Tag archive for: Association

#OrganizationOfTheWeek – Discover Orthofaso

,

Following our feature on ANIMN a few days ago, we turn our attention to Orthofaso, the speech-language pathology student association dedicated to community service projects! Today we’re speaking with Mélanie, the secretary, who tells us more about the association’s mission, goals, and humanitarian efforts!

 

Could you tell us a little about your organization? What is its mission?

Orthofaso is a nonprofit organization established in 2006 under the French Law of 1901, dedicated to promoting and managing international projects through volunteer missions led by speech-language pathology students from Montpellier. Since 2015, the association has been working at an orphanage for children with multiple disabilities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (previous missions were in Burkina Faso). This year’s Orthofaso team consists of 17 speech-language pathology students.

We are traveling to Vietnam because the country was devastated during the war in the 1950s. The chemicals dumped on the country’s land have led to a very high rate of disability within the country, particularly among children. As a result, we work with children suffering from a wide variety of conditions, most of whom have cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and/or hearing loss.

What activities do you organize throughout the year? Could you tell us about them?

To raise funds, we organize various events throughout the year:

  • Yard sale and garage sale
  • Improvisational Theater Night
  • Blind test
  • Sale of "Chocolats du Cœur" at Christmas and Easter
  • Gift wrap stands at Maison du Monde and Le Bruit dans la Cuisine from November through Christmas
  • Raffle
  • Sale of bee wraps made by the team
  • Participation in the Castelnau-le-Lez Christmas market (sale of jars of cookie and muffin mixes, bee wraps, jams, crafts, Christmas cards, etc.)
  • Sale of used speech therapy games and materials to speech therapy students
  • Set up a Hello Asso fundraising page for online donations
  • Launch of Lilo (a search engine that funds social and environmental projects)
  • Sale of reusable cups and tote bags by the organization

Why did you join the organization as an individual member? What does your organization offer students?

Personally, I joined this organization to help others and contribute to a good cause. Plus, this experience allows me to be part of a team and see a project through from start to finish.

Orthofaso is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting an orphanage for children with multiple disabilities. It allows students who support us throughout the year to participate in various types of events that may interest and entertain them (trivia contests, raffles, clothing sales, improvisational theater nights, sales of used items, etc.) while helping us with our project.

Why and how can I join your organization?

There is no membership in our association.

Could you tell us a little about the 2020–21 executive board election?

Elections for the Orthofaso team will take place during the first semester of the 2020–21 academic year, but we cannot provide an exact date given the current health situation. Fourth-year speech-language pathology students who volunteer will then be able to join the association.

 

 

How can I contact you on social media?

Email: asso.orthofaso@gmail.com
Website: https://orthofaso.wixsite.com/orthofaso
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orthofaso
Instagram: Orthofaso_13

 

/by

#AssociationOfTheWeek – Meet ANIMN, the Association of New Residents!

, , ,

Our series introducing student organizations is back! Today, we’re featuring Léa Savater, President of ANIMN, the Association of New Medical Residents in Montpellier-Nîmes!

 

Could you tell us a little about your organization? What is its mission?

The Association of New Residents of Montpellier-Nîmes (ANIMN) was founded in 2009 and is dedicated to organizing the graduation ceremony for sixth-year medical students at the
the Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine.

Can you tell us more about this event?

This event, a central part of the faculty’s calendar, provides an opportunity to congratulate students who have just taken the ECNi (National Computerized Ranking Exam). Following this exam, students choose their
specialty and the city where they will practice. The graduation ceremony usually takes place at the Jardin des Plantes in the presence of the faculty’s teaching staff, the Dean, the University President, the Mayor, and representatives of the Medical Board. On this occasion, each student is presented with their graduation sash and diploma in front of their family and friends. It is a deeply moving and joyful occasion. Following the ceremony, the evening continues with a gala in the Cour d’honneur of the Faculty’s Historic Building for a final festive gathering between students and their families. This year, due to health restrictions, the ceremony will simply take place in the Cour d’honneur of the Historic Building on September 26.


 

Why did you join the organization as an individual member? What does your organization offer students?

This gathering gives our students a chance to come together one last time before they each go on to start their lives in the cities of their choice. This event is marked by a spirit of goodwill and allows us to celebrate the end of a chapter together. This year is all the more special as we will be celebrating the 800th graduating class of the Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine; it is an incredible opportunity to experience this moment in a building so steeped in history.

How can I contact ANIMN?

Facebook: Association of New Residents in Montpellier-Nîmes

/by

#OrganizationOfTheWeek – Meet Crocos du Monde!

,

Earlier, we met with AMEO. Today, we’re heading to Nîmes and even further afield with the Crocos du Monde association!

In a nutshell, what is the Crocos du Monde association?

Founded in 2007, “Crocos du monde” is the student humanitarian association of the Faculty of Medicine in Nîmes. Its goal is to enable medical and midwifery students to get involved in humanitarian work, each in their own way, and to raise awareness of global inequalities. The main objective is to organize an international solidarity project carried out each year. Since the association’s founding, the Crocos have already traveled to Morocco, Burkina Faso, and even Togo last summer!

What activities do you organize throughout the year? Could you tell us about them?

Throughout the year, we hold two major events: fundraisers for our international solidarity project and, starting this year, our local project in Nîmes, which has enabled us to launch social initiatives throughout our city.

To help fund our trip, we’ve been organizing events at our university since the beginning of the year. We’ve already held several bake sales. Over the holidays, we raised money by selling wrapping paper and chocolates.

At the same time, the Nîmes project is structured around several initiatives, most of which are carried out in partnership with the French Red Cross in the Gard department, particularly for outreach patrols and visits to nursing homes.

Why did you join the organization as an individual member? What does your organization offer students?

I’ve always been interested in humanitarian work, and this organization has given me the opportunity to get involved through a variety of local initiatives that balance our academic commitments with the limited time we can devote to volunteer work.

This allowed me to become aware of the various needs around me and take action to address them, whether directly in Nîmes or through fundraising and organizing the annual international solidarity trip.

Why and how do I join Crocos du Monde?

Our organization offers opportunities to get involved in social, community-oriented, and environmental initiatives. This allows you to make a meaningful contribution while staying true to your values. Additionally, it complements your studies by fostering social connections and engaging with underprivileged individuals.

You can join in September, after the fall general meeting, and then at any time throughout the year. Simply fill out a membership form and pay a membership fee of 10 euros by check or cash, and you will officially become a member of Crocos du Monde. The association is open to all students at the University of Nîmes (PACES/PASS, medicine, midwifery).

A few words about the 2020–2021 board?

The election of our executive committee takes place in two parts:

  • First, an executive committee (EC) was elected. Following an online campaign period, the vote took place in early June. Due to the current health situation, the handover ceremony will be held in person at the start of the new school year.
  • Then, in late September, second-year students (in medicine or midwifery) will be eligible to run for office. After a short campaign, the Student Council will select its executive board based on the number of candidates per position.

For more information, feel free to follow us on social media:

 

/by

#AssociationOfTheWeek – Meet the AMEO

,

Earlier this week, we metwith the Montpellier Health Tutoring Association. Today, we’re staying in Montpellier for our meeting with Kévin Vidal, the president of AMEO!

In a nutshell, what is AMEO?

AMEO is the Association of Orthoptic Students of Montpellier. It was founded in 2009 and aims to organize activities for orthoptic students through a variety of events. Through AMEO, we also represent students within the federations to which we belong: the AGEM (General Association of Montpellier Students) and the FFEO (French Federation of Orthoptic Students) in order to defend their student rights and the quality of their education within the various governing bodies

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year?

Throughout the year, we organize various types of events:

  • Team-building events such as parties or group activities, as well as team-building weekends for incoming classes, an end-of-year gala, and a farewell party for recent graduates
  • Events focused on “prevention, solidarity, and citizenship,”such as fundraising drives for Pink October, the Telethon, or Sidaction.
  • As orthoptics students, we are in contact with the Valentin Haüy Association, an organization that advocates for the rights of the visually impaired, provides them with training and access to employment, helps restore and develop their independence, and offers cultural, sports, and recreational activities accessible to the visually impaired.

AMEO also supports students throughout their studies and helps them transition into the workforce by sharing job openings with future graduates so they can enter the job market. Through these partnerships, AMEO also enables students to purchase orthoptic supplies at reduced prices by offering discounts or organizing group orders for educational materials.

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

Personally, I chose this field because the profession of orthoptist offers many opportunities. Patients come from all age groups, and the conditions and rehabilitation methods are very diverse. For example, an orthoptist may work with premature infants or children with visual exploration issues, or with cases of atypical conditions such as shaken baby syndrome. We can also work with older adults suffering from AMD or other eye conditions that cause significant functional impairment and, in some cases, require low-vision rehabilitation, as well as with people who simply need glasses or orthoptic rehabilitation.

Another aspect of this profession that I really love is the interdisciplinary nature of the work. We may find ourselves collaborating with occupational therapists to adapt the environment for the visually impaired, with speech-language pathologists to develop visual exploration strategies for children with attention disorders, or with physical therapists in the field of posturology. It is, therefore, a profession in which every case is different, offering the choice of working in a healthcare facility or in private practice, and providing the opportunity to train in a wide range of disciplines throughout our careers.

How do I join AMEO?

To join AMEO, you must be an orthoptics student in Montpellier. The membership fee is €3 per year. To join, simply submit a request at the association’s office located on the ADV campus!

A few words about the 2020–2021 board?

The election of the 2020–2021 executive board will take place at the end of June during the handover general meeting. Each slate running for the new executive board will present its rationale and plans. Each year, the executive board consists of at least one president, a secretary, a treasurer, a vice president in charge of communications, a vice president in charge of networking, a vice president in charge of partnerships, vice presidents in charge of events, and a vice president in charge of prevention, citizenship, and solidarity.

You can already find us on social media:
Twitter: AMEOrthoptistes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMEOMtp/
Instagram: @ameo_orthoptie

/by

#AssociationOfTheWeek – A Look at the Montpellier Health Tutoring Association

,

After meeting with Tutorat Santé Nîmois, this week we’re joining forces with the Association Tutorat Santé de Montpellier and its new president, Milla Esclafit-Cardoso! 

In a nutshell, what is the AssociationTutorat Santé Montpellier?

The Tutoring Program consists of second- and third-year health sciences students who have passed the PACES entrance exam and have been selected and trained for one year by the professors in charge of the program. Our goal is to provide free, high-quality academic and personal support to any student at the University of Montpellier and its branch campuses who wishes to pursue a career in healthcare. To meet this need, three associations are available to assist you: the Montpellier Health Tutoring Association, the Association of Pharmacy Tutors, and the Nîmes Health Tutoring Program. 

These three organizations pool their resources to provide equitable support to all students and share a common goal of ensuring equal opportunity in the admissions process for health-related programs. 

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year? 

To start the year off on the right foot, we’re offering a Pre-Semester Workshop open this year to all PACES and PASS students: its goal is to review the entire first-semester curriculum, help students develop effective study habits, and introduce them to the university so they can find their footing. 

Each week, we review the key points from each course across all subjects through multiple-choice quizzes supervised by professors; these sessions are offered at several different times so that students can tailor their schedules to their availability. To help students with their questions, office hours are held every day at noon on campus, and a forum is also available to students. 

To ensure regular and representative assessment, we hold weekly graded quizzes attended by approximately 900 students across our three campuses, as well as mock exams, which this year saw more than 1,600 students participate in the first semester. 

To adapt to the lockdown situation and health guidelines, we held our sessions and review sessions online via Zoom, which we recorded so that PACES students with unstable internet connections could watch them. We also expanded our YouTube channel to diversify our remote learning content, focusing on parts of the course that we felt were difficult to understand.

In addition to academic support, we help students navigate a demanding year by promoting activities focused on well-being, such as board game lunches and relaxation workshops… Our biggest wellness event is Pep’s Week, which takes place in early January—a particularly difficult time for PACES students. To help first-year students connect with upperclassmen, we establish a student mentoring program right at the start of the year. 

To further promote equal opportunity, the Tutoring Service works withHandiversité to offer a disability support service for students who need accommodations during sessions or exams. 

Finally, as part of the reform process, we serve as key points of contact both within the university—by organizing career guidance forums—and at the local level through various student fairs, as well as at the national level by participating in conferences that bring together tutoring programs from across France.

PreviousNext
12345

What made you decide to join the organization? 

Tutoring helped me pass my PACES exam by supporting me over the course of two years: this support was incredibly valuable to me because I couldn’t afford to pay for the services of a private tutoring agency. The tutors’ availability, the quality of the sessions, and above all the support in every aspect of PACES life (studying, lifestyle, morale…) really helped me get through this challenging period. It was a no-brainer for me to apply to be a tutor after I was admitted to my second year of medical school, so I was thrilled to join the UE7 team (Health, Humanities, Society). My year as a trainee tutor was so fulfilling that I wanted to continue the journey by joining the Tutoring Office to help revitalize it during the year of the reform: so we changed our name from the Montpellier Medical Tutoring Association (ATM²) to the Montpellier Health Tutoring Association (ATSM) to better reflect our commitment to diversifying the profiles of incoming students across all health programs! 

What does the association offer students?

Beyond mere academic guidance, our goal is to provide genuine support to all young adults who are navigating university studies, life away from home, and a very demanding workload. Our core value is equal opportunity, ensuring that selection for this first year is based on academic ability rather than financial circumstances. This aligns more broadly with our duty of camaraderie—a value we hold dear in the healthcare professions—and with our training, which is largely based on peer-to-peer learning. We are, after all, students ourselves who have gone through this experience and are trying to help PACES students just as we needed help when we were in their shoes!

Why do you think someone should join your organization? 

In the first year, students can sign up for tutoring free of charge at any time throughout the year: attendance is not mandatory, but according to faculty surveys, attending 80% of the tutoring sessions is the best way to succeed on the entrance exam! 

If you wish to join the ATSM as a tutor, you will have the opportunity to be selected based on your application and an interview after your second-semester grades are released. You will then hold the status of Trainee Tutor during your second year and may continue as a Qualified Tutor when you advance to your third year. 

A few words about the 2020–2021 board?

The General Assembly to inaugurate our new executive board took place on June 9: we are all very excited to renew our commitment to supporting students repeating PACES, PASS, and LAS. We know that this year can be daunting for recent high school graduates, and we are ready to support them through this transition. 

We are in the process of changing our name, so for now our old name is still showing up on social media:

Facebook: Medicine Tutoring in Montpellier 

Instagram: 

Email contacts: 

  • General questions about the association, PACES, and PASS: asso.atsm@gmail.com
  • Questions about LAS: vicepresident.las.atsm@gmail.com
  • Questions about possible accommodations under the Disability Tutoring Program: vptutohandicap@gmail.com

Networks of other associations: 

Nîmes Health Tutoring: 

Association of Pharmacy Tutors: 

We've also put together a promotional video for you in collaboration with the three tutoring programs!

/by

#AssociationOfTheWeek – A Look at the CNESF

,

Following our meeting with Dis-Lalie, the Montpellier-based association for the speech-language pathology program, this week we’re meeting with CNESF, the association for the midwifery program in Nîmes!

In a nutshell, what is the CNESF?

The Nîmes Midwifery Students’ Association is a nonprofit organization established under the French Law of 1901. Its purpose is to represent midwifery students in Nîmes and to advocate for them within federations such as the ANESF (National Association of Midwifery Students, our professional federation) and the AGEM (General Association of Montpellier Students, our regional federation). It also aims to listen to midwifery students in Nîmes, advise them as much as possible, and defend their rights and interests. Our association helps energize the student life of its members by organizing solidarity and prevention events, as well as festive, athletic, and cultural events. Finally, it aims to enhance our skills as future healthcare professionals through access to continuing education.

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year?

We are striving to expand our activities as much as possible through the association’s various divisions the association:

The public health division has organized, for example, film screenings followed by coffee-table discussions to discuss topics such as female genital mutilation or anonymous adoption, particularly following screenings of films in partnership with the Sémaphore in Nîmes.

As part of the annual awareness campaign for breast cancer screening, we created a calendar for Pink October. It features prevention tips and information, and the funds raised were donated to the League Against Cancer. We also participated in the Telethon alongside medical students.

Thanks to the growth of social media, we have created posters for global awareness days, such as the one created in collaboration with ANESF for World Contraception Day, and informational quizzes on various topics are also available. We have established a mentoring program between upperclassmen and different cohorts, which we plan to further develop next year. 

We organized festive and team-building events, including the end-of-year gala, which unfortunately could not take place. As we did last year, we continued to expand our babysitting network. Regarding AGEM and ANESF, we attend in person or remotely at every board meeting and general assembly to represent the midwifery students of Nîmes in policy decisions.

We hold monthly bake sales to raise funds for charities, to which we also donate children’s clothing and supplies.

Finally, we participated in this year’s PEPS Week, organized by Tutorat Santé Nîmes, at the Student Fair, as well as in the Faculty’s open house, to do our best to answer questions from prospective students.

PreviousNext
12345

Why did you personally choose the Maieutics track, and what does the association offer students in this track?


In my opinion, this is a field you choose out of passion. The program is long and require a significant investment, particularly in the many internships. But Supporting couples, mothers, women, and babies is what makes the diversity of our profession, and that’s what drew me to it. We have a wide range of expertise; whether in the private, public, or non-profit sectors, we can support women throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period (provided there are no medical complications). We can also provide preventive gynecological care and contraception consultations. We sometimes face difficult situations, but the intense moments of life and emotion serve as a reminder of why we started this work in the first place.

The association, for its part, provides opportunities to get together—whether at the clubhouse or at events—and to develop skills through training programs offered by ANESF or AGEM. Members can also stay up to date on national news, which we regularly share. For those who want to get involved in student life, it’s a great way to thrive while bringing their projects to life, all while collaborating with other students.

Why do you think someone should join your organization? 

Joining our association is, above all, a gesture of support. We represent midwifery students in the faculty’s student life. Joining allows you to stay informed about various events and connect with other associations within the faculty or outside of it. In fact, membership includes both AGEM and ANESF, allowing you to stay informed about discussions within these organizations and potentially influence outcomes by sharing your views on key issues. It offers the opportunity to take an active interest in the future of the profession and student life in the region, as well as to raise broader concerns.

Membership is also the only way to vote at general meetings for the future teams that will represent you in the coming terms. And on the fun side, membership gives you access to a wide range of partnerships secured by our fabulous VP of Partnerships. From laser tag to products from Luneale, Fempo, and many others, these partnerships offer great discounts. Finally, we have partnerships with professional insurance companies that offer additional coverage for students in internships.

How do I sign up? 

Joining is very easy: just come to our association’s office on campus between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. (every day) and pay 7 euros by check, cash, or even Lydia. We’ll give you a nice little card with our social media handles. You can join at any time throughout the year, but we close membership two weeks before the end-of-term General Assembly.

A few words about the 2020–2021 board?

Unfortunately, due to the current health situation, this year’s handover will take place remotely. We are in contact with the board members running for the 2020–2021 term and are more motivated than ever. There are exciting projects on the horizon that we look forward to learning more about. It is with a slight twinge of sadness that we leave this term, especially given the difficult end to the year, but with complete confidence in the dedication of the incoming board. These are motivated young women, with experience and a great deal of enthusiasm—everything needed to succeed. We could not have handed over this term with greater peace of mind than with such a wonderful new generation taking the reins!

Feel free to follow us on social media:

– Instagram: @CNESF

– Facebook: Nîmes Association of Midwifery Students

– Twitter: @CNESF2

 

 

 

 

/by

#OrganizationOfTheWeek – Meet Dis-Lalie

,

As we’ve seen, the Ademmoos association brings together elected representatives from every sector! This week, we’re focusing on speech-language pathologists in Montpellier through the Dis-Lalie association! 

In a nutshell, what is the Dis-lalie association?

Dis-Lalie, founded in 1998, is the association for speech-language pathology students in Montpellier. The association’s goals are to foster student life through a variety of events and to represent speech-language pathology students in Montpellier within the federations to which Dis-Lalie belongs, namely the FNEO (National Federation of Speech-Language Pathology Students) and AGEM (General Association of Montpellier Students), to help students prepare for their professional careers through conferences, training sessions, and meetings with partners and healthcare professionals, and to support students in defending their rights and ensuring the smooth progress of their education with university and local authorities.

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year? 

Throughout the year, Dis-Lalie organizes events for its student members:

  • Team-building activities : team-building weekends and afternoons, social events, meals, ski trips, end-of-year ceremony, attendance at the graduation ceremony for new graduates…
  • Speech-language pathology training : lectures (on Alzheimer’s disease, lip-reading, stuttering, etc.), training sessions and workshops related to the profession (drawing, accounting, etc.)
  • Wellness events : sophrology and yoga workshops.
  • Cultural events : city tour, visit to the anatomy museum, hikes around Montpellier, beer/chocolate tasting…
  • Events focused on prevention, civic engagement, and solidarity: bake sales for Telethon Week, Pink October, and Sidaction, with proceeds donated to charitable organizations; toy drives for hospitalized children at Christmas; collections of plastic bottle caps to be repurposed into assistive devices for people with disabilities; and participation in the hospital’s teddy bear drive…

Dis-Lalie also supports students throughout their studies. Whether by offering discounts on speech therapy materials through our partnerships with publishers or by informing students about the financial aid and mobility assistance available to them. We then assist students interested in spending a semester abroad with the necessary administrative procedures. Dis-Lalie also helps students who wish to pursue a university degree in speech-language pathology by sharing testimonials from speech-language pathology students on social media and by hosting candidates during the oral exam, among other things.

Why did you personally choose the speech-language pathology program, and what does the association offer students in this program?

Personally, I chose to pursue a career in speech-language pathology because it is a profession focused on care and, above all, rehabilitation, which allows you to see real progress in patients, particularly through speech-language therapy.  It’s a very diverse field. Indeed, patients come from all age groups, and the conditions and rehabilitation methods are highly varied. For example, a speech-language pathologist may work with newborns who have oral motor disorders, children with learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysorthography, dyscalculia…), as well as patients with neurological conditions, hearing loss, post-stroke, or even post-COVID! It is therefore a profession in which every case is different, offering the choice to work in a healthcare facility or in private practice, and providing the opportunity to continue training throughout our careers on a wide variety of conditions.

Why do you think someone should join your organization? 

Our association provides speech-language pathology students in Montpellier with opportunities to come together at various events, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among students at our training center. Membership in Dis-Lalie offers students numerous benefits:

  • Discounts or free admission to events organized by the association
  • Access to conferences and training sessions on speech-language pathology, organized by our Vice President of Training
  • Preferential rates from our partner companies: insurance providers, publishing houses, and more…
  • Discounted or free travel to events organized by the FNEO (training weekends and national conferences)
  • Opportunity to participate in all team-building, cultural, and wellness events organized by the association
  • Right to vote at general meetings

How do I sign up? 

Membership is renewed annually in September. The membership fee for the 2019–2020 year is €11.

A few words about the 2020–2021 board?

The election of the 2020–2021 executive board will take place at the end of October during the handover general meeting. The election of Dis-Lalie’s new executive board will be conducted on a position-by-position basis. Each candidate will have the opportunity to present their rationale to the assembly. Each year, the executive board consists of two co-chairs, a secretary, a treasurer, a vice-president in charge of communications, a vice-president in charge of training, a vice-president in charge of international mobility, a vice-president in charge of social issues, a vice-president in charge of culture, a vice president in charge of partnerships, a vice president in charge of student representation, vice presidents in charge of events, vice presidents in charge of social gatherings, vice presidents in charge of prevention, citizenship, and solidarity, and an admissions coordinator.

Here are our contact details. Feel free to follow us on social media:

 

 

/by

#OrganizationOfTheWeek – Meet ADEMMOOS

,

Last week, we met with the Association Carabins Montpelliéraine to learn more about student life for medical students. Today, Salomé Duteurtre, the Student Vice Dean, is answering our questions!

In a nutshell, what is ADEMMOOS?

ADEMMOOS is the Association of Student Representatives for the Montpellier-Nîmes programs in Medicine, Speech-Language Pathology, Orthoptics, and Midwifery. It brings together nearly 40 elected student representatives from the various programs. 

We work every day to:

  • in Interprofessionalism : all of the faculty’s programs are represented;
  • in Intersite, through a collaboration between residents of Montpellier and Nîmes;
  • for To represent all students in the department before the administration, the faculty, and the university hospital.

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year? 

Above all, our year is shaped by our student advocacy efforts.

As such, we are represented on two major councils within the faculty:

  • The Academic Council facilitates consultation among the various stakeholders in the faculty (faculty members, administrative staff, and students) regarding the programs offered by the department. Topics discussed include assessment methods and the evaluation of teaching materials. 
  • The Management Council is the faculty’s decision-making body, which votes on and reviews the internal regulations, the budget, agreements entered into by the faculty, and educational programs.

 

Our goal is therefore to give students a voice, often through surveys, which allow us to carefully gather their opinions and views on the various issues that arise during the academic year. 

In addition, we are also carrying out a number of projects to improve our training conditions. For example, several of our initiatives focus on health promotion:

  • Improving student well-being in all its forms is one of our top priorities. Given the challenging and demanding nature of our programs, some students may find themselves struggling; we strive to support them and connect them with resources that can help.
  • We are raising awareness about the flu vaccine to encourage students—future healthcare professionals—to get vaccinated. In particular, we organized a vaccination day on campus. 

We also support initiatives aimed at enhancing student life on campus. We participate in Open House events and European Heritage Days to lead tours and engage with the public. In addition, we help design and develop living and working spaces.

We keep students informed about the latest news from the faculty; for example, during the COVID-19 crisis, we provided them with regular updates on the situation and changes to our programs.

We assist medical interns in choosing their specialties through the Future Intern Forum (FFI), which we organize in collaboration with the Languedoc-Roussillon Intern Union.

Finally, we work with all of the faculty’s student organizations:

  • We support student-led educational and mentoring initiatives, such as PACES tutoring, tutoring for upper-level medical and midwifery students, and preparation sessions for the iECN exam…
  • We are involved in student representation at the local level (AGEM) and at the national level through our respective academic program associations.

What does the association offer students?

Our organization promotes several things:

  • the support and representation of all students enrolled in the Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montpellier;
  • the promotion of improving student living conditions (in terms of the quality of studies and educational offerings) within the UFR by establishing an ongoing dialogue between students, their elected representatives, and student organizations across all programs within the UFR;
  • the bringing together of students from the various departments within the faculty, particularly through the development of joint student initiatives, in order to transcend the divisions inherent in different academic programs and foster mutual inspiration by leveraging the synergy of diverse skills.

In addition, students are not required to pay any fees. Simply by being enrolled in the department, students can participate in all the activities offered by our association.

A few words about the 2020–2021 board?

Our association's executive board is made up of students—whether or not they are elected representatives of their academic department—who are appointed for a one-year term from October to October to coordinate the team of student representatives.

The 2020–2021 term will begin this summer: please feel free to contact the current board if you’re interested in any of the positions!

Please feel free to contact us with any questions about student representation!

 

/by

#ClubOfTheWeek – Meet the Association Carabine Montpelliéraine

,

In addition to the Med’Ley Association, this week we also feature the Association Carabine Montpelliéraine (ACM) and its president, Colin Azria.

In a nutshell, what is the Association Carabine Montpellieraine?

The Association Carabine Montpelliéraine (or the Montpellier Medical Student Association) is a non-profit, non-partisan, and non-denominational association governed by the French Law of 1901, which aims to represent medical students in Montpellier. It is the only association that officially and exclusively represents medical students in Montpellier from the first year (PACES) through the sixth year.

Working closely with the PACES Tutoring Program and the faculty of the School of Medicine, the ACM supports students throughout their academic journey by providing various resources (books, handouts, stethoscopes, and other supplies) and offering them the opportunity to participate in a variety of events (community service initiatives, cultural events, student parties, galas, etc.).

In addition, the ACM is part of the local student representation network (Z’élus associatifs) and the national network (ANEMF – National Association of Medical Students in France), which advocates for students’ interests before administrative and government bodies.

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year?

The initiatives we undertake are wide-ranging and encompass all the opportunities that may arise during our studies. First, we have set up a direct sales service for course handouts to help students learn more effectively. 

We participate in national and international exchange programs, which we organize through the ANEMF network in the form of various exchange programs. 

For several years now, we have also built strong relationships with local businesses throughout Montpellier that offer us “great deals.” We are also in the process of expanding our scope of action to play a more active role in community solidarity and sustainable development in our beautiful city of Montpellier. From simple student parties to global health charity events like the Telethon, Movember, Pink October, or Sidaction, and the Medicine Gala—as well as a daily Culture section offering organic food baskets, “ciné’kult” film screenings, and great deals for students in Montpellier—the ACM aims to support medical students throughout their studies.

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

Personally, I’ve always been drawn to medical concepts, so it was only natural that I chose this path. It’s only when you choose to study medicine that you realize just how much work still lies ahead. But it’s by volunteering your time to serve an organization that you truly realize the immense scope of the work you can and must do. Having briefly described our activities above, I believe that the Corpo Médecine is an institution that, for several generations now, has been part of the daily lives of medical students and helps keep our traditions alive. 

Why do you think someone should join your organization? 

By joining our association, you’ll be able to discover all our great deals in Montpellier, participate in all our events, gain access to the services we offer (sales of handouts, supplies, books, etc.), and much more!

How do I sign up? 

Joining is easy—just stop by our office at the Arnaud de Villeneuve campus, located at 641 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34090 Montpellier. The membership fee is €10, payable annually. 

A few words about the 2020–2021 board?

The election of the Corpo Médecine executive board takes place at the end of each academic year and is conducted by second-year students. They select members from their class to form the executive board for the following year. You can find out more about the new executive board members on our website.

We're also on social media—you can find us at: 

/by

#OrganizationOfTheWeek – Meet Med’ley

,

Last week, we met with the Carabins Crocodiles Association to learn more about community life in Nîmes. Today, Gaël Gomez, president of the Montpellier music association, is taking part in a Q&A session!

In a nutshell, what is Med’Ley?

Med’ley Montpellier Association is the music club based at the School of Medicine. Since last year, it has been open to all students in healthcare programs (medicine, midwifery, pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy, etc.). Above all, our goal is to bring music into these long and challenging studies. It also allows all these future healthcare professionals to interact with one another during our various events. It is not just a club for musicians, but rather an opportunity for students to meet and connect in a musical setting.

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year?

PreviousNext
123

The Med’ley association organizes a wide variety of events. First and foremost, we are fortunate to be able to bring joy to hospitalized children by performing in the pediatric wards at the Arnaud de Villeneuve and Gui de Chauliac university hospitals. 

In addition to our humanitarian efforts, we organize concerts at popular bars in Montpellier, as well as Blind Test and karaoke nights—all with the aim of bringing people together through music. 

In addition, for the past two years, our singing competition, the Med’ley Music Awards, has brought together singers from all academic disciplines at the University of Montpellier and other cities such as Toulouse and Nîmes. Held in the anatomy amphitheater, this competition brings together more than 200 people every year, with a new feature introduced this year: direct qualification for the finals of the Coupe de France d’Interprétation for our grand prize winner. The winner also gets to enjoy a studio recording session with our partner. 

In addition, at the end of the academic year, we usually organize a large outdoor concert in the Jardin des Plantes, complete with food and drink stands; however, due to the current crisis, this event could not take place.

Med’ley also gives musicians the opportunity to perform at many other events, such as the Gala Médecine, the ACM’s Open Stages, and Heritage Days, among others.

Finally, throughout the year, we offer lessons in our music room to help members learn an instrument, as well as jam sessions to bring musicians together. 

What does the association offer students?

The club gives health science students the chance to come together through music, regardless of their major, and take their minds off things. It allows people to connect and socialize in a much more relaxed setting—through music. 

In addition, through our work in pediatrics, these future healthcare professionals can come to view the hospital in a different light—from a more entertaining perspective. 

Why do you think someone should join your organization? 

First of all, our members have free access to our music room in the historic building, where they can practice, rehearse, or use the instruments provided for their use. 

They also have the opportunity to play at the CHU and perform at all the various events we organize. But they can also simply come by to take advantage of our many special rates and enjoy a great time with music. 

Members who want to learn to play an instrument or pick it back up can join our Med’ley tutorials. 

Finally, they’ll be able to take advantage of discounts and special offers from our various partners. 

How do I sign up? 

Membership, which costs €5 for second-year students (DFGSM2, DFGSA2, etc.), €3 for PACES students and third-year students, and is free for students in higher years, can be purchased at any time of the year. 

You can join us during our office hours at the various schools, before or during our events, or by contacting us through our social media channels.

A few words about the 2020–2021 board?

The 2020–2021 executive board has already been selected and will take office following the handover General Assembly, which will be held in early June. This motivated, promising board, brimming with new ideas, is sure to satisfy our future members, especially since it brings together four health-related programs… 

In the meantime, you can follow us on social media:

Facebook: @MedleyMontpellierAssociation 

Instagram: @medley.asso

 

 

/by