The Pulse

AAIMS Newsletter
July 31, 2013 Volume II Issue 9

AAIMS initiates Blood Drive in Black River

June 24, 2013. In answer to a call from The National Blood Transfusion Service for more blood, All American Institute of Medical Sciences (AAIMS) hosted its Each One, Reach One blood drive. This meant mobilizing students, staff and the public to support a cause that would, according to a recent announcement from Dr. Angella Scott, Director of the Transfusion Service, boost the depleted supplies at the islands blood bank.

AAIMS FAME Club hosts Natural Disaster Session

As the hurricane season gains momentum, AAIMS First Aid and Medical Emergency (F.A.M.E.) club launched a timely session on disaster preparedness. This is the clubs first event after their inauguration and was facilitated by the Office of Disaster & Emergency Management (ODPEM) parish representative, Claudine Forbes.

ODPEM Parish Representative, Ms. Forbes (L) & company

Blood DonorShauna Kay Falconer, Pre Med student

A mobile unit from the blood bank made its way to the campus on Monday- steered by a dedicated team of nurse, medical technicians and blood donor organizer who were kept busy registering, screening and conducting the phlebotomy process. According to Blood Donor Organizer for the National Transfusion Service, Odean Black The drive came at a time that precedes a period characterized by a decline in donations. According to Mr. Black, summer comparatively yields a small number of donors. The supply can never be too much, and while at the moment the blood banks need isnt critical, that status may change at any time. Furthermore we are entering a period that usually has a critical demand, Mr. Black shared. Volunteers from the National Commercial Bank (NCB) and the Intown Supersave Supermarket appeared comfortable with the process. The NCB Manager, Black River branch, Mrs. Maxine Brown Cowan expressed her joy at being involved in this worthwhile event, which for future she has promised to return with her staff. This is a great initiative and I certainly hope to see more of this happening, Mrs. Brown Cowen Donor, Manager at NCBMaxine Cowan said. The drive was held at the schools Medical Centre, scheduled for opening next month. The centre will be the only centre to provide treatment for dermatological related illnesses and sexual dysfunctions within the Black River locality. Spearheading this project is Dr. Stanhope Maxwell, Dermatologist and Senior Lecturer at AAIMS. Blood Bank Representative (L), Alyson According to Dr. Maxwell, the Williams, Pre Med student medical team slated to work at the centre is a rich blend of medical experts. We have a great team, for General Surgery there is Senior Medical Officer (SMO) of the Black River Hospital Dr. Norman Glen Day, for General Practice Dr. Tonia Dawkins Medical Officer of Health (MOH) -Black River Hospital, also for General Practice is Dean Dr. Owen James and Ill be providing services for dermatological related conditions and sexual dysfunction, he said. After hosting what turned out to be successful drive, the school plans on making blood drives scheduled calendar events. 66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth

During the session Ms Forbes highlighted the historical value of Black River and the rich heritage of the once Invercauld Hotel turned AAIMS campus. According to Ms. Forbes, this hurricane season is forecasted to be very active, with a projection of eighteen storms. She shared that the first plan of action in preparing for the hurricane period which extends from June 1st to the end of September, is to establish disaster committee to mitigate threats and general damage. This committee will create roles and functions and develop a hurricane response plan. They should make plans for security, focus on securing documents, perform longevity assessments, and plan drills, she said. Additional functions of this committee Ms. Forbes indicated were to assess damage after a disaster and initiate clean-up as well as to establish staff activities before and after the hurricane. The audience was also informed of terms often used during disasters such as a hurricane. From the presentation, many learnt of the distinction between hurricane watch and warning, where with the hurricane watch the hurricane is not sure to hit the county, however with the warning there is a higher level of certainty that it will hit the country. The audience was also reminded of the dos and dont during and after a hurricane, highlighted below are a few pertinent points: During the hurricane: Stay indoors Do not open windows or doors Listen to the radio After the hurricane: Seek medical help if necessary Do not touch power lines Report broken sewers Boil drinking water According to Ms. Forbes, for better functioning of the disaster committee, a sub committee could be formed known as the safety committee. This committee would look at the hazards, and what would likely affect your location, she shared. Other responsibilities of the safety committee Ms. Forbes indicated were, creating a response plan- looking at what to do in light of an imminent hurricane and performing summation exercises. Ms. Forbes also recommended that the students become familiar with the known hurricane centres, should relocation become necessary. While the title of the session was disaster preparedness, in honor of the season, hurricane took centre stage.

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Tel: 876- 634- 4068

July 31, 2013

Volume II, Issue 9

How much do you know about your blood pressure?

July 19, 2013. In fulfillment of a mission to educate students on simple tips on safety, the FAME club held a session on the administering of blood pressure checks. The interactive session was well attended and had an overwhelming turnout of Pre- med students. A very enthusiastic host Nyameche Solomon, who also currently serves as the clubs president, shared the objective of Dr. Maxwell (AAIMS senior lecturer) the session. The session really is assisting students at F.A.M.Es to educate for some and for others session on administering pressure its a reminder of how to perform checks blood pressure checks. This will be good knowledge for us as aspiring doctors and it may become practical sooner for some of us who have relatives with hypertension. The session in essence was a crash course on how to administer a blood pressure check- short and highly descriptive. It followed a pattern of an informative presentation interspersed with demonstrations using eager volunteers. Known also as high or raised blood pressure, hypertension remains a global public health issue. It contributes to the burden of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure, premature mortality and disability, and accounts for approximately 17 million deaths a year, nearly one third of the total. According to the AAIMS student, Aurora Bravar ,performing 2013 report on Hyperten- a blood pressure check on fellow student, sion from the World Arlando Gentles Health Organization (WHO), hypertension accounts for 9.4 million deaths worldwide every year, is responsible for at least 45% of deaths due to heart disease and 51% of deaths due to stroke. On April 7 of this year the WHO recognized World Health Day, with a focus on hypertension. AAIMS joined the world in advocating the importance of being keen on having blood pressure checks at intervals, by way of a providing free blood pressure check and referrals to the public from a booth that was set up at the In-town supermarket. The team consisted of MD students who functioned exceptionally well under Dr. Maxwells supervision. The club plans on having a session next Wednesday in classroom one but will pause activities as the members prepare for the approaching period of exams.

New York based Corning Community College Visits AAIMS

A group of students and professors from the New York based Corning Community College, visited All American Institute of Medical Sciences (AAIMS) on Friday July 19, to briefly experience what its like to be studying medicine in Jamaica. The group had a blend of nursing, sociology and anthropology Group from Corning Community College alongstudents all first timers side Student Services Director, Dr. Randolph to the Island. The very Watson, Guild President, Anthony Ogini and enthused group had Guild VP, Joanna Pascal many questions about Jamaicas first off-shore medical school, and was pleased with our mission to the extent that they expressed an interest in having a relationship with us. The AAIMS Student Guild was represented well by President Anthony Ogini and VP Joanna Pascal, who demonstrated great hospitality, remaining with the group until their departure. The distinguished Director of Student Services Dr. Randolph Watson kept the group in excellent Nursing students from Corning condition throughout their Community College and Anthony Ogini visit, furnishing them with information not only about (fourth from left) AAIMS, but also of the amenities that accompany studying in Black River. Much to their satisfaction is the picturesque view of the campus that is enhanced by the Caribbean Sea that frames the campus, Professor Walker shared her thought , I cant imagine waking up to this every day, this is beautiful.
Dr. Watson ( C ) and professors from Corning Community College

Anthony was born and raised in the city of Toronto, Canada. He attended Jarvis High school where he received many awards for his achievements in Track & Field, Basketball and Volleyball. At the University of Western Ontario Anthony excelled in athletics and has received many awards for his accomplishments in track and field. His passion for healthcare lead him to obtain an honors degree in Nursing. Ever the go getter, Anthony continued to take his career to new heights by enrolling at the All American Institute of Medical Sciences, where he plans on obtaining his MD designation and specializing in Internal Medicine. Anthony devotes his spare time to learning about health and exercise. He has also participated in many community health initiatives, and will serve as AAIMS Student Guild President, for the 2013 - 2014 regime.
Tel: 876- 634- 4068 www.AAIMS.edu.jm

Anthony Ogini - President, AAIMS Student Guild

66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth

July 31, 2013

Volume II, Issue 9

Campus Snippet

The Dean & Registrar in dialogue with Montego Bay Credit Unions representative Ms. Lorna Clarke

66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth

Tel: 876- 634- 4068

www.AAIMS.edu.jm

July 31, 2013

Volume II, Issue 9

Announcements
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 and Director of Student Services should be made through Ms Shelley McIntyre or Ms. Tiffany Gillespie at the Front Desk. Students, please make appointments during your break-times.
"It is ironic that in the same year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of DNA, some would have us ban certain forms of DNA medical research. Restricting medical research has very real human consequences, measured in loss of life and tremendous suffering for patients and their families." Michael J. Fox

INFORMATION CORNER

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR

Office Of The Registrar

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. Resident students are required to participate in a meal plan.

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 enrollment status. Status letters are prepared for a wide variety of purposes, 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 instructions 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.

Registry:
Reminder to all STUDENTS whose outstanding documents are pending to submit to Registry before Mid Term Examination. Please contact the Registry of you have any questions or concerns. We will be pleased to hear from you.

Library:
STUDENTS are being asked to return library books that have been found missing from the library.

66 High St, Black River, St. Elizabeth

Tel: 876- 634- 4068

www.AAIMS.edu.jm