School Excursion to the 9th Annual Research Day Conference

on Monday September 30, 2013 at Golf View

On Monday September

30, 2013, twenty-three

(23) students along with

Ms. Shelley McIntyre

from Student Services

embarked on a journey to

Mandeville to attend the

ninth Annual Research

Day Conference held at

the Golf View Hotel. The

aim of the excursion was

to expose students to research that is being currently done in the

field of medicine, the different medications that are being utilized

in today’s market for various conditions and to support our Dean,

Dr Owen James who was an honorary guest judge at this year’s

conference.

Presentations from the various departments and hospitals such as

Surgery, OB/GYN and UWI Hospital were given and they found

studies showing that:

Almost eighty (80) percent of breast cancer patients come in

when they have reached Stage III or Stage IV, which is the malig-

nant stage.

Breast cancer can be seen in patients as young as nineteen (19)

years of age.

Ovarian cancer is becoming the new “silent killer” next to

breast cancer.

Majority of females are not following up on their Pap smear

tests, as they are time consuming and puts them at even more risk

for cervical cancer.

Health Fair Drives need to be in-

creased across the island to bet-

ter inform the public as to the

different conditions that are

coming up in today’s society and

how to better manage them.

A small intermission was allotted

for persons to view the different

posters from the various depart-

ments as well as booths from the different sponsors of the event

such as Sagicor, Enterogermina, Sanofi Aventis and Nestle. Re-

freshments were served and students utilized the break period to

socialize with other medical professionals who attended.

Overall, the conference was a real

informative one and I hope that AAIMS

will continue to endorse students

attending more of these medical

conferences in the near future.

Report by Nyameche Solomon —

MD 5 Student

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AAIMS Medical Centre

is now Open

66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm

Medical Centre Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 8 AM - 8 PM

Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM - 4 PM

Contact Numbers: 876-634-4507 / 876-567-5214 (Digicel)

876-833-5650 (LIME) / 876-634-4109 (Fax)

On October 14, 2013, the AAIMS

Medical Centre was officially opened.

Here are highlights of the

opening ceremony.

The Pulse October 31, 2013 Volume II, Issue 11

October 31, 2013 Volume II, Issue 11

October is recognized worldwide as Breast Cancer Month and the

First Aid and Medical Emergency (FAME) Club commemorated

the month in fine style by hosting “Wear Pink Day” on Friday Oc-

tober 18, 2013 which is also recognized as World Mammogram

Day. This day saw the staff as well as the students wearing pink to

remember those who lost the fight against breast cancer, those

who continue the fight as well as those who overcame breast can-

cer.

Here are a few facts on Breast Cancer:

Every twenty nine (29) seconds, a new case of breast cancer is

diagnosed somewhere in the world

Breast cancer causes fourteen (14) percent of cancer deaths in

women with over 465,000 deaths annually worldwide

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world. Global-

ly it kills one woman every seventy five (75) seconds

One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over

the course of her lifetime but there is HOPE as there is a twenty

seven (27) percent survival rate in the advanced stage while there

is a ninety eight (98) percent survival rate in early detection

Some of the risk factors include:

Age

Female gender (breast cancer in males are rare)

Family history of the disease

Being overweight

Use of hormone receptive therapy

Lack of Vitamin D

Exposure to radiation and carcinogens

Sedentary Lifestyle

Smoking

Drinking

Factors that Can Help Lower the Risk of Breast Cancer

include:

Physical Activity

Not smoking

Maintaining a healthy weight

Moderate alcohol use ( no more than one(1) drink a day)

Doing self breast examinations; starting at age forty (40) and get-

ting yearly monograms is HIGHLY recommended since the risk

increases as you age.

How to Perform a Self Breast Examination

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your

shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Here's what you

should look for:

1. Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color

2. Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or

swelling

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's

attention:

1. Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin

2. A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple

(pushed inward instead of sticking out)

3. Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling

Step 2: Raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid com-

ing out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or

yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Feel your breasts while lying

down, using your right hand to feel

your left breast and then your left

hand to feel your right breast. Use a

firm, smooth touch with the first few

finger pads of your hand, keeping

the fingers flat and together. Use a

circular motion, about the size of a

quarter. Cover the entire breast from

top to bottom, side to side from your

collarbone to the top of your abdo-

men, and from your armpit to your

cleavage.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You

can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until

you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your

fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a

lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most

women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of

your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pres-

sure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your

breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When

you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to

your ribcage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sit-

ting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is

when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in

the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand move-

ments described in step 4.

The FAME Club wishes to express

their sincerest gratitude to the

staff as well as the students for

their overwhelming support

towards Wear Pink Day as well as

purchasing pink ribbons. Let us

continue the fight against breast

cancer and hopefully as future

physicians we can find a cure.

66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm

October is Breast Cancer Month…. Know Your Status

Contributed by Nyameche Solomon - MD 5 Student & President of the FAME Club

October 31, 2013 Volume II, Issue 11

PROFESSIONALISM The word “Professionalism” is used a lot these days with many

bemoaning the lack thereof in all spheres of life. It has become a

buzzword in our society as many long for the days when more of

this was observed among our professionals. It is a key word in the

field of medicine so it is only fitting that we give this concept some

attention.

Medicine is a moral endeavor, which demands integrity,

competence, and high ethical standards among other key

attributes. Professionalism then becomes the cornerstone of the

medical profession. It embodies the relationship between med-

icine and society as it forms the basis of patient-physician trust. It

is an elusive word, but it attempts to underscore certain attitudes,

behaviours and characteristics that are desirable among the medi-

cal profession. Professionalism, in medicine, begins the day one

enters medical school. It includes, but is not limited to encourag-

ing positive peer relations; presenting yourself appropri-

ately at clinical encounters and arriving to class on time.

Students have an obligation, as future physicians, to maintain the

values of professionalism throughout medical training and into

ones career. Professional behavior is not only expected of students

in the clinical setting, but is also required in the classroom, semi-

nar room, library etc.

Expectations of the medical student are outlined below:

Respect for professors, preceptors and peers.

Respect for caregivers and anatomical specimens in the anato-

my lab.

Respect for the institution of which you are a part.

Respect for patients and their families at clinical encounters.

Respect for patient confidentiality.

Respect for members of the health care team.

Respect for administrative and support staff.

Respect for the core values of professionalism.

What are the core values of professionalism? These include: Honesty and integrity; altruism; respect; responsibility; accountability; compassion and empathy; dedication and self-improvement

66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm

Below is a short quiz. Test your knowledge and understanding of Professionalism. The answers are at the end of this article. 1. Which of the following values and attributes would likely be omitted from a university handbook for medical students? a. Responsibility and Accountability b. Determination and Economy c. Honesty and Integrity d. Compassion and Empathy e. Altruism and Respect 2. The Nuremberg Code, established after World War II, is a set of principles governing a. The use of animals in medical research b. The use of antibiotics in medical research c. Informed consent in medical research d. Physician’s commitment to the humanitarian goals of medi-

cine e. Professionalism in research Which of the following is/are obligations of a medical student? a. Respect for patient confidentiality b. Respect for all members of the health care team c. Respect for professors, preceptors, and peers d. Respect for cadavers and anatomical specimens in the anato-

my lab e. All of the above What are your obligations to professionalism after med-ical school? a. Dedication to cost-effectiveness and resource allocation b. Dedication to ethical medical practice c. Dedication to pharmaceutical research in the elderly popula-

tion d. Dedication to lifelong learning e. b and d. Stay tuned for a discussion/workshop to be announced during the lunch hour when many of you will be able to participate. Your thoughts and ideas are valuable to such a discussion! Your Counsellor Myrna Bailey, (Mrs.) MSW

Counsellor 's Corner with Mrs. Myrna Bailey

Answers to quiz: 1. – b; 2. – c; 3. – e; 4. – d

The first AAIMS student, to unscramble these THREE words

and answer the question, will receive a prize. GOOD LUCK!!!

BFRTLAEIOLRDI

Hint: Device that corrects an abnormal heart rhythm

SRCLEIOSS

Hint: Localized hardening of skin

MATSTYCMOE

Hint: Term for removal of the breast

Which country is the outgoing Guild Vice-President, Joanna Pascal

from? HINT: Answer can be found in The PULSE (September 2013)

Please email your answers to shelley.mcintyre@aaims.edu.jm

FOR FUN - COMPLETE THIS QUIZ

1. What kind of doctor specializes in the treatment of

diseases in women?

a) Oncologist b) Radiology c) Ggynaecologist d) Paediatrics

2. What type of drug would be used to treat hay fever?

a)Antihistamine b) Antibiotic

b)c) Analgesic d) Anti-inflammatory

3. Louis Pasteur developed a vaccine for which of these?

a) Whooping cough b) Rabies c) Polio d) German Measles

Brain Teasers

Source: Discovery Fit & Health

A

ns

we

rs

: 1

. c

- 2

. a

- 3

. b

October 31, 2013 Volume II, Issue 11

A new clinic has been opened to

serve the town of Black River and

its environs. The clinic, which

was opened by the All American

Institute of Medical Science

(AAIMS) on Monday, will serve

the two-fold purpose of offering a

service to the community as well

as aiding with the instruction of

the medical students enrolled at

the school.

Minister of Health Dr Fenton

Ferguson, in his keynote address,

delivered on his behalf by

Regional Technical Director of the Southern Regional Health Au-

thority Dr Beverly Wright, said that Jamaica can boast some of the

best health indicators anywhere in the world. He went on to state

that on its own, the Government would not be able to meet all the

health needs of the population, but through partnerships with pri-

vate sector organisations, a high standard of health services could

be maintained.

"It is the partnership that the government health service enjoys

with the private sector, non-governmental organisations along

with medical missions and our donor or funding partners."

That is where organisations such as AAIMS come in.

"It is through these partnerships that we are able to continue to

deliver quality health care where there is a shortfall in resources

or where the Government cannot immediately respond to [urgent]

needs through budgetary allocation. That is why I am pleased that

AAIMS is opening this medical centre today. This is a signal of

your partnership with us.

"I am extending to you the encouragement that will say to you that

you are doing a good thing as are all the other partners whose in-

novation and generosity allow us to deliver health care in Jamaica

the way we do," the minister added.

Ferguson said that it was his hope that the AAIMS Medical Centre

would become an example. He went on to indicate the Govern-

ment's desire to cultivate genuine partnerships as these are one of

the legs of the tripod that balanced the Jamaican health sector.

Medical Director of the AAIMS Medical Centre, Dr Stanhope Max-

well, said that with the opening of the clinic, students would be

exposed to real medical cases in addition to the theory.

"From day one, our medical students will facilitate their learning

by engaging in cognitive activities based on real cases seen in our

medical centre," Maxwell said.

Previously, students would have to wait until they went on a clerk-

ship or a clinical rotation before they would have been exposed to

real medical cases.

In medical education, a clerkship, or rotation, refers to the prac-

tice of medicine by medical students during their third and fourth

years of study typically after having completed the first part of

medical school training in a classroom setting.

Although students will not be diagnosing and treating patients,

where patient consent is given, they will be allowed to observe the

practice of medicine in the clinic.

Maxwell said that medical students often had difficulty applying

the theory they had been taught to the actual practice of medicine.

He said that early clinical exposure in the pre-clinical phase had

been recommended to reduce such issues with transitioning.

early clinical exposure

He said that research had shown that clerkship students who had

early clinical exposure in primary health-care centres were better

able to perform when they began their clerkships than those who

were only exposed to the theory of medicine.

"In the developing country context, primary health-care centres

seem more appropriate for clinical skills training of pre-clinical

students than secondary health-care centres and tertiary health-

care centres. The AAIMS Medical Centre will provide a high-

quality comprehensive range of general and specialist medical and

surgical services to the AAIMS Medical School and St Elizabeth

communities.

"The AAIMS Medical Centre has already started to offer medical

services [and] consultations in general practice, general dermatol-

ogy, cosmetic dermatology, sexual dysfunctions, general surgery,

occupational medicine, and physical therapy (including hydro-

therapy because we have a swimming pool). Within the next one

to two months, the medical centre will also provide ear, nose, and

throat and obstetrics or gynaecology specialist consultations. We

are actively seeking out orthopaedic and paediatric specialists,"

Maxwell told Rural Express.

AAIMS, which is a little over two years old, started in January

2011 as an offshore medical school where foreign students would

train before returning overseas. The school, which started with

about six students, has since seen growth and changes to the na-

ture of its programmes. Now, the majority of the students hail

from Jamaica and the Caribbean.

66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm

Patients, Med Students To Benefit from

New Clinic In Black River Written by Launtia Cuff (Gleaner Writer)

This article was originally published in (Jamaica) on Saturday, October 19, 2013

See the virtual link for the article HERE

Blazing the USMLE Trail

Gavin who hails from the parish of Manchester, Jamaica, embarked on his AAIMS

medical journey in May 2011. The MD 2 student is now the first AAIMS student to

successfully pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1.

The AAIMS Administration would like to acknowledge and congratulate Mr. Tyndale

and wish him the best as he embarks on the clinical rotation phase of his journey. In

addition, a function will soon be held in his honour and students will be able to

interact with him and hear about his experience, as well as learn best practices on

how to prepare for this exam.

October 31, 2013 Volume II, Issue 11

66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm

AAIMS recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

CAMPUS SNIPPETS

Special greetings to the

following who celebrated

birthdays this month:

STAFF

Mrs. Lois Robinson

Ms. Shelly Miles

Ms. Paula James

Mrs. Karen Williams

Ms. Shelley McIntyre

Dr. Rayapati Sreenathan

Birthday Celebrants for the month of October

STUDENTS

Ms. Asheika Williams

Ms. Wanda Trott

Mr. Dwayne Nelson

Ms. Suesan Bailey

Ms. Natoya Wilmot

Ms. Shanice Haye

Ms. Sasha-Gaye

Matthews

Ms. Deandra Passley

Mr. Mario Bryson

Mr. Leon Lemonias

Mrs. Robinson cuts her birthday cake with

Dr. Watson.

Ms. McIntyre poses with Mrs. Rattigan & Ms. Gaynor on her birthday .

A section of the audience, at the opening of the medical centre

Students listening attentively to the research day presentations.

Board Members of the St. Elizabeth parish Homecoming Foundation stopped by for a visit.

MD 7 Students

MD 5 Students

Support Services Staff

Dr. Owen James (Dean), Nyameche Solomon ( MD5 Student) and members of the administrative staff,

all wore pink to show their support.

Ms. Karen & Ms. Ann from the Tuck Shop

Premed 3 Students

Ms. Bent & Mr. Jones all smiles

MD 7 students in class

October 31, 2013 Volume II, Issue 11

66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm

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

advance 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.

A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination

and hard work.

~ Colin Powell

A n n o u n c e m e n t s

INFORMATION CORNER

Accounts Department:

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:

Identification cards can now be collected from Ms. Tiffany Gillespie

at the front desk.

Students who use the kitchenette are being asked to ensure that

they leave the stove and microwave clean after each use.

Registry:

All students with outstanding documents are kindly being asked to

submit them to the registry by November 29, 2013.

Failure to do so will prevent you from doing End of

Semester Examinations.