CU AMSA Weekly Newsletter 4/1

Welcome back! Final stretch everyone. –SB

1. AMSA’s FIFTH ANNUAL STUDENT DOCTOR DINNER! Friday, April 12th, 7:30-9:00pm in Lerner C555

2. AMSA Bioethics Presents: A Conversation with Dr. Jonathan Slater on Monday, April 1, 7-8PM, Lerner 502

3. National Health Corps Scholarships Application Now Open

4. Join the “CU in Network”

 

And in other news…

Check out this interesting NYTimes Sunday dialogue about doctor involvement in Choosing How We Die

NO BIOETHICS. GO TO THE EVENT!

GLOBAL HEALTH: Monday 9-10, Hamilton 318

PUBLIC HEALTH: Wednesday 9-10, Hamilton 509

WiM: Wednesday 9-10, Kent 411

http://cuamsa.wordpress.com

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CU AMSA cordially invites you to our biggest event of the year, our FIFTH ANNUAL STUDENT DOCTOR DINNER!

Friday, April 12th, 7:30-9:00pm in Lerner C555

Come share an evening of great, intimate conversation and a FREE delicious, catered three-course dinner with doctors in specialties of your interest. 
Spots are first come, first serve! This event is open to students of Columbia College, Barnard College, SEAS, General Studies, and Post-Bac Pre-Med students!
**RSVP by April 7th 5pm at [http://tinyurl.com/sdd2013]**

Below is a list of the medical specialties that will be represented at our dinner:
Internal Medicine

Geriatrics
Pediatrics
Neurology
Radiology
Surgery
Dermatology
Emergency Medicine
Anesthesiology/Rehab
Cardiology
Oncology
OBGYN
Psychiatry
Dual Degrees (MD/MBA, MD/PhD, MD/MPH)

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CU AMSA Bioethics Presents: A Conversation with Dr. Jonathan Slater on Monday, April 1, 7-8PM, Lerner 502

 

The CUAMSA Bioethics Committee will be hosting Dr. Jonathan Slater, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry in Pediatrics at the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, Director of Consultation and Emergency Services at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Child Psychiatry Attending for the Pediatric Cardiac Transplant Team, and member of the Pediatric Bioethics Committee at New York Presbyterian Hospital. 

On Monday, April 1st, from 7-8pm in Lerner 503, Dr. Slater will be coming to speak to the CUAMSA Bioethics Committee and present case studies about his experience in Pediatric Bioethics within the context of psychiatry. Refreshments will be served. Please rsvp to cuamsa.bioethics@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

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National Health Corps Scholarships Application Now Open:

The 2013 National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program application cycle is now open. The application cycle will remain open through May 14, 2013.  The Application and Program Guidance can be found on the NHSC Website and contains all of the program requirements and details.

Highlights of 2013 NHSC Scholarship Program:

·         The NHSC Scholarship Program removes the burden of overwhelming educational debt, allowing health professions students to pursue their passion for primary care and serving the underserved.

·         For each year of financial support (up to four years) a Scholarship recipient serves one year (minimum two years) in an NHSC-approved site in high-need urban, rural, and frontier communities across the nation.

·         Scholarship support includes tax-free payment of tuition, required fees, other reasonable educational costs, and a monthly living stipend (taxable).

·         All students applying to the program must be a U.S. citizen or national and enrolled or accepted in an eligible degree program at a U.S. accredited school in Medicine: MD or DO; Dentistry:  DMD or DDS; Nurse Practitioner (Adult, Family, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Psychiatric, or Women’s health); Certified Nurse-Midwife; and Physician Assistant.

As in previous years, the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program will be competitive. If there are more qualified applicants than available funding, the NHSC will continue to prioritize applicants who are from a disadvantaged background and applicants who demonstrate a commitment to continuing to serve communities of need after their service to the NHSC is complete.

http://www.nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/

For other opportunities see:

http://scholarships.fatomei.com/medical-school-scholarships.html

http://scholarships.fatomei.com/minority-scholarships-medical.html

 

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CU in Network

Are you planning to work or intern in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C. this summer? If so, then you should know about the Columbia University Internship Network (CU In)!

1)     The CU In Network allows you to connect with Columbia students and alumni in the area while you’re away from New York for the summer.  You can apply for positions through LionShare, or find positions in these cities through your own search. Once you’ve secured a position, join the CU In Network in your city by March 31^st (Date will be extended) for access to: 

·         An Alumni Club mentor to provide personal and professional guidance and support throughout the summer

·         A built-in community of Columbia students in your city

·         Opportunities to connect to employers in the area

·         Recommended housing & roommate connections

·         Fun activities around the city planned by Columbia students

·         Additional resources that will support you in your CU In experience.

 To join the Columbia University Internship Network in your area, visit (it only takes a minute to sign up!): http://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/findajob/cce-internship/cuin/subscribe”

NEXT CU AMSA Crash Course: The MCAT & Applying to Medical School!

NEXT CU AMSA Crash Course: The MCAT & Medical School Applications

TOMORROW NIGHT, TUESDAY 3/26, 8PM-9PM, LERNER 502
*FREE PIZZA WILL BE SERVED!

Ready to gear up for the MCAT and your medical school applications? Come hear senior undergraduate pre-medical students who have JUST finished the medical school application process reflect on their recent experiences with the MCAT and medical school application and interview process! Hear what they wish they had known before it all started and their advice for you in an intimate setting. All pre-medical students are welcome and all of your questions will be answered. Free pizza will be served!

CU AMSA Weekly Newsletter 3/4/13-3/10/13

1. WiM Medical Student Panel, Wednesday, 9PM, 411 Kent

2. Columbia P&S “Doctors of the Dark Side” Screening & Dinner, 6 PM on Tuesday, March 12th, Hammer 401

3. Multicultural Business Association presents “Science and Tech in NYC”, 8PM on March 7, Hamilton 717

4. Shaping the Brain: How Genes, Emotions, and the Arts Influence Perfception, 6PM, Tuesday, March 12^th  1161 Amsterdam Ave, The Italian Academy

5. Gap Year Panel, Monday March 4^th, 6PM, 401 Lerner Hall

 

 

And in other news…

In Medical First, a Baby With H.I.V. Is Deemed Cured

 

 

BIOETHICS: Monday 9-10, Hamilton 407

GLOBAL HEALTH: Monday 9-10, Hamilton 318

PUBLIC HEALTH: Wednesday 9-10, Hamilton 509

WiM: Wednesday 9-10, Kent 411

http://cuamsa.wordpress.com/

 

1. WiM Medical Student Panel, Wednesday, 9PM, 411 Kent

CU AMSA Women in Medicine is hosting a panel with several current medical students. We will have representatives from both Columbia and Yale Medical Schools, including graduates from Columbia Undergraduate Programs. Please join us in what will be a wonderful and informative discussion. Bring your questions too! There will be a Q&A following the panel discussion. Refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!

2. Columbia P&S “Doctors of the Dark Side” Screening & Dinner, 6 PM on Tuesday, March 12th, Hammer 401, RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PCxw9wa4WMdpi3ICWDDEfW2uBVsS4ruimVw4MYwhJbo/viewform?sid=4b5a696d156d2749&token=Zig49DwBAAA.NPMFHUd80dJLcLz2mA_wgQ.3Vc1ya_eQrcTiweCt_TSUA&pli=1

Along with AMSA, Forum for Global Health, Film Society, and IHO, the Physicians for Human Rights student group is hosting a screening of the documentary, “Doctors of the Dark Side,” which investigates the critical role of physicians in detainee torture. We have an amazing panel lined up with the director of the documentary, Martha Davis, acclaimed psychologist, Dr. Lifton, and Director of Trauma and PTSD at NYSPI, Dr. Neria. We are opening this event up to other Columbia schools and NYC med schools and hope it will be a large event. Dinner will be served.

Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 12th, 6pm in Hammer 401 and RSVP at the link below as soon as you can to ensure space.

(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PCxw9wa4WMdpi3ICWDDEfW2uBVsS4ruimVw4MYwhJbo/viewform?sid=4b5a696d156d2749&token=Zig49DwBAAA.NPMFHUd80dJLcLz2mA_wgQ.3Vc1ya_eQrcTiweCt_TSUA&pli=1) as soon as you can to ensure space.

Click for trailer (http://www.youtube.com/embed/cI-i5b_YpN4?rel=0)

3. Multicultural Business Association presents “Science and Tech in NYC”, 8PM on March 7, Hamilton 717

The event will be focused on opportunities in science and tech companies in the New York City area. NYC is often seen as an unfit location to start a career in science. However, the City has been making an active effort to change this image and to foster a distinct community within the science and engineering sectors. 

We will be hosting a panel of speakers to discuss the opportunities in the city for the scientifically-minded as well as the unique challenges that NYC firms face in these sectors.

Speakers include:
-Dr. Carol Lin, Director of Biotechnology Programs, Columbia University
-Jerry Korten, Executive in Residence, Columbia University
-Jared Green, Senior Project Manager, Langan Engineering

 

4. Shaping the Brain: How Genes, Emotions, and the Arts Influence Perfception, 6PM, Tuesday, March 12^th  1161 Amsterdam Ave, The Italian Academy

 

A dialogue with professors Frances Champagne, Kevin Ochsner, and David Freedberg.

“The brain shapes how a person sees the world, but what shapes the brain?  In this dialogue between neurobiologist Frances Champagne, psychologist Kevin Ochsner, and art historian David Freedberg, the panelists will explore the contributions of genes, emotions, and the arts in shaping our individual experiences.  In this evening together, these experts will discuss how diverse influences of our everyday lives shape how we perceive the world.  By recognizing and evaluating these influences, audience members will come away with a deeper understanding of the inner workings of their brain.”

The program is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:30. Reception to follow. Space is limited. Please RSVP at http://shapingthebrain.eventbrite.com

 

5. Preprofessional Advising Office’s Event: Gap Year Panel  – Monday, March 4^th, 6pm,401 Lerner Hall

 

Please register here: http://calendar.columbia.edu/sundial/webapi/get.php?vt=detail&id=64307&con=embedded&br=dsa2009

 

Are you considering taking a gap year or years before going on to medical school?  Are you unsure of what you might do?  Come hear from a panel of alumni who are either now in medical school or soon to be going.  Learn a little about how they spent a year or more after Columbia and listen to their thoughts on the value of taking this time and having these experiences.  The following alumni will be joining us

 

Ana Cisneros CC 11 Biology major

Ana is currently in the application process for medical school.  She has several acceptances and is awaiting more decisions in the coming weeks.  Ana spent time between college and medical school working full-time as an asthma educator at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center University Hospital of Brooklyn at Long Island College Hospital.

 

Wei-Jen Hsieh CC 08 Biology major

Wei-Jen is currently a 2^nd year at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. Before entering in 2010 she spent two years teaching 9^th grade in a public school here in NYC. 

 

Rina Mauricio CC 09 History major

Rina is currently a 3^rd year medical student at NYU School of Medicine.  After graduation from Columbia Rina spent a year working as a Clinical Research Assistant with Dr. Michelle Warren in the OB/GYN department at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia. 

 

Alex Rosen CC11 Economics major

Alex is currently a 1^st year medical student at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.  After graduation from Columbia Alex spent part of the summer working at a lab at Duke Medical Center and then in the fall he went to France to teach English to French high school students. 

 

Raphy Rosen CC11 Concentration in Religion and Computer Science

Raphy is currently a 1^st year student at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.  After graduation from Columbia Raphy spent the the first part of the summer in the former Soviet Union working at summer camps and the latter part of the summer volunteering at a health clinic in Uganda.  He then returned to the US and spent the year teaching at a private Jewish high school. 

 

Jenny Ruiz SEAS 11 Biomedical Engineering

Jenny is currently a 1^st year student at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.  After graduation from Columbia Jenny returned to her native California and spent the year serving in a local public school as a City Year corpsmember.

Don’t Forget! Medical School Admissions Information Session TONIGHT, St.George’s University of London Medical School at University of Nicosia

Hey Pre-meds! Don’t forget about our MED SCHOOL ADMISSIONS INFO SESSION TOMORROW, Wed. 2/20, 7:30pm-8:30pm in Lerner 501 with The Director of Admissions for North America for St.George’s University of London Medical School at University of Nicosia! 

“The program is unique because it provides a world class medical education that is steeped in a 250 year tradition along with a new multimillion dollar medical school on the island of Cyprus. Cyprus is a country that combines a rich ancient history with a cosmopolitan mediterranean life style. St. Georges uses the Problem Based Learning teaching method that medical students seem to prefer over the traditional delivery format. U.S. medical schools have acknowledged this and many have converted to this method of teaching in recent years. As a graduate of the St. Georges University Medical MBBS program, you would be eligible to return to the U.S. or Canada to participate in their residency programs and take the USMLE or MCCEE for your licensing.
To find out more about us, I would recommend going to our website www.nicosia.sgul.ac.cy today and download our university catalog.”

CU AMSA Weekly Newsletter 2/18-2/24

Hi CU AMSA!

 

We have some amazing events coming up this week, including a visit with a medical school representative from St. George’s London School of Medicine at the Univeristy of Nicosia, Greece on Wednesday night, our Free Kaplan MCAT Series this Friday and next, CU AMSA Global Health Committee’s Annual HIV/AIDS Awareness Banquet this Friday night, and two parties hosted by CU AMSA Global Health! Read on below for more details, and we can’t wait to see you at these great events!

 

1. Info session with admissions officer from St. George’s London School of Medicine at the University of Nicosia. Wednesday Feb 20th, 7:30-8:30pm — Lerner 501

 

2. HIV/AIDS Annual Banquet. Performance by Glee. DINNER! catered by V&T Friday, February 22nd  –  7pm – 9pm  –  Lerner C555

 

3. AE Pi and Global Health: Blue Party: Thursday, February 21, AMCAF 10:30 – Whenever

 

4. Global Health Fundraising Bar Special at Cannons on Thursday from 10pm-1am

 

5. FREE MCAT PREP SERIES: Fridays Feb. 22nd & March 1st @2pm – Union Theological Seminary – 3401 Broadway @ 120th

 

6. CUAMSA Bioethics Committee event with Dr. Craig Blinderman, Assistant Professor of Palliative Care and Division Chief of the Adult Palliative Medicine Department of Anesthesiology at the Columbia University Medical Center – Monday, February 25th from 7-8pm,  Lerner 503

 

And in other news…

the Obama administration is planning a decade-long scientific effort to examine the workings of the human brain and build a comprehensive map of its activity. Read the NYTimes article here.

 

BIOETHICS: No meeting this week

GLOBAL HEALTH: Monday 9-10, Hamilton 318

PUBLIC HEALTH: Wednesday 9-10, Hamilton 509

WiM: Wednesday 9-10, Kent 411

http://cuamsa.wordpress.com/

 

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The Director of Admissions for North America for St.George’s University of London Medical School at University of Nicosia will be holding an info session on Wednesday Feb 20th at 7:30pm in Lerner 501

 

“The program is unique because it provides a world class medical education that is steeped in a 250 year tradition along with a new multimillion dollar medical school on the island of Cyprus. Cyprus is a country that combines a rich ancient history with a cosmopolitan mediterranean life style. St. Georges uses the Problem Based Learning teaching method that medical students seem to prefer over the traditional delivery format. U.S. medical schools have acknowledged this and many have converted to this method of teaching in recent years. As a graduate of the St. Georges University Medical MBBS program, you would be eligible to return to the U.S. or Canada to participate in their residency programs and take the USMLE or MCCEE for your licensing.
To find out more about us, I would recommend going to our website www.nicosia.sgul.ac.cy  today and download our university catalog.”

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HIV/AIDS Annual Banquet

Friday, February 22nd

7pm – 9pm

Lerner C555

Performance by Glee

DINNER! catered by V&T

http://www.facebook.com/events/275334529263723/

 

Speakers: 

Dr. John Santelli, MD, MPH is a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist who serves as the chair of the Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. He is a Clinical Professor of Population and Family Health, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, and a Senior Consultant at the Guttmacher Institute. Prior to coming to New York, he was the Chief of the Applied Sciences Branch in the Division of Reproductive Health at U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He has conducted research on HIV/STD risk behaviors, programs to prevent STD/HIV/unintended pregnancy among adolescents and women, school-based health centers, clinical preventive services, and research ethics. He has been a national leader in ensuring that adolescents are appropriately included in health research, and has focused much of his recent work on sexual health education and the impacts of abstinence-only programs.

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AE Pi and Global Health: Blue Party: Thursday, February 21, AMCAF 10:30 – Whenever

The brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi and CU AMSA Global Health are having a great night for a great cause.

A $2 recommended donation will go towards both Save a Child’s Heart and CU Global Health’s service trip to Costa Rica. Save a Child’s Heart is an international humanitarian project whose mission is to improve the quality of pediatric cardiac care for children from developing countries.

18+ to party, 21+ to party harder, Drink specials all night long
Live DJs: House and Vonzie

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Global Health Fundraising Bar Special at Cannons

 

Come party at O’Connell’s this Thursday 10pm – 1am!  There will be drink specials all night long including (but not limited to): Pints of Bud and Coors Lite, Rolling Rock, PBR, and shots of tequila & soco & lime ALL FOR $3 each!  21+ for admission There will be a suggested donation of $5 upon admission. All donations will go towards CU Global Health’s service trip to help expand medical care in Costa Rica.

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FREE MCAT PREP SERIES: Friday, Feb. 22 and Friday, March 1st! SIGN UP HERE ASAP!

Prepping for the MCAT? Kaplan Teacher, Amit Raghavan, one of our premier

MCAT teacherspresents a FREE MCAT PREP SERIES: Fridays Feb. 15^th, 22^nd & March 1^st  @2pm – Union Theological Seminary – 3401 Broadway @ 120^th – two blocks north of Columbia/Barnard! 

In addition to revealing how Biological Science, Physical Science, and Verbal Reasoning are applied to the MCAT, other topics will include:

·       Why the MCAT was created and what it is really designed to assess

·       How much time will you need to prepare for the exam

·       What are the most common mistakes students make when preparing for the MCAT

·       What is Kaplan’s strategy for attacking the MCAT

·       What does the AAMC suggest

·       Analysis of actual MCAT questions

Please feel free bring other questions regaring the MCAT or the admissions process.

To sign up, please click Free Kaplan MCAT Series Link

Ready to sign up for a class? Amit’s class starts include:

·      MCMB13707M – January 28, 2013 to March 20, 2013 – M/W 6:30PM, Sat 10AM @UTS -120^th& Broadway (A few more spots are available, please enroll as soon as possible)

·      MCMV13717A – February 4, 2013 to May 8, 2013 – M/W 6:30 @Kaplan Midtown Medical Center – 56^th between 6^th & 7^th

For additional questions, please email:elise.brandenburg@kaplan.com or visit kaptest.com

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On Monday, February 25th from 7-8pm,  the CUAMSA Bioethics Committee will be hosting Dr. Craig Blinderman, Assistant Professor of Palliative Care and Division Chief of the Adult Palliative Medicine Department of Anesthesiology at the Columbia University Medical Center. Dr Blinderman will be speaking about a recent paper he published discussing the need to revise CPR as the default approach to cardiac arrest. The event will be held in 503 Lerner, and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to cuamsa.bioethics@gmail.com.

CU AMSA Annual Wooden Roses Fundraiser!

It’s that time of year again! CU AMSA is back with our SMASH-HIT annual Wooden Roses Fundraiser! Our beautiful wooden roses come in 10 different colors and make the perfect gift for friends and loved ones during Valentine’s Day or the perfect pick-me-up for any occasion! 

You can choose your roses, wrap them up in ribbon, & write a personalized note!

We’ll be at the Lerner Ramp Tables all afternoon on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week (2/11-2/14). 

We also offer a dorm delivery option FOR FREE! Roses bought before Wednesday 2/13 will be delivered that evening right to your recipient’s door.

Roses are $1 each, a half-dozen for $5, or a dozen for $10! Get them fast because we sell out quickly!

Happy Valentine’s Day,
♥
CU AMSA

A Message on Finals & Wishing you a Safe, Happy Winter Break!

To our beloved Columbia pre-meds,



I know what you’re thinking. It is indeed not possible (in my experience) to feel fully prepared for a science exam at Columbia, so stop beating yourself up about it! It is indeed unfair that science exam are, year after year, scheduled on the last day of finals and that your friends in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts somehow seem to always be done a week before you. There, there, pat, pat. I hear you. I’ve been there–actually, I’m still here, waiting to take my Biochemistry final on Thursday. I know how hard it is to ward off the effects of the pre-med panic and hype around finals, despite your best efforts. I consider myself a very level-headed and calm senior pre-med, and I still feel like my world’s going to end every time I go into 309 Havemeyer, 417 IAB, or any darn room in Pupin to take a science exam! I still call my mom after especially rough exams just to hear her say that she still loves me, EVEN if I DID fail that chem/bio/physics/orgo exam. (Okay, it’s a little embarrassing that I still do that, but hey, you just might find it helpful too!)

I wanted to share with you two things to help you get through those last days of exams. 

One of my professors recently pointed me to the work of Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, a pioneer in the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. She gave a University Lecture at Columbia this past April called “The HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Global Tragedy, Lasting Triumphs.” If you need to reminded about why exactly it is that you want to become a doctor, this is the lecture for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eIBhyvYqDuE#!

In the spirit of Bwog, to which I am addicted, I asked the outgoing seniors in CU AMSA last year to write up some Pre-Med Senior Wisdoms. I bequeath them to you now. There will be more in the spring.

YOU CAN DO IT! YOU ARE ALMOST THERE! 

Wishing you safe travels, happy holidays, and a much-deserved, restful Winter Break on behalf of CU AMSA!

Ashley Shaw
CU AMSA 2012-2013 President

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Pre-Med Senior Wisdoms

1. Susan Thomas, Germantown, Maryland, Biochemistry

Claim to Fame: I can wiggle my nose, ears, and eyebrows

Where are you going?: Taking a year off, then going to med-school (hopefully!)

Three Things You Learned at Columbia (Being Pre-Med and/or Not): Party hard, study hard, and humanity is pretty cool

“Back in my Day…”: Anna was still a bouncer at the heights

Justify your existence in 30 words or less: I’m really good at loading gels

Is the (Pre-Health) War on Fun over? Who won? Any war stories? During the Molecular Bio final exam, one student turned in his exam half way through. He then pulled a beer out and drank it in front of the whole class. Pre-meds can be awesome.

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? This is how I feel about cheese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeaPKuiyPK0

Advice for pre-meds: Try to interact with patients early on, as this is the best indicator of whether or not you actually want to be a doctor.

Any regrets? Not doing a thesis and more research…

What was your favorite science or pre-health class at Columbia? Biochemistry! Nothing gets better than applying organic chemistry to biological systems 

What was your favorite class outside of the pre-health curriculum at Columbia? A class I took on Borges in Spanish. Blew my mind. 

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2. Caitlin Rogers, Plano, TX, CC, Biophysics

Claim to Fame: Swim team capitano?

Where are you going?: BU for a masters in biomedical forensic sciences

Three Things You Learned at Columbia (Being Pre-Med and/or Not):1. get off campus regularly–it’s a good way to clear your head and reminds you (particularly during stressful times) that a world outside the Columbia bubble exists, 2. Become friends with the heights and/or tom’s staff, 3. Choose classes that interest you, not ones that will look good on your transcript

“Back in my Day…”: Mel’s was a crappy Japanese restaurant…

Justify your existence in 30 words or less: nope.

Is the (Pre-Health) War on Fun over? Who won? Any war stories? If you feel like there’s a war on fun, you’re doing something wrong. You can be premed and have plenty of fun

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? I would never give up cheese.

Advice for pre-meds: don’t be afraid to change your goals and your ideas about where you’re headed–you might find that there is something else that you are more passionate about than medicine. If that happens to you, don’t be afraid of changing directions. Be courageous and see where it leads you!

Any regrets? I don’t believe in having regrets as long as you learn something or laughed about your mistakes

What was your favorite science or pre-health class at Columbia? Genetics and bioethics

What was your favorite class outside of the pre-health curriculum at Columbia? History of the City of New York with professor Kenneth Jackson 

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3. Srikanth(Sri) Damera, Pittsford, NY, SEAS, Applied Math

Claim to Fame: Nighttime Sri

Where are you going?: NIH Postbacc IRTA Fellowship

Three Things You Learned at Columbia (Being Pre-Med and/or Not): 
1) pre-med culture sucks, but not all pre-meds do…find some cool ones

2) even if you don’t know what you want to do make sure you stay on top of your stuff, so that when you choose a particular route you won’t have lost too much time

3) The classes you do best in are not necessarily the easiest… they are the ones you care the most about. Even if a class if hard take it if you are interested in the subject. 

“Back in my Day…”:
Koronets was much cheaper and Jin Ramen didn’t exist.

Justify your existence in 30 words or less: 
Family, friends, and food. I think all three need me as much as I need them.

Is the (Pre-Health) War on Fun over? Who won? Any war stories?
being pre-med never was fun, but that doesn’t mean the classes you take and the people you meet aren’t. Go out and drink with your fellow pre-meds it will be awkward and it will probably end up being fun.

Would you rather give up oral sex or cheese? 
I see/heard of more people living without cheese than oral sex… who am I to question the wisdom of the masses 

Advice for pre-meds:
Any regrets?
I would challenge more pre-meds to treat their undergraduate education as an end in and of itself rather than a necessary obstacle on the path to medical school. Take classes that you’re legitimately interested in whether that happens to be another language or quantum mechanics. You might not do as well, and getting into medical school might be a little bit harder, but over the long term if you want to go to medical school you almost definitely will, and if you’re smart you will stand out eventually no matter what. However, you will never again have the flexibility to explore so many new fields and learn so many new things in such an environment. Take advantage of that since the time you have at Columbia is singular and is a time you’re not getting back.

T;’dr: don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees. Getting into medical school isn’t particularly hard if you’re persistent. Take advantage of your present opportunities to the fullest.

What was your favorite science or pre-health class at Columbia?
Organic Chemistry II… best class ever!

What was your favorite class outside of the pre-health curriculum at Columbia?

Although I sadly did not do very well: Fourier Analysis was a great class, and one of the most applicable I’ve taken.

Recap of Events and Weekly Newsletter 12/2

Hi there!

WE CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO OUR HOLIDAY PARTY!

Just wanted to give you a quick recap of last week’s events!

The CU AMSA Bioethics Committee speaker event with Dr. Rita Charon on “Narrative Medicine & Bioethics” attracted a large crowd in Hamilton 404! Many of the students who attended came up to us afterward and told us that the session had been been truly inspiring. Dr. Charon (& the CU AMSA Bioethics Committee) has that effect on people! To get involved in our Bioethics committee, come to their weekly committee meetings on Mondays from 8:30pm-9:30pm in Hamilton  401!

The CU AMSA Public Health Committee tradition “FINALS MENTAL HEALTH” went “SMASHINGLY!” Pictures and video below.

Don’t forget, this week we have two exciting events for you:

1. Policy & Practice in Women’s Public Health with CU AMSA Public Health & Women in Medicine Committees!
Monday, Dec. 3 at 7:30pm in Lerner Cinema

Join us for panel discussion co-hosted by the Public Health and Women in Medicine committees of CU AMSA. Come hear the perspectives of a practicing OB/GYN, a specialist in Female Internal Medicine, and the Executive Director of Health Leads New York about issues facing Women and their Health in today’s world of medicine and public health. There will be a Q&A session.
There will be FREE refreshments! Join our Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/498426920190003/

2. HOLIDAY PARTY & STUDY BREAK with CU AMSA and Charles Drew!
Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 8PM-9PM in Lerner Party Space

Come sip on FREE hot cocoa, snack on festive treats & candy, and forget all your midterms and finals woes with CU AMSA and Charles Drew! Upperclassmen pre-meds with a wide range of experiences and interests from both organizations will be on hand to talk about and give sound advice on whatever you want, whether that be looking for and applying for summer opportunities, classes for the next semester, and/or random tidbits of pre-med wisdom. Can’t wait to see you there! Join our Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/457548970949441/?fref=ts

Hope to see you this week, everyone!
Ashley Shaw
CU AMSA President

CU AMSA WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 12/2

Don’t forget to breathe everyone. -SB

1. Policy & Practice in Women’s Public Health with CU AMSA Public Health & Women in Medicine Committees! Monday, Dec. 3 at 7:30pm in Lerner Cinema

2. HOLIDAY PARTY & STUDY BREAK with CU AMSA and Charles Drew! Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 8PM-9PM in Lerner Party Space

3. Community Impact Non-profit Career Fair. Monday December 3rd from 7-9 PM in Earl Hall

4. Public Service Fellowships Information Session. Tuesday, 12/4, 6pm to 7pm Barnard Career Development Office

And in other news…

take a look at the website for the Columbia Business School Healthcare conference that happened this past Friday. There are great bios about all the speakers as well as summaries of the main issues covered in each session. This may be particularly helpful to those of you interested in pursuing a non-research summer job.

BIOETHICS: Mondays from 8:30-9:30pm in HAMILTON 401

GLOBAL HEALTH: Mondays from 9:00-10:00pm in HAMILTON 401

PUBLIC HEALTH: Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00 in HAMILTON 302

WOMEN IN MEDICINE: Wednesdays from 9:15-10:15 in HAMILTON 408

http://cuamsa.wordpress.com/

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Policy & Practice in Women’s Public Health with CU AMSA Public Health & Women in Medicine Committees!

Monday, Dec. 3 at 7:30pm in Lerner Cinema

Join us for panel discussion co-hosted by the Public Health and Women in Medicine committees of CU AMSA. Come hear the perspectives of a practicing OB/GYN, a specialist in Female Internal Medicine, and the Executive Director of Health Leads New York about issues facing Women and their Health in today’s world of medicine and public health. There will be a Q&A session.
There will be FREE refreshments! Join our Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/498426920190003/

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HOLIDAY PARTY & STUDY BREAK with CU AMSA and Charles Drew!

Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 8PM-9PM in Lerner Party Space

Come sip on FREE hot cocoa, snack on festive treats & candy, and forget all your midterms and finals woes with CU AMSA and Charles Drew! Upperclassmen pre-meds with a wide range of experiences and interests from both organizations will be on hand to talk about and give sound advice on whatever you want, whether that be looking for and applying for summer opportunities, classes for the next semester, and/or random tidbits of pre-med wisdom. Can’t wait to see you there! Join our Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/457548970949441/?fref=ts

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Seal the Deal for Your Future:
Community Impact will be hosting its first annual non-profit career fair for students interested in impactful non-profit/education careers and internships.
Come to Earl Hall Monday December 3rd from 7-9 PM to speak with representatives from Teach for America, Peace Corps, iMentor, City Year and much much more.

Free pizza will be provided!

Full List of Organizations Coming:
Teach for America
Peace Corps
City Year
Breakthrough Collaborative
ShowMe
Citizen Schools
Children’s Corps
Social Pakt
Teach for China
Jumpstart
Education Pioneers
IDEA
iMentor
New York City Teaching Fellows
Community Impact
Community Impact Alumni Association

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Public Service Fellowships Information Session
Tuesday, 12/4, 6pm to 7pm
Barnard Career Development Office (2nd Floor, Elliott Hall, corner of Claremont & 119th Street)

Join us for an informal information session to learn about post-graduate public service fellowship opportunities!  The following Barnard and Columbia alumni panelists will speak about their experiences with public service fellowship programs:

• Amy Chen (BC ’10):  Current New York City Urban Fellow
• Mary Ann Bonet (CC ’10):  Public Allies’ Americorps Ally Program, 2010-2011
• Isaac Lara (CC ’11):  Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs, 2011-2012

Please feel free to contact Valerie Chow, Associate Director, Civic Engagement and Experiential Learning, at vchow@barnard.edu with any questions.  Barnard students should RSVP via NACElink (“Events”–> “Programs/Workshops”).  CC/SEAS/GS students can RSVP by e-mailing vchow@barnard.edu.

 

 

TONIGHT! CU AMSA Bioethics presents: “Narrative Medicine & Bioethics” with Dr. Rita Charon!

CU AMSA Bioethics Committee presents “Narrative Medicine & Bioethics” with Dr. Rita Charon, Professor of Clinical Medicine and Director of the Program in Narrative Medicine at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons this WED., 11/28, 8PM-9PM in Hamilton 404! REFRESHMENTS INCLUDED!

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/298015900308479/

Don’t forget: CU AMSA Public Health Committee presents:

FINALS MENTAL HEALTH this FRIDAY!

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/462135660499524/

CU AMSA WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 11/26

Welcome back AMSA. Wishing you the best in this final stretch. -SB

1. ”Narrative Medicine & Bioethics” with Dr. Rita Charon

CU AMSA Bioethics Committee, Wed. 11/28, 8-9PM, Hamilton 404

2. ”FINALS MENTAL HEALTH”

CU AMSA Public Health Committee, Friday, 11/30, 12-4PM, Low Plaza

3. 11/29 event at the non-profit group EcoHealth Alliance

And in other news…

since I previously suggested an article about states not setting up insurance exchanges, check out this NYTimes article about doctors who only take cash. Concierge medicine is a model worth knowing; it may be an important part of healthcare in the future.

 

NO BIOETHICS THIS WEEK DUE TO EVENT WED NIGHT

GLOBAL HEALTH: Mondays from 9:00-10:00pm in HAMILTON 401

PUBLIC HEALTH: Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00 in HAMILTON 302

WOMEN IN MEDICINE: Wednesdays from 9:15-10:15 in HAMILTON 408

http://cuamsa.wordpress.com/

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This Wednesday, November 28th from 8-9pm in Hamilton 404, the CUAMSA Bioethics Committee will be having Dr. Rita Charon, Professor of Clinical Medicine and Director of the Program in Narrative Medicine at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, come speak about Narrative Medicine as a means for facilitating the understanding and handling of Bioethical issues in medical practice. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to cuamsa.bioethics@gmail.com. Thanks!

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COME PARTICIPATE IN THE BELOVED SEMI-ANNUAL TRADITION!

STRESSED about finals?
PISSED hearing your classmates tell you how they don’t have any finals this semester?
LOVE smashing things?!Come get physical, take a breath of fresh air, and get some much-needed STRESS RELIEF by smashing boxes on Low Plaza this FRIDAY, 11/30, from 12PM-4PM with the CU AMSA Public Health Committee!

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Dear members of the Columbia University American Medical Student Association,

I work at EcoHealth Alliance, an NYC-based non-profit, where our programs are focused on solving issues at the forefront of conservation, environmental, and human health. I’m emailing you today because I believe you might be interested in attending a free networking event we are hosting at our offices on Thursday November 29th.

This is an ideal networking event for young professionals interested in entering the fields of conservation, environmental health, or public health, as EcoHealth Alliance’s programs focus on issues at the intersection of all three pillars. Our scientists and public health experts will be there that night to talk with you about the the different aspects of our work— we do everything from sampling for disease in the field, to working with government ministers around the world to impact public health and conservation policy.

I’ve attached the invitation, but you can also click here for the Facebook invite.

Best wishes,

Shari

Weekly Newsletter 11/19-11/24: STOP AIDS & Upcoming Summer Opportunities Study Break

1. AMSA Public Health Committee STOP AIDS Informational Meeting TOMORROW (Monday) Nov, 19th, 4:30pm, Broadway Lounge! Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/138971032918615/

2. Health Leads dinner and talk with Professor Rosner Nov 19th 6pm Diana Center Event Oval 

3. Global Health Committee alternative spring break trip application

4. Event with non-profit group EcoHealth Alliance. Thursday, Nov 29th

5. AMSA holiday study break: discuss summer opportunities with upperclassmen! Tuesday, Dec 4th, 8pm in Lerner Party Space

And in other news…

check out this NYTimes article about states declining to set up health insurance exchanges.

BIOETHICS: Mondays from 8:30-9:30pm in HAMILTON 401

GLOBAL HEALTH: Mondays from 9:00-10:00pm in HAMILTON 401

PUBLIC HEALTH and WOMEN IN MEDICINE are not meeting this week.

http://cuamsa.wordpress.com/

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CU AMSA STOP AIDS Informational Meeting

TOMORROW (Mon. 11/19), 4:30pm

Come attend an informational meeting MONDAY, 11/19, at 4:30PM to learn more about how you can help make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

WHAT? Stop AIDS is a program run by the Public Health division of CU AMSA. Biweekly, we take the subway to hand out informative and educational pamphlets and protection for safe sex.
There will be leadership opportunities and it is a minimal time commitment.
WHERE? Broadway Lounge
WHEN? Monday 11/19 at 4:30PM

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Please join Health Leads as we host Professor David Rosner from Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health on November 19^th at 6:00pm in the Diana Center Event Oval. Dinner will be served!

Professor Rosner focuses on research at the intersection of public health and social history. He’ll discuss his most recent book, “Lead Wars: The Politics of Science and the Fate of America’s Children.” The book focuses on a Maryland court case about public health, ethical research and the conundrum that our society faces as we confront a host of new environmental threats.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/300950173351204/?fref=ts

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Global Health Committee Spring Break Trip Application!

INTERESTED IN…

- Hands-on CLINICAL experience?

- International TRAVEL?

- NEW cultural experiences?

- Exposure to GLOBAL healthcare?

- All of the above for an extremely reasonable price?

APPLY TO CU GLOBAL HEALTH-AMSA’S ANNUAL ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK: COSTA RICA 2013

Spend ten days in San Jose, Costa Rica this spring break, working with the non-profit organization Maximo Nivel on medical and community development volunteering initiatives. Perform triage including taking weight, height, temperature, and blood pressure, practice your Spanish, and get a hands-on look into the dynamics and challenges of healthcare in another country. Visit the nearby national parks to see rainforests and volcanoes–explore the city of San Jose and enjoy its museums, markets, restaurants, and lively nightlife!

Attached applications due November 18th, to cuglobal.health@gmail.com

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Dear members of the Columbia University American Medical Student Association,

I work at EcoHealth Alliance, an NYC-based non-profit, where our programs are focused on solving issues at the forefront of conservation, environmental, and human health. I’m emailing you today because I believe you might be interested in attending a free networking event we are hosting at our offices on Thursday November 29th.

This is an ideal networking event for young professionals interested in entering the fields of conservation, environmental health, or public health, as EcoHealth Alliance’s programs focus on issues at the intersection of all three pillars. Our scientists and public health experts will be there that night to talk with you about the the different aspects of our work— we do everything from sampling for disease in the field, to working with government ministers around the world to impact public health and conservation policy.

I’ve attached the invitation, but you can also click here for the Facebook invite.

Best wishes,

Shari

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Stay tuned for more information about this event. There will be seasonally appropriate snacks and you will have the opportunity to speak with upperclassmen about summer opportunities.

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