Aua Pulse Issue 10

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ANTIGUA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

AUA Health Fair A Major Success Each semester, it is an AMSA (American Medical Student Association) tradition to perform acts of community outreach and service in an attempt to interact with the locals of whatever area they are in and to expose students to medical practices early on. According to www.amsa.org the mission statement of AMSA is: “The American Medical Student Association is

committed to improving health care and healthcare delivery to all people; promoting active improvement in medical education; involving its members in the social, moral and ethical obligations of the profession of medicine; assisting in the improvement and understanding of world health problems; contributing to the welfare of medical students, premedical students, interns, residents and post-MD/DO trainees; and advancing the profession of medicine.”

What’s Inside? Health Fair...........................................1-2 From the Editors...............................3-4 Faculty Spotlight................................5-7 Student Spotlight...............................8-9 Academic Matters.........................10-11 Rumor Mill...........................................12 New Campus Tour..............................13 BSU Movie Premiere.........................14 Photo Spread.......................................15 The Counseling Corner..............16-17

The AUA chapter has embraced this charter and has put on health fairs in the heart of the Antiguan community each semester. Our goal for the May-September 2009 session was to make this a bigger and better health fair than the ones previously organized. With great pride, I am able to say that we were able to succeed and surpass our goals. The Health Fair took place in downtown Antigua in the central market where fruits and vegetables are sold. Over 400 patients were seen by a combination of 250 student volunteers and AUA faculty. Along with this overwhelming student response, 1

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we were able to combine our efforts with those of a local group, the JCI, whose goals were very similar to those of AMSA: to provide quality health care to the Antiguan community free of cost. With all of our pooled resources, we were able to offer the widest spectrum of health exams that I have seen in my four semesters here. Tests included: blood glucose testing, blood pressure reading, body mass index calculation, history taking, eye examinations as well as HIV testing through AMWA (American Medical Women’s Association). Thanks to the contributions of our professors: Dr. Manjunath, Dr. Ephraim and Dr. Sri we were able to allow each patient to have one on one interaction with physicians regarding any questions they may have had answered. The Health Fair was such a large success due to the community outreach that we received. Local businesses like Townhouse Megastore, Epicurian, Bargain Center and Mt. St. John’s Hospital offered so much support ranging from water donation for all of the students who participated, a cooler, blood drive sign up capability as well as blood glucose machines. The generosity of AUA also made this event possible: from the donations of tables, chairs and privacy curtains to pamphlets, free prints and most importantly the megaphone that made my job so much more colorful that day. Thank you to all of you who participated. I hope the experience was as enlightening for all of you as it was for me. For almost two days after the event I heard people talking about the interesting cases that they had seen, including Bell’s palsy, rhonchi, sudden blindness, blood sugar that was almost off the charts and so much more. I hope that AUA students were able to see that beyond all of the books, exams and studying that there is a reason to all of this and that there is an end result – treating patients. I also am optimistic that the Antiguan community was able to see us as more than the doctor’s down by Epicurian and as people just like them with our own backgrounds and stories. In closing, I urge all of you to volunteer for AMSA events in the future. It is one of the oldest medical student organizations, boasting more than 60,000 members. The alumni number alone is a good reason to join but moreover, it is the pledge to provide health care and education that should draw you…after all, that is why you’re here aren’t you? Finally, thank you to all of the students who came to our event and made it such a wonderful day, professors who provided extra credit, donated their time at the health fair, donated materials to use the day of and all of the local vendors By: Marium Syed - Med 4 that so generously provided us with anything we needed.

AMSA Medical Coordinator

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The Whole Story... While I have been a card-carrying atheist since I was old enough to open a high-school biology book, I also happen to enjoy the occasional episode of “7th Heaven.” Strange I know, but what can I say? I have a weakness for goofy television and besides, Lucy’s husband is a total hottie. Yet out of all the episodes I’ve seen, there is one that stands out most in my memory. I don’t remember the premise, but somehow, the Reverend Camden ended up explaining precisely what entails a lie. He was very clear on this point: A lie of omission is just as bad as a “regular” lie...Which means that leaving out an essential part of the story is not OK as far as he and Jesus are concerned. ...And for once, the three of us agree. Students can talk for hours about the discrepancies between what we were led to expect from AUA versus what we actually got. Many of us thought we were going to be in the hospital every week during Med 1, when the truth was that we went once over the entire semester. We were all told our loans would cover our utility bills, but never that the cost of electricity in student housing would be more than 10 times what we would pay off campus, much less informed as to why there was such a huge variation in price. We were assured that classes would be small and we would have a choice between morning or afternoon sessions, but not that sections would be combined for some semesters but not others, and that not all departments were fully prepared to teach two sections per day. Then, as though two wrongs can make a right, (which incidentally is covered in an entirely different episode of the show) we complain to each other that succeeding at AUA is impossible, that teachers intentionally try to fail us, and that their questions are unfair. We insist to our parents that although we study 10 hours a day, we are still worried about maintaining a 2.5 GPA. We argue relentlessly over a few points on an exam, knowing full well that had we studied harder, those few points wouldn’t matter so desperately. Why do we subject ourselves and each other to the charade of hiding certain facts and amplifying others? What exactly is the danger if everyone were to admit everything about everything to everyone? ...What do we have to be so ashamed of? The answer, usually, is ourselves. When we find ourselves unwilling to tell the whole story, it’s generally because we know there is something morally ‘off’ about our part in it. But feeling this way should be interpreted as a signal to open up and figure out why, rather than close off and try to forget it. Maybe I’ve seen too many episodes of “7th Heaven,” but I still believe that people respond primarily to honesty, even if some parts of the whole are less than perfect. AUA is literally still a “work-in-progress,” and I am generally OK with that. Overall, I like the school, I like the teachers, and I think I am getting a good education. However, I also think the administration is prone to selling a commercialized image of AUA’s future rather than its current reality, and often tends to gloss over the school’s faults while playing up its assets. ...This then backfires when students who feel as though they have been deceived proceed to magnify the bad points and ignore the good. It all deteriorates into a vicious cycle of subjectivity, and in the end, it is often the most genuinely well-intentioned individuals who are unfairly stuck in the crossfire...Surely the Rev. Camden (not to mention Jesus) would disapprove. **Disclaimer**

Katie Schmitz - Med 3 AUA Pulse Editor-in-Chief

This editorial is not meant to imply that AUA is benefitting from or has intentionally created any of the adverse circumstances mentioned here. It is based solely on my own experiences and observations over the past year. Dr. Bell has stated that the he and the university are working hard to rectify these issues and he hopes they will be resolved as soon as possible. 3

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Khrystal is currently hard at work on an indepth piece investigating the ongoing student loan situation. Look for her article in the next AUA Pulse!

Khrystal Boone - Med 4 AUA Pulse Assistant Editor-in-Chief 4

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Faculty Spotlight on... Dr. Bharati!

Last semester when I was in enrolled in microbiology, I received some of the lowest grades of my life on the first three quizzes. As both my undergraduate and graduate degrees are in the field of computer science, I was not trained to memorize random facts, and this was not helping me in micro, as was demonstrated by my poor performance. When I discussed the issue with Dr. Bharati, she sympathized and asked me questions regarding the problems I was having understanding the material. She realized that my main problem involved categorizing the information. Afterwards, she went the extra mile to help me and told me to come see her every time we finished an organ system (which was almost every other day). Every time I would go to her office, she would patiently listen to all my complaints and then spend at least an hour going over the material with me and asking questions to test my understanding and help me see the patterns so I could better categorize the information. She helped me make sense of micro, and because of her, I ended up liking the subject and even became one of the T.A.s. She is a wonderful and caring teacher with a beautiful smile; a teacher that AUA students are blessed to have. There are several aspects of her amazing personality that many of us don’t know, and for this reason, I decided to interview Dr. Bharati for the faculty spotlight. Me: Could you tell us about your childhood? Dr. Bharati: I am the oldest among three siblings, I have a younger sister and a younger brother (upon asking, Dr. Bharati denied that she bossed around her younger siblings). I grew up mostly in North India. Due to my father’s job, my family moved a lot. So parts of my childhood were also spent in South India. My family moved so much that between the 1st and 10th grade I attended six different schools. However, all of my college education is from South India. Me: So how many languages do you know? Dr. Bharati: My mother tongue is Malyalam. However, most of my life I spent in North India so I am also fluent in Hindi. Then due to the time I spent in South India I also know Kannada, Telugu and Tamil. In college I learned French, and English was taught in school. (So this makes seven languages!) 5

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Me: How did you come to study microbiology? Dr. Bharati: Well when I was a student I took the entrance exam for medical school. However, I realized that my heart wasn’t really into medicine. At that time there was a medical school that was offering a combined curriculum for medical microbiology. In that curriculum we were offered a year of basic sciences combined with two years of medical microbiology. I took that pathway and after I finished my studies I started working at the medical school in Manipal. The job at Manipal consisted of three parts that included teaching (to medical, dental, nursing and graduate students), working at the diagnostic lab, and research. It was also during my job at Manipal that I received my PhD. Me: What area did you concentrate on for your research? Dr. Bharati: My research area is in diagnostic aspects of bacterial meningitis - more specifically, the molecular methods for diagnosing bacterial meningitis. Me: What are the differences you have noticed between our student body here at AUA and the student body at Manipal? Dr. Bharati: I have noticed that when it comes to learning the material that is taught in class, what the students find difficult or easy is the same whether at AUA or at Manipal. I was teaching the mainstream medical students in Manipal and since the curriculum there is more demanding in terms of volume, and they had to work towards getting a degree in medicine, most of them were focused on achieving that goal. However, the students here are very open in expressing their opinions, both their appreciation and their dislikes whereas in India they always maintain a distance between themselves and the faculty. I also like the fact that the students here always acknowledge their professors. On the other hand the students in India are lot more inhibited in giving their opinions. Me: OK let’s move on to some fun stuff. What are your hobbies? How do you like to spend your free time? Dr. Bharati: I love reading and craft work, and recently I got interested in glass painting. I also enjoy solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles; in fact, I deliberately had to stop doing them because I am addicted to crossword puzzles and Sudoku. I was trained in Indian classical dance and music, I like listening to music and because my husband is a big fan of 60s and 70s rock music, I got used to listening to that as well. Me: You just mentioned painting and I have always noticed that you wear nice color combinations. ... Do you have a favorite color? Dr. Bharati: I don’t have a favorite color. However, I love the black and white combination and I don’t like dull colors. I love mixing and matching my clothes. Especially in India, since you have more options when creating your outfits, I used to mix and match all differ6

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ent kinds of colors. In fact, many of my friends and colleagues used to call me the “queen of mix and match.” Me: From this I can tell that you must be very artistic. Did you take courses in art? How did you start to paint glass? Dr. Bharati: I never took a course in painting, but I always liked glass painting and one day I just decided to read up on it and start. I am an Aries so it is part of my nature to be impulsive. Once I set my heart on something, I always have to do it. I am very much a typical Aries; however I think that time has mellowed me a little. I am also a romantic at heart and a dreamer, and I enjoy creative activities. Me: Who has been the most influential person in your life? Dr. Bharati: There are many people who have influenced my life. I would say that my mother has had a huge influence on me, as well as my grandfather. When I was little, I always wanted to be a teacher and used to use the doors in my home as the chalk board. He bought me my very first chalk board. Also many teachers had a hand in molding me. Me: Is there any message you would like to give to our student body? Dr. Bharati: My advice for the student body is to learn for the sake of obtaining knowledge and to be curious about science. Don’t learn for the sake of grades, as grades don’t always reflect knowledge. Knowledge is empowerment and it gives you confidence. Knowledge earns you respect from your patients and peers. Learn for the joy of learning and that will enrich yours and someone else’s life.

By: Aisha Waheed Med 4

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Student Spotlight On... Dantong Xu! For all of you dedicated AUA Pulse readers, here is something new for your taste buds. And for those who are first-time readers, this is for you too. This edition of the AUA Pulse is putting a new spin on the Teacher Spotlight and introducing the Student Spotlight. It’s nice to know more about your professors, but we are all here to become physicians, so why not hear first-hand from our very own peers how they made through each semester? The Student Spotlight this month is on Dantong Xu. He is a Med 4 who has very successfully completed every previous semester, so I sat down with him to uncover the secrets to his success. ... So if you are hoping or praying for a miracle, here are a few keys to help you unlock the mystery of success here at AUA. Me: When did you begin your coursework at AUA? Dantong Xu: I started here as a Med 1 in May of 2008. Me: What is your GPA? Dantong Xu: Well, I have received mostly As in my courses here at AUA so I would say above a 3.5 Me: How many hours do you study a day? Dantong Xu: On weekdays, I study around 7-8 hours. On weekends, I would say about 12 hours or so. Me: Are there any outside resources you use to study? Dantong Xu: I always read the assigned text books. I don't usually use any outside resources. Me: Any advice for Med 1s - Med 4s?? Dantong Xu: Med 1: Read the books not the power points Med 2: Go to class Med 3: Go to class because lectures are very helpful in understanding the information Med 4: Study and don't get distracted For all: commit yourself to study after class, otherwise you won’t make it 8

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Me: What was your favorite class and why? Dantong Xu: Anatomy Lab: It is a good supplement for the lecture. Histo: I like Dr. Singhs and Dr. Getas unique style of teaching, they draw and make you draw instead of using powerpoints Physio: Dr. Sanii explain everything thoroughly. He puts his passion into teaching and is willing to take time to explain things. Path I: Dr. K helps to link topics to clinical cases. He makes it easier to read the book. Micro: Dr. Bharti helps prepare you well for the Shelf exam. Pharm: Dr. Morcos' slides are simplified and very straight forward. ICM Lab: It is a good supplement to better understand the material. They break you into small groups and ask questions to make it interactive. Me: Can you offer any tips to students new to the island? Dantong Xu: If you aren’t mentally prepared, you have to sit down and make sure medicine is for you. You have to be determined. It’s a lot of hard work. I hope everyone succeeds. There are no short cuts in medicine. You have to study every day. Me: Where do you want to go for 5th semester? Dantong Xu: I would like to go to Baltimore if it is offered because it’s close to home; however, all the sites have their unique benefits. Me: How do you plan on studying for the Comp Shelf and Step I? Dantong Xu: For the Comp Shelf, if time allows, I would like to review physio and biochem. For Step I, I plan to take time off, review every subject once to integrate everything together, and probably take Kaplan Prep/Review because they are well established to aid in the integration of the information. Me: What kind of doctor do you want to be? Dantong Xu: I want to go into internal medicine and possibly specialize in nephrology, cardiology, or endocrinology. I know for what I don't want to go into: pediatrics or obstetrics/ gynecology. Thank you all for reading this article in its entirety. I hope it has shed some light on the keys to success here at AUA. That’s it for this edition of the Student Spotlight. Stay tuned to find out who our next student will be.....

By: Nicole Roberts Med 3-4 9

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Academic Matters...

If you have read the series of articles in the Pulse thus far about class attendance and power points you might, like me, be wondering: Why the great divide? Chinaʼs Great Wall sits between students and faculty. Yes, doors exist allowing us to visit one another but as yet the wall seems to stand. It is time to move from this series of monologues to a dialogue between the two sides.

The Med 2 class took a step in the right direction this past month when their SGA representatives met with both Dr. Bell and Dr. Sanii to discuss class attendance and the quality of courses. The overriding premise of this meeting was that no one knows better what it is like to be an AUA student than an AUA student. The two deans were in complete agreement of this; however, Dr. Bell pointed out that the student body grumblings could not be addressed if not presented to the administration. Last semester, course evaluations were completely revamped and presented to students in a short, electronic and anonymous format. All of the changes made to the course evals were at the recommendations of the student body. And yet little over thirty percent of the student body filled out the evaluations despite multiple reminder emails and extensions. What can the administration conclude but that the remaining seventy percent or so are happy with the way the courses are being taught? It is hard to disagree with their logic. This is not to say that the course evaluations that were filled out were thrown to the side. However, when a small percentage of an already small percentage complains about something, it is difficult to take it as actuality.

Although it was agreed that students should use the evaluations to their advantage, the pending need for more effective educational tactics still remains. To further address this issue, the Med 2 reps presented several learning tactics that they wish to see implemented in their classes in the coming weeks. These tactics were compiled to accommodate all types of learners; the listeners, the doers, and the seers. Firstly, the organization of a lecturerʼs PowerPoints, not only sets the bar for what is expected of a student, but also assists the student to hone in on the “high yield” topics. In an accelerated program such as ours, the need for effective studying is of GREAT importance and integral to our success as medical students. Having structured PowerPoints, available at least 24 hours prior to a lecture, allows a diligent student the opportunity to not only be prepared for the dayʼs lecture, but prevents time spent on downloading PowerPoints as the professor lectures. The Med 2 class also proposed weekly quizzes, which would not only improve class attendance, but also provide the students insight for their upcoming exams. Other suggestions included, but were not limited to, fill-in-the-blank PowerPoints, multimedia based class10

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room learning, more pointed objectives, and a better organized s-drive.

All of the above suggestions are well and good, but if the student body does not make concessions on their end nothing will be accomplished. Sometimes I feel that we students, myself included, need to be reminded that we are in medical school. It will never be easy. Not everyone becomes a doctor-- not because they do not have the brains for it, but because they are not willing to put in the required effort. The faculty does not look good by failing us, they want every single one of us to succeed. At the same time they cannot lower the bar or hand out exam questions just to pass every student.

It is time for us students to become more proactive when it comes to our education. If you do not understand something in class, raise your hand and ask questions or go to a professors office hours. If a professor asks a question, answer. What are you losing by getting it wrong? Be respectful and come to class on time, it is distracting not only to the professor but to your fellow classmates as well when doors are opening and closing constantly at the start of class. Come to class, even if all it does is show the professor that you care enough about your education to lose some precious sleep time! I, for one, am guilty of not doing many of the above. But if the professors are willing to make the effort, then so should I.

I rewrote this article a million times so I would not sound like a fortune cookie or a television evangelist near the end, it didnʼt work. We each know what we have to do to succeed. The question is whether or not we are going to put in that extra effort required. For those of you that are, I will see you at graduation :)

- Dona Hasou Med 2 and SGA Executive Secretary

Thank you: Thank you to Matt Wirsing, Nardeen Zaklama, Zohaib Haque, Donad St. Jean, Shahniwaz Labana, and Christopher Buelvas for taking time out from busy Med 2 schedules and taking constructive steps forward in trying to improve course quality for not only their class but for future med classes. Thank you to all SGA representatives for taking a lot more time than people realize out of your personal schedules to serve the student body, especially when it comes to academic matters. Finally, the Med 2 class would like to thank all of their Med 1 and Med 2 professors. We do appreciate all you have done and continue doing. For our future med 3 and 4 professors, we look forward to working with you. If you would like a copy of the Med 2 meeting outline please feel free to email me at [email protected]

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THE RUMOR MILL: “I heard there was a shooting at the Roof Top!” Fact: Indeed, there was recently a shooting at the Roof Top basketball courts located off Factory Road in the evening hours. Please exercise caution if you play basketball there late at night. “Everyone’s saying Dr. Krishnanand and Dr. Geetha are leaving after this semester.” Fiction: Dr. Bell, Dr. Krishnanand, and Dr. Geetha have all confirmed that they will continue teaching at AUA next semester.

“I heard you can't do 5th semester in Baltimore anymore.” Fact: Baltimore will no longer be offered as a site for 5th semester coursework. However, clinical rotations will continue there without interruption. The decision to remove Baltimore is in favor of students and was initiated by AUA. 5th semester students would have less hands on clinical experience due to the new management of the hospital, according to Dr. Bell. Someone said there were rats in the anatomy lab!!??” Fact: A rat was recently found in the anatomy lab while prosectors were working on a cadaver. The rats snuck in through a hole behind the washing machine. Efforts are being made to rectify the situation and avoid any future rat invasions. “I heard the September incoming class is going to have 400-500 students!” Fiction: In an interview with Dr. Bell, the Pulse learned that the Fall 2009 class will not be any larger than previous September classes, and will be accommodated within the university’s current capacity. “OK what really happened with Dr. Kumar and Dr. Shankar?” As per the email sent out by Dr. Bell, “As of June 23rd, 2009, Drs. Mohan Kumar and Pinakini Shankar have been relieved of their duties with the American University of Antigua.” Heard any rumors lately? Wanna know the facts? Email me: [email protected] and I’ll do my best to get to the bottom of it. Tune in next time for more rumors, and more truths! *Note: Issues above have been thoroughly researched and cited. Any questions By: Vaseem Ahmed or concerns should be directed to Vaseem Ahmed at [email protected] Med 3 12

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A Tour of the New Campus! Dr. Bell recently hosted a tour of the $60 million 17-acre new campus for SGA class presidents and board members. Hopes are that classroom instruction will begin in Fall 2009, although construction will not be fully completed until some time after that. Amenities at the new campus will include a 400-seat auditorium, 16,000 square feet of fully soundproof classrooms, a three-story library, athletic fields, and anatomy, microbiology and ICM labs. The Nursing school will also be located on the new campus, and oncampus housing will eventually be available for incoming students.

Dr. Bell and the chief project engineer stand with SGA members in front of drawings of the new campus

Dr. Bell said future students will be tested exclusively via computer, for in-house MInis as well as Shelf exams. The new technology and resources are scheduled to be implemented over the course of the next year.

The new auditorium will allow fu- Classrooms will be partitioned to hold ture Med 4 classes to hold their 120 students each, maintaining AUA’s White Coat ceremonies on campus. commitment to small class sizes. 13

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Black Student Union Hosts Movie Premiere On Thursday, June 25th, over 200 AUA students and faculty poured into the Deluxe Cinema in downtown St. John’s for the premiere of Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. The first of its kind, the movie premiere boasted LIME-sponsored “double-bubble” top-ups, a full service snack bar, and complimentary 5-minute “teaser” massages. Proud hosts of the event, the Black Student Union of AUA led by President Gerdie Jean, displayed diligence and patience in dealing with the bustling crowd. Many anticipated mishaps, such as “cutting” line and saving seats, were held to a minimum. Everyone who attended was seated, and most people were able to sit with those who they arrived with. The event was promoted effectively during the weeks prior. Tickets sold out within days, and auctioned tickets went for over double the initial asking price. Complimentary day spa vouchers from ‘D’ New ‘U’ Spa Boutique led raffle ticket sales to surpass the $400EC mark. All in all the Black Student Union was able to raise over $1400 EC for the Cedar Valley Elementary School. Proceeds will be allocated towards purchasing the popular Hooked on Phonics easy-learning set for students of CVES.

BSU President Gerdie Jean at the premiere

An action-packed movie, affordable concession stand snacks, and ample crowd control culminated in a largely successful event for the BSU. Next up is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Stay tuned for more info. Dapo Iluyomade - Med 3

Students wait in line before the movie 14

Free “teaser” massages were offered by ‘D’ New ‘U’ Spa Boutique

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Med 4 Date Auction!

The “pickings” at the auction. More than $3000 EC was raised for the Med 4 White Coat ceremony

Med 4 President Diane Phillip at the auction.

Med 4 Basketball Tournament!

The Guys’ and Gals’ teams at the Rooftop Court. ... Over $3000 EC was raised for the Med 4 White Coat ceremony. 15

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“On Coping with Change and Taking Control” I want to talk about two issues that I speak about frequently with patients and students: Change and Control. There is a tendency to speak about these subjects in a very intellectual and rational manner. I will try to avoid that since these terms often have strong emotional components as well. I also do not want to simply describe the problem. Like any good health-care provider, I want to also help you to understand what you can do about it.

Regarding “Change”: This is a term many of us fear and most of us avoid. In some cases it is because Change means Loss, and this is in fact one kind of change. Many of us go to great pains (both physical and emotional) to avoid Change at any cost. Change is seen as bad, unnatural, undesirable, and a source of distress. If we are relatively content and happy in our present life, then Change is viewed as a threat to that happiness. So we focus our efforts on strategies to maintain and preserve this homeostasis.

A related term is “Control”. Control is a common issue that all of us face at some time in our lives. Typically, our perception is that we are, “in control”. We go to the store, and fix our meals, and drive our cars. We make a plan to complete our undergraduate training and apply to medical school. We fly to Antigua and pay tuition, study hard, buy books, etc. So, with some sense of accomplishment, we believe we are in complete control of our lives, our careers, and our destinies. 16

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This is fine until something goes wrong (that is, until something changes). Maybe it is something small—a flat tire, an argument with your friend, a less than optimal lab grade. Perhaps it is something more devastating—a broken arm, an automobile accident, a relationship ends, a failed course in medical school, or a family member dies. How can that be? How can we be in control of our life and allow these things to happen? Where is our control?

One of the most frequent questions I ask patients and students (over and over) is: How do we control what we cannot control? Well, the simple answer is we do not—we control what we can control and accept what we cannot control. The reality seems to be that Change is not the exception—it is the rule. Stasis is the exception. So it appears that, despite our best efforts (and faulty perceptions), we cannot control Change. Well then, what can we do?

By understanding the limits of your control (and the inevitability of Change), you begin to focus on what you can control. I may not be able to control how I feel (angry, sad, frustrated, happy, etc.), but I can control the expression of these feelings. I can explore these feelings and try to understand them. I may not be able to control which questions occur on my next Mini-Exam, but I can make and implement a plan so that I am sufficiently prepared for the exam. I can get the proper amount of sleep during the implementation of this plan and the night before the exam. I can address my nutrition so that my brain and body are adequately nourished and prepared. I can exercise and have healthy, nonmedical school interests and hobbies that engage me and help me to manage my stress and avoid burnout.

So, while I cannot control others, I can control me. But that control is incomplete, and I need to understand the limits of my control. Other people, environments, and a myriad of situational variables may influence me, but I am the “CEO” of my thoughts, my feelings, and my behavior.

Now that’s really taking control.

By: James M. Rice, RhD Associate Professor & University Counselor 17