aua pulse issue 10

8/14/2019 AUA Pulse Issue 10

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AUA Health Fair A Major SuccessEach semester, it is an AMSA (American Medical

Student Association) tradition to perform acts of community

outreach and service in an attempt to interact with the localsof whatever area they are in and to expose students to medical

practices early on. According to www.amsa.org the mission

statement of AMSA is:

The American Medical Student Association is

committed to improving health care and

healthcare delivery to all people; promoting

active improvement in medical education; in-

volving its members in the social, moral and

ethical obligations of the profession of medicine; assisting in the

improvement and understanding of world health problems; con-

tributing to the welfare ofmedical students, premedical students,interns, residents and post-MD/DO trainees; and advancing the

profession of medicine.

The AUA chapter has embraced this charter and has put on

health fairs in the heart of the Antiguan community each se-

mester. Our goal for the May-September 2009 session was to

make this a bigger and better health fair than the ones previ-

ously organized. With great pride, I am able to say that we

were able to succeed and surpass our goals.

The Health Fair took place in downtown Antigua in the central

market where fruits and vegetables are sold. Over 400 patients

were seen by a combination of 250 student volunteers and

AUA faculty. Along with this overwhelming student response,

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ANTIGUA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

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Whats Inside?

Health Fair...........................................1-2

From the Editors...............................3-4Faculty Spotlight................................5-7Student Spotlight...............................8-9Academic Matters.........................10-11Rumor Mill...........................................12New Campus Tour..............................13BSU Movie Premiere.........................14Photo Spread.......................................15The Counseling Corner..............16-17
http://www.amsa.org/http://www.amsa.org/http://www.amsa.org/


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we were able to combine our efforts with those of a local group,

the JCI, whose goals were very similar to those of AMSA: to pro-

vide quality health care to the Antiguan community free of cost.

With all of our pooled resources, we were able to offer the widest

spectrum of health exams that I have seen in my four semesters

here. Tests included: blood glucose testing, blood pressure reading,

body mass index calculation, history taking, eye examinations as

well as HIV testing through AMWA (American Medical Womens

Association). Thanks to the contributions of our professors: Dr.

Manjunath, Dr. Ephraim and Dr. Sri we were able to allow each

patient to have one on one interaction with physicians regarding

any questions they may have had answered.

The Health Fair was such a large success due to the community

outreach that we received. Local businesses like Townhouse Me-

gastore, Epicurian, Bargain Center and Mt. St. Johns Hospital of-

fered so much support ranging from water donation for all of the

students who participated, a cooler, blood drive sign up capability

as well as blood glucose machines. The generosity of AUA also

made this event possible: from the donations of tables, chairs and

privacy curtains to pamphlets, free prints and most importantly the

megaphone that made my job so much more colorful that day.

Thank you to all of you who participated. I hope the experience

was as enlightening for all of you as it was for me. For almost two

days after the event I heard people talking about the interesting

cases that they had seen, including Bells palsy, rhonchi, sudden

blindness, blood sugar that was almost off the charts and so much more. I hope that AUA students were

able to see that beyond all of the books, exams and studying that there is a reason to all of this and that

there is an end result treating patients. I also am optimistic that the Antiguan community was able to

see us as more than the doctors down by Epicurian and as people just like them with our own back-

grounds and stories.

In closing, I urge all of you to volunteer for AMSA events in the fu-

ture. It is one of the oldest medical student organizations, boasting more

than 60,000 members. The alumni number alone is a good reason to join butmoreover, it is the pledge to provide health care and education that should

draw youafter all, that is why youre here arent you? Finally, thank you

to all of the students who came to our event and made it such a wonderful

day, professors who provided extra credit, donated their time at the health

fair, donated materials to use the day of and all of the local vendors

that so generously provided us with anything we needed.


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By: Marium Syed - Med 4

AMSA Medical Coordinator


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Khrystal is currently

hard at work on an in-

depth piece investigating

the ongoing student loan

situation. Look for her

article in the next AUA

Pulse!


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Khrystal Boone - Med 4AUA Pulse Assistant Editor-in-Chief


5/17

Faculty Spotlight on... Dr. Bharati! Last semester when I was in enrolledin microbiology, I received some of the

lowest grades of my life on the first threequizzes. As both my undergraduate andgraduate degrees are in the field of com-puter science, I was not trained to memo-rize random facts, and this was not help-ing me in micro, as was demonstrated bymy poor performance. When I discussed theissue with Dr. Bharati, she sympathizedand asked me questions regarding theproblems I was having understanding thematerial. She realized that my main prob-lem involved categorizing the information.Afterwards, she went the extra mile tohelp me and told me to come see her every time we finished an organ system (which wasalmost every other day). Every time I would go to her office, she would patiently listen toall my complaints and then spend at least an hour going over the material with me andasking questions to test my understanding and help me see the patterns so I could bettercategorize the information. She helped me make sense of micro, and because of her, I endedup liking the subject and even became one of the T.A.s. She is a wonderful and caring

teacher with a beautiful smile; a teacher that AUA students are blessed to have. There areseveral aspects of her amazing personality that many of us dont know, and for this reasonI decided to interview Dr. Bharati for the faculty spotlight.

Me: Could you tell us about your childhood?

Dr. Bharati: I am the oldest among three siblings, I have a younger sister and a youngerbrother (upon asking, Dr. Bharati denied that she bossed around her younger siblings). Igrew up mostly in North India. Due to my fathers job, my family moved a lot. So parts ofmy childhood were also spent in South India. My family moved so much that between the

1st and 10th grade I attended six different schools. However, all of my college education isfrom South India.

Me: So how many languages do you know?

Dr. Bharati: My mother tongue is Malyalam. However, most of my life I spent in North Indiaso I am also fluent in Hindi. Then due to the time I spent in South India I also know Kan-nada, Telugu and Tamil. In college I learned French, and English was taught in school. (Sothis makes seven languages!)


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Me: How did you come to study microbiology?

Dr. Bharati: Well when I was a student I took the entrance exam for medical school. How-ever, I realized that my heart wasnt really into medicine. At that time there was a medi-cal school that was offering a combined curriculum for medical microbiology. In that cur-

riculum we were offered a year of basic sciences combined with two years of medical mi-crobiology. I took that pathway and after I finished my studies I started working at themedical school in Manipal. The job at Manipal consisted of three parts that included teach-ing (to medical, dental, nursing and graduate students), working at the diagnostic lab, andresearch. It was also during my job at Manipal that I received my PhD.

Me: What area did you concentrate on for your research?

Dr. Bharati: My research area is in diagnostic aspects of bacterial meningitis - more specifi-cally, the molecular methods for diagnosing bacterial meningitis.

Me: What are the differences you have noticed between our student body here at AUA andthe student body at Manipal?

Dr. Bharati: I have noticed that when it comes to learning the material that is taught inclass, what the students find difficult or easy is the same whether at AUA or at Manipal. Iwas teaching the mainstream medical students in Manipal and since the curriculum there ismore demanding in terms of volume, and they had to work towards getting a degree inmedicine, most of them were focused on achieving that goal. However, the students here arevery open in expressing their opinions, both their appreciation and their dislikes whereas inIndia they always maintain a distance between themselves and the faculty. I also like the

fact that the students here always acknowledge their professors. On the other hand thestudents in India are lot more inhibited in giving their opinions.

Me: OK lets move on to some fun stuff. What are your hobbies? How do you like to spendyour free time?

Dr. Bharati: I love reading and craft work, and recently I got interested in glass painting. Ialso enjoy solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles; in fact, I deliberately had to stopdoing them because I am addicted to crossword puzzles and Sudoku. I was trained in Indianclassical dance and music, I like listening to music and because my husband is a big fan of60s and 70s rock music, I got used to listening to that as well.

Me: You just mentioned painting and I have always noticed that you wear nice color combi-nations. ... Do you have a favorite color?

Dr. Bharati: I dont have a favorite color. However, I love the black and white combina-tion and I dont like dull colors. I love mixing and matching my clothes. Especially in Indiasince you have more options when creating your outfits, I used to mix and match all differ-


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ent kinds of colors. In fact, many of my friends and colleagues used to call me the queenof mix and match.

Me: From this I can tell that you must be very artistic. Did you take courses in art? Howdid you start to paint glass?

Dr. Bharati: I never took a course in painting, but I always liked glass painting and oneday I just decided to read up on it and start. I am an Aries so it is part of my nature tobe impulsive. Once I set my heart on something, I always have to do it. I am very much atypical Aries; however I think that time has mellowed me a little. I am also a romantic atheart and a dreamer, and I enjoy creative activities.

Me: Who has been the most influential person in your life?

Dr. Bharati: There are many people who have influenced my life. I would say that mymother has had a huge influence on me, as well as my grandfather. When I was little, Ialways wanted to be a teacher and used to use the doors in my home as the chalk board

He bought me my very first chalk board. Also many teachers had a hand in molding me.

Me: Is there any message you would like to give to our student body?

Dr. Bharati: My advice for the student body is to learn for the sake of obtaining knowledgeand to be curious about science. Dont learn for the sake of grades, as grades dont alwaysreflect knowledge. Knowledge is empowerment and it gives you confidence. Knowledge earnsyou respect from your patients and peers. Learn for the joy of learning and that will enrichyours and someone elses life.


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By: Aisha Waheed

Med 4


8/17

Student Spotlight On... Dantong Xu!For all of you dedicated AUA Pulse readers, here

is something new for your taste buds. And for

those who are first-time readers, this is for you

too. This edition of the AUA Pulse is putting a

new spin on the Teacher Spotlight and introducing

the Student Spotlight. Its nice to know more

about your professors, but we are all here to be-

come physicians, so why not hear first-hand from

our very own peers how they made through each

semester?

The Student Spotlight this month is on DantongXu. He is a Med 4 who has very successfully

completed every previous semester, so I sat down

with him to uncover the secrets to his success. ...

So if you are hoping or praying for a miracle, here

are a few keys to help you unlock the mystery of success here at AUA.

Me: When did you begin your coursework at AUA?Dantong Xu: I started here as a Med 1 in May of 2008.

Me: What is your GPA?Dantong Xu: Well, I have received mostly As in my courses here at AUA so I would sayabove a 3.5

Me: How many hours do you study a day?Dantong Xu: On weekdays, I study around 7-8 hours. On weekends, I would say about 12hours or so.

Me: Are there any outside resources you use to study?Dantong Xu: I always read the assigned text books. I don't usually use any outside resources.

Me: Any advice for Med 1s - Med 4s??Dantong Xu:

Med 1: Read the books not the power pointsMed 2: Go to classMed 3: Go to class because lectures are very helpful in understanding the informationMed 4: Study and don't get distractedFor all: commit yourself to study after class, otherwise you wont make it


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Me: What was your favorite class and why?Dantong Xu:Anatomy Lab: It is a good supplement for the lecture.Histo: I like Dr. Singhs and Dr. Getas unique style of teaching, they draw and make you draw in-stead of using powerpoints

Physio: Dr. Sanii explain everything thoroughly. He puts his passion into teaching and is willingto take time to explain things.Path I: Dr. K helps to link topics to clinical cases. He makes it easier to read the book.Micro: Dr. Bharti helps prepare you well for the Shelf exam.Pharm: Dr. Morcos' slides are simplified and very straight forward.ICM Lab: It is a good supplement to better understand the material. They break you into smallgroups and ask questions to make it interactive.

Me: Can you offer any tips to students new to the island?Dantong Xu: If you arent mentally prepared, you have to sit down and make sure medicine

is for you. You have to be determined. Its a lot of hard work. I hope everyone succeeds. Thereare no short cuts in medicine. You have to study every day.

Me: Where do you want to go for 5th semester?Dantong Xu: I would like to go to Baltimore if it is offered because its close to home; how-ever, all the sites have their unique benefits.

Me: How do you plan on studying for the Comp Shelf and Step I?Dantong Xu: For the Comp Shelf, if time allows, I would like to review physio and biochem.For Step I, I plan to take time off, review every subject once to integrate everything together,

and probably take Kaplan Prep/Review because they are well established to aid in the integra-tion of the information.

Me: What kind of doctor do you want to be?Dantong Xu: I want to go into internal medicine and possibly specialize in nephrology, cardi-

ology, or endocrinology. I know for what I don't want to go into: pediatrics or obstetrics/gynecology.

Thank you all for reading this article in its entirety. I hope ithas shed some light on the keys to success here at AUA. Thatsit for this edition of the Student Spotlight. Stay tuned to findout who our next student will be.....


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By: Nicole RobertsMed 3-4


10/17

Academic Matters... If you have read the series of articles in the Pulse thus far about class attendance andpower points you might, like me, be wondering: Why the great divide? Chinas Great Wall sitsbetween students and faculty. Yes, doors exist allowing us to visit one another but as yet thewall seems to stand. It is time to move from this series of monologues to a dialogue betweenthe two sides.

The Med 2 class took a step in the right direction this past month when their SGA repre-sentatives met with both Dr. Bell and Dr. Sanii to discuss class attendance and the quality ofcourses. The overriding premise of this meeting was that no one knows better what it is like tobe an AUA student than an AUA student. The two deans were in complete agreement of this;however, Dr. Bell pointed out that the student body grumblings could not be addressed if notpresented to the administration. Last semester, course evaluations were completely revampedand presented to students in a short, electronic and anonymous format. All of the changesmade to the course evals were at the recommendations of the student body. And yet little over

thirty percent of the student body filled out the evaluations despite multiple reminder emailsand extensions. What can the administration conclude but that the remaining seventy percentor so are happy with the way the courses are being taught? It is hard to disagree with theirlogic. This is not to say that the course evaluations that were filled out were thrown to the side.However, when a small percentage of an already small percentage complains about something,it is difficult to take it as actuality.

Although it was agreed that students should use the evaluations to their advantage, thepending need for more effective educational tactics still remains. To further address this issue,the Med 2 reps presented several learning tactics that they wish to see implemented in theirclasses in the coming weeks. These tactics were compiled to accommodate all types of learn-

ers; the listeners, the doers, and the seers. Firstly, the organization of a lecturer s PowerPointsnot only sets the bar for what is expected of a student, but also assists the student to hone inon the high yield topics. In an accelerated program such as ours, the need for effective study-ing is of GREAT importance and integral to our success as medical students.

Having structured PowerPoints, avail-able at least 24 hours prior to a lec-ture, allows a diligent student the op-portunity to not only be prepared forthe days lecture, but prevents timespent on downloading PowerPoints as

the professor lectures. The Med 2class also proposed weekly quizzeswhich would not only improve classattendance, but also provide the stu-dents insight for their upcoming ex-ams. Other suggestions included, butwere not limited to, fill-in-the-blankPowerPoints, multimedia based class-


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room learning, more pointed objectives, and a better organized s-drive.

All of the above suggestions are well and good, but if the student body does not makeconcessions on their end nothing will be accomplished. Sometimes I feel that we students, my-self included, need to be reminded that we are in medical school. It will never be easy. Not eve-ryone becomes a doctor-- not because they do not have the brains for it, but because they arenot willing to put in the required effort. The faculty does not look good by failing us, they want

every single one of us to succeed. At the same time they cannot lower the bar or hand outexam questions just to pass every student.

It is time for us students to become more proactive when it comes to our education. Ifyou do not understand something in class, raise your hand and ask questions or go to a pro-fessors office hours. If a professor asks a question, answer. What are you losing by getting itwrong? Be respectful and come to class on time, it is distracting not only to the professor but toyour fellow classmates as well when doors are opening and closing constantly at the start ofclass. Come to class, even if all it does is show the professor that you care enough about youreducation to lose some precious sleep time! I, for one, am guilty of not doing many of theabove. But if the professors are willing to make the effort, then so should I.

I rewrote this article a million times so I would not sound like a fortune cookie or a televi-sion evangelist near the end, it didnt work. We each know what we have to do to succeed. Thequestion is whether or not we are going to put in that extra effort required. For those of you thatare, I will see you at graduation :)

- Dona HasouMed2 and SGA Executive SecretaryThank you:

Thank you to Matt Wirsing, Nardeen Zaklama, Zohaib Haque, Donad St. Jean, Shahniwaz Labana, and Chris-topher Buelvas for taking time out from busy Med 2 schedules and taking constructive steps forward in trying toimprove course quality for not only their class but for future med classes.

Thank you to all SGA representatives for taking a lot more time than people realize out of your personaschedules to serve the student body, especially when it comes to academic matters. Finally, the Med 2 classwould like to thank all of their Med 1 and Med 2 professors. We do appreciate all you have done and continuedoing. For our future med 3 and 4 professors, we look forward to working with you.

If you would like a copy of the Med 2 meeting outline please feel free to email me at [email protected]


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mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


12/17

THE RUMOR MILL:I heard there was a shooting at the Roof Top!

Fact:Indeed, there was recently a shooting at the Roof Top basketball courts located

off Factory Road in the evening hours. Please exercise caution if you play basketballthere late at night.

Everyones saying Dr. Krishnanand and Dr. Geetha are leaving after this semester.

Fiction: Dr. Bell, Dr. Krishnanand, and Dr. Geetha have all confirmed that they will

continue teaching at AUA next semester.

I heard you can't do 5th semester in Baltimore anymore.

Fact: Baltimore will no longer be offered as a site for 5th semester coursework. How-ever, clinical rotations will continue there without interruption. The decision to removeBaltimore is in favor of students and was initiated by AUA. 5th semester students wouldhave less hands on clinical experience due to the new management of the hospital, ac-cording to Dr. Bell.

Someone said there were rats in the anatomy lab!!??

Fact: A rat was recently found in the anatomy lab while prosectors were working on acadaver. The rats snuck in through a hole behind the washing machine. Efforts are beingmade to rectify the situation and avoid any future rat invasions.

I heard the September incoming class is going to have 400-500 students!

Fiction: In an interview with Dr. Bell, the Pulse learned that the Fall 2009 class will not be any larger than previous September classes, and will be accommodated within theuniversitys current capacity.

OK what really happened with Dr. Kumar and Dr. Shankar?

As per the email sent out by Dr. Bell, As of June 23rd, 2009, Drs. Mo-

han Kumar and Pinakini Shankar have been relieved of their duties withthe American University of Antigua.

Heard any rumors lately? Wanna know the facts? Email me: [email protected] and Ill domy best to get to the bottom of it. Tune in next time for more rumors, and more truths!

*Note: Issues above have been thoroughly researched and cited. Any questionsor concerns should be directed to Vaseem Ahmed [email protected]


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By: Vaseem AhmedMed 3
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


13/17


14/17

Black Student UnionHosts Movie PremiereOn Thursday, June 25th, over 200 AUA students and faculty pouredinto the Deluxe Cinema in downtown St. Johns for the premiere ofTransformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. The first of its kind, the moviepremiere boasted LIME-sponsored double-bubble top-ups, a fullservice snack bar, and complimentary 5-minute teaser massages.

Proud hosts of the event, the Black Student Union of AUA led byPresident Gerdie Jean, displayed diligence and patience in dealingwith the bustling crowd. Many anticipated mishaps, such as cuttingline and saving seats, were held to a minimum. Everyone who at-tended was seated, and most people were able to sit with those whothey arrived with.

The event was promoted effectively during the weeks prior. Ticketssold out within days, and auctioned tickets went for over double theinitial asking price. Complimentary day spa vouchers from D NewU Spa Boutique led raffle ticket sales to surpass the $400EC mark.

All in all the Black Student Union was able to raise over $1400 EC forthe Cedar Valley Elementary School. Proceeds will be allocated to-wards purchasing the popular Hooked on Phonics easy-learning setfor students of CVES.

An action-packed movie, affordable concession stand snacks, and amplecrowd control culminated in a largely successful event for the BSU. Nextup is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Stay tuned for more info.

Dapo Iluyomade - Med 3


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BSU President GerdieJean at the premiere

Students wait in line before the movie

Free teaser massages wereoffered by D New U Spa

Boutique


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Med 4 Date Auction!

Med 4 Basketball Tournament!


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The pickings at the auction. More than$3000 EC was raised for the Med 4 White

Coat ceremony

Med 4 President DianePhillip at the auction.

The Guys and Gals teams at the RooftopCourt. ... Over $3000 EC was raised for the

Med 4 White Coat ceremony.


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On Coping with Change and Taking Control

I want to talk about two issues that I speak about frequently with patients and students: Change and

Control. There is a tendency to speak about these subjects in a very intellectual and rational manner

I will try to avoid that since these terms often have strong emotional components as well. I also do

not want to simply describe the problem. Like any good health-care provider, I want to also help you

to understand what you can do about it.

Regarding Change: This is a term many of us fear and most of us avoid. In some cases it is be-

cause Change means Loss, and this is in fact one kind of change. Many of us go to great pains (both

physical and emotional) to avoid Change at any cost. Change is seen as bad, unnatural, undesirable

and a source of distress. If we are relatively content and happy in our present life, then Change is

viewed as a threat to that happiness. So we focus our efforts on strategies to maintain and preserve

this homeostasis.

A related term is Control. Control is a common issue that all of us face at some time in our lives

Typically, our perception is that we are, in control. We go to the store, and fix our meals, and drive

our cars. We make a plan to complete our undergraduate training and apply to medical school. We

fly to Antigua and pay tuition, study hard, buy books, etc. So, with some sense of accomplishment

we believe we are in complete control of our lives, our careers, and our destinies.


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This is fine until something goes wrong (that is, until something changes). Maybe it is something

smalla flat tire, an argument with your friend, a less than optimal lab grade. Perhaps it is something

more devastatinga broken arm, an automobile accident, a relationship ends, a failed course in

medical school, or a family member dies. How can that be? How can we be in control of our life and

allow these things to happen? Where is our control?

One of the most frequent questions I ask patients and students (over and over) is: How do we contro

what we cannot control? Well, the simple answer is we do notwe control what we can control and

accept what we cannot control. The reality seems to be that Change is not the exceptionit is the

rule. Stasis is the exception. So it appears that, despite our best efforts (and faulty perceptions), we

cannot control Change. Well then, what can we do?

By understanding the limits of your control (and the inevitability of Change), you begin to focus on

what you can control. I may not be able to control how I feel (angry, sad, frustrated, happy, etc.), but

can control the expression of these feelings. I can explore these feelings and try to understand them

I may not be able to control which questions occur on my next Mini-Exam, but I can make and imple-

ment a plan so that I am sufficiently prepared for the exam. I can get the proper amount of sleep dur-

ing the implementation of this plan and the night before the exam. I can address my nutrition so tha

my brain and body are adequately nourished and prepared. I can exercise and have healthy, non-

medical school interests and hobbies that engage me and help me

to manage my stress and avoid burnout.

So, while I cannot control others, I can control me. But that control

is incomplete, and I need to understand the limits of my control.

Other people, environments, and a myriad of situational variables

may influence me, but I am the CEO of my thoughts, my feelings,

and my behavior.

Now thats really taking control.


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By: James M. Rice, RhD

Associate Professor &University Counselor

aua pulse issue 10

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