Griffith University

I like the supportive teaching staff and placement opportunities. Being close to a renowned hospital is inspiring too. However, class material is unorganized, and the rest of the university feels rather small and uneventful relative to most Canadian schools. Don’t expect great resource organization by the medical school, but expect supportive teaching staff. Also, reach out and get to know upper year Canadian med schoolmates because we’d love to help and get to know our incoming Canadians!

I love living on the Gold Coast, so much you can do around the uni. Level 6 study rooms are very popular and if you want one you will probably have to go to uni early. Library is ok, the quiet spaces are way better than the common areas. The program is very unorganized and I feel like there’s always budget cuts. You’ll find a great bond with the other students in your cohort because you’re all going through the same things. The set pathways for the first yr and a half are so odd to me but you’ll find your friends regardless!

Great facilities and teaching, good learning experience. However administration is very slow and there are many delays. Great education and program but be prepared to work hard and take initiative for administrative tasks.

I like the class sizes. It’s very close-knit and I really like how the staff is willing to listen and respond to our concerns. Teaching methods, especially guest lectures, need improvement, as well as scheduling/timetabling needs improvement. You’ll definitely feel welcomed on campus because there are already so many people from Canada here in the medical program.

Love location, easy of access, school community feel. Like class since new course outline, so they’re still working out some organization kinks. Most teachers are good, but there are so many online resources that are also good, so find what works for you. Look into additional resources AnKing, Ninja Nerd, Boards and Beyond,

Receptive staff, very supportive peers, good facilities. Dislike: needs more study areas, more plug points, certain staff members have poor teaching skills. Come in with an open, positive attitude because building community will make or break your experience. Don’t be afraid to make friends with the Australians too, because it’ll be very tempting to stay in Canadian circles. Work hard, but remember this is a marathon, not a sprint, so it’s important to have fun and socialize.

I love how helpful, kind and accommodating everyone is in the med cohort. The profs are also amazing and supportive, which has made the program enjoyable so far. The entire university shares one library and it is often tough to find a spot to study. I love that there is no competition at all amongst the students. This creates a very collaborative environment. Griffith med focuses a lot on communication skills so I am learning much more than just the science of medicine. The instructors are quite supportive.

I like the facilities and the teachers who actually do care about their students. Emphasis on mental health is very important and is actually followed through on.

Class size and course material are great. The instructors so far that I have had have been great. The teaching method going forward at Griffith for Med is changing from small group to large group sessions which would affect how people learn.

Griffith Med Society is amazing. The supportive community, great location, plenty of activities to do and balanced lifestyle. Only downside is that sometimes it gets really hot here in GC. Class size is just right. Everyone is friendly and cooperative. Med school is hard, but with good company and supportive environment makes everything durable.

I’m at Griffith University.  The location of the university is stellar, only a 10 minute tram ride from surfers paradise beach. Tuition is the cheapest I believe of all the Australian medical schools, and the medical building is relatively new and offers modern facilities. All lectures are recorded or pre-recorded, and none of them are mandatory to watch live. if you fail anything there are multiple opportunities to redo the assessment. Program is very supportive of you and wants you to succeed. Anatomy part of the course is great, many cadavers to study off of [and] communication skills training is very thorough. Exams are pass/fail the first two years so you don’t need to worry about maintaining a percentage average (this takes a huge amount of stress away).

Campus itself is quite nice with lots of trees and nature interspersed within it. Very friendly atmosphere. There are two gyms which spreads out the student pop. One of the gyms is open 24/7 so there are no time restrictions on when you may want to work out. very nice outdoor swimming pool, beach volleyball court, basketball court, and two tennis courts. There’s also a race track with all the track and field amenities. lots of places to study and chill. Multiple cafes and places to get food.

Griffith takes a more holistic approach to medicine and structures the learning directly towards clinical practice, right from day 1. In addition, Griffith combines ethics, stats, and law right in with the medical sciences, which helps us approach cases and patients with a broader understanding.

I have really nothing but good things to say about the program so far. Griffith has a great med program and the difference from other schools is becoming more apparent (we have the biggest/best funded cadaver/specimen lab in the country, there is a big emphasis on clinical application of knowledge like x-ray interpretation and clinical reasoning from day one). I think I made the right choice coming here.

The facilities are state of the art, the staff are very clearly invested and engaged, and the program takes a very holistic approach. The program relies heavily on self-directed learning which means you’re given guidelines of what you’re expected to know and its up to you to go and learn that information. Some material is supported in lecture but the main idea is to train you to be able to acquire medical knowledge on your own once you’re a practicing physician. I think some students struggle with this but I enjoy the freedom/responsibility given to us and the opposition to spoon-fed teaching like other courses use. 

Gold Coast is also a great place to live, the weather is amazing so it does feel like you’re on holiday most of the time. I’m definitely looking forward to second year though where we have more clinical rotations and hospital shifts.

Griffith puts a huge focus on communication skills with patients, and has a strong reputation for its graduates being better skilled in that regard.