Xavier University Celebrates 2024 Com
On May 18, 2024, the picturesque residential campus of Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba hosted the joyous commencement ceremony for the Class of 2024.
A total of 50 graduates received their diplomas, with over half of them attending the ceremony in person.
The event was graced by inspiring speeches from distinguished guests. His Excellency Mr. Endy Croes, Aruba’s Minister for Education and Sport, addressed the graduates, emphasizing the vital role they will play in advancing global healthcare. The keynote speaker, Dr. Thomas John, delivered a moving speech that highlighted the importance of compassion and resilience in the medical profession.
President Ravi Bhooplapur expressed his immense pride in the graduates during his heartfelt address: “Today, we celebrate not just the culmination of your academic journey but the beginning of your impactful careers in medicine. You have shown remarkable dedication, resilience, and compassion—qualities that will serve you well as you embark on your journey to heal and inspire. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you.”
The Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 was Dr. Amritdeep Randhawa, and the Salutatorian was Dr. Angelos Soukovelos.
The ceremony also honored several individuals for their significant contributions to medical education and the Xavier University community: n
School of Medicine mencement Ceremony
w Dr. Linnea Smith received the prestigious Dr. Jerome Lowenstein Endowed Lectureship on Humanistic Aspects of Medical Education Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication to humanistic medical education.
w Dr. Raul Mostoslavsky was presented with the Xavier University School of Medicine Excellence in Medicine Award, celebrating his outstanding achievements and contributions to the field of medicine.
w Dr. neelam Dwivedi was honored with the Faculty Excellence Award, acknowledging her commitment to academic excellence and mentorship.
w Ms. Hilda Statia received the Staff Excellence Award for her unwavering support and dedication to the university’s students and mission.
The graduates received their diplomas and were hooded in a symbolic act marking their entry into the medical profession. The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the Hippocratic Oath, reaffirming their commitment to ethical medical practice.
The event was a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and unwavering dedication of the graduates. As they move forward into their medical careers, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and values instilled by Xavier University School of Medicine. The entire Xavier University community extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2024, confident that they will make significant contributions to the field of medicine and beyond. n
XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AwArd Ceremony
dr. Neelam dwivedi, Professor, Intro To Clinical Medicine & Physical Diagnosis, was honored with the Faculty Excellence Award, acknowledging her commitment to academic excellence and mentorship.
dr. linnea Smith, founder of the Amazon Medical Project, received the prestigious Dr. Jerome Lowenstein Endowed Lectureship on Humanistic Aspects of Medical Education Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication to humanistic medical education.
ms. Hilda Statia, Student Finance Representative, received the Staff Excellence Award for her unwavering support and dedication to the university’s students and mission.
dr. raul mostoslavsky, Scientific Co-Director, The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and The Laurel Schwartz Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, was presented with the Xavier University School of Medicine Excellence in Medicine Award, celebrating his outstanding achievements and contributions to the field of medicine.
Congratulations
to the
Xavier University School of mediCine ClAss of 2024!
Myra AHMED
Hina AkHTER
Ala’aldin Al MOMANI
Fatema ALDAAYSI
Kawthar ALDAAYSI
Loren ALONSO
Bharath ARUN
Ghaith ATI
Alee BEHESHTAEIN
Meha BILkHU
Inez Bonsu-ABBAN
Hanan BUTT
Riyadh CHOwDHURY
Lia DANEELIAN
Siddharth DHINgRA
Caleb gARARD
Fatehbir gILL
Mostafa HAgRASS
Iman HAMID
Michael HANNA
Ivette HERNANDEz
Diya HOSpETIMATH
Refat JAYYUSI
Mehrdad JELODAR
Loveleen JHAJJ
Israa JUBURI
Azia kARJIkAR
Shagufta kHALIq
Farina kHAN
Jennifer kHAN
Muhammad Asfandyar kHAN
Karim kHANAFER
Bhumika kHANNA
Rafeef kHLEIF
Armelle LEUkEU
Yashika MADAVARApU
John MAgAR
Joseph MICHEAL
Hassan NAVEED
Hannan ODEH
MONALI pATEL
nirav pATEL
Anjali pRABODH
Amritdeep RANDHAwA
Chitra SALgAME
Akashdeep SANDHU
Sailakshmn SANIpINI
Mohammad Ibrahim SHAHIN
nadiya SHARIFI
Angelo SOUkOVELOS
Michele STYBEL
Jessee TANASIUk
“We have reached a significant milestone in our lives—a milestone that took years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. Each one of us has overcome our own unique challenges and obstacles to be here today”
Valedictorian profile dr. Amritdeep randhawa
DR. AMRITDEEP RAnDHAWA, a native of Vancouver, Canada, was named the valedictorian of Xavier University School of Medicine’s Class of 2024. His academic journey, marked by dedication, resilience, and leadership, sets a high bar for aspiring medical professionals.
Amritdeep began his journey at Simon Fraser University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. His passion for medicine and a commitment to serving others led him to enroll at Xavier University School of Medicine. At Xavier, Amritdeep not only excelled in his coursework and clinical rotations but also actively participated in extracurricular activities and held leadership roles, including being a key member of the Dean’s Alpha Omega student mentoring program.
In his valedictorian address, Dr. Randhawa expressed profound gratitude to the Xavier faculty and staff for their unwavering support throughout his medical education. “First and foremost, I want to express my appreciation to our dedicated faculty and staff here at Xavier who have supported us throughout this rigorous journey,” he said.
Dr. Randhawa’s speech was a heartfelt tribute to the hard work and sacrifices made by his fellow graduates. “We have reached a significant milestone in our lives—a milestone that took years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. Each one of us has overcome our own unique challenges and obstacles to be here today,” he remarked.
His words underscored a central theme of his address: hope. Reflecting on the profound impact of hope in the medical field, Dr. Randhawa stated, “Throughout our medical training, many of us have seen some of the
deepest levels of human suffering… despite all of this pain, however, we often see signs of hope.” He emphasized that as future physicians, it is their responsibility to share this hope with their patients and communities, becoming beacons of light in times of despair.
Looking forward, Dr. Randhawa encouraged his peers to continue sharing hope and facing life’s challenges with courage and optimism. “Believing that better days are ahead of us, even when the road that we are on may seem difficult or impossible to cross, is what pushes all of us to keep trying in life,” he said.
As Dr. Randhawa and his classmates embark on their medical careers, his message of hope and resilience will undoubtedly inspire them to make meaningful contributions to the field of medicine. He concluded his speech with a powerful call to action: “Let’s keep on sharing hope with our patients and communities, and encourage people to step up to face the challenges in their lives. In doing this, we can all create positive change and leave this world a little better than when we came.”
Dr. Amritdeep Randhawa’s journey is a testament to his dedication, excellence, and compassion. His achievements at Xavier University School of Medicine not only highlight his academic prowess but also his commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Amritdeep has matched into his first choice residency programFamily Medicine at Sparrow Michigan State University. As he transitions into his residency program, he remains poised to inspire and lead, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a Xavier University School of Medicine trained physician. n
Salutatorian profile dr. Angelos soukovelos
DR. AnGELOS SOUKOVELOS, a native of Greece, was named the salutatorian of Xavier University School of Medicine’s Class of 2024. Angelos has always been a remarkable individual. Completing both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Psychology in Arizona by the age of 19, his early academic success set the stage for a future marked by extraordinary achievements. Driven by a profound desire to serve and a keen interest in the complexities of the human mind and body, Angelos transitioned to medicine, enrolling in the 5 1⁄2 year Pre-Med to MD program at Xavier University School of Medicine.
During his initial two years on the picturesque island of Aruba, Angelos demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mastering the foundational knowledge of medicine. His time in Aruba was characterized by rigorous study sessions and an unyielding dedication to his education. As he transitioned into clinical rotations across various U.S. cities, Angelos continued to hone his skills alongside seasoned physicians, tackling every challenge with resilience and determination.
In his Salutatorian Address, Dr. Soukovelos captured the essence of the medical journey, reflecting on the myriad experiences that have shaped him and his classmates.
“Today, we stand at the crossroads of past accomplishments and future aspirations,” he began, “adorned not just with the regalia of our achievements but with the profound responsibility that comes with the privilege of being called doctors.”
Angelos emphasized the importance of the friendships forged during medical school and the invaluable support from professors and mentors.
“Our professors and mentors have been
instrumental in this journey. They have not only imparted their vast knowledge but have also shown us what it means to be compassionate and dedicated physicians.” His gratitude extended to the families whose unwavering support formed the bedrock of their success, acknowledging the sacrifices and encouragement that helped them reach this milestone.
As he looks forward to the next chapter of his medical career, Angelos remains grounded in the values that have guided him thus far. He reminded his peers of the significance of the white coat as a “beacon of hope and healing” and called upon them to embrace their roles with vigor and determination.
Dr. Soukovelos also highlighted the profound impact of patient interactions on their development as physicians. “In the hospital, we have witnessed the spectrum of human emotion – from the joy of a new life entering the world to the sorrow of a life lost. We have learned to navigate these moments with grace and empathy,” he noted, urging his classmates to strive to be great physicians who treat their patients with empathy, compassion, and respect.
In closing, Angelos underscored the importance of lifelong learning in the ever-evolving field of medicine. “We must remain curious, humble, and open to new ideas, always striving to be better for our patients.” His message was one of hope, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
As Dr. Angelos Soukovelos embarks on his medical career, he does so with a wealth of knowledge, a compassionate heart, and an unrelenting drive to make a meaningful difference in the world. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and the profound impact of a supportive community. n
“We must remain curious, humble, and open to new ideas, always striving to be better for our patients.”
w hite Coat Ceremony
May 10, 2024
Jorim Parmar empowering futures through Xavier University school of medicine Alumni Profile:
THE journey to becoming a physician is often characterized by transformative experiences, profound growth, and unwavering commitment. For Jorim Parmar, the path to practicing medicine unfolded against a backdrop of cultural immersion, academic rigor, and personalized support, sculpted by the nurturing environment of Xavier University School of Medicine.
Hailing from Kansas, Jorim’s journey before enrolling at Xavier was marked by a commitment to bridging healthcare disparities and a dedication to cultural competency. “My experience at Xavier University School of Medicine was a journey that enriched both my personal and professional life,” Jorim reflects. “This chapter of my education allowed me to immerse myself in the local culture, providing me with the invaluable opportunity to learn Spanish as a second language.” This dedication to understanding diverse communities laid the foundation for Jorim’s future endeavors in medicine.
Choosing Xavier was a decision rooted in a desire to address global health disparities
and practice medicine in a culturally rich environment. “The university’s commitment to serving diverse communities, coupled with the unique opportunity to immerse myself in an island’s vibrant culture and learn Spanish, promised not only to enrich my medical education but also to enhance my personal growth,” Jorim explains. The intimate learning environment, characterized by small class sizes and personalized attention, resonated deeply with Jorim’s educational philosophy, offering a supportive and interactive educational journey.
Jorim’s time at Xavier was characterized by academic rigor, hands-on learning experiences, and a supportive community ethos. “The academic environment at Xavier was uniquely nurturing, fostering a highly interactive and personalized learning experience,” Jorim recalls. Engaging in a myriad of activities and medical opportunities, from discussions to simulations, equipped Jorim with the skills and mindset necessary for holistic patient care. “At Xavier, I didn’t just learn medicine; I learned how to approach it
with a patient-centered care philosophy, ready to adapt and serve in any setting the future holds,” Jorim remarks.
Throughout his journey at Xavier, Jorim was actively involved in campus life, participating in Xavier student events and collaborating with research teams. “Xavier student times and research team with dr’s,” Jorim mentions, highlighting the multifaceted engagement opportunities available to students. These experiences, coupled with his clinical rotations in Chicago, provided Jorim with a comprehensive and immersive medical education. “My clinical rotations in Chicago offered me a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, serving as a bridge between my academic training and real-world medical practice,” Jorim explains.
Xavier played a pivotal role in Jorim’s successful residency match, providing rigorous academic training, diverse clinical experiences, and personalized support throughout the application process.
“Xavier University School of Medicine was instrumental in my successful residency match due to its rigorous academic curriculum, diverse clinical rotations, and personalized support for the residency application process,” Jorim emphasizes. Equipped with a deep understanding of medical knowledge, practical skills, and a commitment to patient-centered care, Jorim is poised to embark on a fulfilling career in internal medicine.
To students considering Xavier, Jorim offers a resounding endorsement, highlighting the institution’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and community engagement.
“Choosing Xavier means committing to a journey of growth, challenge, and fulfillment,” Jorim advises. “It’s an opportunity to develop into a healthcare professional equipped to navigate the evolving landscapes of medicine with confidence and compassion.”
Jorim Parmar’s story is one of determination, cultural immersion, and a commitment to serving diverse communities. Through his journey with Xavier University School of Medicine, he not only realized his dream of becoming a physician but also cultivated a deep understanding of the transformative power of education and empathy in healthcare. As he prepares to embark on his career in internal medicine, Jorim stands as a testament to the values of excellence, compassion, and cultural sensitivity championed by Xavier, inspiring future generations of physicians to embrace the noblest ideals of medicine. n
XAVIER UNIVERSITY ARUBA meet oUr new fACUlty memBers!
Dr. Shivcharan CHAVAN
Assistant Professor, epidemiology
Prof. Emma KENT librarian
Dr. Sabarinath NAIR
Assistant Professor, Anatomy
Dr. Arnaw KISHORE
Assistant Professor, microbiology
Dr. Ishtiyaq SHAAFI Professor, Biochemistry
XAvier’s new ACAdemiC CAmPUs ConstrUCtion UPdAte
