First of all, I would like to congratulate all the SSM groups 2009/2010 for a wonderful annual scientific research meeting. All your presentations are marvelous and deserve a round of applause. With this, I hope the spirit of research will continue beyond the SSM module, and throughout our careers and lifetime. I know, most of you would be relieved that this is finally over, but let's just remember the sweet moments you had in this module.

Back to our main topic, for the winners of both oral (platform) and poster presentation of the 2nd Medical Undergraduates' Annual Scientific Research Meeting (MUASRM), do take note that you'll have to prepare an abstract for the MIB conference using the MIB template (can be found in the sidebar downloads as well). Other groups who did not win can also do the same. Upon completion please email to chezaimah@gmail.com and suehazlyn@gmail.com and azlinm@ppukm.ukm.my before 2.00pm today, 27th May 2010. Please also name the presenter and type of presentation.Do take note of this as you'll be representing UKM (if not Malaysia) for the conference.

I hope this would be the last newsletter here, and would like to thank all my Publicity and Multimedia committee members for their dedication in making this  MUASRM a success. Thank You.

Our 2nd MUASRM 2010 is around the corner. As we approach towards the climax of the event, there will be more updates here as we deem fit. There are a few general reminders for the SSM group members to take note of.

1. Oral and Poster Presentation
   For more information regarding this, please refer to the previous newsletter here.
   Do be reminded that the deadline for submission of powerpoint file is by tonight 19th May 2010 by 11.59pm to muasrm0910@gmail.com.
   
2. Poster Printing
   Again, be reminded that the maximum size of the poster is 30 inches (width) X 40 inches (height). It is recommended for a poster of that size but you can come up with different sizes and shapes (up to own creativity and financial resources)
   
3. Manuscript Issues
   A lot of fellow colleagues had asked me regarding the manuscript, and Prof Dr Ruszymah and Assoc. Prof dr Srjit Das have both given their view and explanation as below (Correspondence to the query sent via e-mail)
   
   "The supervisors are given the choice of manuscript format. They can follow any format eg: Medical Journal of Malaysia, Medicine and Health etc.
   
   If the supervisor are not sure of the format, just follow MJM or M&H. Anyone of these is fine. Ask your supervisor which journal they intend to submit the manuscript to, follow that format."
   
   
   - Prof Ruszymah, 2010
   
   A further and more detailed explanation was given by Assoc Prof Dr Srjit Das:
   
   
   
    " Dear SSM Students,
   Thanks for putting up the query. Regarding the manuscript to be submitted to the  SSM Secretariat, it is a proof of your research work in the form of a manuscript. Please note the word 'manuscript'. No student shall write it in the form of a thesis or dissertation. It is exactly a manuscript which you not sending to any journal rather you are submitting to SSM Secretariat. So, there is no question of review of literature as a section.
   
   
   In this regard, we picked up the format of MJM or UKM style of presentation. You can follow even some other style but MJM style is preferable. Coming to the style of presentation of the write up. If you had listened to my talk earlier, I had clearly talked about the categories of manuscript.
   
   
   The usual categories are:
   • full length articles also known as original articles
   • case reports
   • correspondence
   • letters to the editor
   • viewpoint
   • review artciles
   Of these, only the first one i.e. full length article applies to your SSM case.
   
   
   All your SSM articles are full length articles. So, you do not have a word limit at present but something around 5000 is good enough. I have even talked to Prof. Ruszymah in this regard and she said that she is accepting manuscripts even more than 5000.So,no limit for words at present.
   
   
   All figures and tables should be taken out in separate pages  and the legend should be given.Please do not paste figures after teext in MS word Format and send because the size will become huge.
   
   
   Just go on writing the manuscript exactly in the manner you were told.
   Referencing should be done either in the style of MJM or UKM style.
   
   
   All sections like Introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion should be in new page. Do not put discussion in results section. At the end, you can have separate figures in coloured print out. I don't think you will be confused in any manner. If there is further confusion, please let me know. "
   Best wishes,
   - Prof.Madya.Dr.Srijit Das, 2010
   UKM, KL campus, 3.50PM
   
   
   We hope that this would clear the air of the confusion everyone have. All the best in your undertakings in SSM. Thank You.
   
   
   
   
   

A good welcome to all of you. Although this appears in the newsletter edition, this is some worthy important points to take note of.

1. Mode of Presentation
   As you can see, the list is out, and all of the groups are divided into 2 categories, oral (platform) and poster presentation. After some final changes, there will be 20 groups doing oral (platform) and 22 groups doing poster presentation. For those who have yet to look at the list, you can check it out at the link here:
   
   
   
   
   2nd MUASRM Mode of Presentation List
   
   
2. Oral (Platform) Presentation:
   
   
   
   • Microsoft Powerpoint up to Microsoft Office 2007(pptx) is accepted. Microsoft Office 2010 is not accepted as a legible format of presentation yet.
   • Powerpoint file size is limited to 15MB, and should be mailed to muasrm0910@gmail.com by 11.59pm, 19th May 2010. Failure to comply to submit by the stipulated timeframe will be considered as an act of withdrawal from the event.
   • A confirmation email shall be sent back as an acknowledgement of receival/ acceptance.
   • Note: Using software apart from Microsoft Office to compose or edit pptx files are not adviced as it may lead to distortion of presentation slides (eg. Open Office, Gnome Office)
   
   
3. Poster Presentation:
   
   
   
   • The committee has decided that the specifications of the poster should be within 30 inches(width) X 40 inches (length). Groups may come up with posters of all sorts of sizes and shapes as long as it conforms within the designated space of 30 inches X 40 inches.
   • Posters would have to be put up on the 24th May 2010, a day prior to the actual day of 2nd MUASRM.

I guess that's all for now, as everyone would be busy with the completion of their SSM reserach manuscripts and presentation. I wish you all the best.

 Welcome to the final year for the medical students of 2010/2011 session. In just a matter of days, we'll be entering a new semester, with SSM being our first agenda in mind. Here's a few highlights and reminder before we see you nest week.

1. UKMMC 2nd Medical Undergraduates' Annual Scientific Meeting 2009/2010
   Event: UKMMC 2nd Medical Undergraduates' Annual Scientific Meeting 2009/2010
   Theme: “Striving Towards an Era of Research”
   Date: 25th May 2010
   Time: 7.00am – 5.30pm
   Main Venue: Auditorium, UKMMC
   Fees Structure:
   
   
   • UKMMC Medical Students: RM 25
   • UKMMC Lecturers: RM 50
   • Others: RM 50
   • 
     
2. SSM Briefing
   This is a session to meet Prof. Ruszymah to give your feedback and to clear off any doubts.
   Attendance is compulsory.
   Event: SSM formal briefing
   Date: 12th April 2010
   Time: 9.30am
   Venue: Auditorium, UKMMC
   Attire: Formal
   Agenda: Enquiries, comments, complaints and progress of SSM work.
   
   
3. SSM Abstract Submission
   The deadline for SSM research abstract submission is brought forward by a day to 11.59pm, 12th May 2010 to speed up the process a little. Just e-mail your abstract along with your group number and also your preference for poster/oral presentation to muasrm0910@gmail.com.
   
   
4. Finalization of SSM groups involving in Oral Platform (Paper) and Poster Presentation
   As stated previously, there will be 18 groups in oral platform presentation and 24 groups in poster presentation. However, the finalization of groups for both categories can only be done latest by 17th May, 2010. This is due to the fact that the abstracts submitted by 12th May will be used as deciding factor to place some of the groups who opted for oral platform presentation into the poster presentation category.
   
   However, those who opt for poster presentation, rest assured that you'll remain in the poster presentation category. However, there will be 5-6 out of 24 groups who opted for oral platform (paper) presentation will be picked to enter the poster category.
   
   That being said, for those groups who were picked by then, you'll have approximately 1 week to prepare for the poster printing and presentation. (Since finalization is done by 17th May the latest) For any queries, you can bring it up during the SSM briefing next week on 12th April 2010.
   
   
5. SSM Group Photo Submission (Updated - 2)
   We'll try to arrange for a photo session at the Unit Multimedia sometime around 26th-30th April 2010.

 With that being said, I guess that's all for now. See you next Monday! :)

The current 2-month break for the 4th year UKM medical students had just started a few days ago. While it may serve as a timely introduction for those who are in dire need to take a breather, do remember that the Special Study Module research is still ongoing and drawing near. As the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day are approaching as well, we from the SSM student committee would like to express our well wishes to everyone who would be celebrating either the Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, or both. May you be blessed with health, wealth (for those who wish for it) and the most important of them all, a meaningful life with your loved ones, filled with cheer, joy and laughter.

Below are the current updates for the time being:

1. UKMMC 2nd SSM Annual Scientific Meeting 2009/2010
   The date for this annual event has been set on the 25th May 2010 following approval from UKMMC. This being said, below are the details of the event, subject to changes.
   
   Event: UKMMC 2nd SSM Annual Scientific Meeting 2009/2010
   Theme: “Striving Towards an Era of Research”
   Date: 25th May 2010
   Time: 7.00am – 5.30pm
   Main Venue: Auditorium, UKMMC
   Fees Structure:
   
   
   
   • UKMMC Medical Students: RM25
   • Others: RM50
   
   
2. Oral Platform and Poster Presentation
   As mentioned earlier, there would be 2 categories for the annual scientific meeting, namely the oral platform presentation and the poster presentation. The allocation of number of groups in each category would be 18 and 24 for oral platform and poster presentation respectively. The finalization of the groups in each category would be announced on 16th April 2010.
   
   The prizes for the winners for each category had not been finalized. However, we’ve heard news that the top three groups from each category will receive endorsement as much RM2, 000 to attend any conference, namely the MIB conference which would be held in Brunei this year. So, keep your fingers crossed and hope that this turn out to be true!
   
   
3. SSM Briefing
   Following the postponement of the Q&A session with Prof Ruszymah (supposedly to be held on the 9th Feb 2010) regarding the SSM project, there is no final word on it yet. Most likely, the Q&A session would be held after the formal SSM briefing on 12th April 2010.
   
   Event: SSM formal briefing
   Date: 12th April 2010
   Time: 9.30am 8.00am Edited 9th April 2010
   Venue: Auditorium, UKMMC
   Attire: Formal
   Agenda: Enquiries, comments, complaints and progress of SSM work.
   
4. SSM abstract submission
   The format for the SSM abstract would be made available on the 12th April 2010. Submission deadline for the abstract would be 5pm, 12th May 2010 (edit: from 13th to 12th May) to an email which would be provided here later. Late submission past the deadline would not be entertained.
   
   
5. Submission of Group Photos
   Group photos of SSM groups with supervisor are required and submission deadline would be 12th May 2010 by 12am at kong1ming2-at-gmail-dot-com. Interesting photos and videos of SSM research project can also be submitted and would be greatly appreciated.
   
   
6. Propagation of Information
   Please do keep updated with this site. We, in the SSM committee have tried our best to reach out to you with various ways. Ssmukm.blogspot.com offers various ways to keep you updated, from Twitter, RSS Feeds, to Facebook’s Networked Blogs app. Do spread the words around so that more of us could keep up with the latest news.

That’s all for now, and I wished everyone a happy holiday.  :)

It's a Monday! Nevertheless, it's still the last week of posting before the study week and soon the anticipated finals. Yes, I guess this is it, the finals since we would be finishing our year 4. Most of us, actually, apart for those who might have to resit the papers. That, we would like to express our regret and wish you guys all the best! Let's just hope all of us sail through Year 4, and pray for everyone's safe journey.

For those in Pediatrics posting, all the best for your shortcase. Me myself included. Oh well, it's a first time for all of us in this posting, so we can't really avoid this jittery feeling of anxiety.

Moving on to the real topic, here's some updates on the progress of SSM, as of currently.

1. Informal Q&A Session with Prof. Ruszymah regarding SSM Project
   Feb 9th, 2010 (Tues), 2.30pm. Venue: Pending confirmation
   If you have any particular queries about your SSM project, or doubts and disputes among your group members or whatsoever, this is the best time for you to voice it out. Having such problems at the back of your mind can cause migraine, so it is best to clear them off, since paracetamol's effect would probably be non-beneficial or temporary if at all.
   
   Edit: As this session coincides with the Orthopedic OSCE (~2-6pm), it would be postponed until further notice.
   
   
2. Formal SSM briefing
   April 12th, 2010 (Monday), 8am. Venue: Auditorium
   Attendance is compulsory. Everything you'll need to know would be discussed and informed by then. Don't come and beg and plea in tears complain should you missed it. We might remind you about what's happening, but it'll depend on your own initiative to want to know what's happening around, since we're all adults.
   
   
3. Finalization on Oral/Poster presentation groups
   Up till now, there is no finalization on who gets to do oral (platform) or poster presentation yet. However, those who applied for poster presentation would most likely remain so while there may be 3-6 groups who applied for the oral (platform) presentation would be switched out to fill the empty void for poster presentations. So this would depend on the meeting by SSM lecturers and students committee on 15th April 2010. Whoops, apparently there's student involvement as well, as I was being told. Don't worry, I'm sure the lecturers are more experienced and it is unlikely that the students committee (me myself included) could strong arm the lecturers.
   
   So, the finalization would be done on April 16th, 2010, a day after the meeting.
   
   
4. Research Abstract Format
   Unfortunately, the format is still unavailable due to various reasons. It would be made available on April 12th, most probably during the day we had the formal SSM briefing.
   
   
5. Photos Please (Again)
   I know this sounded like nagging, but I'm sure you'll need to do this somehow.I would again request for students to have a group photo with their supervisor, a formal one. Please also take some photos(better if there's videos) of yourself in "action" during SSM research. It can be funny or interesting, it's up to you. Please send in to kong1ming2-at-gmail-dot-com. Your co-operation would be appreciated.
   
   Submission deadline would be on April 16th, 2010, 5pm at kong1ming2-at-gmail-dot-com. There would be no punishment for late entries or submission, but since I'm a rather forgetful person, please do remind me should your photos are missing from the abstract booklet on the day of SSM annual scientific meeting I forget it. Just kidding, I hope you guys could make the job easier so I could attend to other tasks and also help out the others.
   

I guess that's all for now. I wouldn't like to burden you guys, but hope you could take the time to keep yourself updated with this site if possible. We're trying to reach out to everyone, but there's no guarantee that everyone is within reach. So spread this to your friends and fellow group members if possible. Thanks and all the best for exams!

It's a Friday! I guess everyone would be rather excited on weekends than on Mondays. Nevertheless, here's the latest update on the Special Study Module. Sorry for the delay in update, but I do hope you guys and gals can at least spend a little bit more time to read this lengthy piece of information before you go on a sleepathon out of exhaustion vacation and take a break from studies.

For those who just wants a summary overview, click HERE.

1. Oral (Platform) and Poster Presentation
   Based on the overwhelming response from fellow medical students, it had been decided that we will be retaining the section for oral (platform) and poster presentation for our Annual 2nd Scientific Meeting as well. There will be 21 groups doing the oral platform presentation and 21 groups doing the poster presentation. Currently, there is a slight imbalance in the composition as there are a a bit more groups vying for the oral platform presentation.
   
   Therefore, a selection committee consisting of doctors will be the ones handpicking a few research titles from the groups who selected oral platform presentation for the poster presentation in accordance to suitability. No students will be involved in the selection committee to ensure that the SSM student committee do not play favoritism/ other students bearing grudge at the student committee a fair selection system.
   
   But no worries, there are a few groups yet to decide on it, and the chances are, only up to 5 groups would be transferred from the oral platform presentation list to the poster presentation list. That's only a 20% chance at most.
   
   
2. Research Abstract Content
   Sorry for the commotion regarding the abstract submission. There are a bit of changes upon the abstract requirement. Previously, we'd voted for an abtract without results and conclusion, but this time round, the results and conclusion is necessary for the abstract in accordance to international standards. In view of this, we'd decided to push back the submission deadline to allow more time for SSM groups to finalize the results. The deadline will be discussed in the next item. As of now, we have yet to get a hand on the abstract format, so we could not provide you with the format yet. Please be patient though, as we are really trying hard to get it. 
   
   
3. Research Abstract Submission Deadline
   The previous suggested submission deadline was 13th April 2010. Currently, the new submission deadline would pushed back to enable students to finalize the data and conclude the findings. Therefore, the new submission deadline is by 11.59pm, 12th May 2010. Any late submission upon thereafter would not be entertained.
   
   
4. Photos Please
   With this, I would again request for students to have a group photo with their supervisor, a formal one. Please also take some photos(better if there's videos) of yourself in "action" during SSM research. It can be funny or interesting, it's up to you. Please send in to kong1ming2-at-gmail-dot-com. Your co-operation would be appreciated.
   
   
5. Committee members recruitment.
   For each group, we would exclude 2 members for the presentation on that day itself. The others would be involved in this organizing committee. So if you have 6 in a group, 4 of you would be involved. For 5 in a group, there would be 3 members involved to help us out. We've the name list and selection is voluntary initially, and the rest would be divided into the respective field of work, namely:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Event & Management  (Program)
     Nurulhuda Bt Abdul Rahman
   • Public Relations & Protocol  (Perhubungan & Protokol)
     Kanit Tha A/P Deang 
   • Publicity & Multimedia (Publisiti & Multimedia)
     Wong Yee Ming 
   • Logistics & Technical (Teknikal & Pengangkutan)
     Syed Muhammad Bin Syed Ali 
   • Marketing (Pemasaran)
     Nur Ain Binti Mohamad 
   • Banquets & Souvenir (Jamuan & Cenderamata)
     Nur Adibah Binti Matsaruan 
   • Special Tasks  (Tugas-tugas Khas)
     Amirudin Bin Sanip
     
   Kindly contact the respective person in charge so we could know who's interested to help us out in that area of work.
   
   For multimedia and publicity(me), you can drop a message in my FB account or email me at kong1ming2-at-gmail-dot-com. Thanks! (P.S. Preferably people who would at least know how to handle Windows Media Player, Microsoft Word etc. :P )
   
   For any further enquiries/suggestions/feedback, please do drop a message in the chatbox on the right of this site, or you can email me at kong1ming2-at-gmail-dot-com or even drop a message in the SSM Facebook group.
   
   
   

Welcome! This is a newsletter from the SSM 2009/2010 committee which would be keeping you guys updated on the latest news as well. Of course, we do have our SSM Facebook group, but we are trying to reach out to everyone, including the public, on our progress towards the SSM 2nd Annual Scientific Meeting somewhere in May (Current proposal date is 25th May 2010). Bear in mind that it is not just us who would be gearing up for the meeting, but you guys as the participants as well. So, here's a few updates first, which would need your guys' help.

1. Oral or Poster
   
   
   
   • I'm sure everyone would be wondering if they should be doing oral or poster presentation. Fear not. The prizes are the same for both events. Poster presentation make use of the power of visual seduction presentation to attract the crowd. Well, a picture is worth a thousand words, right? So there's no need to worry over the format or how it works as there will be a briefing for everyone about the poster presentation, so everyone would have an idea of poster presentation before deciding between these two.
   • A small sample of survey done from the seniors last year did take note that pre-clinicals research are better off in poster presentation, so this is a consideration by itself.
     
   
   
2. Research Abtract Submission
   
   
   
   • As you see, the proposed deadline for abstract submission is on the 12th April 2009 2010. We do hope that all abstract would be compiled by then as we need to send them for printing. All the abstract would be published in a book for the eventful day itself. But of course, we'll need to proof read all the abstract and make some edits here and there and laugh at it, thus we need a much earlier submission.
   • Do understand that 13th April is around the 1st week of SSM period in year 5, so you'll need to prepare before the new semester starts. Do not panic if your results aren't out and there is no analysis done. Abstract is after all, a summary of your research topic, akin an introduction rather than a presentation of results. In short, results of your research is NOT a compulsory inclusion.
     
     
3. Format of Research Abstract.
   
   
   
   • Soon we would provide you with the format of the research abstract so that we could standardize it. This includes the manner which you place your names as the author of the research. Of course, do ask your supervisor for his opinion on how to put his/her name as most doctors have established "research names" which he/she would like to use, and had been using for all his/her researches all these while.
     .
     
4. Photos Included
   
   
   
   • We are trying to insert photos into the abstract page of each group. Therefore, remember to snap a photo of you guys with your supervisor. Make it a formal one, so it'll look proper in the abstract book.
   • And another matter, we would like to request for each group to submit the photos of them at work during SSM. Be it clinical labs holding test tubes or beakers, to community work and surveys. Make sure to wear proper attire and practise safety precautions. Last year, the audience managed to spot some hazardous handling of lead and venipuncture where no safety gloves were worn.
   • There should be preferably 5 photos from each group. Of course, the best photos would be included in the multimedia presentation! :P
   • P.S: Recording videos of yourself are welcomed as well.
   
   
   
5. Recruitment of Committee Members
   
   
   
   • Well, there's only 10 of us in the SSM student council aka organizing committee. Therefore, we would like to request for the goodwill of fellow students to aid us in this. With a bit of help from everyone, I'm sure this task won't be as burdensome to all of us and to ensure a smooth sailing event on that day. We have approximately 6 months to plan, so we ought to do better than the previous event, nay?
   • This being said, we hope that each SSM group would be able to commit all their members (everyone) 3 members to help us out. Don't worry, it won't interfere with the research task at hand as we try to keep the workload to bare minimal. The presenter of each SSM group can opt to be excluded from the task force so that they can concentrate for that special day itself.
   • This is still in the planning stage, but would be finalized soon in a week or two. So, you are advised to be patient and wait for further announcement.
   
   Well , there's so much more I would wish to update you guys, but nothing comes in mind for the moment. I will try to keep you guys updated as soon as I've got the time. So, stay tuned.