Xavier Times - November 2023

XAVIER TIMES THE

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

NOVEMBER 2023

PRESIDENT RAVI BHOOPLAPUR RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE FROM PRESTIGIOUS KARNATAKA UNIVERSITY

XAVIER UNIVERSITY ARUBA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (516) 333-2224 www.xusom.com admissions@xusom.com

Recognized by New York State Board of Education.

Fully Accredited by ACCM.

Named a “Top 10 Caribbean Medical School” by MoneyInc.

XAVIER UNIVERSITY ARUBA PRESIDENT

RAVI BHOOPLAPUR AWARDED HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE FROM KARNATAK UNIVERSITY

Xavier University Aruba President Ravi Bhooplapur was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the prestigious Karnataka University in Dharwad, India on Monday, October 30, 2023 at the school’s 73rd annual convocation ceremony.

Ravi, awarded this honorary doctorate in recognition of his contribution to the field of education and philanthropy, was born and raised in Dharwad, studied at JSS college and is the first non-Indian resident to receive this great honor.

Ravi Bhooplapur with his honorary doctorate degree from the prestigious Karnatak University in Dharwad, India.

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“It is an honor to receive this honorary doctorate from Karnataka University, a place I hold so dear,” said Ravi Bhooplapur. “Thank you to everyone at Karnataka University who made this possible.”

Ravi Bhooplapur with fellow honorary doctorate degree recipients and leadership from Karnatak University.

In 2008, Ravi took over the Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba, and quickly turned the school into an exemplary success. As President, he has overseen the transition of Xavier into a fullyaccredited medical school, repeatedly being named one of the Top 10 Caribbean Medical Schools by Money Inc. To date, Ravi’s leadership has led to the graduation of more than 1,200 doctors who are now working in the US and around the world.

Ravi has focused on philanthropy worldwide. In India, Ravi has given back to society in a very big way. He founded Gift of Life India in 2001, an organization that has, to date, saved the lives of 6,500 children suffering from congenital heart disease in India by providing

Ravi Bhooplapur with his family after receiving his honorary doctorate degree.

heart surgery free of cost. He has also provided an unimaginable amount of assistance to the people of India in many other ways by supporting many different organizations.

“As I have said many times, I am happy being known as a man who not only made millions, but who touched the lives of millions,” added Ravi. “Giving back to make the world a better place is what really matters the most, and I am thankful to Karnataka University for recognizing my achievements in education and giving back.”

Ravi Bhooplapur being presented with his honorary doctorate degree from Pro Chancellor Dr. Sudhakar.

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THANKFULNESS DURING THANKSGIVING “The saying, ‘It takes a village...’ is the first thing I think of when discussing Thanksgiving. In this season of gratitude, I am thankful for my family, as well as the village that Xavier has created for their students. The unyielding support from others walking alongside me in this journey, the community, and the beautiful island of Aruba are all aspects to be deeply grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving!”

- Hannah Marie Wieser (Bowdon, GA)

“I am thankful for being part of medical school that has the necessary accreditations for me to pursue my goal of being a physician in the United States. The school has different hospital affiliations throughout the U.S that allow me to have options as to where to complete my clinical rotations. I am thankful for being part of a university with personalized classes in which all professors know their students and they guide you through the process based on your individual needs.

They are always available to clarify any concerns and due to the small classes, it’s easy to interact with them.”

- Edwin Ramirez (Lakeland, FL)

“This Thanksgiving, I am very thankful for the knowledge our teachers have imparted to us during my time here at Xavier University, and I’m very thankful for the family environment that has been created.”

- Stefany Castillo (Newark, NJ)

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“In my short but productive time at Xavier so far, I am thankful for many things. A few of the things I am specifically thankful for are the friends and mentors I have come to know here, they have made life here much happier and joyful. I am extremely thankful for the staff and faculty at Xavier; they have made me feel welcomed since day one and like part of the Xavier family. I am also thankful to have the opportunity to learn in such a beautiful environment like Aruba. The already challenging aspects of medical school are somewhat softened by the ability to look out the window and see that you are living in paradise. I will continue to be thankful for the many opportunities I am given and relationships I have developed here.”

- Michael Addeo (Long Island, NY)

“Since I arrived at Xavier University two months ago, I have learned to appreciate medicine more. I had the opportunity to participate in a free health clinic and provide diagnostic tests to those in need. More recently, I was able to shadow a family physician in her practice and witness the patient-doctor dynamics, which I found very similar to physicians in the U.S. I am also very grateful for the connections I have made with my peers as it makes learning a lot easier as well as living in Aruba easier.”

- Ogechi Ehiobuche (Plainfield, NJ)

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XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE PARTNERS

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION TO OPEN FREE HEALTH CLINIC IN ARUBA

October 10, 2023 (Oranjestad, Aruba) – Xavier University School of Medicine Aruba announced that they have partnered with the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) to open a free health clinic for migrants in Aruba.

8pm. Xavier students will be working alongside doctors to evaluate patients and receive significant hands-on training during their time in Basic Science.

“We are thrilled to partner with our friends in the United Nations International Organization for Migration and the Aruba government,” said Xavier University School of Medicine President Ravi Bhooplapur. “Our efforts will help promote public health on the island, assist people with the very important need for healthcare, and provide our students with additional hands-on training as they continue their medical school journey to become great doctors.”

This free health clinic will support refugees and migrants in Aruba, providing basic health checkups by a local doctor and Xavier University School of Medicine students. The clinic will be open two days per week, every Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm to

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“This health clinic is designed primarily to the most vulnerable people of our community in Aruba. This new facility embodies the spirit of compassion, and above all, collaboration,” said S. Alena Samanez Pacheco, Project Coordinator Aruba for the International Organization for Migration. “The benefits of the clinic will not only be to people that receive care, but also to the state of public health in Aruba. We would like to profess our profound gratitude to the government of Aruba for their continuous support of our programming. Similarly, we’re very grateful to Xavier University for supporting this clinic.”

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AN HONORABLE JOURNEY:

HOW VETERANS ARE PURSUING MEDICAL CAREERS AT XAVIER UNIVERSITY

Transitioning from the Armed Forces to medical school is an exciting time for veterans. Among other points, their time in the military has already prepared them for a disciplined and rigorous lifestyle. So, the question comes to mind: “What has inspired them to pursue a future in medicine after their military careers?

In honor of Veteran’s Day, Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba is pleased to spotlight two of its student veterans who are on a journey to pursue their medical degrees. Read on to learn their inspiring stories about how they transitioned from the armed forces to becoming medical students at Xavier. Their stories will also demonstrate how Xavier’s medical program and welcoming community is ideal for veterans.

Megan Kotsko

Chesterfield, Michigan Born in Chesterfield, Michigan, Megan Kotsko said she always knew she wanted to work in medicine. In 2010, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. During her time there, she was commissioned as a second lieutenant into the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps via the university’s ROTC program. From 2008 to 2017, she served in a reserve of National Guard status in Georgia and Michigan. While pursuing a master’s degree in 2019, Megan transferred from the National Guard to the U.S. Army Reserves.

“While studying for my master’s, I went on a two-week medical mission trip to Guatemala,” she said. “What I saw there changed my life. There was a female OB-GYN who worked in the village.

Women and children lined the streets to speak to her. At that moment, I saw the importance of what it meant to be a woman in medicine and the impact it has on other women. It was then that I decided to become a doctor.” After graduating with her master’s degree, Megan worked in active status within the Army Reserves as a medical operations captain at the 330th Medical Brigade in Ft. Sheridan, Illinois. Shortly after this assignment, she was mobilized for COVID Response from Fort Sam Houston, Texas through 2021. Megan applied to Xavier with the goal of pursuing her new dream of becoming a doctor. “Receiving the Veterans Scholarship is extremely helpful in financing my degree,” she said. “The university offers several scholarship opportunities, and I’m grateful they offer one for veterans.”

Today, Megan continues to serve in reserve status for the U.S. Army as a major. “On our school breaks, I fly to Fort Carson, Colorado, where I work in a hospital. My wish is to one day be a doctor in the U.S. Army.”

Simplice Tagne El Paso, Texas

Born in Bayanga-Cameroon, Africa, Simplice Tagne emigrated to the United States in 2007. Two years later, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he completed his Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He stated that his first station of duty was at Fort Bliss, Texas followed by three years of conducting missions in New Mexico and the National Training Center in California. It wasn’t until 2018—six years after his service—that Simplice decided he wanted to become a doctor. “As someone with a disability, I know what it’s like to live with pain,” he said. “I want to use my emotional intelligence in the medical field to heal others with compassion.”

Passionate about his decision, he enrolled in the Pre-Medical Program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science, where he studied for the next four years. Thinking about where he would attend medical school, Simplice explained that the decision was an easy one: “One day, my friend—who was a medical student at Xavier—called to tell me about the university,” he said. “After hearing about Xavier’s accreditations and the Veterans Scholarship, I applied without hesitation.”

As a dedicated family man, Simplice is married and has seven children and three grandchildren—all of whom live in the United States. “Four of my children and two of my nieces are currently serving in the United States Army,” he said proudly. After his military service, he knew he could conquer just about anything— including the rigorous coursework ahead of him in medical school.

“The military has instilled in myself the value of selfless service, discipline, teamwork and personal courage,” he said modestly.

“Thanks to Xavier and the Veterans Scholarship, I’m one step closer to living my dream as a doctor.” He said that although his family currently lives in El Paso, Texas, he hopes to someday move to Boston, where can open his own practice to treat patients from diverse backgrounds.

Are you a veteran with a dream of becoming a doctor? Let our years of academic excellence and commitment to our students’ success be the steppingstones to your future career as a physician.

Check out our helpful school overview video and apply to Xavier University School of Medicine today! Have questions? Schedule a virtual 1:1 meeting with our Director of Admissions now!

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XAVIER ADDS NEW CLINICAL ROTATION AFFILIATION Xavier University School of Medicine is thrilled to announce our new clinical rotation affiliation with AdventHealth in Chicago! Our students will have the incredible opportunity to learn and grow in this worldclass healthcare institution, where they will gain valuable hands-on experience and make a difference doctors.

RESIDENCY SPOTLIGHT RASHA SALEH ‘23 HOMETOWN: Puerto Rico RESIDENCY HOSPITAL: BROOKLYN HOSPITAL (NY) SPECIALTY: Internal Medicine THE XAVIER TIMES | NOVEMBER 2023 | 9

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES!

MAULIK VYAS PRESIDENT

RACQUELLE IDLEBIRD VICE PRESIDENT

SIMARJOT KANDOLA SECRETARY

RUPINDER KAUR BAINS TREASURER

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XAVIER STUDENTS AND FACULTY ATTEND 2023 INTERNATIONAL AORTIC SUMMIT On October 19-21, 2023, select Xavier University School of Medicine students and faculty attended the International Aortic Summit, held annually in Aruba.

This comprehensive educational experience, creating one of the most robust programs that includes expert presentations from leaders in the fields of vascular and endovascular surgery, practicing physicians and others focused on acquiring knowledge about the latest advances in aortic surgery. An extensive group of expert faculty presented and discussed topics such as

fenestrated-branched endografts, thoracoabdominal repair, adjuncts to endo AAA repair, aortic occlusive disease, graft infection, imaging, aortic dissection and emergencies and new endovascular techniques.

Our students were able to experience a great 3 days of workshops, presentations, and networking, and we are looking forward to attending again next year!

“The International Aortic summit was extremely interesting for me to attend.

Not only did I get to take what I learned from Cardiology and put it to use to understand the procedures that were being presented, but I also got to meet and talk to doctors from some of the top hospitals in the world. I was able to meet individuals from Austria, Italy, Scotland, the US, Canada, France. It was extremely encouraging to hear from people that had been in my position and now are very successful cardiothoracic surgeons.

I also found it really interesting how there was an astounding lack of diversity, as there were only 5 women at the conference and little ethnic diversity. It was a reminder for me that you still have to bring your own seat to the table and be confident enough in yourself and your skill set to succeed.”

- Shannon McGovern (MD-4)

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SIGHTS AROUND CAMPUS

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XAVIER UNIVERSITY ARUBA INSPIRES

YOUNG MINDS ON WORLD ANIMAL DAY

On October 4, 2023, Xavier University, Aruba joined in the global celebration of World Animal Day, or “Dierendag” in Dutch, with great enthusiasm. This special occasion saw the active participation of students from Rosario College, a local primary school, led by their teacher, Bivienka.

Approximately 40 students, ranging from 6 to 12 years of age, were warmly welcomed by Xavier’s Deans and dedicated staff.

The event was thoughtfully designed to be both engaging and educational, with a focus on fostering a deep appreciation for animals and nurturing a passion for the fields of veterinary and medical sciences. The day’s activities were diverse and exciting, featuring informative presentations on dog breeds from around the world, captivating displays of animal specimens, and engaging demonstrations using stethoscopes and microscopes.

Among the day’s many highlights was the opportunity for the young students to explore plastinated cadavers, providing them with a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of the human body. The stateof-the-art anatomage table, an advanced medical 14 | THE XAVIER TIMES | NOVEMBER 2023

education tool, showcased the complexities of human anatomy. Additionally, students had the unique chance to participate in a clinical examination, offering them a real-world experience in a medical setting.

The significance of the day went beyond conventional learning; it was about sparking inspiration within these budding minds. The students found themselves immersed in a world of animals and medicine, making their educational experience not only informative but also tremendously enjoyable.

This memorable event proved to be a tremendous success, leaving a lasting impact on the attending students. Many were motivated to express their

aspirations, with some aspiring to become future animal doctors, while others set their sights on careers in the medical field. It was indeed a day of exploration, inspiration, and joy, where fun and learning went hand in hand.

Xavier University’s dedicated staff and faculty were delighted to have the privilege of commemorating National Animal Day in such a meaningful and unforgettable way, instilling a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of the attending students.

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XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

WELCOMES NEW FACULTY MEMBERS

DR. PATRICK FARRELL

DR. MOHAMED MAHER

DR. NATALIE BOOI

PROFESSOR

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

DR. J. CARLOS HENAO YEPES

DR. BHANU PRATAP SINGH

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

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XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

ALUMNI GLOBAL MEET

MAY 15-17, 2024 XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ARUBA CAMPUS

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XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

NEW ACADEMIC CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

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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

XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (516) 333-2224 www.xusom.com admissions@xusom.com

Recognized by New York State Board of Education.

Fully Accredited by ACCM.

Named a “Top 10 Caribbean Medical School” by MoneyInc.