ARDS Committee Elections 2021

ARDS Committee Elections 2021

Directors

PRESIDENT

Farzana Zaman (PGY5 / Medical Oncology)
Having been involved with ARDS since 2017, I’ve worked with each year’s
committees as ARDS has transformed into a holistic society focused on advocacy
and education, social events and connection. I'm passionate about ongoing
improvement to make ARDS a force to reckon with! As VP/JMS Chair, I’ve listened
to your concerns, endeavoured to make your voices heard and worked on solutions,
particularly through gaining ARDS representation on JMS Advisory Meetings; and
worked with the team on improving membership processes and benefits during
COVID challenges.
I believe ARDS must lead in junior doctor advocacy and I would ensure we continue to advocate strongly
for you. I am well-positioned to help address and escalate issues, having established robust relationships
with MWU, senior medical staff, AHRGA, and the JMS Committee. I am committed to implementing
meaningful well-being initiatives, and working with the committee to bring more education, networking
and social events, a much-needed Ressies refurbishment, benefits at Caulfield and Sandringham, and
upgrading favourites like Friday lunch.
As an experienced committee member, I have a solid understanding of ARDS and Alfred Health. I am
passionate about supporting fellow junior doctors and take any concerns seriously and compassionately.
I’m dedicated to ARDS and hope to have the opportunity to help make a difference this year!
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Currently practising long cases...but usually, spending time with my cats, playing violin and piano, reading
non-medical books and travelling (when permitted!)

VICE
PRESIDENT

Tom Richardson (BPT1)
In 2021 I want to be your ARDS Vice President. Last year was a tough year for all of
us and ARDS faced many challenges. Vice President has an important role in both
supporting and leading the entire committee. As Finance Officer last year, I helped
implement important structural changes to our membership management, ensuring
financial and operational independence for the organisation into the future.
Through this process I had the opportunity to work with all members of the
committee and have gained a unique understanding of the challenges ARDS faces
moving forward.
I am also passionate about improving the working conditions for all junior medical staff at Alfred Health.
Whether it’s bringing back the famed Friday Chicken Lunch or representing your interests at key
organisational meetings, your well-being is always my priority and I will continue to work to create a safer,
more supportive work environment.
So in 2021 let me use my passion and experience to support and lead ARDS and help continue to
strengthen this great society.
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Nothing beats a good swim! Come join me at MSAC anytime!

Dominic Maher (PGY 3 - Surgical)
In 2020 I was lucky enough to be involved in ARDS as an Education Officer. I
thoroughly enjoyed this position, and despite the challenges presented by COVID,
I was able to work with ARDS and the Medical Education Unit to develop and
facilitate a diverse education program. Highlights included 'The Isolation
Tutorials' and helping with GSSE preparation, in particular the practice anatomy
examination. Moving into 2021, I would love the opportunity to continue to be
involved in the growth of ARDS, and to improve the welfare and wellbeing of you,
its members.
I hope to use my experience and enthusiasm to help ARDS have a fantastic 2021, and help grow and
develop all portfolios, and optimise and improve your Alfred experience.
As part of the committee, regardless of the position, I have several education ideas to implement:
    • Further develop more short and sharp education series like ‘The Isolation Tutorials’
    • More GSSE preparation resources and practice exams
    • Formal mentoring program for surgical and critical care streams
    • CV and job interview preparation seminars
I would also be keen to hear of any great ideas out there, and work with you to enact them. Thanks!
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Sleeping and eating, in that order. Otherwise staying fit by going for a jog or for a swim, following a few
international sports and listening to crime podcasts.

secretary

Dominic Maher (PGY 3 - Surgical)
In 2020 I was lucky enough to be involved in ARDS as an Education Officer. I
thoroughly enjoyed this position, and despite the challenges presented by COVID,
I was able to work with ARDS and the Medical Education Unit to develop and
facilitate a diverse education program. Highlights included 'The Isolation
Tutorials' and helping with GSSE preparation, in particular the practice anatomy
examination. Moving into 2021, I would love the opportunity to continue to be
involved in the growth of ARDS, and to improve the welfare and wellbeing of you,
its members.
I hope to use my experience and enthusiasm to help ARDS have a fantastic 2021, and help grow and
develop all portfolios, and optimise and improve your Alfred experience.
As part of the committee, regardless of the position, I have several education ideas to implement:
    • Further develop more short and sharp education series like ‘The Isolation Tutorials’
    • More GSSE preparation resources and practice exams
    • Formal mentoring program for surgical and critical care streams
    • CV and job interview preparation seminars
I would also be keen to hear of any great ideas out there, and work with you to enact them. Thanks!
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Sleeping and eating, in that order. Otherwise staying fit by going for a jog or for a swim, following a few
international sports and listening to crime podcasts.

Treasurer

General committee

JMS
CHAIR

Jessica Au (PGY1 - Intern)
I’m excited to apply for the ARDS committee in 2021 because it’s important to
me that my colleagues enjoy coming to work and learning in a safe and
supportive environment. I’d like to make sure everyone’s voice is heard on issues
affecting wellbeing, quality of education and professional development. I would
seek and encourage regular feedback from interns and residents while taking an
active approach to ensuring these concerns are addressed in meetings with
medical workforce and educational units.
I will bring to this role leadership experience, strong communication skills and a
light-hearted approach as previous Co-Chair of Monash University’s Surgical Society. I have a keen interest
in education and would like to get involved in organising regular speakers to deliver BPT, surgical and
critical care teaching to JMOs, while also creating support groups for upcoming exams so that no-one has
to tackle them alone.
As a big foodie, I would aim for variety in Friday lunches and would like to find creative ways to upgrade
our ressie’s lounge through liaising with potential sponsors. But most of all, I’m really looking forward to
getting to know everyone and surviving another chaotic year!
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Hiking around national parks and beach road trips

JMS
OFFICER

Jessica Au (PGY1 - Intern)
I’m excited to apply for the ARDS committee in 2021 because it’s important to
me that my colleagues enjoy coming to work and learning in a safe and
supportive environment. I’d like to make sure everyone’s voice is heard on issues
affecting wellbeing, quality of education and professional development. I would
seek and encourage regular feedback from interns and residents while taking an
active approach to ensuring these concerns are addressed in meetings with
medical workforce and educational units.
I will bring to this role leadership experience, strong communication skills and a
light-hearted approach as previous Co-Chair of Monash University’s Surgical Society. I have a keen interest
in education and would like to get involved in organising regular speakers to deliver BPT, surgical and
critical care teaching to JMOs, while also creating support groups for upcoming exams so that no-one has
to tackle them alone.
As a big foodie, I would aim for variety in Friday lunches and would like to find creative ways to upgrade
our ressie’s lounge through liaising with potential sponsors. But most of all, I’m really looking forward to
getting to know everyone and surviving another chaotic year!
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Hiking around national parks and beach road trips

George He (PGY1)
From the small things like regularly stocked up snacks at the Alfred and Sandy
ressies to advocacy on behalf of the JMS community, I believe that the JMS
portfolio serves an integral role in supporting junior doctors.
In this role, my key focus will be fostering prompt and transparent advocacy and
communication. I will create avenues to directly or anonymously provide
feedback between members, the hospital and other relevant parties. I will also
strive to continue the great work of the 2020 team by continuing to work closely
with both Medical Workforce and the JMS Advisory committee alongside the
JMS Chair.
My experience in representing students has prepared me well for this role. I have been heavily involved in
advocacy and relaying peer concerns and ideas to the relevant bodies on both a university and national
level through my roles as Co-chair of the Unimelb Rural Clinical School Student Society and Unimelb AMSA
representative.
As a Medical School Ambassador, I gained valuable experience in establishing and negotiating
relationships with various groups and stakeholders. Moreover, as Co-convenor of AMSA National
Leadership Development Seminar (turned virtual) last year, I’ve learnt how to be adaptable in current
times to achieve the best outcomes.
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Currently it's trying new restaurants and playing/watching basketball and tennis

Finance
OFFICER

Events
CHAIR

Events
OFFICER x2

Education
CHAIR

Jessica Au (PGY1 - Intern)
I’m excited to apply for the ARDS committee in 2021 because it’s important to
me that my colleagues enjoy coming to work and learning in a safe and
supportive environment. I’d like to make sure everyone’s voice is heard on issues
affecting wellbeing, quality of education and professional development. I would
seek and encourage regular feedback from interns and residents while taking an
active approach to ensuring these concerns are addressed in meetings with
medical workforce and educational units.
I will bring to this role leadership experience, strong communication skills and a
light-hearted approach as previous Co-Chair of Monash University’s Surgical Society. I have a keen interest
in education and would like to get involved in organising regular speakers to deliver BPT, surgical and
critical care teaching to JMOs, while also creating support groups for upcoming exams so that no-one has
to tackle them alone.
As a big foodie, I would aim for variety in Friday lunches and would like to find creative ways to upgrade
our ressie’s lounge through liaising with potential sponsors. But most of all, I’m really looking forward to
getting to know everyone and surviving another chaotic year!
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Hiking around national parks and beach road trips

Calvin Fletcher (PGY1 - Intern)
Hey everyone, I’m Calvin one of the 2021 interns! This year I’ve applied for the
positions of Education Chair and Education Officer. I think these roles are part of
one of the most important portfolios of ARDS, particularly during the current
pandemic where learning and teaching opportunities have often fallen to the
wayside.
I’m no stranger to collaborating with senior clinicians and medical educators
through the Monash University Medical Students’ Society (MUMUS) and the
Monash medical faculty, including Central Clinical School. I have held three
formal academic leadership positions throughout this time, getting involved in peer teaching, academic
leadership, and curriculum development.
Medical education is definitely an area of passion for me and I still continue to work on the projects from
these roles, including an Alfred-based rework of the Monash Year 3B curriculum to better incorporate
anaesthesia and critical care content.
Whether you’re prepping for the GSSE, seeking career advice and mentorship, or even if you’re just
looking for survival tips for your next rotation, I’d love the privilege to work with you all at ARDS to provide
the events that suit the needs of Alfred junior doctors in 2021.
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Outside of work I’m big on backpacking and had been to over 50 different countries before the borders
closed. One of my favourite hobbies I’ve taken home with me however is fishing. A couple of us in the
intern group have been organising some boat trips particularly to take advantage of those random
weekdays off work, definitely feel free to hit us up if you’d like to join!

Education
OFFICER x2

Dominic Maher (PGY 3 - Surgical)
In 2020 I was lucky enough to be involved in ARDS as an Education Officer. I
thoroughly enjoyed this position, and despite the challenges presented by COVID,
I was able to work with ARDS and the Medical Education Unit to develop and
facilitate a diverse education program. Highlights included 'The Isolation
Tutorials' and helping with GSSE preparation, in particular the practice anatomy
examination. Moving into 2021, I would love the opportunity to continue to be
involved in the growth of ARDS, and to improve the welfare and wellbeing of you,
its members.
I hope to use my experience and enthusiasm to help ARDS have a fantastic 2021, and help grow and
develop all portfolios, and optimise and improve your Alfred experience.
As part of the committee, regardless of the position, I have several education ideas to implement:
    • Further develop more short and sharp education series like ‘The Isolation Tutorials’
    • More GSSE preparation resources and practice exams
    • Formal mentoring program for surgical and critical care streams
    • CV and job interview preparation seminars
I would also be keen to hear of any great ideas out there, and work with you to enact them. Thanks!
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Sleeping and eating, in that order. Otherwise staying fit by going for a jog or for a swim, following a few
international sports and listening to crime podcasts.

Jessica Au (PGY1 - Intern)
I’m excited to apply for the ARDS committee in 2021 because it’s important to
me that my colleagues enjoy coming to work and learning in a safe and
supportive environment. I’d like to make sure everyone’s voice is heard on issues
affecting wellbeing, quality of education and professional development. I would
seek and encourage regular feedback from interns and residents while taking an
active approach to ensuring these concerns are addressed in meetings with
medical workforce and educational units.
I will bring to this role leadership experience, strong communication skills and a
light-hearted approach as previous Co-Chair of Monash University’s Surgical Society. I have a keen interest
in education and would like to get involved in organising regular speakers to deliver BPT, surgical and
critical care teaching to JMOs, while also creating support groups for upcoming exams so that no-one has
to tackle them alone.
As a big foodie, I would aim for variety in Friday lunches and would like to find creative ways to upgrade
our ressie’s lounge through liaising with potential sponsors. But most of all, I’m really looking forward to
getting to know everyone and surviving another chaotic year!
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Hiking around national parks and beach road trips

Calvin Fletcher (PGY1 - Intern)
Hey everyone, I’m Calvin one of the 2021 interns! This year I’ve applied for the
positions of Education Chair and Education Officer. I think these roles are part of
one of the most important portfolios of ARDS, particularly during the current
pandemic where learning and teaching opportunities have often fallen to the
wayside.
I’m no stranger to collaborating with senior clinicians and medical educators
through the Monash University Medical Students’ Society (MUMUS) and the
Monash medical faculty, including Central Clinical School. I have held three
formal academic leadership positions throughout this time, getting involved in peer teaching, academic
leadership, and curriculum development.
Medical education is definitely an area of passion for me and I still continue to work on the projects from
these roles, including an Alfred-based rework of the Monash Year 3B curriculum to better incorporate
anaesthesia and critical care content.
Whether you’re prepping for the GSSE, seeking career advice and mentorship, or even if you’re just
looking for survival tips for your next rotation, I’d love the privilege to work with you all at ARDS to provide
the events that suit the needs of Alfred junior doctors in 2021.
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Outside of work I’m big on backpacking and had been to over 50 different countries before the borders
closed. One of my favourite hobbies I’ve taken home with me however is fishing. A couple of us in the
intern group have been organising some boat trips particularly to take advantage of those random
weekdays off work, definitely feel free to hit us up if you’d like to join!

Sponsorship
CHAIR

Jessica Au (PGY1 - Intern)
I’m excited to apply for the ARDS committee in 2021 because it’s important to
me that my colleagues enjoy coming to work and learning in a safe and
supportive environment. I’d like to make sure everyone’s voice is heard on issues
affecting wellbeing, quality of education and professional development. I would
seek and encourage regular feedback from interns and residents while taking an
active approach to ensuring these concerns are addressed in meetings with
medical workforce and educational units.
I will bring to this role leadership experience, strong communication skills and a
light-hearted approach as previous Co-Chair of Monash University’s Surgical Society. I have a keen interest
in education and would like to get involved in organising regular speakers to deliver BPT, surgical and
critical care teaching to JMOs, while also creating support groups for upcoming exams so that no-one has
to tackle them alone.
As a big foodie, I would aim for variety in Friday lunches and would like to find creative ways to upgrade
our ressie’s lounge through liaising with potential sponsors. But most of all, I’m really looking forward to
getting to know everyone and surviving another chaotic year!
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Hiking around national parks and beach road trips

Ayushica Saran (PGY1)
I really enjoy meeting new people, making new friends and working in a team. I
would love to join to ARDS to work together to create a safe, fun work
environment for junior docs at The Alfred.
I have experience as the Sponsorship Officer for Wildfire (a rural health club).
With this background I believe I can meaningfully contribute to ARDS. My goal is
to secure as many (ethical) sponsors as possible to make 2021 the best year it
can be for junior docs.
I hope 2021 is filled with yummy food, drinks and many sponsored goods for ARDS.

Favourite thing to do outside of work:
I really enjoy cooking and experimenting with food. When I’m not at the hospital you’ll find me perusing
recipes, buying fresh ingredients or cooking up a storm. I also quite enjoy sharing a delicious meal with my
friends.

Marketing
CHAIR

Lauren Chiu (Intern)
Hi! I'm Lauren, one of the freshly-minted interns this year.
As an enthusiast of all things wellbeing, events and food, I would be delighted to
have the opportunity to contribute to ARDS as a committee member for 2021.
In particular, my vision is to grow community reach so that more of us are able
to engage with the educational, social and advocacy benefits ARDS has to offer
for its junior doctors.
What I can bring to the role of Communications Chair:
   • Prior experience in a number of university committee roles, in which I regularly promoted events
      both in-person and on social media
   • Proficiency using Canva to design eye-catching marketing materials with an attention to detail
   • Commitment to effective teamwork and timely communication
   • A friendly and approachable presence J
Thanks for your consideration!
Favourite thing to do outside of work:
Spending time in nature