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A Year in Tutoring
At the Montpellier Health Tutoring Association (ATSM), we have been committed since 2006 to supporting first-year health sciences students (PASS/LAS).
Supported in particular by grants from the Hérault Medical Association and the Faculty of Medicine, with whom we work closely, the support
we provide is designed to be high-quality but, above all, free of charge.
Our association is made up of students in their second through fourth years of various health-related programs (midwifery, dentistry, and medicine), who have been recruited and trained by university faculty. Our goal is to enable any student to enroll in MMOPKI health programs (Medicine, Midwifery, Dentistry, Physical Therapy, Nursing) without financial constraints.
In this article, we invite you to discover what a year with us is like!
2023–2024 Mentoring Program
August
The first event organized by the tutoring program, aimed at first-year students, is the Pre-Semester Workshop (SPR). First-year students participate in academic sessions covering the essentials of the first-semester courses, as well as workshops on study skills and well-being. This early start to the academic year is strongly recommended for success in the PASS/LAS program. In fact, with the support of tutors, students develop their study methods using materials reviewed and approved by the faculty’s teaching team. This SPR concludes with a pop quiz—a graded and scored exam—to prepare students for the type of exams they will take throughout the year.
As part of a commitment to continuous improvement, the tutoring program conducts a satisfaction survey at the end of the Pre-Semester Workshop to gather feedback from students. This feedback is valuable for future planning, as it helps tailor the workshop to the needs of first-year students in the following academic year.
During the SPR, we introduce students to the Guides, which have been developed by ATSM tutors over the years. First, the PASS Guide (Specific Health Access Pathway) and the LAS Guide (Health Access Bachelor’s Degree) help students better understand the details of the reform, which continue to evolve each year. They also explain the programs (see also the Guide to Minor Programs for Academic Reorientation) and the general functioning of the faculty, including an overview of the various student organizations there.
In addition to this guide focused on academic studies, these guides list various places in Montpellier where students can work, seek medical care, or enjoy themselves. The activities suggested are tailored to both the budget and the limited free time available to first-year students, recognizing that this downtime is essential to students’ physical and mental well-being.
There is also a Methodology/Well-Being Guide, which offers plenty of useful advice on managing daily life (diet, sleep, exercise, stress, etc.) and learning to work more effectively; an International Students Guide, which is new for 2023; and an Oral Exam Guide, designed to help students at the end of the year. The International Student Guide features numerous testimonials and tips, covering both administrative matters and practical aspects, as well as adapting to life in a new country—often far from family—which can be particularly challenging for students in PASS or LAS programs.
All of these guides are available on the ATSM's LinkTree.
September
In early September, two weeks after lectures begin, tutoring sessions start. Prior to the scheduled sessions, PASS students have access to materials in both print and digital formats: a number of multiple-choice quizzes, reviewed and approved by the subject instructors, which should ideally be completed in advance so they can be graded during the session. During these sessions, students gather in a lecture hall or classroom with several tutors. The tutors correct the multiple-choice quizzes by reviewing the most complicated points and sharing their methods, tips, and othermnemonic techniques with the students. Students are welcome to ask any questions they may have. If they have further questions, they can use the online forum or visit the tutoring center, where tutors are available during pre-scheduled hours.
In Semester 1, LAS students must complete the Common Health Course. As a result, the tutoring program for LAS students remains the same, except that sessions are now heldonline. At the ATSM office, the position of Vice President in charge of Health Access Bachelor’s Degrees (LAS) was created following the reform; this individual serves as the primary point of contact between students and the heads of the various faculties and answers students’ questions throughout the academic year.
To ensure equal opportunities for students across all LAS campuses, sessions are held weekly on Zoom.
October – November
In addition to providing academic support, the tutoring program aims to expand its personal support for first-year students. It was with this goal in mind that the Health, Social Services, and Support Center and the Well-being Center were created. This support is particularly valuable at the beginning and throughout the first semester, as this is when students are settling in, completing administrative procedures to obtain various forms of assistance, and during the winter months when the focus on mental health is even more pronounced.
The first year of medical school can be stressful and may have an impact on students’ mental health. As a result, various projects and initiatives have been developed to promote mental health within the faculty. In particular, the ATSM organizes a training program on suicide prevention and crisis management led by faculty professionals to equip ATSM members with the skills to refer students in distress. This training, which complements the pedagogical training our tutors receive, ensures our ability to extend our support beyond academic matters. Our directory,“Key Contacts for Psychological Support,”lists contacts for various emergency situations, psychological counseling, support for diverse issues, and assistance for students with disabilities, and is also available via the link-tree mentioned above.
The ATSM works in collaboration with the Joint Office for Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion (SCMPPS) and the Handiversité Office to implement the Disability Tutoring Program. The Disability Tutoring Program is in line with our commitment to equal opportunities for all students: sessions are held in small groups (2–5 students) to accommodate individual needs, but the session curriculum is strictly the same as that of the academic tutoring program. The ATSM is one of the few tutoring programs in France to offer this type of support, and every effort is made to ensure that we continue to provide high-quality education to all our students without any discrimination.
A mentoring program is also organized in October: all first-year students are welcome to sign up. They are then paired with second- and third-year students in the MMOPK program to receive the best possible support throughout the year.
December
The December tutoring session concludes, two weeks after the end of lectures, with the first mock exam. Over the course of two days, students are placed in a real exam setting: the same sequence of events, exam duration, and number of multiple-choice questions per subject as on the actual exam day. To support the students, this final practice session is supervised and facilitated by the tutors. Following these two days of mock exams, the papers are graded, scored, and ranked. Students then have access to their scores and rankings. The development of the sessions and mock exams, in direct collaboration with the professors, ensures the representativeness and accuracy of the educational resources used. This event, which brings together more than 900 students each year, is therefore a representative practice of the graded exam they will take in early January.
January
The second semester follows the same schedule as the first: sessions begin in late January and end in early April. A key feature of this semester is preparation for the Essay Question (EQ) in the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). SHS tutors first conduct standard sessions to reinforce the PASS students’ knowledge and then organize QR Workshops. These sessions focus on the methodology of the QR and are supplemented by QR Interviews: a tutor schedules an interview slot with a student to review in detail the strengths and areas for improvement in the student’s submitted QR, enabling personalized and tailored support.
The Montpellier Health Tutoring Association, in addition to providing effective academic support, offers PASS/LAS students moral and methodological support . We therefore run an Instagram page, “Tuto Pep’s” (@tuto_peps), as well as a Facebook page “Tuto Pep’s, ” both designed to help students make the most of their first year. There you’ll find study tips, advice on healthy living, mental health, scholarship applications, and housing management, as well as words of encouragement, introductions to different programs, and information on changing your major.
For example, there are the “Midis Partage” sessions, where tutors come to answer questions from PASS/LAS students and share their experiences during the lunch break. “Midis Jeux” sessions are also held, featuring board games, as well as “Blind Tests” organized by the Med’ley music club, where first-year students can come to relax.
Finally, the biggest wellness event of the year takes place from late January to early February: Pep’s Days. This event consists of four lunchtime sessions spread over two weeks, featuring activities such as massages by physical therapy students, blind taste tests, sophrology sessions, sign language lessons, self-hypnosis, and more… Savory and sweet buffets are available to students, and Welcome Packs filled with goodies are distributed. This completely free event allows PASS/LAS students to take their minds off things and have fun with their friends during their break time in what has been a particularly challenging year for them.
The academic advising center is especially important during the second semester, as this is when the Parcoursup and E-Candidat application processes take place. In addition, after receiving their first-semester grades, many students begin to question their academic direction. It is also during this time that we organize a Career Guidance Forum at the university: the concept is similar to a career fair, but it features students from programs other than MMOPKI, many of whom are in paramedical fields.
February
Every year, the University Service for Information, Guidance, and Career Placement (Scuio-IP) selects one of our tutors to serve as their ambassador. This person will be responsible for presenting health-related degree programs at various high schools in the region. All tutors also receive training on the Reform of Admission to Health Studies so they can best answer questions. PASS/LAS students also have access to an OREO (Guidance and Reorientation) forum on their Moodle platform, where they can ask any questions related to their academic guidance.
We also interact with high school students at college fairs, immersion days, and open houses where we are present. At some fairs, we even serve as direct representatives of the Montpellier School of Medicine. It is the VP OREO’s role to organize these events in collaboration with the school.
High School Students’ Week has been held annually since 2021 during the February school break. To ensure that as many high school students in the region as possible can participate, the various sessions are held on Zoom, typically in the late afternoon. This program is completely free, and you can attend as many sessions as you like. If health conditions permit, we also offer an in-person day where high school students can come and explore the university and how it operates.
During this week, high school students will have the opportunity to explore the various healthcare programs available after completing a PASS or LAS track, and learn how to gain admission to these programs. There is also a study skills session designed to help students prepare for that infamous “first year.” Finally, we offer introductory sessions to the various courses students will take during their first year, linking them to the concepts they learned in high school. The goal of this week is to reassure high school students about the difficulty of their future studies.
March
Our tutoring program provides both academic and emotional support, even beyond the first year. In fact, our Career Redirection Guide ensures that everyone has a backup plan in case they are not admitted to a healthcare program after completing a PASS or LAS. In this guide, you’ll discover many other, sometimes lesser-known fields—such as certain paramedical programs—and learn how to apply to them.
However, this requires planning throughout the year, as it’s important not to miss key deadlines on platforms like Parcoursup or E-candidat, which allow you to have a backup plan for the coming year.
April
The second-semester mock exam is similar to the first-semester one. Over two days, it includes four 1-hour exams (UE4, UE6, UE8, UE9), one 1.5-hour exam (UE7: Biophysics), and a 2-hour essay exam (UE5: Humanities and Social Sciences), just like the final exam at the end of April. Thanks to the energy of the tutors supervising these exams, the mock exam takes place in a positive atmosphere.
It serves as a final practice session and allows students to refine their study methods, improve their knowledge, and gauge their standing among their peers before the actual graded exam.
June
The tutoring program also provides free preparation for the second set of exams. These consist of two oral exams: a commentary on an image-based document and an analysis of an issue related to human health. Each exam lasts 30 minutes, with 20 minutes of preparation, a 5-minute presentation, and a 5-minute discussion with the panel. Thus, during the week preceding their oral exams, the tutors—selected and trained by the faculty advisors in charge of the exams—conduct three preparation sessions for the students they are mentoring.
This is an opportunity for students to practice speaking in public, develop their critical thinking skills, and become familiar with the format of these exams. For PASS students, this preparation takes place in small groups in person. The same program is offered online for LAS students.
July
At ATSM, tutors are recruited in July. Second-year health sciences tutors are known as Trainee Tutors (TS), and they are supervised by the Vice President in charge of Trainee Tutors throughout the year. The recruitment process aims to identify the best candidates to mentor first-year students.
This supervision of tutors continues throughout the academic year, notably through ongoing training provided, on the one hand, by third-year Qualified Tutors (QTs) who mentor Trainee Tutors (TTs), and, on the other hand, through training sessions on a wide range of topics: Reform of the Health Studies Admission Process, creation of multiple-choice questions, training on tutors’ rights and responsibilities… Indeed, tutors have rights and responsibilities, such as attending their PASS and LAS sessions, holding in-person or online office hours, proctoring make-up exams and mock exams, and answering questions from PASS/LAS students on the dedicated forum; it is the fulfillment of these responsibilities that enables us to provide high-quality tutoring. At the end of the year, following an interview with the tutoring program’s faculty advisors, Trainee Tutors can become Qualified Tutors.
Finally, our association is recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, having obtained a ministerial accreditation that attests to the quality and relevance of our support, with the goal of promoting equal opportunity and ensuring that health studies are accessible to everyone. Throughout the year, we strive to provide high-quality tutoring, staying true to our promise of entirely free support centered on solidarity among student cohorts—a cornerstone of health studies at the Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine.
ATSM Contacts:
Facebook: Tutorat Santé Montpellier
Instagram: @tutoratsantemtp
Twitter: @TutoratSanteMTP
Our students have talent and ideas to spare! While our students in Montpellier are getting involved in a solidarity project in Togo, our students in Nîmes have chosen Senegal and the city of Dakar for the annual humanitarian project organized by the Crocos du Monde association. It’s a wonderful initiative that we didn’t want to miss sharing. Here’s a report and an interview.
To learn more about the ins and outs of this project, we sat down with Joffrey Buland, the 2021–22 President of Crocos du Monde! Check out his interview below!
Hi Joffrey, could you introduce yourself and tell us what your role is in this project?
Hello, my name is Joffrey Buland and I am currently a second-year medical student in Nîmes. During the Crocos du Monde “Dakar 2022” project, in my first year, I served as president of the association. The president’s role, in collaboration with the executive committee, is to organize the international project. We handled communication with local contacts, issued requests for quotes for the end-of-year container, and organized its shipment as well as the trip to the destination.
Can you tell us more about this project? What did it involve?
This project was a new venture for Les Crocos du Monde; our goal was to launch an international initiative with greater staying power—a long-term partnership that could be renewed each year. It was with this same goal of sustainability in mind that we came up with the idea of the shipping container, to give a second life to the supplies we were able to collect throughout the year. Since Les Crocos du Monde is primarily focused on sharing and sustainable development, the idea seemed fitting to us. The goal was to collect medical and paramedical supplies throughout the year via various partners, which were then shipped to Senegal, specifically the Fatick General Hospital, located 150 km south of Dakar.
Why did you choose Senegal? What led you to make that choice?
We turned our attention to Senegal thanks to a doctor at the Nîmes University Hospital, Dr. Christophe Boisson, who was of immense help in getting our project off the ground. Dr. Boisson has been sending containers of medical supplies to Dakar for several years now; it was with him and our trusted contacts on the ground that we decided to focus our efforts on the Fatick General Hospital. This led to an official partnership between Carémeau University Hospital and Dakar University Hospital, of which Crocos du Monde and Fatick are branches. This partnership has three main focuses: the delivery of supplies, in which we participated; medical and paramedical training through the simulation center; and training for biomedical engineers and technicians.
How did you organize the collection of supplies?
The collection of supplies began with the hospital identifying its needs and providing us with a list. From that list, we selected the supplies we were able to obtain—those that were within our reach. The “Dakar 2022” project was therefore primarily focused on the nephrology unit currently under development in Fatick. Once we had identified our target, we reached out to our partners—including individuals, other organizations, and primarily the Nîmes University Hospital and Dr. Boisson—and began our search and collection efforts.
In the end, what kind of materials were you able to collect? How much is that?
By the end of the year, we had collected enough to fill a 33-cubic-meter container—2.5 tons of supplies. Most of these were urology and nephrology supplies, including catheters and urinary ostomy kits, but we also had some surgical supplies, such as ventilator circuits and laparoscopy kits. We were also fortunate to find large electronic equipment, 7 emergency stretchers, and a delivery table. Since the goal was to give a second life to what we sent, all expiration dates were checked, and all electronic equipment was tested and refurbished as needed through Apelem, an association of biomedical engineers and technicians that is part of the partnership with the Nîmes University Hospital.
You were part of the trip in July. How did it go? What did it mean for you and your colleagues?
The four of us traveled to Nîmes with three second-year medical students, two of whom are now part of the executive committee. The goal was to show them around facilities like the Fatick General Hospital, where they will be collecting supplies, so they could get a clear idea of their upcoming 2023 project. At the same time, we introduced them to our trusted partners and local contacts, which will facilitate better communication in the coming year and help them understand the why, the how, and the for whom. This trip was deeply enriching on a personal level; it allowed us to observe and understand different hospital and cultural systems, with resources that also vary to some extent depending on the facility.
Does this inspire you to get involved in humanitarian medicine?
Humanitarian medicine has always been my main goal; even when I started my pre-med program, my aim was always to join Doctors Without Borders or another organization to go on a mission. When I discovered the Crocos du Monde association, and had the chance—along with my friends—to get involved in my own way starting in my first year of medical school, I didn’t hesitate. This year has allowed me to further deepen and strengthen this dream for after I graduate.
What about future projects for Crocos du Monde?
To answer this question, I’ll hand it over to Chloé Messines, the new president of Crocos du Monde for the 2022–2023 term.
Chloé: Les Crocos du Monde remains focused on the partnership between the University Hospitals of Nîmes and Dakar, and more specifically on assembling the container of medical equipment; the bulk of our internal funding and the events we organize are aimed at financing this project. Furthermore, it is important for us and our Senegalese partners to meet in person and confirm that the container has been received successfully. Just as we did last year, Les Crocos du Monde are committed to traveling to Dakar and Fatick to connect with the people who made this project possible. Now, our goal for this year is also to foster a vibrant community life for our members by offering a wider variety of events (clean walks, school outreach, outreach patrols, etc.), with a focus on inter-organizational collaboration (such as our involvement in the “Nîmes en Rose” project led by the midwifery student association and “Pep’s Week” with Tutorat Santé Nîmes). Thus, we rely on the motivation of second-year medical and midwifery students to ensure the association’s successful development.
The Med’ley association organizes music-related events, singing contests, bar concerts, karaoke nights, and music quizzes. The student association aims to bring together medical and health science students to satisfy their musical cravings! For the third time, Med’ley is organizing a concert at the Jardin des Plantes: Don’t miss this event!
Concert at the Jardin des Plantes
For this third edition of the Concert at the Jardin des Plantes, the Med’ley association is organizing a musical event with the primary goal of raising funds for the “RIRE”association.
Supported by Med’ley for the past two years, the organization aims to brighten the days of children in the pediatric ward by bringing in clowns. A concert will therefore be held on July 1, 2022, at the Jardin des Plantes from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
A special occasion
This is your chance to be enchanted by the essence of summer and enjoy performances by students from Montpellier who have been practicing and preparing for months for this event.
Snacks and food will be available for purchase to support the RIRE association, and a raffle will be held with a chance to win unique prizes.
Did you know? This year, the ACM’s Exchange Division is organizing an international solidarity mission to Togo! Thirteen students will have the opportunity to fly there in July to join an organization working on the renovation of a school. Interview.
Who are you?
We are Anouk Evrard and Claire Boin. We are currently third-year students in the DFGSM program at the Faculty, and we also hold elected positions within the ACM. As Vice Presidents for Exchange, our role is to facilitate international exchanges (for both incoming and outgoing students) and inter-university hospital exchanges (exchanges between university hospitals during the summer internship).
New this year is an international solidarity project we’ve named “Med’Trotter”!
Can you tell us more about the Med’Trotter project?
Med’Trotter is a project that was conceived by Camille Borne, our former exchange program vice president, in 2019. Unfortunately, due to the health crisis, the project couldn’t come to fruition, which is why we decided to revive it this year!
Specifically, this project is linked to“Espace Hotsi.” It is a Togolese nonprofit organization that carries out renovation projects to improve residents’ quality of life.
This year, the goal is to spend a month helping this organization with the renovation of a school in Wli, near Tsévié.
How will you help Espace Hotsi?
Roll up your sleeves! We’ll be helping the association’s members spend a month renovating four classrooms and the restrooms. This is very important because the school serves students from preschool through elementary school, so it will benefit many children.
Since it gets very hot in Togo, we’ll only be able to work on the construction site in the mornings. So we’ve planned to lead workshops with the children and villagers in the afternoons. We’ve come up with several themes centered on art, drawing, sculpture, sports, singing, dancing, and even gardening! Of course, we’ll also help by providing academic support and conducting awareness-raising activities. For this, we’ve drawn inspiration from the initiatives we carry out during our medical outreach work. We’ve also reached out to Médecins du Monde to get their guidance on the most effective ways to raise awareness. We’re really committed to doing things right.
And then in the evening, it’ll be time for gatherings. We want to spend time with the locals, sharing stories and talking about our cultures and traditions.
How can we help you bring this wonderful project to life?
This project requires €24,000 in funding. These expenses cover not only the construction work itself and the school and gardening supplies we need for the workshops, but also, of course, all costs related to transportation, lodging, and medical expenses for the 13 medical students who are about to depart!
To raise these funds, we have already applied for and received a grant from the FSDIE. This grant will cover the travel expenses for 5 of the 13 students who are going. We have also applied for grants from the CROUS, the JSI (Jeunesse Solidarité Internationale, funded by the Fonjep), and the department. We are currently awaiting the results.
Our final strategy is self-funding. To that end, we’ve set up the “TOGO Stand,” which we set up once a month at the university. Our goal is to sell snacks and, above all, secondhand clothing to fund our trip.
So you can help us by donating clothes you no longer want at the student union office and/or by buying clothes you like when the booth is set up! Nothing goes to waste: clothes that aren’t too worn are donated during outreach events organized by the ACM’s ISS division!
We have also set up a fundraising page for anyone who would like to make a donation.
Finally, we’re holding a raffle in April! All you have to do is buy a ticket at the student union. The drawing will take place at our Togo booth on April 21! Pins will also be on sale for the occasion, so don’t forget to stop by and follow us on Instagram: @med_trotter !
In brief
For the second year the Agnes McLaren Association is organizing a medical prize worth €4,000! Applications are open to students at the Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine who will defend their clinical thesis between September 2021 and March 2023. See below for registration details and the eligibility criteria for your thesis.
This award recognizes a doctoral dissertation in medicine focusing on the health of women and/or children in precarious or vulnerable situations and funds research based on that dissertation
TheAgnes McLaren Association, founded in 2018, works to preserve the memory ofAgnes McLaren, a Scottish woman and the first female doctor to graduate from the Faculty of Medicine in Montpellier in 1878. It is in honor of this physician, who dedicated her life to caring for the most disadvantaged women or those excluded from society, that the association wishes to award a medical prize for the first time.
To mark the Faculty’s 800th anniversary in 2020, the association established the Agnès McLaren Prize in Medicine. Every two years, this prize is awarded for a clinical thesis and a post-thesis project, focusing on the health of women in precarious or vulnerable situations or the health of children exposed to precariousness and/or vulnerable situations. It also funds a project based on this thesis. The Prize, in the amount of €4,000, will be awarded in June 2023 following a preliminary selection by a committee and review by a jury composed of healthcare professionals.
In the first edition, Justine Allouche won an award for her knowledge and expertise in cervical cancer screening.
In 2021, the award was won by Justine Allouche for her work assessing knowledge and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among women in prostitution in the Gard and Hérault departments. Justine was featured in an article in Midi Libre on that occasion!
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this medical award, candidates must meet several eligibility criteria:
What are the steps to enter the contest?
The second edition of the McLaren Medical Award will take place in five phases, as follows:
We hope many of you will enter this new contest! So get writing, and good luck on your theses!
After finishing in second place in 2017, our students are back in full force this year and took first place in the PlasmaCup, an intercollegiate challenge organized by the EFS to raise awareness about the importance of plasma donation. Here’s a look back at the challenge and the experience of our student coordinators for the Faculty of Medicine—Esteban, Pauline, and Carlota, members of the ACM association.
The PlasmaCup, an inter-school competition
Every year, the PlasmaCup is organized by the EFS (French Blood Establishment) in several university towns across France. What is the goal of this challenge? To raise awareness among as many students as possible about the importance of plasma donation.
In Montpellier, the Maison du Don is the place to go. Located in the Euromédecine neighborhood and accessible by tram (Line 1), the Maison du Don welcomes donors of blood, plasma, and platelets.
As part of the PlasmaCup, a box was set up so that each student donor could indicate their home institution. Each donation earned the institution 1 point.
The School of Medicine, winner in the Grandes Écoles category!
With a total of 17 donations, the Faculty of Medicine has taken the top spot in the “Grandes Écoles” category. This ranking is a source of great pride for Esteban, Pauline, and Carlota, who serve as President and Vice Presidents of the ACM’s ISS (Health and Social Innovation)division, respectively. “The EFS Solidarity Trophy will join the 2017 one in the student union office!” says Esteban. In fact, the ACM had previously coordinated the Faculty of Medicine’s participation as well. That year, we took second place.
To reward our students, Emilie Moral, the EFS’s promotions coordinator, presented the trophy to Esteban on Friday, February 4, along with tickets to an escape room, tickets to the MHR vs. Stade Français rugby match, and other goodies. “The prizes will be redistributed to the donors,” insists Carlota.
Plasma Donation: One Hour to Save Lives—A Painless and Informative Experience for Healthcare Students
Esteban and Carlota wanted to share their experience with us. ““After confirming my participation in the PlasmaCup by placing my ballot in the box, I met with the EFS doctor to verify that I was eligible to donate plasma. Then, for about 45 minutes, I went through the donation process, which is essentially like donating blood, except for the machine that separates the blood from the plasma,” explains Carlota.
“As a healthcare student, I found the process really interesting. Compared to a typical blood donation, you spend much more time interacting with the healthcare professionals overseeing the donation, and it’s a great opportunity to talk with them. The equipment used is also impressive. It really helps tie things back to what we’re learning in class,” says Esteban.
When asked if the donation was tiring, Carlota is quick to reassure: “Not at all! Unlike blood donation, the red blood cells are transfused back into us. There’s no anemia, so there’s no fatigue.”
PlasmaCup 2022: The Faculty will be out in full force!
With all this in mind, there’s no reason to be afraid of donating plasma! Emilie Moral tells us that the PlasmaCup will return in the fall of 2022.
“The ACM will be back again!” says Esteban. But that’s not all: The Plasma Cup is open to all members of the university community. So we’re counting on our students, as well as faculty and staff, to contribute to the 2022 challenge! Stay tuned for more updates 🙂
Focus: Where and how can you donate blood, plasma, or platelets in Montpellier?
In addition to the blood drives organized on our campuses by student associations (in Montpellier by the ACM in October, February, and April), you can donate blood, plasma, or platelets at the Maison du Don in Montpellier:
- Address : Parc Euromédecine, 392 Av. du Professeur Jean Louis Viala (Parc Euromédecine)
- Directions : Tram 1 (Euromédecine)
- Hours :
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- Monday / Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- First and third Saturday of the month: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Since getting started in healthcare studies in Montpellier can be daunting, the Montpellier Healthcare Tutoring Association (ATSM) offers a week-long internship and training program so that high school students can embark on these studies well-informed and well-prepared!
The program:
To mark High School Students’ Week, members ofthe Montpellier Health Tutoring Association have put together a comprehensive program designed to provide the best possible support not only to prospective medical students but also to their parents and the teaching staff at various high schools.
- This week, dedicated to high school students, will take place from April 19 to 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., online via Zoom!
- By the end of this completely free week, high school students will understand how the reform of admission to health-related programs (Medicine, Midwifery, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy under the PASS program) works!
- The association also offers a training program designed for secondary school teaching staff to equip them with the skills needed to guide high school students in choosing their academic paths.
- High school students will be fully informed about this year’s tutoring program, which offers academic and emotional support—completely free of charge and led by faculty members!
- Members of the ATSM association will lead a workshop on preparing for college. The program will also include a panel discussion bringing together students who have successfully entered health-related programs, their parents, and high school students and their parents.
- This week also includes students in 11th and 10th grade, with a comprehensive overview of the PASS and LAS programs and guidance on selecting specialized courses.
- For seniors, tutors will review the key points of the high school curriculum that students need to master in order to ensure they have a solid foundation.
Practical information:
Every year, students elect a new Vice Dean to represent them before the Dean and in the various faculty bodies (Management Council, Academic Council, etc.). This year, Florian is taking over from Salomé. Read his interview here: learn more about his background, his role in supporting students, and the initiatives he plans to launch throughout this academic year! An Interview.
Hello, Florian! You were recently elected Vice Dean of Students at the Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine. Could you tell us a little more about yourself?
Hello! My name is Florian Mary. I’m currently a senior in medical school in Montpellier, and I’m originally from Perpignan (Go USAP! 🟡🔴).
To put it briefly, you know, I don't think there are any right or wrong choices, but like many others, I haven't decided on my future path yet; I have several specialties in mind, including General Practice.
You are now the Student Vice Dean: what does your role entail?
It’s important to note that the VDE is, first and foremost, a student representative, and like any elected official, my term will last two years.
Our shared responsibility is therefore to represent students before the faculty’s academic and administrative bodies (the UFR, to be precise), whether during council meetings or committee sessions.
Nevertheless, for the next year, I will be responsible for tasks specific to the VDE, which include serving as the primary point of contact for the Dean and faculty representatives on all matters concerning students, and managing the team of student representatives and ADEMMOOS to ensure maximum efficiency in handling various issues and advancing the association’s development.
Furthermore, communication with other student organizations and academic programs within the faculty is essential, whether it involves a project idea, student representation, or facilitating certain exchanges. I believe these connections offer us new perspectives for reflection and allow us to lift each other up.
What motivated you to take on this role? Was this a commitment you wanted to make from the very beginning of your studies?
Before my term as an elected official and VDE, I had already spent two years involved in student organizations, first as a mentor and then as Vice President of Student Affairs at the Montpellier Medical Student Union, driven by a desire to be there to help students.
And I have to say that the experiences and the people I’ve met this year at ACM—whether it’s everyone in my class, the “senior” VP Reprez, and Salomé, of course—have played a big part in that.
I was curious, and I felt this position was a great opportunity to continue contributing to the students and the life of the faculty.
How do you balance your duties as Associate Dean with your responsibilities as a student?
So it requires a certain amount of organization, and last year was particularly helpful in that regard, especially because I was juggling a very demanding schedule of volunteer work and academic studies.
But I set aside my volunteer shifts at lunchtime so I can usually keep my work hours in the evening.
What are your goals for this term? What projects do you hope to carry out?
So our primary goal is to continue the projects started by previous boards, whether it’s the flu vaccination campaign, the Future Interns Forum…
This year, we have a perfect blend of experience and fresh ideas, and it really shows in our projects.
We want to ramp up our communication efforts, building on last year’s momentum—especially through ADEMMOOS’s Instagram (👉 go follow if you haven’t already)—while also staying active on other platforms.
Reforms are, of course, at the heart of our mandates, and well-being and sustainable development are also areas where new ideas emerge.
What are the most common requests from students?
Usually, it’s just about setting up a beer tap in the cafeteria 🙃.
More seriously, these are mainly questions about how our studies are organized and proposals for changes that require discussion with the school administration and teachers.
Student representatives serve as a channel for students to make their voices heard, and this is a theme that runs through many of the messages.
The health crisis is having a significant impact on students' lives right now. Do you have a message you'd like to share on this occasion?
I think that given the times we're living in, it's important to take care of ourselves and others.
Reach out to your family and friends, share your thoughts, chat, and talk with them—but don’t stay isolated. And if you need help, you can always turn to us; there will always be someone there to respond.
And take this opportunity to watch some classic movies—no more excuses for missing out on *The Green Mile* or *Forrest Gump* 🍿.
If students have questions for you or want to bring something to the attention of the management board, how can they contact you?
It’s very simple: through ADEMMOOS’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts, or via email 📩 for those who prefer that method at ademmos.elus.etudiants@gmail.com.
Or they can just come talk to us—we’re all really nice and we don’t bite!
One last question: what advice would you give to students who are interested in becoming an associate dean? How can they achieve this, and what do you think are the essential qualities for this role?
So, I think that having experience in the nonprofit sector—whatever form it takes—can be helpful and will give you an extra edge for the job, as well as allowing you to gain valuable experience.
Next, you need to be aware of the amount of work involved and the importance of the position, but don’t worry—good organization and a commitment to doing a good job will work in your favor.
After all, you’re not alone, and being a VDE is, above all, about being part of a team.
Having a great team like the one I’m part of is therefore essential to making this term as successful as possible!
Thank you very much for your time! We wish you all the best during your term and thank you for your dedication!
Following our feature on Othofaso a few days ago, it’s now time to spotlight ASMM, the Montpellier Medical School Sports Association! Today we’re speaking with Amandine, the vice president of communications, who’s here to tell us more!
Could you tell us a little about your organization? What is its mission?
The Association Sportive Médecine Montpellier (ASMM) is an organization founded about ten years ago with the goal of promoting physical activity among medical students in a friendly atmosphere. While this objective has remained unchanged over the years, the ASMM has evolved, notably by welcoming students in the PACES program (soon to be known as PASS-LAS) and midwifery students.Our association allows health students to reconnect with sports—often neglected during their studies—in a friendly and relaxed setting. These moments are especially important for PACES/PASS/LAS students, who face considerable pressure regarding their entrance exams. The entire team is therefore there to listen to them, providing moral support and a friendly outlet. This year’s goal is to open membership to other health-related programs, particularly to physical therapy and dental students.
What activities do you organize throughout the year? Could you tell us about them?
Throughout the year, we hold two sessions per week: one exclusively for PACES/PASS/LAS students and the other for medical and midwifery students. The content of our sessions varies based on the members’ preferences. Sessions often consist of exercises focused on endurance or strength training, as well as a more recreational component featuring team sports like Ultimate.
We also organize activities outside of class: canoeing, beach volleyball, trampoline, pétanque, laser tag, indoor soccer…
Why and how can I join your organization?
Joining our association gives students access to our sessions and sports events all year round. Membership costs €5 for PACES, LAS, PASS, and second- and third-year medical and midwifery students. Registration is free for students in higher years. You can sign up at any time throughout the year, either online via the Pumpkin app or in person at the start of a session or before an event: it’s easy—just download the app and create an account using the code ASMM.
Could you tell us a little about the 2020–21 executive board election?
A new executive board is elected internally each year. It consists mainly of third-year medical students, as well as one midwifery student. The current executive board consists of:
- Tristan Georger: President
- Juliette Cuminal: Secretary
- Cécile Burgalieres: Treasurer
- Romane Barbier and Nicolas Rouvière: Vice Presidents in charge of partnerships
- Pietro Rosso: Vice President in Charge of Sessions
- Aurélien Clamens: Vice President of Communications, Sage-Femme
- Amandine Sautel and Matthieu Branchereau: Vice Presidents of Medical Communications
COVID-19 Update
The current health crisis has led us to rethink our sessions, particularly by no longer offering team sports. We have also divided participants into groups of 10, then 6, to limit the spread of the virus and protect our members. Safety protocols (wearing masks, using hand sanitizer) are also strictly enforced during our sessions and events. We also prioritize outdoor activities, such as our running sessions. We also collaborate with partner sports facilities to offer small-group activities to our members, who can participate whenever they like (bowling, rock climbing, escape rooms, laser tag, etc.). We have also launched live Instagram yoga sessions, which help balance student well-being with the need to limit group activities.
How can I contact you on social media?
Instagram: tim_asmm
Facebook: tim asmm
Website: ASMM Association
