Advanced Medical Science (AMS)

AMS is a research year undertaken by all school-leaver entry students in the medical course in semesters six and seven. Students are introduced to the formal processes of research and develop key skills in literature appraisal, data collection, analysis and presentation.

The Department of General Practice provides AMS students with an opportunity to experience clinical research in the community setting of general practice and primary care. Most health care is delivered in the primary care setting. Our research focuses on common conditions such as depression, diabetes, asthma and hypertension. We use a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods and our research includes a strong focus on psychological, social and cultural issues in addition to firm foundation within physical clinical medicine.

As an AMS student within the Primary Care Research Unit you can either complete a specific research project based in a general practice or community health centre, or become a member of one of our research teams. A supportive supervisor will be allocated, who will guide you in your choice of the research question, the literature review, the choice of research method and data analysis.

Whether you choose to be based outside the Department or within it, an opportunity will be provided for you to participate in answering an important clinical question. The types of projects available for 2008 will include involvement in a trial examining domestic violence and partner abuse; investigation of Vitamin D deficiency in refugees, examination of issues around illness prevention and health promotion in general practice, amongst young people, those with chronic disease, and those with depression. You may even have a research idea of your own you would like to investigate!

So, think about joining us if you:

• Would like to research a common problem
• Would like to find out what it is like to work as an academic and a doctor
• Have an interest in interacting with people

If you would like to hear more, contact AMS coordinator Dr Meredith Temple-Smith by email anytime, by phone or in person between 9.00am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. An opportunity will be offered in September for you to hear in more detail the range of possible projects. 

Further information on AMS placements is available at the Advanced Medical Science website (www.medicine.unimelb.edu.au/ams)