Wednesday, December 26, 2012

3rd Term Information and Advice, Saint George's University School of Medicine

Behavioral Sciences and Medicine - 6 units, 6 week course

This six-week course in third-term is similar to the soft science classes you’ve had thus far (Bioethics, CPM). I used BRS Behavioral Science and High-Yield Biostatistics to complement the course. I believe the note packets were sufficient and you don’t necessarily need to buy any books to do well. Your grade is based on two exams (each with 120 questions, 2 ½ hours).

I found this class extremely interesting because we had nine different instructors with each one lecturing on different topics. We covered behavioral science in module 1, biostatistics, epidemiology, and health systems in module 2, and jurisprudence, and clinical ethics in module 3. You also have an opportunity to visit the Mental Hospital in Grenada (1 hour). Some students in my class were allowed to interview patients while others could only observe. I believe it depends on what the tour guide or doctor feels like doing. Try to sign-up after the first day of class because timeslots fill up real fast and you’ll be left with a less-than-ideal time.

Our class was required to watch five short videos: Back from Madness (50 min), When the Bough Breaks (57 min), The Doctor (83 min), Twitch and Shout (52 min), and Sick Around the World (60 min). You can watch these online in the comfort of your home because attendance is not required. “Sick Around the World” was the only video that had questions pertaining to it on the exam.

A big portion of the behavioral science section deals with psychological disorders. You must know the DSM criteria (number of symptoms, duration) for each one. You also need to learn some drugs (less than 20) and the mechanisms of action. It won’t be too difficult to know which medication is needed for various disorders if you understand how the drug works. One thing I found a bit tedious in the behavioral science section was memorizing the various categories (childhood developmental stages, cultural differences, facts of specific age groups).

We had biostatistics pre-midterm and epidemiology post-midterm. I found this section very useful because it teaches one how to properly interpret research articles. It goes without saying that you need to learn a few formulas in order to comprehend the information. The biostatistics portion has a lot more formulas compared to the epidemiology section. The exam has a few simple plug ‘n chug questions but the real meat comes from understanding the why. We had one lab section in this module where our group (you form your own group of 4) used a computer to interpret data. Afterwards each member of the group presented a case to an instructor. Take advantage and ask questions.

You learn about various health systems during part of module 2. This section was not difficult. You get exposed to the convoluted health care system in America compared to the rest of the world. Evidence-based medicine was another easy section post-midterm. You learn a bit more on systematic reviews and will get a chance to interpret a meta-analysis of a specific topic under CAM (Complementary Alternative Medicine). You will present this information to your assigned group.

The last module deals with clinical ethics and jurisprudence. The ethics section was self-explanatory once you have learned the definitions. I did not personally find this portion too demanding. Finally you finish up with jurisprudence. This last section was also pretty common sense (do not have sex with your patients, don’t do things without permission from patient). There are some definitions and specific cases you must memorize (Roe V Wade). If you listen to what the instructor emphasizes you don’t have to read every word in the note packet (it contains a lot of text). You must commit to memory the glossary of terms for this module. I found a lot of questions on the jurisprudence section in the final exam based off the glossary. The instructor will tell you which specific cases to read and understand.

You get a weekend off before you begin the notorious fourth-term once finals are over and done with . Relax and enjoy this “break”.

Great way to learn the stages of Kubler-Ross

Pathology in the Hundred Acre Wood: Winnie-the-Pooh
A fun read after you learn the various psychological disorders

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Iota Epsilon Alpha – International Medical Honor Society


To be awarded a membership position into Iota Epsilon Alpha means you are in the top percentages of your class. When first joining IEA, you will have the opportunity to eat at the University Club with fellow inductees. The food here was the best we have eaten since being in Grenada. Prior to filling your stomach with the scrumptious meal, there are a few speeches and certificates given out to each new member which take roughly an hour. Only spouses are allowed as guests for the induction dinner. You will sit in a table of six and have a chance to mingle with fellow members.

You are required to have a minimum of 90% in all of your classes during term 1 to join IEA in term 2. Many IEA members I have talked to said that bioethics was the one class that prevented them from becoming members in term 2. A cumulative of at least 88% is required to join in terms 4 or 5. Membership is only awarded during the first two years of the basic sciences. You must maintain this average throughout medical school to graduate as a member of IEA. A cord of distinction is given when you walk across the stage in New York.

You will need to fulfill certain amounts of “Honor Points” (academic and community services) each term. I had to complete two hours of academic services (DES, tutoring, anatomy mock) and two hours of community services. For the latter portion, you have the opportunity to participate in the planning, organizing, preparation, hosting, or just being part of the various school activities IEA is involved with (Wii tournament, talent show, dodgeball tournament). There are also two mandatory meetings near the beginning and end of each term. The first meeting summarizes what was accomplished in the previous term and welcomes new members. The second meeting consists of speeches given by potential candidates for board positions followed by voting.

IEA is an amazing society that gives back to the community. From helping out the Significant Others Organization to donating equipment to the local hospital, IEA has contributed to many facets of Grenada. It is such a rewarding experience that I strongly encourage anyone who meets the requirements to join.

You can find out more information about Iota Epsilon Alpha at: 
If these decadent desserts aren't incentive enough, I don't know what is. 

Monday, December 17, 2012

Prickly Bay Marina Restaurant. Grenada, West Indies.


-Pizza, Seafood, Burgers, Sandwiches, Wine, Cocktails
-Location: Prickly Bay (Calabash side) | Lance aux Epines, Grenada
-Hours: 7 days a week 7:30am -11pm
-Special Monday Deal- 1/2 Off Any Pizza. The catch is, you have to eat your pizzas there.
-Happy Hour: 5pm-7pm daily on selected drinks
-Phone:  (473) 439-5265
-Directions: From SGU take the LAE bus. Tell driver you want to get off at Prickly.
By Car: From Rubis gas station, drive towards tire intersection and turn right towards colorful fruit stands.  Keep going straight and you will see a Prickly Bay Sign on your right ~3min. 
-Entertainment: See Picture Below

This is my favorite pizza on the island and I like to take advantage of their half off pizza Mondays.  Otherwise, pizzas can easily rack up (they're super thin and delicious) and be a bit pricey.  I also tried their wings and they were good, but a bit small in portion.  The ambiance is just perfect at Prickly and they always have special daily events going on, which I've herd to be popular amongst students and their significant others (see below).  They're also festive on holidays if you're looking for a hang out spot.

If you want the best deal on pizza, Rick's is the way to go, but it's not as "gourmet" as Prickly's and La Boulangerie's  pizza, with a sweeter ketchup base like sauce.  La Boulangerie also has tasty pizza,  but their chicken is nearly always on the dry side and they cost a bit more (portion is slightly bigger than Prickly's portion).  Delivery available for both Ricks and La Boulangerie.  Click on names for more information.
Mediterranea  (left) and Prosciutto Fungi (right)
Click to Enlarge
Chixeroni MMmmmMM M

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Bash Restaurant by Mark B Menu. Grenada, West Indies.

Bash Restaurant by Mark B
If I can cook something special for you that is not on the menu, please ask me
Mark B


“Tapas Bites"
Served daily between 10:30am and 6:30pm
EC$
US$
Callaloo espresso, coconut bake
12.00
4.50
Ginger chilli chicken
24.00
9.00
Garlic shrimp - garlic, shrimp, parsley and lemon juice
32.00
12.00
Coconut curried fish with soft roti skin
24.00
9.00
Focaccia toasts, anchovy, garlic and parsley
15.00
5.65
Salt fish fritters, chilli aioli
14.00
5.30
Plantain tostados with black bean and pulled pork
18.00
6.75
Marinated olives, focaccia bread
12.00
4.50
Callaloo quiche
14.00
5.30
Fried calamari, sweet lime and chilli mayo
18.00
6.75
Lunch Menu 
Served daily from 12:00to 3:00pm
Grill
EC$
US$
Catch of the day48.0018.00
Bash burger
33.00
12.40
Add cheese
4.00
1.50
With bacon
4.00
1.50
With cheese & bacon
7.00
2.65
Lobster when in season and at $ per lb. Please ask for availability

 

Main courses
EC$
US$
Cajun spiced chicken, fried plantain, pak choi, coconut & shado beni sauce59.0022.10
Seared catch, potato & rocket salad with cashew nut dressing
69.00
25.85
Curried pumpkin, eggplant and chana, soft roti and mixed sambals
51.00
19.10
Pan roast catch, shrimp bisque with saffron risotto
65.00
24.40

Sandwiches
EC$
US$
Bash bar club – a twist on an old favourite
34.00
12.75
Chicken roti, kuchela and mango chutney
34.00
12.75
Fried catch, tartar sauce, grilled tomato and rocket
36.00
13.50

Salads
EC$
US$
Bash bar Caesar32.0012.00
Add chicken
12.00
4.50
Or fish
12.00
4.50
House salad with a range of dressings
29.00
11.90

SidesEC$US$
Sweet potato fries19.007.15
Fries
14.00
5.30
Side salad
19.00
7.15
Peas and corn
14.00
5.25

DessertsEC$US$
The chocolate plate, ice cream, brownie, cocoa shake and white chocolate & coconut brulee

30.00

11.25
Banana crumble with banana ice cream
24.00
9.00
Fruit plate with grenadine syrup
19.00
7.15
Baked cheesecake and caramelised pineapple
26.00
7.15
Ice cream of the day
19.00
9.85
“Bash” Ice cream of the day
19.00
7.15

39th Anniversary of Grenada's Independence

2.7.13 St. George's Downtown and National Stadium Grenada, West Indies. © Katherine Fung, All rights reserved.  Grenada, The ...