Buyer Beware

The semester ended last week on Tuesday after my Histology & Physiology comprehensive final exam, unfortunately I will not be returning to SUSOM in the May semester due to the drastic last minute curriculum changes. Up until education transitioned to online everything was great then administration decided to completely change our testing from USMLE style multiple choice answer to essay-answer testing. Everyone was livid when we learned of this change. What's more frustrating, to attend medical school that modified it's curriculum without informing you post-acceptance or modifying the testing methodology halfway through the semester. Additionally I am so very disappointed with the administrations reactive decision making during this COVID-19 pandemic situation. The lack of communication and unprofessionalism exhibited by the assistant dean via email communication was less than what I expected from an AAMC credentialed MD program. My Caribbean medical school experience has been so much less than what I expected and not at all what I signed up or paid for.

If you are a future SUSOM student please be aware that you are just a number to the school. They profit off you and do not have your back, they'll make last minute curriculum and policy changes that at the end of the day won't benefit students or boost USMLE scores. Buyer beware.

I am sorry to say I will not be going back to Saba University School of Medicine to finish my MD degree. I feel my time was partly wasted but more than anything I feel taken advantage of.

Currently back in middle Tennessee I am working to get back on my feet, the past 4 months feel wasted though I learned so much about myself, how to learn, and developed persistence and resilience. I am still seeking out a career in healthcare in the administrative-revenue cycle side of healthcare, at the moment I have a bad taste in my mouth as it relates to medical school. I haven't entirely ruled out medical school in my future, but for now it is my greatest pursuit to strike up a work-life balance, I crave consistency and desire more control of my life. The past 4 months on Saba felt like my independence was stripped from me with all the restrictions and rules SUSOM required of me. I'm thankful to be home and do not hope to travel to the Dutch Caribbean for a long while.

Part of me wants to blame COVID-19 for this situation and outcome but at the end of the day SUSOM administration had everything to do with my decision not to return. 

Life on a Caribbean Island During COVID-19

The information paired with worldwide and local government mandates regarding the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic changes daily and hourly. At first the media I read online seemed to be sensational and fear-driven opinions and speculations, now that world governments are making travel restrictions and border closures COVID-19 is becoming more and more concerning to me personally. Watching the U.S. and local economies downturn is quite frightening, more than the health risks - which is (or will be?) curbed by the CDC and WHO recommended preventative measures with government mandated quarantine. Each day I choose not to let fear drive my decision-making, though day-by-day I become more and more uneasy with the thought of staying on Saba.

Here's the official government status of the island (source: https://cw.usconsulate.gov/news-events/covid-19-information/):

• Saba has NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders
• Entry to Saba has been restricted from 3/16/2020 through 3/31/2020
• Entry is limited to residents, who will have to self quarantine for 14 days upon returning no matter which country they traveled from
• All schools on the island will be closed through 4/9/2020
• All non-essential businesses are to be closed, exemptions are in place for healthcare, food services (limited to take-out only), and government. 

Here's the official up-to-date CDC COVID-19 summary: (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fsummary.html)

Our academics have already been interrupted, we have moved to distance learning via Learning Management System (LMS) with audio recorded lectures on a platform called Panopto from our professors. The Dutch medical school oversight board requires student attendance so each day we log in to a Zoom video conference at the times we have scheduled classes and our professors present the lecture in real-time with virtual whiteboard functions. Our testing schedule has not been modified, everything on the schedule still stands even if students choose to return to their homes in the U.S. or Canada. The biggest change that is most concerning is that administration had no answers or plan of action regarding online testing or how NBME or exams would be proctored. While all other U.S. and Caribbean schools were sending their students home a week and a half ago, everything at SUSOM was "business as usual." The main administration in Devens, MA communicates all academic and curriculum changes through our Associate Dean, Robert J. Young via email correspondence, though the timing seems to be very late and poorly thought through. This next advice is from personal experience, mind you, I am still on island at the moment: there are major, and I mean major, communication issues between SUSOM island administration, U.S. mainland administration, and students I experienced this day one when I arrived on island back in January.

It seems SUSOM transitioned to distance education only because the local Saba government mandated it, not because SUSOM seeks the best interest of their students. Even though I understand there is minimal risk on Saba because there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19, it is still concerning that mainland administration is making decisions that is directly affecting our academics, much of the changes I could not have foreseen nor am I okay with now. Namely the testing for the remainder of the semester is no longer 60 multiple choice exams, but is now 15 short-answer essay style questions. No one is happy with this new format. Even though the caveat from administration is, "your performance on any exam will not lower your overall average grade for that course, but it can increase your average grade." Though there is much seeming dysfunction and lacking communication from administration the professors are still here for your individual success. They have been incredibly supportive during this extraordinary time and ultimately I'm still hopeful to become the absolute best physician I can be. Stay encouraged. Roll with the punches, being "in control" is an illusion, as a perfectionist I had to come to terms with this truth. Take each day as its own challenge. I have been distracted and deeply concerned just as much of the world is, but my desire to serve others with medicine motivates me to wake up each day and tackle studying - all for the sake of my future patients. 

Unforeseen Circumstances: Caribbean Island Life Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

When I chose to attend medical school in the Dutch Caribbean I never could have foreseen the circumstances or greater implications of a virus impacting my life or medical education.

It has been so very interesting watching the worldwide COVID-19 situation unfold as a first-year medical student. Studying medicine on a rock in the middle of the ocean has it's perks, there is very little tourism to and from Saba typically scuba divers and vacationers from the Netherlands are the majority of arriving travelers, otherwise it's mostly medical students coming from Canada or the U.S. Thankfully there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19, our hospital here has only four beds so if COVID-19 hits the fan the affected individuals would be sent to a surrounding island for more comprehensive medical care. There's not a large at-risk elderly population on this island so the relative risks of catching and dying from Corona virus is minimal to none, though it seems that healthy individuals are all possibly carriers? I am truly fascinated by the misinformation and sensationalism of COVID-19 in the American news media that fills my Google news feed... 

COVID-19 hasn't really affected us too much aside from our nutrition status since all shipments of fruits and vegetables have been cut off from St. Maarten. Everyone at the university and on the island here on Saba are in good health, we've been told no shipment will arrive for another two weeks so there's that, otherwise our class schedule has been business-as-usual. Apparently several other major Caribbean medical schools have closed down, following suit with American schools, and sent their students home. Here at SUSOM we have gotten no formal advice or statement from administration or the Dean indicating whether we will be sent home or if classes will be conducted via online distance education like SGU and AUC students.

It seems travel bans and risks of government shutdowns would implicate that I may be stuck on Saba for an extended period of time if I don't get sent home by administration or leave on my own accord. What is most concerning is my lack of income and reliance on federal financial aid during this time frame compounded by Dutch government and/or U.S. government shutdown halting all immigration on and off the island. Who could have predicted that I would be trapped on a rock in the middle of the ocean in 2020? Hey, at least there's white Hennessy and internet here!

On a more serious note, the hysteria perpetuated by news media is not helpful at all. Let's all stop with the fake news and resort to primary sources of information and scientific evidence for our "opinions" on COVID-19. It is important to note the mortality rate is low as compared to the people who have died in 2020 from the flu, especially considering the elderly and immunocompromised populations are most at risk, not the general healthy population. I have found the following resources to be helpful and informative in both understanding the virus and diagnostic aspect of COVID-19. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eup3_i_5uaw&t=5s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7de8LJE4owg

Stay educated. vaccinated, and happy!

If you have questions about attending Saba University College of Medicine feel free to contact me.

Strip it all away, what's left?

You never realize what is truly important to you until it's gone. Making the decision to uproot from middle TN and relocating to the Dutch Caribbean was not an easy transition in any way. It really is challenging getting used to a $90+ grocery budget each week - not having fresh vegetables, access to affordable products that I know and love, let alone the $20 it costs to get one load of laundry done. Living out of a suitcase with all my earthly belongings either locked away in a dorm room or my storage unit back home makes me appreciate the things that truly do matter and are permanent.

Yes, as much as I miss my kitchen appliances, BMW, desktop computer and speakers, heck, I miss my pillow-top mattress!! But more than anything, though I'm living my dream: I'm in medical school becoming the physician I'm called to be so that I can provide for the family I'm destined to have, I am so thankful for those I love. When all the material things are stripped away, either by choice or unforeseen circumstances, when all you're left with is the clothes on your back, what you value is the permanent - not the temporary.

When I'm old and lived a life working hard to provide for my family, raising my children to give back, being kind and compassionate to all men and women I come into contact with, serving every one of my patients with excellence, I'll know then that I lived a fulfilling life. Each day I wake up I have to remind myself why I'm here, no it's not easy but in the end this personal sacrifice will be worth it with all the people I'll be able to impact and the life I'll be able to provide for my children and wife. Don't lose sight of why you choose medicine or what motivates you to finish what you start, live with conviction and keep first things first. Don't lose your sense of self. Hope this encourages someone out there today!

3 Weeks Down

Whew! The past 3 weeks have flown by, I never thought I could take in and recall SO much information. Medical school thus far has been the most mentally challenging endeavor I've ever pursued. There have been days of discouragement, frustration, amazement, peace, and joy. In every season of life I choose to be content and positive, after all I am an optimist!

For those of you who may be reading this as future SUSOM students know this: there is no amount of preparation that will make you feel "ready" for medical school. If you are months or even weeks out of your first day or ship-out day enjoy yourself, before I started in January I made sure to have 2 weeks to enjoy the holidays with my friends and family before hitting the ground running. I heard from other students at competing Caribbean programs who after 1 week hadn't even started lectures yet. Not at Saba. Get ready to hit the books hard on day one.

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.

Yes. You'll be overwhelmed, regardless of your educational background, know that everything you hear in lecture won't all stick, as much of medical school anatomy is guided group learning never sacrifice rigorous independent studying regardless of your particular learning style. I thought I knew how to learn based on how well I did in undergrad, but since day one I have had to dramatically change my study habits: created (and stuck with) a schedule, changed the way I take notes in class, prioritized self-care and sleep. I have kept an open mind, not limiting myself to doing what I've always done in terms of my life before medical school, writing notes, flashcards, and re-listening to lectures.

Stay positive! Yes it's a fire hose of information, drink from it one sip at a time and take each day at a time. Surround yourself with other students who are encouraging and who will commit to keep you accountable!

The Adventure Begins

We made it! Travels to Saba did not go as expected, thankfully I quickly made friends with other SUSOM students on St. Maarten and since then we've basically been inseparable. After connecting my flight from Nashville in Atlanta we touched down on St. Maarten earlier than expected. Went through immigration which didn't take too long, just flashed my passport and told them my final destination the hard part was tracking down the luggage. All luggage on flights into St. Maarten come out on one carousel which makes baggage claim crowded and a time consuming process. Ultimately three other SUSOM students and I were stranded on St. Maarten because baggage claim took entirely too long causing us to miss our ferry to Saba, but we made the most of it. Since the taxi from the airport we've been a solid family unit brainstorming the solution to our predicament. We ended up getting a room in a resort and taking a ferry out this morning which gave us the chance to explore St. Maarten a bit and relax before our first day of medical school. While waiting for our ferry today we were hanging out at a restaurant by the water and in the three hours we saw two rainbows, absolutely breathtaking! 

St. Phillipsburg Dock, St. Maarten

Immediately upon arriving on Saba we grabbed food at a local restaurant, went grocery shopping, then moved into our campus apartment. The scenery here is absolutely astounding! SO beautiful, the sky is so blue and foliage a deep vibrant green. I love how the red roofs of the houses make the green and blue pop. The people are so very friendly and approachable, there is zero crime here on Saba it's so safe one resident says her six year old daughter hitchhikes around the island! It's surreal that in just one week I'll take the Hippocratic oath and don my white coat. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to go to medical school in the Caribbean and live the island life for the next two years. 

The Bottom, Saba

Logistics of Attending Caribbean Medical School

Photo Credit: Google Images

Shortly after receiving my acceptance letter from Saba University I immediately went out and purchased a short white coat, overjoyed that medical school was now a reality. I felt as if a huge burden lift off me and I could breathe again. It was as if the wind filled my sails again and I could take on anything! If you have gotten accepted to Saba University School of Medicine then you already know that the admissions department is very thorough in giving you check lists and correspondence regarding the next steps. The following is my recap of all the things to consider and get in order before your ship-out date.

• Letter of Intent to Enroll and seat deposit ($750)
• Financial Aid: fill out your FAFSA in January, complete Master Promissory Notes for the Direct Loans available, and Loan Entrance Counseling before Admissions sends your Aid Offer ($17,850/semester on the island, $20,700/semester for 3rd & 4th years)**Note: they won't disperse the financial aid until after the start of the semester so there's really no tuition or housing fee payment deadlines if you're utilizing U.S. Direct Loan.
• Passport, you'll have to send copies to your New Student Coordinator
• Housing Application and Fee, on-campus housing is required for the first semester ($2950)
• Student Health Record/Proof of Immunizations, you'll have to get a TB skin test and labwork proving you have all necessary vaccines and get the newest flu shot before you leave.
• Health Insurance & Insurance Letter, the school uses Insurance Center of New England ($556/year) while you're on island
• Apostilled FBI-issued police clearance, you have to get fingerprinted by a detective or other approved company like IdentiGO to complete the background check ($37.95 + $150)
• Travel itinerary: I found cheap one-way plane tickets from Nashville to Atlanta to St. Martin through Jet Blue for $116 and booked a ferry from St. Martin to Saba for $56

What to bring to the island: 

• Laptop, I purchased brand new because my undergrad laptop is 7 years old and low on hard drive space. You will also need to purchase a 2-year international warranty, Microsoft Office, Anti-virus/spyware, and HDMI video output ports, also bring a surge protector. 
• Scrubs and a white coat, bring at least two pairs of scrubs: one for gross anatomy and one for clinical. I think it goes without saying, but you will be expected to have appropriate attire for class so bring business casual and professional clothes as well as light summer clothes, the average daytime temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• You will need to bring school supplies, dissecting kit, rubber gloves, and textbooks with you, there is no bookstore and the office supply stores on Saba will be very expensive.

Personally I'm big into meal prep, so I will bring all my spices with me, I have no doubt that food expenses during the two years on the island will be costly and I still want to enjoy the familiar flavors of home and eat healthy while on Saba. Some other things to keep in mind, if you have certain products you know and love, say.... Crest 3D White toothpaste, Garnier Fructis Style pomade, Orbit Wintergreen chewing gum, or Celestial Seasons blueberry tea, stock up on it!!

Since I have been working in healthcare full time since finishing my undergraduate degree, I was able to build up decent savings, an HSA, and several small low-risk investments. I recommend you to purchase as much as you can with the cash you have available now, within reason-don't drain your emergency fund or savings, and utilize the financial aid disbursement for tuition, housing, and expenses that incur after day one of classes. For me financial aid has hands-down been the most intimidating part of this process. I finished undergraduate debt-free so the thought of having an excess of $200K in student loans is frightening.