Get Involved
The JCUMSA is one of JCU’s most active student societies, and is always looking for new student volunteers. There are a wide variety of activities and events for all interests. As a member of the JCUMSA, you are a valued stakeholder that has the potential to set into motion real change as to the direction the Society takes into the future.
After all, it is your JCUMSA.
Whatever you’re interested in, whether it be a creative or administrative role, one thing that we can guarantee is that there will be something for you. All you need is enthusiasm and a passion to be involved – no prior experience required! Anyone considering applying for Committee roles are encouraged to contact the relevant Committee position holder or overseeing Executive, who’d be more than happy to give their insights about the role. Every new position holder will receive a comprehensive handover and support from other members of the team to stand them in good stead to make a difference in the year ahead.
Committee Meetings
The Annual General Meeting is held in September each year to elect the Committee for the following year. This is your chance to nominate to take on a committee position.
Our fortnightly executive meetings are open to all members; anyone who’d like to raise an issue for immediate and direct address can contact our secretary for more information and arrange attendance.
Committee Structure
JCUMSA Position Descriptions and Election Rules
Please view the following links for key details on all the JCUMSA Committee positions and roles.
Subsidiary Organisation Committee Positions
Get involved with our subsidiary organisations; MINT, JCU INPsych and JCU OB/GYN! For more details on these position, please read the position descriptions provided below;
Myth Busters
Truth: A lot of what JCUMSA does is behind the scenes and often goes unpublished. Many of the things now taken for granted (MedBall, MedRevue, Approval for Sick Leave, Pre-clinical Handbook) have resulted from JCUMSA initiatives from medical students of the past, all paying things forward for an even better medical school experience. Even if you mightn’t need it now, know that we are always available for your advocacy and support.
Truth: Ouch, that hurts. That being said, the JCUMSA is proud of its independence from the College of Medicine and Dentistry, and operates fully autonomously from it in all its decisions, as dictated by its founding constitution. While it does liaise with the CMD for various student matters, we can assure you that the JCUMSA is ultimately committed to serving you. JCUMSA is made up of students that truly represent YOU and your year’s concerns, ensured by our fair and independently run electoral process; and, of course, your vote!
Truth: The JCUMSA relies on students from ALL year groups to allow it to function effectively. This means it doesn’t matter what year you are applying in – all help is highly demanded whether you’re a first-year fresher or a seasoned fifth-year fossil. With comprehensive handovers and support, all new recruits, regardless of prior experience, will be geared into action to start their own term to make a difference.
Truth: The JCUMSA does address some serious political issues, including global warming and health inequalities in remote locations, but we stress that these are issues that affect you personally. We encourage all JCUMSA members to be active voices in their community, knowing that policies developed and supported in the medical student realm are incredibly powerful in leading real change and ultimately, political reform. Rest assured you will not be personally accountable for accepting criticism for JCUMSA’s stance on any issue, nor will you be forced to participate in initiatives with a political orientation you disagree with. Whatever the case, politics is central to every functioning organisation, and the JCUMSA is proud to have made some big leaps in supporting mental health outreach programs, lobbying governments through the assistance of AMSA to assist with internships for international students, and supporting mandatory immunisations, amongst many others.
Truth: If there’s one thing that we can assure you with an absolute certainty; it’s that being a part of the JCUMSA will be an exciting, new, challenging but rewarding experience. There are few greater opportunities than this if you want to be a part of something that will assist with the early training and support of Australia’s future doctors, and with so many different roles available there will be something for you that will pique your interest.