From the Editor

INDEX
MEMBERS OF THE NASA
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2006
Marco Antonio De Los Santos García
NASA President
President’s Column
NASA Officers
2
3
Ricardo Luis Machado Torres
NASA President-Elect
Dr. Antonia Coello Novello; Good Science, Good Sense
A President’s View
The Feeling of Satisfaction
Class Social
4
6
7
8
Africa Need Us
Sports Talk
Avian Influenza in Humans
9
10
12
Nicolle Spence
NASA Clinical Trustee
for North America
A New Beginning
A Reflection on the First Semester
14
15
Lourdes Rosa Rodríguez
NASA Secretary
Is AMSA Right for You
Stafford Loan Plus
16
17
Cosmarie Milagros Cortés Rivera
Puerto Rico Clinical Trustee
Preparing to Better Serve the Spanish-Speaking Patient
AMSA Officers
18
19
Alex Concepcion Ruiz
Sports Coordinator
Pictorial
20
Jennifer Cantú
NASA Vicepresident
Maile Barret
NASA Editor-in-Chief
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
AFFAIRS OFFICE (ISAO)
Susana Leaño
Dean of International Student Affairs
Adriana Rojo Flores
Director of International Student Affairs
Arturo Barriga
Editorial Coordinator
Itze Lebrija
Megan Power
Editorial Review
SIGUE
Rosalía del Castillo de Leaño
General Coordinator
DIRECCIÓN DE
COMUNICACIÓN
UNIVERSITARIA
Víctor Escalante Vera
Director
Francisco García Bogarín
Art and Design
Mario Alberto Beltrán González
Photography
Marisa Salazar
Hilda Gómez
Cristian Peralta
Contributors
From the Editor
As my position as Editor-in-Chief of the NASA Update comes to a close, I am
reminded of all the wonderful stories that so many students have shared with me
- writing about their experiences, writing about research they’ve done in Mexico,
and most importantly, why what we do here at UAG is so important. I have enjoyed
being the Editor of a magazine that is written for the students and mostly by the
students. This magazine is not only an information tool but also a guide for new and
present students to use and learn from others. There is no way I would have been
able to do my job effectively without the help of the NASA Executive Committee as
well as the two most important people in NASA, Marisa Salazar and Hilda GomezIbarra. Thank you both so much for your guidance and help. My hope is that in the
future more students will get involved and contribute to a wonderful magazine. It
is here for us.
Thank you and good luck to everyone!
Maile Barrett
NASA Editor-in-Chief
NASA President-Elect
Ricardo Luis Machado Torres
Ricardo was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez campus.
After his four years, Ricardo earned a Biology degree with a minor in Industrial Microbiology. As NASA President-Elect, Ricardo contributes with his hard work and dedication to further the progress of NASA. Ricardo’s
long- term plans include becoming a Pediatric Surgeon and eventually teaching medicine.
President’s Column
2
On January 2, 2006, I became the new President of the North
American Students Association with the main role being to lead our
organization and the Executive Committee. Three years ago, I joined
the Executive Committee as Secretary and now, I have the challenge
of working for our students at the School of Medicine.
Our organization has been working for our medical students in the
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara since 1971. This year we
celebrate our 35th Anniversary as one of the organizations that
helps to implement the Fifth Pathway program as a route of getting
licensure in the United States for international students.
Today, I am pleased to be an Executive Committee member because
it is here where one can help our colleagues to adapt to this new
country. I have the most wonderful teammates and members that
help to get things done. Deep appreciation to our Editor-in-Chief
Maile Barrett for such a wonderful job. Also, thanks to Mrs. Marisa
Salazar Romo and Ms. Hilda Gomez-Ibarra that help us to understand
our duties as Executive Committee members. They have always
been there to give us a hand with everything.
I want to extend a special “thank you” to Mrs. Susana Leaño and
Lic. Adriana Rojo for their continuous support to the international
students and NASA members in the UAGSOM. Most importantly,
I would like to thank my wife, Cosmarie, for her passion, support
and help in getting things done in my life. She is responsible for the
success in my life.
In this NASA Update issue, you will find a summary of our activities
and some articles written by our students. Let me please encourage
students to participate and to contribute in the compilation of
articles for the NASA Update. I feel that our NASA Update Magazine
is a great presentation of our services to our current students and
our prospective students. Best of luck to our students with your
studies and your career. ENJOY your magazine.
Ricardo Luis Machado Torres
NASA President
ricardo_luism@hotmail.com
ricardoluismachado@yahoo.com
Column
President’s
NASA Vice President
Jennifer Cantu
Jennifer was born and raised in South Texas. She received her degree at the University of Texas San Antonio. Upon
completion of her MD degree here at UAG, she will pursue a research career working on biomedical research and
contributing to new medical advances with the CDC or a branch of the NIH known as The Specialized Neuroscience
Research program (SNRP) located in Europe.
NASA Sports Coordinator
Alex Concepcion Ruiz
Alex was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico Aguadilla campus with a
degree in General Science. As NASA Sports Coordinator, he plans to motivate the students to participate in sports
activities to help the students alleviate stress.
N A S A
O f fi c e r s
NASA Secretary
Lourdes Rosa Rodriguez
Lourdes is from Caguas, Puerto Rico, and attended Syracuse University in Syracuse N.Y. as well as PUCPR in Ponce,
PR. Lourdes loves sports, especially volleyball and basketball. As NASA secretary, with her impeccable organizational
and multi-tasking skills, she encourages UAG student body participation.
NASA Clinical Trustee for North America
Nicolle Spence
Nicolle was born in Salt Lake City, UT but raised in San Juan, PR. Prior to coming to the UAG, she studied at Harvard
University and worked on her Master’s degree in Microbiology with emphasis on HIV/AIDS where she obtained the
Judith Wood Memorial Award. Her pastimes since starting at UAG include reading class notes, class handouts, and
more class stuff! Nicolle’s favorite things are playing piano, black and white photography, fast cars, skydiving, traveling,
camping, fishing, museums, reading Paulo Coelho and Deepak Chopra, anything to do with Egypt, Asian and exotic
foods, and “edge-of-your-seat” adventures!
NASA Editor-in-Chief
Maile Barrett
Maile was born in Redding, CA but being from a military family, she has lived all over the United States. Her favorite
hobbies are surfing, mountaineering, snowboarding and running. Maile graduated from Lewis and Clark College in
Portland, Oregon, earning a Biochemistry degree with an engineering emphasis. Maile’s future goal is to be an Orthopedic Surgeon.
Puerto Rico Clinical Trustee
Cosmarie Milagros Cortés Rivera
Cosmarie Milagros Cortés Rivera is from Añasco, Puerto Rico, and graduated from University of Puerto Rico,
Arecibo Campus. After her four years, Cosmarie received a degree in Natural Sciences with a minor in Education.
As a Clinical Trustee, she plans to keep the communication lines with Puerto Rican students open to inform them
of academic opportunities in Puerto Rico. She also works very hard to contribute to the progress of the NASA
organization. Her long-term plans involve becoming an excellent OB-GYN and proudly representing UAG.
3
DR. ANTONIA
COELLO NOVELLO:
GOOD SCIENCE AND
GOOD SENSE
By: Ángel M. Matos-Lugo
Administrator, researcher, lecturer, and author, Dr. Coello Novello is first and
foremost a physician whose motto is: “good science and good sense”.
Dr. Coello Novello recently visited the UAG medical students to
share an imperative matter in contemporary medicine: “HIV/AIDS in
women”. This symposium had two incredibly inspiring components:
a brilliant doctor and an exceptional conference.
A BRILLIANT DOCTOR
Antonia Coello Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., the thirteenth New York State Health
Commissioner, heads one of the leading public health agencies in the United States. She
is responsible for a $48.8 billion budget, the largest of any New York State agency and
over one-third the total of the entire New York State budget. Some of the major program
responsibilities Dr. Novello takes on as health commissioner include: Medicaid;
Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus; Youth Tobacco Enforcement and Prevention; regulation of hospitals, nursing homes and home health
agencies; Managed Care, Bio-terrorism Preparedness and professional medical conduct.
Prior to being appointed as the New York State Health Commissioner, Dr. Novello served as the 14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public
Health Service. Her appointment marked two firsts: she became the first woman and the first Hispanic ever to hold this position. As Surgeon
General, Dr. Novello advised the public on health matters, such as smoking, AIDS, diet and nutrition, environmental health hazards, and the
importance of immunization and disease prevention. She also directed the activities of the 6,100 members of the U.S. Public Health Service
Commissioned Corps.
Dr. Novello was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a B.S. degree in 1965 and an M.D.
degree in 1970. Dr. Novello served her pediatric internship and residency at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (1970-1973), where she
was selected Intern of the Year (1970). She completed her subspecialty training in pediatric nephrology also at the University of Michigan
(1974) and at Georgetown University (1975).
In 1982, Dr. Novello was awarded a Masters in Public Health with a concentration in health services administration from the Johns Hopkins
University. In the summer of 1987, she was selected to attend the Program for Senior Managers in Government at the John F. Kennedy School
of Government at Harvard University. In May 2000, she was awarded a Doctor of Public Health from Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and
Public Health, with concentration in public policy and management. She has received numerous awards and holds over forty-five honorary
doctoral degrees.
AN EXCEPTIONAL CONFERENCE
From a prevention standpoint, the HIV epidemic in women is a complex issue because many infected women have no recognizeable primary
risk factors, but rather were infected by men with primary risk behaviors.
Modes of HIV transmission among adult HIV/AIDS cases in Mexico
The epidemic is largely concentrated in men who have sex with men, but recently a shift has begun toward intravenous drug users and women.
In 2003, AIDS was the fourth most common cause of death in males ages 25 to 34 – and it was the seventh leading cause of death for females
in the same age group.
• As of 2003, of the 160,000 adults living with HIV, 2/3 are men — infected through sexual contact with another man
• One in 6 AIDS patients are women. In the 1980s, 1 in 20 patients were women
• More infected females are found in the rural areas
• Heterosexual transmission is now more prevalent in four southern Mexican states (Tlaxcala, Puebla, Chiapas, and Hidalgo)
• HIV infection rates among injecting drug users remain relatively low, with values below 3 percent
4
HIV/AIDS in Women Is Different Than in Men
• Women are increasingly at risk
• The main mode of transmission is heterosexual
• Female anatomy makes women more susceptible to
contracting the virus
• A woman’s ability to protect herself is compromised by
social factors –poverty, culture and lack of equality
• Young women are 1.6 times more likely than young men to
be living with HIV
• The overwhelming majority of people living with HIV/
AIDS live in developing countries
Increased Vulnerability
Marriage and long-term monogamous relationships may not protect women
from HIV – in fact, the greatest HIV/AIDS risk for many women and girls
is marriage; more than four-fifths of new infections in women result from
sex with their husbands
• Male-to-female transmission of HIV is between 2 and 4
times more efficient than female-to-male
• In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 60 to 80 percent of HIVpositive women have been infected by their husbands – their
only partner
• In Mexico, more than 30 percent of women diagnosed with
HIV discovered their status after their husbands were diagnosed
• In India, some 90 percent of women with HIV said they were
virgins when they married and had remained faithful to their
husbands
Cultural Traditions and Heritage:
Marianismo and Machismo
• The culture of Machismo (masculinity) and Marianismo
(femininity) in Latin America and the Caribbean influences
women’s and men’s vulnerability
• Marianismo portrays the ideal woman as modest, pure,
dependent, weak, vulnerable, and subordinate to and obedient
to her spouse
• Machismo implies that a man must be hetereosexual, virile,
and even promiscuous – aggressive and in control of the women
around him
Differential Access to Antiretroviral Drugs – USA
Among adults treated with antiretroviral therapy, women (31%) were only
half as likely as men (63%) to be prescribed the newer, more effective, and
more costly protease inhibitor and/or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitor drugs, even when they had health insurance
• Women seem to have as good virologic and immunologic
response to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)
as men
• Women have more side effects from antiretroviral medications
(ARVs) than men – this may be because ARVs are given at a
fixed dose that does not take into account a woman’s lower
weight; i.e, a 50 kg woman takes the same dose as a 100 kg
man
• Healthcare providers need to consider weight in determining
the appropriate dose
Differential Side Effects
Women are more likely than men to discontinue ARVs because of side
effects. Some concerning side effects for women include:
Pursue New Drug Therapies
• Currently, the best AIDS treatment requires patients to take
two to four pills per day (down from 25-30 pills per day les
than a decade ago)
• A new drug in development combines three individual drugs
in one pill (Sustiva, Viread, Emtriva)
• The pill is for people diagnosed with HIV who have never
taken HIV medications before
Recommendations for HIV Pregnant Women for
Cesarean Section to Prevent HIV Transmission
• Rupture of membrane should be delayed as long as possible
in HIV-infected women
• Recommend scheduled Cesarean section before labor begins
and before rupture of membrane at 38 weeks gestation if
viral load > 1,000
• If viral load < 1,000, offer C-section
Migration Implications - Mexico
• Recent studies seem to indicate a link between migration of
Mexicans to the United States and behavioral changes that
place them at risk for HIV infection:
– Greater number of sexual partners
– Increased intravenous drug use
• HIV prevalence in adults in the U.S. is double the estimated
prevalence in Mexico (0.3%) meaning that Mexican
immigrants living in the U.S. might be at greater risk than
populations remaining in Mexico
HIV positive mothers may feel pressure to breastfeed despite transmission risks in order to avoid stigma even though breastfeeding accounts
for approximately one-third to one-half of the new infections transmitted
from mother to child
What we need to do
• Increase knowledge of ABC strategy
A – Abstinence is 100% effective
B – Be Faithful
C – Correct and consistent condom use
• Promote access to female condoms
• Promote development of microbicide. A microbicide is a gel,
cream, suppository, sponge, vaginal ring, or vaginal wipe
than can substantially reduce transmission of sexually
tranmitted diseases
• Promote zero tolerance of all forms of violence against
women and girls
• Devise new forms of prevention (social marketing)
• Devise new forms of prevention (medication)
• Pursue new drug therapies
• Recognize and support home-based caregivers
• Educate men and boys and then hold them responsible
• Lactic acidosis (83 % of cases reported to FDA were in
women)
• Pancreatitis
• Fulminate hepatitis secondary to Nevirapine
When they have ARV-related lipodystrophy, women are more likely to have
central fat gain (adiposity) whereas men are more likely to have peripheral
fat loss (lipoatrophy)
Osteopenia and osteoporosis may be related to HIV or to ARVs, and are
of particular concern to the growing population of perimenopausal and
postmenopausal women with HIV
5
W
hen people ask me about my
first semester and the role that I play
as the Class President, I reply with a
grateful smile.
The Feeling
Although it has been difficult
to cope with the hardships
of medical school, being the
Class President has enabled
me to learn to efficiently
administer my time. As
the Class President, I have
been able to interact with my
classmates and to get to know
them on a personal level.
of Satisfaction
A Pr
eside
nt’s
The cocktail party took place on Thursday, June 8,
2006 at Club Puerta de Hierro. This is a traditional
gathering to thank the teaching staff for their
relentless help, to thank friends who kept the coffee
pots brewing, and most of all family who allowed
them to pursue their dreams in a foreign country,
and were brave enough to let them go. To all of you
moms and dads we say “thank you”. We did it!
For many, these have been the toughest four
years of their lives, not only did they learn about
the wonders of the human body but also about
themselves, about who they are now and who
they want to be. Moreover, that, on its own, is
priceless.
ma
or
:N
By
This interaction has made me into
a better person. Someone who
understands that all of us have different
points of view and that they must
be respected. Also, I am extremely
grateful for the trust that they
have embedded on me. I
consider my class as a huge family (one
that relies on one another during difficult
times). As the first semester of my medical
school comes close to an end, I feel proud to
say that we are exceptionally united.
Ca
de
na
View
Many have traveled hundreds of miles to see
their loved ones achieve this milestone. This is
the beginning for all graduates; on this day they
lay their platform for what is to come. This path
comes with many obstacles but having the ability
to help a man in need makes every sleepless night
worthwhile.
You could see the joy of having completed
medical school on everyone’s face. The feeling
of satisfaction and the “wow” of finishing lifted a
great weight off their shoulders. Tears rolled down
their faces as they watched the video of their four
years at UAG.
Sam Kalioundji, a fellow graduate, was chosen to
speak on behalf of his class; his words were pure
of heart and felt across the room. The graduates
were like children feeling the radiance of the sun
for the first time.
To the graduating class of 2006/01 we congratulate
you. Take care and God bless. We hope to see
you soon.
Jennifer Cantu
6
7
CLASS
SOCIALS
Music, dancing, eating, hanging out with friends and just plain
relaxing; this was the result of the first two class socials held by
the first semester class. The class met at “La Tumbona” bar and
restaurant off of Avenida Patria on two Monday nights after our
exams. Most of the class was in attendance ready to eat and
party it up.
“La Tumbona” is the perfect place for our class. People can catch up
on the latest class news and personal happenings while lounging on
couches. It was a great way to let loose, especially if they had just
returned from the PMC (Program of Medicine in the Community).
In addition to the “normal” tables and chairs for diners, the owners
accommodated us with enough space for dancing. The outdoor
patio was put to great use by those who preferred fresh air. The
ambience was very hip and cool yet down to earth, and was not
overly crowded. ”La Tumbona” provides the best environment
for every personality in the class - from the extremely shy and
reserved to the extremely social and outgoing students, allowing
for conversations between anyone and everyone in the class.
The first social was the icebreaker. At first, you could sense a
great deal of tension but as the drinks started flowing and cameras
started flashing, everyone relaxed and the fun started. Music
started playing and the people we always see dancing pulled up the
people we never see dancing. In the corners, the bashful students
were practicing their “salsa” and “meringue” moves while others
tried to master belly dancing. Various conversations were taking
place among people who normally would not have talked to
each other on campus. Anyway, by the end of the night, everyone
was hugging each other as they bid good night, thankful for the
opportunity to get together outside of biochem and anatomy, many
walking away with their new dance skills.
With the last test before spring break out of the way, everyone
could think of no better way to celebrate than to have another
social. Everyone had such a great time at the last class social
that it was only natural we choose to have a second social at “La
Tumbona”. After all, it was a place where we got to know the
different sides of our classmates. Those who missed out the first
time made sure to be there the second time, giving everyone an
opportunity to enjoy the diverse personalities outside of class.
While it was toned down and much quieter the second time, you
could feel everyone’s excitement at the thought of going home
and being with family and friends. In the end, both socials brought
us closer together, formed new friendships, and made others good
dancers. Who’s up for a third social?!
8
By: Natalie Batta
Developing countries filled by
poverty, AIDS and the ongoing
tuberculosis and malaria epidemic
are in double jeopardy due
to the lack of trained
healthcare providers. As if
that were not enough, let’s
add more salt to the
open wound. Wealthy
countries that do
not train an adequate
number of healthcare
professionals are often
subsidized when health
workers are imported
from the poorest of
nations.
There is a vicious ongoing
cycle that occurs every day. The
US gets their workers from Europe,
Europe then goes to Africa to get their workers
and this one country is left to stand on her own. What is a
country that was and is raped from the right and left suppose
to do?
For example - if you ask a person from a developed world about
“obstetric fistula”, I am 110% sure that they will give you a blank
stare. This is not surprising since this was eradicated in the 19th
century. Yet, for a poor country like Africa, this is an ongoing
daily epidemic. More than 2 million young mothers in the
developing country that lack health care are left struggling with
a condition that has left them permanently incontinent, childless
and ostracized from their families and communities. This is a
silent epidemic. Fortunately, a durable solution starts by helping
our brothers and sisters from other countries. We can start with
our legislature – requiring that we train more healthcare workers
and provide them with a good salary so that they are able to go
into other countries to aid in the shortage of healthcare workers.
I understand that as medical students our time is priceless but I,
Jennifer Cantu, request you to take the time and read up on politics.
As future caretakers, it is up to us to take an educated stand that
starts with a vote. Remember - The United States of America stands
for liberty and justice for all.
By: Jennifer Cantu
9
By: Nicolas Kissell
Remember the best games from childhood? Four square - Tag Hiden-Seek.We spent countless hours playing these exciting games, but
none compared to the greatest of all….Kickball!
The 2006 Spring Fling celebrated the first annual AMSA Kickball
tournament. Teams from every semester participated with a coed
roster. Each team allowed all participants to kick twice. The team
with the most runs advanced to the next round.
Eddie Montemayor, second semester, recapped how much fun he
had.“Kickball is a great way to get the whole student body involved.
NASA offers great sports but not everyone wants to devout that
much time to a seasonal team sport. Kickball allowed everyone to
come out for one day and have a blast together. Our team made
uniforms and we plan on winning it next year,” he stated.
About 15 sluggers participated in the Home Run Derby.
Everyone was given 10 hits, 10 chances to hit a home run. Every
player participating hit at least one home run. Coy Johnson of
the Mets belted five home runs to beat the competition in the
Homerun Derby. For the actual All-Star game, the Saturday
division beat the Sunday division by a score of 25-10 in seven
innings. John Garza (Mets), who played for the Saturday division,
was deemed MVP while going 5/5 including three home runs.
Participating teams were asked to make a voluntary donation to
help raise money for an AMSA fundraiser which seeks to buy toys
for children with cancer at surrounding hospitals in Guadalajara.
Next year’s tournament is expected to be bigger with more
competition.
The first annual NASA Softball All-Star game was implemented
after the completion of the regular season. Each team selected two
players to participate in the All-Star game and were allowed three
to swing for the fences in the Home Run Derby contest.
10
11
AVIAN INFLUENZA IN
By: Ángel M. Matos-Lugo
Influenza viruses are normally highly species-specific,
meaning that viruses that infect an individual species
stay “true” to that species and only rarely spill over to
cause infection in other species. Since 1959, instances of
human infection with an avian influenza virus have been
documented on only 10 occasions. Of the hundreds
of strains of avian influenza “A” viruses, only four are
known to have caused human infections: H5N1, H7N3,
H7N7, and H9N2. In general, human infection with
these viruses has resulted in mild symptoms and very
little severe illness with one notable exception: the highly
pathogenic H5N1 virus.
Of all influenza viruses that circulate in birds, the H5N1
virus is of greatest present concern for human health
for two main reasons. First, the H5N1 virus has caused
by far the greatest number of human cases of very
severe disease and the greatest number of deaths. It
has crossed the species barrier to infect humans on
at least three occasions in recent years: Hong Kong in
1997 (18 cases with six deaths), Hong Kong in 2003 (two
cases with one death) and in the current outbreaks that
began in December 2003 and were first recognized in
January 2004.
12
A second implication for human health, and far greater
concern, is the risk that the H5N1 virus – if given enough
opportunities – will develop the characteristics it needs
to start influenza pandemic. The virus has met all the
prerequisites for the start of a pandemic except one:
an ability to spread efficiently among humans. While
H5N1 is presently the virus of greatest concern, the
possibility that other avian influenza viruses, known
to infect humans, might cause a pandemic cannot be
ruled out.
The virus can improve its transmissibility among humans
via two principal mechanisms.
1) A “reassortment” event in which genetic material is
exchanged between human and avian viruses during coinfection of a human or pig. Reassortment could result
in a fully transmissible pandemic virus announced by a
sudden surge of cases with explosive spread.
2) A more gradual process of adaptive mutation,
whereby the capability of the virus to bind to human
cells increases during subsequent infections of humans.
Adaptive mutation, expressed initially as small clusters
of human cases with some evidence of human-to-human
transmission, would probably give the world some time
to take defensive action, if detected early.
HUMANS
During the first documented outbreak of human
infections with H5N1, which occurred in Hong Kong in
1997, the 18 human cases coincided with an outbreak
of highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by a virtually
identical virus in poultry farms and live markets.
Extensive studies of the human cases determined that
direct contact with diseased poultry was the source of
infection. Studies carried out in family members and
social contacts of patients, health workers engaged in
their care, and poultry cullers found very limited, if any,
evidence of spread of the virus from one person to
another. Human infections ceased following the rapid
destruction – within three days – of Hong Kong’s entire
poultry population, estimated at around 1.5 million birds.
Some experts believe that that drastic action may have
averted an influenza pandemic.
All evidence to date indicates that close contact with dead
or sick birds is the principle source of human infection
with the H5N1 virus. Especially risky behaviors identified
include the slaughtering, defeathering, butchering and
preparation for consumption of infected birds. In a few
cases, exposure to chicken feces, when children played
in an area frequented by free-ranging poultry, is thought
to have been the source of infection.
Swimming in bodies of water where the carcasses of dead
infected birds have been discarded or which may have
been contaminated by feces from infected ducks or other
birds might be another source of exposure.
For unknown reasons, most cases have occurred in
rural households where small flocks of poultry are
kept. Very few cases have been detected in presumed
high-risk groups: such as, commercial poultry workers,
workers at live poultry markets, cullers, veterinarians
and health staff caring for patients without adequate
protective equipment. Also lacking is an explanation for
the puzzling concentration of cases in previously healthy
children and young adults. Research is urgently needed
to better define the exposure circumstances, behaviors,
and possible genetic or immunological factors that might
enhance the likelihood of human infection.
To date, human cases have been reported in six countries,
most of which are in Asia: Cambodia, China, Indonesia,
Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. Vietnam has been the
most severely affected country, with more than 90 cases.
Altogether, more than half of the laboratory-confirmed
cases have been fatal. H5N1 avian influenza in humans
is still a rare disease, but a severe one that must be
closely watched and studied, particularly because of the
potential for this virus to evolve in ways that could start
*Facts from the World Health Organization.
a pandemic.
13
A New
Beginning
A Reflection on the
First Semester
By: Natalie Batta
During my first week as a first-semester student, dazed, confused and
getting lost were not unusual states of mind. The same is true for PMC. I
took a taxi out to the clinic which seemed to be in the middle of nowhere,
the taxi driver kept getting lost even though I had the address. Once I
had entered the office, there were minimal rooms, no patients, and the
air was quiet enough to hear a pin drop.
The receptionist at the front door, who was sitting outside plucking
her eyebrows, told me to make myself comfortable in the lounge room
upstairs. About half an hour later, the fourth-semester students walk-in
and tell us the doctor wants to speak with us. At first impression, the
doctor seemed like a quiet man, and then he started speaking strictly in
Spanish and lecturing on how learning Spanish should be a priority and
that I was fortunate that the fourth-semester students spoke both English
and Spanish. He asked me how good I was at taking vitals and I told him
I had never done it before, in my form of Spanglish, which was more
English than anything else.
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By: Kristie Driver
It seems just yesterday I arrived at Guadalajara’s
airport with only suitcases and a passport to
my name. Within three days, my roommate
and I were settled in a great apartment near
campus. The following 3 days we froze at night
and had no hot water.
Four months have passed and I’ve grown to
love Guadalajara. That is, everything except the
irate drivers, hundred-degree weather, and pesty
cockroaches; then again, those things that are
not all that different from home.
The first day, I only saw one patient in the clinic and made two house
calls. The house calls were more fun because it gave us the opportunity
to walk around in the community and run away from pit bulls. It was
definitely a nice change from being left upstairs in the lounge room, which
contained metal chairs, a chalkboard, mini-stovetop, a set of dominoes,
and no view. As the weeks progressed, the doctor hardly spoke and a
couple of patients had come. The 4th-semester students became secondsemester students and we had a few more IPM classes where we learned
how to actually take vital signs. As the doctor got to know me, all of a
sudden more English started to creep into his vocabulary and his fierce
face became more friendly (turns out he understood everything I had
said in English but just didn’t want to acknowledge it).
The Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara
has given me the opportunity of a lifetime - to
achieve a lifelong goal that I had once thought was
impossible to obtain. The University provides
her student’s clinical experience starting from
day one. I’ve had numerous opportunities to
interact with patients and to apply the medical
techniques I’ve learned during the university’s
IPM course.
The patients that did come in were seen in the badly-lit doctor’s office.
The PMC did not use the extra rooms but rather everything was done in
one room the size of some people’s walk-in closet. The patients at the
clinic were always very grateful for any help they did receive ranging
from psychological help to healing actual infections, and were always
happier on their way out than on their way in. All in all, the experience
at the PMC has been valuable if not only to make me more aware about
how other people in a different country live, but also how to speak Spanish
with the patients and show them the attention they need.
During my second week at the clinic, I was able
to aid in an annual pap smear which I found very
exciting because I would like to specialize in
obstetrics and gynecology. As I approach the end
of my first semester, I’m anxious to know what
Guadalajara has in store throughout my career
at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara.
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UAG is now offering
a new loan program:
Stafford Loan Plus
Contact
Contact the
the Financial
Financial Aid
Aid
offi
office
ce for
for more
more information
information
fifin_aid@uag.edu
n_aid@uag.edu
Is
Right For You?
By: Ann Giovanni
Recently, I have been asked by fellow students, “Why should I
join AMSA? What can they do for me?” My response sounds
like a broken record, projected as a bullet-style list:
• 5% off your orders from Barnes and Noble; free
shipping when you spend over $25
• Online PDA and software store at discounted
rates
• Online Instrument store
• LOAN CONSOLIDATION
• Travel benefits at many hotels
• Car Rental discounts from Alamo®
• Discounts on car insurance from Geico®
• AMSA credit card
• “The New Physician” magazine
But wait, AMSA does more than my bullets tell you….
The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) is the oldest
and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in
the United States.
Today, AMSA is a student-governed, national organization
committed to representing the concerns of physicians-intraining.
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With a membership of more than 55,000 medical and premedical
students, interns and residents, and practicing physicians
from across the country, AMSA continues its commitment to
improving medical training and the nation’s health. Aside from
providing the ‘perks’ mentioned above, AMSA works on causes
that are significant to each and every one of us, such as:
• Fighting for Universal Health Care
• Eliminating Health Disparities
• Advocating for Diversity in Medicine
• Transforming the Culture of Medical Education
(AMSA played a pivotal role lobbying for reduced resident hours
which now restricts residents from working more than 80 hours
per week!)
“Deadline for Spring Loans:
October 13,2006”
Requirements for Stafford loan:
• Master Promissory Note (MPN)
• SAR 2006-2007
• Copy of the registration fee ( $300)
Note: We reserve the right to request additional
documentation as needed. Please follow the process with
your Financial Aid Counselor.
Aren’t all these reasons why we wanted to become physicians
in the first place?
AMSA also offers information that we will all need in our
4th year. Access to residency review reports, a 4th-year
medical school resource guide, resident contacts, and housing
information (which becomes really useful when we need a place
to stay during our residency interviews).
Beginning July 1, 2006, your loans will be sent to UAG in
two different disbursements (January and July 2007).
For more information on this new disbursement system
or other items, please contact your Financial Aid Office.
fin_aid@uag.edu
AMSA offers a plethora of opportunities and is a huge source
of medical information from all the chapters around the
world. Visit www.amsa.org for more information on what
AMSA can do for you!
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As an academic complement to their studies, both premed and medical students in different
academic years and from different regions of the U.S. are participating in the UAG’s Medical Spanish
Course. This is a special program that is offered through the International Student Affairs Office
in San Antonio, Texas.
Students in this course learn and/or improve their Spanish communication skills while
dealing with Spanish-speaking patients. This year medical students were placed in different clinics
and hospitals so that the medical students could receive more clinical exposure at their level. The
UAG International Language Center in Guadalajara, the School of Medicine and the Program of
Medicine in the Community are the entities that are responsible for the various phases of these
courses.
Courses are offered year-round but the spring and summer courses have been the most
popular and fill up quickly. For more information - contact: www. admissions@uag.edu
Officers
Preparing to Better Serve the Spanish-Speaking Patient
Santiago Torrents ( AMSA President ) was born in Uruguay and raised in New York. He has worked
in physical therapy while obtaining his bachelors in Biology. He is currently in his Fourth- semester
and dedicated to improving AMSA both at the international level and here at UAG by increasing
activities and communication with students.
Coveney Fitzsimmons ( AMSA Vicepresident ) is the vice president of the Fourth-semester class
and member of the Womens Tecos Basketball team here at UAG. She graduated with a sociology
degree from SUNY New Paltz, where she dedicated much of her time directing SUNY Take Back the
Night organization against violence, and playing for the Womens Rugby Team. She loves to travel and
spend her extra time doing extreme white-water adventure sports and rescue. She plans to continue
her AMSA position, medical education and practice focusing on international and womens health.
s
Natalie ( AMSA Secretary ) is a second-semester student from Porter Ranch, California. She
graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where she majored in psychobiology. She is looking forward to the current school year and she hopes to help UAG students learn
more about current issues in medicine through AMSA
Maushumi ( AMSA Action Committee Representative) is in her Second-semester. She is
from Houston,Texas and graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a B.S in Biology
and minor in Psychology. After graduating, she worked at The Methodist Hospital as a Clinical trials
research coordinator for almost two years. She would like to get more students involved in AMSA
activities as well as increase the number of activities held.
Jan Eperjesi ( Legislative Affairs Director) is currently studying medicine at the Universidad
Autónoma de Guadalajara. From 2002-2004 he worked as a consultant for the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Indonesia and East Timor. Subsequently, he joined the Department of Canidia Heritage (Government of Canada) in connection to Canada’s representation at the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan. He is an Action
Canada fellow, a national fellowship program for development of leadership and excellence in public
policy. He holds undergraduate degrees in physiology and education from McGill
University and University of Toronto, and a Master’s degree in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology from University of Toronto. He is delighted to serve AMSA and all of its UAG members with
dedication, vitality, and integrity.
Mohamed Fadhl Algahim ( Recruitment Coordinator ) was born in Yemen and raised in Strongsville, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio.. He graduated from Strongsville High School in 2000 with honors
and continued his studies at Baldwin-Wallace College. There, he graduated with both a Bachelor’s
of Art in French and a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Chemistry. Upon graduating from Baldwin-Wallace College in 2004, he received a graduate scholarship to continue his studies at the Ohio
State University. Currently, he is the re-elected president of his class at the Universidad Autónoma
de Guadalajara School of Medicine and AMSA Recruitment Coordinator. He is not certain of what
specialty in medicine he would like to practice but hopes to follow the route of surgery. Special hobbies he enjoys are sports, traveling, reading, and working out. A message he would like to send to his
peers and one that he adheres to is :
“You have been given life, set your shoulder to the wheel. As you have come into
this world, leave some mark behind. Otherwise, what is the difference between
you, and the trees and stones?”
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