THE
Vol 8 - Issue No 2 - October 2017
XAVIER TIMES N
E
W
S
L
E
T
T
E
R
Xavier University School of Medicine - Class of 2021
Xavier University White Coat Ceremony & Recognition Day New MD Students Receive Their White Coats
For me, science is a family approach. Ever since I could remember, medicine was embedded within my family, as my dad would tell me stories about his research shortly after attending medical school. I grew curious about how he was able to pursue his dreams, and research so liberally and enthusiastically about his passion. My intense drive led to shadowing many doctors, working as a scribe, and pursuing a biology degree. Eventually, my journey escalated when I began at Xavier University School of Medicine. On September 15 th 2017, I joined my class of approximately 47 students in Xavier University School of Medicine’s Class of 2021 in receiving our white coats. The White Coat Ceremony is a huge milestone for every student anticipating to become a physician. It was a huge achievement to walk up on stage, to be coated by the two deans of the university, and to take the oath. It was an incredible honor to be able to come to this stage in my life. However, this is also a reminder that we have so much to learn, so many steps to take, and so many roads to cross, but it’s definitely an uphill battle in expanding our knowledge to help others in need. As an aspiring physician, it is a blessing to be able to treat others with medicine as well as with our warmth. It is important to remember everything we were taught during the White Coat Ceremony as it was held as a passage to our careers in this field. A perfect mixture of the right school and the correct atmosphere as the teachers took students in like family was the vibe at the White Coat Ceremony. The faces of today were cultivating the minds of tomorrow was the message sent at the end of an inspirational night as everyone went home with fuller hearts of hope. By Jennifer Khan
X A V I E R
U N I V E R S I T Y ’ S
O F F I C I A L
N E W S
P U B L I C A T I O N
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
IN THIS ISSUE White Coat Ceremony...................... Page 1 New Dean of Clinical Science........ Page 2 Message From Our President........ Page 2 MCAT Scholarship Recipients........ Page 3 Health Fair at AZV.............................. Page 3 Welcome Committee....................... Page 4 Orientation Program.........................Page 4 PMIG St. Anna..................................... Page 5 Incoming Class......................... Pages 6 to 9 Editorial ............................................. Page 10 Student Interviews......................... Page 11 What is SGA?..................................... Page 12 Interview with Dr. Lambo............. Page 13 Newbie Experience......................... Page 14 Jordan Student Interviews........... Page 15
FROM THE CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER
On behalf of XUSOM’s faculty and staff, it is with great pleasure that I welcome all the new XUSOM students and congratulate them on beginning their medical journey and taking on this challenging yet rewarding and prestigious endeavor. Our new students have joined us during a very exciting time in XUSOM’s history. This year, we have many new activities and programs that will be implemented to further ensure that each student is receiving the best quality of education, which will in turn, help our students attain the best medical careers possible. Finally, I urge our new students to partcipate in student clubs, health fairs, and any other volunteer opportunities. This enables our students to develop fundmental leadership abilities as well as additional medical knowledge, which will undoubtedly set you apart. This is also a great way to develop new friendships and also make a significant impact to the health community in Aruba. With the establishment of new upcoming activities, you will have even more of an opportunity to get involved in volunteer events. As a new student, you will find that XUSOM is dedicated to aiding to your indivdiual success on a one-on-one basis. We are here to make a difference for and with you. We are thrilled to have you, and we are here to support you in every way.
Dear Students and Faculty
Sincerely,
Welcome to the XUSOM Family.
President Ravishankar Bhooplapur
Our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to those in the Caribbean islands that have been harmed by Hurricane Irma. We have been very fortunate that the island of Aruba did not fall within the hurricane belt. Many Caribbean medical schools and students have been affected by the recent hurricane. Fall 2017 semester brings a lot of excitement and joy for us. We will be holding our first “Global Alumni Meet” during this semester in Aruba. This meet will be a platform to bring our alumni, clinical students, Basic Science students, and faculty together for a few days to facilitate discussions about our current status and to also set future goals. It will be a great opportunity for our Basic Science students as they can meet alumni and foster a long term relationship where alumni can serve as a guide and mentor for them. Let us all make Fall 2017 semester a memorable one! Arun K Dubey MD Interim Chief Academic Officer Dean of Basic Sciences
WELCOME OUR NEW DEAN OF CLINICAL SCIENCE Recently, XUSOM announced the welcoming of its new Dean of Clinical Science, Dr. Joseph A. Balsamo. Dr. Balsamo has attained many reputable achievements throughout his career. This includes his current position as a partner at the West Haven Medical Group where he brings the full range of medical care in both ambulatory, hospital, subacute, and long term settings. He is also curerntly a Medical Director at the Branford Hills Rehabilitation Center and a Medical Student Preceptor at Quinnipiac University. He was also given the award of “Outstanding Ambulatory Care Teacher” from 2009-2010 by the Hospital of Saint Raphael due to his prestitious background in medical training. He has also received a wide range of certificates. This includes his board certification in Internal Medicine, which he attained in 1990 and still hodls to this day. Additionally, he served as a Clinical Instructor for both Downstate Unviersity and Yale University. He has also taught students while working at the Netter School of Medeicine as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine. With Balsamo’s knowledge, devotion to the medical field, and versatile experience, the XUSOM community is confident that he is qualified for the position as the new Dean of Clinical Science. The school also emphasizes that he will be an asset to Xusom by aiding to the quality of every students’ education and future medical careers. Overall, Dr. Balsamo looks forward to getting to know and working closely with students and XUSOM anticipates his dedication and contribution in helping to further advance its mission.
2
www.xusom.com
FALL 2017 MCAT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
` Sriharsha Jammula Brooklyn, NY
Syed Musharraf Elmhurst, IL
Scholarship awarded- $65,000 per student
A MORNING HEALTH FAIR AT AZV
XUSOM faculty member, Dr. Ranjit, testing students on their clinical observation skills
Mahmood Ahmed – MD2 student – checking an AZV employee’s height and weight to determine BMI
With the collective effort between various XUSOM clubs AMSA, FMIG, PMIG, and SGA, the management and execution of a health fair at AZV (Algemene Ziektekosten Verzekering) was successful. AZV is a local company that provides supplemental health plans. The morning consisted of medical students conducting blood pressure, blood glucose, and BMI readings followed by a brief consultation from the senior students. It was a valuable learning experience for the medical students as well as the 65 AZV employees who steadily rotated from station to station throughout the morning. Manpreet Saini, MD5 student and Health Fair Consultant, not only discussed the results of the AZV employees’ readings, but also MD2 Student, Jared Stewart, checking an AZV employee’s blood discussed their complete medical history including current medications. pressure Many employees admitted that they do not visit their physician consistently for check-ups as much as they should. While many were aware of their health issues (hypertension, diabetes, obesity) and the consequences associated with said issues, it was surprising to learn that some were still in denial of their health issues. For instance, one employee believed her high blood pressure of 155/100 was the “norm” for her body. At the close of the consultation, employees were advised to make lifestyle changes, which may include diets that are low in sodium and sugar or diets that consist of nutritious home cooked meals as opposed to fast food. Also, it was advised to incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise a few times per week, and to seek physician assistance to discuss the results. When MD2 student, Jared Stewart, was asked what he learned from this experience, he responded stating that, “The one-on- one interactions with the patients was invaluable as it was an opportunity to practice our medical skills on real patients.” He continued, “Additionally, the teachable moments – courtesy of XUSOM faculty – were a welcome glimpse into the clinical aspects of medicine. I would highly encourage all XUSOM students to participate in future health fairs.” Written by Zenobia Tayeb, MD3 www.xusom.com
3
WELCOME COMMITTEE Dear New Students: It’s our pleasure to welcome you to Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba. In the previous semesters, students arrived to Aruba, and nobody was really there to show them around and teach them about the intricacies of island life. As a result, for the Fall Semester 2017, a new Welcoming Committee was formed. Under the supervision of Dr. Segie Apacible and Dr. Gabriel Andrade, PM2 Students Jonathan Rogers and Evelyn Wever, along with MD3 students Azia Karjikar, Alexa Florez and Sanad Alghizzawi, the reception of incoming students was organized. The Welcoming Committee made numerous trips to the airport to greet incoming students, show them around campus and housing, and organize fun activities to get them adapted to island life. A visit to Chihuahua’s Restaurant in Palm Beach was organized for incoming students, and this turned out to be great fun! The activities were immensely successful, and the Welcome Committee looks forward to doing it again every semester. In order to achieve success, prior to the arrival of new students, a series of meetings were held. The Welcome Committee discussed the guidelines to be followed once new students arrived, as well as the extensive planning that was needed for the coordination (ordering T-shirts, preparing a gift bag, etc.). We would be immensely honored if you’d like to join our Committee, and participate in its activities this semester. Sincerely, Dr. Gabriel Andrade Lecturer of Behavioral Science Chair of the Welcome Committee
FALL 2017 ORIENTATION PROGRAM
Welcome to XUSOM! Welcome to Aruba! As many unfamiliar faces entered the auditorium of XUSOM, glances were thrown at one another. Some happy and smiling, others frightened, but all curious and excited about what laid ahead. The morning of September 4th would be the day in which the lives of new XUSOM medical students began. Upon the introduction to the faculty and the school, many students became relieved and looked forward to getting to know one another. Once Dr. Gil Apacible cracked a few jokes and Dr. Dubey welcomed everyone to their new home called XUSOM, the three-day orientation kicked off.
Students learned what it takes to make it in medical school including details about the curriculum, the effort required and the extracurricular activities available. One by one, faculty and staff members introduced themselves and discussed important topics that would be accompanying the students’ academic careers. Discussions of money matters, banking, housing options, and Aruban culture yielded many questions amongst the students as they all got to know one another. The fun and interactive group activity aided in the development of new friendships. Everyone realized that it does not matter whether you are from Canada, USA, or any other country around the globe; everyone is on the same boat together.
The second day began with more smiles and enthusiasm. Students met their librarian, the research team, and came to understand more about what being a Medical Student entails. New students met and interacted with senior students and asked for friendly advice and encouragements. With small class sizes and a very friendly and warm environment, new students were welcomed to XUSOM like new members of the family.
As the third and final orientation day began, the anxiety disappeared and students became more eager to start their academic careers. With final presentations and new faculty members welcoming students, everything became clearer. With great faculty, an incredible school, and supportive peers, we were suddenly ready to tackle what was coming ahead, and with a wide smile on our faces and a proud tone, we said, “We are the medical students of Xavier University School of Medicine.” Written by Artem Artemev, MD1 and Anastasia Pougno, Pre-Med 4
4
www.xusom.com
PMIG ST. ANNA On June 28, a small health fair was organized by PMIG at XUSOM. There were around 60 students from St. Anna who joined us during the event. Various activities took place during the event, which included neurological tests and a tour of the anatomy lab, which was followed by a pop quiz with a healthy snack at the end. The students learned many anatomical terminologies and were so excited to see and learn about the cadavers. They were enthusiastic and showed eagerness to learn more about the field of medicine. There were four different stations performing various neurological tests such as Reflex Test (Hammer Test), Eye Checkup (Snellen Chart, Color Blindness), Nerve Tests (Weber Test, Rinne’s Test) and Blood Pressure check. Members of PMIG helped conduct the event and the students showed profound interest in conducting the tests by performing it on their friends. It was apparent that kids were having fun and were competitive with one another during the game. The game involved six teams of students with volunteers from each team. The nominated team had questions rapidly thrown at them, which the kids answered quickly. PMIG members seemed to enjoy interacting with such talented kids. At the end, the students from St. Anna got to enjoy healthy food. A parting message was left with the students, which emphasized that people with goals typically succeed when they know where they’re going. The message stated that, “Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination. Goals are dreams with deadlines.” Overall, the members of PMIG were happy to host the visitors from St. Anna and hope to inspire more future physicians. Written by Shivangi Patel, MD3
www.xusom.com
5
Xavier University School of Medicine Incoming Class September 2017
Abdulfattah Hadarah
Ali Akhter
Ala’aldin Al Momani
Albert OtooAnnan
Allan Strauss
Amarita Atwal
Anastasia Pougno
Aqsa Ejaz Rao
Aranya Sathanandan
Arezou Rezaeian
Armelle Leukeu
Artemev Artem
Ayushi Mukhopadhyay
Carla Aramouni
Chirtra Chitale Salgame
6
www.xusom.com
Cordelia Markovnikov
Davinder Singh
Deepali Razdan
Ethan Dorris
Foad Teymoorian
Frankelle Outten
Gurleen Benipal
Harpreet Dhanjal
Himani Patel
Huma Ahmad
Ibad Arif
Israel Umoh
Jessica Audet
Jessica Page
Jimmy Cameau
Jose Enriquez
Kowlini Wickramasinghe
Kunal Shah
Maria Akhtar
Marsha Laurencin
www.xusom.com
7
Mohammad Khalaila
Moonpreet Deol
Muhammad Almas
Mostafa Hussein
Nadin Al Shalabi
Navdeep Boparai
Navneet Dhaliwal
Nicholas Steele
Nicholas Venuti
Niki Ding
Nissa Dirige
Norman Roberts
Parmvir Dulay
Paul Ademola
Paul Kofi Yeboah
Puneet Tatla
Ravleen Toor
Rehan Gumati
Sali Al Jelo
Sassan Haghighat
8
www.xusom.com
Sawanjit Saini
Shahem Abdallat
Sheldon Lucas
Sriharsha Jammula
Syed Musharraf
Tejal Patel
Tina Hossain
Todd Fleming
Victoria Galli
Viergeline Cameau
Yordan Fando
Yusuf Muse
www.xusom.com
Syed Hussain
Tommy Bui
9
SHOULD DOCTORS BE CULTURALLY SENSITIVE? Dr. Gabriel Andrade, PhD Lecturer of Behavioral Science Courses taught at XUSOM: Ethics and Behavioral Science, Medical Humanities Prior to teaching Behavioral Science at Xavier University School of Medicine, I was for many years a professor of Critical Thinking. I taught the principles of the scientific method, some of the most common cognitive biases we fall into, and some of the fallacies that charlatans use, and that unfortunately sometimes persuade us. So, given my appreciation of rationality and critical thinking, I never sympathized with alternative or folk medicine. In fact, I joined organizations that debunked quackery such as reflexology, homeopathy, reiki, and so on. I have not changed my mind. I firmly believe that scientific medicine is superior to any other treatment. But, as I now encounter medical students, and as I prepare lectures on the cultural aspects of illness and patient interviewing, I have come to change my mind as to how ethical it is to tell a patient from another culture that her beliefs about illnesses are wrong. After all, the bottom line in the doctor-patient relationship is getting the patient to comply. And, if that requires not refuting a patient’s cultural beliefs, then so be it. One big factor that has accounted for this change of mind, was reading a wonderful book by Anne Fiedman, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. It tells the true story of Lia Lee, a child from the Hmong tribe (in Laos), that migrated to the US. In her new home, Lia Lee was diagnosed with epilepsy. Among tribesmen explained this illness as a result of spirit possession, and in order to treat her, they brought shamans to the hospital, and followed their own magical procedures. The medical staff did not think this was a good idea, and inasmuch as Lia Lee’s parents did not adhere strictly to the treatment (which was very complicated), they sought a court order to remove custody. This only made things worse. Lia Lee’s conditioned deteriorated, and eventually, the court gave custody back to her parents. Contrary to the doctors’ prognosis (they believed Lia Lee would die soon), she lived to the age of thirty. The book is far from judgmental, and tells the story from many perspectives, including both Lia Lee’s parents, and the doctors. Yet, its argument is clear: doctors need to be culturally sensitive when treating patients. I agree with Fiedman’s argument, but not wholeheartedly. I believe that, yes, doctors need to be culturally sensitive. But, outside of hospitals, and in settings that are not set within the doctor-patient relationship, they must do everything they can to educate people from other cultures and correct whatever mistaken folk beliefs people may have about health and disease. Ethicists recommend doctors to tolerate folk practices that do not get in the way of scientific treatment. So, if Hmong tribesmen want to bring shamans to the hospitals to visit an epileptic relative, so be it. I agree with that. But, it must also be kept in mind that not all folk or alternative medicine is as harmless as it may seem. Even if they are not intrinsically harmful, folk and alternative medicine always have the danger of substituting effective scientific treatment. Perhaps the most notorious tragic case of this kind is that of Steve Jobs, whose probability of survival was actually quite high, had he followed conventional science-based therapy for his cancer. Instead, he chose treatments from alternative medicine, and he died. Taking shamans to hospitals to do magic on epileptic patients is fine, as long as they do not sabotage the neurologist’s job.
10
www.xusom.com
INTERVIEW WITH STUDENTS - FALL 2017 RAVLEEN TOOR, NAVNEET DHALIWAL
Ravleen Toor, PM1 1. Why did you decide to pursue medicine at Xavier University School of Medicine? It offered a pre-med to MD program that other medical schools did not offer. 2. How do you like life in Aruba so far? It’s really hot, but it has beautiful beaches! 3. What is the culture on campus? It’s pretty inclusive, but the school should think about expanding their library. 4. What is the teaching experience like? The teachers are nice, they help you whenever you have questions right away. 5. What has been the best experience so far? Going to the beaches in Aruba, they’re so beautiful. Navneet Dhaliwal, PM1 1. Why did you decide to pursue medicine at Xavier University School of Medicine? I decided to pursue medicine at Xavier because of the small class sizes. I can get more one on one help when needed with small class sizes. 2. How do you like life in Aruba so far? So far life in Aruba is great! People are friendly and everything we need is available, which makes it easier to adjust. 3. What is the culture on campus? The culture on campus is very diverse. People from all over are at the campus and you really get to learn new things from the students around you. 4. What is the teaching experience like? The teaching experience so far is good. I am enjoying my classes and the professors are willing and ready to help! They make class fun. 5. What has been the best experience so far? The best experience so far for me as been that everyone on campus is super friendly. People are always saying hi to each other and ready to help when needed. Interviews by Jennifer Khan, MD1
www.xusom.com
11
XAVIER UNIVERSITY ON CAMPUS GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS
WHAT IS SGA? WHAT ARE OUR AIMS AND DIRECTIONS FOR THIS SEMESTER?
Student Government Association (SGA)
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG)
Pediatric Medicine Interest Group (PMIG)
Academic
Enhancement Program (AEP)
Student Ambassador Organization (SAO)
Society For Research (SFR)
American Medical Students Association
Xavier University School of Medicine undeniably has a great staff and administration. The students are also part of a dynamic balance between the school, the staff, and their own studies. The two bodies (the students and the administration) have to cooperate and work together to bring about success. To bring this idea to fruition, not only does the faculty, staff, and especially the professors have to communicate directly and effectively to their students, but the students themselves have to do their part. However, in order to more cohesively and efficiently gather these two entities together, the Student Government Association was formed. Functioning as the liaison between the students and the faculty, SGA brings ideas, news, events, and suggestions, from students to administration and vice versa. Sometimes, there can be discrepancies amongst the students and administration. This is inevitable anywhere. When this happens, SGA takes the role of middle man and hears both sides out, ultimately relaying a decision that is convenient for both parties. We represent as messengers and try to deliver in an unbiased manner. The goals of SGA, at least this semester, is to try and encourage students to speak out whatever thoughts or questions might come across their minds. We are here to readily offer answers if we know them, and we are here to listen to the student body as a whole and give scope to the administration on exactly what their students would like to express in a professional way. Once the students are comfortable with the fact that SGA is there for them, we would like to turn our attention to feedback from both faculty and students and put them into action in order to create a better environment in which we all can benefit. To ensure the successful future of our University, we will strive for these ideals. Sean Kim – MD5 SGA President
(AMSA) 12
www.xusom.com
INTERVIEW WITH DR. JONATHAN LAMBO 1. Where are you from and what educational institution(s) have you attended? I live in Canada but I am originally from Nigeria. I did my BSc in biology from University of Lagos, Nigeria. Then I got my masters degree in immunology from Brunel, University of England. Then from University of Vienna, Austria, I got my MD, followed by my three-year residency in family medicine at the General Hospital of Linz, Austria. From there I practiced family medicine in Vienna, Austria for some time. 2. Why did you choose Aruba as a place to teach? I have a passion for teaching and I was looking to teach at a school that is accredited and has an emphasis on integrated curriculum, so I decided to join XUSOM. 3. What do you love the most about epidemiology and preventative medicine? Epidemiology focuses on the population health and in epidemiology we can always relate the disease directly to the population as a whole. 4. What countries have you traveled to in the past and which of them are your favorite? I have visited countries mainly for work and leisure. I have been to Sudan, Pakistan, Austria, England, and many more European countries. My favorite is Austria because Vienna is a city of art and culture. 5. What do you prefer to do during your free time? I like to listen to music (thanks to Vienna for sparking my interest in music), I like to study different cultures, and I like to read as well (mainly history of medicine). 6. How do you like your lectures to be?
Dr. Jonathan Lambo
I like my lectures to be very interactive and I really like it when students come prepared for the class as that way they focus better. 7. Your favorite quote or proverb is? Time is money – an African proverb. 8. What advice would you like to give to XUSOM’s future physicians? Just to be honest with the patients, the family of the patient, and most importantly, be honest with yourself. If you do not know something, then just be modest and honest about it. 9. What do you expect from students during your lectures and what is one thing that you dislike? I really like it when students come prepared for my lectures and I do not like when students don’t listen and pay attention. I want to link a quote by William Osler here, “Listen to the patient, they are telling you the diagnosis.” Interview by Riddhi Patel, MD 3 www.xusom.com
13
EXPERIENCE OF THE NEWBIES “Bon dia!” was one of the first few words processed upon arrival on the island. Coming as a tourist with your family and friends is quite different compared to walking through the airport doors feeling the hot wind and thinking, my home for the next 3 years. Coming on this island as a Pre Med 1 student for the first time is a once in a lifetime experience. Hundreds of thoughts run per second in your mind questioning the move you decided to make: “Is it worth it? Will it work out? Will I adjust?” Walking through the doors and right away being greeted by the welcome committee puts the mind at ease, especially for a newcomer. Being greeted with friendly smiles and positive minds really opened our minds switching from the negative to the positive, thinking this might actually work out. Right off the bat the committee bonded with the newcomers giving a quick over view of the island and some important information. Getting dropped off at your home away from home by the committee made it so much easier than getting taxi. Depending on when you arrive, you get a chance to explore the island before classes start. Since the welcome committee had provided their numbers it made it much easier to figure out what is where and where to get what, allowing the newcomers to get a feel for the island before school started. Home sickness did kick in. The change in weather, infrastructure, and daily life style may not be something one is used to. However, as pre meds, you have to give the island a chance. Do not judge it so quick. The more the pre meds explored, the more realization happened. You can get everything in Aruba! Groceries, shopping, school supplies you name it, Aruba has it. That definitely puts a new student’s mind at ease. Also the locals here are super friendly and helpful. Everyone wishes everyone a good day, smiles all around, and good vibes prove that it is indeed One Happy Island. Then comes the first day of school. Nervousness as a newbie kicks in when walking through the hallway looking for the auditorium so you can attend orientation. Orientation lasted the first three days and it was super helpful providing one with information that will help you during your medical career on the island. Most importantly, all students start to build bonds with one another. Friendships started to form, you hear laughter all around, allowing the feeling of being lonely to go away. You start to get excited about your medical career. Walking in on the first day of class was not so bad because you had already made friends the first three days of orientation. That really helped the Pre Med 1’s ease into school. Professors are great at making class enjoyable and easy to follow. Help is always available and the university tries its best to make you feel comfortable. Within 2 weeks of school the pre meds have developed such a bond with one another that you do not miss home that often, as they are always there for each other. All in all, arriving in Aruba can be one tough move but the experience and relationships that form on the island are priceless and something that will last you a lifetime. As time goes on, one can adjust thanks to all the help available, and next thing you know you will be packing to leave the island as time has already flown. Written by Navneet Dhaliwal, PM1
Know a friend of family member who wants to be a doctor? Refer them to XUSOM and receive a referral stipend!
14
www.xusom.com
INTERVIEW WITH STUDENTS FROM JORDAN Recently, Xavier University student Justina Babu sat down with two of our students from Jordan, Ala’Aldin Ra’id Al Momani and Shahim Abdallat, to find out a little about themselves as well as about their experience at Xavier University. Ala’Aldin Ra’id Al Momani 1. What made you choose Xavier University School of Medicine? As a Jordanian student, it is a dream to go to the United States and to work as doctor. I chose this school because of its fast-paced medical program. 2. How do you like the classes and the professors so far? The faculty is awesome. The number of students in my Ala’aldin Al Momani class are small and it makes learning easier. There is a good student to teacher interaction and it allows me to be very active in class. 3. Why do you want to pursue a career in medicine? My family plays a huge role in why I chose medicine. My family has always encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine so that I can eventually work in the United States. 4. How do you like Aruba so far? Well, Aruba is very hot! I live by the Dura Home Center and I like the view. I have walked around the city and it’s enjoyable. It’s a very beautiful island and so far I like it.
Xavier Times team Faculty Editor: Ms. Kendra N. Parson Dr. Kevin Pawlak
Student Editor: Riddhiben Patel, MD3
Student Contributors: Jennifer Khan, MD1
Shahem Abdallat
Zenobia Tayeb, MD3
1. What made you choose Xavier University School of Medicine? I chose XUSOM mainly because of its fast-paced program compared to the other medical programs in the United States.
Shivangi Patel, MD3
2. How do you like the classes and the professors so far? The professors have been so helpful and they are very good. The class size is small and I like it because I learn better that way. 3. Why do you want to pursue a career in medicine? Medicine has always been a passion of mine. I want to fulfill my dream in becoming a sports medicine doctor and Shahem Abdallat there’s so many opportunities for that in the U.S. I’m glad I chose this school to help me achieve this dream of mine.
Artem Artemev, MD1 Anastasia Pougno, PM4 Ravleen Toor, PM1 Navneet Dhaliwal, PM4 Justina Babu, MD3 Sean Kim, MD5
Faculty Contributors: Dr. Gabriel Andrade
4. How do you like Aruba so far? I haven’t fully adjusted myself to the island yet, but one thing for sure is that Aruba has lovely beaches and lots of them. www.xusom.com
15
North American Admissions Office 1000 Woodbury Road, Suite 109 Woodbury, New York 11797 USA TEL: 516-333-2224 FAX: 516-921-1070 info@xusom.com | www.xusom.com
Aruba Campus Santa Helenastraat #23 Oranjestad, Aruba Dutch Caribbean TEL: 297-588-7766 Fax: 297-588-6222
Jordan Admissions Office Al Husseini Building Office 614 Zahran Street between 7th & 8th Circle Amman, Jordan 11183 TEL: 962 (61) 586 1313 | FAX: 962 (61) 586 1317 infojordan@xavier.edu.jo | www.xavier.edu.jo
Pre Med Campuses - India
The TIPSGLOBAL Institute 361/1a, Karuvalur Road SS Kulam PO, Coimbatore +91 0422-6477377
Pre Med Campus - Jordan
Amman Madaba Street Amman, Jordan
Street No. 6, Uma Nagar Begumpet, Hyderabad Telangana 500016, India +91 040-23403200
Don Bosco Institute of Technology Kumbalagodu, Mysore Road Bangalore - 560074 +91 080-28437028
Pre Med Campus - Ghana
Troas Street Accra, Ghana