The Vulcan Letter - Dl1.lhl.uab.edu

Downtown (Southside)“I really like the proximity to UAB, and I do feel safe (gatedentrance and parking). For me the biggest drawback is lackof retail, ie grocery stores, close by. But, it is only a 10 minute drive. Also, due to the proximity, sometimes I feel likeI live at UAB. This has been a huge benefit during the MS3year, since our schedules are so unpredictable.”Highland Park“It’s basically yuppie-ville. There are a lot of people in their20s and 30s, great parks for walking dogs and reading outside, and it is very close to downtown without appearing toourban itself. However, it’s not perfect. Outside of Rojo thereis a lack of restaurants and bars within walking distance. Inaddition, if you are looking for an actual free standing houseyou may be better off looking elsewhere as this neighborhoodseems pretty much dominated by apartments and condos.”Avondale“I live in the Avondale neighborhood and love it. Thegood – 5 mins from UAB, Avondale is undergoing aresurgence – brewery, bars, park renovation, restaurants which means house prices are going to go up andtherefore mean I made a good investment. Also, it isclose to everything in Birmingham I visit regularly(downtown, Highland, lakeview etc). What I dislike –while Avondale is undergoing a resurgence and renovation – we are close to more unsavory parts of townand this means crime is a concern. No more then livingin Southside, or downtown but definitely more thenliving in Homewood and Mountain Brook. Also, thepublic school system is poor in Birmingham, so if youhave kids, or will have school age kids at one point –this is a consideration.”Five Points South“I enjoy being able to walk to 5 points and being able to bike all around downtown Birmingham. The neighborhoodis also diverse, which I like. About once a week, I hop in my car to go a bit further to get groceries. I rather dislikethat the neighborhood is not too well kept – people leave their trash on the sidewalks and there are stray cats thatsometimes plague my front lawn.”5“I really like its proximity to school. However, I do believe it would be classified as a transitional neighborhood. Some houses are really nice while others are pretty run down. I definitely have a sense that things are lookingto scale up as a number of the houses are being renovated.”

Informatics for the MD/PhDby Tim Kennell Jr.While it may be true that noneof us have a computer-controlledhouse, it is without a doubt thatcomputers have made a significantimpact in our lives. This can beseen in as “simple” a device as thephone that occupies many of ourpockets; the phone that doublesas a second computer these days.Two of the greatest areas thatcomputers are making an impactin is science and medicine. It israpidly becoming the case thatcomputer skills, such as a basicunderstanding of how a computerworks and basic programmingskills, are a necessary componentof both research and several areasof medicine with the rest of medical specialties soon to follow.One of the answers to this need forindividuals in these fields to havebasic computer knowledge comesfrom Seung Park, MD, an informaticist in the pathology department at UAB. In October of 2013,Dr. Seung Park taught a one weekintensive course on informaticsthat he will be repeating in Marchof this year. The course takes thestudents through the very basics ofcomputer skills starting with howa computer processes information.The course then moves through thebasics of server and database design and then on to creating a basicinterface for that database for easyaccess and manipulation of data.Eventually, that interface couldbe anything from simply recallingthe data to performing complexanalyses on the data. At the endthat’s four topics taught in a singleweek, and while it may not seem tobe much compared to the scope ofcomputers, the class leaves the student with the basic foundations foralmost everything else in computerscience, how to store data for easyretrieval (building a server and adatabase) and how to access it anduse it (building an interface for it).learned in the class can powerfullymanipulate data faster and more efficiently than excel and many otherprograms can that are used to storedata. By appropriately designing a database to hold collectedinformation, this information canbe retrieved in almost any mannerconceivable.But there is one final aspect to theclass because without practice anduse, the skills become rusty. Thefinal component is a project thatextends for several months past theclass in which the student selectsan informatics topic that will usetheir data or public data to practicethe skills learned from the class andlearn even more about the possibilities of a computer. As a side note,the author is building an EMR forthe dental school that will suit theirspecific needs for epidemiologystudies.However, science is not the onlyfield that can benefit from computers. Medicine is rapidly integrating with computer technology. Inthe field of pathology and possiblyradiology as well, computers arebecoming the standard for storage and, in some cases, analysisof data. Pathology is one of thepioneers of computers in medicine.But even in the other fields, computers play a major role. Whiledatabase design and programming may not play a direct role inclinical practice each day, the basicconcepts will remain as EMR’s andother computer technologies become more prevalent. Being ableto understand the basics of howthese function will allow physicians to better use them securelyand efficiently.But what about the classes application to the growing presence of computers in science andmedicine? As mentioned, the classgives a firm foundation in the basicskills needed to use computersin science and in medicine. Forscience, there is not a single typeof research that does not collectdata in some way, and the datathat are being collected are growing larger with time. One of thefocuses of the class was databasedesign. Even without an easy-touse interface, the database that wasComputers are here, and they aregoing to stay. Dr. Seung Parkis playing a major role in givingstudents the necessary backgroundin computers to use them both inresearch and in medicine. Eachfield has their own use for computers, and each field is growing in itsuse of them. We live in a generation that will be left behind withoutthe necessary computer skills tothrive in today’s world. The timespent at UAB is the time to developthese skills to continue to push theborders of science and medicine.

MS-3 Advice and Korea, continuedI recently re-experienced a similarmini-panic moment within hoursof flying to Seoul, Korea. It wasthe first night of my 4-week international elective, and my Koreancolleague was driving me fromthe airport. During fruitless attempts to read roadway signs, somethoughts emerged: “normal communication is beyond my comprehension of English and Romanticlanguages, this is my first transoceanic trip and now I am stuckhere!” My reactions on the S9nursing station and Seoul highwayheralded remarkably similar timesof transition. And though experienced thousands of miles apart, myapproaches to both transitions werecomparable. Here is my retrospective analysis of these approaches:Probably the one best thing youcan do before heading to battle,is making friends on the inside.The drive from the Inchon Airportto Yonsei University was a lot morecomplicated than I thought whenI originally planned to make thetrip alone. It was valuable to havefriends and collaborators anticipatemy trip, meet me at the airport, andget me settled in a dormitory wherethe doormen only speak Korean.Also, I owe multiple outstandingKorean meals and experiences tothese friends.Back at UAB, I serendipitouslybefriended Dr. Willig years beforeshadowing him on rounds. Hisguidance aided in achieving myMS-3 milestones and developingmy ID-focused training path. Iwas also fortunate to have valuablefriendships with non-MSTP students who started clerkships duringmy GS years. For example,friends made through Infusion7(the UABSOM Acapella group)offered resources and knowledgenot discussed in formal clerkshiporientation. Foster multiple anddiverse “insider” relationshipsduring your GS years by regularlyattending divisional seminars (e.g.,ID seminar in the Bevill Building every Thursday at noon) andjoining social or service medicalstudent organizations (e.g., EAB),not just specialty interest groups(e.g., Surgery Interest Group)populated by like-minded studentsand potentially toxic relationshipscome Match Day.Do not let “Day 1” be your firstday back. I endorse efforts bythe Griffen Society and Dr. William Geisler, our new MSTPAssociate Director, to introduceclinical exposure during our GSyears. In absence of these efforts,my involvement with Equal Access Birmingham, Cahaba ValleyHealthcare and Objective Standardized Clinical Examination (OSCE)employment, helped keep myphysical examination and patientphysician relationship skills sharp.As result, the statement “Juan, Iwould not have guessed you werean MSTP student after observingyour interaction with that patient,”from my supervisors was a repeated confidence boost, albeit containing a somewhat back-handedcompliment.However, I did not do enough to familiarize myself with MS-3 dutiesand roles during clerkships. Research has repeatedly identified thata large amount of medical studentstress in medical students resultsfrom the first two MS years ill-preparing us for how to perform MS-3jobs. I beseech readers to avoid myshortcomings: seriously approachlearning how to write a history andphysical, and shadow residents orMS-3/4 students as much as possible during your GS years.Do not wait to get the help youneed. On my first day at SeveranceHospital, my attending requestedwe first meet at the medical schoolwhose location was unknown tome. So I walked into the firsthospital-looking building I encountered and asked for an Englishspeaker at reception. The nextseries of events is a testament ofhow incredibly helpful Koreanpeople are. The receptionist ranand pulled a nurse who knew functional English from the back. Notknowingcontinued on page 13

Equal Access Birmingham - New MSTP’s in OfficeInterview by Anna Joy RogersMSTP students have a proud tradition of being involved with EqualAccess Birmingham (EAB), UAB’smedical student run free clinic.Juan Calix (MS3) is one of thefounding members of the group,and other MSTPs have servedthroughout the years. This year isno different. Stephen Gragg (MS1)and Tim Kennell (MS1) were bothrecently appointed to EAB’s newestExecutive Committee as Community Research Chair and IT Specialistrespectively. Both Stephen and Timhave been involved with EAB earlyon in their time at UAB. Here’swhat they have to say about theirexperiences:medical record database to make itsearchable, catalogable, and updatable by everyone on the team. Ourgoal is to provide an interactivedataset that we can so that we canbest treat our patients.Tim: I agree. I have lots of background in and have been workingwith computers in some capacity for most of my life. One ofthe reasons why I decided to beIT Specialist is that it merges mypassion for computer science andintersects with helping EAB out asan organization. We would like tocreate a referral database for patients that houses our all our data,for example, patient education data.We have a huge Google Drive ofSo why be a part of EAB and not information that we need to translate into information that patientsanother student group?can understand. Furthermore, wewould like to change the face of theTim: I appreciate what EAB aswebsite. It needs to be more weban organization does. It is heavilyinvolved in community service and site friendly for physicians, donors,working with the local Birmingham patients who have internet access,and the public that would like tocommunity. I enjoy getting to seeinteract with EAB.the direct effect and application ofthe clinical skills that I am learningStephen, you got to go to the nain class.tional conference for student-runclinics. What did you learn?Stephen: EAB is one of the reasons that I went into medicine inthe first place. Coming to UAB,I wanted to get involved in EABearly, and even though I didn’toriginally see myself in an officerposition, I decided that this wouldbe a great chance to be involved.What are some of your dreamsfor your research position?Stephen: I am working with asmall team, including Tim, toupdate the current electronic8Stephen: It was amazing to seehow other clinics across the country are run. There were over 400students at the conference. Otherclinics have systems that are wellset up and it was cool to get to seebeyond EAB.I know that we havemade tons of progress since ourinception, but I also recognize thatwe have tons of room to grow.There are many ways to be a partof EAB – overall leadership, running the clinics, collaborating withcommunity partners, working withinterdisciplinary groups such asdentistry and public health, designing patient education programs,and of course research – whichmost MSTPs naturally gravitate towards! So, if you want to find yourspot at EAB, ask Stephen or Timwhere you can get plugged in!For more information about EqualAcess Birmingham, please visit:http://www.uab.edu/eab/

The Best Medicine Show, continueda welcome creative outlet. Whetherit’s learning to edit and shoot videos with professional equipment,choreographing a hip hop dance, orputting together a stand up comedyroutine, the Best Medicine Showoffers a chance for students to workon projects outside of academics.Not only that, it is a fun way tosupport the efforts of EAB.the audience grooving and laughing to start off the Second Act. JeffSinger (GS2) acted in a hospitalcommercial parody and submitted avideo clip redubbing a classic scenefrom “Scooby Doo Where AreYou?” MSTP participation was notjust limited to the stage. ElizabethMa (GS1) helped with the MainEvent Committee to ensure that theshow went off without a hitch!This past weekend’s show sawinvolvement by several MSTPstudents. Mika Guzman (GS3) andJarrod Meadows (GS3) playeddrums and guitar respectively in alive performance parodying TheWhite Stripes’ Seven Nation Army.Seven Station OSCE (ObservedStandardized Clinical Exam) hadThe evening concluded with anafterparty at B&A Warehouseacross the street from anotherBirmingham Landmark - RailroadPark. Students celebrated anothersuccessful effort to ensure oneof the major medical student-ledinitiatives of the past decade staysfunded for another year. EAB’sFree Clinic and The Best MedicineShow exemplify an outstandingpartnership among student groupsaligned with the common goal ofserving our community.IDP, continuedAAMC (2). This self-assessmentconsists of five integrated activities, including the Medical Specialty Preference Inventory (MSPI-R),the Physician Values in PracticeScale (PVIPS-R), the SpecialtyIndecision Scale (SIS), a personality assessment (Myers Briggs TypeIndicator, MBTI, or Keirsey Temperament Sorter) and finally a skillsassessment.The results of the CiM self-assessment will be reviewed withthe Associate Director and/or theClinical Associate Director of theMSTP, who will be trained to usethe CiM process by the AAMC.The Associate Directors will workwith students using their CiM selfassessment to identify short- andmid-term goals pertaining to clinical knowledge and skills that theywill focus on during their researchyears in association with the Continuing Clinical Education course.The goals established by studentsas a result of the CiM self-assessment at the end of year 2 will bereviewed on an annual basis by theClinical Associate Director or thestudent’s Clinical Advisor.GS Students: At the beginning ofthe research phase, students willrevisit the myIDP self-assessmentprocess to update their skills,knowledge and values. The revisedself-assessment will be reviewedby the Associate Director or thestudent’s research advisor who willassist in the establishment of relevant short- and mid-term goals. Establishment of SMART goals willbe based not only on the revisedself-assessment, but the NationalPostdoctoral Association CoreCompetencies and Core Competency Checklist, which includes sixcore competencies; 1) disciplinespecific conceptual knowledge, 2)research skill development, 3) communication skills, 4) professionalism, 5) leadership and managementskills and 6) responsible conduct ofresearch (3). The student’s revisedself-assessment and goals will beused going forward to guide theirtraining during the research years.Students will be expected to reviewtheir self-assessment with theirResearch Mentor and to presenttheir goals at their dissertationcommittee meetings for review andamendment. The student will beexpected to submit an annual IDPto the MSTP office.MS3-4 Students: Just prior toreturning to clinics, students willbe required to revise their CiMself-assessment and the revisedassessment will be reviewed bythe Clinical Associate Director toassist students with choices of rotations/electives and the appropriatescheduling for their rotations/electives. The revised self-assessmentwill also provide the basis forsetting SMART goals durcontinued on next page9

IDP, continueding their clinical years specificallypertaining to knowledge and skillsthat will ensure their success inobtaining the desired residency.The SMART goals set by studentswill be reviewed and amended inconjunction with the Clinical Associate Director and/or the student’sSpecialty Clinical Advisor duringthe last two years of training.Planning for Your FutureSelf-assessment and settingSMART goals are the cornerstonesof insuring your future success.By evaluating your strengths andweaknesses, you can determine theessential knowledge and skills thatyou need to acquire. By examiningyour values, you can insure thatyour future career as a physicianscientist will have the right balancebetween work and family, researchversus clinical practice, administration and teaching, etc. An IDP isnot something you create and thenthrow in a desk drawer. It is a “living” document that is constantly refined through an iterative process;your IDP will evolve and change asyour training progresses and as youcontinue to develop into a physician scientist. There are numerouschoices that you will have to makethat will have a profound impact onthe path that your career takes andyour ultimate satisfaction. That iswhy it is important to develop anindividualized plan of action, basedon self-assessment and settinggoals, now to insure your careersuccess going forward.References:1) myIDP Science Careershttp://myidp.sciencecareers.org/2) Careers in Medicinehttps://www.aamc.org/cim/3) National Postdoctoral AssociationCore nciesDirector’s Welcome, continuedMy teaching experience for medical students has included lectures,the microbiology laboratory course,and ICM. My clinical activitiesinclude attending on the UABTinsley Harrison Internal MedicineService an

Prof., UAB Division of Infec-tious Diseases [ID]) on his consult rounds on Spain Tower 9th floor (S9). Dr. Willig was 15 minutes late, likely because I was supposed to meet him in Wallace Tower 9 (W9). While waitin