Report of American Society For Microbiology (ASM) Workshop: 20th May 2019

The 2nd Annual ASM workshop in association with Spartan Health Sciences University was conducted on 20th May, 2019 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, at MD 5th Trimester Lecture Hall, Spartan Health Sciences University. A Total of 56 participants including local Physicians, students and professors attended. Dr. Sambasivarao Yaragalla, Country Ambassador for Microbiology chaired the “ASM WORKSHOP” and gave welcome Remarks to all participants, evaluators, Professors and Students.

The first session of the workshop was “POSTER Presentation”. A total of 04 posters was presented by 18 students from MD-Basic science students, Spartan University.
The Poster Titles were:
1. Antimicrobial Resistance & Global Threat.
2. Antimicrobial activity of newer Disinfectant on Multi Drug Resistance organisms in St. Lucia.
3. Topical triple-antibiotic ointment as a novel therapeutic choice in wound management and infection prevention against Multi Drug Resistance organisms in St. Lucia
4. Global Emerging Infections & Recent Outbreaks.

The second session of the ASM Workshop was Presentation by Dr. Sambasivarao Yaragalla, country Ambassador for microbiology to St. Lucia. This session gave an overview of Student Membership Awareness, The Country Ambassador role in St. Lucia, ASM membership benefits, ASM student chapter Awareness and benefits and Developing Network for Antimicrobial Resistance with PAHO. After the presentations the session opened for questions.

At the End of the Session, The Dean of SHSU – Dr. Gurumurthy was called on stage to give his remarks about the ASM workshop. The Dean gave an excellent comments to encourage the medical students to participate in the ASM STUDENT CHAPTER which is to be launch soon at Spartan University through ASM. The Dean of SHSU also announced the Best Poster Award for the poster titled: “Antimicrobial activity of newer Disinfectant on Multi Drug Resistance organisms in St. Lucia” and distributed certificates to the students who were involved in the Poster Presentation. The Dean also mentioned that “It’s a Privilege to have Country Ambassador for Microbiology to St. Lucia and anticipates a great Innovation Plan to open a ASM student chapter” in the future at the Spartan Health Sciences University in St. Lucia. After the event the Students were called onto the stage and some of them shared their good experiences about the ASM Workshop. The Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Yekeen M, Professor, SHSU.

Report of Leadership and Values Seminar: 26th March 2019

The CME committee of Spartan Health Sciences University organized the “LEADERSHIP AND VALUES” on 26th Mar 2019 from 3.00 pm to 3.45 pm. at Spartan Auditorium. This seminar was organized for students, staff and faculties who wishes to be a great, successful and authentic leader. Attending were 73 participants which included students, faculties and staff from Spartan University. Dr. Sambasivarao gave the welcome remarks for the Leadership and Values seminar.

The seminar was presented by Dr. Krishna Gujavarthy on Leadership and Values.
This session gave overview of:
• Skill set
• Body language Communication body and cultural language
• The Five (5) E’s – Empathy, Educate, Empowering, Encourage & Eye contact
• Service to Humanity
• Being the Best & promoting Best Practices

At End of the seminar questions were taken. The seminar ended with the vote of thanks and a Certificate of recognition to the speaker was presented by Dean Dr. Gurumurthy.

Report of Spartan Research Workshop: 28th June 2018

(Advances in Research & Reviews in Medical Science & Chronic Respiratory Disease)

The first Annual “SPARTAN RESEARCH WORKSHOP” by CHARCOS Committee to showcase the research / reviews done by students under the supervision of respective faculties was organized on June 28th, 2018 entitled “SPARTAN RESEARCH WORKSHOP – ADVANCES IN RESEARCH & REVIEWS IN MEDICAL SCIENCES”.

The session of the one day workshop was open by welcoming all participants, evaluaters, administration and staffs by Ms. Hilly Swami, Vice President, Spartan Biomarkers Club. She invited Dr. Gurumurthy, Chairman of the workshop to officially inaugurate the session. Dr. Gurumurthy remarks was followed by Dr. Rajeev Pandey, Vice Chairman, SRW-organizing committee to provide introduction of program and activities of research at SHSU. The poster session of the workshop was officially open by Dr. Muftau Yekeen, SRW – Organizing Secretary by providing brief introduction of Mr. Phil Leon, Biostatistician, Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health & Wellness, Government of St. Lucia and Ms. Janice Gaspard, Research Officer, Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health & Wellness, Government of St. Lucia.

The first session of the workshop was “POSTER Presentation”. A total of 23 posters were presented by eighty (80) Basic science students. All posters were evaluated by Mr. Phil Leon, Biostatistician, Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health & Wellness, Government of St. Lucia and Ms. Janice Gaspard, Research Officer, Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health & Wellness, Government of St. Lucia. They acted as an External Evaluators while faculties of SHSU served as internal evaluators for Poster Session.

The Keynote speech were delivered during the Award ceremony of the Poster Session. The first keynote address was delivered by SRW-18 external evaluator Mr. Phil Leon, Biostatistician, Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Govt. of St. Lucia. In his address, he expressed appreciation of the works done by students and faculties. He explained that a one (1) day time is not enough to review 23 posters and suggested to have 2 days sessions during next years “Annual Workshop”. The second keynote address was given by SRW- 18 external evaluator Ms. Janice Gaspard, Research Officer, Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Govt. of St. Lucia . In her address, she expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of students and support provided by SHSU to encourage such research culture among medical students.

A certificate of Appreciation along with a Memento to honor the External Evaluators was given by Dr. Rajeev Pandey, Chairman, CHARCOS, SHSU.

The second session of the SPARTAN RESEARCH WORKSHOP – 2018 ADVANCES IN RESEARCH & REVIEWS IN MEDICAL SCIENCES was the SEMINAR ON CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASES. This seminar covered major aspects of the diseases.

Report of American Society For Microbiology (ASM) Workshop: 25th May 2018

Antimicrobial resistance workshop-ASM, In association with Spartan Health Sciences University. This workshop was conducted on 25th May, 2018 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, on the 2nd Trimester Lecture Hall. A Total of 76 participants including local Physicians, students and professors attended.
The first topic of the session was “Student membership benefits and the country Ambassador role in St. Lucia presided by Dr. Sambasivarao Yaragalla, country ambassador for microbiology to St. Lucia. The second session covered “Antimicrobial Resistance trends in St. Lucia, by Dr. Abraham Weekes, Victoria Hospital, St. Lucia. The objective of this session was to create Awareness of ASM membership benefits, Examine the situation in Saint Lucia as it relates to antimicrobial use and resistance trends & Increase awareness of the WHO Global Strategy and promoting implementation of its recommendations for AMR surveillance. At the end of each sessions questions were allowed. The Workshop ended with the vote of thanks and Certificate of recognition to the speakers. Students also shared their experience at ASM workshop.

Report of “Lupus Knows No Boundaries” Conference – CME SUMMER 2018:19th May 2018

The CME committee of Spartan Health Sciences University organized the “SLALA-LUPUS KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES CONFERENCE & CME 2018.” in association with SLALA (St. Lucia Arthritis and Lupus Association) on 19th May, 2018 at 8:00 am-5:00 pm, at Spartan Auditorium. The CME was accredited by the SLALA / SLMDA and participants were awarded with 4 CME credit Hours. Attending were 150 participants including local Physicians from various specialty, Paramedical Staff, Nurses and Students who actively took part in the CME. Dr Ravindrasingh Rajput and Dr. Cleopatra Altenor chaired the “Lupus knows No boundaries Conference & CME 2018” and Dr. Celia Downes gave the welcome remarks.

The following topics and objectives were presented with lunch break from 12 noon to 1 pm.

1. Gastrointestinal Manifestations in a Lupus patient by Dr. Aylwin Benjamin: To recognize and Review the investigations and management of these in a lupus patient.
2. Pregnancy in Lupus by Dr. Lucilla Charles: To understand the importance of pregnancy planning and the important aspects of managing a Lupus patient during pregnancy. Reviewed what complications may be expected and the approach to management.
3. The “Anti-Inflammatory Diet” by Mrs Fadia campbell: To learn the aspects of dietary management which can help with managing Lupus.
4. Pharmacoadherence by Mr. Abraham Weeks; To review the reasons for non-adherence and how to approach this to encourage adherence in a patient, to improve outcome.
5. The Lupus patient and primary care by Dr. Amanda King: To understand the importance of early diagnosis and principles of treatment and other management.
6. Utilizing the Process of Art in Healing by Dr. Nicole E: Recognize the different modalities of psychotherapy. Review aspects of art therapy in healing. Learn about the benefits of Art therapy and review some studies which support the usefulness of this in managing chronic disease.
7. Orthopedic Complications in Lupus by Dr. Dagbue Ndidi: Learn the different orthopedic complications which can occur in the Lupus patient. Review the effects of steroids and side effects such as avascular necrosis (AVN). Understand how to diagnose, manage and prevent AVN.
8. Case Presentations: to look at some cases of Lupus patients in different settings and to help review how different presentations can be and to review aspects of individualized management.

At the end of each sessions, questions were taken. The CME ended with the vote of thanks and Certificates of recognition to the speakers were presented.

Summary report for CME (2018)

CME committee of Spartan Health Sciences University organized “SPRING CME 2018- MANAGEMENT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND RAPE VICTIMS.” in association with CCFP (Caribbean college of family physicians) on 12th August 2017 at 4:00 pm-7:00 pm, at 4th Trimester Lecture Hall. The CME was accredited by CCFP and participants were awarded 3 CME credit Hours. We had 110 participants including local Physicians from various specialty, Paramedical Staff, Nurses and Students who actively took part in the CME. Dr. Ravindrasingh Rajput chaired the “Spring CME 2018.” And he welcomed all the attendees including Government officials from Police, Crisis center, and Human services department. Dr. Christopher Beabrun, president, CCFP, St Lucia chapter, also gave welcome remarks.

The first topic of the session was “Introduction to Rape & Sexual Violence.” Presented by Dr. Shubhakar K P, Forensic Physician, NHS Tayside & Police, Dundee, Scotland. This session gave an overview of – Rape, why it matters? Who is affected by Rape / Sexual violence? Definition of Rape and Sexual Assault, Rape myths and its impact, Sexual abuse in children and Super sexualization of teenagers. The second session covered “Confronting Rape & Sexual Violence.” Presented by Dr. Shubhakar K P. This session covered – Response to Rape & Sexual Violence (Role of Society, Judiciary, and Police), Processing of the Rape or Sexual Violence VictimsRape and SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre).

Followed by a brief break for snacks, the third session commenced on “Treatment for a patient of Sexual Assault and Rape.” by Virginia Joseph, Counselling Psychologist. The objective of the session was to understand – Psychological consequences, Why Is Treatment Necessary, Difference in Adult and Child victims, Common issues affecting seeking treatments and Types of treatment for assault and rape victims (Psychological Intervention and Medications). End of each session was open for questions. The CME ended with the vote of thanks and Certificate of recognition to the speakers.

Summary report for CME (2017)

CME committee of Spartan Health Sciences University organized “Summer CME 2017.”In association with CCFP (Caribbean college of family physicians) on 12th August 2017 at 4:00 pm-7:00 pm, at 5th Trimester Lecture Hall. The CME was accredited by CCFP and participants were awarded 3 CME credit Hours. We had 60 participants including local Physicians from various specialty, Paramedical Staff, Nurses and Students who actively took part in the CME. Dr. Ravindrasingh Rajput chaired the “Summer CME 2017.”

The first topic of the session was “Cholester-OIL and DIEt.” By Dr. Beabrun, Family Practice physician. This session gave an overview of Understanding various oils and Fat composition of the diet and ways to reduce dietary cholesterol. The second session covered “Antimicrobial Resistance, Current Threats to Public Health.” by Ms. Lydia Atkins, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in the Ministry of health and wellness. The objective of this session was to create awareness to Health professionals about current trends in the antimicrobial resistance and as well as current Threats to Public Health. Followed by a brief break for snacks, the third session commenced on “Anaesthesia in Ambulatory Surgery.” by Dr. Prakash Surapaneni, Anesthesiologist. The objective of the session was to make aware of the current protocols of Anesthesia employed for Ambulatory Surgery. End of each session was open for questions. The CME ended with the vote of thanks and Certificate of recognition to the speakers.

Summary report for CME (2010-2016)

Spartan health sciences University is involved in delivering medical education and at the same time school also involved in various CME activities at the physician, teaching faculty and student level. There is an increasing emphasis today, however, on the need to start CME during the undergraduate phase itself, and for medical schools to play a greater role than in the past in providing CME opportunities to the practitioners. The Spartan medical school has come up with new revisions in CME guidelines in December 2011. The revision includes changes in general objectives, general guidelines, guidelines related to preparation and Credits for CME. School conducts CME programs in accordance, with the guidance of St Lucia medical council and Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA).

Cervical Health Awareness CME: Jan 2016

Spartan Health Sciences University organized the CERVICAL HEALTH AWARENESS CME on 28th January 2016 at 5:30 pm-7:30 pm, in association with Blackbay Medical Associates and SLMDA, St Lucia.

The venue for CERVICAL HEALTH AWARENESS CME took place at Spartan Auditorium, Spartan Health Sciences University, St Lucia. The Primary objective of this CME was to target local Doctors from various specialty, Paramedical Staff and Nurses to update knowledge on- effective screening of Cervical Cancer, HPV & Vaccine and management of Abnormal PAP smear/HPV testing. The University in association with Blackbay Medical Associates provided free enrollment so as to encourage the primary health care providers to take active participation and update their clinical knowledge. We had overwhelming 130 participants including local Physicians from various specialty, Paramedical Staff, Nurses and Students who actively took part in the CME.

The Topics for CME has mainly highlighted on the update to Cervical Cancer and it’s prevalence in St Lucia which was effectively covered by Dr. Lisa Monrose, a Family Practice Physician, in the first session. She also emphasized on the need of effective Screening system and to include HPV testing as a norm for screening St Lucian woman population.
The second session was covered by Dr. Claire Louisy, a Practicing Gynaecologist, and Obstetrician, wherein she emphasized on overview of HPV virus, High-risk HPV types causing cervical cancer and Genital warts. She also talked about the available HPV vaccines and its effectiveness. She concluded her topic by emphasizing on the need of effective HPV vaccine program in St Lucia for girls from age 11-13 years. The Final session was covered by Dr. Ravindrasingh Rajput, Associate Professor at Spartan Health Sciences University. He mainly covered the session on management of Abnormal PAP smear and HPV testing. He covered stepwise screening and current guidelines for effective management of abnormal PAP/HPV. In the end, he talked extensively about Pharmacotherapy of Genital warts. Dr. Srikrishna Penna was the moderator of the CME wherein he introduced all the guest speakers and delivered Vote of thanks. The CME was concluded with refreshments and drinks.

The participants of the CME were awarded 2 CME credit Hours by SLMDA (Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association); A St Lucian Accredited body. The CERVICAL HEALTH AWARENESS CME was a success for Spartan Health Sciences University.

Summer 2015 CME Updates, Neuroscience CME:

CME committee of Spartan Health Sciences University organized “Neuroscience CME, Summer 2015.” in association with CCFP (Caribbean college of family physicians) on 2nd July 2015 from 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm at 3rd Trimester Lecture Hall. The CME was accredited by CCFP and participants were awarded 1 CME credit Hours. Dr. KC Tan who is an Interventional and Neuro-Interventional Radiologist from the United States delivered the Seminar on “The changing landscape of stroke.”

Dr. KC Tan focused on “How to approach a Patient having a stroke.” This gave Local Physicians a better insight into dealing with stroke patients. He also emphasized the importance of immediate referral to tertiary hospital setup. Other important topics covered were viz. Role of Medical Imaging in Stroke management, Collateral Flow Grading and time, IV t-PA in Stroke, Endovascular Clot Removal, Clinical Trials in stroke- IMS III study, Role of Stent Retrievers. He ended the topic with the management of Cerebral artery aneurysms and latest management options. Then the session was open for questions.

Spartan School of Medicine CME chairman, Dr. Rajput thanked Dr. Beabrun, CCFP St Lucia chapter President for his continued support to Spartan in carrying out quality CMEs. Dr. Beaubrun awarded Certificate of Recognition to the Guest Speaker Dr. KC Tan and the Associate Dean, Dr. Abdul Sharifzad presented a Book on “St Lucia” as a token of appreciation.

The CME ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Ralf Hatch.

2014 CME Updates:

In 2014, “Sudden cardiac arrest in adolescents” by Dr. Mansoor Raja on 19th February 2014 at 4th-trimester lecture Hall.
We had a seminar on “Clinical pathologic conference” by Dr. Edward Frieldlander on March 22nd, 2014 at 4th-trimester lecture Hall.
On April 27th, 2014 we had a seminar on “Anxiety disorders” by Dr. John F Christensen at 4th-trimester lecture Hall.
In May 2014, Dr. Louis Grenzer, M.D. presented a seminar on “Overview of Clinical & Preclinical in Medical schools” at 4th-trimester lecture Hall.

Summer CME 2014, Multi-Speciality Symposium:

Spartan Health Sciences University organized the SUMMER CME 2014, MULTI-SPECIALITY SYMPOSIUM on 12th August 2014 at 4:30 pm-8:00 pm, in association with (CCFP) Caribbean college of the family physician, St Lucia. All the Invited Guest speakers were from the United States and were experts in a various specialty like family practice, pediatrics, Surgery, Geriatric medicine. The CME was organized by Spartan CME committee in association with Dr. Christopher Beabrun (St Lucia Chapter President, CCFP)

The venue for MULTI-SPECIALTY SYMPOSIUM was fixed at 3rd Trimester Lecture Hall, Spartan Health Sciences University, St Jude’s Highway, Vieux Fort, St Lucia. The Primary objective of this CME was to target local Doctors from various specialty, Paramedical Staff, Nurses, and Students. The University provided free enrollment so as to encourage the local physicians to take active participation and update their clinical knowledge. About 90 participants including Faculties, local Doctors from various specialty, Paramedical Staff, Nurses and Students actively took part in the CME.

The Topics selected for CME was mainly highlighted on the update to common disease conditions prevalent in St Lucia and covered in 2 sessions. In the first session, the topics covered were “Neonatal jaundice” and “Maternal TORCH and HIV transmission” (Speaker: Dr. Madhu B. Gudavalli), “Overview and update in the management of breast cancer” (Speaker: Dr. Prasad Gudavalli). In the Second session, the CME topics were “Updates in Geriatric care” (Speaker: Dr. Alka Nischal), “Outline of Obesity” (Speaker: Dr. Archana Nischal), Treatment protocol in CHF, Hypertension, and NIHSS, (Speaker: Dr. Sanjeev Nischal). Dr. AC Rao and Dr. Gurumurthy (Dean) Presided over the CME. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Benjamin Alemina.

The participants of the CME were awarded 6 credit Hours by CCFP (Caribbean college of a family physician), Kingston, Jamaica; A Caribbean Regional Accredited body. The SUMMER CME 2014, MULTI-SPECIALITY SYMPOSIUM was a success for Spartan Health Sciences University.

2013 CME Updates:

In 2013 we had a seminar on “MANAGEMENT OF A BREAST MASS AND BREAST CANCER” by O. O Gabriel MD DM (Oncol.), Consultant Oncologist, Victoria & Tapion Hospitals on Tuesday, 2nd July 2013 at 4th-trimester lecture Hall.
On June 07th, 2013, we organized a seminar on “Cardiology trends and practice in the United States” By Dr. K.C.KURIAN at 4th-trimester lecture Hall.
Around 20 students signed up for CAOH 2013 Conference, based on updates in the field of Cancer, at Sandals resort, St Lucia which held for 3 days from 11th July – 13th July 2013.

2012 CME Updates:

In 2012, School organized a journal club coordinated by Hiam Albayati, in which medical students participated from various trimester.
Two of the faculty members have undergone an Online CME, organized by Medscape, accredited by AMA PRA Category I Credits on various topics.

2011 CME Updates:

In 2011, School organized – International medical symposium “specialties for generalist” as a part of ongoing CME activity on March 4-6, 2011. It was organized in association with Wyckoff heights medical center, NY, USA. CME carried 20 AMA PRA Category I credit. The speakers and delegates from the US and St Lucia participated in the CME. The credit points were accredited in accordance with the St Lucia medical council and Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) and American Medical Association (AMA) Physician’s Recognition Award (PRA). In total, 74 delegates participated in the Symposium.