Tag Archive for: Student Life

#OrganizationOfTheWeek – A Look at Med’ley

,

Last week, we sat down 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 association based at the School of Medicine. Since last year, it has been open to all students in health-related programs (medicine, midwifery, pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy, etc.). Above all, our goal is to bring music into these long and challenging courses of study. It also allows all these future healthcare professionals to interact with one another during our various events. It’s 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 of all, we are fortunate to be able to bring joy to children in the hospital 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 well-known bars in Montpellier, as well as Blind Test and karaoke nights—all with the goal of bringing everyone 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 lecture hall, this competition draws more than 200 people each year, with a new feature introduced this year: our grand prize winner qualifies directly for the finals of the Coupe de France d’Interprétation. The winner also receives 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, featuring food and drink stands; however, due to the current crisis, it could not take place.

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

Finally, throughout the year, we organize tutorials 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 care 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 fun setting—through music. 

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

Why do you think people 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 we provide. 

They also have the opportunity to play at the CHU and perform at all the various events we’re involved in. But they can also simply come by to take advantage of our many special rates and have a good time enjoying the music. 

Members who want to learn to play an instrument or get back into it can participate in 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 during our office hours at the various colleges, before or during our events, or by contacting us through our social media channels.

A few words about the 2020–2021 executive board?

The 2020–2021 executive board has already been selected and will take office after the General Assembly for the handover of duties, which will take place 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 fields… 

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

Facebook: @MedleyMontpellierAssociation 

Instagram: @medley.asso

 

 

/by

#ClubOfTheWeek – A Look at the Carabins Crocodiles Club

,

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

In a nutshell, what is the CCC?

The Carabins Crocodiles Corporation 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 of the Faculty of Medicine. We also occasionally organize student events, whether they are social, charitable, cultural, athletic, or recreational.

The association allows us both to represent our members before the administrative bodies of the Montpellier-Nîmes School 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 Rose Sales on Valentine's Day, to raise awareness about various STIs and methods of contraception. 
  • The 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 they take the first-semester exam. 

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

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

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

“On a personal level, I felt called to practice medicine while I was preparing for my PACES exam; I was 18 years old. It became crystal clear to me then 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 challenging, 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—after graduating from high school, I first enrolled in a biology program at a university technology institute (IUT). 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 work directly with patients in a hospital setting and to make decisions about their care, I finally realized that medicine was the perfect fit for me. After a long personal and professional journey—and one bridge program later—here I am pursuing what I consider to be the most wonderful course of study. It’s long and difficult, but so engaging, satisfying, and enriching. And on top of that, there’s a great sense of camaraderie and some wonderful friendships.” LaureM. 

As for the association, it offers student members the opportunity to grow 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 meet, share ideas, and socialize.

Why do you think people 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 any of our student gatherings and to purchase the various merchandise and goodies we offer, such as the Faculty sweatshirt.

Finally, membership allows every student to have a voice at General Assemblies.

How do I sign up?

Joining is very simple: just fill out a membership form with your name, address, email, and phone number, and pay 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 Faculty campus. 

A few words about the 2020–2021 executive board?

Only one slate of candidates ran for the succession of the Executive Board of the Carabins Crocodiles 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. Thus, following the resignation of our Executive Board, the association’s new representatives are: 

President: Alexandre CARRAT 

Treasurer: Arthur POMMIER 

Executive Vice President: Léhéna CACHIA 

Secretary: Ambrine BOUZIT 

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

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

Contact us on Facebook via the account: Charles Claude Croco 

And follow us on Instagram: @CharlesClaudeCroco

 

/by

#OrganizationOfTheWeek – A Look at AMESF

,

This week, we’re talking with Justine Rizzo, president of the Montpellier Midwifery Students’ Association (AMESF). Goals, initiatives, and dedication—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 networks of student organizations. 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? 

Several projects mark the course of our year, some for entertainment—such as the End-of-Year Gala or the Concert en rose—while others, like the latter, are charity events benefiting the Naître en Rose association.

Throughout the year, we also organize several charity events where our members can volunteer to help us staff booths. During “Pink October,” we raise awareness about breast cancer and collect donations 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 disease 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 (the Faculty of Sciences, Paul Valéry University, and the Faculty of Sports Science and Physical Education). We were able to raise awareness about this condition through flyers, quizzes and games, and an informational display. We wrapped up the week by organizing a “film screening and discussion” event at the Faculty of Medicine on this topic. Following a short film, a discussion took place between various healthcare professionals (a midwife and a gynecologist) and the audience. We were thus able to raise awareness about this condition and also raise significant funds for research through the “EndoFrance” association.

Finally, we also partner with the Etablissement Français du Sang; 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 being able to work in healthcare, to help families during a special time in their lives—such as the birth of a child—and to guide, support, and advise women throughout their lives. Being a midwife means having a wide range of skills and knowledge in gynecology, pediatrics, and obstetrics. This profession requires knowing women’s physiology inside and out and being able to detect even the slightest problem.

For its part, the association provides students in this program with support, activities, and an opportunity 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 people should join your organization? 

Membership offers many benefits, which we have divided into several categories. 

The Education Division
The Entertainment Division
The Student Services Center
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 participate in the events we organize and to enjoy special rates at certain 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 system 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 carry out, such as those mentioned above.

How do I sign up?

By paying the €10 membership fee at the AMESF office on the Arnaud de Villeneuve Campus, located 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 executive board?

We have complete confidence in the next generation; there are some wonderful things in store, and we can't wait for them to bring all their projects to life! 

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

Facebook: AMESF – Montpellier Association of Midwifery Students in Montpellier

Instagram: amesf_sfmtp

Snapchat: amesf_sfmtp

Twitter: AMESF_SFMTP

 

 

 

/by

Sports: Health Benefits

, ,

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

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

Physical Health

Combating Obesity and Diabetes-Related Diseases

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

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

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

Cardiovascular Diseases

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

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

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

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

 

Cancer

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

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

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

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

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

Mental Health

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

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

Stress Relief

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

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

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

Sleep Quality

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

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

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

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

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

The Brain and Depression

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our projects:

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

Office:

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

 

 

Contact:


Institute of Biology 4 Boulevard Henri IV
34965 Montpellier Cedex 2

Instagram

 

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

/by
Illustration—Article—Road Safety—2019

Road Safety: Come get your vehicle inspected for FREE!

, ,

This Monday, December 9, come out in large numbers to the Arnaud de Villeneuve Campus! You can have all your vehicle’s safety checks performed for free as part of our “Students, Road Safety, and the Environment” initiative. It’s the perfect way to drive with peace of mind as the holiday season approaches!

Renewal of a Partnership with Lycée Pierre Mendès France

The safety of our students is priceless! That is why the University of Montpellier (UM) and the Faculty of Medicine are renewing their partnership with the Lycée Pierre Mendès France and the Hérault Prefecture for the third consecutive year, as part of the initiative: “Students, Road Safety, and the Environment.” The event, which is completely free , will take place on our Arnaud de Villeneuve Health Campus on Monday , December 9, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

 

Free pre-inspection services for students' vehicles

Students will be able to have their vehicles inspected for FREE as part of a pre-inspection.Students from partner high schools, supervised by their teachers, will conduct the pre-inspections. Any issues that could result in the vehicle being sent back for a re-inspection during the official technical inspection will be brought to the attention of the students who brought their vehicles in.

A road safety awareness booth will also be set up in the atrium (main hall). Run by volunteers and attended by Catherine Mallet, Road Safety Coordinator for the Hérault Prefecture, this booth will offer various road safety awareness activities.

 

The option to retrofit at-risk vehicles

Next, vehicles at risk can be returned to the high school students, who will perform the necessary repairs in their workshops. Once again, this service will be completely free! It’s your chance to drive safely without skimping on savings… So come one, come all!

 

"Students, Road Safety, and the Environment" Campaign

– Monday, December 9, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. –

Arnaud de Villeneuve Health Campus, 641 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud – 34000 Montpellier

 
 
 

/by

You're All Our Kind! – Anti-Homophobia Week 2019

, , ,

From November 18 to 22, UM is joining the fight against homophobia with a themed week. Check out the week’s program here, including the street art workshops planned on our Nîmes campus!

Combating Homophobia in the Workplace

According to the annual report by the organization SOS Homophobie, 2018 was a dark year for LGBTQI+ people, marked by a resurgence of homophobic incidents. Such violence is also evident in the workplace and has prompted the University of Montpellier to become the first French university to sign the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender commitment charter issued by the association l’Autre cercle.

The UM aims to strengthen this commitment during Anti-Homophobia Week, taking place November 18–22, by inviting this association of LGBTQI+ professionals to a roundtable discussion on the topic “Managing Diversity.” This will be the first session of discussions with university staff, aimed at promoting diversity management in all its forms and
vigorously opposing hatred and prejudice.

Trans: Shaping Society

On November 20, the UM will host a public screening of Lukas Dhont’s film “Girl,” about a young girl—born a boy—who dreams of becoming a prima ballerina. This understated film, which strikes a balance between societal commentary and adolescent intimacy, will be followed by a discussion moderated by the Trans Division of the “Fierté Montpellier Pride” association.

 

Street art workshops on our Nîmes campus

Throughout the week, street art workshops aimed at raising awareness about the fight against homophobia will be offered to students and staff at the University of Montpellier. Cole, the artist leading the workshops, will also hold several exhibitions of his work on various campuses of the University of Montpellier.

During his visit to our faculty on November 14 in Nîmes, street artist COLE makes a clear statementby transforming the campus of the Faculty of Medicine with colorful creations inspired by his street art practice: “ Love has no gender or color.”Tender, flowing silhouettes and splashes of color will spread across the walls and floor, revealing an entire artistic universe that stands in solidarity with the LGBTI+ community.

 

Free screening of Lukas Dhont’s film “Girl,” open to the public, on November 20 at 7 p.m. at the Aimé Schoenig Student Center, Richter Campus, Rue Vendémiaire.

Street Art Workshop at the Faculty of Medicine, Nîmes Campus: November 14, 2020.

/by