AUC Connections Alumni Magazine Winter 2016

WINTER 2016

All in the Family

Mother and son share why AUC is a family affair— in more ways than one. also in this issue

Like Father, Like Son Meet Your AUC Admissions Team In His Patients’ Corner

Message

from the Dean Dear AUC Graduates, Each year at American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), we report on our academic and career outcomes and show the progress we are making in enhancing our education program and elevating our graduates’ opportunities to launch fulfilling careers. We are proud of our students’ performance on the licensing exams and in the annual residency placement process. I believe strongly that our entire program—including our selection of students, our faculty, our evolving campus, and student support—is geared to contributing new physicians to our workforce who are capable and knowledgeable.

In the real world of healthcare, medical knowledge isn’t enough. Great physicians treat patients, not diseases, and so must have a strong sense of professionalism, interpersonal skills, and empathy.

At AUC we take great pride in creating and nurturing an environment that drives student engagement and social accountability, and encourages medical students to learn critically important concepts.

Service learning is an important part of the AUC culture and community. Our students’ involvement in community service activities reflects both who we are as an institution and what we want to bring home to the communities where our graduates will later serve. On our Sint Maarten campus, our students participate in a wide range of activities that bring hope and healing to people across the country. In this way, AUC as an institution achieves a very important goal: to be the very best citizen institution that we can be, one of many stewards working in support of the country’s people.

As AUC alumni, I hope you can recall activities like this from your own experience at AUC. The idea of “giving back” to one’s community is a noble one. I hope that as physicians in your own right, you view yourselves as important actors in your community, who are relied upon by peers and patients.

Medicine is a calling, and as physicians we are giving back all the time. And this giving back has its rewards.

When considering our students’ involvement in these service-learning activities—and the eagerness with which they embrace them—one might ask: is it in AUC students’ collective nature to serve, or does AUC nurture our students to be that way? It’s probably a bit of both. But I’m proud to say that the end goal of our medical school—to educate qualified students to become empathetic, team-oriented doctors—is embedded within every decision we make, beginning with admissions and proceeding through every facet of the educational experience we offer. As distinguished alumni of our institution, I commend you on your own efforts to bring empathy, teamwork, and a sense of service to the patients you serve and the fellow healthcare professionals you work with.

Warmly,

Heidi Chumley, MD Executive Dean and Chief Academic Officer

THE MAGA ZINE OF AMERIC AN UNIVERSIT Y OF THE C ARIBBE AN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

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winter 2016

Alumni Heritage Scholarship

Heidi Chumley, MD Executive Dean & Chief Academic Officer

Help extend the AUC family tree to aspiring physicians who you think would make a great addition to the AUC family.

Stephen J. DeSalvo Director of Institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations ALU MNI RELAT I O N S

Like Father, Like Son

It was a journey that would mark the beginning of a legacy for the Hardoon family, which is now forever intertwined with the AUC tradition.

Jennifer LeFebvre James Errico Lynly Jeanlouis SPEC I AL EVENT S

Cheryl Schumacher Kenneth Edwards Morgan Lynch

All in the Family

For LaDona Schmidt, MD (’90), her AUC journey didn’t end when she left campus. That’s because her son, Lawson Montgomery, is following her footsteps and currently finishing up his second semester on the island.

MARKETI NG & C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

Chris Railey Jennifer Colodney MAGAZI NE PRODU C T I O N M AN AGE R

Meet Your AUC Admissions Team

The AUC admissions team plays an integral part in aspiring Medical students’ lives, helping them transition from applicant to enrolled students—a transition you once made in choosing AUC for your journey to becoming an MD.

Kristine Lester C ONTRI BU TI NG W R I T E R S/E DI TO R S

Jenna Calder Stephen DeSalvo Lynly Jeanlouis Jerry Kimbrough Melissa Kvidahl DESI GN

Peter Gialloreto Howard Design Group, Inc. Princeton, NJ

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Bulletin Board Profiles

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Alumni Events Class Notes

AUC CONNECTIONS is published by the office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations along with the office of Marketing and Communications. It is distributed twice a year to alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends. For information or to send name/address changes please contact: alumni@aucmed.edu.

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Alumni Director’s desk Wow, it has been a very busy first year and a half here at American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, and I have really enjoyed getting to know the AUC alumni community. Throughout this particular issue, you are going to see recaps of the wonderful new initiatives and events that have been occurring all over the country and on campus. One common theme that emerged while putting together this publication is how deeply committed AUC students and alumni are to giving back, how adept they are to overcoming near impossible obstacles, and persevering through just about any situation. It speaks to the basic characteristics that all of you share: care, collaboration, sense of community, and drive!

As our alumni family continues to grow and be ever more engaged, all of us at AUC are working hard to offer you the forums and structure that allow for greater volunteerism and engagement. A great deal of focus has shifted to forming regional chapters across the country, providing more opportunities to assist with enrollment events, new initiatives that allow for interacting with current students, and social events/gatherings all across the country to keep you all connected. We will also be initiating specialty alumni chapters for more networking and mentoring opportunities within your specialty fields.

We are on the road to greater alumni engagement, but we can always use more alumni chapter leaders, volunteers, and class agents. Please visit our website or alumni social media pages to find out more. You are also welcome to reach out to me directly any time via phone (732) 509-4667 or by email stephendesalvo@aucmed.edu.

Hope to see you soon at one of our many upcoming events!

Warm Regards,

Stephen J. DeSalvo Director of Institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations

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IAAR Mission The mission of the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations Department is to foster a robust community of active alumni through encouraging lifelong relationships with each other and with AUC, incorporating alumni in the life of the University, eliciting a sense of institutional pride and enhancing the perceived value of a AUC degree. We aspire to be the primary provider of the lifelong experience by connecting alumni, students, faculty and staff in valuable and meaningful ways.

AUC ALUMNI AMBASSADOR

Do you have some free time to give to your alma mater? Would you like to share the value of your education with prospective students and their families? Are you looking for a meaningful way to volunteer? Become an AUC Alumni Ambassador today.

Alumni opportunities include but are not limited to the following: • Open House Speaker • Current/Prospective Student Outreach • On-Campus Panelist • White Coat Ceremony Speaker • Commencement Speaker • Email Ambassador • Social Media Ambassador (Facebook®, LinkedIn®, Twitter®)

• Enrollment Webinar Participant • Clinical/Residency Representative • Alumni Mentor Program Participant • College Fairs Speaker • Transition Program Speaker • Match Day Event Representative • Regional Chapter Leader • New Student Reception Participant

• Profile in Marketing Material • Alumni Association Council Member • Post Internship/Job Opportunities • Class Representative • Conference Speaker/Presenter And much more…

If you are interested in the Alumni Ambassador program and would like more information, please email us at alumni@aucmed.edu.

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bulletin board AUC ALUMNI PAIR UP FOR PUBLICATION Aliya B. Ladha, MD (’10) met Rizwana Fareeduddin, MD (’01) during her residency, where Dr. Fareeduddin was the attending physician for her first two years. During that time, the AUC alumnae encountered an interesting and rare case with a pregnant patient, which resulted in the two collaborating on a case report on the subject.

The report, “Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens and May-Thurner Syndrome in the first trimester of Pregnancy,” was recently accepted for publication, and is scheduled to be published in the first 2016 issue of American Journal of Perinatology.

The ePub version of the article is available for viewing at:

www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/issue/ eFirst/10.1055/s-00000169 Dr. Fareeduddin is currently a specialist in maternal fetal medicine at North Florida Perinatal Associates, Inc, part of the maternity program at Women’s Center building at North Florida Regional Medical Center, where she specializes in high risk pregnancies.

Dr. Ladha is an OB/GYN at Magee-Women’s Specialty of Uniontown, and is also an assistant clinical professor at the University of Pittsburgh in the OB/GYN and reproductive sciences department. l

WHERE DID YOUR JOURNEY TAKE YOU? WE WANT TO KNOW AUC’s alumni are not only part of our past, but part of the future of medicine. Each of you has given us many reasons to be proud of your journey that brought to you becoming a physician. Now, we want to know more! Tell us your post-graduation story and we may feature it on our blog—let future AUC students get a glimpse of what it’s like to be an AUC alumnus/alumna.

If you’re interested, or would like more information, please email the IAAR team at alumni@aucmed.edu.

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CLASS CELEBRATED START OF MED SCHOOL WITH WHITE COAT CEREMONY | SEPTEMBER 2015 In the medical profession, a white coat isn’t just a garment. It’s a symbol of the journey that all medical school students take before officially becoming physicians. A journey that American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine’s (AUC) Class of 2019 started together on Sept. 4 at our White Coat Ceremony in St. Maarten.

During this rite of passage, which is recognized and celebrated at AUC for every new group of incoming students, new physicians-in-training don white coats and recite an oath to uphold the standards of the medical profession.

The speaker for the September 2015 White Coat Ceremony was Raj Klair, MD (’09) who completed his residency training at University of Toronto and is now in practice in the area.

The ceremony was organized by AUC’s Student Government Organization. l

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Help Extend the

AUC Family Tree AS PART OF OUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY, you know what makes the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) experience unique: strong relationships built on a foundation of respect, collaboration, hard work, and the eagerness to be a driving force in today’s challenging world of medicine. You know the qualities needed to be able to rise to those challenges, just as you once did as a student.

If you know an aspiring physician who would make a great addition to the AUC family, please direct them to find out more about the Alumni Heritage Scholarship at aucmed.edu/scholarships.

“AUC students demonstrate social accountability, embrace diverse life experiences, and are engaged students and citizens, the Alumni Heritage Scholarship recognizes and rewards incoming students who exemplify the breadth and depth of AUC’s culture beyond academics.”

Heidi Chumley, Executive Dean and Chief Academic Officer

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Alumni Heritage Scholarship The Alumni Heritage Scholarship is awarded to students who have a work/ volunteer history with an AUC graduate.

Regardless of where they are in the enrollment process, we encourage qualified students to apply for this scholarship.

AUC’s Scholarship Committee reviews applications and awards scholarships on a weekly basis. If you have questions, please email scholarships@aucmed.edu.

Award Amount

Full cost of tuition for first semester One-time award for first semester

Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum undergraduate overall GPA of 3.0 • Hold an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s level) • 1 letter of recommendation from an AUC graduate, specifically outlining your involvement with the graduate • Personal essay on the following topic: How has your experience with an AUC alumnus/alumna positivity impacted your personal or professional development?

• Hold an offer of admission to AUC • This scholarship is open to incoming students only

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ADVOCACY UPDATES The Government relations team wanted to take the opportunity to update the AUC alumni community on how you can help drive our legislative advocacy efforts. The beginning of Congressional and state legislative sessions presents our organization with new opportunities to influence public policy impacting AUC. As your advocacy team, we continue to commit ourselves to providing aid and support to achieve our shared mission of empowering students to achieve their educational and career goals. We provide assistance by developing and maintaining relationships with elected and appointed officials across all levels of government in support of the public policy priorities of our students, alumni, and institutions.

As we enter a new year we face several public policy challenges across the country. In Washington, DC pending legislation seeks to eliminate federal student aid for certain international medical school students including AUC. Although the legislation remains in committee, advocates for this measure wage an ongoing campaign to discredit international medical schools and, by extension, our alumni. Critics of international medical schools erroneously suggest that our graduates have Residency Match and USMLE pass rates far lower than the facts support, while implying a lower quality of medical education.

In Nevada, a measure passed last year that generally prohibits international medical school students from participating in third and fourth year clinical rotations. Our team intends to continue efforts to reverse this law in the next Nevada legislative session in 2017. The State of Texas imposed similar prohibitions in 2013.

To combat these efforts and correct misinformation, we must educate decision-makers, advisors, and education advocates about the important work of our institutions and the success of our students. Grassroots engagement remains a critical tool in delivering our message. Success requires collective actions from our students, alumni, faculty, and administrators.

Events like White Coat Days at a state or the federal Capitol go a long way in helping showcase

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who you are, what you have achieved, and why it is critical to the community you serve. This includes encouraging and organizing alumni to join our government relations team to meet with legislators and staff to advocate on behalf of our graduates and students. These visits lack the necessary impact without alumni participation. It allows policy makers the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of career achievements of alumni. It allows alumni to discuss the rigor of coursework and clinical rotation. The participation of established alumni physicians leaves a strong impression on elected officials, regulators and staff.

Your personal and career success speaks to the talents and the resolve of our graduates and to the professional health care training received at AUC. Many of you have participated in these kinds of events in the past. We welcome new and ongoing participation. Please consider joining us in supporting your alma mater through elected advocacy engagement. Share your experiences and success at an event, like a White Coat Day, where it can make the greatest impact on current and future students seeking to make similar contributions to their communities.

If you are interested in participating in a grassroots event, or simply would like to be kept apprised of legislative issues when they arise, please contact engage@devrygroup.com and provide your contact information. If you are unable to attend an event but are interested in supporting our advocacy campaign, please contact us and we will provide you with other opportunities to get involved that accommodate your busy schedules.

Thank you for your service to the health care needs of your community and for upholding the reputation of our institutions through your great work. l

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This scholarship means so much to me; it is evidence that my hard work here at AUC is rewarded, and makes my goal of becoming the best physician I can be a little more possible.

Victoria Bone Scholarship Recipient American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

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For a hardworking student, your support can make all the difference!

As a graduate of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, you know what it’s like. Working hard to get into school and twice as hard to graduate, striving year after year to balance academic challenges and financial obligations.

But the truth is that financial aid and institutional scholarships aren’t always enough.

That’s why there’s the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Scholarship.

American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Scholarships are a part of the DeVry Education Group Scholarship Fund — a 501c3 organization that strives to help keep education within reach by providing financial support in the form of scholarships to students. The Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to continuing students, especially those with the greatest need and who have established a successful academic track record. The Scholarship Fund operates in concert with American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and the other DeVry Education Group Colleges and Universities, but as a separate entity supporting student success. Gifts for American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Scholarships are restricted to American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine students.

The impact of the Scholarship Fund continues to expand because of the generous support of our alumni, colleagues, corporate partners and friends. The Scholarship Fund will award $1 million in scholarships to more than 600 students this year alone.

And with your support, we can do even more!

To make a donation in support of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Scholarships, text the word AUC to 41444 on your mobile phone.

To learn more about American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Scholarships, go to www.aucscholarshipfund.org.

Thank you for considering a gift to the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Scholarship, and for supporting student success!

American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Scholarships are a part of the DeVry Education Group Scholarship Fund. Established in 2000, The Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to continuing students, especially those with the greatest need and who have established a successful academic track record. The DeVry Education Group Scholarship Fund is a not-for-profit, 501c3 organization, is incorporated and registered in Illinois and operates in concert with the DeVry Education Group Colleges and Universities but as a separate entity. Contributions to the DeVry Education AUC CONNECTIONS | 9 Group Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult with a tax advisor to determine whether your donation is tax deductible in whole or in part.

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father son LIKE

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It was a journey that would mark the beginning of a legacy for the Hardoon family, which is now forever intertwined with the AUC tradition.

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The beginning of a legacy

t was a journey that began back in January of 1983, when 30-year-old Abe Hardoon (’86) took his wife and two children, Eric, 5, and Scott, 2, to Monserrat so he could begin medical school at AUC—a journey that would mark the beginning of a legacy for the Hardoon family, which is now forever intertwined with the AUC tradition.

“Since I applied to medical school when I was 30, and married with two kids, I had pretty much zero chance at getting into a US medical school at that point,” Abe says. “But I had heard good things about AUC even though the school was only three or four years old at the time, because my cousin was going there.”

After going through the unique experience of living and studying in a foreign country with a tight-knit community of soonto-be physicians, Abe graduated from AUC in 1986, and then began his residency at North Shore University Hospital in New York.

“I felt I was extremely prepared and well-versed [for residency], and from a procedural point of view, I think I had an advantage because I felt I had a lot more hands-on experience than graduates from US schools did,” he says.

His overall experience served him well—in 2002, he opened his own practice in Melbourne, FL called Suntree Internal Medicine, which originally was 900 square

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feet, had only three exam rooms, a basic reception area, and only three staff members.

It would later grow, not only in size, but in family.

A growing facility, and a growing AUC family tree

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be soon outgrew the smaller facility and moved his practice to a larger 5,000 square-foot location in 2004, and was looking to hire more physicians. It just so happened that Dr. Edwin Chan (’05), a childhood friend of his sons, had completed his residency at Flower Hospital in Toledo, OH, after attending AUC himself based on Abe’s recommendation, and soon after joined his practice in Melbourne.

When it came time for Abe’s son to apply to medical school, the elder Hardoon knew exactly where he should go.

“Because I graduated from [AUC], I knew it was a good place, and my son would be able to focus on what he wanted to do in medical school without being distracted,” Abe says.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. Scott Hardoon (’08), started AUC in May of 2004, though this time he would be living in St. Maarten.

“I did have a strong influence from my father, but I did my own research, too,” Scott recalls.

Scott Hardoon at his AUC graduation, April 2008, pictured with his father, Abe Hardoon MD.

“I knew I wanted to come back to Florida, and I wanted the option to get licensed in any state. I made sure the medical school I chose had a long list of graduates, a good track record, and was approved by all states that have an approval process. I was also coming down to the island with my fiancée—she needed to be comfortable too, and St. Maarten was a great experience,” he says.

So great, in fact, that Scott didn’t just leave AUC with an MD, but also with a group of friends that were like family to him. He recollects the special bond he formed with his fellow students on the island, and describes it as being one big team.

And his actual family wasn’t far behind.

“My family members have their own memories of the island because they were always coming to visit me. My dad ended up buying a condo in St. Maarten because my parents fell in love with the island,” Scott says.

With all the positive outcomes AUC provided for the Hardoon family, it made Dr. Gary Hardoon’s (’12) decision fairly simple to follow the same journey as his cousin and uncle.

“I went to Cornell for undergrad, and it was a frigid tundra up there,” Gary jokes.

“My cousin, Scott, was just finishing at AUC and he got into the residency program of his choice [Orlando Regional Medical Center], so I thought it would be a great option for me.”

“We all work well together as one big team. We’ve been through the same training and similar experiences, so it almost feels like back how it was in St. Maarten. It’s wonderful to work side by side with family members.”

— Scott Hardoon

An MD from AUC, a chief residency at Orlando Regional Medical Center, three consecutive Primary Care Physician Awards during that residency, and a board certification in internal medicine later, Gary joined his uncle, cousin, Dr. Chan, and fellow AUC alumna, Dr. Amanda Paul, at their newest Suntree Internal Medicine location, where his wife is the operations manager.

“I think we are very lucky that we all get along so well,” Gary says of his family and AUC colleagues.

“It’s funny in a lot of respects,” Abe adds, “our conversations are almost like we are around the dinner table between our patients, because everyone has pretty much known everyone since they were kids, and shared similar experiences throughout their medical education.”

That sense of family, collaboration, and camaraderie with one another has fostered a successful growing medical practice, that all started with a foundation laid at AUC. The Hardoons’ current facility is a 31,000 square-foot, two-story, medical complex that is the anchor of a 24-acre “medical city” that will soon also be home to an assisted living facility and diagnostic center.

“We are able to provide patients with unique experiences in healthcare that they may not be able to attain elsewhere. We make sure we get appointments the same day, and that patients are seen within 30 minutes, and we make sure we are open seven days a week,” Abe says.

The Suntree physicians’ schedules are hectic, but it’s worth it to see patients and have their AUC family by their side each day. They even look forward to welcoming more AUC grads to their practice if the opportunity arises, Abe says.

“I think it’s great working with all of them,” Scott says of his family and colleagues. “We all work well together as one big team. We’ve been through the same training and similar experiences, so it almost feels like back how it was in St. Maarten. It’s wonderful to work side by side with family members.” l

Montserrat 1983, AUC entrance.

Scott Hardoon at 2 years old near the guard at the governor’s mansion in Montserrat.

Gary Hardoon at his AUC graduation, May 2012, pictured with his uncle, Abe Hardoon MD.

Providers from left to right: Abe Hardoon MD, Scott Hardoon MD, Reginald Joseph PA, Jennifer Schneider ARNP, Amanda Paul MD, Edwin Chan MD, Gary Hardoon MD. All the MD’s are AUC alumni.

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ALL IN THE FAMILY

Mother and son share why AUC is a family affair—in more ways than one.

For LaDona Schmidt, MD (‘90), her AUC journey didn’t end when she left campus. That’s because her son, Lawson Montgomery, is following her footsteps and currently finishing up his second semester on the island.

Here, they shed light on what’s changed across generations—and what’s stayed the same—at AUC.

What was your path to AUC?

LaDona: I was a nurse practitioner working with a family physician in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The physician’s assistant whose place I took left the practice to go to AUC, and the emergency room physicians from the hospital in Bowling Green taught part-time in Montserrat. I yearned to learn more and they encouraged me to apply. I attended AUC when it was on the island of Montserrat, prior to the destruction from the volcano.

Lawson: Growing up as the son of a doctor, I got to see the joy that this occupation could bring: my mom would tell me stories of the people she had helped that day, and people who I had never met before would come up to me and tell me how wonderful of a doctor my mother was. So, from an early age, I knew that I wanted to become a physician.

During my senior year of undergraduate, I quickly found out how difficult it was to get into a US medical school. I wanted to be close to home, but the adventurous side of me was open to any opportunity that came my way. I always knew about AUC, as that is the route my mother took, but so much had changed since she moved to Montserrat 30 years ago that there was a little hesitation at first. But she always told me how much she loved the school because it gave her an opportunity, and after the quick application process and interview, the school staff made me feel welcome and like AUC was the right fit for me. With both

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of my parents’ support, I decided I would follow her footsteps, while still carving my own path, and decided to start my journey down here in St. Maarten.

How would you describe the AUC community?

LaDona: Some of my best friends were made at AUC. We were isolated on an island, and just wanted to help each other succeed. It was competitive—not to be number one, but to help others make it to graduation. We always had the motto “P equals MD,” meaning, pass the class to become a doctor.

Lawson: I am very impressed with the supportive environment I’ve found here on campus. I have teachers who ask me how life is going, how I am enjoying the island. They want to know my story, and it makes me feel very special to know they care about us enough to want to build a personal relationship.

I don’t see much competitiveness among students, as we are all trying to do the best we can. Of course there is an internal drive for all of us, but I want the student next to me to learn this information just as well as I do because we are all in this together. We are all going to be physicians who will lead a team of healthcare professionals in the future, and I want everyone to know that when they have an AUC graduate as their team leader, they can count on us to be the best, most knowledgeable physicians possible.

“It’s difficult to explain the pride that I have when I talk to my son about different things that he is learning. I’m reminded at least weekly that medical school is a marathon. It’s fascinating but overwhelming, even to me, to see how much he is learning so quickly.”

“I am very impressed with the supportive environment I’ve found here on campus. I have teachers who ask me how life is going, how I am enjoying the island. They want to know my story, and it makes me feel very special to know they care about us enough to want to build a personal relationship.”

LaDona Schmidt, MD

Lawson Montgomery

How would you describe the campus?

LaDona: The campus was beautiful. I lived on campus in Montserrat three out of the five didactic semesters, and in a house during the remaining two semesters. The cafeteria food was great (at least, much better than my cooking was then!). The guards would always maintain a presence, so we always felt safe. When we took cabs anywhere, they would be sure they knew the drivers. The campus—besides the anatomy lab—was not air conditioned except for ceiling fans. The dorms had small balconies and slat windows that opened. But we had an incredible view of the ocean and sunsets.

I went to St. Maarten in July to see the campus, and was extremely impressed.

The facilities are second to none, and the high-tech, high-touch simulation lab was like standing in our emergency department or our ICU—a truly up-to-date and phenomenal learning environment to prepare the students for clinical rotations.

Lawson: Campus is beautiful! Being from Kansas, I’ve never experienced the ocean like this, so seeing it every day is very relaxing. I say it almost every day: I cannot believe this is real life.

I also love all of the landscaping around campus. The buildings are gorgeous, but you can tell that the grounds crew spends a lot of time to make sure the flowers are always blooming and, even in the most subtle ways, it shows. I think people take it for granted, but I sure appreciate the way campus makes me feel when I finally get a few minutes to take a study break outside after being locked in a study room for hours. My favorite spot on campus is the park benches in front of

the new buildings, underneath the huge row of palm trees.

Lastly, I have been impressed with the new building. The auditorium is a great place to study, the second floor is filled with so many simulation rooms, and I would argue the top floor anatomy lab rivals any anatomy lab in the states. Overall, this school exceeds my expectation of what a school should provide and is truly gorgeous.

What do you anticipate will be your most cherished AUC memory?

LaDona: Running three miles at 6 a.m. with two friends along the road by the ocean, watching television at the SAC (student activity center), and playing volleyball after classes before dinner. Playing softball twice monthly. The black sand beaches that we would go to after a Saturday morning block test.

Lawson: The overall journey that we all take to pursue our dreams. People will say what they want about a Caribbean medical student, whether or not we are equivalent to our US counterparts. Our test scores and our performance will answer that question, but I think what separates us is the determination and drive to move thousands of miles away into a completely unfamiliar place so that we could pursue our dreams. It says a lot about our student body.

Besides the long days spent studying, I will remember the people I’ve had the chance to meet here: our post-exam trips to the beach, our pickup basketball games by the dorms, cheap wings at Fat Tony’s, and the nights we spent out at Maho.

How does it feel to share this experience with a family member?

LaDona: It’s difficult to explain the pride that I have when I talk to my son about different things that he is learning. I’m reminded at least weekly that medical school is a marathon. It’s fascinating but overwhelming, even to me, to see how much he is learning so quickly. Just last week, I asked him a question about muscular dystrophy, and he immediately fired back with questions: How old is the child? Male or female? Central or peripheral? What about the lab work? The funny thing is, I just wanted him to tell me what it was called when a child walks his or her hands up the legs to brace themselves as they rise to the standing position—of course, he told me it was Gowers’ sign.

Lawson: It’s incredible. I don’t feel as though I’m just following her path, though, since there are so many opportunities here for me to create my own story. I think that the coolest part of this journey is being able to discuss with my mom the things I am learning, and then she will tell me about how she uses that information in her everyday practice as a family physician.

I’m excited about the future, look forward to learning from her experiences to help further my own knowledge, and I can’t wait until graduation because I know that both her and my dad will be very proud of me —but I’m not quite ready to be there just yet, as I love this time that I am having down here in St. Maarten. It’s going so fast, and it’s the hardest thing I have ever done, but I know that I’m living in some of the most memorable days of my life and I am going to enjoy this journey every step of the way. l

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YOUR AUC

ADMISSIONS TEAM The AUC admissions team plays an integral part in aspiring medical students’ lives, helping them transition from applicant to enrolled students—a transition you once made in choosing AUC for your journey to becoming an MD. Here’s a chance to connect with our current admissions team.

TIFFANY CIOLEK, Director of Admissions I joined AUC in 2012 after serving as the associate director of admissions at Ross University School of Medicine. I earned my BA in Public Communication from State University College at Buffalo, and am currently pursuing my EMBA at the University of Buffalo. Here at AUC, I am responsible for a range of tasks from the day-to-day management of the operational and field recruitment functions of the Office of Admissions, to the development and implementation of admissions policy.

The best part of my job is helping students along the journey of discovering all they want to be, and helping them connect that to all they can become. In my personal time, I enjoy traveling when my schedule allows— I have been to nearly all 50 states in the US and completed a personal “bucket list” item when I visited the pyramids in Egypt.

Email: tciolek@aucmed.edu GUSTAVO GALUE, Senior Associate Director of Admissions I am a native of Venezuela and a graduate of Niagara College in Ontario, Canada. I received my degree in International Business, and am currently enrolled in the MBA program with Keller School of Management. I have

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been in the education field since 2006, and have enjoyed working with students from all corners of North America and the world. As a member of the AUC family since 2010, I assist prospective medical students as they strive to achieve their professional and educational goals—a job that is truly rewarding.

Email: ggalue@aucmed.edu IRASHE ROMERO, Assistant Director of Admissions I have been working with AUC since 2005, first as an admissions advisor, and in 2012 was promoted to assistant director. I also work with the Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP) students, and with the Housing Department to assign incoming students to AUC’s University Apartments. I really take pride in the personalized attention that AUC provides their students. In my spare time, I enjoy planning fun activities for my Girl Scout Troop, and taking my family to Disney World.

Email: iromero@aucmed.edu ROXANA RUIZ, Assistant Director of Admissions I was born and raised in Miami, FL, with a Cuban household background. I received my Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student

Education from Miami Dade College, and am currently working on obtaining my MBA. I joined AUC in 2000 as a student worker, mainly in admissions, and have stayed in that department to this day as assistant director of admissions. I love helping students and seeing how they become amazing physicians. Outside of AUC, I spend most of my time with what’s most important to me, which is my family.

Email: rruiz@aucmed.edu AMBER CALZADILLA BAKER, Admissions Coordinator Here at AUC, I am responsible for providing administrative support both to the entire admissions department as well as the admissions process. I really enjoy baking, so much so that I obtained a degree in Baking and Patisserie. I make small jokes about how I met my husband, whose last name is Baker, in a culinary school while journeying to become a baker. I graduated school with two official baking titles: AA in Baking and Patisserie, along with a marriage license as Mrs. Baker. I live in Miami with my husband and two children.

Email: acalzadilla@aucmed.edu

JULIO SIERRA, Associate Director of Admissions, Northeast Region (US) Born and raised in Brooklyn (NYC), I can relate to my native New Yorkers and my fellow Northeast community.

I’ve been working here at AUC (in Admissions) since 2006 and I truly enjoy my role because I get to help students jump start their journey of fulfilling their dreams of becoming physicians. Having the chance to help them keep their dream alive, as well as to encourage them and share the opportunity that AUC offers, is truly priceless and it’s an integral role that I do not take lightly.

Email: jsierra@aucmed.edu

SANDRA TORIBIO, Admissions Advisor for the Southeast and South Central Regions (US) I joined AUC in the summer of 2007.

Working as an admissions advisor, I have gained experience in the admissions field and have developed a passion to help and serve students applying to medical school. I am also involved with student orientation and open houses. Some of my hobbies include swimming, cooking and spending time with family—I live in Miami with my husband and two children.

Email: storibio@aucmed.edu

FASIL MALIK, Admissions Advisor, Northeast Region (US) I’m originally from New Jersey, and prior to joining AUC in 2008, I worked at Drew University. What I enjoy most about working at AUC is the personalized touch that starts at admissions and carries over into the graduation phase. In my spare time, I enjoy playing basketball, doing stand-up comedy, and traveling.

Email: fmalik@aucmed.edu

LAURA DWYER, Associate Director of Admissions, Mid-Atlantic Region (US) I have been a member of the AUC family since 2012. The most fulfilling part of my role as ADA is working with students one-on-one to make their dream of becoming a physician a reality. That genuine connection with students is what, I feel, makes AUC stand out from other institutions. I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Cincinnati.

Email: ldwyer@aucmed.edu

SEKOU SMITH, Associate Director of Admissions, Southeast Region (US) I work directly with students that reside in SC, GA, FL, AL and MS. I have been working in higher education admissions since 2000 and I look forward to working with you! I am a recent 2015 TEACH Award recipient. What I enjoy most about working for AUC is the supportive familylike environment and the cohesive effort to support students on their journey through medical school.

Email: ssmith@aucmed.edu

BARBARA RODRIGUEZ, Admissions Advisor, Mid-Atlantic Region (US) I joined AUC in 2012, and since then I have enjoyed assisting students through each stage of admission, and getting to meet them at Open House events. My desire to see these students succeed is what drives me on a daily basis. I love spending as much time as possible with my family, going to the beach, and attending sporting events.

I currently reside in Miami with my husband and two children.

Email: brodriguez@aucmed.edu

JENNIFER STOVALL, Associate Director of Admissions, North Central Region (US) and International Before joining AUC in 2014, I served as education director at the University of Michigan Medical Innovation Center after earning my BA in Management and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University, and I am currently pursuing my MBA. At AUC, I am the key point of contact for potential students in Indiana, Michigan and Illinois, and I also work with international students. I work toward ensuring a seamless application process for viable prospects, which includes maintaining close relationships with premedical advisors, potential students, and AUC’s internal admissions and international teams.

Email: jstovall@aucmed.edu ALEX STOLLENWERCK, Senior Graduate Admissions Advisor, North Central Region (US) and International Since joining AUC in 2010, I have embraced AUC’s mission, which emphasizes an individualized, personalized approach to teaching and mentoring of medical students. I am very passionate about guiding and helping students every step of the way as they follow their dreams. There is no better feeling than to help aspiring physicians who then get to dedicate their lives to helping others and serving their communities. I currently live in in Coral Gables, FL with my better half, Clarisa Stollenwerck. I have two children and a loving pair of parents.

Email: astollenwerck@aucmed.edu

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KIMBERLY HOLLEY, Associate Director of Admissions, South Central Region (US) I am a student advocate enthusiast who has been working in the admissions field since 2002. I enjoy working with students and seeing the immediate impact my work may have on their lives. Shaping lives and futures is my thing! I am afforded the opportunity to do all of the above at AUC. I work closely with students from Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. I am a native New Yorker (Brooklyn) and completed my BA in Film and Africana Students at Binghamton University and received my MS degree in Communications Management from Simmons College in Boston. With tons of recruitment travel, a husband, and a newborn on my hands I have a pretty full schedule; however, when I have down time, I enjoy going to the movies, viewing home design ideas on Pinterest, and participating in Crossfit!

Email: kholley@aucmed.edu JULIE MONDY, Associate Director of Admissions, Midwest Region (US) and Western Canada I serve the Midwest region of the US and am proud to be from the Midwest myself. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. I thoroughly enjoy assisting prospective students in understanding the program as well as guiding accepted students through the enrollment process. I have been a part of AUC since 2009, and I truly enjoy the positive atmosphere among AUC students, faculty, and staff.

Email: jmondy@aucmed.edu

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GRAHAM MCLAURIN, Admissions Advisor for the Midwest Region (US) and Eastern Canada I grew up in Chicago, IL and went to school at Southern Illinois University (GO Salukis!), and I have been an admissions advisor with AUC since 2013. I have been living in South Florida since 2004, and my favorite things are all things sports-related. My favorite hobby is definitely fishing, but golfing comes in at a close second. I am always up for a good joke, and I am always ready to help, which is why I love being able to help prospective students reach their academic goals.

Email: gmclaurin@aucmed.edu SARAH HEIER, Associate Director of Admissions, Pacific Northwest and Northern California Regions (US) With more than seven years’ experience in working in higher education, I enjoy helping students fulfill their lifetime goal of becoming a physician.

I joined the AUC family in 2015 where my job is to assist prospective students in learning more about our institution, and advise on how to prepare their medical school applications to AUC. My favorite parts of this job are meeting prospective students in person and hearing about their medical aspirations, and calling applicants to tell them they have been accepted to AUC—I love hearing their excitement.

I also enjoy working at AUC because of the individualized attention provided to students from the moment they apply all the way through to their residencies.

I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Email: sheier@aucmed.edu

ROGERIA HIGGS, Admissions Advisor for the Southwest and Northwest Regions (US) I have worked in higher education admissions since 1995, and much of that time has been spent in health professions. I have been with AUC since 2013, and my professional enjoyment is derived from meeting, helping, and ultimately seeing my students achieve their medical dreams. I am a native Floridian, and continue to make my home in South Florida. I obtain personal fulfillment by spending time with family, traveling and reading as many books as possible.

Email: rhiggs@aucmed.edu JAMIE MILLER, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Southwest Region (US) I assist prospective students in learning more about AUC, and advise on how to prepare their medical school applications to AUC. I have worked in higher education since 2008 and enjoy helping students achieve their lifetime goal of becoming an MD. My favorite part of my job is calling students to tell them they have been accepted to medical school and hearing the happiness in their voices.

I enjoy working at AUC because of the great personalized attention we give our students, from the time they apply all the way through their residency applications!

I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota and my MBA from American Intercontinental University.

Email: jmiller@aucmed.edu

We are supporting prospective students in every region of the US and Canada.

DIANA RADOJA, Associate Director of Admissions, Western NY Region (US) and Eastern Canada I came to AUC after having over thirty years of professional teaching experience with students. In previous roles, I participated as an active member of the Millennium Scholarship program aimed at assisting post-secondary students to complete their studies.

I am an empathetic, sincere and down to earth individual who enjoys creating an inviting atmosphere for colleagues and students. During my time with AUC, I have had the pleasure of meeting many outstanding students from across Canada and Western New York. I take great pleasure in assisting their journey of medical studies. In my personal time, I am active in a variety of civic and cultural organizations in my community, and share my interests with my husband and two sons.

Email: dradoja@aucmed.edu

DO YOU KNOW an

aspiring physician looking to apply to medical school?

Have them reach out to our Admissions team to find out more about AUC!

If you know an aspiring physician who would make a great addition to the AUC family, please direct them to our Admissions team in their area to find out more!

Julio Sierra Fasil Malik

Graham McLaurin Diana Radoja Sekou Smith Sandra Toribio

NORTHEAST US Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont WEST NEW YORK SOUTHEAST US Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina

Laura Dwyer Barbara Rodriguez

MIDATLANTIC US Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

Jennifer Stovall Alex Stollenwerck

NORTH CENTRAL US Illinois, Indiana, Michigan

Kimberly Holley Sandra Toribio Julie Mondy Graham McLaurin

SOUTH CENTRAL US Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas MIDWEST US Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin

Sarah Heier Rogeria Higgs

NORTHWEST US California (Northern), Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming

Jamie Miller Rogeria Higgs

SOUTHWEST US Arizona, California (Southern), Hawaii, Nevada, Utah

Diana Radoja Graham McLaurin

EASTERN CANADA New Brunswick, New York (Western), Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec

Julie Mondy Graham McLaurin

WESTERN CANADA Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Yukon

Jennifer Stovall Alex Stollenwerck

INTERNATIONAL

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profile: faculty

MEET A DEAN Dr. Julie Taylor is AUC’s senior associate dean of clinical sciences, which means she oversees every aspect of the clinical program—from the time students pass their USMLE® Step 1 examination until they graduate from medical school. Here, she sheds light on changes in the clinical experience as well as how AUC is extending its trademark sense of community beyond campus borders.

AUC: What does a typical workday look like for you?

Dr. Taylor: I really do not have a typical day. The only thing that is typical is that you can find me in one of four places: working in my home office around the corner from my house in the greater Boston area, practicing primary care at a local hospital and clinic in an underserved community, on the road, or with my family. I get to travel two to three (sometimes four) times per month, usually to the Sint Maarten campus or to the administrative office in Coral Gables. I meet regularly with clinical deans, clinical chairs, key staff, and medical students—individually and in groups, in person or via teleconference. I attend and teach at conferences across the US and Europe. And I answer a lot of email.

AUC: How is the clinical experience changing for today’s students?

Dr. Taylor: These days, there is more of an emphasis across all health professional schools on self-directed learning—students are taking increasing responsibility for their own learning goals. As of 2014, the American Association of Medical College’s (AAMC) entrustable professional activities (EPAs)—13 fundamental skills that all new physicians should to be able to perform unsupervised on the first day of their residency programs —are here and need to be more systematically incorporated into our clinical sciences program.

There is also an increasing emphasis on self-care, reflection, and professional identity formation; attention is being paid to the process of becoming a physician and how we can best develop the resilience in our students that is so important for a successful career in medicine.

AUC: How is AUC evolving to adapt?

Dr. Taylor: Some aspects of our clinical experience have not changed.

We train students at many of the same clinical sites that alumni may remember, both in the US and the UK, with the help of a dedicated cadre of clinical faculty and administrators.

That said, we now have a more centralized administrative team based in Coral Gables that is increasingly connected to the medical sciences campus. We are constantly evaluating each of our clinical sites and refining our scheduling processes. We have a new Transition

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to Clinical Medicine program where new clinical sciences students meet in virtual communities with colleagues from other clinical sites weekly for five weeks and then monthly for a year. This program is designed to help students transition smoothly from medical to clinical sciences and to sustain the sense of community that is so strong on the Sint Maarten campus. And as of 2014, our Millennium Program houses all of the clinical sciences curricula and course evaluation processes online in eCollege® and E*Value™.

AUC: How do you help students match to the right residency programs?

Dr. Taylor: First, we teach all medical students the fundamental skills they need to function as a physician, regardless of specialty, via the emerging EPAs. Second, we are building specialty interest groups that start in medical sciences and continue on into clinical sciences, thus creating pipelines of students across our four-year program. Third, we have a Physician Match Advisor program for senior students, which pairs those interested in a specific specialty with a residency advisor in their field of choice.

Outside of AUC, we sponsor students to attend professional development, research, and networking conferences because these experiences can add to students’ residency application portfolios and professional networks.

the clinical sciences program to be by 2020. We are considering everything: the program’s length, clinical sites, scheduling system, curriculum, and student assessment processes.

The entire clinical sciences team is working hard to make the training experience outstanding for each AUC student. We want every student to have clear expectations of what to expect in clinical sciences even before they are admitted to medical school and certainly throughout medical sciences. The logistics should be seamless so that our students can focus on the process of becoming a skilled clinician and will excel on their increasingly high stakes USMLE examinations. Ultimately, that is our best strategy for a successful residency match.

AUC: On a personal note, what is your favorite part of your job?

Dr. Taylor: Since I have such a fantastic job that is actually a tough question. I enjoy every aspect of my leadership role at AUC. My colleagues, teams, and I share common goals and values, and our daily work feels very meaningful, creative, and productive. I absolutely love working with medical students— whether I am teaching, mentoring, or advising them.

As alumni well know, AUC students go on to do good in the world and it is a true privilege to participate in this formative stage of their clinical training. l

AUC: What are your goals for the clinical experience going forward?

Dr. Taylor: We have recently produced a very robust clinical site strategy that will inform major, longterm initiatives in clinical sciences. This process includes a comprehensive clinical inventory as well as deliberate consideration of where we would like

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profile: board of trustees

CAROL P. HERBERT, MD Chair of the Board of Trustees

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Carol is Professor Emerita of Family Medicine and Adjunct Research Professor of Pathology at Western University (London, Canada), and Adjunct Professor, in the School of Population & Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and in the Faculty of Education at UBC (Vancouver, Canada). She is a Senior Associate at In-Source, a Vancouver-based consulting company that applies a complex adaptive systems lens to health care. She served as dean of Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario from 1999 until 2010. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia in Honours Biochemistry and in Medicine. After an internship and additional training in Pediatrics, she was a full-service community family physician and clinical instructor at the REACH community health centre, a UBC teaching facility in Vancouver, from 1971 until 1982 when she joined the full-time faculty in the UBC Department of Family Practice. She was founding head of the UBC Division of Behavioural Medicine, a co-founder of the UBC Institute of Health Promotion Research, and Royal Canadian Legion Professor and head of the UBC Department of Family Practice from 1988 until 1998. She is former editor of the international journal, Patient Education and Counseling, and serves on the editorial boards of the Annals of Family Medicine, Healthcare Papers, and Patient Education and Counseling. She is currently President of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (2015–2017) and vice-chair of the Board of the American University of the Caribbean.

Carol has been committed to social justice and access to health care throughout her career. Under her decanal direction, Schulich grew in size and reputation as a socially responsible medical school which provides exceptional student experience in a researchintensive environment, including community-based experience for all MD graduates. She spearheaded development of the Southwestern Ontario Medical Education Network which includes a regional campus in Windsor as well as partner communities across southwestern Ontario. She was a pioneer in developing services for sexually assaulted adults and children in B.C. and was co-founder and co-director of the Sexual Assault Service for Vancouver (1982-88). She is a recognized leader in inter-professional education and collaborative practice, women’s health and mentorship of academic women. She has chaired or served on multiple task forces on health policy and health professional education.

She is internationally known for her leadership in primary care research, and for her work in clinical health promotion, patient-physician decision-making, and participatory action research with aboriginal communities, focused on diabetes and on environmental effects on human health. She was instrumental in introducing participatory research to the primary care research community and co-authored widely-used Guidelines for Participatory Research in Health Promotion. Currently she serves on the Institute Advisory Board for the CIHR Institute of Gender & Health.

She has received many awards, including the Wood Award for Lifetime Achievement in Family Medicine Research; McWhinney Award for Family Medicine Education; and the AAMC Women in Medicine Leadership Development Award. She is a founding fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and Foreign Associate Member of the Institute of Medicine, U.S. National Academies of Science. l

profile: student

FOR THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT, FAMILY COMES FIRST “Family” may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of a governing body, but at AUC, the student government puts family first. Whether it’s making sure student concerns are heard, managing the organizations that make AUC such a special and inclusive place, or extending the lines of communication out to the alumni that came before, the student government’s central priority is making sure every student feels supported.

Affecting Change “AUC prides itself on the idea that we are a family that supports one another,” said student government president Benjamin Hake, “and the student government tries to cultivate that feeling of family.”

What does that mean in practice? The student government plays a major role on campus, from coordinating events and the myriad of student organizations it oversees, to handling the logistics of student organization funds, supporting community service initiatives, and liaising with the administration.

“For example, if students are looking for more study spaces available on campus or for a building to be open later, we can help have their concerns heard,” he added. “I’ve been at three universities, and I’ve never had administrators listen to student concerns as much as they do here at AUC. They listen to us and take us into account. I’ve seen it affect real change.”

As president, Hake personally meets with deans and administrators, acting as a high level liaison for the student board and class representatives. He also participates in the Board of Trustees. “I like having a direct hand in fixing things,” Hake said of his responsibility, comparing it to his future career as a physician. “As a doctor, you want to help people. As a student here, I want to help my fellow students and the university. We are only given two years here, and this was an opportunity to make the most of my time, and make a difference.”

One project currently underway is being developed in tandem with the Office of Clinical Student Affairs, in an effort to make the transition from island to rotations more seamless, “and keep that feeling of family we have here in the first two years,” he said.

Hake’s message to alumni: We want to hear from you!

Being a member of the AUC family doesn’t end with graduation. Hake wants alumni to know that as the school works to keep the community strong in rotations, there’s also an opportunity to do so after graduation and beyond.

“People disperse, and that’s unfortunate because we can help each other so much,” he said. “Enough people have come through AUC that we can make a great impact if we band together.”

He encourages alumni to reach out to sga@students.auc.edu to learn how to get in touch with a student mentee. Even something as small as an email would be appreciated. “We need your help. Students want to hear about the success you’ve had,” Hake said. “They love to see you, or receive emails. That little bit of encouragement goes a long way with the students. We are honored and humbled that they’ve made that journey, and welcome their advice, encouragement, and participation in any way.” l

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profile: alumni

IN HIS PATIENTS’ CORNER Why one doctor volunteers ringside.

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The lights are up in the arena, and there’s a thousand people watching as a kickboxer demands that physician Raj Klair, MD (’08) relocate his shoulder right there in the ring. To be clear, this is not a typical day for the family medicine practitioner, who recently opened a private practice in British Columbia. But that’s what he loves about it.

Before attending AUC, Klair dabbled recreationally in martial arts—jiujitsu, kickboxing, boxing—and maintained friendships with fighters he met along the way. He tried working as a ringside physician a few times, but found that keeping an eye on 30 fights in one day was exhausting.

That’s why he’s since turned his attention to volunteering as a cornerman, assisting his friends ringside during their fights. “Most fighters don’t have a doctor in their corner,” Klair said, noting that most of the treatment a typical fighter receives on site may be performed by someone who simply picked up a few tricks of the trade at the gym. “It keeps the fighter relaxed, not only to have a friend in their corner, but also to have a doctor if anything goes wrong.”

During a typical fight, Klair treats cuts and swelling, controls bleeding, and post-fight, assesses any injuries. He advises on nutrition, hydration, and healthy weight loss strategies. And most of the time, it’s on a volunteer basis. “A lot of these fighters don’t make a lot of money,” he said, addressing the misconception. “Basically, I do this to help my friends.”

In return, he reaps some benefits, too. In a practical sense, traveling to be a cornerman in fights adds some variety to his schedule (he’s traveled to destinations like Las Vegas and Hawaii, just to name a few). It also often brings some of those fighters to his practice for physicals and a chat about the sports he loves.

But Klair also believes that volunteering as a cornerman enriches his practice as a physician for his more “typical” patients, as well: “It’s important for doctors to find something we love, and if we can put it into the work we do, it’s even better,” he said. “Volunteering breaks up my week so I don’t get burned out, and when I’m back in the office, I have more energy for my patients.” l

profile: alumni

NEVER GIVING UP Peggy’e Martin, MD has made it her life’s work to affect change in her community.

It Started with a Challenge

Working Together

It was 2005, and Peggy’e Martin, MD (’03) had just launched a program to encourage her Los Angeles community to exercise.

“Overconsumption of fast foods and sedentary lifestyles have led to record rates of morbidity and mortality in our community,” Martin said and, as a medical practitioner, she knew she had the tools to help.

So she set out to make a difference. She visited churches, expanded her network, and got the word out that she was hosting fitness programs at a gym where she was a manager.

But, before long, she realized that despite her good intentions, her approach wasn’t as effective as she anticipated. “I found it very difficult to convince my community to do a fitness and exercise program,” she remembered, “and in the end, I was wholly unsuccessful.”

But just as Martin encourages her community to never give up, she didn’t, either.

She changed gears, forming the Community Enrichment Institute (CEI) with a broader goal of community education. Health and wellness remains an important component and, as a doctor, Martin addresses topics such as healthy eating, food allergies, diabetes, hypertension, chronic pain, and immunity in a series of seminars. But she also recognized that there are other challenges facing her community that ultimately affect their health and quality of life, so she teamed up with colleagues who can offer community education on issues like financial literacy and debt as well as law and equity (touching on topics such as jail sentences, arrest rates, and more). Today, CEI offers seminars twice weekly.

Indeed, partnering with other local nonprofit organizations has allowed Martin to better address the tough issues facing her community in Los Angeles. “We work with a nonprofit called People for Community Involvement. They hand out food, host job fairs, and are working to improve the community in many ways,” she said.

“Collaboration is key because if we combine our resources, we’re better able to attack our problems: homelessness, low job readiness, and chronic health conditions.”

To ensure that the next generation has access to the tools Martin’s been able to harness for change, she also prioritizes higher education readiness initiatives that prepare students for the fast pace and rigors of college and medical school. Her hope is that the result will be lower attrition rates and an increase in students’ ability to complete their medical curriculum without repeating years. This not only keeps the cost of a medical education down, but also mitigates additional student loan debt, she said.

Her ultimate goal is to foster a new generation of medical practitioners who understand the importance of integrative medicine, and who are prepared for the challenges of community service work. “It’s so important to increase the number of professionals in the community who practice integrative medicine, because the community responds best to the marriage of medical and holistic efforts,” Martin said. “Medicine plays a role and, of course, you need that sort of practice in the hospital. But when a person is stable, that’s when the role of holistic practitioners—those who can encourage lifestyle changes and healthy eating—becomes important.

It’s a marriage between the two.”

Moving Forward Just as Martin didn’t give up, she hopes her community will also find the inspiration it needs to make positive changes. “Stick with it through the hard times, the lean times,” she said. “Grassroots change will always be a challenge, but if you are open to collaboration you will attract the right people to the cause. Change won’t happen overnight but if you have a heart for it, if you are dedicated, you can put a dent in the problems you see around you.” l

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alumni events BON VOYAGE! | MIAMI

AUC REGIONAL RECEPTION | CHICAGO

On Friday evening, Sept. 25, 2015 American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) had its inaugural Alumni Appreciation gathering in Miami, FL. The intimate event was hosted as a networking opportunity and in appreciation of the dedicated alumni who are in continuous support of their alma mater by volunteering for events and speaking to prospective students. l

AUC alumni arrived at Harry Caray’s Italian Restaurant in Chicago, IL for the AUC Alumni Regional Reception. Alumni Relations Coordinator Jhanay Harris personally greeted guests individually at check-in, and directed them toward the MVP Suite where they were welcomed with passed Hors d’Oeuvres and beverages. As she welcomed each guest, Harris also thanked them for their support and encouraged their further participation within the Alumni Association. For the first event of its kind in Chicago, the reception was well-attended with alumni representing four decades of AUC graduates—they shared stories about their specialties, and their experiences studying at Monserrat and at St. Maarten. The alumni staff and ADA in attendance had the opportunity to mingle with alumni and their guests, where several alumni expressed an eagerness to become more involved and volunteer for upcoming events. l

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AUC REGIONAL RECEPTION | WASHINGTON DC On Oct. 26, 2015, the AUC Alumni Regional Reception for Washington, DC was held at Logan Tavern, where alumni and guests were greeted by Jhanay Harris and Ondya Morgan, alumni relations coordinators. They then proceeded to the Red Room, where they enjoyed a buffet station and beverages. The reception was successful and all in attendance had a great time sharing stories and reminiscing about their times in St. Maarten. A few highlights from the event included: • Dr. Faith Dillard (’99) and her guest sharing stories of her success, along with encouraging words to clinical students during a roundtable discussion.

• Dr. Gabriel Gizaw (’07) staying after the event to continue to speak with clinical students, sharing his strategies for success and words of encouragement as they face the next chapter of their careers.

• Dr. Stephen Hull (’12) taking the time to speak with each clinical student and share alternative careers in medicine.

He made it a priority to hand out his business card to each attendee to reach out to him with questions, advice, or networking opportunities. l

CLINICAL STUDENT/ALUMNI LUNCHEON | NYC On Oct. 17, 2015, AUC held its first Clinical Student/Alumni Luncheon, directly after the New York City Open House event, and had a tremendous turnout between alumni and clinical students. A total of 28 clinical students studying in NY came out to enjoy lunch with the alumni that spoke to the perspective students. They spent the afternoon asking questions about The MATCH℠, potential

residency programs, and future career opportunities. Along with Dean Testa, alumni were able to connect with a number of students to give them valuable perspective on their career paths.

The day concluded with dinner at Daniela Trattoria, where six alumni and two clinical students were thrilled to have the opportunity to further connect with Deans Testa and Raskin. l

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class notes PETER (PJ) MILLER, MD (‘07) Dr. Miller completed fellowship training in Critical Care as well as Hematology; a rare combination of specialties. His goals are to become a leading expert, develop and run a Hematologic and Cancer Center ICU that focuses on the critical care management of cancer patients.

AWARDS: Winston Salem’s Winston <40 Leadership award, read more at www.winstonunder40.com/news-entry/ congratulations-to-our-2015-winston/ PUBLICATIONS: Successful treatment of intravenously abused oral Opana ER-induced thrombotic microangiopathy without plasma exchange. American Journal of Hematology.

DR. LESLIE REID, MD (‘07) Dr. Leslie Reid and husband Erik welcomed their first child Lilia Mary Ronis on Oct. 12, 2015.

READ ABOUT THESE AUC GRADS WHO WERE NAMED 2015–2016 CHIEF RESIDENTS As many American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) students and graduates prepare for the upcoming 2016 residency MATCH® cycle, we thought you’d find the following list interesting. Many AUC graduates in the final years of residency training were appointed chief residents for their respective programs in 2015–2016. This means they’ve been tasked with additional responsibilities, like providing support to program objectives and serving as mentors and advocates for residents, among other added administrative and leadership duties.

Generally, chief residents are selected by the director of a given residency program, but are occasionally nominated by their peers. Chief residents are typically selected based on their clinical and leadership skills.

Check out the list below: Are you a chief resident who isn’t listed here, but would like to be? Feel free to email us and we’ll add you to the list.

Anesthesiology Chief Residents Alexander Escobar, MD Cook County Health and Hospitals System, Chicago, IL

ALIYA B. LADHA, MD (‘10) Aliya B. Ladha, MD (’10) recently collaborated with fellow alumna, Rizwana Fareeduddin, MD (’01) to write a case report entitled, “Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens and May-Thurner Syndrome in the first trimester of Pregnancy.” The report is scheduled to be published in the first 2016 issue of American Journal of Perinatology.

Dr. Ladha is an OB/GYN at Magee-Women’s Specialty of Uniontown, and is also an assistant clinical professor at the University of Pittsburgh in the OB/GYN and reproductive sciences department.

The ePub version of the article is available for viewing at: www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/issue/ eFirst/10.1055/s-00000169.

Family Medicine Chief Residents Alan “Jacob” Boucher, MD Grant Family Medicine, Columbus, OH Internal Medicine Chief Residents Andrew Caraganis, MD Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI Dmitriy Golovyan, MD Cleveland Clinic, OH Neurology Chief Residents Sam Laali, MD Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ OB/GYN Chief Residents Jesse Cottrell, MD Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Pediatric Chief Residents Jimmy Phan, MD The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH Psychiatry Chief Residents Patrick Gibbons, MD University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, IL

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Alumni, keep us

informed about changes in your life! Share your news, awards/recognitions, promotions, retirement, and family news! alumni@aucmed.edu

AUC CONNECTIONS

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SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE Interested in sharing your experiences with prospective AUC students? If so, we invite you to join us at one of our Open House or Up Close Events this fall!

Open Houses and Up Close Events are a wonderful way to introduce prospective students to AUC and the level of education we provide. These events allow us to create a comfortable atmosphere where we can discuss a wide variety of topics about AUC, and many questions can be answered. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just a time to discuss academics and curriculum, but also an opportunity for prospective students to listen to firsthand experience about life in St. Maarten from you, and your career path after graduation.

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Your insight and experiences are invaluable to prospective students, and they are eager to hear from our living legacies. As alumni, you are essential parts of the AUC family and vital to our continued success. If you are interested in speaking at any of these events, please email the alumni team at alumni@aucmed.edu. She will confirm your participation and provide you with additional information.

AUC EVENTS CALENDAR JA N UA RY January 8 January 9 January 19 January 19 January 23 January 26 January 26 January 30

M A RCH (cont.)

AUC White Coat Ceremony Los Angeles, CA Open House Chattanooga, TN Up Close Event Tuscaloosa, AL Up Close Event Houston, TX Open House Wichita, KS Up Close Event Tampa, FL Up Close Event Miami, FL Open House

FE BU R A RY February 2 February 3 February 4 February 9 February 13 February 17 February 17 February 18 February 20 February 24–28 February 27

Jacksonville, FL Up Close Event Reno, NV Up Close Event Baltimore, MD Up Close Event Sioux City, IA Up Close Event Cincinnati, OH Open House Sacramento, CA Up Close Event Ann Arbor, MI Up Close Event Colorado Springs, CO Up Close Event San Francisco, CA Open House AUC Premed Advisor Visit New York, NY Open House

M A RCH March 1 March 1 March 3 March 3 March 5 March 9

Indianapolis, IN Up Close Event Vancouver, BC Up Close Event San Juan, PR Up Close Event Fayetteville, AR Up Close Event Detroit, MI Open House Oxford, MS Up Close Event

March 9 March 12 March 15 March 15 March 16 March 18 March 22 March 23 March 23 March 24 March 24 March 29 March 30

Saskatoon, SK Up Close Event Toronto, ON Open House Cherry Hill, NJ Up Close Event Chicago, IL Up Close Event Buffalo, NY Up Close Event AUC Match Madness Columbus, OH Up Close Event Calgary, Canada Up Close Event Ithaca, NY Up Close Event Tucson, AZ Up Close Event Austin, TX Up Close Event Huntington, WV Up Close Event Grand Rapids, MI Up Close Event

A PRIL April 2 April 5 April 5 April 5 April 5 April 12 April 13 April 14 April 14 April 19

Minneapolis, MN Open House Salt Lake City, UT Up Close Event Champaign, IL Up Close Event Milwaukee, WI Up Close Event Dallas, TX Up Close Event St. Louis, MO Up Close Event San Diego, CA Up Close Event Augusta, ME Up Close Event New Orleans, LA Up Close Event New Castle, DE Up Close Event

M AY May 6 May 27–29

AUC White Coat Ceremony AUC Commencement Weekend

American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Department of Institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations 901 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 700 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Phone: (305) 446-0600 Toll free: (866) 372-2282 Email: alumni@aucmed.edu Web: aucmed.edu

aucmed

SPIRIT STORE AUC is proud to announce the launch of our new online apparel store at: studentstore.aucmed.edu, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a variety of school-spirit items, great for gifts and everyday life.

Feel free to take a few moments to look around, and show off your AUC spirit today!

E-Gift Certificate is also availible, if you would like to send a gift!

For comprehensive consumer information, visit www.aucmed.edu/program_disclosures.html Š2016 American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. All rights reserved.