THE AUA CAMPUS UPDATE DECEMBER 2019
15 YEARS AND COUNTING
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CONTENTS THE MATURATION OF CURRICULUM NEXT ................................. 2 FROM THE EDITOR ......................................................................... 3 AUA SCHOLARS HONORED........................................................... 4 THE ANNUAL FACULTY AWARDS AND SOCIAL ........................... 5 OUR SUCCESS STORIES ................................................................. 6 FASHION INSIDER .......................................................................... 7 THE CARIBBEAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM.. 8 The 2019 BUBBLES BEYOND BORDERS WORKSHOP .................. 9 AUA AWARDED BY THE SALVATION ARMY ............................... 10 SPRING 2019 RESEARCH DAY ..................................................... 11 AUA HEALTHY PERSPECTIVES ................................................... 12 GLOBAL MD HOST AUCTION FOR CARE PROJECT ..................... 14 AUA IN THE COMMUNITY ............................................................ 15
Dr. Samuel Joshua and Dr. Sujatha D’Costa patiently await their turn to donate at the Blood Drive hosted by EMIG on November 8th
THE WELLNESS COMMITTEE RELAXATION DAYS ..................... 17 DR. SONYA FORD PRESENTS AT SARC CONFERENCE .............. 17
Cadina Powell-Roundtree and her very proud mother at the spring 2019 White Coat Ceremony
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THE MATURATION OF CURRICULUM NEXT This past academic year marks the full roll in of our new curriculum, Curriculum Next. I am pleased to say that although this endeavor has been marked by multiple issues, requiring corrections and re-considerations, it has been a successful transition. I say that for the simple reason that it has been successful in improving our outcomes. In my mind, it has improved outcomes in the two most important areas. We have seen a decrease in attrition as a result of Curriculum Next, and we have seen continued improvement in both certifying CBSE scores and in our Step 1 pass rates, and overall mean scores. This has been especially gratifying because the roll out of a new curriculum is often marked by a decrease in outcome measures. I would have been satisfied if we had simply not lost ground in these areas. Rather I am immensely pleased that we have improved. Who do we thank for this improvement? Our students and faculty mostly, but also our support staff without whom this could not have happened. I am grateful to be working with hard working students, faculty that have performed brilliantly, and support staff who have worked tirelessly to bring this about. I hope each of you and your families have a happy and joyous holiday season, and return to continue the successes you created last year. Thank you.
Robert Mallin MD University Provost
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FROM THE EDITOR Greetings! It’s that time of year when we look forward to reconnecting with family and loved ones and enjoying a well-deserved break from work and study. For some of us it has been a year of growth and success while for others it may have been less so. Regardless of the year you’ve had, bear in mind that each experience whether good or bad is a learning opportunity. I firmly believe that remnants of our experiences are stored in our memory banks to help guide our future decision-making process and enable us to avoid unpleasant situations and instead navigate toward more desirable outcomes. The year 2019 and in fact the past 15 years has certainly been successful for AUA and there is a lot to be thankful for. Some of our recent accomplishments include – recognition by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) as a leader in international medical education; member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), member of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and member of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH). These are all enviable accomplishments that solidify our authenticity among medical schools in the region and beyond. In addition, our graduates continue to shine in their chosen specialties and are no doubt a source of inspiration for current students as well as those contemplating the field of medicine. Class of 2017 graduate Dr. Osman Ali, is certainly one of these outstanding trailblazers, read more about Dr. Ali and the research program he helped create exclusively for AUA students in Our Success Stories on page 6. The graduate teaching fellows bring a wealth of experience to bear in their tutelage and mentorship of current students and AUA scholars continue to excel. Our scholarship students are representative of the success of our mission “….to provide students who would otherwise be unable to receive a medical education with the tools to become successful physicians”; one such example is Antiguan born Dr. Gaden Osborne who recently returned to the rock as resident Consultant Neurologist at the Mt. St. John’s Medical Centre. We could not be more proud! As we enter the new year no doubt there will be challenges but challenges are opportunities for learning and growth that will help us raise the bar of excellence even higher! My personal wish for everyone is that this season be one of thanksgiving and celebration and that the year 2020 brings much happiness and many successes.
Sharon Brusch Editor
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AUA SCHOLARS HONORED
The proud honorees pose with Dr. Richard Millis and Dr. Michael Weitzman at the Bay House Restaurant
Eighteen top AUA Basic Science students honored at the traditional Scholars Breakfast
Eighteen top students were honored at this semester’s Scholars Breakfast on November 8th. The students were also fortunate to have candid conversations with our esteemed guest and Research Day Keynote Speaker, Michael Weitzman, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics, Environmental Medicine & Global Health from the New York University School of Medicine & NYU-Langone Medical Center. The highlight of the Scholars Breakfast program was a roundtable discussion with Dr. Weitzman primarily focused on how best to incorporate research into a burgeoning medical career. Dr. Weitzman advised that in this environment of specialization, a new physician-scientist should focus attention on investigating knowledge gaps on one specific topic. The topic should be of utmost interest to the individual, something they are passionate about which can advance their medical knowledge and expertise so that they can become widely recognized as an expert.
Dr. Weitzman also fielded questions about his career experiences and gave valuable advice about patient care and the importance of empathy and the human touch in the practice of medicine. The honorees were: Allyson Dougherty Carlos Preciado Dragos Besilu Emma Higgins John Schiavone Joseph Mitchell Kaley Coffey and Matthew Mansour Meryl Braun Michael Oswald Mitchell Rider Mylaun E. Griffith Noel Pharlin Sarah Glenister Semhal W. Beyin Silvanna Pender Suneet Patel Yash Sharma Heartiest congratulations to them all!
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THE ANNUAL FACULTY AWARDS AND SOCIAL
Dr. Adekunle Omole Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Awardee and Dr. Sudhakar Pemminati Senior Teaching Excellence Awardee
This year’s annual faculty awards and social was hosted at the Executive Dean Dr. Samuel LeBaron’s residences on Saturday December 7th. The event was organized by the Recognition and Awards Committee led by Dr. Sonya Ford. The 2019 Senior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Sudhakar Pemminati and the Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Adekunle Omole. Also awarded were Dr. Roopa Sebastian, Dr. John Th’ng and Dr. Sudhakar Pemminati for their service on the Recognition and Awards Committee. Dr. Carolyn Edmonson, Dr. Vernon Lindsay and Dr. Eli Tshibwabwa were also recognized for their service as members of the Nominations Committee. Heartiest congratulations to all of the awardees and special thanks to the committee for organizing the event.
Dr. Sonya Ford flanked by some members of the Recognition and Awards Committee l-r Drs. Noha Hussien, Roopa Sebastian, John Th’ng and Sudakhar Pemminati
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Dr. Osman Ali, Class of 2017 and current internal medicine resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center
Dr. Ali is a second-year internal medicine resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), where he was recently selected to be Chief Resident.
“They learn about statistics and how to use live equipment. They meet with critical care attending physicians and get experience in the various research programs the department has going on at that time. So far, including myself, six of us from Giving back to students at his alma mater is a AUA have gone through the program. And all have priority for this AUA graduate. He created a matched with residency programs!” research program open exclusively to AUA The program has been a success, and UMMC plans students who have a gap between finishing to continue it in future years, offering positions medical school and starting residency at the exclusively to AUA students. Research fellows are UMMC Midtown campus. He found himself in this currently working on two active clinical trials—one exact situation two years ago; he was finishing clinical rotations but had a 10-month window to fill before he began residency. “I did my fourth-year ICU rotation at the University of Maryland and happened to be on rotation with the ICU director, Dr. Vercelli’s,” said Dr. Ali. “We got to chatting, and I told him I had some time before starting residency. He asked for my CV, and that prompted me to apply for—and get accepted for—a research post-doc fellowship in the pulmonary and critical for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and one for the care department.” National Institute on Aging. “We’ve had a good During his research fellowship, Dr. Ali worked on track record with AUA graduates, and it’s a great two clinical trials, one of which was published in pathway for students graduating off-cycle to add the New England Journal of Medicine. He later more to their CV,” said Dr. Ali. “Step scores are matched with UMMC’s internal medicine definitely important, but being well-rounded, and residency program, and he is now using his own especially being involved in research, are things experience to pave the way for other AUA that we value.”
OUR SUCCESS STORIES Dr. Osman Ali
graduates following a similar path. The research program he started in pulmonary and critical care accepts at least two AUA graduates each year. “In the program, we teach them the entire process of doing clinical research,” said Dr. Ali.
After completing his residency, Dr. Ali hopes to match to a gastroenterology fellowship at a program on the East Coast. He is interested in advanced bariatric endoscopy, which is the focus of much of his work at the moment. At UMMC, he
is researching the use of telemedicine to help patients with chronic gastrointestinal issues. Dr. Ali, with the help of two AUA graduates, is investigating whether early intervention via telemedicine can help shorten the hospital stays of patients who use the emergency department often. Dr. Ali stays involved with AUA, keeping in touch with faculty, hosting webinars for prospective students, and answering questions from current AUA students who are studying for exams. He is invested in empowering the next generation of doctors who are graduating from AUA. “It’s important to give back because it can be a daunting process, especially for students coming from a school outside the U.S.,” he said. “AUA does a great job of letting students lead and progress in their career. I had opportunities to serve as a TA and tutor while I was there that I found really rewarding and planted the seed for my interest in teaching. AUA allowed me to take charge of my education, providing just enough support as well as the autonomy that I needed to gear up for success.” https://issuu.com/auamed/docs/auaalummag-fina__2019/28.
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By Indra Walker
Sure enough, a new season is here and of course if fashion is your thing, you welcome these seasons, the new trends, what’s hot and what’s not. But tell me, is it worth all that money? One thing’s for sure, no matter how you feel, - get up and show up well dressed! So in answer to my question – Yes, it’s definitely worth it but never go broke
trying to keep up!
FASHION INSIDER By Indra Walker So it’s a festive time of year and sure enough there’ll be lots of socials to attend over the next few weeks. I thought I would share tips on staying fashionable on a budget. Looking stylish does not have to be an expensive venture, just be “fashion smart”. You shouldn’t have to spend big to dress well #ThankMeLater.
Tip #2: Visit the sale rack for clearance items; this works for in-store and online shoppers. If you’re an in-store shopper, visit outlet stores for great quality pieces at discounted prices; and no, there’s nothing wrong with the items; it’s logistics really. Sometimes it’s just difficult to move these items at a high selling pace. If you have eclectic taste however, thrift stores might be the place for you. Rare and different pieces at all-time low prices.
Tip #3: Sell, Trade or Toss! There are so many avenues with social media being the most popular. Look at it this way, the money you make can go towards something new.
Tip #4: Budget! It’s really important to set budgets for everything really, but keep it simple. If you know you only have $200 each month to spend on clothing and accessories, then keep it to just that. Make that $200 work for you by buying on sale, use coupons, discount codes and search for deals such as free shipping. More importantly, do not buy something just because it’s on sale #Guilty! Tip #1: Pick out all of your neutral clothing, the plain easy-to-pair wardrobe staples like jeans, black pants, plain tops, a blazer, flat shoes. The plan is to be able to mix these staples with your new trends. It’s like investing in what you already own.
Tip #5: I can’t believe I’m going to say this but …ditch the current trends. Be versatile and creative. Sure enough there’ll always be new trends to follow but always be You!
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THE CARIBBEAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM The 2019 Caribbean sleep medicine symposium organized by the Caribbean Academy of Sleep Medicine Board (CASM) was hosted on Saturday December 7th at the American University of Antigua campus. The presenters were Jerald H. Simmonds MD, Founding-Director of The Sleep Education Consortium (SEC) and Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates, PA (CSMA); Mr. Sal Rodas Chief Product Officer for SleepArchiTx and Executive Director for the Foundation for Airway Health and Dr. Richard Millis AUA Professor & Associate Dean for Research.
The event was attended by AUA students, faculty members and local health practitioners including HE the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda Sr. Rodney Williams. In his opening address Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Mr. Colin James thanked Dr. Raj K. Jammula and the rest of the CASM Board for organizing the symposium which he says will be of immense benefit to local health practitioners. He also expressed his appreciation to the speakers for visiting Antigua and encouraged them to explore what the island has to offer as a tourism destination during their short stay.
HE Sir Rodney Williams Governor General of Antigua & Barbuda receives a certificate of attendance
The presenters (L-R) Dr. Jerald H. Simmonds, Dr. Richard Millis and Mr. Sal Rodas (L) pose with Dr. Raj K. Jammula and Dr. Mrs. Jammula
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The 2019 BUBBLES BEYOND BORDERS WORKSHOP The annual Bubbles Beyond Borders Workshop was hosted on Friday August 23rd at the American University of Antigua Campus. With a focus on marketing strategies for small businesses, the workshop was a collaboration between Bubbles Beyond Borders Antigua, the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) and the Antigua and Barbuda Financial Empowerment Centre (FEC). Keynote speaker Dr. Jeffrey Jarosinski, former financial advisor and current AUA Behavioral Science Chair, gave an informative presentation on Referral Marketing Strategy. This year’s business showcase included Roxy’s Jewelry, Clothing N Things, Accountability ACE, Eat Me Gourmet and Tropical Bliss Spa. The ABIA and the FEC provided detailed information about the extensive range of personal and business financial services available to the public. The event was attended by established small business owners, individuals contemplating new start-ups, and other interested individuals from the community. Campaign lead for Bubbles Beyond Borders Antigua Sharon Brusch expressed her sincere appreciation of the sponsors American University of Antigua, Tropic Wear, PAACS Inc. Accountability ACE, Roxy’s Jewelry Clothing N’ Things, Eat Me Gourmet, and Tropical Bliss Spa for supporting the event. She also expressed her sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Jeffrey Jarosinski, keynote speaker for his presentation; FEC and the ABIA for their collaboration and support of the event as well as the volunteers Ms. Juanna McKenzie of Canejuice Inc., AUA’s Ms. Kibian McKay, Mr. Samuel Thomas and other staff members who assisted with setup and registration. Pictured top right, workshop presenters Ms. Kimbalie Constant FEC Project Implementation Manager, Dr. Jeffrey Jarosinski AUA’s Behavioral Science Chair and Keynote Speaker, Ms. Jacqueline Yearwood ABIA’s Enterprise Development Director and Ms. Ayanna Baptiste ABIA’s Enterprise Development Officer. Bottom right, the Roxy’s Jewelry Clothing N’ Things business showcase.
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AUA HONORED BY THE SALVATION ARMY AUA was among 55 corporate entities and individuals honored at a cocktail reception hosted on September 20th in recognition of their continued support of The Salvation Army's mission in Antigua and Barbuda.
The reception was organized by The Salvation Army Advisory Board and hosted at Government House under the auspices of H.E. Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda.
During his address, H.E. Sir Rodney Williams praised the honorees for their philanthropy and encouraged them to continue to support the worthwhile efforts of The Salvation Army. The honorees were each awarded with commemorative plaques.
HE Sir Rodney Williams Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda address the honorees during the reception
Pictured (l-r) Mr. Avery Jonas – AUA’s Associate Director of Campus Operations receives the award on AUA’s behalf from Salvation Army District officer, Major Brenda Greenidge, and Major Raymond Pierre, District Secretary
HE Sir Rodney Williams Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda Flanked by Salvation Army Officers and members of the Salvation Army National Advisory Board
Guests at the Government House reception
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SPRING 2019 RESEARCH DAY by Dr. Richard Millis
The biannual Research Day activities was hosted on November 8, 2019. The day commenced with the traditional Scholar’s Breakfast honoring the top five performers in semesters 1-4. The Scholar’s Breakfast was followed by two informal discussions with the Keynote Speaker Dr. Michael Weitzman, Professor of Pediatrics, Environmental Medicine & Global Health from the New York University School of Medicine & NYU-Langone Medical Center. Interested students and faculty attended the discussions in Classroom 5 in the late morning and in Conference Room C in the early afternoon. Most of the informal discussion was focused on Dr. Michael Weitzman’s research on lead exposure resulting from the water treatment debacle in Flint Michigan and his expert testimony on this topic to Congress and various Courts. Also discussed was hookah usage among NYU medical students and other groups in Saudi Arabia demonstrating potential adverse respiratory effects.
Keynote Speaker Dr. Michael Weitzman, Professor of Pediatrics, Environmental Medicine & Global Health from the New York University School of Medicine & NYU-Langone Medical Center
The main Research Day Program was hosted at 3:30 PM in the Flex Auditorium. Following the traditional singing of the three national anthems—Antigua-Barbuda, United States and India, Dr. Richard M. Millis, Associate Dean for Research gave welcoming remarks about the significance of research to medical students. Dr. Millis’ speech was followed by the introduction of the AUA Scholars who were honored at the Scholar’s Breakfast by Med 2 student Ms. Vijaya Bhargavi Cherukuri. The Keynote Speaker was introduced by Med 4 student Mr. Murali Krishnan Manikkavelu who pointed out that he was Class President when Dr. Weitzman spoke at his White Coat Ceremony two years previously and here he was once again, this time introducing Dr. Weitzman. Dr. Weitzman gave a motivational keynote address during which he demonstrated that he and his team of young physician-scientists were able to identify a correlation between lead exposure at blood lead levels < 10 µg/dL and intelligence quotient (IQ) that was previously missed. Dr. Weitzman emphasized that in the early 21st century, it was widely accepted that blood lead levels >10 μg/dL caused diminutions in IQ and a number of neurocognitive problems on a population basis. Over the past 20 years, voluminous literature has consistently identified problems, such as increased rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impulsivity,
A section of the audience during the presentations
disruptive and violent behavior, poor executive functioning, and short-term memory, first at levels <10 μg/dL, then at <5 μg/dL, and now at the very lowest measurable levels of children’s blood lead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consequently has repeatedly decreased its level of concern from 60 to >5 μg/dL currently, stating that there is no safe level of children’s lead exposure. Dr. Weitzman’s presentation of data on lead was followed by a brief presentation on tobacco, hookah and vaping by adolescents. The discussion focused on the recent epidemic of deaths of adolescents associated with vaping, which the CDC has hypothesized to be related to the vitamin E acetate, a common vaping additive
ingredient. It was pointed out that one of the combustion products of vitamin E is phosgene, a potent inhalation toxicant that is known to produce chemical burns in the respiratory tracts of humans who were exposed to it during World Wars I and II as a chemical warfare agent. The Research Day Program concluded with a reception in our beautiful College of Medicine lobby. A good time was had by all and we look forward to the next Research Day in the Spring 2020 semester.
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AUA HEALTHY PERSPECTIVES
This quarter we are happy to announce that three new co-hosts have recently joined our team. Dr. Sonya Ford, Dr. Vernon Lindsay and Ms. Dawn Roberts. Dr. Ford is an Assistant Professor in the AUA Education Department. She is also an author, counselor and motivational speaker. She earned her Master of Science degree from The Johns Hopkins University, and a Doctorate of Education from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. She holds two Certificates of Advanced Graduate Studies from The Johns Hopkins University in Clinical Community Counseling and Teaching in Higher Education. She is also a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a National Certified School Counselor (NCSC). Dr. Ford worked in radio as a reporter, producer, and on-air personality for more than twenty years in the Washington, D.C. area. During her tenure Dr. Ford produced the Tom Joyner Morning Show, hosted DC Sunday and co-hosted a nationally syndicated radio show entitled Family Affair. She has also done voice-over work in both television and film. Dr. Ford has appeared on several Washington D.C. area talk shows as a guest therapist/expert on a variety of mental health related topics and keynoted a variety of national, and international educational workshops and conferences. She is the recipient of several awards for her work as a counselor and was honored at the White House by former First Lady, Michelle Obama. Dr. Sonya Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website http://www.drsonyasays.com is a source of inspiration and motivation for many. Dr. Vernon C. Lindsay, is an Assistant Professor in the AUA Education Department. Dr. Lindsay is a Chicago native who earned a Ph.D. in Policy Studies in Urban Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is also a published book author, Capoeirista, and coach. His teaching and research interests include academic study strategies and culturally responsive curriculum. He is the author of the book, Critical Race and Education for Black Males: When Pretty Boys Become Men and the recently published: Capoeira, Black Males, and Social Justice: A Gym
l-r Candace Carty, Shekeil Francis and Dr. Ian Thomas pose with co-host Dr. Sonya Ford
Class Transformed. Before joining American University of Antigua, he spent two years in Mexico working as an educational consultant, writer, and leadership coach. Some of his writings which can be found online at The Good Men Project.com, focusses on masculinity, parenthood, marriage, and entrepreneurialism. Ms. Dawn Roberts will assist in the event that our regular hosts are unavailable. Ms. Roberts is an Instructor and Academic Advisor in the AUA Education Department. With a Master of Art in Applied Sociology, Ms. Roberts is currently working on her dissertation with a focus on the causes of the attrition of underrepresented minority students. She has over 18 years of experience, working with US medical students in many different capacities including student advising, engagement and development, higher education administration, diversity policy and program development and community outreach. In recent months a series of experts have graciously agreed to join us on the show to share their knowledge on a variety of topics. Dr. Maria Pereira, Clinical Care Coordinator at the Aids Secretariat was hosted in late November to discuss HIV/AIDS prevalence in Antigua and
Barbuda. During the conversation with co-host Dr. Richard Millis, she spoke at length regarding common misconceptions about the disease and the hard work the Secretariat is doing to educate the public, eradicate discrimination and protect vulnerable populations. Dr. Pereira also conveyed much needed information about the modern treatment options currently available via the secretariat and urged newly diagnosed individuals to take advantage of the services offered at no cost. She stressed that although no cure is currently available, persons with HIV/AIDS can have a long and productive life with treatment. In late November AUAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Behavioral Science Chair Dr. Jeffrey Jarosinski appeared on the show to speak with co-host Dr. Vernon Lindsay on the intriguing topic of fear and how it affects us. In this episode, Dr. Jarosinski explains that fear can have negative as well as some surprisingly positive and beneficial effects on our psyche.
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(Continued from the previous page) Risk factors for hypertension and the dangers of non-adherence to a prescribed treatment regimen were the topics of discussion with MSJMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head of Nephrology, Dr. Ian Thomas early in December. Speaking with Co-host Ms. Dawn Roberts, Dr. Thomas explained that poorly managed hypertension can lead to very serious complications including organ failure. This episode is the first in a three-part series which continues with the second and third episodes focused on kidney failure and organ donation. In the later episode Co-host Dr. Sonya Ford is joined by organ recipient Ms. Candace Carty and her donor Shekeil Francis. In this interesting segment, the mother and son duo speak candidly about their experience with organ donation and its impact on their lives going forward. These and other episodes will be aired in the coming months. Do remember to tune in to ABS TV every Tuesday night at 8pm. If you miss any of the episodes check us out on Facebook, you can also like and follow the page for new episodes as soon as they are available.
Co-host Dr. Vernon Lindsay and Dr. Jeffrey Jarosinski
Co-host Dawn Roberts and Dr. Ian Thomas
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GLOBAL MD HOST AUCTION FOR CARE PROJECT The Global MD Med 1 Class led by student Aarohi Vashi hosted an auction of cricket memorabilia on Friday November 15th to benefit the CARE Project. The CARE Project is a government facility which provides housing and basic care for abandoned children who suffer with multiple disabilities. Cricket memorabilia were donated with the kind compliments of members of the Indian National Cricket Team and the management and staff of the West Indies Cricket Board. Other local entities included the Larder Restaurant and the Sugar Ridge Hotel donated refreshments as well as other items for the auction. The auction was attended by staff, students, faculty and other invited guests including Matron/Administrator of the CARE Project Juliette De La Bastide. Bollywood style dance and other entertaining acts were performed by children of faculty members throughout the evening. The Bollywood themed outfits worn by some of the Faculty members also contributed to the glitzy glamour of the event.
Dr. Carolyn Edmonson and Dr. Leslie Walywn showcase an autographed cricket bat
The auctioneer team of Dr. Nagaraj Mysore and Dr. Leslie Walwyn did an excellent job and the bidding was lively and entertaining. The event raised in excess of EC$6,000. Ms. De La Bastide expressed her appreciation to the organizers for all of their hard work which resulted in such a wonderful event and for the monetary assistance which is always needed to continue the good work of the CARE Project. Congratulations to the Global MD Med 1 Class for hosting such a successful fundraiser and thanks to everyone who supported the event.
The organizers pictured with Matron Juliet De La Bastide
Auctioneer Dr. Nagaraj Mysore
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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES TEAM DONATE TO LOCAL SCHOOLS by Madella Aubrey-Christopher
Students went back to school in September with smiles on their faces and backpacks filled with school supplies thanks to donations made by AUA’s Administrative Support Services Department. Gifts of crayons, pencils, markers, school bags and other school supplies were disbursed to students at the Piggotts Primary School on Thursday September 19th and on Friday September 20th at the New Winthorpes Primary School. The disbursement is part of a process designed to keep children motivated to start their new school year by equipping them with tools for learning.
The Administrative Services Team with some of the recipients
AUA IN THE COMMUNITY
The team has been organizing school supply drives since fall 2015 however, this year’s drive has been the most successful to date. They expressed how much they enjoyed the experience and look forward to continuing their efforts to support children in underprivileged communities in the new school year.
The AUA sponsored annual Pediatric Health Village hosted by the Rotary Club Antigua Sundown took place on Saturday August 31st at the TN Kirnon Primary School between the hours of 9am and 1pm. The event offered free health screenings to children between the ages of 4-19 years old including vision, dental, BMI, blood glucose and blood pressure. Healthy lifestyle presentations, nutrition and cooking demos were also offered. Refreshments and entertainment for the children were provided by the Rotary Club Sundown and each child received a goodie bag compliments of the sponsors.
On October 10th four AUA Med 3 students assisted local optometrists with vision screening at the Antigua Girls High School between the hours of 8am and 12pm.
A total of 115 children were screened by a team of local doctors with the assistance of 35 AUA Med 3 and 4 students. The students were supervised by 6 AUA faculty members and assisted by 2 staff members.
A total of 107 girls were screened in the event organized by the Antigua Lions Club in partnership with Eye Mobile and local optometrists in observance of World Sight Day 2019.
Student volunteers report for duty at the TN Kirnon Primary School for the Rotary Club’s Pediatric Health Village on August 31st
On October 12th a total of 136 individuals were screened at this year’s annual St. John’s Lutheran Church Health day between the hours of 8am and 1pm. 56 AUA students supervised by 7 AUA faculty members assisted with BMI, vision, blood pressure screening and history taking between the hours of 8am and 1pm. AUA faculty Dr. Helen Makinde also assisted with OB/GYN consultations.
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On October 26th a total of 203 women were screened for breast cancer on Saturday between the hours of 7am to 3pm at an event organized by the local breast cancer support group - Breast Friends Women in Touch. Twenty AUA Med 3 and 4 students assisted with history taking a BMI under the supervision of 4 faculty members. Special thanks to Dr. Helen Makinde for volunteering to work with the team of doctors who did the breast examinations and thanks to the AUA Wellness Committee for donating feminine hygiene products which were handed out to all of the women who attended.
Students Ms. DeAnna Trunnell, Ms. Aliza Poonawalla, Mr. Kameswara Rao Kottapalli, Ms. Anne Ugabi, Faculty Supervisor Dr. Joy Cox, Antigua Lions Club members and their partners during World Sight Day
Left a patient is weighed during the annual Breast Cancer Screening on October 26th, above a group of student volunteers arrive at the MSJMC to volunteer at the event
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THE WELLNESS COMMITTEE RELAXATION DAYS by Dawn Roberts
The Wellness Committee recently hosted their much anticipated Relaxation Days which are the norm for each semester. This semester’s Relaxation Days included a serene space complete with meditative coloring, calming music, aromatherapy and free 10 minute massages provided by Maria and Desmond from Maria’s Mobile Massage. Two of the relaxation days were dedicated to students and one day to faculty and staff. Reviews from staff, faculty and students were all positive with comments like: “Absolutely amazing! I recommend this once per month for staff, it is very relaxing”; “Thank you so much for taking time to do this, your hands are magic!”; “I enjoyed that very much, thank you for helping me with my exam!”; “A 10-minute massage is worth the while and” Thank you for this opportunity, I hope it continues every semester!”. No doubt this is an initiative that everyone looks forward to.
DR. SONYA FORD PRESENTS AT SARC CONFERENCE AUA’s Dr. Sonya Ford was among presenters at the first Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Mental Health Conference on Friday December 6, 2019 at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Centre. The conference was one of the sixteen days of activism activities to end violence against women and girls, hosted by the Directorate of Gender Affairs Support and Resource Centre (SARC) under the theme: Reconstructing Communities: Co-Creating a Pathway to Wellness. The conference was a call for individuals and communities to work together to end the stigma against persons who have experienced GBV and to provide appropriate care and support to victims as they navigate their healing journey. During her presentation on expressive arts therapy, Dr. Ford stressed the importance of selfcare and urged participants to practice forgiveness as a means of reducing stress and promoting overall wellbeing. The event was attended by mental health practitioners from the public and private sectors.
Questions/comments? Email sbrusch@auamed.net.