Summer 2019 Xavier Times

The

04

White Coat Photos

10

New student interviews

14

Alumni Articles May

Vo lu m e 8, I ss u e No. 10

2019

XAVIER TIMES

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

Xavier’s 2019 Summer White Coat Ceremony!

Dr. Michael Light, Safal Parhar MD 1, Dr. Dubey

The White Coat Ceremony was a very special experience for me, cementing my role as a medical student and the beginning of my medical training. Hearing the input from the faculty members on their encouragement of my success in the program after reading the Hippocratic Oath made me feel empowered to achieve. Having friends and family there for the ceremony made me proud to wear the white coat. The insightful words spoken during the start of the ceremony officially

welcomed me to the rest of my career, leaving an inspiring imprint on all the white coat recipients. The most memorable moment for me was seeing my new friends, classmates and I all wearing the white coats, ready to overcome our challenges and accomplish our goals. Knowing we chose the correct path to achieving our dreams was calming yet exciting. It was incredible to see a new group of motivated learners seeking to become a new generation of medical practitioners. Seeing the class in their white coats left me inspired and ready to learn.

After putting the white coat on, I felt a sense of responsibility and commitment.

I felt responsible for becoming a general practitioner of today, doing the most I can to further develop health care. I felt responsible for reaching new heights in research as I progress my way through medical school.

I felt committed to my education and the university, making sure I stay in control of my

progress during my medical training in order to achieve and prosper. I am now looking forward to begin learning about what it truly means to be a medical practitioner. I am excited to learn about not just the science but the art of medicine. Becoming the most I can be in an environment of learning will allow me to attain my ambition. I am prepared to begin the journey onwards and achieve my goals. Receiving the white coat is a major milestone and symbol for me.

The white coat serves as a reminder of my duties and commitments to patients and the community. Patients look up to the white coat as a sign of hope or a solution to their problems. To me, the white coat is a symbol of keeping an aspect of humanity in the science of medicine.

-Safal Parhar, MD 1

XAVIER UNIVERSITY OFFICIAL NEWS PUBLICATION

President Ravishankar Bhooplapur Honored at Leadership Awards Xavier President Ravishankar Bhooplapur was Honored on May 7th, 2019 at the SUNY Old Westbury College Foundation Leadership Awards dinner. The event recognized a few select indivduals: Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, President of SUNY Old Westbury, Dr. Laura Anker, a distinguished service professor at SUNY Old Westbury, Mr. Lionel Chitty, President of the Alumni Association at SUNY Old Westbury, along with Xavier President Ravishankar Bhooplapur.

Each of these indivduals was honored as a result of thier tirless dedication to leadership as well as a committment to service and helping others. Xavier President Ravishankar Bhooplapur was presented his award by SUNY Old Westbury College President Calvin O. Butts III , and Dr. Bhupi Patel.

From left to right; SUNY Old Westbury President Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Dr. Bhupi Patel, Xavier President Ravishankar Bhooplapur

From left to right; Xavier Chancellor Dr. J. G. Bhat & President Ravishankar Bhooplapur

President Ravishankar Bhooplapur addresses the audience at the awards ceremony

President Ravishankar Bhooplapur meets with County Executive Laura Curran

President Ravishankar Bhooplapur and Xavier Clinical Coordinator Ms. Soleil Graves

2

Xavier Chairman Mr. Ed Casey and President Ravishankar Bhooplapur with thier familes at the ceremony

Xavier University School of Medicine Named a Top 10 Medical School by MoneyInc. Xavier University School of Medicine is honored and excited to be listed as one of the Top 10 Caribbean Medical Schools

by MoneyInc.com! We would like to thank all of our hard working faculty members and staff in helping us achieve this accomplishment!

Xavier Now Holds a 100% USMLE First Time Pass

IN THIS ISSUE PRESIDENT BHOOPLAPUR HONORED

2

100% USMLE PASS RATE

3

TOP 10 MEDICAL SCHOOL

3

WHITE COAT CERMONY PHOTOS

4-5

INCOMING XAVIER JANUARY CLASS

6-7

GRADUATION SAVE THE DATE

8

SUMMER 2019 OREINTATION

9

NEW STUDENT INTERVIEWS

10

FACULTY INTERVIEW

12

ALUMNI INTERVIEW

13

STUDENT REACTION BLOG

14

WORKSHOP PHOTOS

15

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Xavier University School of Medicine

@xusomaruba

@XUSOM

Xavier University School of Medicine

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUPS XUSUOM Student Group XUSOM Alumni Group

3

Xavier White Coat Ceremony Photos

Xavier student Gagandeep Sekhon (left) signs his Pledge of Professional Conduct with Dr.Mahji (Right)

From left to right: Dr. Michael Light, Xavier student Yaa Boakye and Dr. Dubey

Xavier students Nadeen Al Shalabi, Olivia Dix and Mohammad Shahin await to dawn their white coats

Xavier students Mohammad Shahin, Shaden Zahalka, Refay Ayyusi

Xavier Faculty from left to right: Dr. Prasad, Dr. Gopi, Dr. Fidelis, Dr. Pawlak and Dr. Honnavar

Xavier student Ahfreth Shiddheek and a family member during the White Coat Ceremony

Xavier White Coat Ceremony Photos

Xavier students Mohammad Shahin, Shaden Zahalka, Alisson Dirksz, Nadeen Al Shalabi and Olivia Dix celebrating thier white coats on the stage

Alisson Dirksz and her family member celebrate her accomplishment

Xavier students recite their medical pledge during the ceremony

From Left to right: Dr. Michael Light, Xavier student Alim Parhar and Dr. Dubey pause for a photo during the ceremony

Xavier faculty and new Xavier students pause for a group photo after the white coat ceremony

5

XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE INCOMING CLASS MAY 2019

Afreth Shiddheek MD 1

Amritdeep Randhawa MD 1

Fariha Angum MD 1

Alessia Genova MD 1

Arooj Malik MD 1

Gagandeep Sekhon MD 1

Alim Parhar MD 1

Alisson Dirksz MD 1

Bhumika Khanna MD 1

Dilini Herath MD 1

Haidar Al- Khafaji MD 1

Halima Parhar MD 1

Mohammad Shahin MD 1

Nadeen Al- Shalabi MD 1

Olivia Dix MD 1

Refat Jayyusi MD 1

Saad Toor MD 1

Safal Parhar MD 1

Shaden Zahalka MD 1

Tahir Khan MD 1

6

XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE INCOMING CLASS MAY 2019

Yaa Boakye MD 2

Mala Thakur MD 2

Pervaiz Khan MD 2

Asem Saefan Premed 2

Delidah Endrawos Premed 4

Pardeep Mattu Premed 4

Joseph Micheal MD 6

Zaryab Sameeh MD 6

Gurveen Cheema MD 6

Vivek Patel MD 6

Niyamat Mann MD 6

Allexes Korleva MD 6

JongHyuk Lee MD 6

GeaYoung Lee MD 6

Ikem Obinna MD 6

Hynnho Ji MD 6

7

The Primary Care Physician Shortage In a recent article published by Newsday, they highlighted the recent news of New York University (NYU) deciding to open a tuition free school of medicine.

One of the main factors for this decision is due to the growing shortage of primary care physicians in the United States. The article estimates by 2030 there could be a shortage of over 49,000 primary care physicians. NYU feels that offering this opportunity to their students can help combat this shortage.

At Xavier University School of Medicine our motto is “Cultivating Great Minds for Primary Care Physicians”. Since our inception in 2004 we have made it our mission to help educate and train the next generation of primary care

doctors. We recognize the need for primary care doctors both in the United States and globally, which is why we strive to provide high quality education at an affordable cost. Our tuition costs are a fraction of the price of United States Medical Schools, however because of the resources we provide to our students and the outstanding faculty at Xavier, the quality of the education is on par with these medical schools. In addition, President Ravishankar Bhooplapur wants to reiterate the current scholarships that we offer, that qualified students only have to pay $70,000 for their entire education (50% of tuition fees).

students with the resources to do so, by using the best practices of medicine and the most up to date and current concepts taught by our outstanding faculty members. Our 100% first time pass rate on the USMLE Step 1 exam shows that we are successful in helping our students to reach their goals of becoming primary care physicians.

At XUSOM want to give our students the best chance to succeed, which is why we provide our

-Xavier University School of Medicine

The primary care physician shortage is a problem that needs to be dealt with and at Xavier University School of Medicine we will continue to do our part in helping to solve this shortage by training the next generation of primary care physicians around the world.

Xavier 2019 Graduation is only 1 Month away!

The Ceremony will take place at:

St. John’s University Queens, New York June 15th at 5pm at the D ‘Angelo Center.

8

2019 SUMMER SEMESTER ORIENTATION

Dr. Michael Light addressing the audience

From May7th- May 9th, 2019 Xavier University School of Medicine held its Summer 2019 New

Student Orientation. This event serves as welcome to the island of Aruba, Xavier and medical school to the new students! During the course of these 3 days students were able to tour the campus to see where they would be studying in the coming months. They also sat through presentations that were given by Xavier faculty including Dr. Dubey, Chief Academic Officer at Xavier, Dr. Michael Light, Assistant Dean of Clinical Science and Dr. M.S. Bhat, Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Planning.

These presentations will help the students to become acclimated to Xavier and help them know what to expect in terms of academics and time management in order to help them succeed to the best of their abilities.

Finally the orientation allowed the new students to meet with each other and Xavier faculty in order to become more familiar with one another!

-Xavier Times editing board

Xavier students pause for photos during the orientation presentations

Student White Coat experience

From left to right: Dr. Michael Light, Vivek Patel, MD 6, Dr. Dubey

Wearing the short white coat is a humbling, ethereal experience that is hard to put into

words. The moment signifies the very beginning of a lifelong oath to serve society. The short white coat also insinuates that one still requires the requisite blood, sweat, tears, and time equity that truly makes one worthy of a long white coat. Nevertheless, I take solace in knowing that countless physicians before me embarked on this very journey.

The universal image of a physician wearing a pressed and pristine white coat is one that elicits hope in the face of sickness and malady. I strive to uphold the noble ideals a physician represents, embrace the journey, and realize my potential to one day be that very source of hope.

-Vivek Patel, Md 6 9

New Student Interview: Haidar Al- Khafaji, MD 1 I would like to go into Emergency Medicine because I love the thrill and excitement from the fast paced environment.

I have recently also considered cardio thoracic surgery because my favorite class from pre-med was physiology of the heart.

Why did you choose to become a doctor?

I chose to become a doctor for multiple reasons to many to be counted for. I would like to personally give back to the world and see people smile from the relief I give them.

What field of medical study are you looking to go into and why?

What is it about medicine that you are drawn to it?

I am drawn to medicine because of the never ending learning process. Medicine is always improving and as a society we have barely even scratched the surface. I would like to be part of this revolution and enhance medicine for the future population.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

In the future I plan on having my own family medicine clinic. I plan on making it very different than the ones we have now days. I also plan on doing research

for strategies to make hospital wait times much shorter.

What are three interesting facts about yourself?

I was born in Lebanon and came to Canada was I was two years old. I have always loved to break my plastic toys to see how the flashing lights and sounds worked which is why I think I would make a great surgeon. I am also a good problem solver and love to investigate to find solutions for everyday situations that people have to deal with. Steve Jobs is a person I look up to most because of his hard work and dedication in which he used to create Apple.

New Student Interview: Alim Parhar, MD 1 her doctor appointments and helping her complete her exercises and stretches for a full recovery. All of the health care professionals that I interacted with through that experience as well as the ones that helped me with my own and my family’s ails opened my eyes to a profession that I knew I would enjoy doing.

Why Did you choose to become a doctor?

Unlike some other students who may have had one catalytic event that made then want to become a doctor, my passion and drive to become a doctor developed over multiple years as I was growing up, interacting with many health care professionals. The major instance that I can credit is the 6 weeks that I had to take care of my grandmother following her total knee replacement, which included taking her and translating at all of

10

What made you choose to attend Xavier?

XUSOM has many different qualities that make it a school that students would want to attend. The major one for me was the fact that Xavier has CAAM-HP accreditation which will be necessary for the students of XUSOM to get residency in the United States. Also the recent 100% USMLE Step 1 pass rate makes students confident that the faculty is able to provide enough support to help the students succeed. The faculty are also able to help the students effectively since the class sizes are small, allowing for more one-on-one time with the teachers, allow-

ing them to help the students whenever needed.

Three interesting facts about myself are: I really enjoy travelling and experiencing new cultures and customs. I have visited 6 continents and 15 countries.

My brother and I won a Gold Medal at the Canada Wide Science Fair in 2013 for our project: Does Turmeric Enhance the Regeneration of Planaria maculata?

I travelled to Zimbabwe in March 2019 and volunteered with a small team of health care professionals. We set up a clinic for two weeks and tended to hundreds of local people who did not have the money to afford health care. This experience was truly lifechanging and is the reason that I want to aid communities that do not have access to proper health care.

New Student Interview: Bruhmika Khann, MD 1 What field of medical study are you looking to go into and why?

I would like to become a pediatrician because I like children and would love to work with them. Children are so fragile and need extra care, which I would like to provide. Lastly, with children they have the rest of their lives ahead of them and treating medical problem for these kids mean a good future for them, this is what I want to do for kids.

Why did you choose to become a doctor?

I chose to become a doctor because of the life events that took place in my life. I have always enjoyed learning about science and have also had a big interest in the study. I find the human body very intriguing and am always excited to learn more.

What is it about medicine that you are drawn to it?

I love the concept of healing other people and their injuries. I am fond of communicating with new people. In addition, Medicine is vastly changing, and new treatments are always being found. Therefore, I want to become

an asset in this journey of finding new cures and/or preventative measures to diseases. In the future I see myself as a successful doctor working at my own practise. In addition, would like to be a part of a medical research team. In addition, I would Like to travel to India and also Kenya and offer my services.

What are three interesting facts about yourself?

Three interesting facts about me are that I am a professional Bollywood dancer. I got to perform at the IIFA awards held in Canada. When I was younger, I loved theater and acting and have actively been involved in auditioning for local tv shows. I an animal lover and I have two pet birds.

Alumni Global Meet 2019

Xavier is excited to annouce that our 3rd annual Alumni Global Meet Weekend for 2019 will be held from October 3rd- October 5th 2019 at our campus in Aruba!

Stay tuned for more details!

11

Faculty Interview: Dr. Brumley Assistant Professor of Medical Research/ University Librarian of life. Academician allows me to explore the inner depths of society in a scientific matter and share the news with others in an educational but informative manner.

1.Where are you from and what educational institution(s) have you attended?

I am from Miami, Fl and have three degrees for Southern Illinois University -Carbondale and a fourth degree in Library and Information studies from Florida State University in Tallahassee Fl 2.What other Hospitals or Medical Institutions have you worked at?

I have worked at Nova-Southeastern University, training Librarians and staff in research and Library skills for a duration of over twenty years. In addition I have been a Library Media Specialist in Miami Dade Public Schools for many years.

3.What sparked your interest in the field of medicine/research? Research is an investigative arena that takes you from the unknown to the known.

It’s a passion for me to service individuals in their research pursuits of information. More importantly to teach how to disguised facts from opinions is critical in the Medicine/ research field. Information is power and I can be instrumental in sharing knowledge with scientific endeavors as well as institutional grants and endowment chairs for a university.

4.Why did you decide to enter academics?

I like to investigate and know the background and the who, what, where and why of various aspects

12

5.What is your favorite part of helping to educate the next generation of Doctors?

The favorite part of educating Doctors is the course on ethnical communication with patients which I teach and the ability to assist with the research pursuits of Doctors for the advancement of science and the world to answers the questions and solutions of cancer and other life threating situations.

6.Have you conducted research in the past?/ How did you get involved in research?

I have conducted Informative research with students/staff on the Topic of Study Habits of Medical Students vs Grades. How did you get involved in research? Research is ongoing for me in my daily life by having an inquisitive mind and thirst for knowledge, that is a life long attribute that was initiated in childhood by my Literature teacher and Economics teacher, learning is fundamental and necessary for success in life.

7.How has your experience been at Xavier?

Xavier is a unique University for serving students and communicating with students. The ability to communicate with a small class is awesome for all students and staff, but importantly the mentoring of students provides an opportunity to get to know the students’ needs and desires, weakness and strengths and build their success as a whole Medical student. I enjoy being able to share by wealth of experiences and knowledge

with students especially the research process for Critical Analysis of Research Articles.

8.What Makes Xavier stand out to you?

The outstanding area of Xavier experience is that we work with the students on a one on one basis, as well as in small groups therefore the students receive the guidance and the extra push that is needed at times.

9.What piece of advice would you give to a student who is considering medical school?

Students must develop study skills from day one on campus. For each class put in two hours daily and increase the time per course per semester as needed. Study individual (alone), learn what methods works for you and use your judgement. At times a group interaction may work.

Study without music or TV interference, use your time wisely. Invest in yourself, and make a few lifelong friends along the way, however always remember Family and giving back to your community, don’t get too caught up on material assets but service and humility are the keys to success.

10.What are some interesting facts about yourself?

I watch Jeopardy every night and I love Hagen Daaz vanilla bean ice cream. Travel is my passion, I cruise regularly and I live this life vigorously with family and a few friends, and I love to eat good food. Lastly, as I grow in wisdom, I don’t argue or have road rage, I quietly put peace first.

Alumni Article- Stanley Lee Xavier Class of 2016 Aruba. Medical school is a stressful time in any student’s life, but being in the presence of white sand beaches and picture perfect sunsets isn’t a bad place to spend your days studying medicine.

Dr. Stanley Lee XUSOM Class of 2016 Pediatric Pulmonology FellowshipTexas Christian Childrens Hospital

What factors made you choose to attend Xavier?

XUSOM gave us the unique opportunity to obtain a medical degree and practice medicine as an alternative to American and Canadian schools.

Its small class size allowed a more intimate environment of teaching with a small student to professor ratio compared to other Caribbean medical schools. We also had strong USMLE preparation on the island and immediately when we left and they provided us with needed support to perform strongly on USMLE Step 1.

During clinical rotations, we have a variety of clinical rotations (I rotated in New York and Baltimore primarily) which allowed us to procure strong letters of recommendation for residency applications. During my clinical rotations, I was able to rotate at Wyckoff Hospital for Pediatrics and OBGYN which translated to a residency spot in New York. I was also able to do a Pediatric Cardiology rotation at All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins because I did most of my rotations at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. These important rotations that Xavier allowed me to do gave me a springboard expand my clinical knowledge and experience medicine at a variety of respected institutions. However, I think the best part of the Xavier experience is our beautiful one happy island of

Did you have and favorite classes or events that you had or participated in while at Xavier?

One of my fondest memories is Anatomy class. It was our first ever class of medical school and he laid out the foundations of human anatomy that still stay with me until this day. He made sure that we knew the cranial nerves, the brachial plexus and the contents of the foramen magnum and cavernous sinus to the point that I can still recite them blindly when I do a neurological exam with my pediatric patients here in residency.

Of course, how can anyone forget Dr. Neelam’s Intro to Clinical Medicine and Physical Diagnosis (ICMPD, for short). At first, her classes seem intimidating, but I think Dr. Neelam does a great job in translating basic science knowledge to clinical medicine.

There’s a lot of useful information in her class that you will see again in USMLE Step 1 and clinical rotations.

When she says that questions come on this – you better believe that questions will come on those topics. She’s on point with that! And as an aside, I still use Dr. Dubey’s DUMBBELLS mnemonic until this day.

Where do you currently work and what is your position? And what skills did you learn at Xavier that help you in you position today?

I am a graduating 3rd year Pediatric Resident at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. This year, I just matched at Texas Children’s Hospital - Baylor University for Pediatric Pulmonology, the top ranked fellowship program in the US. I will be starting this July 2019.

I think Xavier taught me the value of resilience and hard work. Coming from

the Caribbean, it is admittedly difficult to match at these institutions, let alone secure a residency spot. However, nothing is impossible when you put in the work. Xavier will provide you with the degree and the necessary clinical rotations to become a physician; but the onus is on the student to capitalize on those opportunities and become the best physician that they can be.

What advice would you give to current or former Xavier students?

My main advice to Xavier students is to work hard and focus on your dream.

We all have this special opportunity to become a physician but the road is not easy. Medicine is a marathon not a sprint so it is important to set small attainable goals for yourself. On the island, focus on passing the USMLE Step 1. Attend each lecture and learn something new from every lecture.

Do questions from the moment you get there and use the longevity of your time on the island to master the concepts and do questions from banks to do well for the USMLE. It is also important to maintain a balance between academics and your social life. While medicine can stressful, what better way to unwind or relax than taking advantage of what our island has to offer. Stay healthy and enjoy the process. Medicine is a beautiful thing. We belong amongst a privileged group of people whose vocation is to heal. In order to do so, we have to take care of ourselves.

Xavier President Ravishankar Bhooplapur along with Xavier Chancellor Dr. J.G. Bhat present Dr. Stanley Lee with his degree

13

Inter-professional Collaborative workshop Student Perspective Blog teams set out to show which type of professionals are called upon in the hospital setting, to work with physicians whom are charged with patient care.

Such professionals included the roles of Registered Nurses, dietitians, HumanResources representatives, Administrative representatives and a physician.

dealing with family members to navigating and defining 'malpractice' and learning to balance daily needs, there was something new for everyone to Xavier Chancellor Dr. J.G. Bhat speaking learn. to the students and faculty at the workshop The 28th and 29th of What was a general conMarch saw another one sensus was that this was of Xavier's workshops for informative and well put current students. Xavier, together. We got to work in partnership with Atlanwith our fellow colleagues tic Dialysis Management under different circumservices, hosted an Inter- The goal was simply laid stances and had to work Professional Collaboraout to the participants who in groups to accomplish tive Workshop. This time, were that each healthcare tasks all while learning the opportunity was afteam member would take to recognize and appreciforded to MD3 and MD4 the time to lead an activity ate the healthcare teams students. The 2-day event with the group and try to which we will be joining focused on highlighting demonstrate the key roles during out clinical rotaareas of clinical medicine that each member brings tions. and the different aspects to the table when it comes All in all, this was a great of working within a team to managing patients and event and helpful for our setting. The interactive balancing the ever-chang- progressing medical calectures included outlining needs of a dynamic reers. ing the different roles that hospital setting. contribute to patient care From incorporating pa- Jonathan Rogers, MD 4 in the clinical setting. The tient dietary needs, to 14

Inter-professional Collbaorative workshop photos

Xavier Chancellor Dr. J.G. Bhat addresses the students

Xavier students work in pairs during the workshop to build communication skills

Xavier Times Team Student Editor: Himani Patel Faculty Editors: Dr. Prasad Vijayashankar Dr. Patricia Brumley Student Contributors: Safal Parhar Jonathan Rogers

Xavier students learn the importance of Inter-professional collaboration in the medical world

Alim Parhar Haidar Al- Khafaji Bruhmika Khanna Faculty Contributors: Dr. Patricia Brumley Alumni Contributors: Dr. Stanley Lee Publisher: Andrew Sheldon

Group photo with Xavier students and Atlantic Dialysis Management Servces

15

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

Jordan Admissions Office Al Husseini Building Office 614 Zahran Street between 7th & 8th Circle Amman, Jordan 11183

Pre Med Campuses - India

The TIPSGLOBAL Institute 361/1a, Karuvalur Road SS Kulam PO, Coimbatore

Pre Med Campus - Jordan

Amman Madaba Street Amman, Jordan

12

Aruba Campus Santa Helenastraat #23 Oranjestad, Aruba TEL: 297-588-7766 Fax: 297-588-6222 www.xusom.com

Turksish Admissions Office Yeşilova Mahallesi 34295 Küçükçekmece/ Istanbul, Turkey

Pre Med Campuses - India

Street No. 6, Uma Nagar Begumpet, Hyderabad Telangana 500016, India

Pre Med Campus - Ghana

Troas Street Accra, Ghana