VESPA - Vertically Enhanced Study Program Approach
VESPA - Vertically Enhanced Study Program Approach
VESPA first came into existence in 2008 when a group of medical students decided that there was value in bringing together medical students from all year levels, to study together, in line with the vertically integrated MBBS curriculum at Monash University. It built on a previous program, Study Buddy, where Years 1 & 2 students were grouped together and met regularly to study topics of their choice. Many of these groups persisted beyond the pre-clinical years, there was clearly a desire for organised, case-based learning;
VESPA case nights
Currently VESPA case nights are run five times a year; three times in first semester and twice in second semester. Students from all five (six including BMedSc) year levels work together on a case or series of cases where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their knowledge. The VESPA student committee co-ordinates the case nights, from developing the cases for use, to ensuring the logistics of the event run smoothly. The student committee is supported by Dr Paula Loveland (case content) and Dr Joanna Tai (logistics), with oversight from Dr Sheila Vance from SASU.
VESPA OSCE
The last case night of the year takes the form of an OSCE, aimed at a Year 3 level, where Year 1 & 2 students act as simulated patients, while Years 4 & 5 act as “examiners” and give feedback to the Year 3 students.
VESPA case nights dates for 2021
Case nights
- VESPA Case Night 1: Tuesday 9 March
- VESPA Case Night 2: Monday 12 April
- VESPA Case Night 3: Monday 10 May
- VESPA Case Night 4: Monday 2 August
OSCE Night - Monday 4 October
The link to register for a VESPA session will be available on Moodle and Facebook two to three weeks prior to the night.
For any queries regarding the VESPA program, please email mbbs.vespa@monash.edu