4th Semester Class Announcements!

President's July 4th Message - Independence Day, 2003
On July 4, 1776, our Founders adopted the Declaration of Independence, creating a great Nation and establishing a hopeful vision of liberty and equality that endures today. This Independence Day, we express gratitude for our many blessings and we celebrate the ideals of freedom and opportunity that our Nation holds dear.

America's strength and prosperity are testaments to the enduring power of our founding ideals, among them, that all men are created equal, and that liberty is God's gift to humanity, the birthright of every individual. The American creed remains powerful today because it represents the universal hope of all mankind.

On the Fourth of July, we are grateful for the blessings that freedom represents and for the opportunities it affords. We are thankful for the love of our family and friends and for our rights to think, speak, and worship freely. We are also humbled in remembering the many courageous men and women who have served and sacrificed throughout our history to preserve, protect, and expand these liberties. In liberating oppressed peoples and demonstrating honor and bravery in battle, the members of our Armed Forces reflect the best of our Nation.

We also recognize the challenges that America now faces. We are winning the war against enemies of freedom, yet more work remains. We will prevail in this noble mission. Liberty has the power to turn hatred into hope.

America is a force for good in the world, and the compassionate spirit of America remains a living faith. Drawing on the courage of our Founding Fathers and the resolve of our citizens, we willingly embrace the challenges before us.

Laura joins me in sending our best wishes for a safe and joyous Independence Day. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.
GEORGE W. BUSH

Answers to our questions regarding the USMLE and passing on to the 6th semester provided by Dr. Martinez and Dr. Deanda

A special thank you to Mayra for taking notes in order to present this information to our class...

Class of 2005 asks… Dr. Martinez (UAG) responds at May 28, 2003 meeting…

Q. What will happen in 6^th semester if a student does not pass either the USMLE Step 1 or the Revalida?
A. If a student does not approve the Revalida or the USMLE after taking it during 5^th semester, he/she will not be able to pass into the 6^th semester. If the test results have not arrived until 6^th semester classes start, the student will be able to start 6^th semester taking a Surgery class. If after the results arrive they are negative, then you will not be allowed to continue your 6^th semester.  Note: Part of your 6th semester Stafford loan will be used to pay for the surgery class.

Q. What can a student do to retake the test if a student is no longer enrolled at UAG?
A. The student will have to write a letter to the ECFMG explaining UAG’s rule (UAG's rule that students who don't pass the USMLE will not  be allowed to pass on to the 6^th semester) and request to take the USMLE even though they are no longer enrolled at UAG. UAG will also write a letter to the ECFMG explaining the situation and support the student’s request.

Q. If a student doesn’t feel ready for the USMLE and would like to go ahead and go thru 5th semester but take 6th semester off, or take 5th semester off, to study for the USMLE without the Kaplan course but on his own, and take it sometime around June what are his options?
A. Students, upon request, will be allowed to take a semester off (absence of leave) so that they can study for the USMLE/Revalida. The student should present his/her request and be sure to notify the appropriate departments such as Immigration. UAG will support students when dealing with the Immigration process.

Q. What happens to our financial aid loans for 6^th semester if we can not pass into the 6^th semester?  Will we get a refund of our money for that semester?
A. Loan money will be sent back (Stafford Loans, etc) to the pertaining authorities and refunds will be made if you did not take any loans.

Q. Revalida is offered this November.  If the results are not back to UAG in time for 6^th semester, will students be allowed to continue into 6^th semester?
A. Students will only be allowed to take a Surgery class at the beginning of 6^th semester until the USMLE/Revalida results arrive. If you passed either test, you will be allowed to continue. If not, you will not be allowed to continue your 6^th semester. Still pending is what will happen to loans already applied to 6^th semester.

Additional notes made by Dr. Martinez:

LAST REMINDER!!!  MEETING FRIDAY!   ALSO, some elections cancelled!
Reminder and updates to all:

1. Last officer meeting will be held this Friday, 5pm at Cafe Caféto. Will have you out of there in under an hour, if you all arrive on time.... old officers handing off positions to newly elected people, please bring pertinent info as this is a mini training/information exchange opportunity.

2. 6th Semester Elections AND the recent request for 7th semester elections, WILL NOT TAKE PLACE NOW. After speaking with Marisa we have decided that these elections will have to take place at the start of next semester (7th and 8th respectively.) Exec members, please let me know if you have a problem with this. I would be happy to explain reasons behind this decision. Next year's Exec VP has been informed of this situation, and understands that it will be his first order of business at the start of next semester. So Michelle and Brian, relax and no worries. Please send Marisa your contact information so she can reach either of you (here and/or in the States) if she needs you.

Look forward to seeing all of you Friday,
Carla

More on the Softball Finals
Saludos,
Es para indicarles que la serie final de nuestro torneo de softball de nasa 2003-01 será esta próximo sábado comenzando a las 11:00am con el juego final de la liga B entre sliders y escogidos, seguidos por la serie final de la liga A entre patriotas y ilegales. Espero el apoyo de todos ustedes como comité de nasa y recuerden que es una actividad oficial. El ambiente este día es muy bueno y es un buen día para compartir con sus compañeros.

Carlita aquí te envió un attachment con el flyer para que se lo envíes a los class officers para que lo anuncien en cada clase jueves y viernes.

Dev te envió el attachment para que hagas las copias y los repartas en ICB

Gracias a todos. Rafael Espinet 3.640.0932

ESTE PROXIMO SABADO 24 DE MAYO DE 2003

FINALES DE LIGA A Y B.

NASA SOFTBALL LEAGUE

SLIDERS VS ESCOGIDOS

PATRIOTAS vs. ILEGALES

DESDE LAS 11:00 A.M.

MUSICA

NO TE LO PUEDES PERDER

4th Semester Unity Festival and Loco Awards
Please join us this Saturday, May 24, 2003 at 8:00 PM at the Biwon Japanese restaurant to celebrate our first two great years together as a class.  Everyone is invited to attend ... including all other semesters and their significant others. 

At the festival, we will be presenting a “photo review” (picture slide show with over 250 photos) of our greatest experiences at UAG during our first two years here along with our coveted “Loco Awards.”

The Biwon Japanese restaurant will allow us to use projectors and televisions to broadcast our "photo presentation" to everyone in attendance. 

You may get your tickets at the door or from Vicky (4th semester Unity Festival coordinator). 

Your 100 peso contribution toward this festival will entitle you to 100 pesos worth of drinks.  Biwon Japanese restaurant wants to ensure that we spend at least 100 pesos on drinks to cover the cost of hosting our 4th Semester Unity Festival.  Thank you.

Directions on how to get to the Biwon Japanese restaurant:
Ave Lopez Mateos Sur 2198 ... between Calle Iztaccihuatl and Calle Tizoc.  The restaurant is located on the right side of the road just before Plaza del Sol when driving south on Lopez Mateos and only 15 minutes from the ICB campus.

AMSA Officer Elections
AMSA officer elections will be held this Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 4:00 PM at the ICB campus.

Formal attire is being requested if you are a candidate for AMSA elections (tomorrow 4pm ICB campus.) The reason for this is that administrative people from CU are coming to observe and take photos of the event. Please advise all of your peers, especially those planning on running for an AMSA office. See the forwarded notice from Marisa.  Thanks, Carla

Con respecto a las votaciones de AMSA el día de mañana, te pido por favor les avises que asistan con ropa adecuado (no shorts) ya que te recuerdo que vendrán de DCD a tomar las fotos que te comenté para el folleto promocional de UAG.  De DCD estarán en ICB antes de las 4:00 pm para ver la mejor ubicación para la toma de las fotos. Saludos y gracias, Marisa

Softball Finals
Hola a todos!  Como es de su conocimiento, tradicionalmente se reparte comida a los presentes durante las Series Finales de la Liga de Softball. El menu es mas o menos el mismo que se utiliza en los eventos de Welcome Picnic y Spring Fling. aunque para menos personas. Este año no se aprobo esta comida para este evento, por lo cual le adjunto una peticion de reconsideracion en este asunto. En caso que finalmente no se logre la aprobacion de esta peticion, tendremos a unso estudiantes de HAL vendiendo pinchos( o brochetas guey)y refrigerios. Por favor lean esta peticion y envienme sus comentarios lo antes posible ya que mañana en la mañana estre enviando la misma.
Atentamente, DRBC

From Dev and Rafael:
Por medio de la presente solicito que se incluyan hot dogs, papas fritas y refrescos para 150 personas en la gran Final de la Liga de Softball de NASA, a efectuarse este proximo sabado, 24 de mayo en las facilidades deportivas de Ciudad Universitaria.

Tradicionalmente se incluye esta comida en esta actividad, la cual comienza a las 11:00AM y se extiende hasta las 5:00PM. Este evento cuenta con el apoyo de estudiantes, jugadores, autoridades escolares y publico en general, los cuales disfrutan de un dia lleno de diversión y entretenimiento familiar.

Se nos indico que no se incluyo comida y refrigerios en este evento por razones economicas, por lo cual sugiero que se utilice la aportación de los equipos que participaron en la la liga para sufragar estos gastos. Gracias por su atención en este asunto.

Dev R. Boodoosingh Casiano          Rafael Espinet
Comite Ejecutivo de NASA             Comité Ejecutivo de NASA
Presidente                                    Coordinador de Deportes
 

Avenida Patria 1201 • Lomas del Valle 3A • Sección Apartado Postal 1-440 • C.P. 44100 • Guadalajara, Jalisco • Mexico • Tel. (011-523) 642-9525 Direct / 610-10-10 ext. 3097 Switchboard • Fax 642-4431 • http://www.uag.edu/asocia/masocia.html • nasa@uag.edu

NASA Executive Committee Election Results

Congratulations to the following students:
President Elect:  Abraham J. Frech
Vice-President Elect:  Geoffrey Berbary
Clinical Trustee North America Elect:  Sam J. Kalioundji
Clinical Trustee Puerto Rico Elect:  Jeremy Villanueva Cortes
Program Coordinator Elect:  this position will soon be selected by the current NASA executive committee
Editor in Chief Elect:  this position will soon be selected by the current NASA executive committee
Director of Sports Activities Elect:  this position will soon be selected by the current NASA executive committee
Secretary Elect:  this position will soon be selected by the current NASA executive committee
ANASA Director Elect:  this position will soon be selected by the current NASA executive committee

AMSA Application Due
The deadline for AMSA officer applications is this coming Friday, May 16th.  Elections are set for Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 4:00 pm in Room 109.

NASA Executive Committee Elections
TWO FINAL REMINDERS EVERYONE!!

ALL CLASS OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE FOLLOWING EVENT.

(1) NASA EXECUTIVE ELECTIONS ARE THIS WEDNESDAY, MAY 14TH, IN ROOM 109 AT ICB ( RIGHT NEXT TO THE AUDITORIUM.) 4PM. 4PM 4PM 4PM 4PM.

PLEASE BE ON TIME, SO WE CAN MAKE IT QUICK AND PAINLESS.

CANDIDATE APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN POSTED OUTSIDE THE AUDITORIUM AT ICB ( MARISA IS WORKING ON GETTING COPIES TO HAL) ALSO) GET THERE A LITTLE EARLY IF YOU LIKE, OR READ THEM WHILE ON CLASS BREAK ( FOR THOSE WHO ARE ON CAMPUS STILL)

WE HAVE THE ROOM RESERVED FROM 3:30PM - 7:30 PM.

SEE YOU WEDNESDAY 4PM 4PM 4PM!!!! RM 109 RM 109 RM 109!!!

(2.) AMSA elections have been finalized also.

5th Semester Transition Information
Clinics for group 5 and 4 will be in order of grades.  The highest grades will have first choice in picking the clinic.

You can pick up group even if you have problems with your FM3, just make a copy and submit it to Dr. Villalobos office.

Tania made a very nice summary of what you need, it is in the copy center of UAG.  It also explains the difference between group 4 & 5.

You can also do your advance clinics during the summer.

4th Semester Class Officer Elections
4th semester class officer elections will be held immediately after class on Wednesday, May 21, 2003 in our auditorium.  All positions will be available.  If you would like to run for an office please pick up an application from the NASA office or download one from this website.  All 4th semester class officer applications are due in to the NASA office by Friday, May 16, 2003.  Results will be posted as soon as the votes are counted and approved by the administration.

NASA Executive Committee Officer Elections
NASA executive committee officer elections will be held beginning at 5:00pm on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at the ICB auditorium.  Positions include: president, vice-president, secretary, sports coordinator, program director, ANASA director, clinical trustee to Puerto Rico, clinical trustee to the United States, and editor in chief.  If you would like to run for an office please pick up an application from the NASA office or download one from this website.  Applications are due in to the NASA office by Friday, May 9, 2003.  Results will be posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 on the doors of the auditorium.

Plazas Para 5to Semestre Grupo IV
Periodo: del 14 de Julio as 8 de Agosto

Guadalajara
+IMSS No.2 ....................... 20 plazas
+Hospital Ramon Garibay ........ 2 plazas

Zapopan
+IMSS No.53 ...................... 20 plazas
+Hospital General de Zapopan ... 2 plazas
+HAMA ............................ 20 plazas

Ocotlan
+IMSS ............................... 4 plazas

Tala
+IMSS ............................... 2 plazas

Aviso Importante
+El numero de plazas podra variar de acuerdo al tamano del grupo
+El horario de sus practicas clinicas depende de cada hospital o unidad de medicina familiar
+El evento de seleccion de plazas sera por creditos, el dia 19 de Mayo en el auditorio del ICB, el horario aun esta pendiente
+Solo deberan seleccion los alumnos inscritos al grupo IV

Atentamente
Jefatura de practicas clinicas de 5to semestre

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT - SARS
This Public Announcement updates information on medical evacuation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-affected individuals, and notes curtailment of some commercial air travel into and out of affected countries and potential restrictions on transfer of SARS patients. This supersedes the Public Announcement issued on April 11, 2003, and expires on August 23, 2003.

This Public Announcement reminds Americans that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a number of travel advisories for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which are being posted on its web site (www.cdc.gov). Health alert notices are being distributed at U.S. airports to people arriving from SARS-affected areas. Americans planning travel to SARS-affected areas should monitor the CDC's web site for the latest information. In addition, Americans should be aware that some countries may bar entry to those travelers arriving from SARS-affected areas. American citizens may wish to check with Embassies and/or Consulates of countries they plan to visit prior to travel. Prospective parents of adoptees in SARS-affected countries should consult the appropriate link on adoptions at the CDC website, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/adoption.htm.

The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are tracking SARS' origin and method of transmission as well as determining how its spread can be contained. SARS has severely taxed health care systems in affected countries; neighboring countries have curtailed flights in and out of affected locations and blocked transfer of SARS patients for medical care. In light of the continually evolving nature of the geographic spread of SARS, American citizens should regularly consult the CDC's website (www.cdc.gov) and the WHO's website (www.who.int) for updates.

Strong efforts are being made to contain SARS. Some countries have implemented measures such as mandatory screening of incoming passengers at airports, and persons with SARS-like symptoms may be quarantined and/or sent to designated hospitals until the authorities are satisfied they do not have SARS.

Medical evacuation of SARS patients remains problematic. Securing transport and locating a destination willing to accept such patients is difficult, if not impossible. Since medical evacuation possibilities may change, family members of SARS patients may wish to consult with the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate General for the latest information.

Contact Information for the CDC:

Public Inquiries:
English (888) 246-2675
Spanish (888) 246-2857
TTY (866) 874-2646
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST

Address:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA(404) 639-3311

American citizens currently in or planning to travel to SARS-affected areas should also consult the Consular Information Sheets for these countries available at the Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also contact the Department of State toll-free at 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from overseas, 317-472-2328, for information.
 

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT - SARS
This Public Announcement alerts Americans that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a number of travel advisories for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which are being posted on its web site (www.cdc.gov). Also posted is a current list of SARS-affected countries. Health alert notices are being distributed at U.S. airports to people arriving from SARS-affected areas. Americans planning travel to SARS-affected areas should monitor the CDC's web site for the latest information. In addition, Americans should be aware that some countries may bar entry to those travelers arriving from SARS-affected areas. U.S. citizens may wish to check with Embassies and/or Consulates of countries they plan to visit prior to travel. Prospective parents of adoptees in SARS-affected countries should consult the appropriate link on adoptions at the CDC website, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/adoption.htm. This supersedes the Public Announcement issued on March 28, 2003, and the Fact Sheet on SARS issued on March 28, 2003. This Public Announcement expires on August 11, 2003.

The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are tracking SARS' origin and method of transmission as well as determining how its spread can be contained. In light of the continually evolving nature of the geographic spread of SARS, American citizens should regularly consult the CDC's website (www.cdc.gov) and the WHO's website (www.who.int) for updates.

Strong efforts are being made to contain SARS. Countries have implemented measures such as mandatory screening of incoming passengers at airports, and persons with SARS-like symptoms may be quarantined and/or sent to designated hospitals until the authorities are satisfied they do not have SARS. U.S. government employees in SARS-affected countries who are known to have had contact with a SARS-infected person have been instructed not to go to work until 7-10 days after the last contact with that person. Medical evacuation currently cannot be arranged from SARS-affected areas because no commercial airlines or air ambulance services are willing to transport SARS patients.

Most SARS cases appear to involve health-care workers caring for SARS patients and close family contacts. The CDC is working closely with the WHO and country partners to define the origin of this infection, to track patterns of its transmission, and to determine effective strategies for its control and prevention.

The CDC has identified the following three criteria, which must ALL be present, by which a potential SARS case may be identified:

--Fever greater than 38 C (100.40F), AND

--One or more signs or symptoms of respiratory illness including cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, hypoxia (low oxygen in the blood), x-ray findings of pneumonia, or respiratory distress, AND

-- One or more of the following within 2-10 days of the onset of symptoms: Travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Vietnam; and/or close contact*, with a person who has been infected with SARS (*close contact means having cared for, lived with, or having had direct contact with respiratory secretions (such as coughs and sneezes) and body fluids of a person with SARS).

The incubation period between exposure to infection and the development of symptoms appears to range from 2-10 days. Currently, prevention of new cases is based on individuals avoiding close contact with SARS-infected persons as described above. Persons matching the case description for SARS should be promptly evaluated by medical personnel and notify local health authorities. Persons suspected of having SARS should severely limit their interactions with others.

Contact Information for the CDC:

Public Inquiries:
English (888) 246-2675
Spanish (888) 246-2857
TTY (866) 874-2646
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST

Address:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA(404) 639-3311

American citizens currently in or planning to travel to SARS-affected areas should also consult the Department of State's Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, and Consular Information Sheets for each SARS affected country, all of which are available at the Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also contact the Department of State toll-free at 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from overseas, 317-472-2328, for information.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT - WORLDWIDE CAUTION
This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated March 19, 2003. It is being issued to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions that may target civilians and of the need to remain vigilant. The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of U.S. citizens overseas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Worldwide Caution expires on September 20, 2003.

Tensions remaining from the recent events in Iraq may increase the potential threat to U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including by terrorist groups. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings or kidnappings. Possible threats include conventional weapons such as explosive devices or non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where American citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. If such facilities cannot be avoided, U.S. citizens should increase their security awareness at such locations.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time for security reasons. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.

HOMELAND SECURITY THREAT LEVEL CHANGE FROM "ORANGE" TO "YELLOW"
On April 16, 2003, the Homeland Security Council returned the threat level from Orange (high) to Yellow (elevated). Further information about the announcement may be obtained at the DHS Internet website at WWW.DHS.GOV or www.ready.gov.

Semana Santa
Don't expect too many posts over the next two weeks ... have a great Semana Santa!

Minutes from the meeting with Dr. Deanda concerning 4th semester students who owe classes
On Friday, April 11, 2003, Dr. Deanda met with the 4th semester students who owe classes to let them know of the options available and the process that should be followed in order to take the segundo and extra exams that they owe.

Three options available:
1. Student can talk with their professor to request to take the exam (either the 2do or extra) after the corresponding section is reviewed in Kaplan (for ex, Genetics after the Genetics review).
2. If the class you owe is not included in the review (for ex, Histology) then the student needs to take the extra on the regular scheduled extra-exam week.
3. Students owing either pathology of pathophysiology need to take the 2do during the week of May 2-6.  You may choose exactly what day in that period.

Three things EVERY student needs to do in order to take their test:
• Talk to the professor of the class he/she owes to discuss which option will be chosen
• Sign the agreement letter (“carta compromiso”)
• Get 2 copies of your extraordinary exam payment receipt: Give one copy to your professor; the second one should be turned in ALONG WITH the “carta compromiso”

Don’t forget that:
• The date for the Pharm Extra (May 20th) has already been approved for the students who signed the petition; therefore it will not change.
• Students who owe Micro need to go and talk to the professor since the Kaplan review already covered that.
• The “release” for the USMLE will be given before May 30th to those students who pass the Pharm exam so that they will still be able to take the USMLE in July.
• If you don’t pass pathology or pathophysiology in 2dos, then you need to take the Extra during the regular extra-exam dates.

NASA Executive Committee & Class Officer Meeting Minutes
1.AMSA Convention Update
    a. Results/Minutes:
        1.International vote in HOD obtained.
        2. International members also allowed to hold coordinator positions in Action Committees.
        3. Next up, gaining the vote (of the International Trustee) on the Board of Trustees.

    b. New Positions – International Trustee: Patrick Dolan, from RUSM Associate International Trustee: Carla Laos, from UAG

    c. 5th Pathway Matches- Sam will be sending us info as soon as his 5th pathway contact has it all ready. Still waiting on some students to sign their contracts. Please be patient!

    d. Elections for UAG Chapter of AMSA (May 12/13, 5 positions, apps avail. May 1st at NASA office, speeches given at elections, apps handed around)

    e. AMSA Health Fair, May 17th. Details to be given out at May 12/13th meeting.

2.NASA EXECUTIVE ELECTIONS –
    a. Officers in Charge – All Class officers and Exec Officers are required to be there. We will start on time, and plan on getting out of there in a timely matter—ie, no later than 7:30pm, earlier if possible.

    b. Apps available NASA office- Marisa is making minor modifications to the application. Positions include: Pres, VP, Sec, Sports Coordinator, Program Director, ANASA Director, Clinical Trustee to PR, Clinical Trustee to USA, and Editor in Chief. The AMSA Pres and AMPR Pres also sit on the Executive NASA Board.
  
    c. Apps due- FRIDAY MAY 9th to the NASA office. Will be posted Tuesday May 13th on Auditorium doors at ICB.
    d. Election Date: Wednesday May 14th
    e. Election Time: 5:00pm Sharp!!
    f. Election Place: ICB Auditorium

    g. Ballot counting time: 5:00pm Thursday, May 15th, NASA office. All candidates are welcome to be present for the counting.

3.NASA EVEN SEMESTER ELECTIONS-
    a. 2nd semester Officers in Charge (OIC?) Jeremy, Melissa – Exec Officer: working on it.
    b. 2nd sem. apps due by? Tuesday, May 6
    c. 2nd sem. Election date, time, place? Tuesday, May 13, 12pm @ room 109 right after Phys
    d. 4th semester OIC? Abe, Geoff – Exec Officers: Sam, Carla
    e. 4th sem. Apps due by? Friday, May 16th
    f. 4th sem Election date, time place? Wednesday, May 21, 12:00, auditorium- right after anatomy Kaplan class.
    g. 6th semester OIC? Nanette and Carolina (5th) will be helping. Exec – Need at least one person to be present at elections.
    h. 6th sem. Apps due by? TBA
    i. 6th sem. Election date, time, place? TBA

4. Graduation Cocktail Problem: After an original calendar of events being approved, the cocktail date was changed to June 13th. After giving reasons and sending a memo requesting the original date of June 12th, much time passed with no reply. Finally, we were given word that the June 13th was approved. Ana Maria (Pres of 8th) is in the process of getting together a petition from her class to get the date changed back to the June 12th desired.

5. Response to NASA Memos from Administration: Overall the response has just been slow. We would like to do whatever it takes to make communication between student leadership and administration quicker, more efficient, more flexible, and smoother. We are open to any suggestions from you guys!

6. Spring Fling -- Feedback? Although the last minute approval had us a bit on edge, overall all the semesters were BEYOND SATISFIED with the spring Fling. It was a huge sensation! Everyone relished the food; it was served for a sufficient time and in a sufficient amount. The entertainment and tents provided were excellent, and the sports presented were loads of fun. A BIG THANK YOU from the students to the administration for providing a quality event for students to enjoy themselves. The only complaint came regarding the referees, but you cannot win them all. We explained that the previous semester involved student referees, which ended in quite a few arguments…

7. Mentor Update – So far just working out some minor kinks. Some students will be re-matched do to lack of chemistry, and there will be another push for feedback/input after Spring Break. Geoff has done a terrific job of launching this program, and we are willing to support him in any way we can—just let us know Geoff!!

8. Set May meeting time and place-- LAST MEETING OF THE SEMESTER!!! Looks to be a big POW WOW – It will be a Transitional Meeting, where old officers can meet with and exchange files/binders/advice to new officers. Café Cafeto. 5:00pm, Tuesday May 27th.

Attn EXEC officers. Would you all like to join in? By then the NEW exec officers will have been elected, and I think this would be a great opportunity to meet the new semester leadership and also have an Executive Transition take place as the semester officers are doing. Let me know what you think.

9. 1st Semester update/initiative on requesting student presence at Faculty meetings and request to view meeting minutes. First semester officers took the initiative to again ask if student leadership could be present at the weekly faculty meetings. The response was no, but it was suggested that a copy of the minutes be sent to the Nasa office. For this to happen, a petition needs to be drawn up and signed by all class officers. Dev and Sebastian (Pres, 1st) will be tackling this together. Please contact them if you have any input regarding this matter. Expect hem to approach you for your John Hancock—If you guys could have this ready by the last meeting May 27th, we could get both old and new officer signatures…. Just an idea!!!

10. Library Hours for Spring Break
9 –5: Mon 4/14 – Wed 4/16
Closed: Thurs. 4/17 – Sun 4/20
9 – 5: Mon 4/21 – Fri. 4/25

11. Library Hours extension during the semester. New hours (which have not been stated thus far) will begin as of August 2003. Thanks to the hard working officers of 4th (Geoff, Abe) for getting this off the ground and organizing a school wide petition. Also thanks to Dev who incorporated the Latino group into this project. Thanks to all semester officers for getting your petitions in. This is an ideal example of what team effort can get us!

12. Petition to make first semester Computer Class a home study course. First semesters will be drafting a memo for this project. Hardest to get around will be the fact that attendance is a key tool used to determine eligibility for finals/segundos. Also is the fact that the Dept. of Education may require a certain percentage of students to take part in a Computer Technology course. Still, a great idea. We are behind your effort, and will help you in any way you can, especially with ideas to get around obstacles.

13. Fun facts regarding COOP and Electives: Never too early to start looking ahead. With these details, I was thinking of perhaps having NASA and AMSA CO-SPONSOR the following information sessions:

    1. What is AMSA and why should I join?
    2. What are ELECTIVES and Co-Ops all about?
    3. How does the MATCH work? Are there other Options?

The idea would be to provide free food (pizza) as an incentive, and/or maybe we can invite the MARCATEL people to sponsor the event so long as they get 10 minutes to do their talk on long distance deals. Something like that.

AMSA officers. Please talk to me on this. Again, I’m really big on seeing AMSA/NASA work more as a team or maybe even coalesce into one student leadership group.

Right, so back to the details concerning COOP/Electives:
 4 coop spots in Lutheran Hospital of NY. Must pass USMLE to be eligible.
 14 coop spots in PR. Must pass Revalida.
 5 Elective Spots in Maimonedes Hospital, NY.
 Elective spots at Baylor Hospital, TX
 Elective Spots at USC, CA
 Some schools/hospitals provide malpractice and health insurance policies for you to purchase.
 Other schools/hospitals want you to have insurance, but don’t provide it.
 In the above case, UAG does provide insurance, but it is on a yearly basis.
 Currently UAG wants to move away from Co-Ops and more to Electives, as often COOPS spots remain empty.
 There is a fee you pay to UAG for the privilege of being able to study in the states.
 The deadline for paperwork is usually 4 weeks before you actually start your elective/coop.
 BEST ADVICE is to start looking/planning your 4th year ( 7th /8th semester) options by the END OF 5th Semester.
 So much more, but again, an info session would be the best way to go.

Thanks everyone for a good meeting with good feedback. If I indicated something extra to you in the above minutes, PLEASE get back to me ASAP.

Fiesta Latina
Everyone is invited to attend the Fiesta Latina Música en vivo Puerto Rico y Mexico.  Utopía y Orange.  Miércoles 9 de Abril 2003, 9:00 PM.  Bebotero ... Manuel Acuna esquina con Agustin de la Rosa #396, 3.342.0844.

Transition to HAL
Dr. Fermin Hernandez of Hospital Angel Leano will be speaking with our 4th semester class regarding the transition into the clinical years on Thursday, April 03, 2003.

Spring Fling 2003
Date: April 5, 2003
Place: ICB
Time: 9am - 5pm

Women and Men's Basketball
+5 on 5
+Maximum of 9 and minimum of 5 team members
+At least 1 member of each team is required to be present at the Lottery that will be held at 9:30am
+Games start at 10:00am

Women and Men's Volleyball ... on the grass
+3 on 3
+Maximum of 5 and minimum of 3 team members
+At least 1 member of each team is required to be present at the Lottery that will be held at 10:30am
+Games start at 11:00am

Dominoes
+Inscription: 10:00 - 11:30am
+Games start at 12:00am
+Single elimination

Flag Football
+Games start at 11:00am

Music by Vivos de Milagro, surprises for children!
Awards will be held at 5:00pm.
Flag football, Volleyball and Basketball inscriptions must be in before April 3, 2003
Pick up the official list at NASA's office between 9:00 - 5:00pm.

Rafael Espinet
NASA Sports Coordinator

Yearbook Photo Submission Request
Hi Guys!

As you may have heard, we’re working hard to finish the yearbook this semester, since after this summer our class is going to be reduced even more since a lot of people are taking the next semester off to further study for the USMLE/Reválida. Not only are we trying to finish it before classes are over, but we want to produce it on an interactive format, as a CD ROM, since it will be able to hold more pictures and will also reduce the costs of printing. Plus we will be the first class at UAG to have a yearbook on CD!

But we need your help. I have already talked to a bunch of people and they have agreed to bring pictures but we need them ASAP to get the whole project going. I have finished editing 200+ pictures but although that sounds like a lot, most of the pictures are only from this semester and not everyone is represented in them. We need more!! From dinners, birthdays, parties, NASA activities, even your pets!

So please let me know if you have any pictures at all. You can turn in a hard copy of the pictures with your name on the back, email them to us, or you can readily scan the pictures and give the CD to Abe, Jeff, or myself. Do not even worry if you think the picture is not clear enough, since we are editing them one by one so they look their best; just bring them over and we’ll let you know. If you have any doubts, ideas, or want to help, just contact any of the three of us.

Let’s make our class one step ahead of everyone else once again!
 

Thanks,
Mayra Enid Vargas

Please email all digital content (including photos, comments, suggestions and more) to mayrimey@hotmail.com.

MEDREVU QUESTION BANKS FOR THE USMLE STEPS 1 AND 2
New features include the ability to go back to old tests and reset the question bank.

The questions in the Step 1 question bank are from the NMS Review for the USMLE Step 1, rated A-, and the Board Simulator Series, rated B+ in First Aid For The USMLE Step 1 2003 ™.

With the irevu question bank you get:
• Over 3,800 questions for Step 1
• Select questions by subject or system categories for a customized test or choose a random selection
• Create timed simulated tests or answer questions in study mode and view answers and explanations
• Mark questions for further review
• Receive detailed results page at the end of each test
• Cumulative results by Subject and Body System for Step 1
• Track test scores on your personalized mymedrevu page

6-month Step 1 subscription for $99 by entering this code: W2F606ZZ into the promo code field next to the 6-month subscription. Regular price is $199.

For Step 2:
• Over 1,700 questions
• Select questions by specialty subject or select a random selection
• Create timed simulated tests or answer questions in study mode and
view answers and explanations
• Mark questions for further review
• Receive detailed results page at the end of each test
• Cumulative results by Specialty
• Track test scores on your personalized mymedrevu page

6-month Step 2 subscription for $99 by entering this code: W2F607ZZ into the promo code field next to the 6-month subscription. Regular price is $179.

Next Class Officer Meeting Agenda - Tuesday, April 8, 2003
Reminder to all ya'll that our next Officer Meeting will take place Tuesday, April 8th. Here is the roughdraft Adenda. Please send me anything you would like to see added to the agenda by Friday, April 4, 2003.

AGENDA:
1.AMSA Convention Update ... Results, New Position, 5th Pathway Matches, Elections for UAG Chapter of NASA

2.NASA EXECUTIVE ELECTIONS - officers who will run it, procedure, deadlines

3.NASA EVEN SEMESTER ELECTIONS- Officers who will run it, procedure, deadlines

4. Graduation Cocktail Problem

5. Response to NASA Memos from Administration

6. Spring Fling -- Feedback?

7. Mentor Update

8. Set May meeting time and place-- LAST MEETING OF THE SEMESTER!!!

Thanks everyone, see you Tuesday at 5pm!

Carlita
Carla Magnolia Laos
North American Student Association
Executive Vice President
carlita1@aol.com
 

NASA Announcement Regarding Coctel de Graduacion
Les saludo y aviso que hoy se me informó que el COCTEL DE GRADUACION esta autorizado. Se llevará a cabo el día 13 de junio en Unico Patria a partir de las 8:00 pm. Como siempre cada estudiante recibira 4 boletos ( incluido el graduado).
Marisa salazar.

Spring Fling Date Changes
This is for those on campus semesters who currently have a Mon April 7th or Tuesday April 8th exam scheduled.

Cambio de Fecha de sus examenes parciales

Hola!
Ya el evento de Spring Fling esta aprobado para el sabado 5 de abril asi que ya pueden solicitar el cambio de fecha para los examenes del dia 7 de abril (bioquimica III y Fisiologia II) para el dia 8 de abril. Muchas gracias por su cooperacion!!
DRBC
Presidente-NASA
3.640.6297
044.33.3.467.1887

NASA Tennis Tournament this Saturday at CU
The NASA tennis tournament will be held at the CU tennis courts this Saturday and Sunday.  All students who are interested in playing please stop by the NASA office and sign up before 4:00PM this Thursday.  If you have any questions please contact Rafael Espinet (NASA sports coordinator) at 3.640.0932 or 044.33.3.487.6516.

Announcement on the Beginning of Hostilities
Armed conflict with Iraq began on March 19.

The Department of State advises American citizens in Mexico to take prudent steps to ensure their personal safety in the coming days. Remain vigilantly aware of surroundings, avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, vary times and routes for all travel, and ensure travel documents are current. The Embassy will post updated information on its web site www.usembassy-mexico.gov.

Ports of entry at the border remain open and flights are continuing to operate between the United States and Mexico. Security procedures are likely to lengthen waiting times at airports and the border.

U.S. citizens and interests are at risk of terrorist attacks, including by groups with links to Al-Qaeda. U.S. government facilities are on a heightened state of alert. Monitor the local news as well as the Department of State website, http://travel.state.gov, for information concerning safety and security of American citizens overseas. The Department of Homeland Security websites, www.dhs.gov and www.ready.gov, may also provide useful information.

Americans citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Consulate at 33 – 3825 – 2700 or 2998. American citizens may also contact the Department of State, if calling from outside the United States at 317-472-2328, or, from within the U.S., toll-free at 1-888-407-4747.

American citizens in Mexico who have not registered with the Consulate are urged to do so as soon as possible. You may register in person by coming to the American Citizen Services Unit, Consular Section at 175 Progreso, Guadalajara, or register on-line through the website at www.usembassy-mexico.gov. American citizens already registered with the Consulate are urged to update their registration information.

U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's consular information documents, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement located on the Department's internet website at http://travel.state/gov.

http://lb.bcentral.com/ex/sp?c=9079&s=FA74F3ADDE5B920E&m=93

Worldwide Public Announcement
This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to an increased potential for anti-American violence, including terrorist actions against U.S. citizens, as a result of the military action in Iraq. The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of Americans overseas. American citizens are reminded that it is more important than ever to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Worldwide Caution supersedes that issued on February 6, 2003 and expires on July 20, 2003.

As a result of military action in Iraq, there is a potential for retaliatory actions to be taken against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Public demonstrations carry the potential for precipitating violence directed at American citizens, symbols associated with the United States or other U.S. and western interests.

The threat to U.S. citizens includes the risk of attacks by terrorist groups. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings or kidnappings. Possible threats include conventional weapons such as explosive devices or non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. U.S. citizens should increase their security awareness at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert and some have drawn down their dependents and/or personnel. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time for security reasons. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. Monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to Americans overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at l-317-472-2328.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
The U.S. Department of State wishes to encourage Americans citizens traveling or residing abroad to familiarize themselves with the information available from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). A March 17 CDC announcement recommends that people with elective or non-essential travel to Hong Kong SAR, Guangdong Province (China), and Hanoi, Vietnam consider postponing such travel. Currently, there is no evidence suggesting that infection is spread in assemblages of large numbers of people (e.g. schools, churches, or other non-health care settings). The Department of State notes that in Vietnam, the appearance of SARS has had a major impact on medical facilities, with the closing and quarantine of the French Hospital in Hanoi. At present, medical evacuation for SARS patients is not available by commercial carrier. In light of the evolving nature of this SARS situation, American citizens should regularly consult the CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/ and the WHO website http://www.who.int/ for updates.

The CDC has received reports of outbreaks of SARS in Hong Kong SAR, Vietnam, Guangdong Province (China), Canada, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, and Switzerland. Most cases appear to involve health-care workers caring for patients with SARS and close family contacts. CDC is working closely with WHO and country partners in efforts to define the origin of this infection, to track patterns of its transmission, and to determine effective strategies for its control and prevention.

Additional information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/ and http://www.who.int/. Local health authorities should be notified of all suspected cases of SARS.

The definition of a suspected case of SARS includes the following:

--Fever greater than 380 C (100.40F), AND

--One or more respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, AND

--Either close contact with a person diagnosed with SARS or recent travel to areas with documented transmission of SARS.

The incubation period between exposure to infection and the development of symptoms appears to range from 2-7 days.

Currently, prevention of new cases is based on individuals avoiding close contact with SARS patients. Such close contact includes direct care of patients, or direct contact with their respiratory secretions and body fluids.

Contact Information for the CDC:

Public Inquiries:
English (888) 246-2675
Espanol (888) 246-2857
TTY (866) 874-2646
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST

Address:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA(404) 639-3311

Propedeutics Historia Clinica
Please do not try to use your historia clinica that you turned in to the IPM office ... we have to use a slightly modified format for propedeutics.  Please see the Classnotes section to download a sample copy of the historia clinica.

Message from the Ambassador
12 March 2003
Dear Fellow American,
I've now been in Mexico for several months, and have had the chance to meet many of you. I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those of you I have not yet met, and hope we will meet soon. Many of you have been in Mexico for a long time; others are only short-time visitors. But if your experience has been like mine, you have probably found Mexico to be a welcoming and fascinating country.

The Embassy's Consular Section has been active in recent months in disseminating information on threats to Americans. As we move through these troubled times, we need to recognize that the environment here, as in other countries, could increasingly take on an anti-American overtone, that may manifest itself unexpectedly in public places such as supermarket parking lots, taxi stands, or at tourist sites. While probably less likely here than elsewhere, I wanted to let you know that we in the Embassy are taking measures to reduce the possibility of being placed in situations where we are targets of any potential anti-American sentiment. For example, I have asked my colleagues here to be conscious that our clothing, speech or other mannerisms may identify us as Americans, and to avoid emotional discussion with strangers on the broader global situation.

In addition, we should all review the Worldwide Caution issued February 6, 2003 available at http://travel.state.gov/wwc1.html.

The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety of American citizens abroad. I want you to know that I share that priority, and will continue to promote this goal in all my work here as Ambassador.

With best regards, I am
Sincerely,
Antonio O. Garza, Jr.

Send inquiries to:
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
06500 Mexico, D.F.
Tel 52-55-5080-2000
Fax 52-55-5525-5040
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov
email ccs@usembassy.net.mx

Pathology Kaplan review schedule change
Abe and Geoff met with Dr. Martinez and Lic. Alicia Partida last week to discuss the possibility of a schedule change during the second week of pathology.  Dr. Arnold emailed Alicia back saying that he was "completely flexible about the days and hours each day."

Tennis Tournament
Sign-ups for the tennis tournament will be in the NASA office from now until Wednesday, March 19, 2003.  You can conatact Rafa at rafael_esp@hotmail.com.

USMLE early registration for students who owe segundos petition update
Abe and Geoff met Friday afternoon to discuss the various petitions with Dr. Martinez.  Dr. Martinez said it would be very difficult to allow those students who still owe segundos/extras to register early for the USMLE but that he would definitely consider it and take the issue before the committee this Tuesday, March 11, 2003.  He said he would have an answer this Tuesday around noon.

One of the difficulties (according to Dr. Martinez) with this request is that the ECFMG is aware of our academic curriculum and testing schedule.  Apparently, UAG can not send our grades to the ECFMG for students who owe segundos/extras before our regularly scheduled segundos/extras.

Pathology lecture rescheduling petition update
Abe and Geoff met Friday afternoon to discuss the various petitions with Dr. Martinez.  Dr. Martinez said that he had no problem with us changing our Kaplan schedule so long as we had the approval of our Kaplan pathology professor. 

Tutoring opportunities
Please let Geoff know if you are interested in tutoring underclassmen. This might be very beneficial in helping us study for the board exams.

Drinking and eating during the Kaplan review course ... trial period
We have been given a very special opportunity ... let's not screw this up!!! 

On Friday, one of our classmates approached Dr. Martinez asking why were not allowed to eat and/or drink in the classroom during the Kaplan review course.  Dr. Martinez said that we have a history of leaving our trash in the room.  Apparently, after several minutes of discussion our classmate convinced Dr. Martinez to give us a trial period ... Monday and Tuesday of this coming week.  Basically, Dr. Martinez will allow us to eat and drink in the classroom so long as we do a GREAT job of cleaning up after our mess.  If Dr. Martinez sees a mess left in the classroom he will revoke our privileges. 

Please do you best to clean up after yourselves so that we can keep our eating and drinking privileges!!!

MentorUAG Mentoring Program Update
We had tremendous success with the first UAG Mentoring program!  We have over 65 matches.  Thank you to all those involved from our class. 

Be aware that your "MentorUAG" mentee will be attempting to contact you.  Please see Ivette Perez orto get the name and contact information of your mentee.  I would like for all mentors to make arrangements to spend some time on the telephone or over the internet communicating with your mentees ... after all, this is what mentoring is all about.  If you want suggestions on how to make this program work better for you and your mentee please ask Geoff.

Who are my MentorUAG Semester Representatives?
1st Semester
• Cherry ........ 044.33.3.138.3377 ... sweetcherrya@hotmail.com
• Amir ................... 3.817.4047 ... amirparv@hotmail.com
2nd Semester
• Kady ................... 3.630.6492 ... kadycruz@yahoo.com
• Todd ................... 3.121.4946 ... tdorrmx@hotmail.com
3rd Semester
• Joelle .................................... drbookworm79@yahoo.com
• Juan Caban ............ 3.640.6463 ... juanrcaban@hotmail.com
4th Semester
• Ivette .......... 044.33.3.971.2329 ... ivetteamalia@hotmail.com
• Carla .................... 3.817.4047 ... carla1@aol.com
• Geoff .......... 044.33.3.456.2526 ... gmb1994@aol.com

Girls Basketball Practice
The first practice for girls basketball will be held Friday 07, 2003 at 5:00 PM at the ICB basketball courts.  Please contact Tania for more details.

What's with all this new grey gravel all over campus?
There have been many complaints about the new grey gravel surface coat laid down across the ICB campus.  The order to resurface the floors around campus was not made by anyone on the ICB campus.  Even Dr. Martinez has been noted as being upset with the new surface.  Apparently, the construction crew just showed up one day to start resurfacing the campus without ICB input ... the resurfacing project was coordinated by someone at UAG's main campus.  So please don't be upset with anyone at ICB for it's appearance.

Class yearbook and photos
A reminder ... please submit any photos you might want included in the yearbook to either Abe, Geoff or Mayra.  Mayra has been working very hard every day editing photos for the yearbook.  Each photo may take several minutes to edit for presentation so please thank her for her efforts. 

If you would be interested in helping out with the yearbook please contact either Abe or Geoff.

Blood Crisis!
Hospital Angel Leano is experiencing a shortage of blood type B(-) and type O(-).  If you have either blood type please donate at Hospital Angel Leano.

ICB library hours extension petition update
We (NASA executive committee along with NASA class officers) will continue to push ahead requesting the extension of the library hours on ICB's campus.  We are requesting that the library be open 24 hours 7 days/week. 

Some more details on the tennis portion ... And just some info so you know how the reparation of courts has been going.
From Dev:
Hola a todos,
Aqui les dejo una lista de algunos asuntos pendients para el Sprong Fling:
1-Canchas de Baloncesto-El Sr. Enrique Rodon es la persona encargada de adquirir los aros para las canchas.Este se encuentra de vacaciones pero regresa el lunes a trabajar. Ya el presupuesto de los aros se le envio y Claudia estara dandole a seguimiento para que se haga la compra y se instalen lo antes posible.Estos gastos iran a la cuenta de la universidad, no de NASA. Ya se repintaron las canchas de basket y volleyball. Sin embargo, no se autorizo expandir las lineas por razones de seguridad.

2-Torneo de tennis-Este torneo se aprobo pero con la condicion de que no se gaste dinero($$$$). Se estara jugando en formato de sencillos en fem y masc. Se estara premiando al campeon y nde cada rama con trofeos(tenemos extras en la oficina de otros eventos) y las bolas se esataran comprando con el dinero de la venta de libros. O sea que no gastaremos ni un solo centavo. Se separaron ls canchas de CU para los dias 29 de marzo, 4 de abril y 5 de abril. El horario de juegos sera de 10:00Am-6:00PM, 4:00PM-7:00PM y 10:00AM-2:00pm(de ser necesario) respectivamente. Rafa, enviame unas formas para empezar el proceso de inscripcion para este evento.


Sports Day ... sponsored by the Latino Group, but open to International Students
We would like to see as many students involved as possible!  Note the date and please make sure you explain that it is a separate event from the Spring Fling, which will be taking place on April 5th....

Hola Carlita:
Por favor enviale esta informacion a los class officers. El Dpto. de asuntos estudiantiles del Prog Latino esta organizando una convivencia deportiva, a llevarse a cabo el dia 29 demarzo de 2003. Todos los estudiantes del Prog Internacional estan invitados para esta actividad. Se estaran llevando a cabo los siguientes eventos:
1-baloncesto
2-futbol(soccer)
3-carreras de velocidad
4-volleyball de grama
5-otros
Recuerden que el evento organizado por nuestra asociacion, Spring Fling, se estara llevando a cabo el dia 5 de abril. Eso es todo por ahora. Espero que ya empiezen a formar sus equipós.
atentamente,
Dev R. Boodoosingh Casiano
Presidente-NASA

NASA executive committee letter discussing the Spring Fling
North American Students Association
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara • Founded, 1971

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Sra. Susana Leaño

FROM: Rafael Espinet Pérez
Sports Event Coordinator

DATE: February 24, 2003
REF: Spring Fling 2003
_____________________________________________________________________

Aprovecho la presente para presentarme como el coordinador de deportes de la North American students association. Saludos cordiales. Esto es con el fin de presentarle el proyecto Spring Fling 2003. Este es uno de nuestros eventos magnos esperado por todos. La importancia de este día estriba en la oportunidad que le brinda a todos los estudiantes miembros de NASA de participar con su familia, compañeros de clases y profesores de un día de festejo y relajación mental en un ambiente sano y deportivo. El proyecto presentado representa la culminación de mucho tiempo de análisis y la continuación de un sueño visualizado por el Comité de NASA hace 3 años. Es un evento que llena a nuestro Comité de orgullo por el éxito y la gran participación estudiantil año tras año. El éxito obtenido ha sido tan contundente que nuestro mayor reto es superar lo obtenido en años anteriores.

Para esta nueva edición, el proyecto recibe ciertas modificaciones (ver Nota al final), sin embargo mantiene la misma esencia y énfasis. Este constará de 3 partes: 1- Las actividades deportivas, las cuales constarán de los siguientes deportes: baloncesto, voleibol, football y dominó (En todas habrá participación para hombres y mujeres); 2- Actividades para niños 3- Actividad Artística. Como ya habíamos acordado, solicitamos realizar este evento el sábado 5 de abril en las facilidades deportivas de ICB desde las 9:00am-7:00PM.
Resumen de cada parte:

Baloncesto: Para este deporte ocuparemos las 2 canchas de baloncesto, las cuales se utilizarán simultáneamente. Necesitaremos que estén en excelentes condiciones ya que este es el deporte más llamativo del día, ya había enviado un memo sobre el deterioro de ellas y estoy trabajando con el Dr. Martínez al respecto, además necesitaremos mallas para los canastos, 4 bancos para los jugadores, 2 mesas rectangulares para el anotador oficial (o cuatro cuadradas) y 4 sillas. Además, 2 coolers o igloo con agua fría para los jugadores, 2 relojes de baloncesto y 2 marcadores de puntuación. Además, se requerirán 2 árbitros por partido en cada cancha. La duración de este torneo dependerá de los equipos inscritos. Es importante la colocación de un toldo mediano para los fanáticos, debajo de este se llevará a cabo también el torneo de dominó. Este torneo comenzará alrededor de las 9:30AM.

Voligrama: Se improvisarán 2 canchas en el campo de fútbol que está más cerca de la cancha de baloncesto. Se necesitarán 2 mallas de voleibol, 2 balones, el arbitraje lo darán algunos estudiantes y no arbitraje de afuera como en el pasado, en esto si se le va apagar seria menos y nos ahorraríamos para otros gastos. Además es necesario 2 cooler o igloo con agua fria para los jugadores (as). Este evento comenzará alrededor de las 10:30am.

Dominó: necesitaremos 15 mesas cuadradas con 4 sillas cada una (60 en total). En la edición anterior se compraron los "sets" de dominó por lo que no será necesario comprar adicionales. No se requieren oficiales. Comenzará a las 12 del mediodía.

Actividades para los niños: Debido a que este evento se planifica con el fin de brindarles a todos los estudiantes diversión para toda su familia, será necesario organizar distintas actividades para el disfrute de la gran cantidad de niños que esperamos. Como en las pasados años le solicitamos un brincolín inflable (tipo castillo para mayor seguridad) y la autorización para la compra de juguetitos baratos los cuales se utilizarán para premiar a los niños que participen de las competencias programadas para ellos. Este detalle ha sido un éxito en los eventos anteriores.

Actividad Musical: Como todo evento de este tipo necesitaremos quien amenice el mismo. El Comité Ejecutivo de NASA le hizo el acercamiento a la Banda Musical Puertorriqueña "Vivos de Milagro" y estos se mostraron con disposición para deleitar a los presentes por tercer año consecutivo. Solo necesitamos de su aprobación. Se requerirá el mismo equipo utilizado el año pasado: tarima con toldo y la contratación del sistema de sonido del cual ya está al tanto DCD.


Comida: Como todos los años, solicitamos para todos los asistentes comida y bebida (Coca-Cola, etc.). Para este evento quiero sugerir algo diferente el cual algunos estudiantes hicieron para la final de softbol y fue todo un éxito, hablo de lo que llamamos en Puerto Rico carne al pincho, aquí en México se conoce como brochetas de carne. El presupuesto para esto se va a entregar próximamente, pero puedo decir que esto seria para unas 150 personas, lo cual podríamos complementar con hot dogs, hamburguesas, y papas a la francesas para 350 personas lo cual seria un total de comida de 500 personas como en los spring flings del pasado. Si no se pueden hacer las brochetas entonces recomiendo que se hagan hambuergesas y hot dogs y papas a la francesa como en eventos anteriores para 500 personas. Se servirá el alimento de 12:00PM- 2:30PM. Necesitaremos lo siguiente:

• Un toldo gigante para el área de la comida- A ser colocado en el área del estacionamiento.
• Bebida para 500 personas
• Comida para 500 personas (brochetas de carne, Hot Dog, hamburguesas, ensalada verde, papas a la francesa)
• 25 mesas redondas y 250 sillas para el área de la comida
• 250 camisetas de adultos con el logo de Spring Fling 2002: 100xl, 75 grandes, 75 medianas
• 50 camisetas de niños

En la pasada edición, el Departamento de Comunicación y Desarrollo, trabajando en conjunto con el Comité Ejecutivo de NASA, logró contactar a distintas compañías interesadas en brindarnos apoyo en nuestro evento. Entre estas menciono: Coca-Cola, Marinela, Gatorade y otros. Sería de mucho agrado contar con esta ayuda tan valiosa por segundo año consecutivo, es por esto que solicito autorización para llevar a cabo dicho movimiento y pedir nuevamente del tan apreciado apoyo de DCD.

Me despido por el momento a la vez que le agradezco su atención y apoyo hacia nosotros.

It's that time of the year again ... time to fill our your FAFSA 2003-2004 Renewal
FAFSA's Website = http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
Federal School Code for Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara = G08147 (The letter "G" is followed by a "0" (zero), not the letter "O")

Notice from the US Consulate's Office in Guadalajara - Website Address Change
This is to inform everyone that the Consulate's website address has been changed. We can be reached at

http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/guadalajara/guadalajara.htm

They are in the process of changing the link from the Embassy's webpage to the Consulate's page. In the meantime, our website can be accessed with the above address.

Notice from the US Consulate's Office in Guadalajara - Payment of US Taxes
Ms. Bobbette Abeyta, of the U. S. Internal Revenue Service, will be visiting the Guadalajara area March 11-13 to help answer taxpayers’ questions.

On March 12, Ms. Abeyta will be at the Lake Chapala Society in Ajijic from 10 AM to 2:00 PM. U. S. and Mexican citizens with U. S. tax responsibilities are welcome to stop by to speak with her (first come, first served basis).

Ms. Abeyta will be at the U. S. Consulate General in Guadalajara Tuesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 13. To schedule an appointment on one of those days, please send your request to: acs@megared.net.mx or call the Consulate’s American Citizens Services section, 3825-1717 or 3825-2299.

Homeland Security Threat Level Changed from "Orange" to "Yellow"
Based on a review of intelligence and an assessment of threats by the intelligence community, the Attorney
General in consultation with the Homeland Security Council has made the decision to return the threat level to an elevated risk of terrorist attack, or "yellow" level.

The decision to raise the threat level on February 7 was based on specific intelligence, corroborated by multiple intelligence sources, received and analyzed by the full intelligence community at the time. Today's decision to lower the threat level was based on a careful review of how this specific intelligence has evolved and progressed over the past three weeks, as well as counter-terrorism actions we have taken to address specific aspects of the threat situation. Among the factors we considered was the passing of the time period in or around the end of the hajj, a Muslim religious period ending mid-February 2003.

The lowering of the threat level is not a signal to government, law enforcement or citizens that the danger of a terrorist attack is passed. Returning to the elevated level of risk is only an indication that some of the extra protective measures enacted by government and the private sector may be reduced at this time.

We emphasize that the United States and its interests are still at a significant risk of terrorist attack. Detained al Qaeda operatives have informed U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials that al Qaeda will wait until it believes Americans are less vigilant and less prepared before it will strike again. For this reason, and for the safety and security of our nation, Americans must continue to be defiant and alert. We must always be prepared to respond to a significant risk of terrorist attacks.

The American people serve as our strongest defense against terrorism. We ask all citizens to be aware of any suspicious activity and to report it to local authorities or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The nation's Homeland Security Advisory System provides a national framework to inform and facilitate the decisions of federal, state and local government as well as private individuals at home and at work. The system indicates protective measures commensurate with the current threat level to be taken to reduce the nation's vulnerability to terrorist attack.

At the elevated risk level, significant security measures will remain in place at all federal agencies. Examples of these include:
--A focus on critical facilities and vulnerabilities, with security and surveillance tailored to meet specific intelligence reports and security needs
--Continued increased surveillance
--Random inspections of passenger vehicles entering parking lots and restricted parking as necessary
--Continued coordination of emergency plans with state and federal jurisdictions and private sector partners.
--One hundred percent identification check of personnel entering facilities.
--Screening procedures remain in place for incoming office mail and other deliverables.


We thank all federal, state and local government and law enforcement officials, representatives of the private sector, and individual citizens for your patience and resolve. Know that your efforts are making a difference. And know, as well, that through our collective efforts, we send a signal to those who would do us harm that American stands alert, united, and prepared.

End text of announcement

Additional information about the announcement may be obtained at the Department of Homeland Security’s Internet website at www.dhs.gov and www.ready.gov.

The Department of State continues to monitor security conditions overseas and, as always, will promptly disseminate information affecting the safety of Americans abroad through its consular information program. These documents are available on the Department's Internet website at www.travelstate.gov.
 

February NASA Class Officer Executive Committee Recap
1. Set March time and place.
The next meeting is set for Tuesday, March 4th, at 5:00pm, at Café Cafeto. As always, administration is both invited and welcome to attend.

2. Dev- EC update
Dev updated the officers on his recent contact with Sra. Leano and what he talked about:
a. Student Loans – this issue is being looked into by Sra. Leano.
b. NASA Budget- Dev explained the importance of us being able to see our budget, as it would help calm student’s concerns about where the money goes, and he explained that 50% of the yearly amount we pay to NASA goes to insurance—many students are not aware of this.
c. Reaching out to the PR students in the Latino Program - Dev expressed the need to include them in our activities, as they pay the NASA fees- we were granted bulletin space, and it will be located near the IPM classrooms..
d. Pan American week has been pushed back. It is now set to take place in October 2003.

3. ACLS Update – Cory
The administration is looking into the program, based off both his first memo and the fact that Dev has expressed the importance of having this certification before our internship begins – for both PR and the US hospitals. Cory is still having a tough time finding instructors, we spoke of possibly integrating it into an 8th semester course that takes place at the hospital, since they have much of the equipment. If anyone has any contacts, please let him know!

4. Clothing Drive – Marcela
Marcela was not present. However the administration did not approve dates for these drives to take place, as the Comite de Damas already does a similar project. Marcela will now try to see if we can contact this group so that our students can work with them to expand their clothing drive/charity event.

5. Mentor Program – Geoff/ Javier
First meeting is set for this Saturday, Feb 8th, at 2:00 pm at Café Cafeto. More details will be given about the project. As of now there is not a main coordinator for this program to take place in the hospital—as Geoff is a 4th semester student and is on campus at ICB, it makes more sense to begin the program with the current first semester class and let it build it’s way to the hospital over the years. Even semesters will be matched with even, and odd with odd- so 1st with 3rd, then 2nd with 4th, etc etc…

6. Sports Updates
Please notify your classmates that sport lists are available at the NASA office, should they want to participate in the following sports:
Women’s Basketball -
Men’s Basketball -
Coed Soccer -
American Football – Turkey Bowl Tournament in November.
Tennis – First ever tournament set to take place March 22 and 29
Softball – is already underweight, but students can look to be placed on a team for next semester.

7. Fifth pathway Update – Sam
Sam is in contact with Dr. Shehab ( newly elected President of the California Medical Committee?) and the Report Writer for the 5th pathway bill. They are FOR it and have good things to say about it’s progress. Send in any positive comments that drive home the importance of US students from Mexico being able to practice in the US…. to Sam at sjkalioundji@hotmail.com. The vote takes place July 1st, 2003.

8. Sra Leano new memo Heading
We simple wanted to inform you that all NASA memos are being reformatted to include Sra. Leano in the heading. She is the Dean of International Students, and she is based out of San Antonio. All memos will be cc’ed to Lic. Rojo also, as they have in the past.

9. Dr. Lozano- stepped down from Sub- Director position
It is worth mentioning that Dr. Lozano stepped down from his position under Lic. Rojo ( as sub director of International Student Affairs). They are currently restructuring positions in that area of administration.

10. Meeting with Lic Rojo. Feb 13
Our next meeting will take place at this date. If there are any concerns you have, please get them to a member of the EC committee before this date, so we can address them at our meeting.

11. Welcome Fish – Present at the meeting were:
President – Sebastian Tobon
VP – Amir Parvinchiha
Secretary – Karla Staker
PR Rep – Marcos Farinucci
The are working on appointing a US Rep within the next week. Welcome aboard you guys, and please don’t hesitate to ask any of us questions!

12. Welcome picnic –
The general consensus here is that students (who have been here for 5 or 6 semesters now) feel that the picnic has simply been declining in quality over the semesters. The shirts have gone from plentiful and multi-colored with a sizeable logo, to limited in supply and with a single-color small logo. Also, the T-shirts arrived late this semester. The students would like to see hot dogs and burgers and fries instead of the deli sandwiches that were served this year– many said there was not even enough food this time, and that serving started late, around 12:00. I will be writing a formal letter expressing more of their concerns in detail, and I may be in contact with some 6th semester students who would like to see this issue officially addressed.

13. DJ memo – Carla
This is just to update you all that I have not yet heard back from the administration regarding this memo. I will be inquiring about it (along with the Welcome Picnic opinions) at my next meeting with the EC committee on Feb 13th. I will update you all on it’s status once I find something out.

14. Calendar—Upcoming events. Please notify students of the following events:
March 19 – 23 AMSA Convention, Washington DC
March 22 & 29 NASA Tennis Tournament at CU
Last week of March UAG Convive – Sports day at CU exact date TBA
April 5 NASA Spring Fling at ICB
May 7 AMSA elections
May 14 NASA Executive Committee Elections
May 24 NASA Softball Championships at CU
June 12 NASA Graduation Cocktail
August 11 First Semester Orientation

February NASA Executive Committee Recap
We had an EC meeting around 5pm. Here are important points for you all to announce to your classmates or post to your websites:

1. EC will be meeting with Lic. Rojo this Thursday, Feb 13th.

2. Among topics to be tabled at the meetings are:
a. DJ for NASA functions
b. ACLS memo-- the administration is working in integrating this into 8th semester classes, so upon completion all students will be ACLS certified.
c. Welcome Picnic -- Students feel the quality of the picnic has declined.
d. Importance of AMSA convention to UAG as an international school and what our objectives are for this year's convention.

3. Please announce to those students who have loans that they can now access the applications and paperwork on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can have your check sent DIRECTLY to your home in the US!!!! This is IMPORTANT. Please announce this to your class LIVE, OUT LOUD, SO EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS!

4. The NASA roster should be out soon. I am STILL missing info for 7th semester and 3rd semester. If anyone can help me fill in the blanks, I would appreciate it. Please check out the attachment and let me know on the missing info if you can help out. :)

5. AMSA is working on a HEALTH FAIR to take place at the end of March. It would basically be similar to the student aid given out after the earthquake, but for one day, a Saturday, and they are looking into downtown as a location. Look out for more info on this in the future!

5. AMPR President Gregorio Cortez is working on a project with Dr. Villalobos on making 3rd year here more like clinical rotations in the States. The idea would be a half day of class in the morning, and in hospital experience on the topic you learned that morning. This is set to start soon with the OBGYN block. Of course the money side of this still needs to be worked out. Either the administration will save money by having half days of school-- and that money can go to pay the hospitals, or the students have to pay-- perhaps even some NASA funds could go to this project, as it is a direct benefit to all students who pay the NASA fees! Stay tuned for more info!

6. Word has it that a meeting was held for students at the hospitals regarding free online access to KAPLAN course material... Ana Maria ( 8th semester pres) explained that students submitted their emails, and KAPLAN was going to write to them with a password they could use to access KAPLAN materials. We are looking into what exactly those materials are, as she mentioned the school MIGHT be paying for student access to Q-Bank!!!!!

7. Today, Feb 11, Sam ( US Clinical Trustee) and Dev ( Pres) will be meeting with Villalobos to discuss:
a. 5th pathway updates and current happenings
b. Kaplan free access-- does this include Q-Bank???
c. ACLS-- Is the plan to certify the professors, if so could Cory Hicks ( 3rd semester US Rep) do this so it gets done quickly?

8. A bulletin board geared towards the PR students who are in the Latino program is set to be up by the end of Feb. Look out for it, as we want to include those students in all our activities and happenings too ! They are, after all, paying the NASA fee every year!

9. New NASA secretary-- starts Today, from 9 - 5. Her name is Claudia. Marisa and she will eventually split the day hours-- Claudia in the morning, and Marisa in the afternoon. Marisa is currently out with a back injury. Wishing you a speedy recovery Marisa!!!

Carla Magnolia Laos
North American Student Association
Executive Vice President

Inadequate Medical Student Malpractice Insurance Coverage Questionnaire
Inadequate medical student malpractice insurance coverage prevents students from doing “away” elective rotations that require more coverage. Several jurisdictions in the U.S. are having problems similar to this one described. For example, students covered for $100,000 per incident/$300,000 in aggregate and are unable to do electives at institutions which require $1,000,000 per incident/$3,000,000 in aggregate.

We want feedback from the medical student community if this is a problem at your medical school and if so what is being done to solve this problem?

The AAMC Group on Student Affairs is developing a questionnaire for the Student Affairs community regarding medical schools’ experience with three types of insurance: health, disability, and malpractice. The data from this questionnaire will help them to gauge the extent and locations of problems in these three separate areas. School data about malpractice insurance requirements for students wishing to complete elective experiences on those campuses is available on the electronic Extramural Elective Compendium on the AAMMC Web site at http://services.aamc.org/eec/student.cfm.

NASA Executive Committee Proposal to Extend Library Hours
North American Students Association
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara • Founded, 1971

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Dr. Ricardo Leon
Director Facultad de Medicina

CC: Dr. Francisco Martinez Sandoval
Director Programa Internacional/ICB

FROM: NASA Executive Committee

REF: Extensión Horario de Biblioteca
_____________________________________________________________________

Los estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara solicitan que se extienda el horario de fines de semana de la Biblioteca Dr. Enrique Avalos Perez, localizada en el ICB. Sugerimos que el nuevo horario de fines de semana sea de 8:00AM a 8:00PM los sabados y de 8:00AM a 6:00PM los domingos.

Esta Biblioteca sirve como casa de estudios a más de 1,000 estudiantes de la Facultad de Medicina. Actualmente la Biblioteca sirve un horario de 24 horas de lunes a viernes. Sin embargo, el horario de fines de semana es de 8AM a 4:00PM, lo cual limita el tiempo de estudio durante los fines de semana. Esto afecta de manera significativa a los estudiantes del Programa Internacional, ya que la mayoria de los examenes estan programados para administarse los lunes y dependen del periodo de fines de semana para terminar su preparacion con mira a estas evaluaciones. Es importante mencionar que durante la semana los estudiantes deben sobrellevar la carga de estudiante a tiempo completo, lo cual hace aun mas valioso el tiempo de estudio durante los fines de semana.

Ademas sugerimos que se habiliten dos(2) salones de estudio grupal en el segundo piso de esta Biblioteca. Estas podrian ser ubicadas a un lado del area de Hemeroteca. Sugerimos que para hacer espacio a estas salas, se reubiquen 9 cubiculos que estan ocupando esta area.

Estas medidas seran de mucho beneficio para la comunidad universitaria de la UAG. Dado a las ultimas exigencias y retos a los que hemos sido expuestos, estos cambios ayudaran a incrementar el aprovechamiento academico de los estudiantes de Medicina.

Atentamente,

Dev R. Boodoosingh Casiano
Presidente NASA
___________________________________________________________________
Avenida Patria 1201 • Lomas del Valle 3A • Sección Apartado Postal 1-440 • C.P. 44100 • Guadalajara, Jalisco • Mexico • Tel. (011-523) 642-9525 Direct / 610-10-10 ext. 3097 Switchboard • Fax 642-4431 • http://www.uag.mx/asocia/masocia.html • nasa@uag.edu

NASA Officer Meeting Agenda/ Minutes, March 4, 2003
1. Set April meeting place and time. - All
2. AMSA member email addition to officer emailing list - Carla
3. AMSA convention clarification/explanation. –Carla, any other Exec Members present.
4. Spring Fling-- RAFA
5. Mentor Program Update – Match is Complete, Geoff will tell us what to do form here!
6.Nasa Roster -- just to follow up and make sure everyone got one and remind them copies are at the NASA office.
7. Upcoming events on the calendar – Carla AMSA elections, NASA officer elections. We will wait until April's meeting to see who will run elections for the current even semesters.
8. NASA Budget Update – Dev has been tackling this feat since last semester
9.Library Hours – Extension--- Dev is in contact with the Latino Group (Blue Group)
10. Meeting with Dr. Martinez Sandoval for ICB officers -- Dev
 

International Student Affairs Office Notice
INSCRIPTION AND REGISTRATION FEE:  Attention students of the international community schedule or inscription 2003/02 for every student with or without loans

Registration Fee: $300.00 USD
Due Date: Anytime between March 2003 until the first official day of classes for Fall 2003

The registration fee is credited toward your tuition and it is due on the first day of classes.  Failure to comply with this requirement will cause a 5% financial charge over the full semester tuition.

With the registration fee receipt you will be able to obtain your academic loan for the following semester before the first week of classes.  For those of you who are applying for financial aid, you will need to present this receipt in order to complete the process of your financial aid paperwork.

Deadlines for financial aid application are the following:
May 29, 2003 - for July 2003 / June 2004

Tuition is due the first week of classes, failure to comply with this requirement will cause academic sanctions and a 2% charge over the full semester tuition.

Disclaimer:  The Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara reserves the right to delete, amend or alter the customs, rules, fees, regulations and requirements of the university at any time, without prior notice.

I.S.A.O.

Update: Systemic Pathology Laboratory Exam has been officially CANCELED! : Email from Abe and Geoff to the Class: (This was emailed out to all the students of our class)

To the class of 2005

This email is to inform you that the lab exam for Systemic Pathology has been canceled.

Special thanks to Angel, Dana, Rick, and Jeff and all the other people who helped me in the process of making it official. This is the first informative email sent to the class and in the near future the Class Officers hope to use emails to communicate efficiently, especially on holidays. However, the class website www.uagmd.com has been up to date with recent news and announcements.

Respectfully,
Class President Abe J. Frech
US Class Representative Geoff Berbary


Notice: If you would like to be removed from this email distribution list, please reply to this email with a blank email with the word "REMOVE" in the subject line.

*Please email me if you would like me to email you at a different email address

*Please email me if you know someone in our class who did not receive this email

Update: Systemic Pathology Laboratory Review
Thank you for you patience with this project.  Dr. Garcia just gave me the complete slide collection today!  I will do all that I can to get this material ready for you ASAP!

Mentorship Program
Congratulations to our new semester Co-Chairs!  Checkout the Mentorship section for more information.

NASA Executive - Class Officer Meeting this Tuesday Feb 4th, 5pm, Cafe Caféto
1. Attention Class Presidents!!! - I am still missing officer info from 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th semesters. I need name- phone - and email addresses for all your officers. Because of this the roster will not be ready for you by Tuesday. If you do not mail this info to me by Monday, please have it ready for me by Tuesday's meeting. Don't make me call you at home :) Rosters will then be emailed out by the end of the week or available through the NASA office - if you would like to obtain them that way.

2. BE ON TIME TO THE MEETING. Bring your class schedules and planners, PDAs, you get the picture...

3. I want us out of there by 1.5 hours, 1 hour if we can swing it -- please be ready to present -- if it applies.

4. Fish - Welcome to the team. Looking forward to seeing you there!

5. Here is the agenda once more. Mostly for the fish.

1. Set March Time and Place
2. Sra Leano - new heading on memos please
3. Sports lists, female Bball
4. Clothing drive
5. ACLS
6. Mentor program
7. Welcome Fish
8. Lic Rojo, EC meeting Feb 13th
9. DJ memo
10. Welcome picnic - feedback

Pathology Presentation from Dr. Kida
I have posted these in the Classnotes section under the Systemic Pathology section.

Pathophysiology Exam Coverage
I have posted these in the Classnotes section under the Pathophysiology section.

PMC and Colima
This week has been very busy with PMC (for 4th semester) and the Colima recovery program.  Many of our classmates went to Colima to assist in the post-earthquake recovery.  "Bravo!" to all the students who are in Colima right now helping out!!!

PMC Rescheduling Today
Remember last semester when we had to fill out those PMC questionnaires downtown?  Well, it's that time again.  Please be aware that we are expected to be downtown around 3:30 PM today to go through that process again. 

IMPORTANT: Pathophysiology & Propedeutics
Please note that in order to receive your grade in Pathophysiology you MUST have taken and passed your Propedeutics exam.  The two classes have a combined grade.

Last Semester's Grades
Official grades from last semester (3rd semester) will be made available for pickup in the escolar's office on February 11, 2003.

Pathology Laboratory Slides
Well, I've been working on this project for about a week now and I'm hoping to have it completed by this weekend.  Dr. Garcia just supplied me with two video tapes and the last set of slides.  I've scanned all the slides.  The only thing I still need to spend time on is the video/image capture.  Dr. Garcia will be providing me with additional video tapes over the next few days ... so expect some delay on those particular slides sets.

Dr. Garcia plans to shift our laboratory practical examination to the first week of the Kaplan review course.  He plans to review with the class all the slides we have seen so far ... yes, that includes last semester's slides.  He mentioned that he may be reviewing slides with us on the mornings before we have pathophysiology ... so get ready for that (it's not in the schedule book).

Pathology Overhead from Dr. Kida
We will attempt to get copies of Dr. Kida's overhead presentations and make them available to you online ... check back soon!

PMC Community Clinicals and the Earthquake
Hope everyone's enjoying their PMC clinicals.  If you are interested in assisting earthquake victims in Colima there is a group of students going there this weekend.  If you would like to assist in Colima, PMC will give you credit for this next week of attendance.

Mentorship Program
New mentorship program coordinators selected.  Details will be posted soon.

Pathology Laboratory Slides
I'm working as quickly as possible to post all the slides for our laboratory test.  I will hopefully have them posted by the end of this weekend.

USMLE Testing Situation
New mentorship program coordinators selected.

Pathophysiology Attendance
Check your attendance in pathophysiology ... the attendance was posted yesterday.

Next Class Officers' Meeting Agenda
1.The next officer meeting will be Tuesday, Feb 4th, at 5pm, Cafe Caféto.

2. Marcela plans to have the memo for the clothing drive ready before February. She is shooting to have it approved by the next officer meeting. Marcela, let us know if you need any help.

3. Official School Event Calendars -- as approved by the administration, will be available in the NASA office this Monday, 1/20/03. Thanks to Marisa for taking care of this. included are dates for spring fling, school anniversary event, tennis tournament, medical conventions (SNMA, AMSA, etc.)

4. Welcome picnic is Saturday, January 25 from 10am - 3pm. Get there early for a free t-shirt! Softball meeting will take place during that time also.

5. Reminder that we are still looking for a secretary to fill morning hours at the NASA office at ICB.  Please be patient and inform your classes of this so we don't have frustrated students trying to get to the office. Hours are 1-5, M - F, right now. Marisa, if you have not done so already, please post hours outside the door.

6. First semester elections will take place Friday, 1/31/03, and they will be run by myself and Dev.  Look forward to even semester elections taking place at the end of this semester (2nd,4th,6th).

Pathophysiology review prepared by Belis and Saed for the class!
Thank you very much Belis and Saed for working so hard for the class!!!  Belis and Saed created a summary of the Harrison's note packet for the rest of the class to study.  There work is available in the Classnotes section under 4th Semester Pathophysiology.

Puerto Rico Herald reports on the effects of the brain drain to the North
Click here to read what Taina Rosa of the Puerto Rico Herald has discovered about the health care industry in Puerto Rico ... "Our Hospitals Are Hurting ... Revenues increase but profits plummet as Puerto Rico’s hospitals are buffeted by lower income, rising costs, declining Medicare reimbursements, exorbitant malpractice insurance rates, and a brain drain to the North."  February 7, 2002.  Copyright © 2002 Caribbean Business. All Rights Reserved.  Download: PR Brain Drain to the North - Text Document (17 KB).

PMC Lottery
The lottery selection for 4th semester PMC will be held in the Auditorio at 2:00 PM.  Please bring an infantil-sized photo.

PMC Office Address:
P.M.C. Office
Montenegro and Argentina St #1653
3.825.9337 and 3.826.4808

News from NBME (administrators of the USMLE Step 1)
I've been corresponding with the NBME concerning the deadlines for application prior to your desired test date.  According to NBME they only need our paperwork in their offices at least 3 weeks prior to your desired test date.  So, we'll have our stuff in their offices with plenty of time using UAG's processing timetable.  No worries here.

PMC Lottery
The PMC lottery will be held this Friday.  I don't have the times yet.

Pathology slides and lab exam update
I will be working with Tiger this Saturday in order to prepare many of the slides we'll need to know for the Pathology lab exam.  I will post those slides, with the pertinent information, as soon as I can.

This only applies to you if you were held back in 3rd semester because you owe ONLY two (2) classes
If you were held back in 3rd semester because you owe ONLY two (2) classes please see Dr. Martinez as soon as possible ... today, if possible!  He may offer some alternative options to you.

Video Yearbook
If you have photos you would like added to the video yearbook please get copies of those photos to Abe or Geoff.

Pathophysiology and www.eMedicine.com presentations

Please see the Pathophysiology Classnotes section for more information.

USMLE Step 1 - payment options, Kaplan course fees, resolving rumors, application process, application process

Propedeutics Exam

5th Semester Rule

6th Semester Rule

Welcome Back!
Unfortunately, our class size is a bit smaller this semester ... only 113 students are officially registered for the 4th semester.  I expect that number to rise slightly as some returning students have not paid their tuition yet.

This is it!  This is the semester we've all been waiting for ... USMLE Step 1 is just around the corner.  Be prepared!  Periodically check this website as I will post information that should help you stay informed and prepared! 

Click here to go to the section that will help you stay informed and prepare for the USMLE Step 1!

Pathophysiology
There have been some schedule changes to the course of pathophysiology ... please verify what time you are supposed to be in class.  At this time the clinical case reviews will be held in Rm 110 on your scheduled days.

Note packets are available at the copy center under #4200 (Dr. Enrique De La Mora Glasker's section) for $110 pesos and #4201 (Ma. Del Rocio Nunez Serafin's section) for $12.  It is my understanding that the note packets include all the information we will need for the remaining 5 weeks of this course. 

I will also post Ma. Del Rocio Nunez Serafin's PowerPoint presentation on this website in the Classnotes section. 

It is also my understanding that the final exam of Pathophysiology will NOT be comprehensive ... YEA!

Note: For more info related to Pathophysiology checkout the Classnotes section.

Systemic Pathology
Tiger announced on the 1st day of class that this will be our toughest semester ever, and then minutes later said that he expected our semester's grades to be the highest in the last 5 years!  I don't know exactly how this will be possible, but sounds good to me!

Unfortunately, Dr. Adesina (one of our visiting professors) will not be able to teach CNS pathology this semester.  Tiger and Dr. Montiel will cover this material.

Note packets are available at the copy center under #4100 for $77 pesos.  It is my understanding that the note packets include all the information we will need for the remaining 5 weeks of this course. 

It is also my understanding that the final exam of Systemic Pathology will NOT be comprehensive ... YEA!

Note: For more info related to Systemic Pathology checkout the Classnotes section.

Kaplan Review Course - VERY IMPORTANT!!!
On January 9, 2003 the Kaplan Review Course flyer was published and presented to our class.  In order to take the Kaplan Review Course you will need to complete the following items:

1. You will need to submit two (2) color or black-and-white photos (1" width x 1.5" height)
2. You will need to submit a payment receipt (blue copy) in the amount of $1,600 USD (see payment instructions below)
3. You will need to fill out an application

All these items need to be submitted to the Kaplan coordinating office located in the international administrative offices building on ICB campus no later than January 20, 2003; otherwise you will not be allowed to enter the classroom.

Payment of the $1,600 USD may be made at any of the following locations:

1. If you want to pay through CU (main campus), send the check to:
    Lic. Adriana Rojo / D.A.E.I.
    Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara
    Av. Patria 1201
    Col. Lomas del Valle
    3^a. Seccion C.P. 44100
    Guadalajara, Jalisco
    011.52.33.3.648.8824 x2707

2. If you want to pay through the Puerto Rico office, send the check to:
    IBM Plaza Suite 1124
    Av. Munoz Rivera 654
    Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00918
    787.763.2457

Note: You may write a check on a US bank to UAG so long as you have had no history of writing bad checks to UAG in the past.

Note: If you would like to make your payment using a credit card, an additional $50.00 transaction fee will be included.

Signed: Alicia Partida-Contreras, B.A.
            Coordinator
            Visiting Professor's Program and Kaplan Reviews

Note: Abe Frech is passing around a sign-off sheet that you must sign indicating that you have picked up a flyer from him covering the above-mentioned material.  Please see Abe ASAP to take care of this!

Digital Yearbook
You may notice several of your class officers taking pictures around campus and during class.  We are preparing the first ever Digital Yearbook using those pictures.  We hope to create a digital yearbook entirely on CD available toward the middle of this semester.  If there are any pictures, stories or commentaries you would like to submit please email them or deliver them to Geoff at gmb1994@aol.com.  We will discuss the details of the Digital Yearbook with you further during class.

Welcome Back to School! ... 4th Semester Preliminary Schedule

Note: The 4th semester schedule of classes is now available in Dr. Deanda's office.