REVISTA MEDICOS AMSA India’s Quaterly Newsletter
INTERVIEWS WITH THE BEST OF THE BEST Kumail Hussain & Anuj Pachhel
NEW SECTIONS Exciting Comics, Obesssion del Momento & What I wish I knew in MBBS!
READERS’ ARTICLES Action in Acme of Adversity
AMSA EVENTS Recap of all the events happening in the quarter
Issue 12 | September 2021
03
About us
12
Medical Breakthroughs
05
Letter from Regional Chairperson
16
Neurathon
06
Letter from Secretary
Infodemic
Covid-19 & the environment
22
31
34
37
Interview with Kumail Hussain
64
What I wish I knew in MBBS
Interview with Anuj Pachhel
68
Medical Research
Note from editor
08
Meet the team
TABLE of CONTENTS
20
18
07
Second wave & mental health
24
Power of Humanity
38
Stessors and Self care
Memes
72
88
AMSA Events
Partnerships
27
Obsesionè del momento
40
Readers’ articles
About us.
AMSA India AMSA India represents Indian medical students interests in all the spheres of our society and thus provides an excellent platform for empowerment. The activities involve medical students in participating in various national and international conferences, academic bonanzas and philanthropic work. The directive of our organization is to inform, educate and counsel every medical student of India. The international activities Conference EAMSC are (January/February), AMSC (Conference: July/August) and AMSEP (Student exchange).
AMSA International AMSA was officially founded in Manila, Philippines in the year 1985, it is an active, dynamic and exciting student-led, not-for-profit and nonpolitical organization with 27 member associates and observer nations. AMSA'S vision is knowledge, action, friendship Le to share knowledge, undertake activities and social services and create International and intercontinental friendships that lasts forever.
About us.
Our Spanish title articulated with love, toward a magazine for and of medicos. To describe this “Spanglish” (Spanish + English) title with soul of medicine and in words of a poet:
Newsletter is the mirror of an organization’s play, The gospel truth and our belief we say. The essence of our organization as detailed is told, And all the future aspirations as destined we unfold. To keep the idea of ‘medicos’ atop, From clinical questions and crosswords to interviews, We’ve got you covered with thought. As in a democracy, our organization solely stands by members, for members and of members that’s what makes it grand. Alas, your love and feedback is what is indeed craved, because in unison are the trails of success paved.
LETTER
D
from the Regional Chairperson
Dear Readers,
It feels like a great privilege to be able to converse with you all via the medium of the 12th issue of AMSA
India’s treasured newsletter, Revista Medicos. ‘Action in Acme of Adversity’, the theme of this issue’s newsletter very well resonates with AMSA India’s role as a medical students organisation in the first quarter of its term as the new board, wherein we formed a Covid Support National Working Group with 1300+ volunteers aimed at helping the general public get easy access to emergency resources such as oxygen cylinders, hospital beds, medicines among other necessary medical supplies. With the second wave settling down, the board shifted back its focus to bring around a broad range of events ranging from research to public health, virtual exchanges to academic competitions along with the launch of our two new units, namely Bioethics and MSFC. I would like to take this moment to congratulate the brilliant visionaries behind this newsletter- Chitwan Ghuman (Secretary Newsletter) and Samneet Singh (Chief Editor Newsletter) and the whole Editorial board for curating it very thoughtfully while documenting the exceptional contributions of the members of AMSA India. We hope that you have an enthralling experience while reading through the newsletter. We are also excited to share that AMSA India is now a family of 7000+ medical students as members. We thank you for your continued interest and support. With many interesting avenues opening up in the next quarter, we hope to welcome more new members to the family. Till then, Stay Tuned and Curious. ‘Empowering Minds, Enhancing Performance’ VivaAMSA!
Khushman Kaur Bhullar Regional Chairperson AMSA India 2021/22
From the
SECRETARY'S DESK
D Dear Readers,
“A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle.” Throughout the history of nature, the collective has proved stronger than the sole creature. Teamwork has played an essential part in the progression of mankind. Hence, I thank the Regional Chairperson, Khushman Bhullar for appointing me as a part a marvellous team, where I chose my bunch of gems- Anshdeep Singh, Arnav Bansal, Drashti Patel, Guari Mehta, Karthik Shankar, Pragya Chand, Roop Kaur Brar & Soundarya Prabhakar, who done double duty for you, my readers, to enjoy the quarterly Newsletter of AMSA India, The Revista Medicos. The issue, Healing the Healers, would focus on the various aspects of a doctors’ remarkable everyday regime during this Pandemic. Doctors are selfless and devote their lives in order to eliminate ailments, but still we as Medicos’ faced various unsaid and not cared for problems ourselves while healing others. We hope this issue of Revista Medicos, helps our healers to heal themselves in whatever way possible. Towards the end, we would love if our readers could spare some time to help us remove our shortcomings by filling out the review form attached in the end. And if you have any queries regarding the Newsletter please feel free to contact me at newsletter@amsaindia.in Appreciatively
Chitwan K Ghuman Secretary Newsletter AMSA India 2021-22
From the
EDITOR'S DESK
D Dear readers,
Considering the pace of growth of Newsletter, I’ve witnessed, not just to maintain this fast pace but to add to it was our prime goal and In this Issue, the essence of fighting adversity and not giving up in the challenging times is well brought about through the major sub-themes. Also, keeping in mind the silent pandemic of mental health issues and the plight of healthcare workers, we have made the best of our efforts, not just to be vocal about them but also to suggest remedies for them. Considering the vast diversity we represent, it becomes our utmost duty to live up to the aspirations and demands of our readers and we hope we have carried forward the legacy with utmost grace. I’d extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Regional Chairperson, Khushman Kaur Bhullar, AMSA India 2021-22, for the unwavering faith in me and Of course, to the heroes under the veil, My team: Gauri Mehta, Drashti Patel, Pragya Chand, Karthik Shankar, Arnav Bansal, Roop Kaur Brar, Soundarya Prabhakar and Anshdeep Singh. “Perfection is a utopian concept no matter how hard we strive” So, I humbly request our readers to please fill in the feedback form and in case if you have any queries regarding the Newsletter, please feel free to contact me at Editor@amsaindia.in. Regards
Samneet Singh Chief Editor Newsletter AMSA India 2021-22
It's all about Executive Board
Khushman Kaur Bhullar
Gunteshwar S. Brar
REGIONAL CHAIRPERSON
GENERAL SECRETARY
A fourth year medico with a zeal to pursue the road less taken, likes to learn new perspectives and find inspiration from every other being she crosses paths with, a fun-loving amigo who’s flexible with deadlines until the work is being done!
Real growth is rooted in honest reflection.
Samneet Singh CHIEF EDITOR, NEWSLETTER I’m a third year medical student at Dayanand medical college, Ludhiana. Amalgamation of ideas with rhythm is my passion and As they say brevity is the soul of wit,I feel poetry adorns and abridges the content nevertheless makes the crux unadorned.
Samarvir Jain
Malika Gupta VICE OVERALL CHAIRPERSON EXTERNAL
VICE OVERALL CHAIRPERSON INTERNAL I would take a risk than staying in my comfort zone, as this makes my life interesting
A curious, creative, analytical and a hardworking (over)thinker who’s always eager to learn more and meet new people :) and AMSA India is the best platform to help me achieve all of these aspects of mine.
Gunjan Malhotra
Anushree Rai DIRECTOR OF AMSEP Believes in striving for the best and making a difference in everything that she does (with caffeine ofc) a brunch person, and believes in being kindest in the room.
DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS I am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenges and constantly set goals, so I have something to strive toward. I'm not comfortable with settling, but searching for opportunities to do better.
Ikshita Nagar SECRETARY OF MARKETING & SPONSORSHIPS
I am a loquacious coffee lover you can't get bored around! Apart from my love for books and badminton, I love to foster bonds and friendships for life
Keagan Mi
CHIEF OF EDUC RESEAR
A Medical Student liv "Zindagi badi honi ch
the people. AMSA INDIA (21-22)
Mansimar Kaur
Gul Kalra DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH
GENERAL TREASURER Hard work doesn't bother me
To shine your brightest light is to be who you truly are
CATION AND RCH
ving by the words, hahiye, lambi nahi!"
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
SECRETARY NEWSLETTER
I am making my time count
Ananya Bhasin
SECRETARY OF PARTNERSHIPS (NGO)
SECRETARY OF PUBLICATIONS & PROMOTIONS
A dauntless adventurer, stand up comedy enthusiast with a knack for creative ideas.
It always seems impossible until it’s done.
iranda
Chitwan K. Ghuman
Devesh Chandra
Mehul Sinha SECRETARY OF PARTNERSHIPS (GO)
Freya Knakhara
Tanya Rao DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY Doing what I love, coz today matters the most.
I like everything I do to be wellorganized & aesthetically pleasing
Brave enough to be bad at something new.
MEET TH
NATIONAL OFFICERS, EDITO
An amicable, empathetic, tech savy and Socially awkward procrastinator in her second year MBBS who enjoys editing and creating digital art as much has she loves medicine. She'll probably go miles to make people smile, and believes that kindness is the ultimate virtue. The 19 year old also has an unusual amount of love for plants :)
A student of Sri Muthukumaran medical college, Chennai. A lazy perfectionist who gets the job done with meticulous care to detail and possesses an expansive skill set and a knack for design and editing. She patterns herself from the way she perceives nature and life.
A 2nd Year MBBS student at Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi. Being a budding designer and a shooter, he is always curious and enthusiastic to learn new things, he believes there is nothing in the world that you can’t achieve with honest hard work.
A final professional part 1 medical student from Dayanand medical college, Ludhiana. He has a clear, logical mind with a practical approach to problem solving and a drive to see things through to completion. He is a person with fantastic eye for detail, and enjoy order, precision and efficiency in all tasks.
HE TEAM
ORIAL BOARD, AMSA INDIA (21-22)
A med student who lives by the simple motto, to aspire to be cognizant and attempt to seize knowledge in any and every form possible. From academics and healthcare to literature, flow arts and cinema she enjoys and appreciates the essence each of these impart.
A 2nd Year Med student passionate about Football, Films and finding solace in this crazy game called Life.
A not-so-regular third professional student who finds solace in books and poetry.Both Robbins and Oscar Wilde render her equally awestruck,while medicine is her passion,literature is her raison d’être.The concept of holistic treatment of both mind and matter inspires her and her mind palace is an abditory of all-things-delightful. Certified aesthete,she-flaneur and a philocalis, the woman swears by her dynamic playlist and believes in leading The Jedi Life! However,the seemingly quiet hedonist blooms into a loquacious lass once strum to her frequency.
She is an intern at AIMSR. Being confident, expressive and an idealist, she is a firm believer of the fact that power resides where you believe it does. Her infectious enthusiasm and fiery persona makes her unforgettable in every task she undertakes. It’s her hustle and heart that sets her apart. Her passion for Medicine ans Surgery drives her to be a healing touch for those in need. A culinary comforter who is able to rustle up mouth watering treats to melt away all stresses. She adores dogs and is always up for an adventure.
M n a ed i s A
Asssocia ts
Studen l a ic
n- India tio
INNOVATIONS
Issue-12
The latest research in hemoglobinopathies has brought an experimental gene therapy, giving those who have the condition the potential ability to make functional hemoglobin molecules reducing the presence of sickled blood cells or ineffective red blood cells in thalassemia to prevent associated complications.
Approximately 15 percent of people with MS (Chronic demyelinating disease) experience a disease subset known as primary-progressive, characterized by gradual onset and steady progression of signs and symptoms. A new, FDA-approved therapeutic monoclonal antibody- Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) with a novel target is the first and only MS treatment for the primary-progressive population by targeting the CD-20+ B cells.
For IRDS, infants are commonly administered surfactant during mechanical ventilation, a practice that can cause lasting lung injury in preterm infants and contribute to the development of chronic lung disease. Unlike mechanical ventilation, b-CPAP is a noninvasive ventilation strategy delivering continuous positive airway pressure to newborns to maintain lung volumes during exhalation. The oscillating, rather than constant pressure, plays a role in its safety and efficacy, minimizing physical trauma and stimulating lung growth when administered over a prolonged period.
PARP inhibitors – pharmacological inhibitors for cancer treatment – block proteins called PARP that help repair damaged tumor DNA in people with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Though known for their success in women’s cancers, two PARP inhibitors(primarily-Olaparib) have been demonstrated to delay the progression of prostate cancer in men with refractory cancer and DNA repair pathway mutations.
The newest advancement to control post-partum hemorrhage is that of vacuuminduced uterine tamponade – a method that uses negative pressure created inside the uterus to collapse the bleeding cavity causing the muscle to close off the vessels. The vacuum-induced device represents another minimally invasive tool for clinicians as they treat the complication and provides a low-tech solution that is potentially translatable to developing countries with low resource availability.
A. Ask the patient if he has an advance directive or living will. B. Inform the patient that he will likely die without overturning one, if not both, of those forms. C. Ask the patient if he has a durable power of attorney or surrogate decision maker that he would like you to consult. D. Dialyse the patient anyway and admit him to the ICU, but do not intubate him if it becomes necessary. E. Treat the patient with medications only and admit him to a medical floor bed.
A. Maintain confidentiality while attempting to discourage the patient from his plan. B. Inform law enforcement agencies of the threat to the patient's boss. C. Inform the patient's boss of the threat. D. Inform both the patient's boss and law enforcement of the threat. E. Admit the patient for homicidal ideations but maintain confidentiality.
A. Continue attempts to contact the parents to obtain consent B. Obtain an x-ray and treat the fracture appropriately C. Obtain consent from the babysitter as she has assumed responsibility in this case D. Using implied consent, reduce the fracture as you continue attempts to contact the parents
It was a cold January Evening. Morty was busy watching his favorite T.V. Show when all of a sudden, he felt this uncontrollable urge to cough. It was a feeling like no other leading him to let out a series of loud, bloodcurdling coughs. This persisted throughout the night, and Morty woke up the next morning with a mild fever. His mother, aware of the ongoing COVID 19 crisis, immediately called up their family doctor – Dr Rick. Dr Rick immediately went to visit them.
Dr.Rick gave Morty a list of MUST Dos for the next 14 days. These included: Maintaining physical distance Appropriate hand hygiene Usage of masks whenever in contact with another person Regular temperature checks Measuring pO2 saturation % regularly using an oximeter Maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition By the 5th day Morty noticed that the cough and fever had still not subsided, so he hurriedly called up Dr Rick who advocated the use of a drug to enhance the recovery process.
N N E U U R A T H O N
Upon reaching Morty’s house, he performed the standard tests required for confirmation of COVID-19 i.e., nasopharyngeal swabs for rtPCR, po2 saturation and respiratory rate. Morty’s Report indicated the following: rtPCR COVID19-positive, pO2 saturation %=96%, Respiratory rate=20 breaths/minute He was diagnosed by Dr Rick as having a mild case of COVID 19 and was recommended home isolation for 14 days. He also assured Morty of the fact that the case was mild and that he would recover if he followed the recommended protocols.
N E U R A T H O O N
N E U R A T H O N
INFODEMIC COVID-19 virus will be killed at a temperature of 60-65 degrees, drink more hot water, go under the sun for a long time. Drinking warm water is effective for most viruses. Try not to drink ice. Remember that!
Technically, the virus is destroyed at a temperature greater than 60 degrees and there’s no way the human body can handle that high temperature!!
This must be some ayurvedic cure, you allopathic practitioners just want to stuff us with medicines!
That's not true, who sent this to you?
We drink tea hotter than that son don't worry, we will be okay, it's a home remedy.
It was in my office group beta
There is no scientific evidence of this working, please don't believe in all these forwards!!
Going to the hospital only worsens the case son.
We are not infected, it's seasonal cold!
Yes, I am having honey and turmeric concoction also
My neighbour’s son got covid, she said drinking goat’s urine will cure it
What are you kidding me, you can't possibly do that?!
But this is different uncle, it can seriously hurt you
Also did any of you get tested for covid?
Why not, I have asked my maid to fetch me some.
Then even I should have some!
This is ridiculous, are you guys even hearing yourself now?!
Sunita didi can you send a litre for me too?
Yes sure, my maid has 2 of them, she will get as much urine as you want
There have long been cures to ailments, this western medicine only has side effects..
You are right bhaiya, let's keep our approach as ayurvedic as possible!
You know what you self proclaimed doctors should first get covid tested and then move on to prescribe anything!
Today's kids don't understand only, we brought you up entirely on our merit, and look at you, learnt a Lil ABCD and lecturing your elders..
Sunita your son is a menace, you should take him to my baba, Jhaad denge Ek Baar he will be fine!
Yes Mira,, send me his number..
FORWARDS TO 10 MORE GROUPS One 50 y/o man tried to gulp water at that temperature, suffered from unbearable pain due to gastritis, even developed oesophagal burns presented as hematemesis. Kept in hospital for a week where he developed complications due to his existing covid condition. He passed away after 3 weeks of intensive treatment. It was a form of torture that people were inflicting upon themselves. Water cure is a form of torture in which the victim is forced to drink large quantities of water in a short time, resulting in gastric distension, water intoxication, and possibly death. The victim has to drink all the water (or other liquids such as bile or urine) poured into the funnel to avoid drowning.
Dr. Roop Kaur Brar
In the face of this grim reality, even as the physical symptoms subside for the fortunate ones, the wounds of the mind and heart refuse to heal. Like a war veteran who did not die in war but is left to battle the psychological wounds in the safety of his home, our doctors, nurses and other front line health care workers are also battling their mental health issues silently. Invisible wounds like PTSD present the biggest causality of the second wave. The health care workers show increased evidence of psychological issues like stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse along with burnout. Along with long hours of gruelling work in COVID wards under the discomfort of PPE, the inadequate supplies of medicines and oxygen cylinders lead to demoralisation, guilt and regret. They were forced to watch helplessly as patients died in front of their eyes. Simultaneously they were battling fears for their own safety against the virus as well as fear of angry relatives shouting blame at them. Such incidences of being powerless and uncertainty of the future led to increased anxiety.
Negative emotions like disappointment and regret gripped them every day. Prolonged trauma trying to ‘dam’ their emotions and hiding their pain has taken its toll on their mental health.
It is time to break the taboo around mental health issues and begin the mammoth task of addressing this danger. What we see on the outside is a seemingly healthy individual but hidden underneath is the mushy goo of traumatic feelings and emotions that get stored as traumatic memories in the amygdala of our brains. The resulting mental health symptoms of which, trauma, insomnia, headaches, constant worry, panic attacks, brain fog, gastric issues are just a few, if left untreated can lead to a hard pit of depression and suicidal tendency coupled with substance abuse.
Amend policies of duty hours and work conditions. Offer overtime allowance, free insurance, vacation and recreational benefits. Follow multi-pronged approach and counselling, therapy rest and entertainment. Self care at physical level as well: inculcating a routine of adequate sleep, healthy diet, hydration, exercise and yoga/meditation. Infuse humour, love and sharing in relationships with friends and family. Emotional counselling to identify and accept feelings and heal traumatic memories through individual and group therapy. Provide therapy options at workplace or online without stigma. Build a spiritual link with self and universal power to keep hope alive. It is imperative that frontline workers, while tasked with saving lives during the pandemic are not left to deal with the long term mental trauma.
POWER OF HUMANITY Relocating to a city and starting our business here was a dream touching reality, after tireless hours and unfaltering dedication. We thanked the stars shining upon our successful venture until the dreaded covid-19 wave shattered all our hopes. Thousands of families like ours are being pushed into poverty, undoing years of hard work. Lingering onto a dismal silver lining, it’s now about survival.
After hours of job hunting, today was particularly hard. I barely managed to secure some food.
Maa hasn’t gotten out of bed in three days. She has not bathed, done her chores or even eaten much! I’m worried about her. She misses her brother whom she lost to covid.
Life has wrapped us with such grief and uncertainty, like we’re trapped in a tunnel with only darkness at the end.
Hello, our NGO is helping dwellers in this region and we would like to extend support to your family too. We were informed that you had a small food business that unfortunately shut down in the pandemic. While we support your family, we need your help too!
We provide dry ration to families in need and want to further distribute cooked meals. Will you help us cook the meals so we can reach out to the masses?
Someone’s at the door!
How can ‘I’ be of any help to ‘you’?
Teary and shaking in disbelief, yes, yes! You’ve saved us from our misery!
I’ve got plenty of food for dinner today! At the NGO we cooked and distributed 100 meals on our first day! That’s wonderful! Our neighbour died of covid due to improper and timely aid. There’s an acute shortage of hospital beds and oxygen. I wanted to be of help, so today along with my friends, we put together a solution!
Really?!
We set up a helpline through social media for those in need of a bed or oxygen, providing them with timely succour. We’ll also shelter children of families suffering from COVID19 who’re not able to look after them. We’ll cater for them, play and even tutor them. Mr.Pranav’s NGO has agreed to help us provide for this!
Maa’s health is deteriorating. She’s still in her shell, it seems hard for her to get out of it. My friend informed me of a doctor who’s been providing free service. Let's take mom there.
Thats Impressive
Your wife has been through enormous stress and desolation that seems to have affected her mental wellbeing. She’ll require counselling and I’m happy to provide her with help.
Don’t worry, it’s my duty to help out. As for your wife, you all need to be supportive. It will take her time to heal.
Thank you doctor, I’m sorry we cannot afford to pay you.
Yes, seeing the sparkle in her eyes return, oh something I hadn’t realized I missed so much!
I’ve been feeling better lately, I’d like to accompany you to the NGO and help out too!
After so many days, Maa is slowly returning to herself.
I’m so happy! At our lowest point in life, we were offered help in the most unexpected way. Such dour times have brought us closer and we’ve emerged stronger as a community. We indeed rise by lifting others.
This community has emphatically done wonders. Alas, the purpose of life is a life of purpose.
There is hope, after all.
OBSESIONÈ DEL MOMENTO A list of our favourites, only for you!
“Medicine, law, business, engineering… these are noble pursuits, and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
I have always had a vivid recollection of watching or as I must say, witnessing the grandeur of cinematic experience that is “Dead Poets Society”. I sure did appreciate the academia-inspired scaffold it provided but, make no mistake, I have only recently started ruminating over these profoundly moving words by Professor John Keating. As a harmonious community of medical students, we, here at AMSA not only embody the spirit of our shared love and passion for Medicine but also acknowledge the dire need of our medico-family to hit the snooze button from time to time and cherish other supposed “worldly pleasures” as well. Also to save you those laborious hours of google surfing and mindless exploration (which we also prescribe as per the need), we have curated a list of all-things-delightful for you to delve into. You’re welcome.
Starting with some breezy soulful tracks’ recommendations-for all you R&B souls: 1) Giveon is our favourite for the month. The entire “Take Time” album is strewn with cosmogyral of thoughts laid out in blissful soothing tones, it is like that summer shower we all covet for. 2) And if a shot of Adrenaline is what you’re looking for, the age-old excellence of “Imagine Dragons” never ceases to amaze. Put on those headphones, slip into your workout gear and blast “whatever it takes” for quick hassle-free cardio. 3) John Legend’s Love in the Future. 4) Khalid’s Suncity. 5) Taylor Swift’s Red-Taylor’s version. 6) Ella Fitzgerald’s The war years (1941-1947). Amongst the best podcast recommendations of the month-“Weekly motivation by Ben Lionel Scott” tops the chart and “Geeta for the young and restless by Geeta Sar” ensures that we get some insight and a holistic approach when going gets tough.
“ I see where you are going with this, umm, I drink red wine. But I also drink white wine. And I’ve been known to sample the occasional Rose. And a couple of summers back, I tried a merlot that used to be Chardonnay…which got a bit complicated!” “Yeah so, You’re just really open to all wines.” “I like the wine and not the label. Does that make sense?” We are not gonna include Schitts Creek in the list because it is clearly a given. Also in this Pride month, let's hope we can all get some clarity and embrace kindness. That being said,
Our series’ recommendation for the season is1) The bold type (Netflix): for all you boss ladies 2) The Queens Gambit: Anya Taylor Joy is a vision in this one 3) The Last Kingdom: Dissatisfied throners can attempt watching a series and hope for a better finale. 4) Normal People 5) The family man
Also some of our honourable mentions which also happen to be limited episodes’ aka miniseries: 1) When they see us 2) Alias Grace 3) Godless 4) Unbelievable 5) The haunting of Bly Manor For those busy bees with ridiculously short attention span, we’ve got you covered too;
Our favourite movie recommendations for you aficionadosMovies for when you want to feel comforted1) Beautiful boy 2) The Intouchables 3) Wonder 4) The Half of it 5) The Grand Budapest Hotel Movies to awaken the cinematic connoisseur in you, 1) 1917 2) Goodfellas 3) The two popes 4) The trial of Chicago 7 5) Nightcrawler And Finally, some suggestions to tickle you through and through1) Home Alone 2) Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 3) Just go with it 4) My best friend’s wedding 5) and my favourite Hera Pheri and Fir Hera Pheri
Instagram doesn't necessarily have to be a platform that amplifies false body image and impose irrational beauty standards. Let us filter the information that reaches us and follow those who actually inspire us to think better. And do better. 1) Raj Shamani, @rajshamani 2) Ankur Warikoo, @ankurwarikoo 3) Dr.Trinetra Haldar, @trintrin 4) Deepak Pareek, @dkpareek 5) Jova Ferreyra, @jovaferreyra
Concluding with our most eminent reads which provided a substantial amount of mind fodder1) When breath becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 2) Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari 3) Love is a dog from hell by Charles Bukowski 4) Kafka on the shore by Haruki Murakami 5) The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
"Self-Care is the sincerest form of self-love”. “When you treat your body like a temple, it makes sure you are blessed in all your endeavours. Establishing a healthy morning and night-time routine is pivotal in leading a sustainable and happier life. Here are our tips to incorporate gratitude and peace in this hustle1) Avoid using your phone in the first 2 hours after waking up, It's an addictive technology and is highly capable of ruining your morning. 2) Maintain a gratitude journal. Journaling can be both an outlet and a planner for a better lifestyle. 3) Reduce sugar and caffeine intake no matter how hard it may sound. Substitute your regular tea with matcha tea. Might take you 2-3 weeks to adjust but it's a bliss I promise. 4) Movement is the key.Always.Irrespective of how little you get, make sure you include some yoga, exercises or meditation in your routine. 5) Medicine is stressful per se, but managing to read a work of fiction alongside would help maintain your creative side and at the same time keep you in touch with the grandeur of literature. 6) Take care of your skin. Take your vitamins. I repeat. Take your vitamins. That's about it. A little treasure trove of all our current favourites. A respite for all you relentless workers.
“Carpe diem, Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary” (And if you still have not watched Dead Poets Society, Make sure that you schedule it for your next off-day or weekend)
K O F F EE WITH
KUMAIL HUSSAIN One of a kind, Kumail Hussain is a medical student, an entrepreneur and a YouTuber with a passion driven towards educating the masses on mindset and medicine; fundamentally being deeply committed to service. Let's dive into his thoughts on the different aspects of a student's life, how he balances med school while prioritising a healthy lifestyle alongside working towards building his side hustles with the ultimate goal of being proficient and making the most of it!
Mindset/Productivity/ Medicine - the motto of your being. How would you amalgamate these three aspects pragmatically in the journey of life?
They are all interrelated and feed off one another. I never realized that many of our actions and passions stem from our mindset. So as I deal with productivity while studying medicine, I realize that having strong principles when it comes to our mindset is crucial.
What is your take on active indulgence in extracurricular activities and research projects apart from plain academics? And how can one make the most of it with good time management?
Time management gets a lot easier when you do extracurricular that you are passionate about. You can do a thousand different things to pad your resume so for your own sake, make sure you like doing it. When you figure what makes you happy besides studying, prioritize those every time.
Medical school is tough and dedicated hours for academics are needed, so one often lets go of their hobbies in the process or aren't able to take out time for a healthy lifestyle or even take a moment to de-stress guilt-free. What's your approach towards living a balanced life as a student, an entrepreneur and a content creator?
I schedule everything! When it gets really busy with school, I am so happy to be able to still take time out of my day to relax. And I try to incorporate meaningful activities to relives stress. Because things like reading, sleeping or reflecting help to “sharpen the axe” when I get back to my studies!
Often students find it extremely challenging staying focused towards the enormous academia in medicine. What has been your approach towards staying focused and consistent, whether it's studies or your social media brand?
Yes, the workload can be enormous, but I figured out what my specific goals were with school and decided on it. This way I could stay consistent with my study routine to get the outcomes I desired. After that, I decided what else I wanted to include in my week and days. Social media took precedence so I just scheduled that because it gave me a higher sense of purpose. Consistency is much easier when you clarify your outcomes and purpose.
Your YouTube channel, Instagram and TikTok are definitely worth bingeing over. What inspired you to take up social media and such other side hustles?
Well, social media is an amazing way to reach and educate people. I started off by just talking about my own life not thinking anyone would relate. But I was surprised to see the connection I had with people. And when it comes to side hustles, I am an advocate for anyone developing multiple streams of income. Not just to be rich but to be financially free. Because of my side hustles, I’ve been able to lend a helping hand to my father and brother when times got tough. That was enough to motivate to get better and always grow my business.
While compassion fatigue and burnout are real in this field of work, have you come across it at any level? If so, what do you think are ways of dealing with it, without feeling guilt-ridden?
Burnout is a huge problem in this field and with many fields. We don’t realize that with the advancement of technology and education, we are obligated to take on more than we can handle. We live in more culture and there is always someone performing better than us, or so we assume. The biggest lesson is to prioritize what you want and realize it is your life. Take the time and breaks you need. Prioritise the small things. Put life into perspective and reflect. Guilt comes from external pressures or factors, let yourself be who you want to be.
How would you encourage young minds pursuing medicine to stay motivated in such times of uncertainty? Can you share with us some habits you’ve incorporated in your daily routine that you feel have completely changed your outlook towards life in a positive way?
Realize that life is destined to be uncertain. The more we cling to certainty the worse we will feel. I develop habits to help me deal with whatever life has to throw at me. Because habits build discipline and meaning. And that will always get you through the difficult times. Some habits I’ve adopted include: Waking up early Reducing caffeine Stopped drinking and smoking Read for 30 minutes a day Exercise 5 times a week And not eating out more than twice a week
Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.
INTERVIEW WITH
ANUJ PACHHEL A talk about striking the perfect balance to keep the hustle going while taking a moment to de-stress too!
1. What inspired you to start your youtube channel? Where did you get the initial impetus to embark upon this endeavour?
2. How many hours do you devote to studies and content creation?
3. How do you juggle between clinics, lectures and content creation? Do you ever feel overwhelmed and burnt out?
4. Your social media outreach is tremendous even at such a young age, whom do you owe your success to? Has your family been supportive throughout?
5. What other interests do you have apart from youtube?
6. What is your perspective on reading standard books and exam preparation manuals? Which ones would you suggest?
7. What are your tricks and tips for more focussed and distraction-less learning?
8.What are your prospects regarding post-graduation? Are you looking for a future overseas? Have you decided upon any branch in particular? What would be your driving force behind it?
9. Would you describe yourself as a routine worker or someone who goes all in during the exam season only?
10. Your success and performance has been inspiring for all of us, Is there anything else you would like to share with our viewers, especially the fresher lot?
Touche Anuj, Touche. The session was as delightful as it was informative and we are jubilant over having him with us. Hope that our readers could take a few nuggets from his endeavours and aim higher.
ASIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION-INDIA
Stressors and Self Care
DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
Amidst a sea of emotions, academia stress and all the havoc Covid19 has caused in all our lives, hope remains our strongest weapon. More importantly our self-developed mechanisms to let loose and break away is what really keeps us going! Personally, when I play some music and pick up my Hula Hoop, with every movement, my thoughts flow away leaving me with composure and positivity so calming that I feel like I’ve transformed into another world altogether. Spending some time with my friends “virtually” or going on a long drive are my ways of unwinding from reality. After a packed day exhausted, settling in with the perfect cup of tea and a fresh novel or my comfort TV show- The Office which is my all-time go-to, the relaxation post which is unreal, dissolving most of the day’s stress. A long run, some stretching and good sleep help me refocus. Finally, catching up with my family and engaging in meaningful conversation with those who inspire me- undoubtedly leaves me motivated, making me realize why I started in the first place and why the struggle will be worth it one day! Don't miss to check out more such sections of the newsletter like 'Obsesione del momento' and 'What I wish I knew in MBBS' for thoughts and reforms to ameliorate stressors and loosen up a bit!
MEMES MEMES MEMES MEMES MEMES MEMES MEMES MEMES MEMES
MEMES MEMES MEMES MEMES MEMES MEMES MEMES MEMES MEMES
Contributions from our Readers
WEARING PLASTICS -MANVI LAMBA
DEAR PAGES,
So I decided to offer my help to the Chief Medical Officer and he agreed to recruit me as a volunteer in the covid ward for 2 weeks. I demanded nothing in return for my services. I thought I wasn't going to be much of a help, but NEET- PG was around the corner and junior residents were all damsels in distress. They had to do an exhausting 12-hour shift. So I assisted them in morning ward rounds and measuring vitals. I had to make sure the patients were stable and comfortable.
HEALING THE HEALERS Society at large has this assumption that the healers of our society are insulated by emotional, physical or mental break down as a result of their work. Just because we as healthcare workers are professionally qualified does not mean that we do not fall prey to the repercussions of dealing with the very subject of health daily. Instead of understanding our perspective, to my dismay, I’ve seen numerous incidences of members of the society we serve to look at us as mere robots and machines. In our curriculum we are taught to interact with our patients with empathy and compassion, which goes a long way in the process of healing. However, why does society make no attempt to understand the healthcare workers face in the line of duty day in and day out. It has almost become a norm that healthcare workers toiling hard around the clock to the point of burnout. It is high time we revamp this atrocious system of placing healthcare workers in a situation where they end up working inhumane hours. The expectations from healthcare workers are reaching dizzying heights and this is not sustainable. Encouraging healthcare workers to take care of themselves must be a priority. Mental health especially is a significant area we need to lay emphasis on. It is not okay to feel lifeless and be on the verge of a breakdown, but still assume it’s just a passing phase. It is most definitely not weak to go through these emotions and feel out of control at times. As healers we must take care of ourselves. A quote which aptly summarizes this isYou cannot hope to heal others when you neglect yourself”.
Antara Paradkar A 1st Year Medical Student at HBT Medical College & Dr RN Cooper Medical College, Mumbai. She loves playing the piano, and has a keen interest in listening to music as well. She enjoys reading, watching tennis and making exquisite looking desserts. She also loves travelling and being amidst nature. She strives to make our world a better place in whatever way she can.
Now as healthcare workers we need to actively monitor our wellbeing in all spheres on a daily basis by asking the most vital questions: - How am I feeling? Am I eating healthy? Am I spiritually in tune with what I’m doing? Am I unusually overwhelmed or feeling anxious? Meditation and exercise are definitely the basics of a balanced life, and we as healthcare workers must prioritize creating our own fuel so we have sufficient reserves to be able to help others. Having social interactions with family and friends is vital. Having a supportive framework in your workplace is absolutely mandatory to have a successful healthcare system. Especially in this pandemic PTSD has been on the rise. It is necessary to seek help during these times. Helping yourself is not selfish. Giving yourself a break to rejuvenate yourself and your purpose must be a continual ritual in your life. Dealing with the subject of burnout and self-care is something our medical education needs to emphasize on. Nurturing ourselves must be a priority. Policies need to be framed to empower the healthcare workers and not subjugate them. In conclusion for healthcare workers to be able to put their best foot forward, society also needs to be a little more considerate.
THE CUCKOO AT MY WINDOW One sunny morning I heard some birds With voices so sweet I ran to my window to see The sweetest little family of cuckoo birds Perched upon a tree. “Hello dear girl, meet my family. This is Ed, Ava and I am Luna” “How come I haven't seen you around before?” “Well, the noise, dust, and pollution, It got us quite distraught.” “But the air is so fresh and clean now As the second wave of COVID is here The automobiles and all the people Are locked at home in fear” The next few months the birds came every day To mesmerize me with their lovely tunes Until one unfortunate day, I saw it was just Luna alone Singing a melody so heart-breaking “Ed and Ava were flying towards the tree Where our nest used to be But little did we know our tree had been cut And replaced by some brick and stone” How could we be so cruel?! While we were in lockdown, the birds and trees were flourishing, But just as things start to lookup The environment-we start punishing? When will we realize we need to live in balance With the animals and trees that give us life The next day Luna disappeared too Do you think she's alright?
Simontika Sen She’s a fourth year medical student from Vydehi Medical College,Bangalore. She loves learning new skills, dancing, playing the keyboard and trying out new recipes. She believes poetry is the best way to bring out all the thoughts and emotions lying deep within.
HEALING THE HEALERS, SEEKING THE SEEKERS “Pandemics Pathetic, Enemies Invisibly Aesthetic. Warriors in White coats, Marching fearless, in Faith Hope, to hopeless, a Doctor’s Destiny.”
Dr. Avi Singh He is a passionate poet and artist with a soul that feeds on travel; He believes life isn't too short to experience it all if you have the spirit to live it right. Besides his love for academics, he is also an open mic performer & currently the National Academics Coordinator for the Bioethics Unit at AMSA India (2021-22)
Do you expect a Chef to not eat himself? Does an architect not live in a home himself? Does a tailor himself not wear clothes? Food, Shelter, Cloth are basic necessities that every human requires, no matter their profession. Extending the same logic to the most vital resource that we often forget to mention, since we are so used to being at the peak of it at most times- Health. And at other times, we are not- we have the Healers to the rescue: The Doctors that relieve us of our excruciating pains & Experiences that we cant even describe in their completeness. But why do most of us cater to this misconception that Doctors are not humans or that the healers might not need healing themselves. We weirdly believe that its their job to heal, while it is okay for them to be vulnerable to all kinds of harms.
To give an example, Psychiatrists dealing with depressive patients are most likely among the medical professionals to attempt suicides themselves. Some call it an occupational hazard while others, a consequence of their incompetence. But when have you ever seen a human being absolutely impeccable at the profession they choose. By very nature, humanity is prone to imperfections and errors (that’s basically how evolution works). While we do not have such a high price for errors by other professionals, why do doctors fall in a category of their own? Why is their reputation and safety at stake when it comes to their job? And the saddest part being that most times a doctor is under an assault, he has performed his duty to the best of his abilities; Its just the nature of the profession that most times when the patient has an initial worse condition, he is more likely to have a worse prognosis. But this simple understanding is either too complicated for a few or probably the emotions of the attendants are wildly uncaged & the only target they perceive is the healer himself. While it is human nature to retaliate in an unacceptable situation, it is absolutely shameful that the current system in no real way protects the healers from this violence & the assailants face no major consequences. Making laws isn't the solution; implementation is what really matters. But before we start hoping even a slight change in the socio-political situation, are we sure that everyone around us understands the very raw truth: Doctors are humans too; The healing hands also need care& we cant expect the health care system to run if the healers are at harm’s way.
“A million faces, in need The white cape adorned for reasons right Dreaming infinite, spreading the light”
HEALING THE HEALERS Hopes, Dream, Of wearing the white coat. The uncontrolled excitement, The first day of college, The proud parents, Hopes, Dreams, The gruelling years and The unyielding exams. But underneath all of that The passion to help, The passion to understand, The passion to extend a helping hand. Hopes, Dreams, Turned to dust. The helping hand soon cried for help. The unyielding blows and The vile curses. What was the mistake? A white coat.
Namira A.F She’s a 2nd year Medical Student, Studying in Al Ameen Medical College and loves to read and listen to music.
Hopes, Dreams, Cannot be crushed. The helping hand would heal. The helping hand would stand by its oath. And continue to heal. To safeguard, The hopes and dreams of others Hopes, Dreams, Moving Forward… Forward
At a time of crisis, with patients at home and nowhere to go, many families suffered the brunt of the pandemic. Regular OPD visits took a major hit and patients were not able to visit their doctors for any check-ups. In that very moment of crisis, doctors stepped up to make sure that their patients still receive their regular medications and follow-ups, and that's how Telemedicine came into picture. It has not only made lives easier for a lot of patients but has also helped break the chain of infection.
Telemedicine has been on the rise during the pandemic. With doctors offering consultations online and utilizing video calling platforms to talk to their patients, getting an appointment with a doctor has now become significantly easy. Even though initially it was time consuming and cumbersome for doctors to get used to the technology, that didn’t kill their spirits as they strived to learn the process. Of Late there have been a significant number of doctors offering telemedicine services to people who are unreachable or taken ill.
We must all dwell into and utilize the potential of Telemedicine well and hope for a healthier and fitter India.
Additionally, to help out in times of distress, the Indian government launched its own application- Swasthya Bharat. It has helped people connect with doctors throughout the country in a click of a button. With a notable rise in its usage during the pandemic, there is still scope of improvement, nonetheless it has been a helpful and state of the art technology. Many hospitals have also launched their own virtual appointments apps making it far easier for patients to obtain proper medical advice. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore also launched its own toll-free helpline number for psychosocial support and mental health services. Many psychologists and psychiatrists have also been providing free mental health services to people from all over the country utilising the core principle of telemedicine. Having used and understood telemedicine, I hope that readers understand why this is a positive development of tomorrow. This will help reduce the burden on doctors, reduce the rush at hospitals and in turn mitigate spread of communicable diseases like covid19. It's imperative to tap into the potential of telemedicine as it is the future of medicine in India. Alas, we must applaud our health care workers for learning to operate telemedicine services as it requires both passion and patience. We must all dwell into and utilize the potential of Telemedicine well and hope for a healthier and fitter India.
Ikshita Nagar She is a Final Year medical student who is an avid reader, graphic designer, dreamer and achiever. She believes it's necessary to dream, but working to achieve your goals is what matters the most.
HEALING THE WORLDONE KIND ACT AT A TIME "Being human is a given. But keeping our humanity is a choice."
If the Covid-19 Pandemic has taught us anything, it's the fact that 'We are Vulnerable'. And amidst this vulnerability, humans have found a way to be humane. I come from a small hillstation which may not necessarily have had the kind of exposure to professional healthcare that one may see in the metropolitan cities of the country. So, naturally, tackling a disease as deadly as covid initially seemed out of the capacity of the healthcare system. All it took was this small piece of information to spread like wildfire and all through the night, the sound of sirens and announcements filled the air and tension seemed to be suspended from the skies that just hours ago, were lit up with the kind of freedom that is only seen in the hills. But that did not stop our medical professionals from seeking the best guidance from experts all over the globe to effectively combat the coronavirus, with immense support of the local population. NGOs came in when the state of the people was at it's worst. Besides distributing food and drink to the less fortunate across town, providing shelter to the homeless and financial help to those who lost their jobs during the lockdown.
Athira Saji Athira is a 1st Year MBBS Student at CMC Ludhiana. She is a published writer and is passionate about public speaking. Above all, she aims to spread positivity through her work!
And then you think, maybe, just maybe, it takes a Pandemic to discover humanity among humans.
Perhaps, the best initiative emerged when the health department launched a helpline for symptomatic people needing guidance for taking their next steps or even for those requiring psychological and emotional assistance during these tough times. They say, "The smallest acts of kindness can ignite a fire so great that can impact millions." And this is exactly what happened. Inspired by one another, more organizations came forth with donations, initiatives and support plans with just one motive- To make things better. Creative individuals came up with innovative ways like virtual contests and webinars to raise funds for those infected with the virus who couldn't afford medical treatment. And perhaps, the best example of true unity was exhibited in the way places of religious importance opened up their doors to people irrespective of their religious beliefs and converted their buildings into corona care centers at minimal to no cost. Inspite of being in a place where even the concepts of space and time seem to be disrupted due to suffering of the highest degree, one is overcome with emotion when the thought of 'strangers taking care of strangers' comes to mind. All of this chaos may have shaken our pillars of security and sanity but these random acts of kindness tend to spark hope in nooks where the sun rarely shines her light. And then you think, maybe, just maybe, it takes a Pandemic to discover humanity among humans.
"World belongs to humanity, not this leader, that leader or that king or prince or religious leader" -Dalai Lama I realized the true essence of this saying last year. When the first wave of COVID hit our nation, my family and I were diagnosed with COVID. We couldn't even visit the doctor for prescriptions. However, our family doctor made every effort, from sending prescriptions to counselling us online. He had done his utmost to help us out, especially my father, who also happens to be a heart patient. The lab reports were homedelivered to us. We were unable to find beds in the local hospital for my parents. An NGO hospital afar admitted them after checking their D-dimer report. The hospital was mainly for the patients living nearby, but humanity surpassed everything and my parents were provided with immediate medical care. Prescriptions were sent by their COVID team and I was advised to be home quarantined. But the struggle did not end; my father’s condition was severe, my mother was bedbound in the hospital, my grandmother and I were afflicted by fever.
Farhaan Fidai He is a third year Medical student of Katihar Medical College, Bihar, from Mumbai He likes to sing, play badminton, watch football and work out in his free time. He aims to be a doctor because his passion has always been helping others. He’s a self motivated person and is always willing to learn new things.
My father required plasma, which being unavailable at the hospital made all of us anxious. I had lost all hope as I was not in a position to help my dear parents. I posted on social media about the same, hoping someone would come forward to help. I was truly astonished to see people from far over places contacting me to provide aid. Calls and messages started pouring in and I saw a chink of light. I managed to get the first plasma. Since I was home quarantined, my friends delivered the plasma to the hospital. I was staggered when their parents offered us help as well. Some of them regularly sent us meals and fruits. Our medicines were also taken care of by our friends and neighbors.
I am still very grateful to them. The next day my father required plasma again and this time I already had a list of people ready to help and my friends on their toes to deliver. Despite these circumstances, there was a great sense of joy and contentment in knowing that such helpful people exist. can never repay this kindness and hospitality. I used to get calls daily from my relatives and peers to know my health status. They had striven to make my days better. It is indeed a fallacy to assume humanity isn’t left. This episode left a deep mark on my soul. Experiencing all this, my outlook on life changed from pessimistic to optimistic.
“BUT I READ ON WHATSAPP THAT…” As a human being using social media during the second wave, it was impossible to not be bombarded with messages hailing garlic and giloy as cures for covid. How strange, then, that the country reported roughly 2.5 lakh deaths[1] despite an abundance of herbs that serve as cures according to the experts at “Whatsapp University”. Social media platforms have always been notorious for propagating information without verifying it. However, this practice was so much worse during a raging pandemic. In the beginning, it was merely an annoyance that could mostly be brushed off. Eventually, it was frustrating to see how persistent these claimants could be, with their utter disregard for all things scientific. But as cases peaked, all of us lost someone we loved, or knew someone who did. As medical students, we even felt responsible and were often guilt-ridden, wondering if we could have, should have done something more. Amidst this grief and guilt, a message claiming that “Covid could simply be cured by consuming chilli, or steam inhalation[2]” was a deeply insensitive jibe, a reminder that the pandemic was still a joke to some people.
Tejasvini Khanna She is a final year MBBS student at Maulana Azad Medical College. She can mostly be found with her nose buried in a novel and hopes to heal people with a combination of medicines and words
We must ask- why was misinformation rampant enough to become a significant problem? Well, times were desperate. People wanted an answer, a cure. Medical doctors outdid themselves in terms of sacrifice- but at the end of the day, they are only human. Scientific research is systematic and takes time- that is why it is credible. It was very tempting to believe that a bunch of spices or gargling could save a family member from death. But ultimately, these forwards were bogus- they hurt patients, they hurt doctors. It is essential to regulate the sharing of unverified information, and tell people which websites to trust. We must recognise the danger posed by careless forwards, and the miscreants spreading them should pay the price.
References 1. Bhattacharya, A. (2021, July 17). Covid: At 1.28%, death rate in 2nd wave still lower than in first wave. Times of India. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/covid-at-1-28death-rate-in-2nd-wave-still-lower-than-in-firstwave/articleshow/84490743.cms. 2. Badrinathan, S. (2021, June 7). Opinion: India is facing an epidemic of misinformation alongside covid-19. Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/06/07/in dia-misinformation-covid-19-pandemic/
INFODEMIC:
Its course and cure We human beings, who are naturally curious species, tend to feed on new information, to be up to date with the new developments and changes, also in the fear of missing out, we grab on to the sources that deliver data instantly and is easy to understand. But, with rapidly occurring changes in the protocols of treatment, features of the virus, the statistics and much more, a flood of information on the COVID-19 pandemic is available. Even the physicians are struggling to catch up with the thousands of research papers being put out continuously. An “infodemic” is an overabundance of information – some accurate and some not. It makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance. This is because, ‘misinformation’ (false information) that was not created with the intention of hurting others, but which can be potentially hazardous is being thrown at us. Misinformation is increasingly sophisticated, hard to track and emotive, and can imperil public trust in health authorities and service delivery. The challenge of a novel pandemic pathogen twinned with an infodemic has not been seen on this scale before. Everyone believes they are sharing good information – but unfortunately, they are not. Disinformation, unlike misinformation, is false information created to profit from it or cause harm. Consequences of infodemics / Impact of infodemic during crisis: Stigmatizing groups of people, and encourage “treatments” and behaviours that harm health can imperil public trust in health authorities and service delivery causes people to reject interventions such as vaccines try out unproven and dangerous therapies like ingesting methanol to prevent COVID-19
What can be done to flatten the curve of infodemics: Maintaining high standards of ethics and transparency recognize situations where information is absent, due to the high risk of misinformation easily seeping in Involving Influencers to stand with the right information Understanding exposure and consumption patterns Designing dramas/ plays Incentives should be designed for social media companies to make them interested in taking social responsibility Develop an inclusive and sustainable model of science communication Few steps to follow to be aware of while consuming information, according to WHO: 1. Check for fake social media accounts, look at how long profiles have been active, their number of followers and their most recent posts. For websites, check the “About Us” and “Contact Us” pages to look for background information and legitimate contact details. For images, you can use reverse image search tools provided by Google. 2. Read the entire story and not just the headlines. Diversify your sources. 3.Check if the information is up to date and relevant to current events. 4.Credible stories back up their claims with facts like quotes from experts or links to statistics or studies. Look out for the backups 5.Consult trusted fact-checking organizations, such as the International Fact-Checking Network.
Bhagya Sudi An introvert who loves looking at sky, drinking tea and sleeping. Trusts in spreading kindness everywhere.
MBBS IN A PANDEMIC
The fluster and fixes ONLINE MEDICAL TEACHING - ISSUES AND HOW TO STUDY EFFICIENTLY Online education has been gaining popularity in recent times due to technical advancements and the ease of learning. Most of the academic courses can be taught and learned entirely by the online distant mode. Although online mode has great advantages for education, MBBS needs to be learned through its conventional offline mode. This is because the MBBS course is an art of life science that deals with human life. Besides grasping theoretical knowledge it involves extensive practical activities like cadaveric dissection, laboratory experiments, investigations, and direct physical interaction with the patients in the hospitals all under the supervision of the learned faculties. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, everything in the world came to a sudden halt. MBBS students had to bear the major brunt of this catastrophe as their studies had to suffer a big jolt due to the shutdown of the colleges. Online classes were introduced by the medical colleges to prevent study loss. According to NMC online theory classes are valid for MBBS students during the current pandemic Covid-19 only and they are required to be supplemented by practical and clinical training as per the current curriculum when the colleges reopen. Online learning consists of various forms like online classes, live web simulations, webinars, and online chat rooms. Online mode has made learning simpler and effective with the help of 3-D models and animations, classroom lectures, access to a virtual library and group discussions streamed over the internet to anybody, anytime and anywhere in the world.
Riya Dargan I am a first year MBBS student in Shyam Shah Medical College Rewa. I love nature, music, dance and singing. Want to do research to find cure of Covid-19.
Lack of a proper schedule. Lack of proper discipline among students. Lack of effective interaction between the student and the teacher. Deficiency of assessment tools. Inconsistency of internet speed. Hands-on practicals are not possible. Clinical skills cannot be learned without interaction with the patients. Every patient is a unique live textbook that can be learned only by physical interaction.
Online classes should follow a strict schedule. Online classes should ensure that the students attend and participate interactively. Online examination tools should be developed for the assessment of the students. Internet access and speed has to be improved Newer interesting interactive multimedia 3-D animation software programs have to be developed. A uniform standard national online teaching course for Indian MBBS students has to be structured and developed by a team of learned medical faculties under the supervision of NMC.
The online mode of medical education in India is still in its infancy. We should strive to strengthen this system of teaching to keep medical education in continuity without any disruptions in case of contingencies like the Covid-19 pandemic. Online medical teaching has both pros and cons. To avoid the limitations of online education in MBBS, it might be worthwhile to combine the advantages of online and offline teaching methods to form a system of blended pedagogy.
TALES OF A MEDICAL STUDENT It's March 2019 and everything is going well, When you hear a new disease called COVID, A lockdown for a fortnight, Sounds like absolute heaven to you. You are overjoyed, A fortnight to sleep and relax, But oh you sweet summer child, You know nothing. The lectures are converted online, you sit in front of the laptop watching the hours pass away, And before you know it, Your online lecture for the day is over. The days pass like that, Your world has shrunken, You are entrapped in the four walls of the room, With the laptop being your only friend. Months of sitting like that, You find your back aching and your eyes hurting, None of the lectures makes sense, And you daydream about the day you can go back into society. The portion has been completed, The exams are going to be conducted soon and offline, You are jolted from your semi-comatose state, And wonder "yeh kabhi karvaya". Somehow you manage to pass the exam, A miracle that none can explain, As you get ready to enter into the next year, You hear the faintest whispers of a new Covid-19 variant and lockdown.
Manali Sarkar She is a third year MBBS Student from MGM Medical College, Navi Mumbai. She believes in the fact that no one is insignificant enough to cause a change in the world and her motto in life is "though she be but little, she is fierce."
The streets were empty. The lights were blurred. However, there were sounds plenty. They were sounds of mayhem unheard. “Will ma be joining us for dinner tonight?” “She’s in quarantine, dear.” It was a woeful plight Everyone succumbed to the abyss of fear. Fear of isolation; fear of banality. Fear of loss; fear of death. “Ma is no more; this cannot be the reality.” The child grieved. The world has been coloured with red ashes A child being orphaned every second, The second wave arrived with its own clashes The ineffable awe of the pandemic seems not to end. “Would I ever meet my family again?” “Can I survive this virus?” “Is this loneliness driving me insane?” Questions such as these linger in the sky like the golden wings of Iris. Everyone was imprisoned in their own world Now we are all Maya Angelou’s caged birds Songs of freedom yet unturned What is our strength anymore, not even words? There is but a persistent hope Hope that after the rain, the petrichor would heal our souls A hope that the caged birds would cope A hope that the new light would fill in our heart’s holes. Splashes of hope with love for ourselves would make the caged birds free Kindness to the affected must be the new language The world as an epitome of goodness is the key Small acts of happiness would overturn the damage. You are healing; you are the healer.
Sunanda banerjee A first year MBBS student at KIMS, Bhubaneswar. I am from Kolkata, West Bengal. I am passionate about music, art, poetry, research, and advocating equality and mental health. It is my ambition to create ripples in the rigid paradigms of the society through research.
COVID 19 AND MENTAL HEALTH
Subhashree Subashree is a third year MBBS student from Tamil Nadu. She is an avid reader and a trained singer
THE UNHEARD CRIES
Another cough, another sneeze Another “God! Save me please” Another scream, another cry Another day, another sigh Goggled, masked, gloved and gowned In scorching heat, the Sun frowned No food, no water, no bathroom break I fought my tears through the ache Running around from ward to ward Gripping my stetho like a sword I Checked X rays and CT scans While holding my dying patient’s hands Putting on a face too brave I sent people to their graves Shook to my core with every death And smothered my cries by holding my breath Unable to shut my eyes at night Thinking about tomorrow’s plight I tossed and turned all night in bed Recalling the faces of the dead I felt trapped, I felt confined Within the walls of my mind Playing the game of guilt and blame Watching my efforts go down in vain Keeping track of others’ needs I forgot that I had a body to feed I think I’m going to lose my sanity Fulfilling my duty towards humanity The pandemic may end some day The economies will revive But the nightmares and the mental traumas Will haunt the doctors throughout their lives
Divya Randhawa A final year student with as strong a passion for writing as for medicine. She has been writing poems since childhood, trying to highlight mental health issues and the importance of creating a healthy lifestyle for the mind, body and soul. She also has a poetry page on Instagram. Apart from writing, she enjoy music, yoga, reading and mediation.
WHAT I WISH I KNEW IN MBBS How to study? Identify the text you need to study and learn Make a schedule Identify and understand your learning style Try to find a study partner who has a similar learning style, pace of learning and study hours Write down what you read Practice questions Kick out distractions Follow pomodoro method Use study tools and apps Eat well and stay hydrated Stay active and exercise Schedule regular breaks and enjoy yourself. It’s all about balance! Stay positive. You’ve got this!
How to devise an effective schedule? Make a to do list Short term plans are more effective and achievable than long term ones Plan for one full week. [6 days study + 1 day off] Specific daily tasks Plan ahead for tests and assignments Add variety in plans Schedule regular breaks to give yourself a breather Plan enough time to study each subject Keep time for your hobbies and activities that you love to prevent burnout Self care is imperative - exercise, watch that Netflix show, video call your friends and family, whatever helps you to stay positive! Try not to procrastinate and stick to your schedule as much as possible Do not feel guilty if you deviate from your schedule once in a while, start again! Use a planner or apps to make your schedule. Eg: Notion, Trello, TickTick, etc.
How to follow a schedule? 1. Self discipline - hold yourself accountable! Customise your schedule as only you know what you have to study and how much time it takes for you to grasp topics. 2. Set realistic expectations - do not get over ambitious and try to make a doable to do list keeping in mind your leaning speed, breaks and other activities. 3. Give undivided attention to the task at hand - do not procrastinate and use your phone. 4. Increase your productivity and avoid distractions - use apps like Flipd, Forest, FLIP, etc 5. Add cushion time between tasks - this is important as if you take more time on one task you can utilise the cushion time and not take ruin your schedule further. 6. Re evaluate your schedule and edit it as and when needed.
POMODORO TECHNIQUE: It is a time management method by Francesco Cirillo in order to stay mentally alert and focused. Focused uninterrupted study period of 25 mins followed by a 5 mins break Repeat 4 times and the take a longer break for 30 mins 25 mins study 5 mins break
5 mins break 25 mins study
25 mins study 30 mins break
5 mins break
25 mins study
This can be achieved by setting a timer Consistently work past the point of productivity If task/topic finished before 25 mins continue working by revising the topic or practising questions Combat distraction Realistic time plan for activities other than studying Plan out pomodoro schedule in advance for the whole day Try not to use screens during 5 mins breaks Give your eyes and brain a rest Utilise 5 mins breaks to walk around, make a cup of coffee, stretch, tidy room, etc You can customise your Pomodoro study schedule according to your liking and ability to learn. Eg: 50+10, 45+15, etc
MEMORIZATION TECHNIQUE: Prepare notes summarising lectures Highlight important topics and key words Break down big paragraph into bullet points as they are easier to learn Use mnemonics to learn various facts Colour coding helps visual learners Use post it notes to add extra points to text Including diagrams and drawing pictures is helpful Practice questions after learning topics Use flash cards to quiz yourself Memorise better by teaching concepts to other students or having group discussions Use videos to supplement textbooks Write and practice what you learn Draw a memory map to see how much you remember after finishing the topic Study different subjects instead of studying one subject all day ‘Active recall’ is a must Practice ‘spaced repetition’ learning method by Ebbinghans: ‘With any considerable number of repetitions a suitable distribution of religions over a space of time is more advantageous than mugging at a single time’ 1. First repetition - 1 day after learning 2. Second repetition - 7 days after learning 3. Third repetition - 16 days after learning 4. Fourth repetition - 35 days after learning *repetitions can be customised according to your schedule and test dates
Types of Medical research
Medical research can also be classified as: 1. Basic medical research - experimental research studies (animal experiments, cell studies, biochemical, genetic or physiological investigations, studies on properties of drugs and materials). To study the effect of an indecent variable on the dependent variable. Investigate specific hypothesis and causal statements. 2. Epidemiological medical research - to investigate the distribution of historical changes in the frequency of disease and its causes. Such as: Cohort studies Control studies Cross-sectional studies Ecological studies Descriptive evaluation studies 3. Clinical Medical Research Interventional -> experimental studies ➢ The purpose of these studies is to demonstrate the clinical or pharmacological effects of drugs so as to find evidence of the efficiency of various drugs. Study on medical devices, surgical procedures, etc Non interventional -> observational studies ➢ Studies of treatment of patients following specifies protocols according to medical practice. Also includes studies of medical devices such as stents, vaccines, psychosocial interventions or Physiotherapy.
WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER A research paper is a written presentation based on data collected or reviewed, analyzed and interpreted according to scientific principles of research.
Steps 1. Select a topic 2. Conduct the research Review of literature - proper citation, author, title of article/book/journal, publisher/editor, data used. Outline of research paper to answer the proposed research question: 3.Follow IMRAD format i.e. Introduction Method Result and Discussion Follow guidelines and formatting specifications as per the requirements of the editor (eg. Font, font size, colors, double spacing, number of pages, etc.)
PARTS OF A RESEARCH PAPER Title Authors Abstract Keywords
MAIN TEXT
Introduction Method Results Discussion Acknowledgements References
FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHILE WORKING ON YOUR RESEARCH 1. Method 2. Result 3. Discussion and calculations
4. Introduction including review of literature 5. Abstract 6. Title
METHOD This is the first aspect of any research Details of research design showing exact method followed Details of dependent and/or independent variables
Sample Details :Define population and sampling method Instrument/material/tools used Procedure followed Time frame Plan of analysis Validity and reliability used State assumptions Outline scope and limitations of the method
RESULT
GRAPHICS
Follow the plan of analysis Use figures Tables, flowcharts, etc. to summarize data Statistical analysis Summarize limitations of methods used
Use titles and captions to support figures and tables Use color to create interest Use graphics that show data clearly and in a direct manner Present data in a well organized and concise manner
STATISTICS Use statistics to analyse and interpret data
DISCUSSIONS Strong discussion of results linked to literature review Describe the result with its implications Relate your findings with existing studies Mention limitations of the study
TITLE Choose a short specific title that conveys the information about the research Must be attractive and easy to understand
KEYWORDS Prepare keywords and phrases that are specific to your research
INTRODUCTION Briefly telling what is the problem that the research is trying to solves Cite relevant original articles reviewed
ABSTRACT Brief precise summary of an article that gives information about the research Mention methods used, results obtained and discussions in a simple paragraph format
REFERENCES Harvard system - alphabetically by author/date American psychological association style Vancouver system - numbered index or citation Be sure to check - spelling, punctuation and reference style
According to Merriam Webster dictionary, to plagiarise means: To steal and pass off ideas or words of another as ones own To use (another’s production) without crediting the source To commit literary theft To present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source
HOW TO AVOID PLAGIARISM: Do not use someone else’s idea as own Do not copy words without proper citation Do not forget to use quotation marks on direct quotes as you are using the author’s exact words Use your own words to paraphrase and cite the original source Do not copy media (images, graphs, etc) to paste without citing original source Do not copy someone else’s video or audio to use in your own research Copyrighted materials like images, audio, videos, etc cannot and should not be used without the permission of the owner Credit original author in an in-text citation and reference list
PARAPHRASING: When we present some else’s words or ideas in our own words Both words and sentence structure is altered Paraphrased text, ideas or media requires citation It helps to include words/ideas from other sources to strengthen your research
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SPIN SPIN THE THE WHEEL WHEEL It was an academic-based event held on 26th July 2021 by AMSA India - Academics Department. The prelims were conducted on Quizizz and the Top 10 students were selected for the finals which were conducted on Zoom. Each participant in the finals was given a chance to ‘spin the wheel’ and get the topic for the question to be asked. Three such rounds were conducted until only the Top 5 participants remained and proceeded for the final round.
The Winners of the SPIN THE WHEEL Event were:
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‘All for love and love for all’ Pride month is observed each year in June, commemorating years of struggle for civil rights and ongoing pursuit of equality along with recognizing and celebrating the achievements and accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ community. To celebrate the pride month, PHRD at AMSA organized various events through the month of June.
Prisma - a journal for the memoirs of students where they could submit entries as poems, personal accounts, photographs, memes, doodles, illustrations etc. on the theme ‘Straight Against Discrimination’.
Prince’s Pride - an interview session with Manvendra Singh Gohil, The Crown Prince of Rajpipla who was the first ever member of a royal family to openly come out as gay to the world. The session focused on LGBTQIA+ friendly interventions.
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Pride walk - an Instagram live session with Dr. Sanket Mishra, intern at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. Dr. Sanket is a queer doctor who shared his experiences as a LGBTQIA+ medical professional
Pride room - an online open discussion was with Khakan Qureshi, Founder of Birmingham South Asians LGBT Finding a Voice which is an independent volunteer led multi faith group. The event focused on the importance of including LGBTQIA+ community in Education and Health care.
Mending Mindsets - a Trauma sensitisation and LGBT Health and Wellness workshop in association with Plane Jar Foundation hosted by Shipra Parswani, founder of Plane Jar Foundation. The aim of the workshop was to create a safe space for the members of the rainbow community and give their trauma the voice it deserves. Myths regarding age and trauma, small Ts and big Ts, symptoms of trauma, emotions related to trauma, inter generational trauma, etc were some topics the workshop focussed on. All proceeds of the workshop went to the Plane Jar Foundation.
Inaayat - an Instagram live session with Dr. Aqsa Shaikh, MBBS, MD and Founder of The Human Solidarity Foundation. She is also the first Transwoman to head a COVID vaccination centre. The theme of the IG live was how the LGBTQIA+ community’s oppression makes them more humane.
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Wounded Healers Workplace violence against doctors is not new and in recent times has only intensified. The pillars of healthcare doctors and healthcare workers have sacrificed tremendously during the pandemic and do not deserve to be treated with violence!. To bring light to such an imperative issue, “Wounded Healers” an Instagram Reels initiative was organised. A unique approach for innovative minds to showcase their creativity and raise their voice against injustice! Organisers: Mehul Sinha, Secretary of Partnerships Ayush Vaibhav, National-Officer (Partnerships) Ananya Dubey, National-Officer (Partnerships) Fouziya Shaikh, National-Officer (Partnerships) Winners: 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞: Alia Chittoria 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞: Pratham Gupta 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞: Akanksha Mahajan
House of Medicine It was a national level 4 round quiz-hunt conducted by AMSA India- Academics Department on 24th July 2021. It was a team event, where participants played through various levels, finding clues and answers, to reach and grab the treasure at the end. The top 20 teams reached the 2nd round, which was based on medical mathematics, following which, the top 10 teams entered the 3rd round which was a Crossword round. The top 5 teams in the 3rd round entered the final. 1st Place - ‘The Chosen Ones’ comprising of-Chitwan Ghuman, Gunteshwar Singh Brar, Shreya Jain and Avi Singh. 2nd Place - ‘The Vitals’ comprising of- Jasmine Nirmal, Simrat Kaur Parmar, Nikhil Saraf and Sharandeep Singh. 3rd Place - ‘Team 79’ comprising of- Mansimar Kaur, Lovepreet Kaur Matharu, Arshnoor Kaur and Aastha Wadhwa. ASIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION-INDIA
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PURSUING COMPETITIVE SPECIALTIES IN THE U.S. AND MAKING YOUR APPLICATION STAND OUT!
CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION OF THE WORKSHOP WERE ALSO PROVIDED TO ALL THE PARTICIPANTS. ASIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION-INDIA
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PRISMA
70 ASIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION-INDIA
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JOURNEY TO UK
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AMSEP INDIA
TAIWAN
The Asian Medical Students’ Exchange Programme (AMSEP) organized a Bilateral Virtual Exchange with AMSEP Taiwan. The exchange programme was a 6-day event held from 1st June - 6th June, 2021. Undergraduate AMSA members had the opportunity to participate in the event. Aim
The aim of this exchange programme was to raise awareness about Commercial sex workers and their rights amongst medical students. To take their mission forward a social media campaign was launched to bust common myths and facts about their rights.
Work Done
On the first day we had: Introduction of delegates Community service presentation explanation where delegates were paired as Andy and Woody from Toy Story Ice breaking games India organised an academic day next which included: Session on Covid Management in India by Dr. Jayaram B S in QnA format Talk on Primary Health Care in India by Dr. Animesh Jain Kahoot Quiz and trivia about Sex Workers
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The following day Taiwan was kind enough to organise a sociocultural day including: Virtual tour of the city and temple visits Delicacies of Taiwan Language session teaching Chinese words
Day 5 was India’s sociocultural day: Virtual tour of India Fashion show Language exchange where delegates were taught some words of Hindi, Gujrati and Bengali. Cooking session showcasing preparation of Dhokhla and Pani Puri Stress management workshop in collaboration with Heartfulness Institute and Rotaract Club of IGGMC, Manipur. Next was an academic day by Taiwan: DIY session on ‘Build Your Own Clinic’ Introduction to Taiwanese Healthcare Chinese medicine session focussing on history and importance of ancient medicine along with its application in modern times After 5 full days of learning and a lot of fun, the exchange was coming to an end. With a heart filled with beautiful memories, lessons learnt and friendships forged the delegates attended the final day; Community service presentation by both countries Farewell games and a whisper challenge Online concert by one delegate from both countries The exchange programme was a great learning opportunity for all delegates. It provided an insight into the healthcare systems of both countries along with a peep into the sociocultural milieu.
ASIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION-INDIA
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MERSA
METHODLOGIES 1.O An exquisite initiative to learn about the intricacies of research and the protocol that it involves through a student-friendly workshop, made by students for students. MERSA Methodologies workshop is a 3-day endeavour that aims to ignite interest and delve into the wondrous field of research which is an essential yet grossly neglected skill in our medical curriculum. The workshop was carefully curated to educate the attendees on the introduction and types of research, barriers, protocol preparations, international opportunities, ethics, updates and major differences between IEC and ICMR. The vision is to improvise the standards of medical research in-country while simultaneously exploring intersectoral ideas amongst Indian medical students. The mission is to ultimately bridge the gap between medical students and faculty across the nation with regular provisions of national and international research opportunities. The workshop was instituted with the vision that no one should be denied the opportunity to learn and contribute to the world of research, especially in the field of medicine.
TEAM E R S A MADE BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS! TO LEARN ABOUT INTRICACIES OF RESEARCH
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Project Hope Stone and Swasth Ajeevika under PHRD AMSA India in collaboration with IMA MSN Maharashtra organised a three-day online workshop - KNOW MORE from 6th - 8th august.
Aim The workshop aimed to raise awareness and sensitise the medical students to the causes and types of addiction, dealing with peer pressure and rehabilitation options of various kinds of addiction.
Work Done Participants of the workshop were taught the skill set to perform ‘Brief Intervention Technique’ to help individuals struggling with addiction. The speakers across the 3 days were Dr. Suyog Jaiswal, Dr. Dharav Shah and Mr. Vipan Sachdeva. Fun and interactive activities like escapes room, intervention role play and bingo quiz were also conducted.
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A F.A.I.R. Space at AMSA India is an initiative by Project WASH, which is an online project for medical students, in collaboration with The F.A.I.R. Project supported by The UNESCO New Delhi Cluster office. It is a methodology of introspection driven by active dialogue and analysis to inculcate a mindset focussing on what is right for all and not just what benefits a few. F.A.I.R. allows an inquiry-based model which begins with learning to question and then to unlearn and relearn based on factual evidence and sound reason. The sessions include debates, panels, fact-finding and more The process is conducted through a step-by-step procedure which includesF=Fact finding and familiarizing yourself A=Advocating for the alternating views I=Introspect and interrogate yourself R=Reason and rationalise
ASIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION-INDIA
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AMSC London 2021 was UK’s first virtual AMSC covering England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The programme was curated to not only allow delegates to expand their skills on this year’s topic “Trauma Care” but to also hone their critical thinking skills and form connections with their peers. The programme was organised in 3 parts over 7 days(5-11th of July) and constituted of well thought out workshops, lectures, seminars, project presentations and farewell dinner. We started off with a magnificent opening ceremony, followed by a scientific paper and poster presentation. Several keynote lectures and discussion seminars were held throughout the conference. Virtual tours were as exciting as they were informative followed by cultural activities and group project presentations. JAMSA International Journal club meeting and prize presentations were scheduled on the last day concluded by a closing ceremony and partner charity introduction. It was equal parts ornate and medically oriented. The event was delightfully grand in all aspects and the delegates had a great time throughout the conference.
ASIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION-INDIA
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lesson Project Chhalaang from PHRD of AMSA India organised “SEEKH”- A series of Child and Sexual Abuse Sensitization workshop on 30th and 31st July 2021. In collaboration with “Bachpan”- A youth organisation with a vision to empower our society and stand against child sexual assault, the aims of “SEEKH” were to spread awareness, work on preventive measures of child sexual assault and encourage everyone to report about such incidents. Day 1: Causes of child and sexual abuse and Day 2: Solution and prevention of child and sexual abuse were addressed; some of the many topics covered were- forms and effects of CSA, psychological aspects, POCSO Act, physical indicators, handling CSA cases et al. The workshop was graced by eminent speakers on both days educating and interacting with the participants and changemakers.
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HUNG MEDICINA ‘AN INVESTMENT IN KNOWLEDGE PAYS THE BEST INTEREST’
The Academic Council of AMSA India organised National level medical hangman competition sponsored by Prepladder on the 14th of August 2021. The solo entry event consisted of two rounds i.e., the Preliminary round was conducted on the Quiziz app, after which the top position holders went forward to compete in the Final round on Zoom. Winners were rewarded with:
M M
2 * ONTH
2
3 * ONTH
1
*PREPLADDER SUBSCRIPTION
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1 * ONTH
3
ASIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION-INDIA
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World Refugee Day World Refugee Day is an international day dedicated to all the refugees all over the world on 20th June. It aims to protect the rights of refugees, financially and honorably empower them while providing them with support to thrive and survive in tough times. The theme of 2021 World Refugee Day was: "Together we can achieve anything". Together we heal - Focusing on providing easy access to medical and health services to refugees, especially in the Covid-19 pandemic. Together we learn - Focusing on creating educational opportunities and providing scholarships, and digital education to refugee students. Together we shine - Focusing on refugee sports programmes like refugee Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo. AMSA India encourages everyone to appreciate the courage and strength of refugees, support them and create awareness about their issues!
World Blood Donor Day “Give blood and keep the world beating” was this year’s theme. It highlights the essential contribution made by blood donors in keeping the world pulsating, saving lives and improving others. The specific objectives of this year’s campaign were: To Create broader public awareness on the need for regular and unpaid blood donation. To Promote the community values of blood donation and enhance community solidarity with social cohesion. To Encourage youth towards embracing the humanitarian call of donating blood as well as inspire others to do the same. Safe blood, blood products and their transfusion are a critical aspect of care and public health. To ensure that everyone who needs safe blood has access to it, all countries need voluntary, unpaid donors who give blood regularly. ASIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION-INDIA
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