Medical Students' Society celebrates 120 years

Students

The University of Adelaide's oldest student society, the Adelaide Medical Students' Society (AMSS), recently celebrated its 120th anniversary with coffee, cupcakes and casual fun.

"We wanted to have a casual Friday afternoon affair to allow students and staff to celebrate this milestone in the society's history. It was a great success, as we had an attendance of around 150 people," said Sophie Nelson, the current Vice-President of the AMSS.

Formed in 1889, the AMSS is responsible for the representation of medical students at the University. In its 120th year, the Society comprises around 600 members, or approximately three-quarters of all medical students studying at the University of Adelaide.

"The Society provides students with a myriad of sporting, philanthropic, social, and educational opportunities. Moreover, it provides for the welfare of its members through the AMSS Benevolent Fund, which assists both medical students in financial need, and those seeking to expand their personal and professional horizons," Ms Nelson said.

The AMSS also provides regular insights into student and Society news, and showcases a mix of topical and educational articles, through its quarterly publication, [stimulus].

In 2008, the AMSS donated almost $25,000 to charitable causes like Oxfam's "Close the Gap" campaign, the Women's and Children's Hospital and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The Society's other main celebration of its 120th anniversary, a Gala Dinner, will be organised at the National Wine Centre on Friday 18 September and will be directed towards medical school alumni.

"At this landmark anniversary, the AMSS aims to launch its newest initiative, the 'AMSS Foundation'. After a significant period of investment, this is envisaged to eventually become an alternative income stream for the society, enabling AMSS to further increase its contribution to medical student life at the University of Adelaide," Ms Nelson said.

For more information about the AMSS and its 120th anniversary celebrations, please email the current President of the Society, Mark Hassall, at: president@amss.org.au

Story by Sandhya Rughoo