From the Editor
Transcription
From the Editor
INDEX MEMBERS OF THE NASA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2006 Marco Antonio De Los Santos García NASA President President’s Column NASA Officers 2 3 Ricardo Luis Machado Torres NASA President-Elect Dr. Antonia Coello Novello; Good Science, Good Sense A President’s View The Feeling of Satisfaction Class Social 4 6 7 8 Africa Need Us Sports Talk Avian Influenza in Humans 9 10 12 Nicolle Spence NASA Clinical Trustee for North America A New Beginning A Reflection on the First Semester 14 15 Lourdes Rosa Rodríguez NASA Secretary Is AMSA Right for You Stafford Loan Plus 16 17 Cosmarie Milagros Cortés Rivera Puerto Rico Clinical Trustee Preparing to Better Serve the Spanish-Speaking Patient AMSA Officers 18 19 Alex Concepcion Ruiz Sports Coordinator Pictorial 20 Jennifer Cantú NASA Vicepresident Maile Barret NASA Editor-in-Chief INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE (ISAO) Susana Leaño Dean of International Student Affairs Adriana Rojo Flores Director of International Student Affairs Arturo Barriga Editorial Coordinator Itze Lebrija Megan Power Editorial Review SIGUE Rosalía del Castillo de Leaño General Coordinator DIRECCIÓN DE COMUNICACIÓN UNIVERSITARIA Víctor Escalante Vera Director Francisco García Bogarín Art and Design Mario Alberto Beltrán González Photography Marisa Salazar Hilda Gómez Cristian Peralta Contributors From the Editor As my position as Editor-in-Chief of the NASA Update comes to a close, I am reminded of all the wonderful stories that so many students have shared with me - writing about their experiences, writing about research they’ve done in Mexico, and most importantly, why what we do here at UAG is so important. I have enjoyed being the Editor of a magazine that is written for the students and mostly by the students. This magazine is not only an information tool but also a guide for new and present students to use and learn from others. There is no way I would have been able to do my job effectively without the help of the NASA Executive Committee as well as the two most important people in NASA, Marisa Salazar and Hilda GomezIbarra. Thank you both so much for your guidance and help. My hope is that in the future more students will get involved and contribute to a wonderful magazine. It is here for us. Thank you and good luck to everyone! Maile Barrett NASA Editor-in-Chief NASA President-Elect Ricardo Luis Machado Torres Ricardo was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez campus. After his four years, Ricardo earned a Biology degree with a minor in Industrial Microbiology. As NASA President-Elect, Ricardo contributes with his hard work and dedication to further the progress of NASA. Ricardo’s long- term plans include becoming a Pediatric Surgeon and eventually teaching medicine. President’s Column 2 On January 2, 2006, I became the new President of the North American Students Association with the main role being to lead our organization and the Executive Committee. Three years ago, I joined the Executive Committee as Secretary and now, I have the challenge of working for our students at the School of Medicine. Our organization has been working for our medical students in the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara since 1971. This year we celebrate our 35th Anniversary as one of the organizations that helps to implement the Fifth Pathway program as a route of getting licensure in the United States for international students. Today, I am pleased to be an Executive Committee member because it is here where one can help our colleagues to adapt to this new country. I have the most wonderful teammates and members that help to get things done. Deep appreciation to our Editor-in-Chief Maile Barrett for such a wonderful job. Also, thanks to Mrs. Marisa Salazar Romo and Ms. Hilda Gomez-Ibarra that help us to understand our duties as Executive Committee members. They have always been there to give us a hand with everything. I want to extend a special “thank you” to Mrs. Susana Leaño and Lic. Adriana Rojo for their continuous support to the international students and NASA members in the UAGSOM. Most importantly, I would like to thank my wife, Cosmarie, for her passion, support and help in getting things done in my life. She is responsible for the success in my life. In this NASA Update issue, you will find a summary of our activities and some articles written by our students. Let me please encourage students to participate and to contribute in the compilation of articles for the NASA Update. I feel that our NASA Update Magazine is a great presentation of our services to our current students and our prospective students. Best of luck to our students with your studies and your career. ENJOY your magazine. Ricardo Luis Machado Torres NASA President [email protected] [email protected] Column President’s NASA Vice President Jennifer Cantu Jennifer was born and raised in South Texas. She received her degree at the University of Texas San Antonio. Upon completion of her MD degree here at UAG, she will pursue a research career working on biomedical research and contributing to new medical advances with the CDC or a branch of the NIH known as The Specialized Neuroscience Research program (SNRP) located in Europe. NASA Sports Coordinator Alex Concepcion Ruiz Alex was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico Aguadilla campus with a degree in General Science. As NASA Sports Coordinator, he plans to motivate the students to participate in sports activities to help the students alleviate stress. N A S A O f fi c e r s NASA Secretary Lourdes Rosa Rodriguez Lourdes is from Caguas, Puerto Rico, and attended Syracuse University in Syracuse N.Y. as well as PUCPR in Ponce, PR. Lourdes loves sports, especially volleyball and basketball. As NASA secretary, with her impeccable organizational and multi-tasking skills, she encourages UAG student body participation. NASA Clinical Trustee for North America Nicolle Spence Nicolle was born in Salt Lake City, UT but raised in San Juan, PR. Prior to coming to the UAG, she studied at Harvard University and worked on her Master’s degree in Microbiology with emphasis on HIV/AIDS where she obtained the Judith Wood Memorial Award. Her pastimes since starting at UAG include reading class notes, class handouts, and more class stuff! Nicolle’s favorite things are playing piano, black and white photography, fast cars, skydiving, traveling, camping, fishing, museums, reading Paulo Coelho and Deepak Chopra, anything to do with Egypt, Asian and exotic foods, and “edge-of-your-seat” adventures! NASA Editor-in-Chief Maile Barrett Maile was born in Redding, CA but being from a military family, she has lived all over the United States. Her favorite hobbies are surfing, mountaineering, snowboarding and running. Maile graduated from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, earning a Biochemistry degree with an engineering emphasis. Maile’s future goal is to be an Orthopedic Surgeon. Puerto Rico Clinical Trustee Cosmarie Milagros Cortés Rivera Cosmarie Milagros Cortés Rivera is from Añasco, Puerto Rico, and graduated from University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo Campus. After her four years, Cosmarie received a degree in Natural Sciences with a minor in Education. As a Clinical Trustee, she plans to keep the communication lines with Puerto Rican students open to inform them of academic opportunities in Puerto Rico. She also works very hard to contribute to the progress of the NASA organization. Her long-term plans involve becoming an excellent OB-GYN and proudly representing UAG. 3 DR. ANTONIA COELLO NOVELLO: GOOD SCIENCE AND GOOD SENSE By: Ángel M. Matos-Lugo Administrator, researcher, lecturer, and author, Dr. Coello Novello is first and foremost a physician whose motto is: “good science and good sense”. Dr. Coello Novello recently visited the UAG medical students to share an imperative matter in contemporary medicine: “HIV/AIDS in women”. This symposium had two incredibly inspiring components: a brilliant doctor and an exceptional conference. A BRILLIANT DOCTOR Antonia Coello Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., the thirteenth New York State Health Commissioner, heads one of the leading public health agencies in the United States. She is responsible for a $48.8 billion budget, the largest of any New York State agency and over one-third the total of the entire New York State budget. Some of the major program responsibilities Dr. Novello takes on as health commissioner include: Medicaid; Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus; Youth Tobacco Enforcement and Prevention; regulation of hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies; Managed Care, Bio-terrorism Preparedness and professional medical conduct. Prior to being appointed as the New York State Health Commissioner, Dr. Novello served as the 14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service. Her appointment marked two firsts: she became the first woman and the first Hispanic ever to hold this position. As Surgeon General, Dr. Novello advised the public on health matters, such as smoking, AIDS, diet and nutrition, environmental health hazards, and the importance of immunization and disease prevention. She also directed the activities of the 6,100 members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Dr. Novello was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a B.S. degree in 1965 and an M.D. degree in 1970. Dr. Novello served her pediatric internship and residency at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (1970-1973), where she was selected Intern of the Year (1970). She completed her subspecialty training in pediatric nephrology also at the University of Michigan (1974) and at Georgetown University (1975). In 1982, Dr. Novello was awarded a Masters in Public Health with a concentration in health services administration from the Johns Hopkins University. In the summer of 1987, she was selected to attend the Program for Senior Managers in Government at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. In May 2000, she was awarded a Doctor of Public Health from Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, with concentration in public policy and management. She has received numerous awards and holds over forty-five honorary doctoral degrees. AN EXCEPTIONAL CONFERENCE From a prevention standpoint, the HIV epidemic in women is a complex issue because many infected women have no recognizeable primary risk factors, but rather were infected by men with primary risk behaviors. Modes of HIV transmission among adult HIV/AIDS cases in Mexico The epidemic is largely concentrated in men who have sex with men, but recently a shift has begun toward intravenous drug users and women. In 2003, AIDS was the fourth most common cause of death in males ages 25 to 34 – and it was the seventh leading cause of death for females in the same age group. • As of 2003, of the 160,000 adults living with HIV, 2/3 are men — infected through sexual contact with another man • One in 6 AIDS patients are women. In the 1980s, 1 in 20 patients were women • More infected females are found in the rural areas • Heterosexual transmission is now more prevalent in four southern Mexican states (Tlaxcala, Puebla, Chiapas, and Hidalgo) • HIV infection rates among injecting drug users remain relatively low, with values below 3 percent 4 HIV/AIDS in Women Is Different Than in Men • Women are increasingly at risk • The main mode of transmission is heterosexual • Female anatomy makes women more susceptible to contracting the virus • A woman’s ability to protect herself is compromised by social factors –poverty, culture and lack of equality • Young women are 1.6 times more likely than young men to be living with HIV • The overwhelming majority of people living with HIV/ AIDS live in developing countries Increased Vulnerability Marriage and long-term monogamous relationships may not protect women from HIV – in fact, the greatest HIV/AIDS risk for many women and girls is marriage; more than four-fifths of new infections in women result from sex with their husbands • Male-to-female transmission of HIV is between 2 and 4 times more efficient than female-to-male • In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 60 to 80 percent of HIVpositive women have been infected by their husbands – their only partner • In Mexico, more than 30 percent of women diagnosed with HIV discovered their status after their husbands were diagnosed • In India, some 90 percent of women with HIV said they were virgins when they married and had remained faithful to their husbands Cultural Traditions and Heritage: Marianismo and Machismo • The culture of Machismo (masculinity) and Marianismo (femininity) in Latin America and the Caribbean influences women’s and men’s vulnerability • Marianismo portrays the ideal woman as modest, pure, dependent, weak, vulnerable, and subordinate to and obedient to her spouse • Machismo implies that a man must be hetereosexual, virile, and even promiscuous – aggressive and in control of the women around him Differential Access to Antiretroviral Drugs – USA Among adults treated with antiretroviral therapy, women (31%) were only half as likely as men (63%) to be prescribed the newer, more effective, and more costly protease inhibitor and/or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor drugs, even when they had health insurance • Women seem to have as good virologic and immunologic response to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) as men • Women have more side effects from antiretroviral medications (ARVs) than men – this may be because ARVs are given at a fixed dose that does not take into account a woman’s lower weight; i.e, a 50 kg woman takes the same dose as a 100 kg man • Healthcare providers need to consider weight in determining the appropriate dose Differential Side Effects Women are more likely than men to discontinue ARVs because of side effects. Some concerning side effects for women include: Pursue New Drug Therapies • Currently, the best AIDS treatment requires patients to take two to four pills per day (down from 25-30 pills per day les than a decade ago) • A new drug in development combines three individual drugs in one pill (Sustiva, Viread, Emtriva) • The pill is for people diagnosed with HIV who have never taken HIV medications before Recommendations for HIV Pregnant Women for Cesarean Section to Prevent HIV Transmission • Rupture of membrane should be delayed as long as possible in HIV-infected women • Recommend scheduled Cesarean section before labor begins and before rupture of membrane at 38 weeks gestation if viral load > 1,000 • If viral load < 1,000, offer C-section Migration Implications - Mexico • Recent studies seem to indicate a link between migration of Mexicans to the United States and behavioral changes that place them at risk for HIV infection: – Greater number of sexual partners – Increased intravenous drug use • HIV prevalence in adults in the U.S. is double the estimated prevalence in Mexico (0.3%) meaning that Mexican immigrants living in the U.S. might be at greater risk than populations remaining in Mexico HIV positive mothers may feel pressure to breastfeed despite transmission risks in order to avoid stigma even though breastfeeding accounts for approximately one-third to one-half of the new infections transmitted from mother to child What we need to do • Increase knowledge of ABC strategy A – Abstinence is 100% effective B – Be Faithful C – Correct and consistent condom use • Promote access to female condoms • Promote development of microbicide. A microbicide is a gel, cream, suppository, sponge, vaginal ring, or vaginal wipe than can substantially reduce transmission of sexually tranmitted diseases • Promote zero tolerance of all forms of violence against women and girls • Devise new forms of prevention (social marketing) • Devise new forms of prevention (medication) • Pursue new drug therapies • Recognize and support home-based caregivers • Educate men and boys and then hold them responsible • Lactic acidosis (83 % of cases reported to FDA were in women) • Pancreatitis • Fulminate hepatitis secondary to Nevirapine When they have ARV-related lipodystrophy, women are more likely to have central fat gain (adiposity) whereas men are more likely to have peripheral fat loss (lipoatrophy) Osteopenia and osteoporosis may be related to HIV or to ARVs, and are of particular concern to the growing population of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with HIV 5 W hen people ask me about my first semester and the role that I play as the Class President, I reply with a grateful smile. The Feeling Although it has been difficult to cope with the hardships of medical school, being the Class President has enabled me to learn to efficiently administer my time. As the Class President, I have been able to interact with my classmates and to get to know them on a personal level. of Satisfaction A Pr eside nt’s The cocktail party took place on Thursday, June 8, 2006 at Club Puerta de Hierro. This is a traditional gathering to thank the teaching staff for their relentless help, to thank friends who kept the coffee pots brewing, and most of all family who allowed them to pursue their dreams in a foreign country, and were brave enough to let them go. To all of you moms and dads we say “thank you”. We did it! For many, these have been the toughest four years of their lives, not only did they learn about the wonders of the human body but also about themselves, about who they are now and who they want to be. Moreover, that, on its own, is priceless. ma or :N By This interaction has made me into a better person. Someone who understands that all of us have different points of view and that they must be respected. Also, I am extremely grateful for the trust that they have embedded on me. I consider my class as a huge family (one that relies on one another during difficult times). As the first semester of my medical school comes close to an end, I feel proud to say that we are exceptionally united. Ca de na View Many have traveled hundreds of miles to see their loved ones achieve this milestone. This is the beginning for all graduates; on this day they lay their platform for what is to come. This path comes with many obstacles but having the ability to help a man in need makes every sleepless night worthwhile. You could see the joy of having completed medical school on everyone’s face. The feeling of satisfaction and the “wow” of finishing lifted a great weight off their shoulders. Tears rolled down their faces as they watched the video of their four years at UAG. Sam Kalioundji, a fellow graduate, was chosen to speak on behalf of his class; his words were pure of heart and felt across the room. The graduates were like children feeling the radiance of the sun for the first time. To the graduating class of 2006/01 we congratulate you. Take care and God bless. We hope to see you soon. Jennifer Cantu 6 7 CLASS SOCIALS Music, dancing, eating, hanging out with friends and just plain relaxing; this was the result of the first two class socials held by the first semester class. The class met at “La Tumbona” bar and restaurant off of Avenida Patria on two Monday nights after our exams. Most of the class was in attendance ready to eat and party it up. “La Tumbona” is the perfect place for our class. People can catch up on the latest class news and personal happenings while lounging on couches. It was a great way to let loose, especially if they had just returned from the PMC (Program of Medicine in the Community). In addition to the “normal” tables and chairs for diners, the owners accommodated us with enough space for dancing. The outdoor patio was put to great use by those who preferred fresh air. The ambience was very hip and cool yet down to earth, and was not overly crowded. ”La Tumbona” provides the best environment for every personality in the class - from the extremely shy and reserved to the extremely social and outgoing students, allowing for conversations between anyone and everyone in the class. The first social was the icebreaker. At first, you could sense a great deal of tension but as the drinks started flowing and cameras started flashing, everyone relaxed and the fun started. Music started playing and the people we always see dancing pulled up the people we never see dancing. In the corners, the bashful students were practicing their “salsa” and “meringue” moves while others tried to master belly dancing. Various conversations were taking place among people who normally would not have talked to each other on campus. Anyway, by the end of the night, everyone was hugging each other as they bid good night, thankful for the opportunity to get together outside of biochem and anatomy, many walking away with their new dance skills. With the last test before spring break out of the way, everyone could think of no better way to celebrate than to have another social. Everyone had such a great time at the last class social that it was only natural we choose to have a second social at “La Tumbona”. After all, it was a place where we got to know the different sides of our classmates. Those who missed out the first time made sure to be there the second time, giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy the diverse personalities outside of class. While it was toned down and much quieter the second time, you could feel everyone’s excitement at the thought of going home and being with family and friends. In the end, both socials brought us closer together, formed new friendships, and made others good dancers. Who’s up for a third social?! 8 By: Natalie Batta Developing countries filled by poverty, AIDS and the ongoing tuberculosis and malaria epidemic are in double jeopardy due to the lack of trained healthcare providers. As if that were not enough, let’s add more salt to the open wound. Wealthy countries that do not train an adequate number of healthcare professionals are often subsidized when health workers are imported from the poorest of nations. There is a vicious ongoing cycle that occurs every day. The US gets their workers from Europe, Europe then goes to Africa to get their workers and this one country is left to stand on her own. What is a country that was and is raped from the right and left suppose to do? For example - if you ask a person from a developed world about “obstetric fistula”, I am 110% sure that they will give you a blank stare. This is not surprising since this was eradicated in the 19th century. Yet, for a poor country like Africa, this is an ongoing daily epidemic. More than 2 million young mothers in the developing country that lack health care are left struggling with a condition that has left them permanently incontinent, childless and ostracized from their families and communities. This is a silent epidemic. Fortunately, a durable solution starts by helping our brothers and sisters from other countries. We can start with our legislature – requiring that we train more healthcare workers and provide them with a good salary so that they are able to go into other countries to aid in the shortage of healthcare workers. I understand that as medical students our time is priceless but I, Jennifer Cantu, request you to take the time and read up on politics. As future caretakers, it is up to us to take an educated stand that starts with a vote. Remember - The United States of America stands for liberty and justice for all. By: Jennifer Cantu 9 By: Nicolas Kissell Remember the best games from childhood? Four square - Tag Hiden-Seek.We spent countless hours playing these exciting games, but none compared to the greatest of all….Kickball! The 2006 Spring Fling celebrated the first annual AMSA Kickball tournament. Teams from every semester participated with a coed roster. Each team allowed all participants to kick twice. The team with the most runs advanced to the next round. Eddie Montemayor, second semester, recapped how much fun he had.“Kickball is a great way to get the whole student body involved. NASA offers great sports but not everyone wants to devout that much time to a seasonal team sport. Kickball allowed everyone to come out for one day and have a blast together. Our team made uniforms and we plan on winning it next year,” he stated. About 15 sluggers participated in the Home Run Derby. Everyone was given 10 hits, 10 chances to hit a home run. Every player participating hit at least one home run. Coy Johnson of the Mets belted five home runs to beat the competition in the Homerun Derby. For the actual All-Star game, the Saturday division beat the Sunday division by a score of 25-10 in seven innings. John Garza (Mets), who played for the Saturday division, was deemed MVP while going 5/5 including three home runs. Participating teams were asked to make a voluntary donation to help raise money for an AMSA fundraiser which seeks to buy toys for children with cancer at surrounding hospitals in Guadalajara. Next year’s tournament is expected to be bigger with more competition. The first annual NASA Softball All-Star game was implemented after the completion of the regular season. Each team selected two players to participate in the All-Star game and were allowed three to swing for the fences in the Home Run Derby contest. 10 11 AVIAN INFLUENZA IN By: Ángel M. Matos-Lugo Influenza viruses are normally highly species-specific, meaning that viruses that infect an individual species stay “true” to that species and only rarely spill over to cause infection in other species. Since 1959, instances of human infection with an avian influenza virus have been documented on only 10 occasions. Of the hundreds of strains of avian influenza “A” viruses, only four are known to have caused human infections: H5N1, H7N3, H7N7, and H9N2. In general, human infection with these viruses has resulted in mild symptoms and very little severe illness with one notable exception: the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus. Of all influenza viruses that circulate in birds, the H5N1 virus is of greatest present concern for human health for two main reasons. First, the H5N1 virus has caused by far the greatest number of human cases of very severe disease and the greatest number of deaths. It has crossed the species barrier to infect humans on at least three occasions in recent years: Hong Kong in 1997 (18 cases with six deaths), Hong Kong in 2003 (two cases with one death) and in the current outbreaks that began in December 2003 and were first recognized in January 2004. 12 A second implication for human health, and far greater concern, is the risk that the H5N1 virus – if given enough opportunities – will develop the characteristics it needs to start influenza pandemic. The virus has met all the prerequisites for the start of a pandemic except one: an ability to spread efficiently among humans. While H5N1 is presently the virus of greatest concern, the possibility that other avian influenza viruses, known to infect humans, might cause a pandemic cannot be ruled out. The virus can improve its transmissibility among humans via two principal mechanisms. 1) A “reassortment” event in which genetic material is exchanged between human and avian viruses during coinfection of a human or pig. Reassortment could result in a fully transmissible pandemic virus announced by a sudden surge of cases with explosive spread. 2) A more gradual process of adaptive mutation, whereby the capability of the virus to bind to human cells increases during subsequent infections of humans. Adaptive mutation, expressed initially as small clusters of human cases with some evidence of human-to-human transmission, would probably give the world some time to take defensive action, if detected early. HUMANS During the first documented outbreak of human infections with H5N1, which occurred in Hong Kong in 1997, the 18 human cases coincided with an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by a virtually identical virus in poultry farms and live markets. Extensive studies of the human cases determined that direct contact with diseased poultry was the source of infection. Studies carried out in family members and social contacts of patients, health workers engaged in their care, and poultry cullers found very limited, if any, evidence of spread of the virus from one person to another. Human infections ceased following the rapid destruction – within three days – of Hong Kong’s entire poultry population, estimated at around 1.5 million birds. Some experts believe that that drastic action may have averted an influenza pandemic. All evidence to date indicates that close contact with dead or sick birds is the principle source of human infection with the H5N1 virus. Especially risky behaviors identified include the slaughtering, defeathering, butchering and preparation for consumption of infected birds. In a few cases, exposure to chicken feces, when children played in an area frequented by free-ranging poultry, is thought to have been the source of infection. Swimming in bodies of water where the carcasses of dead infected birds have been discarded or which may have been contaminated by feces from infected ducks or other birds might be another source of exposure. For unknown reasons, most cases have occurred in rural households where small flocks of poultry are kept. Very few cases have been detected in presumed high-risk groups: such as, commercial poultry workers, workers at live poultry markets, cullers, veterinarians and health staff caring for patients without adequate protective equipment. Also lacking is an explanation for the puzzling concentration of cases in previously healthy children and young adults. Research is urgently needed to better define the exposure circumstances, behaviors, and possible genetic or immunological factors that might enhance the likelihood of human infection. To date, human cases have been reported in six countries, most of which are in Asia: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. Vietnam has been the most severely affected country, with more than 90 cases. Altogether, more than half of the laboratory-confirmed cases have been fatal. H5N1 avian influenza in humans is still a rare disease, but a severe one that must be closely watched and studied, particularly because of the potential for this virus to evolve in ways that could start *Facts from the World Health Organization. a pandemic. 13 A New Beginning A Reflection on the First Semester By: Natalie Batta During my first week as a first-semester student, dazed, confused and getting lost were not unusual states of mind. The same is true for PMC. I took a taxi out to the clinic which seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, the taxi driver kept getting lost even though I had the address. Once I had entered the office, there were minimal rooms, no patients, and the air was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. The receptionist at the front door, who was sitting outside plucking her eyebrows, told me to make myself comfortable in the lounge room upstairs. About half an hour later, the fourth-semester students walk-in and tell us the doctor wants to speak with us. At first impression, the doctor seemed like a quiet man, and then he started speaking strictly in Spanish and lecturing on how learning Spanish should be a priority and that I was fortunate that the fourth-semester students spoke both English and Spanish. He asked me how good I was at taking vitals and I told him I had never done it before, in my form of Spanglish, which was more English than anything else. 14 By: Kristie Driver It seems just yesterday I arrived at Guadalajara’s airport with only suitcases and a passport to my name. Within three days, my roommate and I were settled in a great apartment near campus. The following 3 days we froze at night and had no hot water. Four months have passed and I’ve grown to love Guadalajara. That is, everything except the irate drivers, hundred-degree weather, and pesty cockroaches; then again, those things that are not all that different from home. The first day, I only saw one patient in the clinic and made two house calls. The house calls were more fun because it gave us the opportunity to walk around in the community and run away from pit bulls. It was definitely a nice change from being left upstairs in the lounge room, which contained metal chairs, a chalkboard, mini-stovetop, a set of dominoes, and no view. As the weeks progressed, the doctor hardly spoke and a couple of patients had come. The 4th-semester students became secondsemester students and we had a few more IPM classes where we learned how to actually take vital signs. As the doctor got to know me, all of a sudden more English started to creep into his vocabulary and his fierce face became more friendly (turns out he understood everything I had said in English but just didn’t want to acknowledge it). The Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara has given me the opportunity of a lifetime - to achieve a lifelong goal that I had once thought was impossible to obtain. The University provides her student’s clinical experience starting from day one. I’ve had numerous opportunities to interact with patients and to apply the medical techniques I’ve learned during the university’s IPM course. The patients that did come in were seen in the badly-lit doctor’s office. The PMC did not use the extra rooms but rather everything was done in one room the size of some people’s walk-in closet. The patients at the clinic were always very grateful for any help they did receive ranging from psychological help to healing actual infections, and were always happier on their way out than on their way in. All in all, the experience at the PMC has been valuable if not only to make me more aware about how other people in a different country live, but also how to speak Spanish with the patients and show them the attention they need. During my second week at the clinic, I was able to aid in an annual pap smear which I found very exciting because I would like to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. As I approach the end of my first semester, I’m anxious to know what Guadalajara has in store throughout my career at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. 15 UAG is now offering a new loan program: Stafford Loan Plus Contact Contact the the Financial Financial Aid Aid offi office ce for for more more information information [email protected] [email protected] Is Right For You? By: Ann Giovanni Recently, I have been asked by fellow students, “Why should I join AMSA? What can they do for me?” My response sounds like a broken record, projected as a bullet-style list: • 5% off your orders from Barnes and Noble; free shipping when you spend over $25 • Online PDA and software store at discounted rates • Online Instrument store • LOAN CONSOLIDATION • Travel benefits at many hotels • Car Rental discounts from Alamo® • Discounts on car insurance from Geico® • AMSA credit card • “The New Physician” magazine But wait, AMSA does more than my bullets tell you…. The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Today, AMSA is a student-governed, national organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-intraining. 16 With a membership of more than 55,000 medical and premedical students, interns and residents, and practicing physicians from across the country, AMSA continues its commitment to improving medical training and the nation’s health. Aside from providing the ‘perks’ mentioned above, AMSA works on causes that are significant to each and every one of us, such as: • Fighting for Universal Health Care • Eliminating Health Disparities • Advocating for Diversity in Medicine • Transforming the Culture of Medical Education (AMSA played a pivotal role lobbying for reduced resident hours which now restricts residents from working more than 80 hours per week!) “Deadline for Spring Loans: October 13,2006” Requirements for Stafford loan: • Master Promissory Note (MPN) • SAR 2006-2007 • Copy of the registration fee ( $300) Note: We reserve the right to request additional documentation as needed. Please follow the process with your Financial Aid Counselor. Aren’t all these reasons why we wanted to become physicians in the first place? AMSA also offers information that we will all need in our 4th year. Access to residency review reports, a 4th-year medical school resource guide, resident contacts, and housing information (which becomes really useful when we need a place to stay during our residency interviews). Beginning July 1, 2006, your loans will be sent to UAG in two different disbursements (January and July 2007). For more information on this new disbursement system or other items, please contact your Financial Aid Office. [email protected] AMSA offers a plethora of opportunities and is a huge source of medical information from all the chapters around the world. Visit www.amsa.org for more information on what AMSA can do for you! 17 As an academic complement to their studies, both premed and medical students in different academic years and from different regions of the U.S. are participating in the UAG’s Medical Spanish Course. This is a special program that is offered through the International Student Affairs Office in San Antonio, Texas. Students in this course learn and/or improve their Spanish communication skills while dealing with Spanish-speaking patients. This year medical students were placed in different clinics and hospitals so that the medical students could receive more clinical exposure at their level. The UAG International Language Center in Guadalajara, the School of Medicine and the Program of Medicine in the Community are the entities that are responsible for the various phases of these courses. Courses are offered year-round but the spring and summer courses have been the most popular and fill up quickly. For more information - contact: www. [email protected] Officers Preparing to Better Serve the Spanish-Speaking Patient Santiago Torrents ( AMSA President ) was born in Uruguay and raised in New York. He has worked in physical therapy while obtaining his bachelors in Biology. He is currently in his Fourth- semester and dedicated to improving AMSA both at the international level and here at UAG by increasing activities and communication with students. Coveney Fitzsimmons ( AMSA Vicepresident ) is the vice president of the Fourth-semester class and member of the Womens Tecos Basketball team here at UAG. She graduated with a sociology degree from SUNY New Paltz, where she dedicated much of her time directing SUNY Take Back the Night organization against violence, and playing for the Womens Rugby Team. She loves to travel and spend her extra time doing extreme white-water adventure sports and rescue. She plans to continue her AMSA position, medical education and practice focusing on international and womens health. s Natalie ( AMSA Secretary ) is a second-semester student from Porter Ranch, California. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where she majored in psychobiology. She is looking forward to the current school year and she hopes to help UAG students learn more about current issues in medicine through AMSA Maushumi ( AMSA Action Committee Representative) is in her Second-semester. She is from Houston,Texas and graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a B.S in Biology and minor in Psychology. After graduating, she worked at The Methodist Hospital as a Clinical trials research coordinator for almost two years. She would like to get more students involved in AMSA activities as well as increase the number of activities held. Jan Eperjesi ( Legislative Affairs Director) is currently studying medicine at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. From 2002-2004 he worked as a consultant for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Indonesia and East Timor. Subsequently, he joined the Department of Canidia Heritage (Government of Canada) in connection to Canada’s representation at the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan. He is an Action Canada fellow, a national fellowship program for development of leadership and excellence in public policy. He holds undergraduate degrees in physiology and education from McGill University and University of Toronto, and a Master’s degree in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology from University of Toronto. He is delighted to serve AMSA and all of its UAG members with dedication, vitality, and integrity. Mohamed Fadhl Algahim ( Recruitment Coordinator ) was born in Yemen and raised in Strongsville, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio.. He graduated from Strongsville High School in 2000 with honors and continued his studies at Baldwin-Wallace College. There, he graduated with both a Bachelor’s of Art in French and a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Chemistry. Upon graduating from Baldwin-Wallace College in 2004, he received a graduate scholarship to continue his studies at the Ohio State University. Currently, he is the re-elected president of his class at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine and AMSA Recruitment Coordinator. He is not certain of what specialty in medicine he would like to practice but hopes to follow the route of surgery. Special hobbies he enjoys are sports, traveling, reading, and working out. A message he would like to send to his peers and one that he adheres to is : “You have been given life, set your shoulder to the wheel. As you have come into this world, leave some mark behind. Otherwise, what is the difference between you, and the trees and stones?” 18 19 20 pictorial