THE
XAVIER TIMES Vol 8 - Special Edition
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY’S FIRST ANNUAL ALUMNI GLOBAL MEET On September 29th, Xavier University School of Medicine held its first Annual Alumni Global Meet at its campus in Aruba. This collaborative event brought together the XUSOM President, Chairman, Chancellor, Board of Trustees, Alumni, Clinical Chairs, Special Guests, Basic Science and Clinical Faculty, Clinical Students, and Basic Science Students. President Ravishankar Bhooplapur initiated the event with remarks on Xavier’s past achievements, tremendous progress, and bright future. He discussed the importance of quality education and the current management and ownership of the school. President Bhooplapur shared memories of visiting Aruba with Chancellor Dr. JG Bhat ten years ago and falling in love with the beautiful island and all that it had to offer. President Bhooplapur also spoke about the vision he saw for the school and what he did to make that vision become a reality. Xavier currently holds a double accreditation from CAAM-HP and ACCM. President Bhooplapur spoke highly about Xavier’s graduates, many of whom were also at the event, and their prestigious medical positions, he thanked them for taking time to share their journey and advice for current students to hear.
Alumni Dr. Rachel Karmally
President Bhooplapur announced that Xavier will be seeking state approvals/accreditations from New York and California in addition to others in the coming years. Xavier has obtained approval from the Government of Jordan and currently runs international Pre-Med programs in Jordan, Ghana, and India. President Bhooplapur welcomed everyone and thanked them for participating and aiding to the event’s success.
Alumni Dr. Amanda Wolf
X A V I E R
Alumni Dr. Sumeet Singh speaks at the Alumni Panel
U N I V E R S I T Y ’ S
O F F I C I A L
N E W S
Alumni Dr. Hassan Al-Khalisy
P U B L I C A T I O N
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IN THIS ISSUE
Alumni Perspective AGM.....................Page 1 Alumni Global Meet..........................Page 2-3 Faculty Perspective Global Meet......Page 3 Alumni Spotlight................................Page 4-5 Interview with Dr. Liu............................Page 6 Student Perspective Global Meet.Page 6-7 Interview with Clinical Student.........Page 7
2017 ALUMNI GLOBAL MEET ATTENDEES Mr. Ravishankar Bhooplapur, President Mr. Edwin Casey, Chairman Dr. JG Bhat, Chancellor Dr. Ravindra Kota, Trustee Dr. PK Prahalad, Trustee Dr. Anthony Shallash, Trustee Mr. Frank Croes, Trustee Dr. Arun Dubey, Acting Chief Academic Officer Dr. Burton Herz, Associate Provost Dr. Joseph Balsamo, Dean of Clinical Science Dr. Richard Pomerantz, Director of Medical Education - Baltimore Dr. Lakshmi Dodda, Director of Medical Education - Chicago Dr. Paul Liu, Chair of OBGYN Dr. Madhu Rangraj, Chair of Surgery Dr. Sanjivan Patel, Chair of Pediatrics Dr. Parvez Mir, Chair of Internal Medicine Dr. Cheryl Carrao, Chair of Family Medicine Dr. Ramesh Naik, Faculty – Internal Medicine Dr. Rachel Karmally, Alumni Chair Class of 2012 Dr. Abdulrahman Aboud, Alumni Class of 2016 Dr. Hassan Al-Khalisy, Alumni Class of 2013 Dr. Lee Berman, Alumni Class of 2011 Dr. Adrienne Hicks, Alumni Class of 2007 Dr. John Samaan, Alumni Class of 2010 Dr. Sumeet Singh, Alumni Class of 2013 Dr. Asaad Wahid, Alumni Class of 2015 Dr. Amanda Wolf, Alumni Class of 2015
SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTERS Dr. Ravi Gupta, Internal Medicine Residency Program Director at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital. Dr. Shawn Cannon, Social Medicine Residency Program Director at Southampton Hospital. Dr. Peter Urazov, Family Medicine Residency Program Director at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital
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ALUMNI GLOBAL MEET Chairman Edwin Casey addressed the gathering and spoke about the tremendous pride he takes in being part of the Xavier community. In his remarks, he stated that he recognizes the potential in each student and is certain that they will make an impact to the field with their advanced knowledge base of modern medicine. He told the students and guests that they are the future doctors of this world and that he is here to support them every step of the way. In his closing statements he said, “Together, we all succeed.” Mr. Casey was pleased to announce that Xavier will be starting a 501c foundation where alumni can donate to and support potential incoming students and other academic activities. 100% of the proceeds will go to scholarships and other academic activities, including research for students with strong academic and social backgrounds. Acting Chief Academic Officer Dr. Arun Dubey introduced the new Dean of Clinical Science, Dr. Joseph Balsamo. Dr. Balsamo, a practicing clinician, has been active in the field of medical education for over 20 years. Dr. Balsamo had been a visiting faculty member at Xavier for several years while vacationing on the island. He addressed the crowd to let them know he is available to assist all students in helping them achieve their dream of becoming a doctor. He is excited to help in the advancement of Xavier’s mission and thanked President Bhooplapur and Dr. Dubey for the opportunity. Dr. Rachel Karmally, Alumni Chair and a 2012 Graduate of Xavier, concluded the first session by explaining how excited she was to return to the island of Aruba and to Xavier. She shared memories about traveling to Aruba and how she entered the premed program at 18 years old. She thanked all the professors and administrators who helped her along the way in accomplishing her dream. After completing her chief residency year in Internal Medicine, Rachel is now an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and has her own patients. As part of one of Xavier’s first classes, she also emphasized to current students that they have a wealth of resources in the alumni and they should take full advantage of that. She stated that Xavier alumni are always available to help and answer questions and be mentors for them. Distinguished doctors spoke during the next session. They addressed the students and spoke Use for Image. Copy this box, to them about what to make it white and lean it over the edge expect when starting to create a wider bounding box so text their clinical rotations, doesn’t sit flush on the image. I did an the process of residency, example on this one. and how to always be prepared to attain your goals. Dr. Ravi Gupta, a Medical Teacher and Director of Residency (From left to right) Special guest Dr. Peter Urazov, Acting Chief Academic Dr. Arun Dubey, President Ravi Bhooplapur, Special guest Dr. Ravi Operations, Dr. Shawn Chair Gupta, and special guest Dr. Shawn Cannon Cannon, a Specialist in Osteopathic Medicine with over 20 years of experience as a Medical Educator, and Dr. Peter Urazov, a Medical Director and the Director of Medical Education, were among those who presented. Students were eager to ask questions following their presentations. We are very thankful that these prestigious doctors and program directors were able to join our event.
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ALUMNI GLOBAL MEET (continued) A panel discussion and presentation by Xavier alumni took place during the afternoon session. In a joint presentation, they spoke about a variety of topics including how to study and learn in basic sciences, preparation for USMLE, how students should choose their rotations, and most importantly, how to decide what type of residency they want to go for. Students expressed that they were thankful to hear first-hand from alumni. The Q&A segment was the highlight of all the sessions as it gave students the opportunity to ask anything they wanted, which left students filled with eagerness and desire. Along with notable presentations and speeches, Xavier’s Administration and faculty held strategic development sessions to plan the continued success and growth of Xavier. President Bhooplapur and the rest of Xavier look forward to the second Annual Global Alumni Meet next year.
Alumni Dr. Hassan Al-Khalisy speaks with students
OPINION: GLOBAL MEET, FACULTY PERSPECTIVE This year, Xavier University School of Medicine hosted the first annual Global Alumni Meet in Aruba. Members of the New York office, the Board of Trustees, faculty, clinical chairs, alumni, 3rd and 4th year U.S.-based clinical students, and current students all came together to celebrate and explore medicine. For faculty members here in Aruba, this was a great opportunity to get acquainted with our U.S.-based counterparts. Though all faculty and staff members of XUSOM work tirelessly to provide a top-notch education, be it in Aruba teaching classes, the administration in New York, or clinical rotations throughout the U.S., it is rare that we get a chance to come together, compare notes, and work toward a better future for the school. Phone calls and emails help keep us connected, yet all being together face to face allows us to use our collective knowledge. One of the excellent benefits of the Alumni Meet was working with clinical chairs. Discussing issues that students are facing both in Aruba and in the U.S., looking for better ways to improve on the curriculum, and learning about each of the hospitals were just a few of the things that were addressed. Of particular importance in this meeting was listening to senior professors talk about their time with students during clinical rotations. This encouraged junior faculty members in Aruba to speak out about some issues that need to be addressed, so that students that pass the USMLE Step 1 make the necessary adaptations to a very different teaching style once they enter the clinical phase of their education. Clinical chairs also spoke to current basic science students to reinforce the ideals and standards that we try everyday to instill in the students. They addressed concepts like punctuality, respect, and hard work. Sometimes hearing these ideals from someone other than your usual teacher can make a real impact. Seeing and interacting with successful alumni and clinical students was one of the best aspects of the Alumni Meeting. Seeing our successful alumni and clinical students reminds us all why we work so hard day in and day out: to help create compassionate and prosperous doctors of tomorrow. The faculty put in their time and effort in the hopes that future doctors can help solve and cure medical problems and illnesses. Their successes are why we do what we do. After the academic activities were over, administrators, alumni, faculty, and employees, all got together at a dinner party on a beautiful Aruba beach. This was a wonderful opportunity for socializing and sharing knowledge, as it is well known that the process of learning and professional development is ongoing, and takes place in all contexts. Everyone got to come together to celebrate a successful Alumni Meet. The Global Alumni Meet was a great opportunity for the XUSOM faculty. From meeting current 3rd and 4th year U.S.-based clinical students and alumni, to working with clinical chairs, to interacting with members of the Board of Trustees, the XUSOM faculty got a little bit of everything out of this meet. Going forward, the Global Alumni Meet will be a great opportunity to get together with all the people who work tirelessly to make Xavier University School of Medicine the best it can be. By Ms. Kendra N. Parson and Dr. Gabriel Andrade www.xusom.com
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Abdulrahman Aboud Class of 2016 Originally from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Currently a Family Medicine Resident at Michigan State University Hospital
Dr. Hassan Al-Khalisy Class of 2013 Originally from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada Completed his residency in internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pinnacle Currently has a Fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Upstate Medical University - SUNY
Dr. Lee Berman Class of 2011 Originally from Malvern, PA, U.S. Currently a Chief Psychiatry Resident at Delaware Psychiatry Center
Dr. Adrienne Hicks Class of 2007 Originally from Greenwood, MS, U.S. Currently a Psychiatry Resident at Harlem Hospital in New York
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Dr. John Samaan Class of 2010 Originally from Troy, MI, U.S. Currently a Psychiatry Resident at Larkin Community Hospital in Florida
Dr. Rachel Karmally Alumni Chair, Class of 2012 Originally from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada Completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Rochester General Hospital Currently a Senior Staff Physician and Professor at Henry Ford Hospital
Dr. Amanda Wolf Class of 2015 Originally from Tukwila, WA, U.S. Currently a Famly Medicine Resident at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Washington
Dr. Sumeet Singh Class of 2013 Originally from Bloomfield Hills, MI, U.S. Currently a Psychiatry Resident at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington D.C.
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AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. LIU, CLINICAL CHAIR OBGYN 1. What do you love the most about working with clinical students? Medical students are the future of our profession. I take tremendous responsibility in helping each student be the best they can be as a doctor. Physicians are healers and teachers. I enjoy teaching students to be good, even great, teachers in the future. Medical students don’t come in one size. They are a very diverse group of individuals, with different backgrounds and different cultures and different levels of knowledge and aspirations. It is my job to understand that particular student and how to help maximize the growth of that individual, and how to inspire that student to be the best that they can be as an effective, efficient, astute and caring physician.
Fast Facts
1. Member of national cooperative research group called Gyncologic Oncology Group 2. B.A. from Cornell University 3. J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law 4. M.D. from The Chicago School of Medicine 5. Completed residency at Columbia Presbyterian in New York 6. Completed fellowship in gynecologic oncology at University of Pennsylvania.
2. What are the 3 qualities that every medical student should have during their rotations? The different qualities during a rotation do not differ from qualities in life to be a good, productive and caring person. A person, regardless of the environment, should always act professionally. Always be there before the appointed time and of course be prepared. It takes residents and attending’s less than 2 questions to figure out whether a student has been reading and studying. Above all, BE LIKABLE. People must like you to help you, it is that simple. 3. What is that piece of advice that you would give to those medical students entering their clinical rotations? Work hard and volunteer for any task, however menial. Try to learn as many skills as possible. You will never know when in the future that skill can save someone’s life. 4. Give an example of something you did in the past year that you are most proud of. I decided to embrace robotic surgery. At this stage in my career I could’ve easily said I am too old to learn a new skill. However for personal growth and to be able to offer my patients state of the art technology I became certified in DaVinci robotic surgery and now I feel just as comfortable with this surgical approach as with vaginal, laparoscopic and open surgery. 5. What are some of the advantages of having a law and a medical degree? It has become more relevant in the last few years, since physician leaders of today and of the future really need to have additional knowledge beyond medicine. Law and Business degrees are very important in my opinion since today we need physician executives to captain the ship into the future. Dr. Paul Liu By: Riddhiben Patel, MD 3
OPINION: ALUMNI GLOBAL MEET, STUDENT PERSPECTIVE Xavier University has reached a new historic milestone, and we were honored to be an integral part of it. Since the University’s establishment, none of the students of past years enjoyed such an event- The Alumni Global Meet. XUSOM Leadership gathered Alumni, faculty, and board members from across the world, individuals who dedicated their lives to better XUSOM and the medical profession. Students were in awe at the organization level presented as they walked into the auditorium, and many were excited to meet those who made their dream to be a doctor a reality. As introductions started, students got to know extraordinary individuals with great accomplishments who are true role models. Stories of the first years of XUSOM came up, and everybody realized what tremendous work was done and the challenges that the University’s pioneers encountered, especially the Deans, Dr. Dubey, and Dr. Gil Apacible and all the other members of the panel. Words of wisdom and encouragement touched every single student and added fire in the burning desire to become MDs. Following that, three directors of residency programs from different reputable health centers presented their medical journeys, spoke about their centers and had interactive presentations, each with its own specialty and medical focus. Students were given valuable tips and guidance on success in medical school and the rotations and searching for residency, including how to be a competitive candidate that residency directors will be interested in. With a light and informal atmosphere, students could ask burning questions and voice their own opinions on different matters.
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OPINION: ALUMNI GLOBAL MEET, STUDENT PERSPECTIVE (continued) The most important part of the Alumni Meet was meeting past students and alumni. The panel, consisting of current MDs from many different years of graduation, presented their journey in the medical field, along with struggles and successes. They presented the students multiple useful topics- USMLE passing tips, residency, clinical rotations, strategies for Canadian students and the reality of practicing medicine in a real-world setting. However, the main benefit to many students was meeting individuals who went through the same journey with the same ups and downs, challenges, and experiences. They provided an example of a success story and showed that anything is possible if you put your mind and work into it. With great triumph the Alumni Meet ended, and XUSOM students gained valuable insight and information on the journey ahead of them, boosting self-confidence and the passion involved in being a medical student. A great success, the Global Alumni Meet is a promising event students are looking forward to experience once again, and an event that marks the successful and productive past and the bright and great future of XUSOM. By Artem Artemev- MD1
INTERVIEW WITH CLINICAL STUDENT MANPREET KAUR 1.How is the transition from basic sciences to clinical sciences? Manpreet’s Tips for Clinical Success The transition from basic sciences to clinical sciences was pretty smooth 1. Take OSCE sessions seriously for me. After passing Step 1, I decided to go over all the OSCE notes I had 2. Attend health fairs hosted by Xavier for more from Dr. Neelam’s OSCE sessions. My first clerkship was Family medicine patient exposure at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital with Dr. Urazov. I was very nervous my 3. Don’t be afraid to volunteer when you have first day, but Dr. Urazov spent some time with me one-on-one and gave opprotunities for performing physical exams/ me tips on how to survive clinical rotations. He was very helpful from the procedures books I need to purchase to programs I should be looking into online to supplement the clinical exposure. One thing he kept repeating was that no one will be holding your hand every step of the way, asking you to do things. You have to ask your preceptors, residents, and nurses if they can teach/assist you in the different procedures to be learned. If you are motivated to excel in your clerkships, brushing up on your OSCE sessions from Aruba is sufficient to help you do so. 2. What has been your favorite rotation so far and why? Internal Medicine at Weiss Memorial with Dr. Mizuno has been my favorite rotation so far. Our typical day consisted of pre-rounding on our patients around 9:00 pm.Pre-rounding consisted of a full physical exam on our patients. Then we would complete our soap notes and sit down with Dr. Mizuno around 3 am to go over our patients. Around 6 am we would round with Dr. Mizuno. After rounding on all the patients on Dr. Mizuno’s service, we would either go home or sometimes Dr. Mizuno would take us out for brunch during which we would do some board style questions or go over EKGs etc. 3. How do you prepare for the shelf exams after each rotation? I usually try to find at least one good reading source to supplement each rotation. I try to go through as many Case files as I can online. 4. How was your experience at the Global Alumni Meet here in Aruba? I had such a great time at the Global Alumni Meet in Aruba. It was so beneficial for 3rd and 4th year students. The tips we got from meeting all the clinical chairs and residency doctors were priceless. I am really glad I made the decision to attend. I was ecstatic to see the entire faculty and staff again. I was also able to speak to some current basic science students, who had questions about Step 1 and rotations. It was a good feeling to be able to share my experience as possible motivation. By: Riddhiben Patel, MD 3
XAVIER TIMES TEAM
Faculty Editors:
Student Contributors:
Dr. Kevin Pawlak
Artem Artemev, MD 1
Ms. Kendra N. Parson
Student Editor: Riddhiben Patel, MD 3 Faculty Contributors Dr. Gabrial Andrade
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Riddhiben Patel, MD 3 Jennifer Khan, MD 1
Zenobia Tayeb, MD 3 Anastasia Pourno, PM 4 Ravleen Toor, PM 1 7
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