Tag archive for: campus life

#ClubOfTheWeek – Meet the Carabins Crocodiles Club

,

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

In a nutshell, what is the CCC?

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

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

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year? 

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

  • Movember to raise awareness about prostate cancer screening during the month of November. 
  • The Telethon, the CCC is running a booth in the lobby of the Nîmes University Hospital and raising funds for the foundation. 
  • Sexual health education and a rose sale on Valentine's Day, to raise awareness about various STIs and methods of contraception. 
  • Teddy Bear Hospital to help young children become familiar with the hospital environment. 
  • The Blind Dining Experience at Vatel with the French Federation of the Blind and Visually Impaired(FAAF) 
PreviousNext
123

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why do you think someone should join your organization? 

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

Finally, membership gives every student a voice at General Meetings.

How do I sign up?

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

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

A few words about the 2020–2021 board?

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

Chairman: Alexandre CARRAT 

Treasurer: Arthur POMMIER 

Executive Vice President: Léhéna CACHIA 

Secretary: Ambrine BOUZIT 

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

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

Contact us on Facebook via the account: Charles Claude Croco 

Find us on Instagram: @CharlesClaudeCroco

 

/by

#ClubOfTheWeek – Meet the AMESF

,

This week, we’re talking to Justine Rizzo, president of the Montpellier Midwifery Students’ Association (AMESF). From its goals and initiatives to its mission—find out everything you need to know about this association in this interview!

In a nutshell, what is AMESF?

AMESF is the student association for the midwifery program in Montpellier. Our goals are to represent midwifery students, provide services and recreational activities for our members, and organize solidarity and humanitarian initiatives. To this end, we are part of several student association networks. First, at the local level with AGEM, the General Association of Montpellier Students, and also at the national level with ANESF, the National Association of Midwifery Students.

 

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year? 

Our year is punctuated by several events, some for entertainment purposes—such as the End-of-Year Gala—and others, like the Concert en rose, which is a charity event benefiting the Naître en Rose association.

Throughout the year, we also organize several community outreach events where our members can volunteer to help us staff booths. During “Pink October,” we raise awareness about breast cancer and hold a fundraiser for the organization “Cancer du sein, Parlons en !” We also participate in the Telethon and Sidaction. 

This year, a new project was launched for the first time: the “Endometriosis” project. It is particularly close to our hearts because this condition is not well known, yet it affects about 10% of women.  We visited several faculties in Montpellier to meet with many students and faculty members who aren’t necessarily in the health field (Faculty of Sciences, Paul Valéry University, and the Faculty of Sports Science). We were able to raise awareness about this condition through flyers, quizzes and games, and an information display. We concluded the week by organizing a “film-discussion” event at the Faculty of Medicine on the topic. Following a short film, a discussion took place between various healthcare professionals (midwives, gynecologists) and the audience. We thus raised awareness about this condition and also raised significant funds for research through the “EndoFrance” association.

Finally, we also partner with the French Blood Establishment; every month, we raise awareness about donating blood, plasma, and bone marrow, and announce the various collection sites through our publications.

Why did you personally choose the midwifery program? In your opinion, what does the association offer students in this program?

What I love about being a midwife is working in healthcare, helping families during a special time in their lives—such as the birth of a child—and being able to guide, support, and advise women throughout their lives. Being a midwife requires a wide range of skills and knowledge, including gynecological, pediatric, and obstetric expertise. This profession involves having a thorough understanding of women’s physiology and being able to detect even the slightest problem.

For its part, the association provides students in this program with support, activities, and opportunities to explore various issues. It also allows them to participate in various community service and humanitarian projects, as mentioned earlier. The association offers support to both new students and upperclassmen in this program.

Why do you think someone should join your organization? 

Membership offers many benefits, which we have categorized into several areas. 

The Education Division
The Entertainment Hub
The Student Services Office
The Partnership Division
The Representation Division
The Solidarity Division
It allows us to set up a system for sharing notes and printing out course materials in paper format. We also place group orders for books and supplies for the workshops.  It allows members to attend the events we organize and enjoy special rates at select restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in Montpellier. It’s also an opportunity to foster a sense of community through our events, such as the end-of-year gala. It provides access to “SOS Nounou,” a service that connects midwifery students with parents looking for babysitters. We also offer the option to order vegetable baskets at affordable prices. It allows our members to get discounted prices from our association's partners It allows students to stay informed about the various discussions and training sessions organized by AGEM and ANESF and to participate in them. It entitles members to participate in all the activities we organize, such as those mentioned above.

How do I sign up?

By paying the €10 membership fee at the AMESF office, located on the Arnaud de Villeneuve Campus at 641 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, Montpellier 34090. 

Starting this year, any student, regardless of their major, can join our association. While they don’t have access to all the same benefits as midwifery students, they’re welcome to attend our social events, share their ideas, or get involved in our various projects, for example!

A few words about the 2020–2021 board?

We have complete confidence in the next generation; great things are in store, and we can’t wait to see them bring all their projects to life! 

In the meantime, you can find us on all our social media platforms!

Facebook: AMESF – Montpellier Association Association of Midwifery Students in Montpellier

Instagram: amesf_sfmtp

Snapchat: amesf_sfmtp

Twitter: AMESF_SFMTP

 

 

 

/by

Sports: Health Benefits

, ,

Physical activity isn’t just a way to lose weight. Exercise offers significant benefits from medical, social, and economic perspectives. 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 alone cannot prevent obesity or being overweight. However, physical activity is often recommended as a complement 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, which have metabolic effects on various organs at a distance. As Cédric Moro (research director at Inserm within the 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 notably reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.” 

The positive effects of exercise on weight issues or diabetes are only beneficial if 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, thereby reducing cardiovascular risks:

  • Potential 50% reduction in high blood pressure
  • Increase in good cholesterol levels
  • Blood sugar control

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 requires 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).”

Regular physical activity helps strengthen the heart and thus prevent or delay cardiovascular problems.

 

Cancer

It’s no secret that 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 side 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 potential effects of regular physical activity on the mechanisms involved in tumor proliferation can be explained: the best-documented effects pertain to breast cancer and involve glycemic 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 cancer.

Mental health

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

Exercise doesn’t just help people with health conditions. It also promotes well-being in those who engage in it, helping to reduce psychological risks.

Stress relief

Physical activity can help reduce stress. In fact, exercise triggers the body to release 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 anxious or stressed individuals, regular physical activity provides the same benefits as anti-anxiety medications, without the side effects or risk of dependency; 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, serotonin being the primary one.

Beyond its calming effect, exercise also allows us to take a break from our daily routine 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 notes that “exercise has 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 largely due 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 be more organized and, as a result, to regulate their biological rhythm (also known as the circadian rhythm). This also involves eating better 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 that 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.

A team led by Lisa Weinberg at the Georgia Institute of Technology (United States) conducted a study involving students who were asked to memorize 90 photos. The first group was asked to perform leg exercises 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 (academic, 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 (Montpellier Medical Students' Association)

This sports club consists of 3–4 members dedicated to serving medical students who wish to engage in regular physical activity. With the aim of promoting sports, it provides them with sports facilities 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

/by
Art & Anatomy Exhibition

The Fabre Museum and the Atger Museum are celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine

, , ,

On February 29, the exhibition “Art & Anatomy: Crossed Perspectives,” a joint presentation by the Fabre Museumand the Atger Museum at the Faculty of Medicine, will open. This is an opportunity for everyone to discover a wide range of works that blend art and anatomy.

 

Update 10/29/20: Closure of the exhibition at the Atger Museum

After being extended at the Musée Fabre over the summer, it’s now the Musée Atger’s turn to reopen its doors to the public so visitors can (re)discover this wonderful exhibition. Don’t miss it!

The Atger Museum is open for this exhibition Monday through Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., from August 31 to October 31.

>> The Atger Museum is located within the historic building of the Faculty of Medicine, 2 Rue de l’École de Médecine – 34000 MONTPELLIER.

–> Update 10/29/20: Due to government announcements, the exhibition, which was originally scheduled to run through October 31, will end on the evening of October 29.

Two museums, one theme

“The exhibition, created especially for this occasion, presents a unique dialogue between art and anatomy, allowing visitors to view the human body as an inexhaustible source of knowledge and artistic inspiration.”

Philippe Saurel, Mayor of Montpellier and President of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole.

portrait-exhibition-collaboration

From the circle of Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, Head of a Young Woman, 18th century, Montpellier, Musée Fabre, 864.2.174 (c) Musée Fabre Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole; photographs by Frédéric Jaulmes • Reproduction prohibited without permission

 With the exhibition “Art & Anatomy: Crossed Perspectives,” you can explore, across two venues, previously unseen scientific and artistic drawings that have helped students study the human body over the centuries. Markingthe firstcollaboration between the two museums, this exhibition offers a glimpse into works deeply rooted in Montpellier’s history and its scientific legacy. This exhibition will allow visitors to better understand the city’s prestigious past and its connection to medicine and medical education.

“The Fabre Museum, the Historical Library of the Faculty of Medicine, and the Atger Museum have brought together a remarkable collection of works to help us explore the many connections between art and anatomy.”

Michel Mondain, Dean of the Montpellier-Nîmes School of Medicine.

 

Two complementary perspectives

At the Fabre Museum, you’ll find, among other things, a collection of old treatises on anatomy and academic studies depicting the human body, drawn from the collection of the donor Xavier Atger (1758–1833). The large male nudes by François-Xavier Fabre and works by Jean-Antoine Houdon are also on display Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with admission starting at €5.

Learn more about the Musée Fabre

At the Atger Museum, the interdisciplinary exhibition *Art and Anatomy* highlights a major theme in the Faculty of Medicine’s collection—and indeed in the history of art—namely the portrait and the depiction of the human face. Facial expressions as seen through the eyes of artists from the 16th to the 20th centuries will take center stage. The museum will be open Monday through Saturday from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Admission is free, and guided tours can be booked for groups of at least 8 people for €7 per person.

Learn more about the Atger Museum

 

Learn more about our Faculty’s 800th anniversary and our program
/by
Literary Evening Celebrating the 800th Anniversary of the School of Medicine

The History of the School of Medicine in Six Volumes

, , ,

The long history of the Montpellier-Nîmes School of Medicine is a source of inspiration. To celebrate its 800th anniversary, we invite you to join us on Thursday, February 27, starting at 5:00 p .m. , for a literary evening.

One venue, two events

This literary evening will take place in the Glafira Ziegelmann Amphitheater, which will be inaugurated for the occasion. The venue was not chosen at random; the story of this woman—Montpellier’s first female resident and the first woman eligible to take the medical certification exam—is one of the events that have left their mark on the Faculty of Medicine. Members of her family will also be present for the occasion, a poetic way of connecting the past and the future.

Presentations, discussions, and book signings

The evening will then continue, hosted by Dr. Etienne Cuenant, with the presentation of six books related to the history of the Faculty of Medicine. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the seven authors in attendance and then participate in a book-signing session. 

Online registration

Professor François Bonnel

 The first book, written by Professor François Bonnel, *The Montpellier Anatomy Museum: A Historical Heritage* ( published by Éditions Sauramps Médical ), will be available in April 2020 for €59. In this book, Professor Bonnel presents and describes the 4,500 anatomical specimens preserved at the Anatomy Museum from 1794 to 1930. The experience doesn’t end there, as a virtual tour is included. 

 

Professor Jean-Pierre Dedet

  Professor Jean-Pierre Dedet will present his book *Teaching Medicine in Montpellier: A 900-Year-Long Story. The Oldest School of Medicine in the Western World,” also published by Éditions Sauramps Médical, available in English in February 2020 and in French in May 2020 for €35. Hereyouwill find the history of the Faculty of Medicine since its founding, which has continued to operate throughout the centuries, even during the darkest hours of history.

 

Jean-Luc Fabre

Jean-Luc Fabre will present two of his novels: *La prophétie de Guilhem de Montpellier*, available in May 2020 , and *La Vénitienne des pénitents blancs*, published in November 2017 by Éditions Privat, each priced at €20. The first book recounts, in fictionalized form, the history of the city’s founding and the arrival of the first doctors and money changers. The second story brings to life the leading figures of the Faculty of Medicine and the Academy of Sciences and Letters of Montpellier in the early 18th century. 

Caroline Fabre-Rousseau

 

Written by Caroline Fabre-Rousseau, *Elles venaient d’Orembourg* ( published by Éditions Chèvre-feuille étoilée and available in February 2020 for €17) tells the story of two Russian women who came to study medicine in Montpellier in the late 19th century: Glafira Zigelmann and Raïssa Lesk Kessek.

 

Finally, “A Century of Radiology in Montpellier,” co-authored by Professors Jean-Louis Lamarque, Jean-Paul Sénac, and Dr. Elysé Lopez and published by Éditions Mimosa Montpellier, will be available in February 2020 for €35. It traces the history of electro-radiology through to medical imaging in Montpellier, from its origins in 1896 through to the 2000s. In this book,youwill find both the grand history, richly illustrated by those who shaped it, and the personal stories, told through images and anecdotes by those who lived through it. 

So there will be something for everyone, giving everyone a chance to explore the history of their city and their college in a whole new way!

Learn more about this event

To experience or relive this evening, you can find it below:

/by
Ceremony on November 11, 2019

The Faculty honors its deceased members

, , ,

The Faculty of Medicine will pay tribute to its fallen members as part of the November 11 commemorations. A ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. in the Atrium of the historic building, attended by Michel Mondain, Dean of the Faculty, Etienne Guibal, Gilles Morlock, and representatives of veterans’ associations.

Tribute to those who died in World War I

As part of the commemorations of the 1918 Armistice, the Dean of the Faculty, Michel Mondain, will pay tribute to the doctors and students of the Faculty of Medicine who died for France during that war. He will be joined by Etienne Guibal, son of André Guibal, a “trench doctor” and auxiliary physician in the 32nd Infantry Regiment. The ceremony will take place on November 12 at 3:00 p.m. in the Atrium of the Faculty’s historic building. A wreath will be laid at the foot of the war memorial.

 

Ceremony on November 11, 2019
Ceremony on November 11, 2019

 

A virtual exhibition

Rheumatologist Gilles Morlock will also be in attendance. A specialist on this war, he is the author of the study “1914–1918: The Shattered Lives of the Montpellier Faculty of Medicine, ” published in 2016 for the virtual exhibition “1914/18: Medicine on the Field of Honor.” A tribute to the many doctors, professors, and students who went to the front to treat the millions of people wounded in this conflict, at the risk of their own lives. An exhibition drawn from the collections of the Anatomy Conservatory, archival documents from the Faculty of Medicine, works from the university library, and private collections. These testimonies offer a glimpse into a little-known aspect of the University during this period, which remains one of the most tragic in our history.

 

Press Release Virtual Exhibition

 

/by