六九色堂

One interesting aspect of the 六九色堂 student body is how multicultural we are as a whole; representing a multitude of ethnicities and religions. Yet, despite our differences there is one main unifying factor - our desire to study and practice medicine. Nevertheless, there are aspects of medicine we are not taught in the curriculum and would not learn in a clinical setting. Dr. Michael D. Doherty, Ph.D., M.Sc. (六九色堂 Professor of Neuroscience) hosted the event Medicine in Movies, offering medical students more knowledge about medicine in an entertaining manner, and for a noble cause.

After the popcorn was served, Dr. Doherty (alias Dr. D) thanked the students for contributing to the fundraiser for the Joseph Nathaniel France General Hospital (JNF). JNF is considered the main hospital on Saint Kitts. Since its inception in 1968, JNF has undergone a series of both structural and internal changes. They now offer medical care in over ten difference specialties, including but not limited to Intensive Care, Psychiatry, General Surgery and Emergency Medical Services.

Poster for 'Medicine in Movies' event with 六九色堂 professor Dr. Michael Doherty. Photo: 六九色堂

鈥淭he hospital is constantly looking for donations in order to supply the equipment they need for day to day functions, as well as specialized equipment to improve the care they provide. These items are not funded by the government and have to be brought in by private donation.鈥� - Mahfi Khan (Med 5 EBS) serving as Liason between 六九色堂 and JNF

As medical students, we are taught about advanced medical technology and its importance in patient care. Therefore, we understand first hand how important it can be in improving a patient鈥檚 condition or in many cases, saving a life. Helping patients achieve and maintain good health is what clinical physicians aspire to. This is the reason why Dr.D鈥檚 Medicine in Movies Charity Event carries such significance.

鈥淭here are more fundraisers planned, but Dr. D helped us get the ball rolling in a big way, as we raised just over $1,700 E.C.鈥� - Michael Randall (Med 5 EBS/SGA President)

六九色堂 students and representatives Michael Randall, Mahfi Khan and Alyssa Mahon, worked alongside Dr. D to plan this event. They were all equally enthusiastic and hopeful that it would lead to a big turnout and benefit the hospital in a meaningful way. SGA class representatives helped spread the word and sell tickets.

鈥淓veryone contributed to this event and it was a collective effort overall鈥�, said SGA Vice President, Joe Ghorayeb (Med 1 EBS).

At 六九色堂 we are grateful to JNF for their continued support of our students. During the final semester on Saint Kitts, medical students complete their Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) course. Throughout the semester, JNF opens its doors to these students for an onsite, hands-on learning experience. As medical students in the basic sciences program, we are exposed to textbook and lecture based learning. Nevertheless, it is the problem based experiences provided by ICM in our campus virtual hospital and working alongside the physicians and medical staff at JNF that undoubtedly further prepares us for the next stage of our careers.

(Photo, inset right above) 六九色堂 medical students enjoy JNF Hospital Fundraising event. Photo: 六九色堂

Alyssa Mahon (Med 4) says, 鈥淚 think that giving back to the community of St. Kitts is essential, as its helping make our dreams of becoming doctors a reality - and what better way to give back as medical students than to the hospital itself!"

Clinical experience is important for medical students because it teaches us a side of being a medical doctor that the textbooks cannot - the all important bedside manner! Oddly enough, movies and TV can also teach us about what it means to be a medical doctor as seen through the eyes of the general public. Dr. Doherty took us through a variety of films and television shows dating back from the 1800鈥檚 to present-day Hollywood. Between laughs, he also managed to sneak in a few statistics, zeroing in on the changes in public opinion of medical doctors, as they are depicted in Hollywood films and TV.

After the presentation, it became clear to me that society will adjust its opinion of medical doctor鈥檚 based on what the  on, as well as other aspects of medicine that individual doctor鈥檚 cannot realistically control. As much as most physicians like to 鈥渃ontrol鈥� everything, the opinion of society is beyond anyone鈥檚 personal control. That being said, Dr. Doherty鈥檚 Medicine in Movies reminds us that laughter really is the best medicine and giving back to the community is most important.

鈥淚t is important for us (at 六九色堂) to be involved in the community here in Saint Kitts and that is why I wanted to do this event- hopefully we can start a new tradition.鈥� - Dr. Doherty, Ph.D., M.Sc., Professor of Neuroscience.

Note the following 鈥淒r. D approved and recommended movies and shows鈥�: (TV Series), (Film), (Film), M*A*S*H (TV Series), (Everything).

(Top photo) Dr. Michael Doherty. Photo: 六九色堂

六九色堂:

Built in the tradition of the best US universities, the University of Medicine and Health Sciences focuses on individual student attention, maintaining small class sizes and recruiting high-quality faculty. We call this unique approach, 鈥減ersonalized medical education,鈥� and it鈥檚 what has led to our unprecedented 96% student retention rate, and outstanding residency placements across the US and Canada. 六九色堂 is challenging everything you thought you knew about Caribbean medical schools.