Comments for Diary of a Caribbean Med Student

Comment on How Much Do Things Cost in SXM? by Benji

Benji — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:04:31 +0000

Hi Mike,
I’m not sure how much jasmine rice cost, since I don’t really eat Jasmine rice, but I do know that Kokuho rice costs around $60 for a 50 lb bag. Kokuho, however, is typically a more expensive type of rice, and being on the island, it’s even more expensive than what I would pay back at home.
Benji

Comment on Banking in St. Maarten by Benji

Benji — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:57:54 +0000

Hi HS,

In a nutshell, basically you borrow a certain amount of money every two semesters from the government. The school takes out a chunk of what you borrowed to pay for your tuition. Then, they refund you the rest. They split the refund and give you a refund check each semester, even though you only take out a loan every two semesters. If you take out a full loan, expect to get back about $15,000 per semester. It’s more than you’ll ever need.

You’re right, you won’t be able to deposit the refund check on the island if you don’t have an island account (i.e. ScotiaBank). Like I said above, students who don’t have ScotiaBank accounts usually just FedEx the check back to the states or Canada for deposit.

Benji

Comment on Banking in St. Maarten by HS

HS — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:16:31 +0000

Hey Benji,

So how do you deposit the student loan refund check if you aren’t using ScotiaBank? Could you tell me how the student loan things actually works? Thanks!

Comment on How Much Do Things Cost in SXM? by Mike

Mike — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 03:55:35 +0000

Hey Benji,

Do you know how much mid rice or jasmine rice is on the island? Nice website!

Thank You,

Comment on Some Thoughts About Psych by Benji

Benji — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:35:08 +0000

Thanks Jubin! Best of luck on the big test!

Comment on Some Thoughts About Psych by Benji

Benji — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:34:46 +0000

Thanks Kendra!
I am indeed enjoying this rotation, and have some awesome attendings! Wishing you all the best in residency!
Benji

Comment on Some Thoughts About Psych by Kendra

Kendra — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:02:35 +0000

great post!

“and planning the patient’s treatment all involve the artistry and skill of the doctor, and in these aspects, psych is no different from any other field of medicine.” – yes, ALL fields of medicine involve both artistry and skill. but i would argue that psych may challenge your artistry more than other fields!

“I’ve gained a lot of respect for psychiatrists during the rotation.” – sooooo wonderful!! it’s always nice when people appreciate and respect the difficult job, which psychiatrists have!

sounds like you’ve really had an awesome psych rotation…and i can tell that you would be great at psych, or any field which you decide to pursue!! cheers, mate!!

Comment on Some Thoughts About Psych by Jubin

Jubin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:34:09 +0000

Great post Benji !!

Comment on Taking a Psych History by Benji

Benji — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:04:54 +0000

Thanks Shanique! All the best to you on your fifth semester and your advanced interview tomorrow!

Comment on Taking a Psych History by Shanique

Shanique — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:28:58 +0000

So here I am, in SXM, on the eve of our first advanced interview in ICM5 and I google ‘patient psych history’ and up comes your blog with this wonderful description of what I need and more! Thanks Benji, even when you’re a kazillion miles away from SXM, you’re still guiding your fellow students! Enjoy the UK!