Xavier Times - January 2023

ORIENTATION

JANAURY 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT RAVI BHOOPLAPUR

Dear Xavier community,

I wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!

I would first like to personally welcome the new incoming students to Xavier University School of Medicine and Aruba. We are thrilled to have you joining us for the January 2023 semester as you embark on or continue your medical school journey.

I would also like to welcome back our returning students. It is great to have you back with us, and I hope you had a safe and enjoyable holidays.

And welcome to our new faculty and staff who have joined us for this semester. I know they will work their hardest in their teaching and provide a high quality education.

Our new students experienced a great orientation week, hearing from our experienced faculty and administrators over two days, and then celebrating with the White Coat ceremony. We are certain that they are ready for their path towards a successful career in medicine.

It’s also important to notice that, year after year, our students are excelling in academics; this is a direct result of the hard work of our faculty and administration under the leadership of Chief Academic Officer Dr. Dubey, VP of Academic Affairs / Dean Of Clinical Science Dr. Pestell,

Dean of Basic Sciences Dr. Mohan, Dean of Pre-Med Dr. Pawlak, Associate Dean of Clinical Science Dr. Abazid, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Carey, and all of our Department Chairs.

I am excited to let everyone know that construction has officially begun on phase two of our Aruba campus. Set to open for the Fall 2024 semester, construction

on the new academic building will last for approximately 18 months. This new academic area of campus will include a theater-style auditorium, state-ofthe-art classrooms and labs, research facilities, seminar rooms, a new library, study areas for individuals, small groups, and large groups, student lounges, and a walk-in clinic.

I am looking forward to a great 2023!

Sincerely,

Ravi Bhooplapur President Xavier University School of Medicine

XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ANNOUNCES BEGINNING OF CONSTRUCTION ON $70 MILLION NEW ACADEMIC CAMPUS IN ARUBA

new academic campus will last for approximately 18 months. This new academic area of campus will include a theater-style auditorium, state-ofthe-art classrooms and labs, research facilities, seminar rooms, a new library, study areas for individuals, small groups, and large groups, student lounges, and a walk-in clinic.

Xavier University School of Medicine is excited to announce that construction on phase two of the Aruba campus will begin on January 9, 2023. Phase two of Xavier’s campus transformation will see the creation of a new academic area of campus. The total cost of the new academic block is projected to be $70 million.

In addition, President Bhooplapur has announced that the school has secured funding of $46.5 million dollars that has been signed and executed today with a consortium of

financial institutions.

“We are very excited to secure funding and begin construction on our new academic campus,” said Ravishankar Bhooplapur, President of Xavier University School of Medicine. “Xavier’s new academic campus, combined with our new residential campus that opened in September of 2021, will become not only one of the best medical school facilities in the Caribbean, but one of the best in the world.”

Set to open for the Fall 2024 semester, construction on the

This new academic building will continue to attract some of the best and brightest students to medical school in Aruba, continuing the tradition of success Xavier University School of Medicine has had in preparing students for successful careers in the medical field. As the most affordable fully-accredited and New York State approved medical school in the Caribbean, Xavier tries to make this quality education available at an affordable price, offering numerous scholarships and financial aid options for the full cost of attendance.

“I would like to add a special thank you to the Aruba government, especially Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes and Minister for Education and Sport Endy Croes, Minister of Tourism and Public Health Danguillaume Pierino Oduber, the team of Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital, all of our local partners

who will oversee and complete this construction project, and the great people of Aruba for their continued support,” said President Ravishankar Bhooplapur. “We truly are proud to be a part of this great community, and we know how much it means to the great people of Aruba to play such an important role in the development of future successful doctors.”

“I would also like to sincerely thank Chancellor Dr. J.G. Bhat, Chairman Edwin Casey, Trustee Frank Croes in Aruba, Trustee Dr. P.K. Prahalad, Trustee Dr. Ravindra Kota, the rest of the Board of Trustees, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Arun Dubey and the faculty, and Vice President of Finance and Operations Dan Moses and the administration who help provide a quality medical education at an affordable cost as well as all of the very successful Xavier alumni around the world; without all of these people, we would not be able to complete this project,” added President Ravishankar Bhooplapur. “We all truly take pride in providing all the tools necessary to our students for them to become successful doctors in the future, and this academic campus will become another significant way that Xavier provides outstanding support for its students.”

XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

WHITE COAT CEREMONY

JANUARY 13, 2023

UNIVERSITYSCHOOL OF MEDICINE

WELCOMES TWO NEW TRUSTEES

Dr. Peter Urazov earned his M.D. at St. Petersburg Medical Academy in Russia and did his Residency in Neurology before obtaining his D.O. degree at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007. He has been a Family Medicine Residency Attending Faculty Physician at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Clinic since July 2011. Further, since January 2020, Dr. Urazov has served on the core faculty for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Long Island Community Hospital.

Dr. Faten Kerazan completed her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Master’s, and PhD degree in Auditing from Damascus University in Syria. Her PhD thesis was “The Role of the External Auditor in Risk Assessment at Insurance Companies- An Analytical Study.” She worked as an Insurance Agent at the Audi Group in Damascus before attaining the Certificate of Certified Accountant in 2010. After completing her Master’s degree, she worked as a Lecturer at the Ministry of Finance and Arab International University in Syria, then at Isra University and the German Jordanian University in Jordan. She also equalized all four of her academic certificates and obtained the equivalent of a Canadian doctorate in 2014. From 2015-2018, Dr. Kerazan worked as a full-time Assistant Professor at the University of Jordan in Amman, as well as an Executive Director at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization. Since May 2019, she has been working as a Financial Reporting Accountant at Brookfield Residential in Alberta, Canada.

Dr. Faten Kerazan, MD

Dr. Peter Urazov, MD

WELCOME TO OUR NEW FACULTY MEMBERS!

VISITING FACULTY

Dr. Kamalpreet Buttar

Visiting faculty member Dr. Kamal Buttar was at Xavier University School of Medicine’s Aruba campus from January 16-20, 2023. Dr. Buttar lectured MD-2 students studying the musculoskeletal system on the knee and shoulder.

Dr. Buttar is a veteran doctor, currently working as an Attending Physician in Family and Preventive Medicine at Stony Brook University Hospital. He is also a Team Physician for the Stony Brook sports teams and is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Family, Population & Preventive Medicine at Stony Brook.

Xavier University School of Medicine is very thankful that Dr. Buttar taught and mentored our students for the week, and we look forward to having him back to campus soon!

Dr. Nitin Kumar Assistant Professor, Microbiology

Dr. Leonard Maffucci Clinical Chair, Surgery

Dr. Shivraj Gowda Professor, Biochemistry

STUDENT PERSPECTIVES

Nazira

Baiz Michigan, USA

When I was doing my background research on Xavier, there were a few thoughts I was seeking assurance for, in terms of admissions, academics, campus and the island. I reached out to the admissions team and they helped answer all my questions thoroughly. I found that Xavier offers their students to do their rotations in the United States and has all of the accreditations for students to obtain residency and practice in the US, which is also what I’m seeking. I’m also very interested in research and Xavier provides a great opportunity in this area. The admissions team was very open and honest with me, and guided me step-by-step in completing the application process, gathering my required documents, and making it as smooth as possible. When I arrived on the island, I was astounded by how friendly, safe, and clean Aruba was. Everyone I met - students, staff, and all of the local community members I met - were very friendly and welcoming. Xavier’s hospitality during orientation was great, from the food and snacks to the well planned schedule of speakers, tour of Aruba, and white coat ceremony.

At Xavier, I feel that we have a very family-oriented community. Professors have known my name, along with all of my fellow classmates, from day one. My first week of classes consisted of topics overlapping similar material which helped me correlate the concepts to ease my understanding. Also, tutoring and mentorship are available for all the students.

When I arrived at the residential campus, I made new friends with previous and incoming students residing at the dorms. Yet, my favorite part about living on campus, aside from being provided three assorted meals by a talented chef, is the breathtaking scenery. At the residential hall, students can play sports, take a walk, work out, and study with friends all in one place.

I’m glad to be a part of this community at Xavier University School of Medicine!

Theodore Cooper Nassau, Bahamas

I chose Xavier University School of Medicine for its accreditation, curriculum, its reasonable tuition, its geographical position, and security of both the island and campus.

The process of my admissions was very smooth and straightforward. From the moment I submitted my application, the admissions team at Xavier guided me through everything I needed and what to expect before I stepped foot on the island.

The transition for me was very easy. Orientation was a very fun and informative experience. We were wellprepared on what to expect during our classes and we were able to meet all of our professors in advance. We were also given very helpful tips on how to study, manage our time and just make our medical school experience as enjoyable and successful as possible.

My first week of class has been an interesting experience. The volume of material to take in is something that might take a little getting used to at first, but the teaching styles used by the professors here make it a lot easier to absorb the material.

The community at Xavier is warm and inviting. From the upperclassmen and the professors, to the administration and staff. And living at the new residential campus is very convenient. With breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided to you, it makes it easy where you don’t have to cook. There are also many great recreation options, like sports, the pool, and the outdoor gym, to take a little break. It is also great that all of our transportation is included, for when we go to class or need to go pickup any items we might need.

Bhakti Modi Kansas, USA

I chose Xavier University School of Medicine for many reasons. My friend who was already attending Xavier spoke very highly of it and only had positive feedback while attending the school. When I was deciding on which school to attend, I spoke with many other students and I did not hear one bad thing about Xavier. I really liked everything academically about the schoolthe systems-based curriculum, and the great professors, the small class sizes, and the good sense of community. The admissions process was very smooth and quick. After completing my application and submitting my documents, I immediately heard from the school.

After having my interview with one of the Deans, I received an admissions decision in just a few days. The entire process was quick and easy thanks to the great admissions team. They were so helpful and answered all of my questions.

Arriving in Aruba was good. I appreciated that the school

picked me up from my hotel with my family and brought us to the residential campus. The staff really was so welcoming and friendly, ensuring we got settled into the campus and to Xavier. Orientation was nice. I loved how we got started by meeting all of the professors, administration and staff all together. During orientation, we not only learned important academic information and heard from many of the doctors, but also were able to meet many current students and participate in some fun activities. I also really enjoyed being able to take part in the white coat ceremony.

I feel that the community at Xavier is great. Everybody here is so friendly and accommodating. Even though I am a new transfer student, I do not feel isolated or like I am in a new environment. The faculty and students here support each other and care. I can see the sense of family and community amongst the students and staff, and that has made it very more welcoming. I thought it was going to be hard making friends and fitting in, but it was easier than I thought because people were so nice.I am glad I live on campus because it makes everything so much more convenient. I love being surrounded by my fellow students, enjoy the beautiful and safe environment I can roam around in, and love having all of my meals and transportation taken care of. The housing here is lovely and I feel just living here. I am surrounded by a friendly community of people.

My first 2 weeks of school has been great! I have already learned a lot and the material is starting to stack up but it is all manageable. I like my professors and I can see that they are willing to help you anytime and do enjoy teaching.

Overall, I am very happy with my choice of transferring to XUSOM and I do think it is a great school so far. I can’t wait to make new memories here and see where my journey in XUSOM takes me.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!

Let The Adventure Begin CLASS OF 2023

GRADUATION 2023

SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023

NEW RESIDENTIAL CAMPUS IN ARUBA.

XAVIER UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

ALUMNI GLOBAL MEET

MAY 17-19, 2023

XAVIER UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

ARUBA CAMPUS YOUR SUCCESS. OUR TRADITION.

ALL ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Applying to medical school is an exciting time in your life. It may also come with many questions that might leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. With so many factors to consider— and requirements to meet—where should you begin?

This month, Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba is putting your concerns to rest as we walk through our unique and streamlined admissions process that can bring you one step closer to making your dream of becoming a doctor a reality. Let’s get started.

Why our process focuses on you—not just your grades

We know there is so much more to you than a grade point average or test score. That’s why we take a holistic approach when selecting students for admission that focuses on experiences, attributes and academic metrics. We want to know who you are, inside and out of the classroom, and why you want to be a doctor. This is where your personal statement comes into play.

Personal statement

Your personal statement should tell your story—as well as any challenges you’ve faced along the way—so we can get a better understanding of who you are. Being honest and genuine is the key to presenting yourself in the best possible light via your personal statement. (No judging here.)

Just be sure to be as specific and detailed as possible. Choose to write about an experience that changed your perspective about medicine, a mentor that inspired you, an obstacle or challenge that changed your educational pursuits. And don’t forget to proofread and revise, revise, revise!

A FEW OTHER TIPS TO WRITING A GOOD PERSONAL STATEMENT: Keep it interesting by using personal detail that shows who you really are. Be concise and keep it focused. Avoid cliches. Show don’t tell

When to apply

Xavier University School of Medicine is among the institutions that accepts applications on a rolling basis for three intake periods throughout the year—January, May and September. We suggest applicants apply well before the start of the semester they anticipate attending, but we will accept applications right up until the semester begins.

ARE YOU CONSIDERING A CARIBBEAN MEDICAL SCHOOL?

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG, CARIBBEAN MEDICAL SCHOOLS: CHOOSING THE BEST ONE FOR YOUR FUTURE.

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF XAVIER: WHY CHOOSE XAVIER OVER OTHER MEDICAL SCHOOLS.

The admissions process

Our admissions process is straightforward. We’ve made it as easy as possible in order for you to focus on what really matters: Taking the next steps toward your future. And the best part is that we do not require an application fee. Applying to Xavier is free!

HERE

ARE THE STEPS FOR APPLYING TO XAVIER:

1. Complete your application—The admissions application is easy. Simply answer some questions about yourself so that we can get to know more about you and your academic history. Apply here.

2. Upload your unofficial transcript—Either upload your unofficial transcript to the application portal or send it via email to your admissions representative.

3. Upload supporting documents—Additional supporting documents should be uploaded to your profile. These include letters of recommendation, your résumé, and personal statement.

4. Schedule your admissions interview—Your next step is to schedule your admissions interview. Your admissions representative will contact you to set an appointment, which typically takes place on weekday

Admission requirements—Pre-Med Program

At Xavier, we believe every student should have the opportunity to pursue his or her dreams. That’s why we offer an accelerated five- and half-year pre-med program for students who might not meet all of the criteria for the four-year MD program.

HERE ARE THE PREREQUISITES THAT ARE REQUIRED: High School diploma

GPA: 3.0

SAT: 1800 or ACT: 26

TOEFL: 231 (for other than USA, UK, or Canadian students)

IELTS: 6.0 (for other than USA, UK, or Canadian students)

afternoons (EST) via Zoom with one of our admissions faculty members.

5. Attend your admissions interview—The admissions interview is an integral part of the admissions process. Here, a member of our faculty will get to know you, discuss your academic history, and review your transcript. Remember: It’s a conversation, so it’s important to be yourself and let your personality shine through. (And be sure to have some questions ready for us, too!)

6. Receive your admissions decision—You will receive your admissions decision within one-to-two weeks after your interview. If accepted, you will receive next steps regarding finance, immigration, housing, and arrival information for Aruba.

Why Xavier is the best choice for your future

We understand how choosing a medical school is a big decision. And, yes, there are several factors to consider. That’s why Xavier offers what some other medical schools don’t. Oh, did we mention that we are located in paradise?

HERE ARE SOME KEY REASONS WHY CHOOSING XAVIER OVER OTHER MEDICAL SCHOOLS CAN BE YOUR PATHWAY TO A BRIGHT FUTURE:

More affordable than other Caribbean medical schools

Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans

Personalized attention from faculty who are invested in your success

Fully accredited

Small class sizes (among other benefits)

Proven student success

New residential campus

Ease and safety of Aruba