The Time I Led a Code at the Airport by Iris Monica Vargas

The one question I’ve never been capable of answering properly, or in a completely satisfactory way is, why do I want to become a physician? It probably has the same answer as “why am I a writer?” and I cannot answer that either. I want to be both. Perhaps we do the things we know that we can do well. Or maybe we do what this organism inside us feels…

STUDENT SPOTLOGHT: AJ PASCASIO

As individuals, what is the driving force behind our passions in life? Is it to follow in the footsteps of our loved ones or to redefine one’s path with continuous education to better ourselves and those around us? As medical professionals, we continue to evolve, find new solutions to the problem at hand, and how to use compassion to better connect/understand our patients. That is why Saint James School of…

A LETTER TO INCOMING STUDENTS

Dear Incoming Student, Welcome to Saint James School of Medicine! I hope this letter finds you well as you are getting ready to move to another country to start your first semester of medical school. When I first started, I was so nervous and the whole situation of moving so far from the life I previously knew felt daunting. Apart from the school’s admissions team, who was very helpful, I…

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Erika Singh

Saint James School of Medicine is proud to highlight Dr. Erika Singh as this month’s Alumni Spotlight. Dr. Singh completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Indiana University Northwest, intending to become a psychologist after graduation, but a course in Anatomy and Physiology set her on a different path. “Physiology was my strength, and I enjoyed studying and teaching the material at hand,” Dr. Singh said. “I chose to pursue…

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: JOYCE CHENG

In every person’s life, there comes a time that will define who they are and what they hope to accomplish going forward. For Dr. Joyce Cheng, that time came in March 2020 with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. We previously chatted with Dr. Cheng in 2018 as she was on the cusp of starting residency. Growing up in California, Dr. Joyce Cheng enjoyed science and working in collaboration with…

A LETTER FROM A 2021 ALUMNI | DR. JENNAIRE LEWARS

Fellow (impending) new grad doctors.  As our graduation season is upon us, I just wanted to extend a few words. As we enter this phase of our lives, with the acquisition of our new roles and responsibilities, I want to implore everyone (including myself) to embrace everything that comes forward with grace and humility.  We often say, “Trust me, I’m a doctor” but if I’ve recognized anything throughout this pandemic,…

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: DR.BANKS

In extra footage of the ITV reality show, which aired on spin-off show Extra Camp, Roman revealed details of a water fight between him and the royals. “One time I had a letter through and it was from Prince Harry to come and DJ at the Buckingham Palace garden party,” he told fellow campmates James Haskell and Ian Wright. “I was playing a track and someone came over and said, ‘Roman…

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PREPARING OUR STUDENTS FOR THE WORLD OF CARDIOLOGY

Cardiovascular Disease remains the most common cause of mortality, and morbidity, in the United States. This has led to the outpouring of research funds to combat cardiovascular problems, resulting in an expansion of our knowledge of cardiovascular diseases and the robust development of the advances in technology in Echocardiography, CT Scans, MRI, etc. Of all the medical specialties, Cardiology has indeed grown exponentially throughout the years. This is reflected in…

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EFFECT OF SUPPORT ANIMALS ON STUDENTS

Pets have the innate ability to brighten your mood, even during the worst days. Their comforting companionship has been utilized by hospitals for years, bringing happiness and joy to a variety of patients and senior living communities to boost morale. Simply snuggling next to the patient or just being present brings comfort and peace knowing they are not alone.  With life going virtual and interactions with everyday people limited in…