The Medical Messenger: Volume 1, Issue 3

TM Volume 1 | Issue 3 | February 2018

UPCOMING EVENTS February 26th CMSC General Body Meeting and Elections, CMW 106

march 16th Match Day

April 15th-19th LCME Accredidation

April 17th – CMSC Awards Ceremony

may 11th Class of 2018 Graduation

UICOM Research Forum Highlights Opportunities For Research and Mentorship Having the opportunity to engage in biomedical research can be highly beneficial in preparation for students’ future careers as physicians and scientists. For medical students, the M1 summer represents a great time to fully immerse in a research project, learn about this integral side of medicine, and pursue a topic of interest that will certainly bolster critical thinking, scientific skills, and your resume!

The annual University of Illinois College of Medicine (UICOM) Research Forum was held on December 1, 2017 and represents an annual opportunity for students to showcase their research. This annual forum brings together medical students, graduate students, and dual-degree students from throughout UICOM to display their work and learn from their peers. This year, the top awards for winning poster presentations went to Dmitriy Peresada and

Kimberly Hu, M2s who

both did their research in surgical specialties.

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M2 Students Shelbi Olson and Andrew Ormseth presenting their posters on their research in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Orthopaedics.

Dmitriy’s project in the Department of Orthopaedics, titled “The Importance Of Patellar Button Positioning In Total Knee Arthroplasty,” was a great way to immerse himself in a scientific research project for the first time under the multi-disciplinary mentorship of Dr. Farid Amirouche, Ph.D. in the College of Engineering and Dr. Mark Gonzalez, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedics. His project discovered that the positioning of the patellar button more proximally will help decrease the risk of patellar pain and fracture since it puts less stress on the patella. “It is very rewarding to apply some of the knowledge I learned in medical school and to use it in scientific and clinical contexts. For this project, I used a lot of gross anatomy, read just about every article on knee replacements, and shadowed total knee arthroplasties here at UIC. It is exciting to work with and learn from experts in the field and get away from the daily study routine for a little.”

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Kimberly’s project in the Department of Neurosurgery, titled “Classification Of Thalamic Hemorrhages Using A Six-category Zoning Scheme,” was a great way to work on a complex problem in a collaborative environment under the mentorship of Dr. Ankit Mehta, M.D. Her work, recently submitted for publication, brought together a team of several medical students and faculty and is important for understanding different outcomes based on location of brain bleeds.

According to Ramzy, “The most beneficial aspect of the program has definitely been developing a robust understanding of the many facets of research and building a base that can segue into a career as an academic clinician through hands-on experience.”

He has also learned that research doesn’t always go exactly as planned.

There are setbacks, changes in experiments, surprising or unexpected results, and more that make the process very dynamic. Ramzy has benefitted from this experience, and believes that “this program will allow me to develop a strong research base and clinical understanding that I can continue to foster throughout the rest of my medical school career into residency and beyond.”

At the same time, the decision to delay graduation for a year can be a challenging one for students. “It can be scary to step back from medical school for a year. I never considered taking a year off during my time in medical school prior to hearing about this program, but you have to consider that, when push comes to shove, you either do everything you can to get where you want or you don’t. At the end of the day, one extra year is nothing if it helps you achieve your goals.”

The number of fellowship programs like this are increasing. The Department of Neurosurgery is planning to host a similar research fellowship opportunity, where students can pursue a M.S. degree while engaging in research for a year to better prepare them for future career as academic neurosurgeons. Opportunities like this will surely help our students both gain an in-depth exploration of a field of interest, but also prepare them to be competitive applicants and life-long investigators in their fields.

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Research in medical school, while certainly rewarding, also adds on a considerable responsibility to an already busy schedule (notice the coffee cups in the photo on the first page). When asked what the biggest challenge is when conducting research as a medical student, Kimberly aptly said “Time. I am sure every student can relate. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with coursework, and life gets a little harder when you try to add something new like research. But with that being said, it’s 100% worth it!”

Having a good team environment and strong mentorship can help with this.

Dmitriy added: “My PI worked with a lot of students in the past and was very understanding of my schedule and time constraints.

Jessica Strzepka (M2) presented her work on Acute Pancreatitis completed within the Department of Medicine.

I think it’s important that everyone involved understands how much time a med student can realistically dedicate to research.” This is definitely important to keep in mind as maintaining a good work-life balance while still achieving your professional and career goals is something we will all have to do moving forward! Congratulations to the COM Research Forum winners and all participants!

Considering Taking Time Off Between M3 and M4 Year?

Several Research Opportunities Exist!

As a second year medical student, Ramzy Khabbaz (entering Class of 2018) was uncertain which field of medicine he wanted to pursue. He started to become more and more interested in Interventional Radiology, a growing field in both its size (now with its own residency program) and in competitiveness. Ramzy knew he needed to do something that would help him stand out in the application process and give him the level of insight he wanted into the field. The Department of Radiology’s MD-MS Radiology Fellowship Program seemed like a perfect fit!

This fellowship program, in its ninth year at UIC, is a great opportunity for students interested in Diagnostic and/or Interventional Radiology to engage in both clinical and research responsibilities while concurrently pursuing a M.S. degree in the UIC School of Public Health’s Clinical and Translational Research Program. There are typically two fellow positions available for the year between M3 and M4. Ramzy is one of the fellows this year along with Yu-Hui Huang, both of whom started with the entering Class of 2018. While there are multiple research projects available, Ramzy’s work this year has combined clinical, translational and basic science work through several different projects all related to innovative procedures, models and therapies to combat hepatocellular carcinoma. continued at left.

Student Showcase This edition, CMSC is excited to feature

Ravand samaeekia (M2) who is taking us on his amazing ,

journey to medical school.

IRAN:

Ravand reflects: “‘What am I doing? Is risking my life worth it?’ I asked myself this many times as I was running away from the gunfire of border patrol, or when I had to hide inside a thorn bush for hours, or when I had to walk in a Turkish desert with no food or water for days.

Unfortunately, after the Islamic Revolution in Iran, those of the Bahá'í Faith have been prohibited from practicing their religion, engaging in civil activities, or enrolling in higher education. The cost for breaking these mandates is imprisonment, where members of my family and immediate relatives have found themselves, or at worst, execution,” says Ravand.

Ravand’s desire and passion to seek education has never faltered. Despite ranking in the top fifty among more than half a million examinees, Ravand was denied entrance to Iranian universities, so joining the Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) Biology program was his only option, where his "classes and labs were raided numerous times by Islamic Revolutionary Guard forces.” Seven years of hard-work at BIHE later, Ravand earned a full scholarship for a Master’s degree program at the University of Ottawa, Canada, but his passport was retracted and he was prohibited from working in any research or clinical settings in Iran.

TURKEY to CHICAGO: Fueled by his drive to be educated and to contribute to the field of science, Ravand made the decision to leave on foot for Turkey. After years seeking refuge, he became a translator for a Persian-speaking community, was elected administrative head of over 500 Bahá'í refugees, and taught English, Turkish, and basic science to refugees’ children. Ravand found his passion for medicine when he became many of these families’ only viable resource to take their children to the hospital, communicate with the doctors, organize medications, and provide medical follow-up upon discharge. In early 2010, Ravand was awarded entry to the US and arrived in Chicago, IL, where he was finally able to pursue his undergraduate and masters degrees and fulfill his ultimate desire for a career in medicine and research.

RESEARCH:

Though it has been a goal all his life, circumstances in Iran made it very difficult to conduct research. "It was only after I started my studying in US that I could finally freely be part of several big science labs and pursue my ideas and love for science. I worked on Alzheimer Disease in a neuropathology lab at Northwestern, then on breast cancer in the Cancer Center at University of Chicago, and then on nanomedicine and drug development in Institute for Molecular Engineering at U of C. I did a Craig Fellowship on stem cell therapy on corneal wound healing, which resulted in my hiring by my mentor. I have published and presented the results of several of these works. The main reason that brought me to medical school is that being a physician provides a wonderful opportunity to directly interact with patients and also be able to address some of the unanswered questions in medicine and patient care in a research setting. My ultimate goal is to bring results of bench work studying closer to patient’s bedside.”

FUTURE PLANS: Ravand is currently interested in pursuing ophthalmology, as it allows for ample research opportunities, and offers a balance of operating, inpatient, and outpatient experiences. Ravand remains an avid human right activist and is involved in human rights events condemning the persecutions of Bahá'ís in Iran. Outside of all of this, Ravand is musician. He has been playing since the age of 9 and plays piano, guitar, dulcimer, and several percussion instruments. He and his wife founded the MehrKia Ensemble. You can find his music on Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud, or at: http://rsamaeekia.wixsite.com/mehrkiam usic.

ABOUT UIC: Oh, and somehow, Ravand is also a second year medical student! About UIC he says, “UIC is an amazing medical school. As a new immigrant there is a wide cultural gap and a steep learning curve and although studying medicine was my goal, I was afraid that my cultural lag might make me odd and eccentric. But UIC’s diverse student body, staff, and faculty and its respect for every culture gradually vanished my fears and has developed a feeling of belonging in me. Another thing that makes UIC stand out is its location and its vast number of resources. There is almost nothing out of reach in the realm of medical education at UIC. There are always available opportunities in clinical or social research, community healthcare and service, academic contributions, athletics and recreational, and so much more.”

We so appreciate Ravand’s willingness to share his story with us. His dedication to education and the amazing journey he has embarked on to get here, can serve reminders to appreciate the access to education that many of us have been privileged to receive. Ravand's desire to contribute to the field of medicine, with a calling to serve patients as well as work in research, is inspiring. We can’t wait to see all of the remarkable things Ravand will continue to do in the future!

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Alumni Showcase Dr. Lindsay Schwartz, a 2015 COM graduate, is a PGY-3 in

Student Stories Neha Chandan (M2) Working with the Dermatology and Pathology departments here at UIH, Neha presented her work titled Sarcoidosis with Cutaneous Manifestations of Necrobiosis Lipoidica at the American Society of Dermatopathology 54th annual meeting. She is now in the process of publication of her work.

Melissa Socarras (M2) Melissa recently attended the Triological Society 2018 Combined Sections Meeting in Scottsdal, AZ. At the meeting, she gave a podium presentation on Diagnostic Techniques and Surgical Outcomes for Persistent Pediatric Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and MetaAnalysis.

Kenji Kobayashi (M4), Cutler Lewandowski (G1), Joe Geraghty (G2), Ariana Melendez (M4), Cory Reiter (G2), & Tarek Behery (M2) Were accepted to present their work on M3 clerkship feedback and USMLE Preparedness at the AAMC Central Group on Educational Affairs Conference this March at the Mayo Clinic!

Congratulations to all of our amazing students and your continued successes! If you would like to be featured in our next edition, please let a member of CMSC know.

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Pediatrics at UCLA. Remember the UICOM-Chicago Class of 2015’s highly successful “10 for 15” program, the student-led collaboration with faculty and administration that resulted in the largest increase in UICOM-Chicago’s performance on USMLE Step 1?

The results were recently published in Teaching and Learning in Medicine, a peerreviewed journal, and Lindsay was the lead author of the publication.

Initially conceived by Class of 2015 President Peter Lazzari (’15), the program quickly became an exemplar of the efficacy of student-initiated curricular change. Lindsay Schwartz was also on Class Board and volunteered to run the research aspect of the proposal, admitting some skepticism at first given the expected administrative challenges to fund and run this program. However, this skepticism was short-lived as students from all years, CMSC, and various administrative offices came together. “I think the best parts about working with this committee was feeling emotionally supported by faculty, staff, and the medical school itself. By funding this program and creating this committee, we felt the administration and faculty were deeply vested in our success,” said Lindsay. The program resulted in increased provision of resources to students including First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 to all incoming M1s, UWorld question bank access for M2s, and more peer educators. When asked what she thought the most influential component of this program was, Lindsay highlighted that the initiative provided both structure and materials to help prepare students, but importantly it was the collaborative approach that brought everyone together and fostered a sense of pride amongst the students.

Lindsay reflected on the experience, commenting: “I have this program to thank for jumpstarting my future career. I learned so much about curriculum development and medical education and was fortunate to be mentored by nationally-regarded experts here at UIC!” Lindsay plans to continue similar research during residency, where she is currently working on a patient and provider educational project in pediatric cancer survivorship. Let’s hear more from her -

Did you know what field you wanted to go into when you came to medical school?

Sort of... I always knew I wanted to work with kids, but actually came to medical school thinking I would do Pediatric Ophthalmology. It was actually through my job as a Pediatric Ophthalmology Medical Assistant that I worked during college with retinoblastoma patients that I found my true calling: Pediatric Hematology and Oncology. During medical school, I shadowed and eventually worked on clerkships and electives with Dr. Mary Lou Schmidt, and she was instrumental in the development of my love for this field. It is a love that has continued into residency, and I am thrilled to be applying for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship this summer!

What is your favorite memory at UICOM? Oh wow, so many... I have to say that a good number of them involve my fellow Class of 2015 grad (and now husband) Adam Gruner. Match Week was also a very fun time; we could all finally relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor from the last four years. On Match Day, our class surprised everyone by doing a flash mob to "Uptown Funk", and I don't think I've ever seen my classmates jump so high: had to burn off that nervous energy somehow!

Any advice for current medical students you wish you knew at the time?

I felt constantly stressed in medical school, wondering if everything was "going to work out" (meaning I would land the residency of my dreams while building lasting relationships and not forgetting to call my mom every now and then). Looking back, it feels like it really did all "work out", but I remember feeling out of control, lost, and confused a good portion of the time. Trust in yourself, trust in the process, keep the faith, and know that, somehow, everything will work itself out the way it is supposed to.

Student Org Highlight: Student Run Free Clinic

In Cook County it is estimated that as many as 513,000 residents will remain uninsured in 2018. That’s a big number. Fortunately, we have students working passionately to bring healthcare to this population that isn't reached in a conventional clinic or hospital setting.

The Student Run Free Clinic (SRFC) has been working for 10 years to provide health care to uninsured patients in Chicago. The group engages over 60 student volunteers and dozens of UIC physicians to staff CommunityHealth, the largest free medical clinic in Illinois. Each Wednesday, the clinic is open for business, providing ongoing primary care and a host of other services. The organization consists of, on average, 4 steering committee members from each class in addition to a group of about 50 core volunteers. Each volunteer has the opportunity to improve clinical skills during their interaction with patients, and these efforts are two-fold. Beyond improving their practice as a future physician, the work of these students functions to advocate for patients that, despite new health care options, remain uninsured.

And as if this wasn’t impressive enough, over the holidays SRFC raised a large sum of $4,635 to support CommunityHealth.

This money will be used to provide medication and supplies to the patients at an affordable cost.

We spoke with SRFC Steering Committee member, Urveel Shah (m2), about his experience. He shares, “Being on the Steering Committee has been an incredible experience for me. It has definitely been one of the highlights of my medical school experience. It's quite exciting to be a part of a clinic like Community Health because they can offer every service, including imaging and specialist visits, to those patients that would be unable to get access anywhere else. We work every week with UIC attendings, residents, and students that are so committed to providing excellent care for our patients as well as taking the time to teach. For me, going to clinic at least once a month gives me a constant reminder to not get bogged down by all of the basic science in our pre-clinical years and see that everything that we learn can have a significant impact in helping future patients. My time in clinic has also helped me understand that disparities in health are not just concepts that we learn in class, but real-life circumstances that impact people every day.”

The work that the Student Run Free Clinic does is truly inspiring and we’re proud to call these individuals our peers. Are you a part of a student organization doing amazing things? Share your stories with us! Email Olivia Lanser at lanser2@uic.edu to be featured in our next edition.

What’s new with CMSC Next CMSC General Body Meeting: February 26th at 5:30 PM CMW Room 106 Food served at 5 PM During this CMSC meeting. The 2018-19 CMSC executive board will be elected. Interested in running? Reach out to any of the current executive board members for inromation on the positions!

Nominations are currently live, so be sure to complete the nomination google doc (distributed by CMSC Secretary, Kelsey Holbert) prior to the meeting.

A note - Student Organization attendance at CMSC GBM meetings is MANDATORY to maintain funding eligibility!

In addition to elections, CMSC is in the process of selecting reciepients for various CMSC awards that are given at the end of each year. This year, we will be recognizing the recipients during an awards ceremony open to all students on April 17th.

Please reach out to CMSC Secretary Kelsey Holbert with any questions (kholbe2@uic.edu).

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UIC Board of Trustees Approves a 1.6% Increase in AY 2018-2019 UICOM Tuition

UICOM

WINTER GALA Each year, the M2 Class Board organizes the annual UICOM Winter Gala to raise money in support of local charities. This year, the event was hosted at the Metropolitan Club, located on the 67th floor of the Willis Tower. Proceeds benefitted the New Life Volunteering Society (NLVS) and the Student Run Free Clinic (SRFC).

Here’s a word from M2 class president, Tarek Behery. "Thank you to all the donors and guests: UICOM faculty, administration, students, friends, and businesses for your tremendous support in making the annual 2018 UICOM Winter Gala a success! Without your donations and attendance, this event would not have been possible. While enjoying a formal evening, many UIC medical students and their friends were able to enjoy a night away from the books.

We were fortunate to raise $4850 through the silent auction for two of our nonprofit clinics where UIC students frequently volunteer to treat underserved patients. It cannot be understated how much of a difference these funds will make in the health and lives of many underserved patients in Chicago! On behalf of the Class of 2020 Class Board, we greatly appreciate your dedication and support to our UICOM community and our mission of helping those in need.

Until next year!"

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The University Medical Student Council (UMSC) which represents all campuses of UICOM hosted a Tuition Town Hall on January 23, 2018 with Todd Van Neck, the Associate Dean for Administration. At this Town Hall, it was revealed that the University of Illinois Board of Trustees has approved a 1.6% increase in tuition for academic year 2018-2019. This comes at a time of growth for the College of Medicine such as the new curriculum and expansion of the Peoria and Rockford campuses to become full four-year medical campuses on top of increasing cost of living across the state and nation.

However, student leaders across the Chicago campus, including representatives from each Class Board and the Chicago Medical Student Council (CMSC), have significant concerns about these increases in tuition and the effect it can have on our students. A recent press release from UIC highlighted a continued tuition freeze for undergraduate freshmen for the third year in a row, yet medical students have had much more difficulty preventing increases in their tuition.1 Available data from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) for academic year 2017-2018 shows that UICOM is currently the single most expensive medical school in the United States for out-of-state students across both public and private institutions.2 For in-state students, UICOM is the 2nd most expensive public institution in the country.2 The increase in tuition, although modest compared to previous increases, can have unfortunate financial and professional consequences on our student body. In addition to increasing amount of student debt, which places financial burdens on our students as they embark on their future careers, Illinois is one of 20 states in our nation with a law stating that failure to pay student debt could result in the revoking of professional licenses.3 Educational debt can also have substantial effects on students’ long-term career and life decisions, and may influence the growing shortage of primary care positions that UICOM seeks to supply to the citizens of Illinois.

A larger issue at stake is the consistent decrease in funding to UIC, and UICOM in particular, provided by the Illinois state government. For example, the most recent total state appropriation of unrestricted funds to the University of Illinois for fiscal year 2018 decreased by $66.8 million compared to fiscal year 2017.4 With state and local elections coming up this year, these are important issues that students should advocate for, but more importantly, our university administration should advocate on our behalf.

Perhaps more importantly, increased transparency and proactive communication to students throughout UICOM is of the utmost importance when it comes to increases in tuition. Student leaders were disappointed to learn at the January 23 town hall that these changes in tuition had already been approved, and that input and ideas from the student body were not strongly considered in advance of making this decision. Moving forward, it is necessary that the UICOM administration increase transparency when it comes to tuition dollars, budgets, and cost allocations to both the student body as well as to the various departments and offices throughout UICOM. Furthermore, we urge the implementation of a routine planning group consisting of students, faculty, and administrators to take a more collaborative approach in the decision-making process of budget requests and allocations; something that has been incredibly successful when it comes to curricular change but we have not seen when it comes to the financial cost of our education. This group could also provide guidance on the earmarking of funds, allowing for mission-based accounting in college-wide appropriations. If involved in these discussions, students would have a meaningful voice on where their tuition dollars should be allocated and provide innovative ideas for preventing future unyielding tuition increases.

1. Trustees approve $6.5 billion budget. (n.d.). In UIC Today. Retrieved from https://today.uic.edu/trusteesapprove-6-5-billion-budget 2. Tuition and Student Fees. (n.d.). In Association of American Medical Colleges . Retrieved from https://www.aamc.org/data/tuitionandstudentfees/ 3. Silver-Greenberg, J., Cowley, S., & Kitroeff, N. (2017, November 18). When Unpaid Student Loan Bills Mean You Can No Longer Work. In New York Times . Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/18/business/student-loans-licenses.html 4. Budget Summary for Operations FY 2018. (2017, November 16). University of Illinois, 3. Retrieved from https://www.obfs.uillinois.edu/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=853507

Things you Didn’t know About…

Ever wonder what faculty do in their free time? How our UICOM faculty celebs got to where they are today? In “Things You Didn’t Know About…”, we’re asking real questions with our Faculty Alumni. Up next - Dr.

John Groth

and

Dr. Melvin Lopata and their thoughts on the holidays.

What year did you graduate from UICOM? Dr. Groth: 2007. My girlfriend Julie (she is now my wife, and is in the provided picture with me), mother, father, uncle, aunt, twin brother Jim, sister Jennifer, siter Peggy, brother Michael, and friend Justin, were all able to attend my graduation, which was at the UIC pavilion, like it is today.

Dr. Lopata: 1965

What is your fondest medical school memory?

Dr. Groth: Probably my fondest memories would be working with my advisors Drs. Jim Ferguson and Douglas Rhone. Also Dean William Hammett, James Mendez, and Nancy Nolan from the office of student affairs, helped me tremendously. They were always so patient with me, and they all definitely helped to shape the person that I am.

Additionally I remember the lectures vividly, and I had “my spot” like Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory TV show, in the lecture halls. My spot in the lecture hall, was the far right seat in the second row of the middle aisle. If you ever see me sitting before class in room 227, you will see me sitting in that seat, and I am probably reminiscing about my classes as a medical student.

Dr. Lopata: No single memory, but an overall positive, yes positive, recollection of my medical school experiences, coupled with great friendships and bonding with my classmates. Medical school was “simpler” in those days, though certainly not easier.

One went to class, studied and took exams; no ECM and all of the other initialed programs, though M3/M4 years not too dissimilar. That doesn’t mean that it was a better time as evident by, out of a class of 200 students, only 9 were woman with no underrepresented minorities. And just to note that what goes around, comes around, during my M2 year, the college administration instituted a Pass/Fail system, but rescinded it before the end of the academic year.

Is there a particular memory from your time at UICOM that made you want to pursue your chosen field?

Dr. Groth: Dr. Jim Ferguson became my advisor in my first year of medical school. He was the director of the cardiac physiology course during M1 year. He was an amazing individual and teacher. I remember the day that he became my advisor. I was walking past the alumni lounge and saw him sitting down. My “secret” studying spot was the steps just east of the faculty alumni lounge, which is why I happened to be walking past the alumni lounge that day. I approached him, and we talked a bunch of things, but in this discussion I asked if he would be my advisor. To my excitement he said yes! As a basic scientist, he opened up my mind to a career with the basic sciences. In my second year he encouraged me to get a clinical faculty advisor also. I enjoyed the pathology course the best, particularly the lab portion. My lab professor and the director of the M2 pathology and pathophysiology course was Dr. Rhone. Dr. Rhone was an amazing teacher and person. So one day after lab, I asked Dr. Rhone if he would be my clinical advisor. He also said yes! I felt very lucky, as they were two of our best faculty instructors. Dr. Rhone was a pathologist at Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

It is in large part because of him, and his colleague Dr. Gary Kirshenbaum, why I wanted to become a pathologist.

Dr. Lopata: Certainly, in regards to my choosing Internal Medicine, I realized during my M2 year that IM was the way to go. That decision was based on my positive experience with Pathology and Pathophysiology, courses, which is what medicine, especially IM, is all about. The Pulmonary decision did not crystallize until the end of my IM residency.

What is your new year’s resolution?

Dr. Groth: I used to be a powerlifter, and I would like to get back in competitive shape. Most importantly I want to get back in shape so that I can be healthier, and be around for a long time with my wife Julie and my daughter Emma.

Dr. Lopata: I don’t make NY resolutions. Life goes on. If change, i.e., improvement, is warranted, one does not have to wait for the beginning of the year to attempt to implement.

What is your Favorite part about the holidays?

Dr. Groth: I love spending time with friends and family!

I love to give presents!

Dr. Lopata: That time of the year is a quiet, more relaxed time of the year with people generally in a good mood.

What is your favorite body part and why?

Dr. Groth: I have to say the heart. As kid I was, and am still, fascinated by the ancient Egyptian culture. I remember reading the story of Hunefer (Egyptian scribe), who in the afterlife would have his heart weighed on the scale of Maat (goddess of truth, balance, order, harmony, law, morality, and justice), by Anubis (god of the afterlife), against the feather of truth. If his heart was found to be lighter than or equal to the weight of the feather, then he had led a virtuous life and would go to the afterlife; however, if his heart was heavier than the feather, he would be eaten by Ammit (goddess that was part lion, hippopotamus, and crocodile), and would not pass on into the afterlife. This story stuck with me, and as result I have always tried to live a balanced life.

Additionally, I have a strong family history of cardiovascular disease, and I have made it a life goal to improve patient care for cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Lopata: Strange question. To be PC, I should say, the LUNGS, but to be non PC possibly another part of one’s anatomy.

The important thing, especially at my age, is that all, or most, parts are working.

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SOLVE THIS MEDICAL MYSTERY Across: 1. Faces, in Madrid 6. Offensive term for a mouth malformation 8. Heart defect tetrad can lead to this episode frequently 9. Steep hills, in Edinburgh 10. First name of the “knight” who played Gandalf 12. Lab value to check with warfarin 13. Enzyme that might be mutated in cystathioninuria, briefly 14. Singer on “Titanium” and “Cheap Thrills” 15. Dances for high schoolers 17. The respiratory form of this comes from hypoventilation 19. Prednisone or fluticasone, for example 20. Macules, informally

Down: 1. Diabetes could lead to these “clouds” in the eye 2. Buttocks, to a Brit 3. A House in DC is home to 435 of these 4. Beer, specifically one with full, bitter flavor 5. Lung condition with nodal “eggshell calcification” 6. These outpouchings can be inguinal or femoral 7. Extrachromosomal DNA common in bacteria 8. Suffering many of these can lead to CTE 11. Scottish lake reputed to hold a monster 15. Bug that can’t be treated by any drug, briefly 16. The ventral ____ carries motor impulses 18. Schooling plan for kids receiving special ed. services

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About the Medical MessengerTM The Medical MessengerTM is the quarterly CMSC newsletter written by and for medical students at UICOM. It is meant to serve as a way to update the students, faculty, and administration on all of the achievements of our student body and celebrate students’ accomplishments. Questions, comments, or looking to contribute by writing about something you are passionate about? Contact our editor and CMSC VP of Communications, Olivia Lanser, at lanser2@uic.edu.

The Medical MessengerTM is intellectual property of the Chicago Medical Student Council.

About US

President: Joe Geraghty (jgerag2@uic.edu) VP of Student Life: Hannah Pennington (hpenni2@uic.edu) VP of SCB: Cutler Lewandowski (lewando4@uic.edu) VP of Communications: Olivia Lanser (lanser2@uic.edu) Treasurer: Joan Marc (jmarc3@uic.edu) Secretary: Kelsey Holbert (kholbe2@uic.edu) Head Alumni Rep: Jessica Strzepka (strzepk2@uic.edu) Health Fair Coordinator: Hannah Wavering (hwaver2@uic.edu) Leadership Series Coordinator: Aashu Patel (apate3@uic.edu)

Please reach out to us if you have any suggestions or questions for us or if you would like to get involved!