Wrapping Up MD4 Semester

Health Fair
The SGA of Saint James School of Medicine held a health fair a while back to provide free medical treatment to the community. We spoke with the local church and arranged the event on October 31st to give back to the community. We set up different stations for the patients to check up with their blood pressure. BMI, height, weight, vision, dental, and other medical measurements were taken and counseling were given based on their health status. Yes, luckily we have an experienced dentist as a SJSM student in the MD4 class, and he offered his services free to the community. We also had a BBQ arranged by the MD3 students. It was a success, and several pictures were shown in the Bonaire Reporter, a local newspaper.  On of them I posted below.

Deposit
Yes, the Bonairians will give your money back if you put a deposit down to get your residency permit. I got my money back and it was a stressful process. For the new upcoming students, you don’t have to put down any deposit for immigration. The policy was by the Bonairan government, but now since the island is taken over by the Dutch, no deposit is required to get a residency permit.  Also, in order for you to leave the island, make sure you get your passport stamped with the exit stamps.  If you don't do so then there could be problems at the airport.

Final Block Tests
The MD4 students are getting rowdier day by day as the time is drawing closer to the end of the semester. MD4 students are running around getting things prepared for the white coat ceremony and getting things sold and packing things up. All the tickets out of Bonaire have been sold for half of the weekends of December. There are only weekend flights that fly to USA. Only in rare times will a plane go to USA any other time. We have 2 blocks of tests left and I have to be focused. The excitement of finishing Basic science and getting out of Bonaire is among all of us.

Clinical Preparation
It feels good to know that we’re on our way to clinical clerkship. Even though AICM is an introduction, we will be in a hospital setting so, it feels good to know that we are closer to our goal of becoming MDs. The only obstacle we have to overcome is the dreadful USMLE. My parents said the clinical package came to our house in the States. We all have to get CPR certified before the class starts in AICM.

White Coat
The white coat committee seems to be walking around taking pictures and video recording and discussion out loud what to do for the ceremony. Every semester the MD4 class makes a white coat presentation of fun times and they present it to everyone in the ceremony; for our class, the talented white coat committee is making one and I hope it turns out good.