Cambridge University Royal Naval Unit Medical Symposium

摘要

The Cambridge University Royal Naval Unit (CURNU) held its inaugural Medical Symposium on 8 May 2014 at its headquarters on Chaucer Road in Cambridge. CURNU is made up of around fifty students, drawn from all subjects, studying at the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University, and the University of East Anglia. The unit is commanded by a Royal Naval Lieutenant (currently Lieutenant Jonathan Wordsworth) and is supported by Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) training officers. The students hold honorary ranks in the RNR, have weekly drill nights during term time, and deploy on the P2000 class patrol boat HMS Trumpeter during weekends and holiday periods. Royal Navy consultants currently working in the East Anglia region were invited as guest speakers at the symposium. The meeting was opened by Surgeon Commander Jane Risdall and her presentation: "A bit confused and all at sea - a non-standard Royal Naval medical career", describing her varied career as a military anaesthetist including deployments to the Balkans and both Gulf conflicts. Surgeon Commander Peter Taylor then gave "A taster of military trauma cases ", describing some of the injuries sustained by military personnel in recent conflicts. This was a highly educational, but also sobering reminder of the devastating effects of modern warfare. Surgeon Commander Jonathan Perry provided a lighter-hearted look into "Nautical phrases", giving cadets the opportunity to guess the nautical etymology of common phrases such as 'bitter end' and 'taken aback'. The winner was awarded a bottle of Pusser's rum (of course!).