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StudentPulseMarch2009

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Newsletter Navigation:
2008 Salutation ... What is Student Intercouncil? ... Fall Bash 2008 ... SIC Toy Drive 2008 ... National Network of Latin American Medical Students ... UTDB Forms new Pediatric Dentistry Club

 

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2008 Salutation
Students and Deans from all six schools of UT HSC were invited to the annual Salutation Ceremony held Sep 4, 2008 at the School of Nursing.  Food and drinks were provided, as students and Deans socialized. This event provided a great opportunity for students to get to know each other as they started off the new school year.  Various information booths were also displayed to inform students about services provided for them by HSC Dr. Larry Kaiser, President of HSC, welcomed students and fellow faculty members to the event, and spoke of his expectations of the upcoming year.  President of SIC, Audrey Ester also welcomed new members of SIC.   

 

What is Student Intercouncil? Since 1979, the student intercouncil has served as the longest standing committee in the health science center.  Although this establishment has existed for so many years, many students are not aware of what exactly Student Intercoucil is.  SIC was initially formed to serve as a recognized forum of student opinion from all six schools of the health science center and the minority student and international student  constituencies. This includes the: Dental Branch Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Medical School School of Health Information Sciences School of Nursing School of Public Health SIC allows for students to actively participate in the governance of the HSC.  One of the main goals of SIC is to promote a unity between all the schools of the HSC. Each school elects 2 members to represent them, and serve to voice their opinions and concerns in areas such as policies and procedure that impact their schools. All representatives meet every month to report recent events and issues of concern from their school. The SIC hosts various events throughout the year including Salutation, Fall Bash, and Spring Mixer. The SIC is also organizes events to help give back to the community, such as UT Serve and  the Toy Drive. SIC also provides project funding and scholarships to deserving individuals.   Each individual applying for scholarship is carefully reviewed by a committee as well as the whole SIC. SIC Officers meet the summer preceding the school year to begin organizing the Salutation party and the events for the upcoming year.     Fall Bash 2008 Students from all HSC schools gathered at Two Rows to attend the SIC Fall Bash. The cool night provided a perfect atmosphere for this group to socialize on the patio. Amidst the chatter, students feasted on variety of pizza, chips and drinks. Over 75 students attended the event, once again making our annual Fall Bash a success. Many old friend and some new faced joined us for our mid-week break, and we hope to see many more for our next party in February.The festivities continued on even after the event ended.

 

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SIC Toy Drive 2008
As the holiday season rolls around once again this year, we are thankful for the lives that we have. For a roof over our heads, food in our stomachs, and that exhausted but exuberant feeling we get when our last final is over.  In remembrance of everything that we have and in to celebrate the holidays, the Student InterCouncil chose to donate $250 worth of toys to the University of Texas at Houston Police Department annual toy drive. Members of the SIC made a shopping trip to Wal-Mart and picked out toys for children of all age to donate to members of our community who are less fortunate on behalf of all of the students at The University of Texas at Houston Health Science Center.  From teething rings, rattles, reading books and coloring books to hula hoops, Matchbox cars, games and dress up tiaras, needy children were given a little more joy this year thanks to you!

 

 

 

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National Network of Latin American Medical Students
On the morning of November 11th, 2008, the UT Houston chapter of the National Network of Latin American Medical Students held their Medical School Familiarization Program for High School Students.  The program aims to expose students to medical school, educate them on the path to reach medical school, and to simply encourage the pursuit of a higher education.  Sixty-two sophomores from Davis, Reagan, Sam Houston, Wheatley, and Yates high schools arrived at the UT Houston campus for a morning full of activities.  The students toured the medical school facilities including the anatomy and neurology labs where they received presentations from NNLAMS members using a human cadaver.  The morning also included a trip to the helipad atop Memorial Herman Hospital.  The students watched in awe as a Life Flight helicopter landed just a few feet away.  Afterward, the Life Flight crew kindly answered any questions from the students.  For the last activity of the day, the students gathered in a lecture hall for a crash course in taking vital signs.  Overall the event was a success and NNLAMS plans to expand the program next year with more volunteers and high school students.

 

 

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UTDB Forms new Pediatric Dentistry Club
A new student organization focused on pediatrics was created this fall at The University of Texas Dental Branch.  The Pediatric Education Dental Society (PEDS) was founded by 3rd year dental student Zarina Rasheed. Ms. Rasheed began the organization to share her infectious passion for pediatrics with like-minded students. Dr. Sanford Fenton, who recently joined the UTDB family from Tennessee, is the head of the pediatrics department and the organization's proud faculty sponsor.  Fellow officers include Vice President Katya Shvechko and Secretary/ Treasurer Brenden Taylor. 
The club is in full swing with over 20 members and reoccurring monthly meetings.  Examples of past topics include "Emergency situations during the holiday season" and "The benefits of specializing in pediatrics".  Future meetings will include guest speakers such as the current UT pediatric residents and local chief of dental clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital, Dr. Bruce Carter.

The club is very involved in outreach programs for the community as well.  In December 2008, members joined residents and faculty from UTDB in lending a hand at The Teddy Bear Check-up fair.  Students were able to educate children about oral hygiene through fun, interactive demonstrations on the child’s teddy bears.  This spring PEDS is also involved in Give Kids a Smile Day, another service project that will provide free dental care for low income families. 
The club is in the process of achieving national recognition by the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry and is looking forward to broadening its horizons even more in the upcoming years.