The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) is dedicated to developing physicians who have a lifelong commitment to public health and community service. In keeping with this tradition, AUC kicked off the 2013-14 academic year by reaffirming relationships with non-profit organizations throughout St. Maarten. Through a number of programs, AUC students have recently supported local organizations not only by raising financial assistance but also by volunteering time out of their studies.
“I am proud of the willingness of our physicians-in-training to help those in need and thankful to the St. Maarten community for welcoming our students. The medical program at AUC offers a unique opportunity to study medicine in a global context,” said Golden Jackson, PhD, director of service learning and community affairs at AUC.
The following are a few of the community activities that AUC has supported recently:
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Breakfast Club: In September, AUC students donated more than $2,000 to the Breakfast Club. The Breakfast Club provides students at Milton Peters College, Leonard Connor School and Sint Joseph’s Primary School with healthy breakfast options during the school year. Said Jackson, “The young students’ smiling faces while enjoying healthy sandwiches with a cup of milk reinforced the benefits of AUC student fundraising.”
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I-Can Foundation: Children from the foster home operated by the I-Can foundation continue to enjoy weekend excursions to nearby beaches with AUC students. The outings include activities such as swimming, volleyball, soccer, and water games.
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Positive Foundation: During October, the AUC chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association (AUC AMWA) is working with the Positive Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes health, to increase breast cancer awareness. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Positive Foundation to provide education workshops where we can build awareness, encourage screenings and teach self-examination techniques,” said Sarah McCarty, MD, AUC AMWA faculty advisor. Fifty members of the AUC community, including students, faculty and staff, also participated in the Positive Foundation’s Pink Parade.
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Safe Haven: Phi Chi, the only on-campus fraternity, raised $1000, which they donated to Safe Haven, an organization aimed at preventing domestic violence and promoting healthy relationships.