1. science
2. medicine

Summer 2014
Volume 1, Issue 4
Special Interest
Articles:

AISM MD Class
of 2014
Highlights

Prevalence of
PreHypertension

2014 White
Coat Ceremony
Photo Gallery
Highlights
Individual Highlights:
Making a Mark 2
Photo Gallery 3
Spot Diagnosis 4
Pre-HTN Study5
Quick Facts
6
Congratulations
to our Student
Doctor, Nasim
Parsa, scored
above 260 on
the USMLE
Step 2 CK
(Clinical
Knowledge).
MD Class of 2014
May 23rd 2014 marked the
2014
graduation
of
the
American
International
School of Medicine. It marks
the eleventh Commencement
Ceremony of the institution.
In
all,
seven
students
graduated with the Doctor of
Medicine degree while two
received honorary degrees
from the institution.
The Doctor
of Medicine
recipients were: Drs. Omavi
Bailey, Susan Camacho, Owen
Hendricks,
Nasim
Parsa,
Avinash
Soochit,
Ajanth
Subramanian and Shohab Virk.
Honorary degree awardees
were Antoine Achilles, MD,
Psy.D, PA-D and T. Renee
Crutcher, M.A.
The Commencement address
was given by Dr. Antoine
Achilles who himself is an
AISM Alumni.
Dr. Colin Wilkinson, CEO and
President of AISM in his
delivery,
challenged
the
graduates to strive towards
excellence.
The young doctors will now
progress towards
further
postgraduate
training
in
various specialties.
The Administration, Faculty
and Staff of the American
International
School
of
medicine, wish to express
hearty congratulations to the
2014 graduates and wish them
all the best in their careers.
Congratulations to the 2014 MD
Graduating Class of the American
International School of Medicine
AISM TIMES
Page 2 of 6
Young Doctor continues to make his mark
Standing by our mission,
we strive to provide the
most
advanced
and
comprehensive education
possible; to prepare our
students
for
a
lifelong
education
process
teachers,
practitioners,
as
leaders, and bio-medical
researchers;
who
can
produce discoveries that
enhance
the
understanding
of
life’s
processes which lead to
disease
curing
prevention,
maintain
communities
and
and
health
In 2013, Antigua’s very own
Dr. José Humphreys was the
proud recipient of the Royal
College of Physicians of
Edinburgh’s
(RCPE)
scholarship. He is enrolled in
his final year of his
postgraduate
training
in
Internal
Medicine
jointly
offered by the University of
Edinburgh,
College
of
Medicine and the Royal
College of Physicians of
Edinburgh.
in
to
our
throughout
the world.
Dr. Colin Wilkinson
AISM President.
In conveying the College’s
decision, Dean of the RCPE Dr.
Nicki Colledge said, “The
assessors felt that you would
be a deserving recipient of the
award, with the knowledge
you gain from the course
having a positive impact on
your career, patients and the
clinical teams you work in”.
The RCPE scholarship covers
75% of the cost of the course
fees for the final two years of
the
Internal
Medicine
qualification at the University
of Edinburgh”.
This was
covered in the May 2014
Edition of the Royal College's
Newsletter, which is circulated
to Fellows and Members
worldwide. According to the
RCPE’s
website,
“RCPE
Scholarships aim to enable
talented
doctors
to
undertake
the
joint
University of Edinburgh/
RCPE
postgraduate
programme
in
Internal
Medicine”.
The physician
was very welcoming of this
decision and expressed his
gratitude to the College. “I
am thankful that God has
granted me favor with the
College and I pledge to do
my utmost best as usually
while making my family and
country proud”.
The
doctor
expressed
gratitude to Dr. Eumel
Samuel,
Attorney
José
Laurent, Nurse Joyan Quinn,
Eutha Meade, the AISM
Administration, Faculty and
Staff; and particularly his
family for their continued
support in the pursuit of his
career goals. He also
expressed thanks to his
professors/lecturers for their
excellent guidance: Dr. Colin
Barrie, Dr. Eleri Williams and
Dr. Ish Thethy in particular,
and his classmates Drs. Leo
Masamba, Charles Langoya
and Bhargava Yelamanchili.
The doctor’s postgraduate
core and elective training
covered various aspects of
Internal Medicine: Respiratory
Medicine,
Neurology,
Gastroenterology,
Virology,
Renal Medicine, Hepatology,
Palliative Care, Infectious
Disease, Oncology, Laboratory
Medicine, Radiology, Genetics,
Cardiology,
Rheumatology,
Stroke/Geriatric
Medicine,
Medical
Ethics,
Acute
Medicine,
Diabetes
and
Endocrinology
and
Hematology. His final year
includes an in-depth study of
a specialty area of Internal
Medicine. Dr. Humphreys is
currently
in
Europe
undergoing practicum training
in Internal Medicine.
The University of Edinburgh
was founded in 1583 and is
considered one of the top
universities
worldwide.
According to QS World
University
Rankings,
the
University ranked 17th in the
world 2013/14, 6th in Europe,
5th in the United Kingdom and
1st in Scotland. The Royal
College of Physicians of
Edinburgh is responsible for
overseeing
standard
for
postgraduate
specialty
training in the UK.
It is
regarded internationally as
the standard for clinical
excellence.
AISM’s PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM
AISM’s
Public
Health
Program is expected to
start September 2014.
More information about our
upcoming program will be
posted shortly.
Public health refers the
prevention
of
disease,
health
promotion,
and
prolonged life among the
population as a whole. The
aim
is
to
provide
conditions in which people
can be healthy and focus
on entire populations, not
on individual patients or
diseases. Public health is
concerned with the total
system and not only the
eradication of a particular
disease. Public health
professionals monitor and
diagnose
the
health
concerns
of
entire
communities and promote
healthy
practices
and
behaviors to ensure that
populations stay healthy.
For
more
information
about the AISM Public
Health
Program
email
registrar@aism.edu.
Page 3 of 6
AISM TIMES
Picture Gallery - May 6, 2014 AISM White Coat Ceremony
Inside Story Headline
“T
o
ca
AISM TIMES
Page 4 of 6
SPOT DIAGNOSIS
“Anatomy and Physiology are
important aspects of a good
medical practice. At AISM, we have
a robust Basic Medical Sciences
program. We are dedicated to
preparing great minds for a great
medical career. ”
Inflamed lesions on sweat glands in a 15 year old. See answer on page 6…
The Caribbean College of Family Physicians (CCFP)
The CCFP Executive
Promoting high standards in family
medicine in the Caribbean- Join the
dedicated Caribbean Primary Care
Professionals of the CCFP.
The CCFP was formed in
1987 in Jamaica and
formally inaugurated under
Parliamentary Decree in
that territory in May 1988.
Subsequently, Chapters of
the College were formed
throughout the Caribbean.
There are also overseas
members in Canada, USA
and the UK. It is a official
member of the The World
Organization of National
Colleges, Academies and
Academic Associations of
General
Practitioners/
Family Physicians (WONCA).
WONCA is recognized by
the
World
Health
Organization
as
the
international organization for
family doctors. This entities
CCFP and its membership
to reciprocity with sister
organizations worldwide.
The
College
organizes
regular CMEs and support for
its membership.
The CCFP has function as
the official representative of
Caribbean-based
Primary
Care Medicine in CARICOM.
To become a member of the
College, please visit the
website at www.caribgp.org.
The CCFP has a major part
to play in influencing relevant
policy-making bodies to effect
improvements in patient care
and professional practice
standards.
"AISM provided me with the
adequate resources and
capacity to fulfill my medical
education" - Dr. Hans
Arden Christian (Trinidad).
Long wait at the Doctor’s office...who’s next?
Page 5 of 6
AISM TIMES
Prevalence of Pre-hypertension in adult outpatients
J. Humphreys MD
AISM Department of Research
Introduction:
With
new
data
detailing
the
lifetime
risk
of
hypertension, the Seventh Report of
the Joint National Committee on
Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and
Treatment of High Blood Pressure (USA)
2004,
has
introduced
a
new
classification
of
blood
pressure
measurements
known
as
prehypertension. Blood pressure readings
with a systolic between 120-139mmHg
and/or a diastolic between 8089mmHg are classified as prehypertensive. Once thought to be
normal blood pressure readings are
now considered as pre-hypertensive.
This new classification introduces
earlier prophylactic measures, thus
reducing the risk of hypertension co-
Hypertension is more prevalent in
morbid
conditions.
This
new
blacks.
classification has climaxed the need
for data gathering to ascertain the
Conclusion: This was a very basic
prevalence of pre-hypertension.
and select screening of patients with
pre-hypertension. A similar work was
Summary of Results: Among the
carried out by the Departments of
300 patients studied, 52 (17.3%) had
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and
normal blood pressure readings, 210
Community Medicine at the University
(70%) were pre-hypertensive and 38
of the West Indies and published in
(12.7%) were in the hypertensive
the West Indian Medical Journal 2006.
range. A similar report from the
Findings were similar. Perhaps cohort
University of the West Indies study
studies can be done. Screening and
revealed that 63.3% of patients
detection
of
pre-hypertension,
studied were pre-hypertensive while a
increase the benefits of preventative
study done in the US concluded 60%.
medicine as appropriate prophylactic
Ethnicity could have played a role in
methods such as diet, smoking
the percentage increase in precessation, exercise, weight control
hypertensive in this study as all
and potential hypertensive triggers
participants were blacks. In the
(stress, renal impairment, dehydration,
University of the West Indies study,
etc) can be adequately controlled or
both Indian and blacks participated.
monitored.
The US study was also mixed ethnicity.
Number of patients studied at private clinic (Antigua, WI)
300
Criteria
Known Hypertensive and pregnant patients were
excluded. All patients were previously diagnosed
as normotensive. Demographics, gender,
ethnicity and age were considered.
Percentage (%) with Normal Blood Pressure Reading
17.3%
Percentage (%) that were pre-hypertensive
70%
Factors associated with increased risk of pre-hypertension
Family History of hypertension and cardiovascular
disease, obesity i.e. BMI >30, smoking, thyroid
condition, diets high in saturated fats and salt,
diabetes and renal impairment.
Method
A 20 minute rest period blood pressure was
taken; Pre-calibrated automated arm cuff blood
pressure monitor was used with appropriate cuff
sizes.
SPOT DAGNOSIS ANSWER
American International
School of Medicine
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a
chronic
skin
condition
characterized by blockage of
the
sweat
glands
and
subsequent inflammation and
infection of the deeper skin
structures. In people who are
prone
to
Hidradenitis
suppurativa, the sweat glands
of the armpit, belly, buttocks,
and/or groin.
Contact Information (Guyana)
89 Middleton &
Sandy Babb Streets, Kitty
Georgetown, Guyana
Phone: 592-225-2242,
592-225-2232
Email: info@aism.edu,
AISM QUICK FACTS
admissions@aism.edu
Contact Information (U.S.)
1755 East Park Place Blvd.
Stone Mountain, GA 30087,
U.S.A.
Phone: 404-756-6737,






Graduated over 380 doctors who currently practice medicine in USA, UK, Guyana, Trinidad,
Tanzania, Pakistan and other countries.
Over 85% passes in USMLE and 95% passes in PLAB.
The campus in Guyana has the latest in educational technology and students enjoy wireless
internet capability anywhere on campus.
Our clinical portion of the program is conducted in USA, UK, Canada and Guyana
AISM starts 3 classes a year in January, May and September.
Our admission process is centered around finding applicants who will excel in our program
and who takes the medical profession seriously.
866-465-9966
Contact Information (Canada)
Box-22545, South brook post,
Edmonton,Alberta T6W 0C3.
Canada
Email: info@aism.edu
admissions@aism.edu
We’re on the Web!
See us at:
www.aism.edu
AISM ACCREDITATION
AISM is listed with the W.H.O.
(World Health Organization),
hence, our graduates are
eligible for certification in
Guyana, Canada, UK, and
United State of America.
AISM is registered with the
National Accreditation Council
of Guyana. AISM students
are eligible for ECFMG
certification (after achieving
passing scores on the
USMLE step I/ step II,
Clinical Skills and Clinical
Knowledge) in United States.
The Government of Guyana
recognizes
the
Medical
Degree and graduates who
pass the USMLE steps 1 & 2
are eligible for internship and
certification by the General
Medical Council. Students
are also eligible to apply to
the
General
Medical
Council in the UK for
GMC
registration
and
license to practice after
completion of the PLAB
examination.