What becomes of the 'broken hearted'?
A Summer Studentship project has identified the days when patients are most vulnerable to dying suddenly from a 'broken heart'.
The Canterbury and Kaikoura quakes resulted in clusters of patients presenting with the disorder that mimics the symptoms of heart disease - giving researchers a unique chance to study it.
Medical student George Watson interviewed people who had suffered 'broken heart syndrome' after the quakes. He found while patients felt worst on the first day the syndrome hit, they were more likely to die from arrhythmia on the following two days.
One of George's supervisors, cardiologist Paul Bridgman says the study provides scientific findings on a condition that has become more common in the region since the quakes.
The study was featured in a TV1 news item.
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First study on rates of listeria
Listeria is an infection, acquired through contaminated food, that can progress quickly and fatally in infants.
Summer Student Emma Jeffs investigated rates of the bacteria in women, babies and infants, in what is believed to be the first study of its kind. She found rates were low and constant over time. Over 20 years, 118 women and children were hospitalized.
One of her supervisors paediatrician Tony Walls says it is important for clinicians to understand the rates of this disease. Every infant suspected of having sepsis is given antibiotics for listeria.
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Student helps victims of human trafficking
This year's Christchurch Medical Student Association president took time out from her studies to volunteer overseas with a human rights organisation.
Kate Fitzmaurice went to Greece after her third year of medical school. She worked with an organisation that rehabilitates victims of human trafficking. She felt compelled to do something after hearing stories of girls rescued from sex slavery.
"The idea that millions of people are enslaved around the world - and each of them was someone's friend, child or sibling was pretty hard to wrap my head around ... I decided to take a year out from medical school and go overseas to help out on the ground."
Kate worked in a shelter where survivors of human trafficking took part in rehabilitation programmes. She also worked in a refugee camp.
Read about an awareness-raising event Kate organised in Christchurch
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Medical students walk in nurses' shoes for a day
When fourth year medical students come to our Christchurch campus, they move into a more clinical environment compared with their earlier Dunedin-based experience dominated by lecture theatres and laboratories.
As part of their orientation, medical students spend a 'Shift with a nurse'. This involves learning how nurses and their teams work in wards, outpatient clinics, and operating theatres.
Associate Dean of Medical Education, Professor Lutz Beckert says the experience immerses medical students in a clinical environment, and teaches them about the vital role nurses play in that environment. It also creates real-life learning and builds relationships between the professions.
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From left: Registered nurse Tim Couprie and medical student Rebecca Pascoe spend time together on the ward. Photo credit: CDHB.
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Students volunteer at muscular dystrophy camp
Every year, Christchurch-based  physiotherapy students volunteer at a camp for children with muscular dystrophy.
The students help with running the camp, recreational activities such as jet-boating and archery, and the daily needs of campers, many of whom are in wheelchairs. The camp is run by Muscular Dystrophy New Zealand.
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Health Lectures spread throughout the year
Our annual health lectures are a little different this year. Instead of lectures every Wednesday for six weeks early in the year, we are spreading them out.
Our first lectures will be part of the Health Precinct's evening of health lectures. The event will be on Wednesday 16th May between 6.30 and 9pm. It will consist of 10 short talks by Christchurch researchers. It's free and parking (also free) will be available outside the event (at Ara). We'll send you more information closer to the time.
The University of Otago, Christchurch, will be represented at the event by:
- Associate Professor Joe Boden: Cannabis: what's the harm?
- Professor Vicky Cameron: Averting the grim reaper
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Understanding the needs of kaumatua in aged care
Karen Keelan (Ngāti Porou/Ngai-te-Rangi) was the Canterbury DHB's first inpatient-based Hauora Māori Worker for Older Person’s Health Specialist Service. In that role, Karen observed many younger Māori patients using older persons health services including aged residential care facilities. 
She realized the need for better information about the experiences of kaumātua in aged residential facilities, and the cultural responsiveness of facilities. This is now the focus of her postgraduate study at the University of Otago, Christchurch. The mother-of-two and University Māori research advisor is studying part-time and hopes to graduate with her PhD in about five years.
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Master of Nursing Science students graduate
Our first Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) students have graduated.
The MNSc is a intensive two-year programme where graduates from any degree study to gain nursing registration and a postgraduate qualification.
Read about one of the current MNSc students, Roy Britten who went from a career in IT to studying nursing.
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Christchurch department creates best culture for postgrads
Our Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science won the University's award for the small department who creates the best culture for postgraduate students.
Read about why the Department has the best culture.
Our dedicated health campus in Christchurch has more than 1000 postgraduate students.
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