THE XAVIER TIMES A Medical School Experience on an island unlike any other in the region! APRIL 2022
Vol. 13:/No.02
MATCH DAY 2022
A GREAT SUCCESS FOR
XAVIER GRADUATES
Recognized by New York State Board of Education | Fully Accredited by ACCM IN 4 MATCHED 2022
XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE / ARUBA
10 HEALTH FAIR
12 ISLAND DREAMS
15 STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
(516) 333-2224 • www.xusom.com • admissions@xusom.com Named a “Top 10 Caribbean Medical School” by MoneyInc.
Xavier University Administration & ACCM Site Visit Representatives visit with
Mr. Endy Croes, Aruba Minister of Education & Sports by Dr. Kevin Pawlak, Dean of Pre-Med Program
Top left – (L to R) Mr. Frank Croes, Mr. Edwin Casey, Sir Ian Gilmore, Dr. P. K. Prahalad; Top right - (L to R) Dr. Ravindra Kota, Mr. David Croke, Mr. John Donohoe, Mr. Ravi Bhooplapur, Dr. J. G. Bhat; Bottom left (L to R) Dr. Ravindra Kota, Mr. Edwin Casey, Mr. Ravi Bhooplapur, Honorable Minister Endy J. H. Croes, Mr. John Donohoe, Dr. J. G. Bhat, Mr. David Croke, Sir Ian Gilmore; Right - (L to R) Mr. Ravi Bhooplapur, Honorable Minister Endy J. H. Croes
(L to R) Dr. Jamiu Busari, Mr. Frank Croes, Honorable Minister Endy J. H. Croes, Dr. Arun Dubey, Dr. Kevin Pawlak, Mr. Karel Matthys, Ms. Cindy Heremans.
From February 14th to 18th, two representatives from Thomas More University of Applied Sciences visited Xavier University School of Medicine to mark the start of a student exchange agreement between the two nursing programs. The first five Thomas More students started their twelve-week rotations at the Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital in Aruba and three of those students are staying
2
at the XUSOM residential campus. During the same week, we were delighted by a visit from the Honorable Minister of Education and Sports, Mr. Endy Croes, to see the progress on our new campus. He was present on the new campus when we laid the first stone during the groundbreaking ceremony and was happy to see the great progress that has been made over the past two years.
.
Virtual Orientation FOR New Students Dr. Kevin Pawlak Dean of Pre Medical Science This semester we had our second online orientation program for new premed and MD students but this semester was different from the last because it was going to be our first hybrid semester in school history. This semester we were able to welcome some of our students back to campus and we were able to start having classes in the classroom again. With Aruba opening back up and tourists coming back to the island it meant that we were officially able to welcome any students back to campus that were able I hope you have all been well. to travel. This created a unique challenge for the faculty in which they needed to teach the students in the to class butafter makeasure the online students they were included in the discussions and I write you verythat successful Match Day.still In felt like We will also return to our in-person Alumni Global Meet provide both groups of students with a positive learning environment. total,toour graduates matched into 25 locations event in June. More than 50 Xavier University School across 14 different states in 5 different specialties. During the orientation it was my privilege to give the first talkalumni of the new semester to to meet with of Medicine will come to and Aruba Congratulations are very andof help guide our current students. We are so thankful welcome all to of all ourwho newmatched, students towe Xavier University School Medicine for the Fall 2020 semester. proud of you and know that you will continue to for our alumni who continue to pay forward their During the first day of orientation we had very informative talks about the premed and MD curriculum represent Xavier University School of Medicine! knowledge to future Xavier classes. at XUSOM. There were also talks from student finances and the library system and all of the available resources forforward studentstotocelebrating use in their commencement studies. The final session was astudents, great question and We are looking To all of of the our day current I wish everyone the best in June at period our beautiful in deans Aruba. will any of answer that wascampus held by the to We answer questions that the students had about the luck on your final examinations and a safe and recognize Xavier of Medicine Class happy semester break. schoolthe or from theUniversity first day School of orientation. of 2022 for all of their accomplishments and celebrate During the second day or orientation we had talks about the student support system at the with them as they continue on to successful careers in school and about the importance of professionalism and the medical humanities in your studies. These medicine. talks were followed by two of the most important talks so far. These talks were focusing on the of study skills TO and time management for yourSTUDENTS success in medical school. As theAS students WEimportance LOOK FORWARD SEEING OUR NEW RETURNING WELL will soon find out this is truly one of the most critical aspects to success in your medical program. Taking AS WELCOMING ALL OF OUR NEW STUDENTS IN MAY! the time to develop good study skills in your first couple semesters will help with processing the huge amount of material that needs to be learned during medical school. Sincerely,
DEAR XAVIER COMMUNITY
Ravi Bhooplapur
President Xavier University School of Medicine
FOLLOW US: JOIN OUR FACEBOOK FACEBOOK GROUPS: GROUPS:XUSOM XUSUOM StudentGroup Group/ XUSOM / XUSOMAlumni AlumniGroup Group Student
TIME T S E FIR 96% ASS REAT TH P xavier un xavier xa university ver rsity iver school sch ool of of medicine medicine
@xusomaruba @xuso marub aru a @xusomarub @XAVIER_UNIVERSITY_ARUBA
@XUSOM @XUSO
xavier xa x avier university vers sity univer school school of of medicine medicine
ON
P1 E STE L M S U EXAM
3
Xavier UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Graduates
Who Matched In 2022
Dr. Andrew Rofail
Dr. Carlos Guerra
Dr. Christine Tamayo
Dr. Darshan Bhatty
Dr. Dupinderjit Bhangal
Dr. Elizabeth Diaz
West Anaheim Medical Center (CA) Internal Medicine
HCA Medical City Healthcare (TX) Internal Medicine
4
Spectrum Health Lakeland (MI) Internal Medicine
Valley Children’s Healthcare (CA) Pediatrics
HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital (FL) Family Medicine
HCA Medical City Healthcare (TX) Internal Medicine
Dr. Ella-Marie Kabia
Dr. Jenna Rabadi
Dr. Jessica Audet
Dr. Jessica Pagé
Dr. Junita Jose
Dr. Kishan Patel
Dr. Maha Azhar
Dr. Mandip Mann
Dr. Marsha Laurencin
Lehigh Valley Hospital (PA) Family Medicine
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center (NY) General Surgery
UPMC Harrisburg (PA) Internal Medicine
Geisinger Health System (PA) Internal Medicine
University of North Dakota School of Medicine (ND) Family Medicine
Merit Health Wesley (MS) Internal Medicine
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center (NY) General Surgery
University of North Dakota School of Medicine (ND) Family Medicine
Millscreek Community Hospital (PA) Psychiatry
5
Dr. Mohammad Hussain
Ascension Macomb Oakland Hospital (MI) Emergency Medicine
Dr. Mousa Sawaged
Southeast Health (AL) Internal Medicine
Dr. Olawale Adeyemi Reading Hospital (PA) Family Medicine
6
Dr. Mohammed Anwer
University of Louisville School of Medicine (KY) Family Medicine
Dr. Navneet Atwal
BronxCare Health System (NY) Transitional
Dr. Rahia Shuaib
Dr. Mohammed Nagaria
Ocean Medical Center (NJ) Family Medicine
Dr. Nikhale Malik
Garden City Hospital (MI) Internal Medicine
University of Illinois - Peoria (IL) Family Medicine
Dr. Samer Al-Daheen
Tripler Army Medical Center (HI) Internal Medicine
Dr. Ugochi Ojinnaka
Howard University Hospital (DC) Family Medicine
Dr. Gopi Patel
Jamaica Hospital (NY) Internal Medicine
25 locations across 14 different states and territories
7
XAVIER DAY 2022 DJ playing music, basketball, soccer, football, volleyball beach tennis, water sports, good food & a movie. This semester’s Xavier Day utilized the new campus amenities to allow the students of XUSOM to enjoy a day off of classes, relax and unwind together while engaging in friendly competition. The turnout was phenomenal with almost 100% of the student body attending at least some part of the day. Soccer and basketball games were being played throughout the day, and some Xavier staff even joined in the fun. The school culinary staff went above and beyond with a BBQ dinner and late-night pizza during the movie under the stars.
8
XAVIER HAVE FUN
STUDENTS IN THE SUN
10
9
XAVIER UNIVERSITY
HOSTS HEALTH FAIR & VACCINE CLINIC With International Organization For Migration On Saturday, March 26, Xavier University School of Medicine hosted a health fair in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This health fair saw Xavier students interacting with more than 150 patients, providing testing and analysis, and gaining invaluable hands-on experience in a clinical setting. The students performed numerous health tests, and the mobile COVID-19 vaccination unit was also on hand to provide free vaccines to all who wished to receive it. Xavier University School of Medicine is proud to partner with organizations such as IOM to provide necessary public health services to all who need it while also allowing our students to benefit from added clinical exposure!
10
COLLABORATIVE WORKSHOP WITH THOMAS MORE NURSING STUDENTS by Dr. Leahnata Davies, Associate Professor, Public Health On Friday, February 18, 2022, Xavier University School of Medicine Nursing Program and the Thomas More Nursing Program in Belgium participated in a workshop in Aruba. The goal of the workshop was to create a space where students from both programs interact and learn from each other. The workshop consisted of 3 parts.
PART 1: Introduction and presentation of care plans Students presented their nursing care plans following the XUSOM Nursing Care Plan template. Goals and intervention for the selected nursing diagnosis was discussed and suggestions were made on how to improve the individual care plan. PART 2: Case study in small groups Students were presented with a cardiovascular scenario in which they were in a coronary care unit of a large urban medical center. Their new admission, a 47-year-old woman, was just flown to their center from a small rural community more than 100 miles away. The patient had an acute anterior wall myocardial infarction. ECG results and TPA information were provided including lab results. In two groups, students interpreted diagnostic findings and nursing interventions for the patient. PART 3: Simulation of case: clinical reasoning A simulation machine was brought in and a crisis scenario was created by one of the Thomas More representatives. Students are expected to respond to the crisis using the ABC Model of Crisis Intervention. Students from both universities participated in the simulation and were critiqued by their peers.
THE WORKSHOP WAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION AS STUDENTS FROM BOTH INSTITUTIONS WERE ABLE TO LEARN IN AN INTERACTIVE AND TEAM-BUILDING SETTING.
11
ISLAND DREAMS:
AN XAVIER STUDENT’S JOURNEY TO PURSUING HER PASSION It takes more than good grades to become a great doctor. Compassion, empathy and a love for helping others are virtues that you cannot learn from a textbook. For Michelle Mawere, a first-year medical student at Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM) in Aruba, it was her family’s traditional Zimbabwean values and caring for her autistic brother that laid the foundation for her passion to becoming a doctor. A FOUNDATION OF FAMILY AND VALUES Growing up on Long Island, NY, Mawere experienced life differently than most students. As the eldest daughter— steeped in her family’s Zimbabwean traditions—she was responsible for the needs of her siblings and assisting her mother and grandmother with keeping their home. Part of her responsibilities included caring for her older brother, Joshua, who is on the autism spectrum. “My culture puts an emphasis on respecting those older than us, looking to them for guidance and acknowledging their wisdom,” said Mawere. “Due to his autism, our roles are reversed, as I hold the weight of what would have been his responsibility as the oldest. Loving and caring for Joshua has taught me how to be empathetic, compassionate and more attentive to subtle behavior— all attributes of being a great doctor.” THE JOURNEY BETWEEN ISLANDS Mawere is no stranger to the medical field. Her father, Dr. Jonathan Mawere earned his medical degree from XUSOM in Aruba, and so she was already familiar with the Caribbean medical school. She had different plans, however, for life after high school. She attended New York University (NYU), where she studied humanities and earned a degree in Social and Cultural Analysis. “I commuted five hours to college, round-trip, every day,” Mawere said. “Staying on campus after class was never an option for me. I studied at the kitchen table so I could be accessible to my family. It was challenging not having my own study space, but I did it out of love and respect for my family.” It was during her time at NYU when she realized that she could bridge her passion for race, gender and socioeconomic issues to a career as physician. “I dedicated my studies to learning seven different spheres of culture including Africana, American, Asian and Pacific Islander, Latinx, LGBTQIA+Gender, Metropolitan, Urban and Women’s Studies,” she said proudly. “One day, something clicked inside of me. I knew at that moment I wanted to become a doctor, like my dad.” She began the application process of applying only to
12
Caribbean medical schools, including XUSOM. “My interview with Xavier was a wonderful experience,” she explained. “It was a warm and welcoming conversation. I knew I would feel safe and secure there.” Mawere was excited to learn of her acceptance. “It was time for me to trade Long Island for the island of Aruba and begin a new chapter in my life.” EMBRACING OPPORTUNITY Leaving home wasn’t an easy decision for Mawere, but she knew that attending medical school would lead to her true calling in life. Like most medical students, she was concerned about the cost of attending medical school. She explored the several scholarship opportunities at Xavier and discovered the Congressman John Lewis Equality Memorial Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to underrepresented minority students. In addition to meeting the standard criteria for all scholarships at XUSOM, she was required to submit a personalized video, where she explained her vision of how she intends to further John Lewis’ legacy of fighting inequality in her professional and personal life. “I was honored and thrilled to hear I was the recipient of this generous scholarship,” she said emotionally. “As a Black woman, this means so much to have the opportunity to pursue my dream in his memory.” MAKING HER MARK AT XAVIER Mawere wasted no time at becoming acclimated to her new life in Aruba. She said the diversity on campus made her feel like she was home. “As a Black woman, I’m proud to be a part of such a special group of peers who share the same goals and dreams as I do. I believe it’s important that we stay true to our character and not let stereotypes get in the way of our success.” She embraced her classes, met new friends, and soaks up the amazing view from her apartment every day. “The small class sizes make all the difference,” she said. “I’ve made so many friends, and the professors and faculty are wonderful. They truly care about each and every student.” And as for the tropical setting, Mawere said there’s nothing better to soothe the spirit than the beautiful island of Aruba. “There’s no denying it: Medical school is hard and can be stressful at times. Looking out on to the ocean and the beautiful tropical
REFLECTING ON BLACK HISTORY MONTH When asked about her thoughts as a Black woman entering the medical profession, Mawere stated: “I want to be the change. I feel it’s my responsibility to be relatable to patients from all walks of life. Studying humanities has improved my ability to be a great doctor. Understanding the issues of underserved communities will give me an edge in helping bridge cultural gaps between myself and my patients. I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor, and confident that Xavier will be there every step of the way.” setting is just what students need to reenergize after a long day.” Even with a busy schedule, Mawere still finds time to show her leadership skills by staying involved on campus. She is currently the vice president of the student government association, where she oversees all of the university’s clubs. “I believe it’s important to understand the dynamics of the student body—their likes and dislikes—and what makes them tick. I’m hoping to start an ethics club in the fall.”
CARING FOR OTHERS BEGINS WITH SELF-CARE As a self-proclaimed fashionista, Mawere brought all of her favorite clothes and accessories with her to Aruba. She explained how it’s important to take care of yourself first, so that you can then bring your best version of yourself to others. “Self-care is so important—especially when you’re feeling stressed and challenged. Even if it means doing a quick facial or taking a break from the books and meeting up with friends—giving yourself some ‘me’ time is the best way to recharge and get back into it with even more vigor.”
GET TO KNOW Trustee Dr. Akwasi Achampong Proud of how Xavier University has championed increasing diversity in medical school and the field as a whole, Dr. Achampong added, “Diversity is a very important aspect of our lives. Countless people enter into medical facilities in search of health care - people from different ages, races, religions, cultures, languages and genders. It’s great for anyone to see someone like them within the healthcare workforce.”
Dr. Akwasi Achampong is an Internal Medicine specialist in New York and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Long Island Jewish Medical Center and South Nassau Communities Hospital. He is also a current member of the Xavier University School of Medicine Board of Trustees. Dr. Achampong traveled to the US from Ghana at the age of 21 with his parents to pursue a better education. He eventually graduated as a pharmacist from Long Island University and began his career at Merck Pharmaceuticals. But he wanted to do more in the medical field. “While practicing as a pharmacist, I realized that my knowledge in patient care was not enough and therefore I decided to further my education in the medical field and specifically as an internist to build a better capacity to take care of people.”
After receiving his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Achampong went on to obtain a residency at the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. After his residency, he joined Roselle Medical Office and practiced as an internist, later moving on to open a private practice at Elmont Medical PC on Long Island. He is also the President of the Baldwin University College in Ghana. Dr. Achampong joined the Organization for International Development (OID) to provide medical care for the underprivileged in developing countries. “I felt the need to help people learn how to take care of themselves and others,” he said. “Medicine is a very good career to pursue because you get to witness humanity at its worst and best. You are able to give yourself to help solve other people’s problems. You get to give back to society in your own way.”
13
DR. ROBERT GLUCK VISITS XAVIER AT XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, WE HAVE A NUMBER OF VISITING FACULTY WHO VISIT ARUBA TO SPEAK WITH OUR STUDENTS. During the week of January 24-28, 2022, Dr. Robert Gluck visited to pass along his insight and experience to XUSOM students. Dr. Robert Gluck, MD is a Orthopedic Hand Surgery Specialist in Long Island, NY. He is affiliated with medical facilities Long Island Jewish Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital. Dr. Gluck received his B.S. from Cornell University in 1979 and his Medical Degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1982. He completed his residency in Surgery at North Shore- Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center in 1987, where he was selected Chief Resident of the Year. He was asked to join the full-time faculty after completing his post-graduate fellowship in Orthopedic Hand and Microsurgery at Stony Brook University Medical Center. Dr. Gluck was appointed Chief of the Hand Service at LIJ and received a distinguished service award. He treats all ages, from infants with congenital developmental problems to the elderly with arthritis and other ailments. On January 27, Xavier’s MD2 class received a presentation on traumatic and mechanical disorders of bone, bone tumors, and osteoporosis. “Dr. Gluck prepared an informative presentation with clinical vignettes to engage the class and highlight the clinical significance of the information,” said Kevin Ram, MD2 student. “He was also able to use his knowledge and experience to make the information more accessible to the students allowing for a better understanding of the concepts presented. It was a pleasure to have him present to our class and we look forward to hearing from him again soon.”
14
11
STUDENT PERSPECTIVES I made an excellent decision by choosing Xavier University School of Medicine as its staff and clinical rotation sites will prepare me to become a successful and compassionate physician.
Dimple Mazumdar, MD1 Ontario, Canada
Nabhan Haque, MD1 Michigan, USA
I was attracted to Xavier University School of Medicine for many reasons. First was the smaller class sizes, because it is common for students to typically remain just a number during their time in medical schools. The Xavier faculty work with students in a comfortable and familiar setting. The smaller classes ease students into the school’s curriculum. Xavier University also prepares us for the Step One exam from the first day of class. The professors shape their lectures to reflect the knowledge ultimately required for the Step One exam. I have enjoyed my first two months of classes and respect the breadth of knowledge each professor has provided.
We’ve been doing classes on a week by week basis, learning new concepts every time. During week 9 MD1 class has started to do clinical understanding with respect to the patient interview, which is exciting because we had the homework of how to deal with patients before, but now we get to try it in person. The other aspect that we’re doing is finishing up the viruses. We’ve begun to learn about the autonomic nervous system and how everything signaled in the body. Another interesting point is that we have medical humanities classes in which we understand how the doctor is
Xavier University recognizes the importance of a student’s environment and surroundings to yield better results. The campus and new housing facility, located on the beautiful and safe island of Aruba, provide students with a serene environment to focus on what is important – academics. With a shuttle to take us between the residential campus and academic campus, two great dining halls, and a beautifully wellkept garden and pool, I can invest my time and energy into my success in medical school while also having a great balance.
portrayed by others; during a session with Dr. Kulpa we talked about a painting called, “drawing the doctor.” The cool thing about Xavier that’s new is that in MD1, we’re going to the hospital and we shadow the physician for 2 hours, which is a cool development, however, we do it on class time. It sound interesting enough and it’s an opportunity to meet doctors and get our name out there as well as introduce ourselves to do anything we may want to in the hospital, if we are interested.
I am a first-year medical student at XUSOM. For the time that I have been here, Xavier and all the staff and faculty have made it a very close-knit environment in which their primary goal is to make every student feel comfortable. Coming from countries from all over the world and adjusting in an environment you’ve never been to before can be hard, especially when you’re away from family and friends. However, the teachers and other students here have made it their responsibility to make sure we all know that there is always someone to reach out to. It feels great to know that you can have a home away from home.
Kajal Sivia, MD1 British Columbia, Canada
15
s n NEW CAMPUS UPDATE o i t a l u t gra
! S E T A U D GRALET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN Con
Parking Housing Block
CLASS OF
Graduation 2022 Saturday, June 4, 2022 Dining Hall
new residential campus Pool in Aruba For more information, visit XUSOM.com/Graduation
Named a “Top 10 Caribbean Medical School” by jçåÉófåÅ.
XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE / ARUBA
North American Admissions Office 1000 Woodbury Road, Suite 109 Woodbury, New York 11797 USA T: 516-333-2224 F: 516-921-1070 E: Admissions@xusom.com
Aruba Campus Santa Helenastraat #23 Oranjestad, Aruba T: 297-588-7766 F: 297-588-6222
(516) 333-2224 • www.xusom.com • admissions@xusom.com