Monash medical students lead peak body

Six Monash students have secured executive positions with the Australian Medical Students' Association, the nation's largest medical student organisation.

Three of the Monash students attend the university's Bendigo Regional Clinical School. Mr Rob Mitchell will head the association as President, Mr Michael Galvin has been appointed Treasurer and Ms Claire Wise has been named Public Relations Officer.

As well, Ms Sumudu Samarasekera, a medical student at LaTrobe Valley Hospital, has been named Rural and Indigenous Officer, and Mr Shamil Cooray of The Alfred hospital and Ms Tej Mettho of Frankston Hospital are Marketing Officers.

Mr Mitchell said it would be a privilege to provide a national voice for the 11,800 medical students who belong to the association.

He said the association would focus on a range of community-based initiatives to strengthen national links between students and the broader community, during his time as leader.

It is paramount that we, as an organisation, provide effective representation for the future doctors of Australia," Mr Mitchell said. "It is also an excellent opportunity for Monash University to play a leading role."

Monash senior lecturer in general practice and rural medicine Dr George Somers said the election of the group of rural-based medical students to the national executive of the association represented a great opportunity for them, and for rural medicine.

"This gives them the chance not only to lead Australia's medical students forward, but also to address the imbalance between rural and urban career choice," he said.

"Their positive experiences in Bendigo and other rural placements will bring greater depth to their leadership."

The remaining seven executive positions will be occupied by University of Melbourne students.

Next March, the association will host the General Assembly of the International Federation of Medical Student Associations -- an event that will bring 500 medical students from 70 countries around the world to Australia to discuss international health.