April newsletter

APRIL 2018

CMANA CONNECTION OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER FOR THE STUDENT CHAPTER OF THE COPTIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA

IN THIS ISSUE Leading in Christ through the Medical Field Upcoming Missions & Events Navigating the First Semester of Medical School Residency Interview Tips

CHRIST'S MISSION STATEMENT The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD. Luke 4:18-19 Continue to page 4 to read Fr. Luke's article...

TABLE OF CONTENTS page 3

Leading in Christ through the Medical Field

By Father Luke Istafanous, MD

page 7

Introducing the Board

2018 CMANA Student & Young Professionals Board Members

page 11

Bulletin: Upcoming Events + Missions

For more information, visit: visit www.cmanamerica.org

Salt cannot help what is already corrupted.

page 12

Ethiopia Testimonial

By Farrah Asaad

page 14

Excerpt from the Fathers

A sermon given by St. John Chrysostom

page 17

Self-Care: Navigating the First Semester of Medical School

By Nardine Derias

page 19

Book Review on “Habib Girgis”

st. john chrysostom

By Sara Dawoud

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Tips on how to Prepare for Residency Interviews

By Dr. Mina Soliman

LEADING IN CHRIST THROUGH THE MEDICAL FIELD By: Father Luke Istafanous, MD

In this day and age, the field of healing is in great need of guidance towards the True Physician of humanity, the incarnate Word of God, the Son of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In an age where atheism, materialism and capitalism dominate Western society, the field of medicine is in crisis, facing a new era of health problems. Today’s main risk factors are not from external environmental factors but from within the human mind; it includes human behavior and habits that are contrary to what our Creator has intended.

Knowing the brokenness of humanity and the great need for Him as the true Physician, the Lord Christ, on His first encounter of service, entered the temple in His hometown Nazareth, opened the scripture and read this passage from Isaiah: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” Luke 4:18-19

I framed this passage in my office and often presented it to my patients as “Christ’s mission statement” towards healing mankind from the deepest causes of human illness!

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In a generation where the medical field has excelled in preventative medicine, innovative genetic testing, and top notch biomedical engineering, we find ourselves moving into a reality of generalized ill-health from things like stress-related disorders, psychosomatic diseases, mental illnesses, addictions and autoimmune diseases.

In the 80’s when I first studied medicine in Egypt, and even in the late 90s when I repeated my studies while taking my licensing exams in the USA, the risk factors were mainly from the environment, food, toxins, etc.

Today’s pathological risk factors that I see in St. Luke’s Clinic (a non-profit mental health ministry in the Archdiocese) are arising from within the human mind, rather than from external factors.

Mindsets such as those of materialism, selfishness, academic competitiveness, egocentrism, pleasuredriven food habits, and the quick-fix mentality are among many of the contemporary life styles that cause the plethora of current health problems. The words of our Savior still ring loud: “Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” Matthew 15:11

Christian Medical professionals should feel that they have the calling of leading their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ into our faith based meaning of health described by St. Basil the Great as follows: “Health is the stability, proper function and well-being of our natural energies” By the word “natural” he does not mean what is natural or common, instead what God intended for humans to be and become.

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NOT WHAT GOES INTO THE MOUTH DEFILES A MAN; BUT WHAT COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH, THIS DEFILES A MAN. MATTHEW 15:11

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LEADING IN CHRIST THROUGH THE MEDICAL FIELD CONTINUED...

How should a Christian medical professional lead in Christ, guiding his or her patients to this kind of health towards the ultimate healing of the soul?

1. We need to have a special relationship with our divine healer Jesus Christ in order to experience first-hand His healing presence and present it to our patients and coworkers in truth and love.

2. We have to point out to our patients the anthropological components of their material body and the immaterial soul and of their source of nourishments, as our lord taught us: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 NKJV

3. Christian medical professionals need to remember that their role in healing is a type of the salvific role of their Savior. St John Chrysostom writes that the role of doctors with their patients, even with those who vilify and insult them, is to add kindness to kindness until he/she succeeds in restoring them to health. He compares that to God’s salvific work with us even when we fall into utter madness against Him. 4. Christian medical professionals need to remember that their

profession is a Godly one that is praised by Him, and directly works with His hands, and that the they are called to present Him to their patients by revealing Him in their lives. One of the most beautiful scripture passages depicting these ideas is in the book of the Wisdom of Sirach, in the first six verses of chapter 38: “Honor doctors for their services, since indeed the Lord created them.

Healing comes from the Most High, and the king will reward them. The skill of doctors will make them eminent, and they will be admired in the presence of the great. The Lord created medicines out of the earth, and a sensible person won’t ignore them. Wasn’t water made sweet by means of wood so that the Lord’s strength might be known?

And He endowed human beings with skill so that He would be glorified through His marvelous deeds.”

5. Lastly, Christian medical professionals should be aware of the healing sacramental power of the church that was once called to be a “hospital” by St John Chrysostom.

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LEADING IN CHRIST THROUGH THE MEDICAL FIELD CONTINUED...

For example, St. Ignatius of Antioch calls the Body and Blood of Christ: “The medicine of immortality and the antidote of death.”

May the Lord, the True Physician of our souls, bodies, and spirits, teach us to lead in Him as ambassadors through our medical profession.

St James in his epistle says: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

James 5:14-15

St John Chrysostom says this about the sacrament of matrimony: “God restored in Cana what was broken in Eden.”

In the litany of the sick of St. Basil’s Liturgy we pray: “As for us too, O Lord, the sicknesses of our souls, heal; and also those of our bodies, cure. O you, the true physician of our souls, bodies, the bishop of all flesh, visits us with Your salvation.”

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Fr. Luke Istafanous, MD Priest, St. Mary & St. Mercurius Coptic Orthodox Church, Belleville, NJ Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry - Voluntary Faculty Rutgers University/ New Jersey Medical School

MEET BOARD the

2018 CMANA STUDENT & YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BOARD MEMBERS

Hi everyone! My name is Marian Awad. I am originally from San Diego, California but am currently living in Michigan. I am a Masters Student at the PRESIDENT University of Michigan, studying MARIAN educational leadership and policy. I AWAD have a background in Pharmacy and Business. I have been on multiple mission trips including to Ethiopia, Egypt, and Honduras. I’ve been a proud member of the CMANA leadership team since the inception of the student chapter in 2012! I enjoy hiking, traveling, sewing, writing, and anything DIY. I appreciate a good road trip, an inspiring coffee shop atmosphere, an exciting audiobook, a handmade gift, and a good dose of fresh mountain air. My role as a CMANA board member is to unify the talents of our individual board members towards supporting the growth and success of this service. We hope to connect students and young professionals to service opportunities locally and abroad, as well as provide spiritual nourishment applicable to their chosen field. I am looking forward to a great year ahead!

Hi! My name is Amye Farag. I'm currently an Emergency Medicine resident at Saint Vincent's in Toledo, Ohio! Here's a few fun facts about me: 1. I'm half- Egyptian, half... everything else. So sorry for the confusion if you've run into me and wanted to ask. I promise you won't be the last!

VICE PRESIDENT AMYE FARAG

2. My first CMANA trip was actually a mistake - I had already planned to go to Bolivia and ended up joining the very first student chapter trip. The rest is history.

3. My nickname from the board has been "Team Mom" from day 1- I'm the one who keeps everyone on task and supports the amazing talent we have on our team. Just like my day job, I'm a jack of all trades who gets involved in a little bit of everything and fills in where I'm needed. My job as VP is pretty fitting :) PAGE 7

Hey everyone! My name is Monica Saleeb. I’m currently a senior at St. Bonaventure University and this fall I’ll be joining the Class of 2022 at The SECRETARY George Washington School of Medicine MONICA in D.C.! My role on the CMANA board SALEEB is to handle meetings, communication with the board, and assisting Marian and Amye in whatever they need. I’ve been involved with CMANA for a few years and have had the opportunity to go on numerous trips, including to Bolivia, South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia. I also enjoy reading, playing the flute, painting, and trying new restaurants! I’m extremely excited to see what this year has in store.

Hi! I’m John-William Sidhom and serve as the current treasurer on the CMANA student chapter and am also an M.D./Ph.D. candidate at the Johns TREASURER Hopkins University School of Medicine JOHN-WILLIAM in Baltimore, Maryland. I became SIDHOM involved with CMANA in 2013 when I went on a medical mission trip to Bolivia. Since then, I have spent the last two years serving on the CMANA student chapter as its treasurer, looking over the financial state of the student chapter, in particularly, looking over the finances of supporting the student chapter’s spiritual days and annual conference. When I’m not busy in lab, I enjoy being a member of a local CrossFit gym in Baltimore and making/recording music, and attend St. Barnabas & St. Susanna Coptic Orthodox Church.

From 5 weeks in Kenya and Tanzania to multiple trips to Bolivia, I experienced first-hand the power of a GLOBAL mission trip. I've seen a group of strangers become family, leading to the MISSIONS creation of the annual CMANA DR. MICHAEL Conference and exploding into local KARASS events in the US and Canada. As the president of CMANA's student chapter for the past two years and due to my involvement in the early phases of CMANA's student chapter, I can attribute any growth I've witnessed back to "a life changing experience on a mission trip." Currently, my goal is to evaluate and enhance the pre, intra, and post mission trip experience to build long term positive changes in the lives of students, reflecting back on their hometowns and the host country. If you have questions or thoughts, please let me know!

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Having backpacked 4 continents (over 30 countries) and gone on 4 CMANA trips, I have a deep passion for traveling LOCAL the world. I am currently an M I S S I O N S / E V E N T S Emergency Medicine resident in the DR. MARK heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I RAMZY have been with CMANA for 7 years serving in all capacities. My current role on the CMANA Board serves to help set up local events throughout the country. These day conferences, tailored to each city, function as great places to bring communities together to network and learn more about better ways to serve both internationally and domestically. If you are interested in setting up these events, contact me today or at the very least send a message asking about my delicious cheesecake making hobby!

Hi everyone! I’m Demyana Azer. I have been involved with CMANA since 2015 and I’m currently working with my MEDIA & pun-tner in crime, Olivia, in Media & MARKETING Marketing. Check out our Facebook DR. DEMYANA page “CMANA – Student Chapter” and AZER Instagram page @CMANAstudents for CMANA news and cheesy jokes throughout the year. Outside of CMANA, I am finishing my last year of Orthodontics residency at the University of Florida. I’m really bracing myself for graduation in May!

MEDIA & MARKETING

DR. OLIVIA BASSILY

When I’m not texting Demyana punny jokes, I am a general dentist completing a residency at the University of Florida.

I have been part of the CMANA Board for 2 years, recently serving as part of Media & Marketing. Our goal is to let you know about all the events that CMANA has to offer, including mission trips, HealthEd trips and conferences.

Contact us if you have any questions about CMANA events!

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Hi everyone! I’ve been involved with CMANA for the past 3 years and have gotten to witness God’s work through NEWSLETTER this organization. I had the opportunity to go to Haiti with CMANA a few AMEER summers ago and it was an incredible HALIM experience. I’m from New Jersey (greatest state in the country) and I’m currently a second year medical student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in The Bronx. If you have any ideas or are interested in helping out with the newsletter, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Hi guys, I’m a practicing dentist in Washington DC, and a CMANA Missions Committee member for the CMANA MISSIONS past 2 years. I currently work closely COMMITTEE with the CMANA student board in DR. MINA areas like Leadership support. I have SAWIRES volunteered abroad as a dentist/consultant in regions like Europe, Middle East, West and Central Africa, and East Asia- working with refugee families, internally displaced communities and the local population. I have my own flossify on how to keep teeth clean. Ask, and I’ll fill you in :) Hi everyone, my name is George Tadros. I am an interventional cardiologist from Minnesota. I’ve been D I R E C T O R O F C M A N A involved in the Coptic Mission in Africa M I S S I O N S E R V I C E S and Latin America since 1992. I’m currently serving with CMANA in their DR. GEORGE international missions. I serve as an TADROS advisor to the Student chapter as well as to young professionals who are looking for opportunities to serve Christ in Healthcare. I would love to hear from you about your passions and dreams to serve and make a difference in the world. My passions include Biblical studies, Biological Apologetics, Youth and Campus Ministry, and Medical Missions. I also enjoy soccer and long distance running.

For inquiries please email cmanastudents@cmanamerica.org and address your message to the board member whose duty pertains to your question.

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EVENTS IN 2018 international trips focused on preventative medicine through interactive education Egypt - 3 weeks with Coptic Orphans

HEALTH ED TRIPS

June 16 – July 7 July 21 – August 11

Egypt - 2 weeks with Take Heart July 15 – July 25

Bolivia June 27 – July 7

Namibia August 10 – August 26

MISSION TRIPS LOCAL EVENTS

Haiti - Zambia - Bolivia - Bolivia - Haiti - Egypt -

May 13 - May 19 June 23 - July 1 July 7 - July 14 August 18 - August 25 October 13 - October 20 November 10 - November 17

Cleveland - Montreal - Nashville -

April 14 May 5 TBD

Annual Conference – City: Chicago | Tentative Date: Dec. 21-23 For more information / registration to any of these events, visit www.cmanamerica.org PAGE 11

ETHIOPIA

TESTIMONIAL BY: FARRAH ASAAD

Since I returned from my first CMANA trip to Ethiopia/Namibia exactly one month ago, I have had time to reflect on my experience abroad. Going into the trip, I tried not to have certain expectations, but what I did have was a goal. My goal, not having even started medical school yet, was to help where needed. I wanted to be flexible, open minded, and most importantly to pray each day for God to use me where needed and as a tool to spread His love.

In Ethiopia, each morning I joined a PAGE 12

team of 4 pharmacists, 3 internists, 2 dentists, 1 pediatrician and 6 medical students, including myself. We were fortunate enough to have the chance to set up the CMANA clinic at St. Peter’s Specialized Hospital, where patients were told a group of American health care professionals were providing free treatment. To our surprise, over 300 patients showed up each day, traveling from up to four hours away. Patients waited by the hours to see our physicians. For many of them, this was their first time ever being treated by a

ETHIOPIA TESTIMONIAL CONTINUED... doctor, and consequently, they had many illnesses. Although we were unable to comprehensively treat every patient, they were simply thankful that someone listened to them, and cared.

Going into each day seeing the number of patients waiting for us seemed nearly impossible, but by the grace of God, each day we were able to see all the patients, without having to send anyone home.

Although my medical knowledge is very limited, I found myself helping all members of the medical team. I assisted the doctors with taking vitals, patient histories and learning how to do parts of the physical exam. When needed, I helped refill prescriptions for the pharmacists, as well as helped as a dental assistant. Quickly changing between each field allowed me to broaden my knowledge of interprofessionalism, and helped the team give our patients the best care.

This experience with CMANA not only taught me a lot about medicine, but also gave me the opportunity to see God’s hand work through His servants. Not being a direct provider gave me the opportunity to do some side observation and watch the interactions between the doctors and patients. Each professional that took time out of their schedule was a true blessing to the mission, it what was more incredible was watching them receive a bigger blessing in return.

Every patient that so much as received a smile from these doctors was ‘the least of these’ that Christ instructed us to care for. Each smile, each pill dispensed, each tooth pulled was a blessing in disguise for them.

"Every patient that so much as received a smile from these doctors was ‘the least of these’ that Christ instructed us to care for."

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B E R K S H I R E EUXN ICV E RRSPI TTY /F/ RI SOS M U E T1 2H/E/ V O L U M E 2 7

BERKSHIRE POST CHURCH FATHERS LIGHT AND SALT As Christian health care professionals, we are called to minister to our patients and to be “light and salt” to them in our interactions with them.

The following excerpt is from a sermon given by St. John Chrysostom.

ON MATTHEW CHAPTER 5

BY ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

You are the salt of the earth. It is not for your own sake, he says, but for the world’s sake that the word is entrusted to you.

I am not sending you only into two cities only or ten to twenty, not to a single nation, as I sent the prophets of old, but across land and sea, to the PAGE 14

whole world. And that world is in a miserable state. For when he says: You are the salt of the earth, he is indicating that all mankind had lost its savor and had been corrupted by sin.

Therefore, he requires of these men those virtues which are especially useful and even necessary if they are to bear the burdens of many. For the man who who is kindly,

"IF OTHERS LOSE THEIR SAVOR, THEN YOUR MINISTRY WILL HELP THEM REGAIN IT."

EXCERPT FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS CONTINUED ON MATTHEW CHAPTER 5 BY ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

modest, merciful and just will not keep his good works to himself but will see to it that these admirable fountains send out their streams for the good of others. Again, the man who is clean of heart, a peacemaker and ardent for truth will order his life so as to contribute to the common good.

Do not think, he says, that you are destined for easy struggles or unimportant tasks. You are the salt of the earth. What do these words imply? Did the disciples restore what had already turned rotten? Not at all.

Salt cannot help what is already corrupted. That is not what they did.

But what had first been renewed and freed from corruption and then turned over to them, they salted and preserved in the newness the Lord had bestowed. It took the power of Christ to free men from the corruption caused by sin; it was the task of the apostles through strenuous labor to keep that corruption from returning.

Have you noticed how, bit by bit, Christ shows them to be superior to

the prophets? He says they are to be teachers not simply for Palestine but for the whole world. Do not be surprised, then, he says, that I address you apart from the others and involve you in such a dangerous enterprise. Consider the numerous and extensive cities, peoples and nations I will be sending you to govern. For this reason I would have you make others prudent, as well as being prudent yourselves. For unless you can do that, you will not be able to sustain even yourselves.

If others lose their savor, then your ministry will help them regain it. But if you yourselves suffer that loss, you will drag others down with you.

Therefore, the greater the undertakings put into your hands, the more zealous you must be. For this reason he says: But if the salt becomes tasteless, how can its flavor be restored? It is good for nothing now, but to be thrown out and trampled by men’s feet.

When they hear the words: When they curse you and persecute you and accuse you of every evil, They

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EXCERPT FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS CONTINUED ON MATTHEW CHAPTER 5 BY ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

may be afraid to come forward.

Therefore he says: “Unless you are prepared for that sort of thing, it is in vain that I have chosen you. Curses shall necessarily be your lot but they shall not harm you and will simply be a testimony to your constancy.

If through fear, however, you fail to show the forcefulness your mission demands, your lot will be much worse, for all will speak evil of you and despise you. That is what being trampled by men’s feet means”.

Then he passes on to a more exalted comparison: You are the light of the world. Once again, “of the world”: not of one nation or twenty cities, but of the whole world. The light he means is an intelligible light, far superior to the rays of the sun we see, just as the salt is a spiritual salt. First salt, then light, so that you may learn how profitable sharp words may be and how useful serious doctrine. Such teaching holds in check and prevents dissipation; it leads to virtue and sharpens the mind’s eye. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do men light a lamp and put it under a basket.

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Here again he is urging them to a careful manner of life and teaching them to be watchful, for they live under the eyes of all and have the whole world for the arena of their struggles.

SELF-CARE: NAVIGATING THE FIRST SEMESTER OF MEDICAL SCHOOL

BY NARDIN DERIAS

Everything has been unpacked and you are all moved into your new place. The books have been bought. Orientation has come to an end and the thrill of getting your white coat has finally worn down a little. Now that you’re here, it’s a whole new realm. If you’re anything like me, I had been working towards this point my entire life: starting medical school.

I knew that the workload would be intense and I knew that it would take some time to adjust, but the sheer magnitude of information that would be presented in the span of a few weeks took me by surprise. The long hours of studying definitely started to take a toll and the things that I used to do took a backseat to all the academics.

I have already come to realize the importance of taking care of oneself.

In terms of sleep, one study examined subjects that were deprived of sleep for 36 hours after being introduced to new material. These individuals “exhibited a 40% reduction in memory retention compared to those who slept”(1). Additionally, researchers found

that getting “6 hours of sleep per night or less caused as severe an effect cognitively as 2 nights of acute sleep deprivation”.(1) Sometimes sacrificing sleep seems like the logical thing to do when you have so many things to do, but as far as memory retention goes, staying up too late or foregoing sleep all together will have detrimental effects on your grades and overall health and well-being.

Another aspect of self-care comes from exercise and eating healthy. It becomes so easy to eat out or substitute meals for snacks, but eating food that is not nutritional will most likely result in lethargy. Taking some time over the weekend for meal preparation will ultimately save time, money, and will be better for you. The health benefits of exercising are already known, but finding someone to go to the gym with you helps keep you both accountable.

Even if it is just finding time to go for a run, exercise at home or at the gym, or getting involved in some intramural sports. Finding a way to stay active has countless benefits physically and mentally.

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NAVIGATING THE FIRST SEMESTER OF MEDICAL SCHOOL According to some studies, people who exercise have up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke and Type II diabetes (2).

In addition to taking care of one’s physical wellbeing, the mental health piece can often get overlooked.

Mental health in medical students has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. The statistics on the topic are startling: a study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 27% of medical students globally showed symptoms of depression. Of the 27%, 11% contemplated suicide and only 16% sought psychiatric treatment (3).The stigma surrounding mental health is still very much around and many minority medical students find it difficult to have conversations about their mental well- being with their family members, providing an obstacle to receiving the help they may need. Self-care comes from an underlying selfawareness. I know I personally struggle to acknowledge when I need help because we have been conditioned that asking for help gives the impression that we are weak or incompetent. This is far from the truth and addressing our own deficiencies early on will allow us to better serve our patients and community in the future.

Whatever it takes to manage your stress, allot time for it in your schedule. For me, going to church is something that I incorporate into my schedule because that is when I decompress. It can sometimes be difficult to find a balance between attending church, serving with the church, and everything else, but my advice in this regard comes down to time management. We always make time for the things that we care about and when I stop to consider how I use my time, there is no justification to not dedicating even a few hours a week to Christ. Additionally, working with your Father of Confession on finding small ways to incorporate prayer and time with God throughout your busy day is also a possibility.

On the days when I feel like I have a lot going on and I just need some time to refocus, I always remember the quote, “you cannot pour from an empty cup”; to care for others you must first care for yourself and that is in all aspects of life, spiritual and non-spiritual.

1 https://www.clinicalcorrelations.org/?p=1894 2 http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/whybeactive.aspx 3 https://www.usnews.com/news/healthcare-of- tomorrow/articles/2016-12- 20/high-rates- ofmedical-student- depression-what- do-they- say-about- our-health- system PAGE 18

BOOK REVIEW HABIB GIRGIS BY H.G. BISHOP SURIEL WRITTEN BY SARA DAWOUD

In recent years, the Coptic community has come to be better acquainted with St. Habib Girgis, the founder of the Sunday School movement in Egypt especially since he was canonized by the Holy Synod in 2013. Appropriately, his biography was written last year by HG Bishop Suriel, who had written his thesis at Fordham University on this great saint. Bishop Suriel, being a proponent of increasing education in the Coptic Church, clearly views St. Habib Girgis as a role model; having heard him speak in person about the person of St. Habib, it was difficult to deny his clear enthusiasm.

Thankfully, Bishop Suriel works with Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Press, and more specifically with the “Coptic Studies” series. Thus, the second book published in this series was the biography of St. Habib.

Although the book is a bit pricey ($28.00 for soft cover, and ten dollars more for the hardcover), it is evident that much effort was put into making it. Normally, Coptic books— being published in small publishing presses in Egypt and the U.S.— lack some quality control. However, this book features a nice matte cover, high quality photography, and perfect grammar and spelling.

The research involved in putting this book together is impressive. His Grace had to go through great measures in gathering the materials required for the book, such that the book features exclusive photos of St. Habib, as well as his personal letters and postcards.

Moreover, unlike most Coptic hagiographies, this book is well-organized chronologically, and delves into great detail into the saint’s personal journey and frustrations. In fact, my favorite aspect of this book is that it did not shy away from portraying St. Habib as a true human; he enjoyed the high fashion of his time, had friends and hobbies, and also had his fair share of personal struggles. It was refreshing to read about someone who is now canonized as a saint and knowing that he was not immune to frustration.

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HABIB GIRGIS BOOK REVIEW I found the passion of St. Habib Girgis inspiring. Despite all odds, and against many internal and external pressures of the church, he continued to dedicate his life in bringing proper church education to the masses. If you read the book, you will learn that this was no small feat, especially considering the state of the Church at his time. However, my only critique of the book was that it was at times repetitive in information. Perhaps this was done intentionally by HG Bishop Suriel to really underline his points, but it did at times really read as a thesis and not as a biography. Regardless, the book, in my opinion, is a must-read to all Copts who wish to know more about their beloved Church, especially those who contribute directly in Church education, whether it be through Sunday School, missionary, or any other service.

"IN FACT, MY FAVORITE ASPECT OF THIS BOOK IS THAT IT DID NOT SHY AWAY FROM PORTRAYING ST. HABIB AS A TRUE HUMAN." To conclude, I most definitely rate this book a 5/5. From this book, we can all learn about the many things our church gives us that we take for granted: a well-educated priest, Sunday school teachers who once-upon- a-time cared for us like their own children, a class to attend at church once a week to teach us the true faith, amongst countless other things that we may not know of. We can also learn from it the meaning of true zeal in service, and how we ought to bear the light of Christ to all those around us.

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PREPARING FOR

RESIDENCY INTERVIEWS DON'T MISS THESE TIPS!

BY DR. MINA SOLIMAN PAGE 21

OVERVIEW COMMON INTERVIEW DAY SCHEDULES

The interview is perhaps the most anxiety-provoking aspect of the residency application process, but possibly the most important. It serves as a means for a program to find out about you, whether they believe, you would be a good fit into their residency program.

However, and perhaps more importantly, it is an essential way for you to get to know a program, its strengths and weaknesses, and culture, and whether it is a place you feel would be the best match to spend (at least) the next three years of your life.

Although interview day schedules vary somewhat between institutions, several activities are common to most: Pre- (or post-) interview dinners or other social activities with residents

intended to provide an opportunity to interact with current staff outside of the formal interview process.

An orientation to the institution and residency, including a discussion of the educational program, salary, benefits, and support services.

A tour of patient care and educational areas where you would be training and learning.

An opportunity to participate on rounds with an inpatient team or with residents in an ambulatory clinic.

Interviews with between two to five staff, residents, or both.

An exit interview with someone from the program leadership (such as the program director, an associate program director, or chief resident).

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PRE INTERVIEW DAY RESEARCH EACH PROGRAM It is important to research the Department and faculty members. Try to get a basic sense of the program. Everyone appreciates interviewing someone who has taken the time to research the organization. Read printed materials, visit websites, and talk to any of your contacts and fellow students who might have a connection to the program or supporting institution.

Look for program accomplishments, recognized articles or publications by the program or the program director. Find out the active research or community projects conducted by the program. This may facilitate knowledgeable discussion in your interviews with faculty and staff.

REVIEW ALL MATERIALS YOU HAVE SUBMITTED TO THE PROGRAM: Expect to be asked questions about your previous experience, you listed in your CV or personal statement. If you mentioned it, it is fair they will ask you about it.

So, take time to review: Your application/CV, personal statement, and any correspondence.

Clinical experiences at your most recent and relevant rotations.

Academic work.

Research you participated in undergrad or high school.

Extracurricular experience.

Any other educational, clerkship, work, and other activities that might highlight your skills and experience.

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PRE INTERVIEW DAY CONTINUED

The residency administrative staff put tremendous effort into working with applicants and usually will try to accommodate reasonable requests and assist you in the interviewing process as much as possible. You should respect these efforts and make sure your interaction with these important individuals is professional and collegial as this may also be reflected as a component of your application.

Be respectful and courteous to the administrative staff, including when you are scheduling your interviews.

CANCELLING AN INTERVIEW

If you either must or decide to cancel an interview, it is important to let the program know, even if your cancellation is at the last minute.

If you need to cancel an interview, emailing the program coordinator is appropriate when done with advanced notice.

Call the program if you are canceling close to the date. Follow up if you receive no email response so that the program can give your interview slot to another applicant.

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!!!

INTERVIEW DAY BE ON TIME, NOT LATE, NOT EARLY, JUST ON TIME

I cannot stress importance of punctuality enough, on your interview day you should definitely be on time. Your first interaction with the program is literally the time you physically show up on your interview day. Program director, residents and staff will comment on you based on what time you arrive, will compare you against the rest of the candidates interviewing on your day.

You should have to wait for them; they should not wait for you.

Make sure you have enough room for traffic delays, weather delays especially if you interviewing in the East Coast. If you are using public transportation, make sure you have extra time in case a bus did not show up or Uber canceled on you.

A good idea, if you are not familiar with the campus or the location, is to drive by the night before just to become aware of the route.

You do not want to be referred to by “THE ONE WHO SHOWED UP LATE!” It is important to not show up too early either; some of the programs rent conference room or space, for specific period for the interview purposes. If candidates show up too early, you will create a challenge to the coordinator or administrative person in charge.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY

There are countless articles and blog posts written about what to wear (and not wear) to residency interviews in detail. Conservative is always appropriate, and good grooming is essential. Remember that you are interviewing for a position in which you will be interacting with patients, their families, and other professional colleagues, and you should dress in a manner that is appropriate for this role.

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INTERVIEW DAY

CONT.

Choose a conservatively colored suit, solid or pinstripes are acceptable, women can wear either a skirt or pants.

Choose a conservatively colored shirt; men should wear a button-down shirt, women can wear the same or blouse or light sweater.

Wear simple, comfortable dress shoes that you can walk in easily to tour clinics and hospitals.

Men should wear a tie. Choose one that is also conservative and is solid, striped or has a small pattern.

Men should have well-groomed facial hair.

Make-up for women should be subtle.

Avoid strong smelling perfumes or cologne.

Keep jewelry tasteful and to a minimum.

DEMEANOR IS IMPORTANT Be attentive, honest and, as much as possible, relaxed. Interview days tend to be long and intense and you will get exhausted, but try your best to always be cordial and appear interested. Remember that the people you interact with on your interview day will be paying attention to your interpersonal skills and professionalism, even in this highly compressed period.

ATTEND PRE- OR POST- INTERVIEW DINNERS IF YOU CAN This is an excellent opportunity for you to meet with the current residents and talk about life in the program, and can help greatly in your rank list deliberations. However, remember that your behavior and actions during these events should be appropriate and this time interacting with the residents should be considered as part of your interview.Â

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INTERVIEW DAY

CONT.

BE PREPARED TO ANSWER, AS WELL AS ASK QUESTIONS There are many lists of questions by faculty interviewers available online. I believe any of them will be good enough. Thinking about these question topics ahead of your interview day is helpful indeed.

I personally found that the concept of list of questions is very valuable to help you practice for the interview. The more you practice before your interview, the more you will feel relaxed during the actual interview day.

On the other hand, the list may hurt some people who memorize answers from this list or other list. The challenge is that generic lists are online, accessible to everyone. Those generic answers are easily recognizable by interviewers and most often they are considered non-genuine, so try to stay away from those generic answer.

QUESTIONS TO ASK Questions you ask will give the program an idea about your priorities, what you care about the most, and your work ethics.

There is also many list available online if you think you need to review them.

Generally, most candidates ask about schedules, on-call rotations, board passing rate for the program, CME allowance, away rotation, option of moonlighting, etc.

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POST INTERVIEW DAY RECORD THE NAMES OF THOSE YOU ENCOUNTER AS PART OF THE INTERVIEW PROCESS (BOTH FACULTY AND STAFF) Relay appropriate thanks to them following your interview for the time and effort they put in to make your visit possible.

SOME GENERAL DON’TS Do not openly compare the program you are interviewing at with other programs in town.

Do not be rude to staff.

Do not spend the day asking for special favors such as asking the program coordinator to run an errand.

Do not obsess over getting parking validation for the interview.

Do not slouch during your interview.

Do not use your cell phone during the interview. Even if you are only taking notes, it looks like you are not paying attention.

Do not ask questions that are easily answered by looking at the program’s website.

Do not engage in public displays of affection if your spouse or partner accompanies you to a social event.

Do not bring infants and small children to the interview since they can disrupt activities.

References: https://www.doctorsintraining.com/blog/6-tips-for-residency-interviews/ http://som.uthscsa.edu/StudentAffairs/documents/veritas-Mock-Interview-Dos-Donts-handout.pdf https://www.med.upenn.edu/student/documents/PSOMGuidetoResidencyClassof2014.pdf PAGE 28

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