis, it is important to find new ways to protect ourselves from the stress and anxiety caused by lockdown. Practicing meditation in a group—even remotely—can help break the feeling of social isolation and foster a sense of belonging.

Meditation

  • Promotes concentration and improves memory
  • Helps manage stress and anxiety
  • May help the immune system develop

 

*These meditations are excerpted from her book *Méditasoins: Short Meditations for Children’s Major Ailments*, published by Thierry Souccar.
*Journal of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (2010) 20, 11–15 – Impact of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction ( MBSR) therapeutic approach on mental health (stress, anxiety, depression) among students – C.Berghmans∗, C. Tarquinio, M. Kretsch

 

The Healthcare Professional:

We would like to thank Professor Tran for his assistance in writing this article.

Tu-Anh Tran

Tu-Anh Tran

Professor, Chief of the Pediatrics Department at Nîmes University Hospital

Professor Tu-Anh TRAN is a pediatrician specializing in inflammatory and rheumatic diseases in children, and head of the pediatrics department at the Nîmes University Hospital. A meditation practitioner himself, he spearheaded the creation of one of France’s first university-level meditation programs, “Meditation and Health,” at the Montpellier-Nîmes School of Medicine. Professor Tran has been using meditation to treat his young patients for over 10 years.

 

 

 

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Books: Online Resources for Learning, Studying, or Entertainment

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The current situation is leading us (or bringing us back) to new activities, and reading is one of them. During this period of lockdown, many e-books have been made available for free online. Whether you’re an avid reader or someone looking to explore new areas of knowledge, there’s something for everyone.

 

Here is a list of several themes and platforms that might help you find what you're looking for:

 

Montpellier Interuniversity Library

A go-to resource for students at the University of Montpellier, the Montpellier Interuniversity Library (BIU) gives students at the University of Montpellier access to all the materials available on the platform.

So, you'll find the following there:

  • Scientific journals
  • Books
  • E-books
  • Theses and dissertations

There's something for everyone—whether you're looking to broaden your horizons, study, or work on your thesis. 

Access the BIU

 

Gallica BNF

The National Library of France also offers a wide selection of free books to everyone—but that's not all! Check out:

  • Read: ePubs
  • Don't miss: the lectures
  • Check out: our curated selections of treasures
  • For students: resources
  • For kids: activities, coloring pages, stories

Go to Gallica

 

Online Reading – Medicine

In addition to the resources mentioned above, some websites offer PDFs and e-books related to your field of study. One such site is “Livres pour tous,” which has a section Medicine and Health section with documents that are free and accessible to everyone.

The same is true of the “Univers médecine” website, which offers books on medicine tailored to different skill levels.

World of Medicine

Books for Everyone

 

Major corporations and publishers

To help the French people get through this health crisis, some major retailers and publishers have made free e-books available. 

With a wide variety of themes, you'll find:

  • Crime Novels
  • Romance
  • Fantasy
  • French Literature

 

A host of authors to delight you: J.K. Rowling, Harlan Coben, Stephen King…

 

FNAC e-books

Amazon e-books

Northern Ferret

Wikisource and Project Gutenberg

On these two websites, you’ll find thousands of books and articles available for free! With such a wide variety of topics, there’s something for everyone.

Wikisource Gutenberg

And if, after checking all these links, you still haven't found the book you're looking for, here's a link to this online book database!  

Online Book Repository

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Remote Work and Distance Learning: Best Practices for a Better Internet Connection

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The lockdown is forcing universities and their faculties to adapt. Classes are now held online, and exams will soon be as well. While we are currently conducting several stress tests to ensure that all our students have optimal conditions for taking their exams, you will find below some tips for improving the quality of your internet connection, as well as a reminder of the procedure to follow for your future online exams.

Testing Your Internet Speed and Interpreting the Results

To enable students to take their exams online and allow staff to work under the best possible conditions, the DSIN is providing a tool that lets you measure the quality of the connection between your home and the university: https://testdebit.umontpellier.fr/

Data Receipt (Download)

After completing this test, the results will appear, and you can interpret them using this short guide:

  • A speed between D and F is considered slow (low throughput);
  • A C-class speed between 3 and 7 Mb/s is classified as “medium speed”; it is at these speeds that remote work can begin to be carried out under good conditions.
  • A speed of 8 Mb/s or higher is considered the threshold for a "broadband" connection.
  • Connections faster than 30 Mb/s are classified as “ultra-high-speed.”

Sending Data (Upload)

This value represents the speed at which data is transmitted from your computer to the Internet; it is often referred to as “upload speed” or “Upload.”

An average data rate of 1.2 Mb/s is sufficient to transmit data from your computer.

Response time (ping) 

This value represents the time it takes for a round trip between your computer and the server hosting the files used to measure the data download speed; it is often referred to as “latency.”

A value within the green range is required to ensure high-quality (uninterrupted) video conferences.

Improving Your Wi-Fi Connection

If the connection is not optimal (between D and F), you must:

  • Use a wired connection whenever possible : The connection will be more stable, and devices connected via Wi-Fi will have better speeds.
  • Positioning Your Set-Top Box Correctly : Avoid placing it under the TV or in a closed cabinet. Ideally, set it up about 1.50m above the floor in an open area. Never place anything on top of it, and plug it in directly (do not use a telephone extension cord or a power strip).
  • Stop programs that are currently running: To get the most out of your bandwidth, be sure to turn off Wi-Fi on devices you’re not using (phones, smart devices).
  • Disable automatic Wi-Fi scanning : By default, Windows constantly scans for nearby wireless networks. This feature, which is unnecessary if you always connect to your own network, consumes bandwidth.
  • Check to make sure you don't have a virus: Whether by displaying ads or secretly using the computer's resources, some malware unnecessarily consumes bandwidth.

 

If, after checking all these steps, your connection is still weak, please contact your registrar’s office so they can help you access the exams under the best possible conditions. Please also feel free to report any problems you encounter during the exams.

Taking exams

With an optimal internet connection, students can take their exams.

To do this, students must log in the same way they do for tablet-based exams in lecture halls: log in from your device via SIDES + ENT authentication + enter the exam code.

The box codes will be sent by email before the event.

On the day of the test, we encourage students to, if possible, put themselves in an exam-like situation:

  • Start the connection at least 15 minutes before the times listed (to allow for any unforeseen circumstances)
  • Staying alone in a room
  • Bring only the materials needed for the exam (pen, blank scratch paper, etc.)
  • Do not attempt to connect to any applications other than the one required for the exam. This could disrupt the connection and interfere with your ability to write the exam.

Once the test begins, it's up to you! 

We wish you the best of luck on your exams!

Bonus

In this article, you'll also find our tips for studying remotely!

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Nutrition - 5 Tips

5 Nutrition Tips During Lockdown

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During this lockdown, there’s no shortage of temptations when it comes to “snacks” and treats… Should you give in and feel guilty, or resist and feel frustrated? We spoke with Prof. Ariane Sultan, a professor at the Faculty who specializes in nutrition, and dietitian Nicolas Sahuc, a lecturer at the Faculty. Together with them, we’ve compiled five dietary and nutritional tips to follow during the lockdown… but that’s not all!

 

1 / Listen to your body and its needs!

Lockdown is turning our routines upside down: our schedules are out of sync… and so are our bodies! Sometimes, we don’t feel hungry at the traditional “breakfast, lunch, dinner” times. Don’t panic! According to Nicolas Sahuc, we need to pay close attention to our body’s rhythm, which varies from day to day and isn’t necessarily aligned with “social” schedules: “Don’t worry if you’re not hungry at ‘mealtimes’; instead, eat when you’re really hungry.” To do this, you need to listen to your body and pay attention to genuine feelings of hunger and fullness. “That doesn’t necessarily mean eating three meals a day…” emphasizes Professor Sultan.

All in all: think about your body’s natural rhythms and pay attention to your hunger cues before you even think about nutrition! 

 

2 / Don't pick or avoid any foods: think about how long they keep you full! 

“When you’re hungry, any food will satisfy your hunger. However, not all foods keep you feeling full for the same amount of time.”. The dietitian's advice is to opt for foods that will keep you full for longer: choose a banana over a cookie for a snack, or better yet, if you're really hungry, have a proper, balanced meal.

 

3 / Don't feel guilty, but think big!

That said, don’t feel guilty either if you really want that cookie for an afternoon snack. The key is to think about nutrition holistically: “Nutrition is all about overall balance. If you eat balanced meals regularly and at your own pace, there’s no reason to feel guilty.” On the other hand, balanced nutrition isn’t a “one-off”: just one balanced meal every now and then isn’t enough! Professor Sultan confirms this: “A balanced diet is determined over the course of a week rather than a single day.”

 

4 / Choose balanced meals

“A balanced meal will keep you full for about 5 hours, while an unbalanced meal or a snack will keep you full for only 2 to 2.5 hours.” It’s therefore important to plan your meals with a variety of foods that will keep you full over time. “Contrary to popular belief, a meal without bread or starchy foods won’t help you stay in shape, since you’ll be hungry again two hours later.” For a balanced and substantial meal, it’s recommended to include: bread, starchy foods, a source of protein (meat, fish, eggs, or plant-based protein), a dairy product (yogurt or cheese), fruits and vegetables for fiber, and a small amount of fat. Ariane Sultan points out that “this combination should be adjusted based on how hungry you feel”. As for meal variety, the dietitian emphasizes that “the composition of a balanced meal is always the same; you just need to vary the foods according to your tastes!” 

 

An example of a balanced meal: 

  • 1 serving of Basque-style chicken, with vegetables (fresh or frozen), rice, and salad
  • 1 slice of bread
  • 1 yogurt or 1 piece of cheese
  • A few strawberries

 

But don't forget Professor Sultan's advice, which recommends carefully assessing your hunger: “If you’re not very hungry, there’s no need for all those starchy foods—or just cut back on them!”

5 / Carbohydrate-rich snacks for periods of intense work

And because we know that exams are coming up for many of you, we asked the dietitian for his recommendations on snacks during periods of intense work. According to him, “You should opt for carbohydrate-rich foods, such as cereal bars or fruit compotes, which are nutritious and convenient. Swedish “Havreflarn”-style cookies are also a good alternative: they don’t contain too much added sugar and are easy to make at home.” However, as our dietitian points out: “Before you even think about snacks, the most important thing is learning how to manage your stress! Breathing exercises are very effective in helping you do that.” “And don’t forget physical activity!” the professor adds, “You can stay active no matter the circumstances—even during lockdown! You just have to adapt your routine and adjust to the situation!”

 

Of course, we weren't going to leave you hanging like that: we've picked out a few Swedish pancake recipes for you… : 

Recipe 1 Recipe 2 Recipe 3

…and apps to help you manage stress:

COVID-19 Support

 

We'll be back in the next few days with more on physical activity, so stay tuned! And in the meantime: get cooking 😉!

 

Healthcare Professionals:

We would like to thank them for their assistance in writing this article.

Ariane Sultan

Ariane Sultan

Professor of Nutrition

Ariane Sultan is a professor of nutrition on the nutrition and diabetes team at the Montpellier University Hospital (CHU), Lapeyronie Hospital. As chair of the CLAN (Food and Nutrition Liaison Committee) at the Montpellier University Hospital, she teaches several courses in nutrition and diabetology at the Faculty of Medicine.

Nicolas Sahuc

Nicolas Sahuc

Dietitian

Nicolas Sahuc has been a certified dietitian since 2003 and specializes in eating disorders. He regularly gives seminars to medical residents at our faculty on eating disorders and childhood obesity.

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Working from Home and Studying

5 Tips for Working from Home

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Due to the lockdown causedthe COVID-19 health crisis, the daily routines of most of us have been turned upside down. To help you adapt as best as possible to working from home for some and distance learning for others, today we’re sharing 5 tips to put into practice!

1 – Set a schedule for yourself

To stay productive while working from home, you’ll need to plan your time! Setting an alarm and establishing daily and weekly goals are important steps to stay on track! Having a clear idea of the tasks you need to complete each day and allocating a specific amount of time to each one will help you structure your workday. To help you, we’ve even prepared a schedule you can print and customize yourself! This system works just as well for projects with deadlines as it does for exam prep. Knowing how to set goals and stick to them is the key to productivity.

Download the Schedule

2 – Setting Up Your Own Workspace

Working from home isn't always easy—there are plenty of distractions. Instead of working in front of the TV or in bed, you should focus on creating a dedicated workspace. Set up your own office, a place where you’ll only go to work and where you’ll feel comfortable. A computer, sheets of paper, pens, a houseplant—keep everything within reach everything you might need for your work! You can also keep a small object nearby to keep your hands busy during brainstorming sessions—whether it’s a pen for jotting down notes on paper or a stress ball to squeeze!


3 – Stay in touch with these colleagues 

It’s easy to feel lonely or overwhelmed when working from home! Staying in regular contact with your colleagues will not only allow you to connect with others but also help you motivate one another! This is especially essential for those leading team projects. Schedule regular debriefs to check in on everyone’s progress, and keep a group chat open at all times so you can respond to emergencies or answer questions. 

Also, if you're having connection issues, this article has all our tips for getting the best possible network! 

4 – Separate work and personal life

Is there anything tricky about working from home? It’s hard to separate your professional life from your personal life. You’re at home, surrounded by your family, but you’re also at work. The first thing to do is to get into work mode. You wouldn’t go to the office in your pajamas, so in the morning when you wake up, have breakfast, do a little exercise, and get dressed before settling into your remote work space. Also, let your family and friends know your work hours so they’ll disturb you as little as possible during those times.

5 – Take breaks 

Don’t spend the whole day focused on your classes or your computer—to keep up the pace, you need to take breaks. Whether you’re at college or at work, you probably take breaks from time to time, so do the same at home! Folding your laundry, having a cup of coffee on your patio or by the window, or simply doing nothing on your couch will help clear your mind. Getting back to work will be all the easier afterward because your mind will be clear. So don’t feel guilty about taking breaks! It’s normal to want to move around a bit, especially when you’re stuck at home all day, and it will help you refocus. 

6 – (Bonus) and stay tuned!

And since we’re here for you every day during this lockdown, don’t forget to follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Your favorite organizations are also getting involved, so don't forget to follow them too!

Organizations

 

 

 

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#Coronavirus – URGENT: PACES and ECN Exams Postponed

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Due to the exceptional circumstances of the health crisis, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research has decided to postpone certain entrance exams, including the PACES and ECNi exams. Admission to paramedical programs through competitive exams is also affected. Read this article for more information.

 

Postponement of the PACES Exam

The entrance exam following the PACES program for admission to the second year of health sciences studies (Medicine, Midwifery, Dentistry, Pharmacy) will be held starting in the second half of June.

→ We will let you know as soon as possible the official rescheduling date and the terms of this rescheduling for our Faculty.

 

Update on April 3, 2020: PACES EXAM DATES

The PACES Exam has been officially rescheduled from June 23 to June 25, 2020

Postponement of the ECNi

The National Computer-Based Qualifying Exams (ECNi), which grant admission to postgraduate medical studies, will take place from July 6 to 8, 2020.

Paramedical: Applications will be reviewed based on the application materials only

Other entrance exams, which primarily concern admission to paramedical training programs, will be replaced by a review of candidates’ academic records as part of the national pre-enrollment process via the Parcoursup platform.   

 

Download the Ministry's Official Press Release
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#Coronavirus – Guidelines for Internships

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, some internships are continuing as usual, while others have been suspended.

Find out here—based on your profile—what arrangements have been made and who to contact! 

Medical students

The DFGSM 2 & 3 clinical rotations have been canceled (including the semiology rotations, the medical services rotation, and the MIA and MIC rotations).

For more information: med-scol-1-2@umontpellier.fr 

 

Students in other programs

Are you a student in the midwifery program, a paramedical program (speech-language pathology, orthoptics), or a master’s program? Here are the guidelines for your internships.

Internships in the 4th and 5th years will continue as scheduled. Students will receive instructions regarding their placements directly via email.

If your internship has been suspended: #StayHome

In any case, regardless of your field of study, if your internship has been temporarily or permanently suspended, we ask that you follow the government’s guidelines and #StayHome. 

 

The lockdown will help support the work of our healthcare workers by limiting the number of infections—and thus the number of patients in hospital wards. We are counting on your cooperation to limit the impact of this epidemic. Protect yourself and your loved ones, stay home, follow preventive measures, observe social distancing guidelines, and go out only when necessary. 

Learn More

 

You can also join the civic reserve to contribute to the collective effort:

I want to help

Finally, the Faculty will be there for you throughout this entire period—providing important updates, fostering a sense of community, suggesting activities, and even helping you with your studying. Don’t forget to follow us on social media: @FacultemedMPL on Twitter and @FacMedecineMtpNîmes on Facebook! 

 

Montpellier-Nîmes School of Medicine

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#Coronavirus – General Provisions Regarding the Pandemic at the School of Medicine

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Here you will find all the information regarding how the School of Medicine is operating during the coronavirus crisis. This article will be updated regularly throughout the crisis.

 

Update from Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
Changes since the last update are marked with an *

 

The Jardin des Plantes will be closed to the public starting March 17, 2020

In accordance with government announcements and to prevent gatherings of more than 100 people, the Jardin des Plantes will be closed to the public starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Closure and complete suspension of classes effective Monday, March 16

In-person classes—including lectures, tutorials, lab sessions, and simulation room sessions—will be suspended. Student study areas and CROUS cafeterias will also be closed. The institution (across all campuses and buildings) will be closed until further notice. 

Schedule for the Mock ECN Exams, March 16–18

Since the Faculty is closed to the public and students, the mock ECN exams will be administered at home, following the same format as the test held on Thursday, March 12. 

PACES Classes and Tutoring

In-person classes for PACES students will be suspended starting March 16. Courses will be made available online shortly so that students can continue their studies. PACES tutoring sessions in Montpellier (ATM2) and Nîmes (TSN) are also suspended until further notice.

*Internships for students in all fields of study

Guidelines for internships are available in this article.

 

This article will be updated as the crisis and the response measures evolve. We encourage you to check back regularly!

 

Useful Links

For any information regarding crisis management at the Faculty, please contact the General Affairs Office: medecine-covid19@umontpellier.fr

For information about the coronavirus: https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus

 

 

To limit the spread of the virus, be sure to follow preventive measures.

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Open House: February 29, 2020

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Every year, we open the doors of our faculty in Montpellier and Nîmes to give you all the information you need to study with us! So join us on Saturday, February 29, 2020, to learn all about our degree programs!

 

A day trip to Montpellier and Nîmes

As we do every year, we’ll welcome you to our two cities, Montpellier and Nîmes, to introduce you to our academic programs and give you a tour of our campuses!

In Montpellier, come visit our Arnaud de Villeneuve Health Campus!

641 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud – 34000 MONTPELLIER

Parking will be available on site. Various presentations will be held throughout the day, including one on the reform of the first year of health studies. You can also learn about paramedical programs. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In Nîmes, come visit our Carémeau Health Campus!

186 Chemin du Carreau de Lanes – 30000 NIMES

You’ll also be able to park on site. Just like in Montpellier, various presentations will be held throughout the day, particularly on the reform of the first year of health studies. Please note that the Nîmes Campus does not offer any paramedical programs. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Download the JPO Program for the Two Campuses

 

Come meet our students, faculty, and staff!

Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our students (from all programs), our faculty, and, of course, our staff. We’ll all be happy to answer your questions and provide guidance tailored to your needs. We’d also be delighted to show you around our campuses through guided tours.

So, if you're interested in health studies, don't hesitate—come out in large numbers on February 29! We hope to see many of you there!

 

Check out the videos below of the day's presentations—worth watching and rewatching:

Video 1 Video 2 Video 3 Video 4
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