Students have Olympics stitched up

'Indian' immunologist team members (from left) Sophie Kyrke-Smith, Jinhee Ahn and Michael Lay compete in the tug-of-war event. Photos by Peter McIntosh.

Members of the Omanian oncologists team celebrate Orientation events organised by the Otago University Medical Students Association.

Otago University medical students dressed as English endocrinologists take part in the Medical Specialists Olympics at the North Ground yesterday.

Second-year Otago University student Devika Bartlett dodges spray from a water gun while competing in a medical school Orientation event.

medical students Bridget Gilmour (left) and Katelyn Thorn cheer for fellow 'Greek' gynaecologist team members during a race.

Taking part in the University of Otago Medical School's Orientation Olympics (clockwise from left) medical student Joshua Smith stitches orange segments.

American" andrologists, "Hungarian" haematologists and "Omanian" oncologists jostled for victory at the North Ground in Dunedin yesterday.

The medical specialist Olympics, which involved stitching up oranges and blindfolded group navigation, was part of the Otago University Medical Students' Association (OUMSA) Orientation programme.

About 270 second-year Otago University students have begun medical studies this semester.

Yesterday, they were divided into groups according to a nationality and medical specialty.

Indian immunologists competed against English endocrinologists while Greek gynaecologists battled Irish intensivists.

Games included tug-of-war, speed sewing and flipper racing.

OUMSA president Johnny Mitchell said the medical school's three-day Orientation programme included an "Amazing Race" around campus, opening ceremony ball, beach visit, quiz night and celebratory feast.

"It is similar to what we've done in previous years but with an emphasis this year on non-alcohol events," Mr Mitchell said.

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