Alex Besson

MDRP Student (2018)

I am currently in MD4, undertaking my MDRP at Western Health, working with the colorectal surgical department. I am six weeks into my project and have loved every week thus far. I have been welcomed into the department by everyone and the team is enthusiastic to help out with the project whenever possible. They also encourage me to spend time in clinics, surgery and on the wards, which is great to help keep your clinical skills up to scratch. The team loves teaching and are always happy to answer the many questions I have.

In terms of the project I am involved with, I have been fortunate to have Professor. Justin Yeung as a supervisor and we have a collaborative approach to conducting our study. I have weekly meetings with Justin when we discuss how the projects going, what can be improved and if I have come across any difficulties. We work together to try and find solutions to any obstacles we encounter. This also allows me opportunities to learn what is required to conduct clinical research by liaising with the Western Health Ethics department and helping with protocol amendments.

The facilities in the research department at Sunshine hospital are state of the art. All students have access to a shared office space as well as the Western Health library, in which the librarians are always available to help with generating a literature search.

I would recommend everyone to consider doing your MDRP at Western Health, especially those that have not had a chance to experience the wonderful community that is the Western Health hospital.