Mock USMLE Step II CS

Two weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the pilot trial run for the HPI workshop, meant to be a “mock USMLE Step 2 clinical skills (CS) exam” that the ICM faculty are considering implementing into the ICM curriculum. For those of you who don’t know, the USMLE Step 2 is taken during our clinical rotation years,… Continue reading

My First IV!!

As fifth semester students about to enter clinicals, it is important that we learn how to do the basic clinical skills we will be doing in the hospitals the next two years, like venipuncture, phlebotomy, suturing, or intubation. In previous semesters, I have gotten a taste of all of these skills, including drawing blood, but I have never learned how… Continue reading

It’s Sim Man!

Last week, my friends and I saved a man who just had a heart attack!! OK, well it wasn’t really a living man, but it was close… It was Sim Man, a robot patient who has a pulse, beating heart, lung sounds, gastrointestinal sounds, EKG/Blood gases monitor, and who talks and even responds to your questions (albeit via the instructor… Continue reading

Research at AUC

Although we are a small Caribbean medical school where the professors’ focus is on teaching, we still have some research data coming from our school. Every semester, select students have the opportunity to get involved in research with our professors, like Dr. Shupe (microbiology), Dr. McIntosh (genetics), Dr. Gomez (pathology), and Dr. Nash (anatomy), on a variety of topics. In… Continue reading

Dr. Raymon!!

I walked into the lecture hall like any other day, sat down in the front row with my friends and took out my iPad about to take notes. Today was a special day, the start of our five-day Kaplan Live review course for Intro to Clinical Medicine 6. As I raised my head, I was pleasantly surprised to see a… Continue reading

One-Way Ticket

Benji and Meow-Meow have a one-way plane ticket outta here! That’s right, I just bought a one-way ticket from St. Maarten to Miami and I just can’t believe it… finally, my last month on the island! There’s still a lot ahead of me right now as I prepare to take the next NBME comp exam next week as well as… Continue reading

Only In St. Maarten…

Welcome to St. Maarten… …where every trip to the beach is a near-death experience. …where the most common roadkill is crab. …where you can order beer at a fast food. It’s true… just go through the drive-thru at McDonald’s. …where the special of the day is…. (picture courtesy of Laura Akers) …where familiar signs don’t always point to familiar stores.… Continue reading

ICM Physical Examination Equipment

The Physical Examination is one of the most important components of evaluating patients, and learning the proper skills is not something you can get from self-learning in books. You’ll need training from experienced physicians (our ICM professors), regular practice on each other, and last, but not least, the proper equipment needed to conduct the physical exams. I’ve compiled a list… Continue reading

Comp Studying Time!

After several semesters of approaching medicine from all different disciplines, from Genetics to Pharmacology, we spend our fifth semester integrating everything we’ve learned. Although in a typical fifth semester, students take Pharm II, Behavioral II, Med Ethics, Intro to Clinical Medicine (ICM) 5, and Intro to Clinical Medicine (ICM) 6, I feel the latter two courses especially trains us for… Continue reading

Celebration in Curaçao

About: Curaçao is a Dutch island off the coast of Venezuela. It has a unique culture that blends Latino and Dutch characteristics. Geographically a part of South America, it is unique among the Caribbean islands for having a desert landscape, yet has gorgeous beaches and excellent diving. Highlights: Shopping and exploring the nightlife of Punda and Otrobanda, Trying pastechis at a local roadside snack stand, Check out the freshest fruits at the Venezuelan floating market, Enjoy the unique Dutch-Caribbean architecture in Punda, Walk the floating bridge, Explore Boka Tabla and Boka Pistol at Shete Boka National Park, Climb to the top of Mt. Christoffel, Kas Abou Beach, Kura Hulanda, Lunch with the locals at Plasa Bieu, try iguana at Jaanchie's (taste like chicken), Scuba Dive, Day trip to Klein Curaçao, Ride, pet, and eat ostrich at the Ostrich farm, Exploring Hato Caves, Swim with Dolphins at Sea Aquarium. Continue reading