Xavier Times - 2019 Alumni Global Meet

THE XAVIER TIMES

A Medical School Experience on an Island unlike any other in the region!

OCTOBER 2019 Vol. 11:/No.14

3RD ANNUAL

Global Alumni Meet XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ARUBA October 3rd–5th, 2019

Xavier University School of Medicine held its 3rd Annual Alumni Global Meet at its campus in Aruba.

This annual meet brings together the Administration, Alumni, Faculty, Students and Special Guests.

Xavier welcomed over 50 guests this year to Aruba for the event.

President Ravishankar Bhooplapur, Chairman Mr. Edwin Casey, and Chancellor Dr. JG Bhat welcomed Her Excellency, Prime Minister of Aruba Mrs. Evelyn Wever Croes as the keynote speaker for this year’s Global Alumni Meet. The Prime Minister spoke about her own education journey and how from a young age she had an interest in Medicine. She told the students how becoming a doctor is a big responsibility but a rewarding one as well. She wished all the students and alumni the best of luck in their future endeavors. On behalf of the people of Aruba, The Prime Minister shared her gratitude to Xavier for being a part of Aruba and thanked Xavier for making such a large contribution to the island. Her Excellency concluded by how excited she was for Xavier’s new campus which is being built in Hato and how it’s a great project for Aruba. President Bhooplapur, Chairman Casey and Chancellor Bhat on behalf of the entire Board of Trustees presented Her Excellency with an award of appreciation.

Photo: Her Excellency Prime Minister of Aruba Evelym Wever-Croes with Xavier Board of Trustees, Faculty and Special Guests

Xavier was also pleased to welcome the Honorable Minister of Social Affairs and Labor of Aruba, Mr. Glenbert Croes who inaugurated this year’s meet. Minister Croes thanked Xavier for making such a positive impact to Aruba and to its people.

As the Minister of Social Affairs he spoke how happy he was about the health fairs conducted by the students at Xavier for the people of Aruba.

Xavier President Ravishankar Bhooplapur addressed the audience spoke on the remarkable achievements that Xavier has achieved including a 96% USMLE Step 1 First Time pass rate and that Xavier holds full accreditation from both CAAM-HP and ACCM. President Bhooplapur then went on to announce the establishing of the Xavier Foundation, a new charitable organization started by the University. President Bhooplapur on behalf of the Board of Trustees announced a goal of raising 5 million dollars in the next 5 years. President Bhooplapur said that 400k had already been pledged at the start of the Global Alumni Meet.

SHINES IN 2 STUDENT PERSPECTIVE 4 ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE 9 MEETFACULTY 10 LIGHT OUR NEW MEMBERS THE DARKNESS

XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE / ARUBA

(516) 333-2224 • www.xusom.com • admissions@xusom.com Named a “Top 10 Caribbean Medical School” by MoneyInc.

IN THIS ISSUE ANNUAL GLOBAL MEET 1 ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE 5 STUDENT PERSPECTIVE 6 FACULTY PERSPECTIVE 8

MEET OUR NEW FACULTY 9 LIGHT SHINES... 10 AORTIC SUMMIT 11

2 Chairman Mr. Edwin Casey remarked on how hard each and every one of the students and alumni have worked to get to where they are today and how if they continue to chase their goals they will all be successful. Xavier’s Chief Academic Officer Dr. Arun Dubey spoke to the Audience about how one of Xavier’s strategic goals for the future is to become even more involved in the community of Aruba. Xavier was thankful to have Trustee Dr. PK Prahalad, Trustee Dr. Obi Nwasokwa, Trustee Dr. Akwasi Achampong, and Trustee Dr. Anthony Shallash attend this year’s Global Alumni Meet. The trustees reinforced their commitment to helping build and grow Xavier into the premier medical school in the Caribbean.

Chancellor Dr. JG Bhat was instrumental in bringing high profile special guests for two panel discussions; To Cure When Possible, To Care Always & Should the Domain of the Physician Cross Over Into Politics when Politics Failed the People. Dr. Bhat led the panel discussions that included special guests Dr. Barry Smith; President & CEO of the Rogosin Institute, Dr. Ram Raju; Senior Vice President and Community Health Investment Officer at Northwell Health, Dr. Moro Salifu, Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Suny Downstate and Dr. Ravi Gupta, Chief Medical Information Office and Internal Medicine Residency Program Director at Long Island Community Hospital.

Finally Alumni in attendance led a panel discussion that covered a variety of topics including, tips for medical school, USMLE test taking strategies, what to expect during Clinical Rotations, and a guide to getting into residency. At the conclusion of the panel discussion the alumni broke into small groups and held Q&A sessions for the students.

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Xavier University School of Medicine and Xavier President Ravishankar Bhooplapur thank all those who were in attendance this year and is excited for the 4th Annual Alumni Global Meet next year!

2. From Left to right: Xavier Chief Academic Officer Dr. Arun Dubey, Xavier Chancellor Dr. J.G. Bhat, Her Excellency Prime Minister of Aruba Evelym Wever-Croes, Xavier President Ravishankar Bhooplapur and Xavier Chairman Mr. Edwin Casey 3. Xavier President Ravishankar Bhooplapur speaks on Xavier’s growth and success during the Alumni Global Meet 4. Prime Minister of Aruba, Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes addresses the students at Xavier's 3rd annual Global Alumni Meet 5. Xavier’s Chairman Mr. Edwin Casey speaks to the attendees at this year’s Alumni Global Meet 6. The Honorable Minister of Social Affairs and Labor of Aruba, Mr. Glenbert Croes addresses the audience at the Alumni Global Meet

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Alumni Global Meet 2019

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ATTENDED Board of Trustees Mr. Ravishankar Bhooplapur President Mr. Edwin Casey Chairman / Trustee Dr. J.G Bhat Chancellor / Trustee Dr. Amin Mahmoud Trustee Dr. P.K. Prahalad Trustee Mr. Frank Croes Trustee Dr. Obi Nwasokwa Trustee Dr. Ravindra Kota Trustee Dr. Anthony Shallash Trustee Dr. Akwasi Achampong Trustee

Academic Leadership Dr. Arun Dubey Chief Academic Officer Professor of Pharmacology Xavier University School of Medicine Dr. Richard Pestell VP of Academic Affairs/ Dean of Clinical Science Xavier University School of Medicine President Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Center Baruch S. Blumberg Institute Dr. Shankar Majhi Dean of Basic Science Professor of Biochemistry Xavier University School of Medicine

Dr. Kevin Pawlak Dean of Pre-Med Program Admissions Committee Chair Xavier University School of Medicine Dr. Shawn Cannon Associate Dean of Professional Education Xavier University School of Medicine Chief Medical Officer Southampton Hospital Dr. Sergey Kunkov Assistant Dean of Clinical Science Xavier University School of Medicine Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Department Stony Brook University Dr. Prasad Vijayashankar Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Assistant Professor of Pharmacology Xavier University School of Medicine Dr. Gopikumar Shivaramaiah Chair of the Curriculum Committee Associate Professor of Physiology Xavier University School of Medicine

Clinical Chairs Dr. Ahmad Abazid Clinical Chair - Family Medicine Xavier University School of Medicine Program Director North Texas Medical City Consortium Dr. Paul Liu Clinical Chair - OB/GYN Xavier University School of Medicine Co – Director of Robotics Surgery & Staff Attending Physician Beacon Health System Dr. Lakshmi Dodda Director of Medical Education Chicago Xavier University School of Medicine Dean of Post Graduate Medical Education Jackson Park Hospital

Dr. Richard Pomerantz Director of Medical Education Baltimore Xavier University School of Medicine Chairman of Department of Medicine St. Agnes Hospital Dr. Madhu Rangraj Clinical Chair - Surgery Xavier University School of Medicine Residency Program Director Montefiore Medical Cente Dr. Parvez Mir Clinical Chair - Internal Medicine Xavier University School of Medicine Director of Pulmonary Medicine Wyckoff Heights Medical Center Dr. Gagandeep Goyal Clinical Chair – Pediatric Medicine Xavier University School of Medicine Medical Director Addiction Wellness Services Inc. Dr. Ronald Brenner Clinical Chair - Psychiatry Xavier University School of Medicine Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry St. John’s Episcopal Hospital

Alumni

Dr. Chandan Upadhyaya Class of 2015 LIMR Post Doctoral Fellow

Dr. Sapna Sareen Class of 2009 Dr. Stanley Lee Attending Physician Georgia Department of Behavioral Health Class of 2016 Pediatric Pulmonology Fellow And Developmental Disabilities Baylor University Dr. Liana Singh Dr. Abdul Aboud Class of 2009 Class of 2016 Geriatric Physician University of Mississippi Medical Center Family Practitioner Michigan State University Dr. Rachel Karmally Alumni Chair Class of 2012 Xavier University School of Medicine Academic Internal Medicine Physician Henry Ford Health System Dr. Shannon Arora Dr. Sumeet Singh Class of 2013 Vice Chair, Department of Psychiatry Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Cntr.

Clinical Instructor of Psychiatry Georgetown University School of Medicine

Class of 2017 Family Medicine Resident Baptist Health Madisonville Dr. Konstantin Urazov Class of 2017 Internal Medicine Resident Long Island Community Hospital

Dr. Hassan Al-Khalisy Dr. Svetlana Kharchenko Class of 2013 Class of 2018 Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Fellow Upstate Medical University

Special Guests Dr. Barry Smith President & CEO The Rogosin Institute Dr. Ram Raju Senior Vice President and Community Health Investment Officer Northwell Health Dr. Moro Salifu Chairman - Department of Medicine SUNY Downstate Medical Center Dr. Ravi Gupta Chief Medical Information Officer & Internal Medicine Residency Program Director Long Island Community Hospital

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11 8. Xavier’s Chancellor Dr. J.G. Bhat gives a speech during the Alumni Global Meet 9. Special Guest Dr. Barry Smith during a panel discussion at the Alumni Global Meet 10. Xavier Alumnus Dr. Konstantin Urazov answers questions from the students 11. Special Guest Dr. Moro Salifu leads a panel discussion at the Alumni Global Meet

12. From Left to Right: Xavier Chairman Mr. Edwin Casey, Xavier Trustee Dr. P.K. Prahalad, Xavier Chancellor Dr. J.G. Bhat, Special Guest Dr. Ram Raju, Special Guest Dr. Barry Smith 13. Xavier Alumni Dr. Liana Singh addresses the students in attendance during the panel discussion 14. Xavier Alumnus Dr. Rachel Karmally addresses the audience during the alumni panel discussion 15. Xavier President Ravishankar Bhooplapur shows Prime Minister of Aruba, Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes the plans for Xavier's new campus.

16. Prime Minister of Aruba, Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes and Xavier President Ravishankar Bhooplapur

The Xavier Board of Trustees with The Honorable Minister of Social Affairs and Labor of Aruba, Mr. Glenbert Croes

ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE Sumeet Singh - Class of 2013 How was your experience at the 2019 Alumni Global Meet?

I truly enjoyed my recent experience at the Alumni Meet this past October. It is my third time attending this event, and I must say that each time I return, I see overall improvement and progress with the school facilities, staff, and overall representation. I felt the program this year was well-organized and thorough, and most importantly allowed for more face-time with students and Alumni to help them on their journey through the field of medicine.

What did you find to be the most beneficial part of the Meet?

Following the large group presentation to all students, the student body was broken down into smaller groups to allow for more of an informal Q&A session with the Alumni presenters, which in my opinion allowed for more personal questions related to the overall experience and lifestyle of a student going through residency and into the professional arena.

Did you speak during a panel discussion? If yes what did you speak about?

I spoke on several different panels. The first included a small group meeting with students currently applying for residency. This was followed by a large group presentation, specifically directed towards USMLE tips/strategies as well as the overall process of applying.

Thirdly, I spoke during the following small group Q&A sessions. I mostly spoke about tips and strategies for our students to improve and bolster their academic resume, as well as the overall lifestyle and experience once in residency, and beyond.

Did you speak to or meet with any current Xavier students, if yes what type of questions did you speak about?

I spoke with many students during and after the panel discussions. Most of the questions were related to studying tips during USLME, as well as the residency application process and what each respective student could do to improve upon their existing experiences.

Did you meet with or network with any Alumni or Hospital Program directors?

I networked with several Alumni who also presented on the panel. I was able to learn about other programs and fields that our students have been able to get into, which I believe is a huge bonus for our future students applying for residency programs.

Which panel discussions or topics did you find to be most interesting?

The most interesting discussions would have to be the small group sessions after the main large group presentation. I say this because the environment was much more informal, and allowed our students to ask more specific questions, and panel members, including myself, were able to provide feedback. The panel environment was friendly and comfortable, and I believe that students felt at ease during this session. I discovered many new networking connections that XUSOM has been able to achieve, and was impressed by the current knowledge our students have regarding the USMLE and residency application process.

What was your favorite part of the Meet?

The best part of the Alumni Meet included reuniting with returning Alumni, as well as XUSOM staff. The memories and experiences that began in our building are very special to me, and none that I will forget anytime soon. Also, to see how far the school and the related facilities have improved and grown is beyond words. I am proud to call myself a XUSOM graduate, and I am beyond excited to see what the future holds for our school!

STUDENT PERSPECTIVE Nirav Patel - MD 5 The 3rd Annual Global Meet was a success and an overall great experience, full of valuable insight provided from all of the attending alumni that once were in our place as well as from all the honored guests, who covered a wide range of topics that extended beyond solely medicine.

Apart from the usual topics, such as Step 1 and subsequent exam prep, that most students were able to benefit from, we were given a look into the lives of the alumni regarding how they progressed after rotations and residencies, and allowed us to see not only the hurdles we would face down the road, but all the positive experiences that come to fruition from the all time and effort we put in pursuing careers in medicine. This really helped rekindle things and remind us of why we go through the things we do.

The honored guests emphasized what it meant to build relationships with patients and develop the ability to connect with them beyond perceiving them as just patients with a collection of symptoms that we are so used to just diagnosing and moving on from. The added dimension of empathy goes a long way in treating someone and taking care of them and these anecdotes from both sides of the patient table, shared by the guests, really helped get the point across. Even simple steps can help create a better experience for both the physician and the patient, and even aid in better diagnosis. We really have more of a reach than when initially considered.

We learned about the current issues in healthcare that revolve around this and such an atmosphere exists, and that it really is up to us to shift things in the right direction once we are in the field. This sort of activism was covered very well within the context of the hospital along with relevant things to be weary of while crusading for better healthcare as it is just as important being able to continue caring for patients.

Another topic discussed was opioid abuse and addiction, and how we as potential doctors have to really be concerned with helping the patient not only with pain management, but making sure to the best of our abilities that patients do not succumb to addiction by doing follow ups and maintaining contact when possible. This also overlaps the development of interpersonal skills and empathy talked about earlier in the day, as patients are more likely to be open and honest about these struggles without fear of judgment or criticism if we create a positive environment for them to be willing to do so. Our goal is in helping the patient and not necessarily using that time to criticize them for their behavior.

When hearing these stories and experiences, it really hit me that we provide much more for patients than just alleviating symptoms and helping them get back to their daily lives. We have the opportunity to create anchor points for them to leave from and reflect upon later when trying to change their lifestyles for the better, and having negative experiences can really deter any semblance of success. This can even be done through simple gestures that have even greater effects and go such a long way for the patient, who we, as physicians, are there not just to treat, but also shepherd towards better health and well-being.

Prime Minister of Aruba, Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes with the Xavier Board of Trustees

STUDENT PERSPECTIVE Amritdeep Randhawa - MD 2 From October 3rd-5th of this year, Xavier University School of Medicine held their third Annual Global Alumni Meet. President Bhooplapur introduced many distinguished guests, including the Chancellor, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Alumni, Clinical Chairs, Faculty, and current/former students. The Aruban Prime Minister Madame Evelyn Wever-Croes graced the event as well, receiving a very warm welcome from all attendees. Former students from all over the United States came back to their alma mater to discuss their time in Aruba, their experiences in clinical rotations around the United States, as well as the Match process, among many other things.

President Bhooplapur and Chancellor Bhat hosted a variety of interesting and thought-provoking panel discussions. Topics included the need for compassion in medicine for vulnerable patients, who often lack access to the material resources as many other members of society, meaning they can’t afford the same treatment as others. Also, they discussed the evolving field of medicine, shifting from a solely disease-based approach to a more holistic approach that acknowledges the diverse human experience, which means that no two individuals have the same care needs, and will have different priorities about their own health. Moreover, there has been an ever-increasing shift in medical technology, resulting in the ever-decreasing need for a human interface between a patient and their treatment, especially with the advent of new robotic technologies. However, Dr Cannon pointed out that there will always be a teamwork element to practicing medicine, meaning that now more than ever, it is imperative that we all understand and respect one another’s opinions and beliefs.

Once the panel discussion was finished, the alumni graced the ceremony, with their own panel discussion led by Dr Stanley Lee. These former Xavier students shared their stories during their own time in Aruba, and outlined how their experiences were while in clinical rotations in the United States. All of them underlined the need for consistency, punctuality, confidence, as well as a genuine care and interest in the welfare of patients. Moreover, they discussed many tips and strategies for preparing for the USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CS/CK, and Step 3 examinations. Amongst all the different ways of going about preparing for these examinations, all the alumni highlighted the importance of preparing well in advance of the examinations, during the basic sciences in Aruba. There was then an open discussion time, where current and former students were able to meet and converse about a variety of different topics, ranging from residency applications to what the first day of clinical rotations will be like.

Overall, Xavier University School of Medicine’s Third Annual Global Alumni Meet was a huge success. We are all looking forward to next year’s event, and being able to meet all of the alumni and distinguished guests once again.

Xavier Alumni Dr. Stanley Lee, President Ravishankar Bhooplapur and Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Sanjivan Patel at the Alumni Global Meet Dinner

Alumni Dr. Konstantin Urazov, Dr Svetlana Kharchenko and Dr. Abdul Aboud and his wife at the Alumni Global Meet Dinner

The Third Annual Alumni Global Meet

OCT 3RD – OCT 5TH, 2019 Dr. Kevin Pawlak Xavier University School of Medicine held its third annual Alumni Global Meet at its Aruba Campus on October 3rd to October 5th 2019. The event was attended by returning alumni in various stages of their careers, Xavier University School administration, current faculty and special guests. The school was also honored to welcome the honorable Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes, Prime Minister of Aruba to the school for her second visit. On Friday morning, Mrs. Wever-Croes addressed the attendees and opened the program for the day.

This event is both interesting and educational for the current students at Xavier because it provides them with a unique perspective on the journey they are currently undertaking. It gives the students a chance to learn from their peers that have either successfully navigated all the hurdles or are in the processes of navigating the hurdles on the way to achieving their goals of becoming a physician. Getting the chance to meet and learn from alumni who have been in the student’s shoes and who have been very successful can be an invaluable experience. It can also help to reassure the students that they can really achieve their goals if they are dedicated and work hard to achieve them.

As a current faculty member, it provides us with the chance to catch up with our old students and hear about how their careers are progressing. It also gives us a good opportunity for faculty development meetings and to have meetings with the clinical faculty to discuss curriculum and improvements for the school. On Friday we had a particularly interesting faculty development meeting about developing a research portfolio by Dr. Salifu.

Overall, I think the event was a success for both the students and the faculty and I am looking forward to the event next year.

Xavier Alumni along with Xavier Chief Academic Officer Dr. Arun Dubey

XAVIER IS HAPPY TO WELCOME OUR NEW FACULTY MEMBERS

TO OUR CAMPUS FOR OUR FALL 2019 SEMESTER!

Meet Our New Faculty GET TO KNOW A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THEM: Virginia De Frías, PhD Professor of Physiology and Neuroscience Dr. Virginia De Frías received her Bachelor’s in Science with a major in Bio Chemistry in 1986, and in 1999 she received her PhD in Basic Science with a focus in Pharmacology, from Universidad Central de Venezuela. From 1999 to 2018 she was a professor of physiology to undergraduate students at Universidad Central de Venezuela. She has also been a professor of Pharmacology in post graduate studies at Central University of Venezuela from 2002 – 2018. She was also the Professor of Neuroscience to students in the Residency programs of Neurology and Psychiatry from 2005 – 2013.

Dr. Joseph Jillwin, PhD Lecturer of Microbiology Dr. Joseph Jillwin graduated from Kasturba Medical College at Manipal University with his M.Sc in 2009. In 2019 he earned his PhD in Medical Microbiology from P.G.I.M.E.R IN Chandigarh. In 2018 he was a Demonstrator in Medical Microbiology at the Government Medical College & Hospital in Chandigarh. Dr. Jillwin has also worked at the Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh as a Senior Research Fellow.

Michelle Heffner Macera, PhD Associate Professor of Behavioral Sciences Dr. Michelle Heffner Macera earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from West Virginia University. Her doctoral dissertation, “Empirical Support for the Use of Storytelling to Guide Behavior,” won the Elsie Ramos Research Poster Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and the Best Research Poster award from the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology (American Psychological Association Division 12/Section 13).

Dr. Macera completed her pre-doctoral psychology internship at the Veteran’s Affairs: Sierra Nevada Health Care System, and completed her post-doctoral psychology internship at Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services. She is a licensed Psychologist in Nevada. She is first author of “The Anorexia Workbook” and co-author of several other publications, including a body image treatment manual, book chapters, and peer-reviewed journal articles. She previously worked as a Psychology faculty member at Harrisburg Area Community College, where she was named a three-time Faculty Scholar award winner.

Jeremy Laurence Rae, PhD Assistant Professor of Bio Chemistry and Genetics Dr. Jeremy Laurence Rae holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University Of Otago (N.Z.), an adult teaching qualification, and has been teaching in the biological sciences for over 14 years. He has worked in New Zealand, Australia and the UAE. Dr. Jeremy Laurence Rae’s PhD concerned the characterization of an enzyme and its corresponding gene from infectious bacteria. For his post-doc he helped develop a vaccine against a bacterial infection in livestock which was later patented.

Zahid Siddiqui, MD Assistant Professor of Pathology Dr. Siddiqui completed his pre-medical degree at Brooklyn College in New York. He majored in Biology and minored in Nutrition and Psychology. He then went on to graduate from Ross University School of Medicine in 2008, where he received his MD degree. he completed 4 years of residency training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at New York Medical College and then completed his fellowship in Cytopathology at the University of Florida, Jacksonville.

Light Shines in the Darkness

of Aruba to host Aruba’s first-ever International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day event at the California Lighthouse. Under the guidance of Dr. Michelle Heffner Macera and Dr. Segie Apacible, the event was organized by Dilini Herath, a second-semester student in the XUSOM MD program, who is interested in conducting research on the psychological effects of pregnancy loss.

Speakers included fellow MD-2 students Lofty Akpanke, Tahir Khan, and Fariha Angum, who educated the audience on Pregnancy Loss awareness.

Fariha Angum and Tahir Khan spoke about depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms that occur after a pregnancy loss and emphasized the need for more compassionate medical care for both mothers and fathers.

During the remembrance event Xavier MD 2 student Fariha Angum speaks to the attending Xavier students, faculty and members of the Women’s Club of Aruba.

Dilini Herath - MD 2 On October 15, a circle of light united the world for International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. One in four pregnancies will end in a loss.

Those affected by Pregnancy loss – and their supporters-- lit a candle at 7 p.m. in each time zone to create a 24-hour wave of light. Fittingly, pregnancy and infant loss is universal, affecting families throughout the world.

Xavier University School of Medicine collaborated with the Women’s Club

Lofty Akpanke, who served as the Master of Ceremony, began the event by asking how many people in the audience know someone who suffered a Pregnancy Loss. After an overwhelming number of hands went up, Lofty Akpanke then asked how many people knew what to say to someone who suffered a pregnancy loss, and only a few hands went up, verifying the need for more awareness and support.

Women’s Club of Aruba President Milagros Posner offered a prayer, followed a moment of silence, set to music, as the audience held hands around the lighthouse. At 7 p.m., the crowd used their cell phone flashlights to mark Aruba’s first participation in the international wave of light.

XUSOM hopes that those affected by Pregnancy loss were surrounded by light not only on October 15, but also every day thereafter. For more information on the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, go to www.october15th.com. #neverbestill

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GURU NANAK DEV JI

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Scholarship recipients, from left to right: Gurkirat Kaur, Anjali Badwal, Harjyot Prince Singh, Gurasis Mann, Amandeep Wadhawan, Manreet Gill

INTERNATIONAL

AORTIC SUMMIT Adrien Broussard - MD 5 I was recently lucky enough to join a group of Xavier students who were offered unique insight into their future careers this week by attending the International Aortic Summit. This three day event was held at the Hilton Aruba Hotel and featured preeminant leaders in the fields of vascular and endovascular surgery. Each day numerous sessions were provided in the main hall; featuring detailed case presentations, science lectures, and discussions.

Adrien Broussard

Being surrounded by such prestigious and experienced physicians was at first intimidating; we needn’t have worried though, as every attendee and faculty member turned out to be warm, supportive, and wonderfully congenial during the breaks and social events. We had the opportunity to get to know several surgeons as they regaled us with stories of their own demanding medical education, and absorb their wisdom in growing our own knowledge base and careers. At least one student walked away inspired to pursue her newfound interest in vascular surgery- and with contact information for a residency director from Toronto!

Swati Arunachalam

Larab Naqvi Juan Marcano Amanpreet Mahal Ali Akter Rasha Hamid Lem Fahom Layal Nasser Artem Artemev

Though we could not fully appreciate their value from our current level of training, the various science and technique presentations were fascinating. The small victories of being able to correctly orient and interpret CT scans or contrast radiological images led each of us to a desire to go home each evening and read just a little more about the topics presented. This sort of intense curiosity is the foundation of lifelong learning, and to have it sparked was immensely valuable.

Anastasia Pougno Teresa Pegues Alfiya Khan Manveen Dhillon

Perhaps most accessible to the students were the periodic open discussions. It was during these periods it became clear that every surgeon in the room truly was a global leader in their field. The conference hashed out plans for the future of the specialty, began laying rules for the use of novelty procedures, and even discussed the political action they would need to see lobied to change regulations for the safety of their patients. This sort of leadership in action proved to be a real “peak behind the curtain” of leadership in medicine, and drove home the importance of staying not only technically proficient, but actively engaged in the medical and professional communities.

Overall, the International Aortic Summit was a powerful experience. Surely the students who attended benefited most directly, but the anecdotes and factoids they brought back to the classroom to share with their peers benefited all. I look forward to attending many more conferences throughout my career, and hope to see Xavier students continue to engage the professional community at all levels.

Muhamad Zahalka Tiffany Lewis Johannes Jacobs Omar Asafeh Mehrdad Jelodar Yazan Sheikha Nikhale Malik Danielle Osei

SAVE THE DATE XAVIER UNIVERSITY

NEW CAMPUS

PROGRESS

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE’S

2020 GRADUATION CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE ON:

SUNDAY, MAY 3RD 2020 AT 5 PM IN THE D’ ANGELO CENTER AT ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY IN QUEENS NEW YORK

FOR MORE INFORMATION https://xusom.com/graduation-2020/

North American Admissions Office 1000 Woodbury Road, Suite 109 Woodbury, New York 11797 USA T: 516-333-2224 F: 516-921-1070 E: Admissions@xusom.com

XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE / ARUBA

Aruba Campus Santa Helenastraat #23 Oranjestad, Aruba T: 297-588-7766 F: 297-588-6222

(516) 333-2224 • www.xusom.com • admissions@xusom.com Named a “Top 10 Caribbean Medical School” by MoneyInc.