Thepulse fall 2015 modified

1

Article Message from the Pulse Team Fantastic Dreams

Page # 3 4-9

Finding Balance

10-13

Importance of Global Risk Factor Surveillance

14-18

Love is Adoptable at PAWWS

19-26

A Mother’s Journey from Short to Long White Coat

27-29

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

30-34

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: An Isolated Mind

35-38

Cooking With Urvi Emergency Relay Race

39 40-45

A Look Around the Globe

46

Art of Living Happiness Program

47

Fit Club Minutes

48-59

2

Message from The Pulse Team: Who are we? We are the AUA student magazine. Our mission is to capture the student driven experiences that represents our journey at American University of Antigua School of Medicine.

Why should you care? You are AUA. (Yes, you!) You are the heart and soul that keeps this place pumping. We want to appreciate all that you do. From every event and every struggle, we value you and the experience that is AUA. We want to give you the voice and appreciation that you deserve. That begins with capturing your unique experience at AUA. The Pulse is back. Please enjoy our virtual issue. We invite your feedback. This magazine is by the students and for the students. Therefore, we appreciate any ideas and value all suggestions for upcoming publications. Please forward all suggestion to GabrielleB@auamed.net.

Thank you for reading.

Pulse Blooper: Out of Focus but clearly bright individuals 3

Dreams were fulfilled as America University of Antigua (AUA) held its first Fantastic Fun Fair on Saturday, September 5, 2015. AUA students chaperoned girls from the group homes of Mustard Seed, Sunshine Home for Girls, Good Shepherd, and The Victory Center. The vision of Fantastic Fun Fair was to reach the orphans and disadvantaged children of Antigua. The goal is to inspire children to never give up on their

Fantastic Fun Fair was the dream of AUA medical student, Sabrina Ali. “I knew I wanted to do an event with children, but medical school was more demanding than I ever imagined. I knew I couldn’t juggle it.” Ms. Ali received variable support from the following local business. Ticchio, Epicurean, Caribbean Cinemas, Beach Limerz, Touloulou, Big Banana, Subway, The Larder, Extreme Fitness Gym Owner and Manager, Fred’s Ice Cream, Harpers, Bouncy House Owner, Mr. Joseph, Local DJ Sly, Lowger Bus Lines, local food stand Chef Savita, Party Paradise, and local food truck owner, Chris.

4

AUA Pediatric Interest Groups helps girls with body art

The girls were paired with AUA students in hopes of providing motivation and counseling to reach their future successes. AUA students joined the girls in a variety of fun events including face-painting, jewelry making, karaoke, sports, and dancing. Fantastic Fun Fair provided an activity for girls of all ages and educational level.

The highlight for many of the children was the Basic Life Support Demonstrations. Participants were shown critical lifesaving techniques. This introduced many of the girls to the field of medicine. Some of the girls began to develop dreams of their own. Cirra Horsford of Good Shepherd group home, excitedly stated, “I want to be a doctor.”

The event concluded with the presentation of gift bags and goodbyes. Ms. Ali in her final thoughts revealed dreams for upcoming fairs. “Fantastic Fun Fair was all I envisioned and more. The girls really enjoyed themselves and I had a blast spending time with them. At the end of the day, they were having so much fun they didn’t want to leave. I would say mission accomplished. I am also happy to say that many other students of AUA expressed their interest in continuing Fantastic Fun Fair for many years to come. I see myself in the future taking on many more community outreach events 5

AUA Pediatric interest group and Touloulou Management

AUA Pediatric Interest Group & The Larder Management 6

AUA Pediatric Interest Group and The Beach Limerz Management

AUA Pediatric Interest Group & Food Stand Owner, Chris 7

AUA Pediatric Interest Group and Harper’s Management

AUA Pediatric Interest Group and Epicurean Fine Foods Management 8

AUA Pediatric Interest Group demonstrates dance moves to girls of local group

Coordinator of Fantastic Fun Fair, Sabrina Ali, hugging her mentees 9

Finding Balance By: Gabrielle Buxton

On Saturday, November, 07, 2015, American University of Antigua (AUA) sponsored a Diabetes Health Awareness Fair to demonstrate the importance of finding balance in the proper management of diabetes. The event was held in the Epicurean Fine Foods & Pharmacy parking lot between 10:00 am and ending at 2:00 pm.

This event was created by AUA medical student, Mary Peters. “The Diabetes Health Fair is an AUA student driven effort to facilitate diabetes awareness in the local community. In an effort to reach more people, we have invited the Diabetes Association of Antigua to join us and help promote the importance of managing diabetes.�

10

The health fair provided invaluable information to the general public.

Each participant was provided the opportunity to check vital medical statistics such as Body Mass Index, comprehensive patient history with student doctors, physical assessments, and many other stations.

11

Ms. Peters recruited assistance from Antigua Federation of Medical Students, the Asthma League Emergency Medicine Interest Group, Glaucoma Interest Group, and the Psychiatric Interest Group-PSYSIG WISE Program.

12

Local Antiguan, Johnette Gonzalez shared her experience. “I found the fair fantastic. Even on my routine doctor’s visits, I have never had my feet inspected. The student doctor did things that helped me to feel comfortable and listened to my concerns. The student doctor spent a lot of time addressing all my fears and checking my vitals such as blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and reflexes. I would definitely visit a fair like this in the future and bring my husband with me.”

Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at AUA, Dr. Kannavar, was a critical component in implementing the fair and helping to facilitate the survey. She is responsible for all community outreach health fairs at AUA. She was excited with how the fair progressed. “At 12:30 pm, we saw over 60 patients.

Each patient received a blood glucose test that helped us grade them according to the standards of Diabetes Association of Antigua. Depending on the category, we were able to educate and counsel the patients to follow up as needed with clinical physicians. This fair provided information on developing a balanced lifestyle. The most important thing I would like to mention is that the Ministry of Health has requested AUA to take a Health Stress Survey which allows us to measure the status of health in the Antiguan population. It is our hope that this survey will guide us accordingly in future health goals.”

13

Importance of Global Risk Factor Surveillance By: Gabrielle Buxton

14

International scholars gathered for the World Alliance for Risk Factor Surveillance (WARFS) Conference on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 through Friday, November 20, 2015. Traditionally, the conference is held at various locations around the world. This year, America University of Antigua (AUA) in partnership with the WARFS Local Organizing Committee of Antigua (LOC) was excited to host the conference at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort Spa. The WARFS LOC Chair and Vice President for Administrative Services & Community Affairs at AUA, Vernon Solomon was critical in coordinating and planning for this event.

WARFS Local Organizing Committee of Antigua

Dr. Danny Wedding, WARFS 15

WARFS EED Support Team The goal of the WARFS conference is to promote risk factor surveillance in health care and prevention.

Many prominent health care professionals in the local community were invited to this event. The conference was also open to AUA faculty and staff. Additionally, AUA students were given the opportunity to attend the event and integrate the knowledge obtained from current course material to learn its real world applications.

Esteemed international scholars presented the latest research on risk factor surveillance. This was the first time WARFS took place in the Caribbean and it featured many keynote speakers. Among the speakers, Sir Trevor Hassell of the University of West Indies is a noted academic in the Caribbean and amongst his peers. Dr. Trevor provided invaluable and relevant information in his presentation on non-communicable disease surveillance in the Caribbean. He discussed the significance of non-communicable disease and associated risk factors affecting the Caribbean. The parallel between non-communicable and communicable disease was a major theme in many of the later presentations.

WARFS Conference at Sandals 16

Keynote Speaker, Professor Ann Taylor of the University of Adelaide, South Australia, is a passionate enthusiast of risk factors and global surveillance. Particularly, she enjoyed hearing the local academics talk about their experiences and sharing other international experiences.

Dr. Taylor shown standing to the right In her discussion on the interplay between non communicable and communicable disease, she presented the similarities and future implications for surveillance. “There is a forced dichotomy between communicable disease and chronic disease in the surveillance area. There is lots of common knowledge and common principles between the two and it will be advantageous for the two surveillance system to combine based on common behaviors and problems.”

This topic was extremely important in countries like the Caribbean where chronic disease is increased.

AUA 3rd semester medical student, Ilya Noginskiy, elaborated on feedback from Professor Taylor’s presentation. “Chronic disease now is not infectious in the sense that you are spreading microbes, but the culture is infective. Social norms contribute to chronic disease such as diabetes. Perhaps if we limit the social tendencies or norms we will get better prognosis with chronic diseases.”

AUA Student Observers 17

Dr Zevallos speaks with the AUA Students A highlight for many AUA students was Keynote Speaker, Dr. Juan Zevallos. He is an Associate Professor at Florida International University of Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (FIU). Dr. Zevallos demonstrated the application of global surveillance and how it can be rewarding. AUA students participating in clinical rotations are given the opportunity to develop research skills in an elective at FIU. Dr. Zevallos assisted AUA students in a research proposal that resulted in publication. “There is great importance in linking academia with surveillance. In our program at FIU, AUA students are the principal investigators and take the lead in preparing the research question, developing the protocol, analyzing the data, and interpreting the data for presentation. The data is presented in three products: oral presentation, poster display at WARFS Conference, and an instructor’s abstract that is published online.”

After three informative days, the conference closed on Friday with the option for relaxation as many toured the island. The conference was generally regarded as a success and educational to all who attended.

Dr. Zevallos of FIU (left) 18

Love Is Adoptable at PAAWS By: Stephanie Ferri One of the most difficult adjustments for many of the incoming animal-loving students of AUA is the shock of living in a country with a widespread overpopulation of dogs and cats. As we attempt to enjoy the Antiguan experience, we realize how abundant the problem has spread. There seems to be neglected and abused animals everywhere. The worst of the lot are in terrible shape with noticeable ribs.

As we progress through our academic career, we learn about an unfortunate tendency of some natives to abuse the strays. Perhaps, the final blow comes in the form of recreational dog fighting that takes place on the island. With so many dogs and cats in need and no laws that advocate for their rights, one begins to feel a sense of helplessness.

Nora Nedden, decided to overcome this sense of helplessness. Ms. Nedden migrated from Holland to Antigua twenty five years ago. Like most first-time visitors, she was amazed at the condition of stray dogs and cats. However, she decided she would make a difference. Gradually, she began taking dogs into her home. As time passed, she adopted 23 dogs. Although Ms. Nedden was offering shelter to many dogs, she felt compelled to do more. Years later, she was presented with the opportunity to reach more animals.

19

Ms. Nedden took over the rescue organization where she volunteered. The organization did not offer shelter but instead relied on foster homes. Nora’s next goal was to find land where she could build a facility. It was her hope that the facility would board the dogs while they waited to be adopted.

In 1996, the PAAWS shelter was formed. Ms. Nedden was able to secure an inexpensive but dilapidated termite infested home. Instead of seeing the flaws, she was able to envision the future. Ms. Nedden and her team fumigated the house, built their first pen, and planted their first tree.

Now, present day, PAAWS can accommodate up to 50 dogs and 25 cats. At present, it is the only NO KILL shelter in Antigua. With the change in times, more animal advocacy groups have appeared in Antigua. The groups rely heavily on social media and fostering. However, they do not board animals, and they will euthanize a perfectly healthy animal if they cannot find it a home. While admirable in their efforts, the new advocacy groups are unable to offer the same services that PAAWS can.

20

PAAWS offers unique services that provide many cats and dogs with a second chance for life. In a recent interview with PAAWS owner, Ms. Nedden, we can begin to understand how truly special PAAWS is.

Ms. Nedden was kind enough to offer an interview about her passions, her hopes, and her concerns about the stray animals of Antigua. The interview took place at the PAWWS organization.

As you approach the yard at PAAWS, a gang of puppies greet you at the gate, all fighting for attention. The dogs at PAAWS are friendly souls who seek to be loved.

As you approach each pen, they stick their muzzles through the chain link craving human contact. They have large pens dutifully tended to by employees. Many of the animals have pen mates, but they seem happy with their circumstances. Without hesitation, I reach through the fence for contact and they melt with happiness. It’s easy to see their joy.

21

I am also greeted warmly by the owner of PAAWS, Ms. Nedden. We talk about the organization’s humble beginning and how it has transformed over the years.

“This is a success story. Ten years ago there were no pens, no place to keep the animals. Now look….and all with volunteers.” I ask her what PAAWS’ mission statement is and she hesitates. “Save them all?” I ask.

Ms. Nedden replies, “You can’t save them all. You can only do what you can do, but you can always do something.”

We also discuss Ms. Nedden’s youth outreach program which desperately needs more volunteers. Her face lights up at the mention of the outreach program, Courage to Care Club. It is an earnest effort to change the cultural attitude surrounding stray dogs starting with the youth.

22

Over 10,000 pamphlets were created and distributed in 79 Antiguan schools. Each edition of the pamphlet highlights something new. For example, not tethering a dog and how to read a dog’s tail and ears. The pamphlet offers a wealth of information. The most important message to the children is to have the courage to care about stray and mistreated dogs. Ms. Nedden hopes she can help the children realize the strength and value of a mongrel.

Recently in Antigua, tourists from the UK witnessed two men trying to drown a dog on the beach by throwing rocks at it every time it tried to come ashore. The horrified tourists managed to save the dog, but vowed to never again visit Antigua. The story quickly gained momentum both in social media and daily newspaper, The Observer. It was PAAWS who provided shelter for the abused dog and it is PAAWS who is making great efforts to place the dog.

23

One of the Ms. Nedden’s concerns is the importation of dogs. It is common practice for many travelers and migrants to import dogs to Antigua.

People chose importation for many reasons, but Antigua has an overpopulation of animals that need shelter. Unfortunately the importation of pure breed dogs is common, as many Antiguan natives see no value in a mongrel while they see a pure breed as status symbol.

24

Ms. Nedden feels strongly about dog importation. “Ban the importation of dogs. It just doesn’t make sense to import dogs when there are so many wonderful dogs who need homes.” The interview concluded with Ms. Nedden reconfirming the need for more volunteers.

Do you miss your animals from home? Do you love the smell of puppy breath? Do you miss petting your cat? Why not volunteer for Antigua’s only NO KILL animal advocacy group.

With an impeccable record spanning a decade, PAAWS continues to set the bar for animal advocacy in Antigua, PAAWS provides shelter, medical care, and love for abandoned, neglected or abused animals. In the past 10 years, the organization has adopted out more than 1400 dogs and cats.

Additionally, it has funded spay/neuter cam and raises awareness in the youth of Antigua with an ongoing program which works with the community.

25

If you would like to volunteer at PAAWS, your help would be greatly appreciated. The number to call is:

(+1 268) 460 3667 You can also make a donation on their website: http://www.paaws-antigua.com/ contact.html You can like them on FB: https://www.facebook.com/ paaws.antigua/?fref=ts

PAAWS is located in Parham Town, St Phillip, Antigua, about a twenty minute drive from the AUA campus

http://www.paaws-antigua.com/shelter.html Pedigree dog food, River Run dog food, any cat food, dog treats (not toys), towels and blankets are always appreciated.

26

A Mother’s Journey from Short to Long White Coat By: Danielle Rodgers For medical students across the nation, the short white coat is not only a symbol of their status as a student but a representation of the trials and tribulations they must conquer to reach their goal of becoming a physician. Some students may need to overcome environmental hardships. Other students may encounter financial difficulties. Among the many obstacles we face, one that we all have in common is the intellectual, physical, and mental strains of being a medical student.

We dedicate our entire lives to a profession that requires us to dedicate our entire lives to others. As Dr. Mallin described at the White Coat Ceremony for the American University of Antigua class of 2019, the short white coat is indicative of a medical student and a long white coat is worn by practicing physicians.

The short white coat of one student in the class of 2019 represents something unique that only a few students share at AUA. Chasity Fletcher describes her white coat as only the beginning of her already incredible journey with her new baby, Carter. Once she gains her long white coat it will represent the transition she went through, and the idea that becoming a physician happens in gradual steps.

Chasity graduated from Hampton University in Baltimore, Maryland and went on to become a teacher and get her Master’s degree from Tarleton State University in Maryland. During that process she became pregnant with Carter. Instantly, she knew that her daughter would be the motivation in her reaching her goal of becoming a physician.

Chasity and Carter came to AUA together and quickly found a working system. Carter goes to daycare while Chasity attends lecture and TA sessions.

She has a nanny for when Chasity has other commitments. Sometimes she even brings Carter with her to school where she is welcomed and often pined over.

Chasity and Carter in their matching outfits for Taster’s Day 2015.

27

Chasity and Carter shortly after they arrived to Antigua.

When children are born, the parents’ lives recommit their lives to their child. Often, the parents place their goals on hold. For Chasity and Carter, they took the team approach. No dreams were going to be put on hold.

“Carter is my motivation, children are given to you because God felt that you were the person for this child.” Chasity has an incredible support system behind her including her at home anxiously awaiting the return of her and her little one. Her advice to other students with children is find that support system and always view your child as a blessing and a motivation. Chasity also shared that when she pats Carter on the back, Carter pats her on the back too. She tells Carter “thank you for letting mommy know she’s doing a good job.”

28

Chasity takes a picture with Carter at every amazing milestone they reach together, the white coat ceremony being the most recent. The day of the event Chasity said “I either find someone to hold her or she’s walking across the stage with me, but she’s going.”

Carter may not understand now, but Chasity hopes that when she sees all of the pictures and obstacles they overcame together, she will understand the importance of following her dreams no matter how tough the road may be.

Chasity and Carter at her Master’s program graduation from Tarleton State University in Maryland.

No student will ever have the same story. This is one of the many amazing stories that occur silently at AUA. Chasity enjoyed having the opportunity to share her story with her classmates in hopes that she can provide some insight for those who are here with children and may be having a difficult time.

Every day Chasity remembers, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” At the end of the day when she holds her little miracle, she remembers why she is here.

Chasity and Carter at the AUA White Coat Ceremony, 2015.

29

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles By: Gabrielle Buxton

Emergency Medicine Interest Group, Pediatric Interest Group, and AUA Faculty Volunteers

Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG) of American University of Antigua (AUA) sponsored its second Athletic Health Fair on Saturday, September 26, 2015.

Volunteers and faculty arrived on campus by 9:00 am and remained until 1:00 pm.

SGA Representative, Errisha Richardson explains the vision of EMIG for the Athletic Health Fair. “This health fair is beneficial to both the Antiguan athletic community and the distinguished AUA student body. The athletes will have a chance for a free screening gauging their level of fitness and the students will have a chance to utilize their clinical skills which will be the basis of their continued medical studies 30

Emergency Medicine Interest Group and AUA Faculty Volunteers

Emergency Medicine Interest Group Volunteers and Community Athletes 31

Emergency Medicine Interest Group Volunteers and Community

Members of the local athletic community were able to participate in several health screening activities. Each athlete was given the opportunity to meet with a student doctor. The student doctors were instructed take a comprehensive patient history.

The interview provided insight on the athlete’s current and past health concerns. In some interactions, the student doctor provided cardiovascular and respiratory exams.

Student Doctor, Urvi Bhavsar, was asked to complete comprehensive patient histories on selected athletes. “It was nice being able to apply my book knowledge into hands on experience while assisting such talented members of the Antiguan community.�

The athletes were led by the student doctors to receive preventative health screenings. The health screening included a standard blood glucose test, a measurement of body weight and height, a measure of Body Mass Index (BMI), a flexibility test, an active heart rate reading, and a spirometry test which measured lung capacity

and volume.

32

Emergency Medicine Interest Group Volunteers and Community

Pediatric Interest Group Volunteers 33

After the athletes were finished at their prospective stations, they were educated

on diet and exercise as well as rest and recovery.

Kyeshaun Christipher 15 year old male swimming athlete was excited about the event. “I was happy to have the opportunity to know more about myself physically. Participating in activities such as, active heart rate, helped me to determine my true physical condition.”

Mother to Kyeshaun and Kyle, D’Anne Christopher, felt very appreciative of the

goal of the health fair. “It was a refreshing experience. This event was unique because it focused more on educating the public of how to stay fit and make any adjustments to our daily lives as needed.

AUA Faculty Volunteers

The day closed with lunch provided to the volunteers by local food truck owner, Chris.

EMIG also received support by many of the AUA faculty and student body. AUA Pediatric Club provided an obesity and nutrition station to further promote healthy living 34

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: An Isolated Mind

Stephanie Ferrigan

Image: IMDb

35

The Driving Bell and the Butterfly is a film based on real life events. It chronicles the life of Elle Magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby. After suffering from a stroke that caused significant damage to his brainstem, he awakes from a three week long coma.

His caretakers begin asking question after question, and although Bauby thinks he is answering aloud, no sound escapes his lips.

Bauby is told that he is suffering from a rare condition called LockedIn Syndrome that has left him a quadriplegic and mute.

Through a quick internet search, I learned that ventral pontine lesions are the most common cause for this syndrome. People with these brainstem lesions often remain comatose for days or weeks.

During this time, they need artificial respiration until they begin to gradually awake. However, the patient remains paralyzed and voiceless, superficially resembling patients in a vegetative state or akinetic mutism1.

Before medical innovation, this diagnosis would have been a death sentence. However, as evidenced in the film, recent medical advances allow physicians to “prolong life.” The audience is now posed with a question Bauby asks but no one can hear. Bauby asks, “Is this life?”

A once affluent and presumably charming man is now confined to a bed and trapped inside his own head.

He initially longs for death, yearns for the comforts of his old life, and is tortured by his failings. His confinement brings awareness of his limitations. All of the things he postponed for “tomorrow” will never be realized. His life Image: Wikipedia

36

is now lived in hindsight, and we watch as he is forced to become a new person.

In the film, we see Bauby begin to chronicle his story. Bauby is assisted by his book editor, Claude. Bauby blinks with his left eye as Claude recites the alphabet starting with the most frequently used letters. As one would imagine, this must have been a painfully long process.

Image: NY Times We are shown his visitors and hear his callers. We begin to understand that some of the people in his life are also “trapped” in their own way. For example, his elderly father, who is confined to his apartment because of his frailty.

Although we are aware that Bauby is not exactly the definition of a family man, we do feel certain sadness as he distances himself from his children and “the mother” of his children (as he describes her). He later admits to treating her poorly when he was able bodied.

37

The cinematography is actually quite beautiful with one scene in particular showing a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. This provides a striking analogy to Bauby’s life as he imagines his dreams and ambitions emerge before him, but never long lived as he is always brought back to his isolated reality.

Beyond the obvious trauma Bauby has to withstand, there is underlying story that emerges from Bauby’s caretakers. You feel a mixture of incredible sadness and aching regret for Bauby, but it is also mingled with beautiful moments of hope and kindness as provided to him by his loved ones. Without their commitment and wholehearted efforts, his life would have been far more difficult to endure.

Bauby died of pneumonia 10 days after his book was published. Despite all of his misgivings, he was surrounded by the people that loved him and, in some way, shared his confinement.

It is this burden that we, as future physicians, must learn to carry. We will have to share the weight of illness or trauma that each of our patients bring forth. We are to be a beacon of hope even when it seems that there is no hope left. How does anyone manage this and not break? How can we overcome that loneliness? How do we keep our sanity?

I am left with a quote from the film that I feel is an answer to these fearful questions, and I will leave you with it: “Hold fast to the human inside of you, and you’ll survive” Reference: 1. The locked-in syndrome : what is it like to be conscious but paralyzed and voiceless?

Steven Laureys, Frédéric Pellas, Philippe Van Eeckhout, Sofiane Ghorbel, Caroline Schnakers, Fabien Perrin, Jacques Berré, Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville, Karl-Heinz Pantke, Francois Damas, et al.

Prog Brain Res. 2005; 150: 495–511. doi: 10.1016/S0079-6123(05)50034-7

38

Cooking with Urvi

Image from myrecipes.com It’s the holiday season and nothing makes you feel more at home than comfort food. Here’s a recipe that is easy on the wallet, healthy and tasty. Take a ride to the Saturday market and enjoy the bounty Antigua has to offer. While there, enjoy the milk of the island by taking a sip of fresh coconut water. One thing’s for sure, you will get your 15 minutes in the sun ensuring ample synthesis of vitamin D levels.

Curried Sweet Potato Ginger Soup: For this recipe you will need: 2 teaspoons canola oil 1/2 cup chopped shallots (or 1 small onion) 3 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled sweet potato 1 1/2 cups (1/4-inch) sliced peeled carrots 1 tablespoon grated ginger 2 teaspoons curry powder 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste) A Healthy Appetite Directions: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots; sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Add potato, carrots, ginger, and curry; cook 2 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender; stir in salt.

Pour half of soup in a food processor; pulse until smooth. Repeat procedure with remaining soup. An emersion blender may also be used.

39

Emergency Relay Race By: Jean Nezivar

Wednesday, November 25, 2015, students from each basic science semester gathered in the clinical skills lab for AUA’s bi-annual Emergency Relay Race. The event was organized by the Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG).

Jaffer Ahmad, EMIG executive board member, describes the goal of the Emergency Relay Race. “The event is EMIG’s way of wrapping up the semester with a little fun. It is also provides an opportunity for members to practice skills they have learned over the semester. We hope these trainings will help the students later on in their clinical rotations and residencies.”

EMIG instructor and participants

40

During this exciting event, participants were divided into teams of four. The teams raced against each other by designating a specific team member for a specific task. The relay race consisted of intubation, placing an IV, suturing, and bleeding care.

The evening started with an introduction from student instructors. In this introduction, participants were taught how to complete the different tasks for the race. After the introduction, the calm learning environment transformed into a highly competitive race. The Relay Race was filled with excited students waiting to display their skills. The teams competing were The QT’s, Heart Throbs, Trauma Hawks, Gene Genie, Nsyncope, and Clot Busters.

Emergency relay participants at the bleeding control station 41

The first member of each team had to intubate a medical dummy. After this task was completed, the second member had to place an IV line. Then, the third member had to stop an arm bleeding. Finally, the last member completed the race by suturing.

Though the race was highly competitive, participants found outlets for their creativity. Many of the participants were inventive in their selection of team apparel. One of the most eye catching teams of the evening was the QT’s. The QT’s wore pink shoes and custom shirts which read “cute enough to stop your heart and skilled enough to restart it.” Despite struggling during their first match, the QT’s came back winning the competition. They also won against the team of instructors. The Nsyncope team were the second place winners. Each QT members received a $EC25 food vouchers and the members of the Nsyncope team received a $EC 15 voucher.

EMIG instructor and participants

42

EMIG instructor and participant practicing itubating

EMIG Members

43

2nd Place Winners, Nsyncope

1st Place Winners, The QT’s

44

EMIG Members

Congratulations to the EMIG members for planning a great event. EMIG would like to thank all the participants for their enthusiasm and fair play.

45

A Look Around the Globe By: Reema Iqbal Hither, Thither, and Yon Syria was once admired for its lavish vacation spots and traditional food by foreigners such as Europeans, Americans and many others. Today it is encountering chaos. It’s a devastating fact that more than 250,000 Syrian lives have been lost in there civil conflict. This civil war emerged in 2011 as a political protest, which instantly escalated resulting in bloodshed and refuge.

Currently, more than four million people have fled Syria in the pursuit for safety and happiness. Many of these individuals who fled lost their dear loved ones on the quest for shelter.

One name that has been trending across all opinion platforms is Aylan Kurdi, a three-year-old Syrian refugee escaping the catastrophe of this gruesome war. Yet, Aylan Kurdi never made it further than the shores of Turkey. Presented with the options of the loathsome regime’s murder and the resultant murderous campaign of ISIS or endangering life at sea. In the current times a life at sea has become the safer option for millions of Syrians.

No length and depth of words or sentiment can begin to reflect the heartbreak felt by the Syrian people. We must direct our efforts toward relieving the plight of the children and families living as refugees. To be a refugee means to put ones life on pause, including their studies and career. For the sake of humanity, we must not shirk away from the responsibility to assist these beautiful human beings in living a life they once had.

More importantly, as future physicians it is critical to be aware of the current events. We must stay abreast of the tragedies that shape the society we live in. While we cannot change the horrors of the world, we can change the role we play in them.

Ignorance of current affairs will not help us in future successes. As human beings it is essential for us to seek the truth and the perils of following the broad commonalities blindly.

46

Art of Living Happiness Program By: Urvi B

Art of Living Happiness Program Participants – Photo credit: Ms. Shyamala Ganesan

On Friday October 30th – November 2, 2015, AUA hosted Art of Living Happiness program. The program was led by Art of Living instructor and AUA student, Pankti Bhatt. The program was organized

by Chitra Pai, Dr. Nandini Rao, Dr. Reza Sanii, and Dr. Sudha Kannavar.

The Art of Living Program was founded in 1981 by H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He is a humanitarian, spiritual leader, and an ambassador of peace and human values. In 1982, H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar decided to enter a 10 day period of silence. During this period he experienced deep thought and selfreflection. His mental clarity allowed for the development of the phenomenal powerful breathing technique called Sudarshan Kriya.

At the Art of Living and Happiness Program, we were fortunate to learn these techniques. Participants of this program were taught Sudarshan Kriya with guided mediation and skills for handling negativity.

The event was very successful and enjoyed by all. The participants of this event included AUA faculty, staff, students and the local Antiguan community.

Dr. Reza Sanii provided a quick and thoughtful recap. “There is no doubt in my mind about the positive outcome of this course, the bonding, benefits, breathing techniques, the relaxation, living in the moment. I want to recommend this course to everyone, go out and recommend to your friends, relatives and family with the same finesse as Pankti when she asked me to join.”

As a participant of the program, I consider it a great tool to deal with the vigor of medical school and everyday life. Since the program, I am smiling more, practicing daily and attending weekly follow-ups that include a long kriya session held by Pankti. I highly recommend this course.

Mark your calendars, the next Art of living Happiness program will be held from March 18 th – 22nd 2016.

It’s a great experience with life changing implications. You don’t want to miss out!

47

FIT CLUB MINUTES

By Andres Onetto

FITCLUB BEGININGS: Every Tuesday and Friday, at the bottom of the evening hour, invigorating vibrating music rattle the windows of Block B, and Block C. The music pulsates with an array of muffled screaming and agonizing

squirms, raising a brow or two. As the habitants of Block B and Block C put on their headphone, curse under their lips, and roll their eyes, two words cross their mind: FIT CLUB. Twice a week, motivated, stressed out students gather in the amphitheater for a refreshing taste of their own sweat. Contrary to popular belief by non-members, fit club is designed for everyone and every level of fitness. Anyone who is motivated to burn off a serious amount calories and willing to train alongside peers with the same mindset, should join Fit Club.

48

Starting Fit Club dates back 3-4 semesters. Michael Colfax, with a competitive martial arts back-

ground, came up with idea. Colfax gathered JR Villacorte and Sudeep Rajpoot to help organize what he envisioned as AUA’s New Fitness program. With the help of Richard Woodward, Senior Vice President, and Sumita Balooja, Public Relations Coordinator, the club was approved. Long time athletes, Ashley Lentine and Sarah Sethi, where added to complete the executive board members of Fit Club. Between the five of them, and their respected athletic backgrounds, intense hit workouts fueled the momentum of Fit Club. All workouts kept and continue to keep in mind the serious athletic ‘freak,’ and the new to fitness ‘spawns’. Week after week the club began to grow. As the ‘freaks’ got stronger and tapped into their euphoric accustomed physiological high, the novice ‘spawns’ began to bloom into beasts of their own.

Today Fit Club has over 260 members and it continues to grow. Last semester the torch to lead Fit Club was passed on to Olivia Richman, Roshan Tadi, Armin Edalatpour, Ryan Unruh and Andres Onetto. The five of them continue to take Fit Club to new extremes, with new workouts, and ideas complied from past collegiate experiences. On occasion, workouts are made by current fierce competitive participants. Anyone who tries Fit Club for more than a week is prone to addiction. It is easy to get fixated on the postworkout feeling. The morning after usually presents a challenge of its own, but the gratification reels people back to do it again and again.

I have been to Fit Club, and through their workouts I have come close to reaching the point of syncope. Last time this happened was during my racing days as a collegiate athlete. The level of intensity is there for whoever wants it. Individuals can train as hard or as light as they want. One thing is always guaranteed: one will either be inspired or one will inspire. People have and will continue to metamorphosize.

From weight loss to increasing daily energy, dedicated participants understand the power of Fit Club. In my own poetic euphemism, Fit Club interjects the chaos of my life in medical school and reminds me what a blessing it is to feel and be alive, today and now. If you have not felt this way during your time here, I invite you to join in this sublime paradox.

49

FIT MEDICAL FACTS:

As medical students, it is easy to get swallowed by school material and the notion of thinking that there is absolutely no time to exercise. We ignore the big picture when it comes to learning about the respiratory and cardiovascular system. We undermine and cast a shadow on what has been the consistent solution and prevention to most physiological diseases: exercise and diet. Regardless, we continue to convince ourselves that right now, there is not time. I will work out tomorrow, or next week, definitely next year, but probably after med school, or at least after residency and when I have children; yes once they have graduated I will have time to get in shape. Just like we make time to eat, groom, study and hopefully sleep, we need to make time to exercise. Medical school has to be built upon time management. Anyone that walks through the Educational Enhancement Department will get a mouthful of information on just how to attack a very constructive and efficient schedule.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recommends that adults get a minimum of 2 ½ hours per week of moderate – intensity aerobic activity. Not everyone has to go Fit Club to accomplish this. According to HSPH, walking briskly for one to two hours a week starts lowering the risks of having a heart attack or stroke, as well as developing diabetes or dying prematurely. Try taking a 15-20 minute break to walk around campus each day. Throw back some flash cards, or catch up with a friend.

It is not very surprising that The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association support the idea that “more activity increases the probability of success.” Harvard Medical School wrote an article on the benefits to exercise and it can be found here: http://hms.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/ assets/Sites/Longwood_Seminars/Exercise3.14.pdf Rest assure, if you are ready to make the change, regular exercise kicks the lungs, heart, and blood vessels into shape. If you are already addicted to the endorphins and the euphoria of exercising, then continue to remember that exercising trains our lungs, heart and blood vessels to deliver oxygen to our muscles more effectively. What does that mean for us? We find ourselves not struggling to catch our breath after going up a flight of stairs. We find ourselves thinking clearly. We find our skin feeling fresh as we exfoliate in the midst of our riveting work out. When we condition our bodies, we increase the number of capillaries that serve the working muscles, especially the heart. Research says that our lungs pass up to 200 pints of air, in and out, each minute when we exercise. When we are not exercising, on average, the lung only passes 12 pints of air in a minute. Next time you think about exercising, or are rudely, but most appropriately disturbed by the noises coming from the amphitheater, keep in mind the potential of our physiological fortress. It is a beautiful thing and masterfully constructed for us to live long and well and especially outrun the lion.

50

FIT TIPS:

Drink a cup of water as soon as you wake up and before every meal. Scientist say that drinking a cup of water as soon as you wake up, and before every meal can help energize your body, keep you hydrated, improve your radiating skin and help control your appetite before indulging at La Bussola.

Eat and Apple A Day. Yes, this might keep us away in the future, but for now, it is beneficial. Ten reasons why: 1. Apples are filled with soluble fiber (5 grams) This fiber found in apples has been shown to reduce intestinal disorders, including diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and possibly some types of cancer.

Helps control insulin levels by releasing sugar slowly into the bloodstream.

Cleanses and detoxifies, which helps eliminate heavy metals, such as lead and mercury.

2. Apple pectin helps reduce cholesterol levels by lowering insulin secretion.

3. In two studies researchers found that eating five apples a week lowered the risk for respiratory diseases like asthma.

4. According to Chinese Medicine: Apples strengthen the heart, quench thirst, lubricate the lungs, decrease mucous and increase body fluids.

5. Apple cider vinegar can help prevent the formation of kidney stones.

6. Studies indicate that eating apples daily can reduce skin diseases.

7. According to a Brazilian study, eating an apple before a meal helped women lose 33 percent more weight than those who didn’t.

8. An apple has only 50-80 calories and has no fat or sodium.

9. Apples are packed with vitamins C, A and flavonoids and with smaller amounts of phosphorus, iron, and calcium.

10. Apples provide a source of potassium which may promote heart health. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10reasons-to-eat-an-apple-aday.html#ixzz3sviqiNW5

The Youngest member of AUA Fit Club 51

WORKOUT 1 “START YOUR IGNITION” 3-4 Times A Week will Separate You from the Weak.

WORKOUT 1 “START YOUR IGNITION” 3-4 Times A Week will Separate You from the Weak.

Jumping T’s

1 minute

Doorway Pull Ups (modification: Head Crushers on feet or knees)

10 Reps

Decline Push Up (modification: regular or on your knees)

10 Reps

Jumping T’s

1 Minute

Chair Dips

10 Reps

Normal Plank

1 Minute

Spiderman Push Ups

10

Jumping T’s

1 Minute

Door Tri’s

10 Reps

Left Sided Plank

1 Minute

Chair Steps

20 Reps (10 each leg)

Right Sided Plank

1 Minute

Jumping T’s

1 Minute

52

FIT HOME: First Workout Pull Ups: Place a towel on the br im of the door . Wear mater ial that will not cause too much fr iction.

Head Crushers: Squat down into Downwar d Dog position. Bend your elbows to get your head close to the ground and then push back up. Modification: Same thing on your knees instead of feet.

53

Dips: Find a chair . Find a side table. Wide legs make it har der accor ding to Er ic Tr evizo, and Fit Club agrees. Place your feet on another chair to make it even harder.

54

Decline Push Ups: Feet on a table. Alter nate fr om wide hands, dir ectly below your shoulder s and dir ectly below your sternum.

55

Door Handle Tri’s: Towel loped over and under both door knobs. Feet together or apar t in squatting position. Lean back, extending arms and pull towards the door.

Chair Steps: Find a stable chair and step up while dr iving up the knee. Alter nate or r epeat the same leg.

56

Spider Man Push Ups: As you come down r ight knee goes to r ight elbow. Come back up, feet back to neutral position. As you come down again, left knee to left elbow.

57

Plank: Both elbows and for ear ms on the gr ound, back flat, feet and toes stable.

Side plank: One elbow and for ear m on the gr ound. Side of foot stable. Opposite hand in the air .

58

Jumping T’s: A modified jumping jack. As your feet shoot out to the sides, so do your ar ms. As your feet come back in, you clap with your arms straight at all times.

59