the pulse - september 2013
DESCRIPTION
Find in this issue, highlights on orientation day activities, the guild's banquet, international coastal clean up and so much more.TRANSCRIPT
The Pulse AAIMS Newsletter
Volume II Issue 10
On Saturday, July 5,
2013, seven (7) students,
along with Ms. McIntyre
visited the Santa Cruz
Infirmary to make a
small contribution to the
infirmary, as well as
spend some time with
the residents. During the
visit, we met a United
States missions group, from the Church of Christ, who
informed us that they normally visit the infirmary twice a
year. After introductions were made, we joined them in
order to get the most
from our visit. We
both engaged the
residents with a praise
and worship session.
We then spent time
interacting with the
residents, listening keenly, while they shared their stories
and assisting them when and where
possible. Later we
embarked on playing a
very competitive
game of dominoes
with some of the
male residents, which
was great fun.
Overall, we had a great day and for the students who were
visiting for the for first time, all indications suggest that
they had a humbling and enjoyable experience.
A few of the items donated by our group:
Toiletries
Cleaning Agents
Adult Pampers
September 30, 2013
Two weekends after, on
September 14, 2013, an
orientation trip to YS Falls
was conducted.
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AAIMS embarks on
a New Semester
The Guild’s Successful visit
to the Santa Cruz Infirmary
Contributed by Joanna Pascal - MD 4 Student
66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm
Guild Leaders, Mr. Ogini & Ms. Pascal present The Matron with their donation
The AAIMS visiting group with the Matron
The AAIMS Administration WELCOMES
all new and returning students
to the Fall 2013 Semester.
On September 2, 2013, AAIMS welcomed
thirty-one new students, as well as returning students for orientation
and registration exercises.
September 30, 2013 Volume II, Issue 10
The Council of the Guild of
Students on August 8,
2013, hosted their end of
semester meeting in the
form of a banquet. This in
partnership with the
AAIMS administration
served as the Guild’s final
social activity before end of
semester exams. It was a celebration of all the successes, the
Guild achieved, during the summer 2013 semester. It also served
to honour the cohort four (4) students, who have embarked on
the next phase of their medical journey, in preparation to take
their USMLE exams and later begin their clinical rotations. The
event, which was scheduled for 5:00pm, unfortunately had a late
start, in order to accommodate students who had a class
presentation. Despite this minor setback, the event proved to be
a great success.
One by one, students and staff filled the dining room and were
greeted by the encouraging and humorous words by the master of
ceremonies, Mr Desmond Samuels. Other encouraging words
followed through the messages given by the Dean, Dr Owen
James, the Associate Dean of Administration, Mrs Lois Robinson
and the Student’s Services Director, Dr Randolph Watson.
Soon after the speeches were given, a meal of rosemary chicken,
rice, pasta and vegetable was served. While we dined, the disc
jockey Mr Stefan Lue-Lim, provided a soothing musical selection.
After the main course, the programme continued with reports
made from each Guild leader. Here, we heard accounts of all the
Guild achievements and possible plans, going forward. The
leaders also distributed thank you cards and certificates to those
who continuously supported the Guild’s activities. The banquet
later ended after the vote of thanks was read and dessert of cake,
ice cream and jello was served.
66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm
Brain Teasers The first AAIMS student, to submit correct answers to the
following five questions, will receive a prize. GOOD LUCK!!!
1. Who was the first AAIMS Guild President and where is he/she
from?
2. What is the term for the study of cells?
3. Fill in the blanks: ____________ is the balance that is maintained
in the body. { Metabolism, Homeostasis, Anabolism }
4. Which of the following is NOT one of the four main types of
tissues? {Basement, Epithelial, Connective, Muscle}
5. TRUE or FALSE - Approximately 20% of the entire body’s blood
is in the heart.
Please email your answers to [email protected]
FOR FUN - UNSCRAMBLE THESE WORDS
CMOTCLYEO
Hint: Excision of the colon
BOGAEMHONLI
Hint: Contained in red blood cells
MESPIHERYES
Hint: Excessive vomiting
AAIMS in partnership with a local credit union has now established a way for
Jamaican students, pursuing the AAIMS medical program, to get access to a loan.
This will enable them to receive up to 6 million Jamaican dollars to fund their
education, over the four (4) or five point four (5.4) year period.
What makes this facility different from many other loans offered by other financial
institutions, is the opportunity for students to start repaying the loan six months
after they have completed their degree. In addition, the interest rate is 14% per
Annum. If you are interested in learning more about this please speak with the
Student Services Coordinator, Ms. Shelley McIntyre .
Loan Facility Secured
for Jamaican Students
The Guild Council holds Banquet For Students
September 30, 2013 Volume II, Issue 10
On Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 6:00 pm, the AAIMS library was transformed into a musical stage, for the first play, ever to be performed on campus. The musical entitled ‘Hidden Secrets’, was written by Ms Alaine Ainsley and represented the collective ideas from the executive members of the Christian Fellowship at AAIMS, Mrs Zayniah Delchot, Mr Chibueze Ezeibe, Ms. Amelia Cunningham, Ms Allyson Williams, Ms Alaine Ainsley and Mr. Donald Jones (Student Advisor). This unforgettable and thought-provoking musical followed the lives of three unique young women, Monica Daniels, Shelly Andrews and Angela Francis, who unknowingly shared one thing in common; a secret that could change their lives forever. MONICA DANIELS, played by Mrs Zayniah Delchot, attends the local church Bethel Praise where she met JUSTIN DANIELS (Anthony Ogini) the Pastor’s son and Youth Pastor at church and after dating for 3 years, they were married. Despite the loving and a questionably honest relationship that she has with her husband, she has kept her discreditable past a secret. Will their marriage survive? Will they be able to trust GOD for a breakthrough? ANGELA FRANCIS, played by Ms Amelia Cunningham, grew up in a troubled home where her mother died of breast cancer when she was 15 years old and a virtually non-existent relationship with her father. She is currently enrolled in university and lives
on campus with her childhood best friend SHELLY and also attends Bethel Praise where she is paired up with MONICA in a mentorship program. Will she be able to stand strong or will she crash and burn in the process? Will MONICA be able to help her, will she be able to trust her? SHELLY ANDREWS, played by Ms Alaine Ainsley, is ANGELA’s best friend, growing up in a Christian family she was brought up to have a firm confidence in her faith but upon attending university that very same faith is tested. A seemingly loving relationship soon turns sour as her boyfriend CHRIS WHITE (Mr Jerome Townsend) begins to show his true colours and real intentions; discussions became arguments and their love became war. Throughout all of this, it’s her friendship with TREY THOMAS (Leon Reid) that keeps her encouraged as he tries to lead SHELLY back to her first love, Jesus Christ. Will she be able to regain her lost relationship with Christ? Will she stay with CHRIS? Will TREY still be her shoulder to cry on? Is it
too late to start again? Supporting actors and actresses included Joanna Pascal as ASHLEY TAYLOR, Natoya Wilmot as MONICA’S MOTHER/ MAXINE BROWN, Desmond Samuels as PASTOR DANIELS, Asheika Williams as NURSE BETTY and WAITRESS 1, Kemani Chambers as WAITRESS 2 and ANGEL DANCER, Ally-son Williams as ANGEL DANCER and Mr Donald Jones as DOCTOR SAMUELS. The play which included countless musical numbers including Tamela Mann’s Take me to the King, Mary Mary’s I can’t give up now and Tasha Cobbs Break every chain, ended with indescribable gladness, unspeakable joy and most importantly with individuals accepting Jesus Christ. The musical, which was free of cost, was well supported not only by students
but also staff, community members, family and friends and for that they are truly grateful. The AAIMS Christian Fellowship is currently selling commemorative Hidden Secret DVDs and would love to have your support. If you wish to preserve this once in a life time production, be sure to get a copy or maybe two from any member of the executive body. Thanks to every-one for your continued support, keep on watch for what the Christian Fellowship has in store next.
66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm
Canadian Professor, Dr. Mitchell Abrams,
delivers Radiology Lecture
During a recent trip to Jamaica,
Dr Mitchell Abrams was invited
to lecture to a collective group
of MD
students.
As a
trained
radiologist,
Dr Abrams
is the Interim Chief of Diagnostic Imaging
at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital in
Ontario, Canada. He is also an assistant
professor at Michael G. DeGroote Medical
School.
On July 30, 2013, in a session that spanned three hours; Dr
Mitchell held our attention through his informative
presentation on Radiology. Through the aid of various scanned
examples, he discussed how CT & MRI scans could be
interpreted. This allowed the students to see how an
experienced doctor in the field would go about making certain
diagnosis.
Before leaving, he treated us to an
impromptu guitar
performance, of a
song he wrote,
inspired by Robert
‘Bob’ Marley. He
was later thanked
by the Dean, Dr.
Owen James and
was also presented
with a small token by the AAIMS
Guild Executive. It was indeed a
pleasure having him here and we look
forward to his next visit.
Christian Fellowship hosts their First Musical Contributed by Alaine Ainsley, MD 5 Student
September 30, 2013 Volume II, Issue 10
To do well in any field, one must be determined and dedicated.
For the field of medicine, it is no different. However, some would
recommend that medical students study for up to 10 hours per day
(which is inclusive of lecture time). It is for this reason; I implore
you students, to not be gripped by the hands’ of idleness. After all,
they are only twenty-four hours in a day.
From the first week of classes, hit the ground running, prepare
each day, read up on topics before the set lectures and read over
notes at the end of each day. Create a study schedule and begin
honing study skills, so that it becomes a habit, a natural part of
each day. It is also crucial for you to start practicing test questions,
even before an exam is insight.
Apart from this, as future doctors, it is important for you to be well
-rounded individuals. The field is more than just suture kits, wards
and surgeries. It is also about how you work with others and relate
to individuals on a one to one basis. As such, I call for you all to get
involved. Yes, the main reason for your education is to study and
maintain great grades but one must work to maintain a balance
between academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. Whether
it is taking a swim in the pool, batting a few tennis balls or just
engaging in an outreach activity, one will feel a sense of relief
before heading back to the books.
One must also remember that
you make up the AAIMS Guild of
Students and as such, it is
important that once free time
also include being involved in
Guild activities. The Guild
Executive plans many activities
over the course of the semester,
from playing a vital role through
community out- reach, raising
necessary funds through various
fundraisers, as well as taking a
break through leisure events.
You will find that maintaining
Guild involve- ment will ensure
you fulfil the most from your
AAIMS university experience.
In addition, besides Guild activities, they are a few clubs and
societies you can be involved in. These include the AAIMS
Christian Fellowship, USMLE club and the First Aid Medical
Emergency (F.A.M.E) club. Other clubs have recently been formed
this semester, such as the Foreign Language club. There are also
many opportunities for you to display your leadership abilities.
This is by finding others with similar interests, and forming clubs
that are not yet on campus. For more information on this, be sure
to visit the Student Services Coordinator, Ms Shelley McIntyre.
66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm
International Coastal
Clean-up Day
Maintaining the Balance
between Work & Play
Meet Joanna Pascal - Outgoing Guild Vice President Joanna is a 2nd year medical student from the beautiful Spice Isle Grenada, most recently known for its 400m Olympic Gold Medalist Kirani James. Joanna received her Bsc in Life Science at St. George’s University in Grenada and later joined the world of teaching where she taught Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics for 2 years at Secondary School level. She then began teaching at The Higher Marks Educational Centre where she taught for 4 years and is still considered a part of the teaching faculty there.
She has a passion for volunteerism and has a long history of involvement in several voluntary
organizations such as Girl Guides, Red Cross, Caribbean Youth Volunteer Services, All4Christ
Evangelism Group among others. She is a natural hair enthusiast and is doing her bit to impact the
natural hair community in Grenada by hosting natural hair events to educate and empower others.
In her spare time she enjoys travelling, sharing my faith, reading, hashing, meeting new people,
learning about new cultures. One of her goals is to get involved in medical missions, which she is
getting more excited about as she gets closer to completing her medical studies. Joanna Pascal - AAIMS Student
Guild, Outgoing Vice President
& MD4 Student
International Coastal Clean-up
Day was celebrated on the 21st
of September this year. In
honour of this annual outreach
activity, AAIMS partnered
once again with the Rotary
Club of Black River, in order to
clean up the coastal area of the
town.
AAIMS was represented by twenty-two students (22) and at around
7:30 am joined the group which also consisted of Interact club
members from the Black River High School. The group was further
divided into smaller groups in order to facilitate the data collection
process, of documenting the garbage collected. This activity lasted
for a minimum of three hours.
Dr. Stanhope
Maxwell
stands in
front of the
soon to be
opened
AAIMS
Medical
Centre
September 30, 2013 Volume II, Issue 10
Education has long been
recognized as a driving
force for change and
development. Educational
tourism is one of the ways
in which education can be
used to influence develop-
ment and investment in
the Jamaican economy. So
says Dr Ram Chalasani,
United States-based exec-
utive director of the All
American Institute of Medical Sciences (AAIMS), an offshore
medical school in Black River, St Elizabeth.
Educational tourism is a concept of tourism motivated by the
desire to learn. The tourist experience is only secondary to the
educational aspect, which becomes the main feature of the
experience.
"Knowledge services is the main key I'm looking at in the
future. In most of the countries like Canada or Singapore or
Dubai or even the US, they take it (education) as a big income-
generating [activity], and that's how they increase their
economy," said Chalasani.
Increased visitor arrivals
Chalasani believes that an investment in institutions of higher
learning in the country could increase visitor arrivals to the is-
land. He said this is so as individuals are constantly seeking to
advance their education and may have the desire or need to
study overseas. He said those who may not be able to afford at-
tending a tertiary institution in the United States, Europe, or
other countries may consider the island as an option if we have
the facilities to offer a high quality of tertiary-level education.
The doctor said when compared to the length of stay of a visitor
who comes for leisure and business purposes, a student who
spends years in Jamaica is continually contributing to the
economy of the country.
He also said that there needs to be added emphasis on
increasing educational opportunities in rural Jamaica as this
would not only draw in foreign revenue, but would cause a
redistribution of the economy from the urban areas to rural
areas, which need development as well.
"AAIMS is looking at what we could do for Black River and St.
Elizabeth - something they could benefit from. We need to have
the economy moving, flowing, and when the students come in,
they're going to stay for two years minimum. We have students
who are going to stay for two years rather than a visitor that
comes in for three nights. Every overseas student that we have,
their parents have visited; their friends have come to visit.
"Even if the students aren't coming from abroad - our thing is
to get more students from abroad eventually - even students
not from overseas, when they were living in Kingston, they
were contributing to Kingston. Now, there is a shift of economy
from one place of Jamaica to another, a redistribution to a
place that needs it," he added.
AAIMS, which started in January 2011, is an offshore medical
school where foreign students train before returning overseas.
It was started with about six students. Dean of the school, Dr
Owen James, said the school has been growing and there have
been some changes since the school's establishment. The school
offers a pre-med programme as well as a medical degree
programme.
66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm
Medical school director urges investment
in tertiary institutions Written by Launtia Cuff (Gleaner Writer)
This article was originally published in (Jamaica) on Saturday, September 14, 2013
See the virtual link for the article HERE
MD 4 student,
Xesubel Hernández
does a blood
pressure check.
From left: US-based Executive Director of AAIMS, Dr Ram Chalasani; AAIMS Associate Dean of Administration, Lois Robinson; Minister of
Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson; AAIMS' Dean, Dr Owen James
Premed students in the lab
September 30, 2013 Volume II, Issue 10
66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm
Campus Snippet
Jerome, Leon & Edgar in a heated domino game with one of the male residents
Visiting professor, Dr. Mitchell Abrams poses for a quick picture with AAIMS senior lecturer,
Dr. Stanhope Maxwell
Amelia, Alison and, Kemani performing a dance, during ’
Hidden Secrets’
The cast of the musical ‘Hidden Secrets’
Alaine, Joanna & Anthony poses with a member of the mission group
AAIMS students a part of the Black River Parade
Mr. Russell assists Mrs. Welsh, in cutting her birthday cake
Attentive students, during the Radiology presentation with Dr. Abrams
The cast of ‘Hidden Secrets’, shared
space with the
audience, for a
section of their play
Bon Voyage Mrs. Falconer & Ms. Smart
Pre-med students, stop to capture banquet memories
Joanna cuts birthday cake with classmates Cleaning up after the banquet
Ms. Chevelle Wincester
Medical supplies
donated to the clinic by AAIMS
students, Joanna
Pascal, Tashaine Campbell and Basit Salou.
September 30, 2013 Volume II, Issue 10
66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm
Accounts Department:
Students with outstanding balances are being reminded that their
accounts must be settled by Mid Term Examinations.
Students are being reminded that the cafeteria caters to you and
not the general public; therefore its viability depends on your full
support.
Student Services:
All students who have not shown proof of personal insurance are
required to sign up for the school’s health insurance policy. The
DEADLINE for doing so is October 4, 2013.
Registry:
All new and returning students are being reminded to ensure that
all outstanding documents are submitted before Mid Term
Examination.
Library:
STUDENTS are being asked to return library books that have
been found missing from the library.
FYI for your Information
Retake Exam Fees
MD Program $300 per subject
Pre-Med Program $200 per subject
Retake Course Fees
MD Program $250 per credit
Pre-Med Program $187 per credit
Other Fees
Late Registration $300
ID/Access control Card $30
Graduation Fee $650
Transcript Request $10 (per request)
Late Tuition fee payment $150 (applied when past
due date)
Loan Processing fee $100 (per application)
Status letter $5
Library Deposit $200 (refundable)
All appointments to see the Dean, the Associate
Dean, the Registrar & Director of Student Services
and Admissions, should be made through Ms.
Tiffany Gillespie or Ms. Shelley McIntyre
at the Front Desk.
Office Of The Registrar
STATUS LETTERS
During your studies, you may be asked to provide information to
confirm your student status. A Status Letter can be requested
from the Office of the Registrar which will confirm your enroll-
ment status. Status letters are prepared for a wide variety of pur-
poses, including:
• work permits • visa applications • health insurance • financial / lending institutions · and much more.
Students who wish to request a Status Letter should complete the
Status Letter Request Form
available from the Registry. The Form includes detailed instruc-
tions on completing and submitting the request.
There is a Processing Fee of US$5.00, which should be paid in ad-
vance to the Bursary. Letters are usually processed and ready for
collection (or mailing) within five (5) business days.
Please contact the Office of the Registrar for further information.
Like success, failure is many things to many people. With a Positive Mental Attitude, failure is a learning experience, a rung on the ladder, a plateau at which to get your thoughts in order and prepare to try again.
~W. Clement Stone
A n n o u n c e m e n t s
INFORMATION CORNER