Alpert Medical School at Brown University SNMA

We are excited to announce our upcoming fundraising dance for Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island. Blend: The Arts of Our Culture will be an event to celebrate different cultures through art, food, and more. Dorcas International organization empowers some of the most vulnerable members of the Rhode Island community by providing programs and services such as legal aid, education, and refugee resettlement. Net proceeds from Blend will go towards these efforts. Join us at Alumnae Hall on October 13th at 7pm for dance lessons, raffles, food, and fun!

Look out for another announcement soon regarding ticket sales.

This event was organized by The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University's Student National Medical Association (SNMA) and Latin Medical Student Association (LMSA) with support from the Office of Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OBEDI).

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects hemoglobin in red blood cells, causing severe anemia and damage to any organ in the body. The abnormal hemoglobin in individuals with sickle cell disease causes their red blood cells to have an abnormal shape – a stiff and inflexible C-shape, like the old farm tool called a sickle.

These “sickled” red blood cells have a shorter lifespan than healthy blood cells, which results in anemia. Additionally, their stiffness causes them to more easily get stuck in blood vessels and restrict the flow of blood. This vaso-occlusion can lead to a wide variety of serious complications, including stroke, eye problems, infections, progressive organ damage, and episodes of debilitating pain called crises.

Sickle cell is a genetic and therefore lifelong illness, with blood and bone marrow transplant being the only known cure. However, there are effective treatments that can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prolong life. The most notable of these treatments is hydroxyurea, which can be used to prevent complications of sickle cell disease. Ongoing research is also being conducted to develop another cure through the use of gene therapy.

Due to the nature of this disease and its association with progressive organ damage, timely diagnosis and treatment are vital. Sickle cell disease affects about one in 2,000 newborns in the U.S., making it the most commonly identified condition in newborn screening in the nation. Because the sickle cell mutation is thought to be protective against malaria, the sickle cell trait is most common in malaria-endemic regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa and India. Therefore, most Americans with sickle cell trait are of African ancestry.

Make sure to read the SNMA newsletter for the full post!

Written by: Frances Imarhia, AMS ‘26 Candidate

https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/sickle-cell-disease-understanding-its-history-symptoms-treatment-and-genetics

https://www.sicklecelldisease.org/get-involved/events/national-sickle-cell-awareness-month/ #:~:text=September%20is%20National%20Sickle%20Cell,Awareness%20Month%20Flyer%20%26%20Facts%20Sheet.

SNMA will be hosting a general body meeting next Friday, and we hope to see you there! RSVP using the link in our story for refreshments 👆🏾

This month, we're stepping up to shed light on a crucial issue that needs our attention: the deplorable conditions in prisons. As medical students with a passion for change, we understand that health extends beyond hospital walls. It's about addressing inequalities everywhere they exist.

What's Black August?

At 19, George Jackson was convicted of armed robbery in 1961. His "1-to-life" sentence gave prison administrators total control over his term. He spent 11 years behind bars, 7.5 of them in solitary confinement. Despite these inhumane conditions, a fire was ignited in Jackson and he went on to inspire fellow revolutionaries. This is the context out of which Black August was born in 1979. Observers of Black August call for the immediate release of all political prisoners in the U.S.

Black August was first celebrated in California’s San Quentin prison, where George Jackson, W.L. Nolen, James McClain, Willam Christmas and Ruchell Magee were all once held. The first Black August commemorated the previous decade of courageous prison struggle, as well as the centuries of Black resistance that preceded it. August now serves as a reminder that the struggle for justice is ongoing, and as aspiring doctors, we have a unique role to play in advocating for those who need it most. 

👩🏾‍⚕️👨🏿‍⚕️ Our Role as Future Physicians

Prisons often have inadequate medical care, contributing to a cycle of poor health outcomes. This month, let's raise awareness about the importance of providing quality healthcare to incarcerated individuals. By advocating for better conditions and access to medical services, we're standing up for the health rights of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

Our mission is to break down the barriers that perpetuate health disparities. This month, let's educate ourselves and others about the systemic issues within the prison system

💡 Research and share statistics about healthcare in prisons.
✍️ Write to policymakers advocating for prison reform.
🌐 Collaborate with community organizations doing the work.

Reference: https://www.liberationschool.org/study-fast-train-fight-the-roots-of-black-august/

By: Michael Evans, MD'26 Candidate

SNMA is hosting a step one panel with M3's to answer your questions about dedicated and planning for and taking Step One. Join us on zoom this Thursday from 6-7 PM !

Hi all! This weekend we’re having a PRIVATE SCREENING of Wakanda Forever, free to the first 20 people who sign up. There are only a few spots left so be secure your ticket soon by RSVPing on this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfM2P7GJ-3pnch_S6CVNSTdlyIuA73xnCmZdyj619e6PtOk2Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

Thanks to everyone who came or donated to our Sip and Paint yesterday! We had lots of fun and loved seeing everyone’s artistic side throughout the evening! We are also so happy that we were able to support Higher Ground International through the event. Until next year!!

Happy Wednesday! We’re sharing info for the BCSC Winter Festival this weekend! Come out and celebrate winter with food, music, and community ❄️

Hi all! We are so excited to start ticket sales for our upcoming sip and paint! Grab them before they’re gone by scanning the QR code or using the link in our bio!

Happy Wednesday everyone! We’re very excited to be sharing our Health Topic of the Month!

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by two core symptoms including deficits in social communication and restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors (1)(2). The disorder has been identified in all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups although it is more common among boys than girls. As of 2018, the adolescent ASD prevalence estimates range from 16.5 to 38.9 per 1000 children (on average 1/44 children) aged 8 and older. According to the CDC, this number has increased from approximately 1 in 150 children in the year 2000. With the increase in the prevalence of ASD comes the need to better understand the disorder.

— Written by Mario Ojadi, MD'25 Candidate

Works Cited:

1) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders : DSM-5 (Fifth edition.). (2013). American Psychiatric Association.

2) Hodges, H., Fealko, C., & Soares, N. (2020). Autism spectrum disorder: definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation. Translational pediatrics, 9(Suppl 1), S55–S65. https://doi.org/10.21037/tp.2019.09.09

Hi all! We are so excited to be partnering with OWIMS, MOMS, LMSA, ODMA, and OB/GYN IG to present an amazing lecture from Quatia Osario on Wednesday! See the flyer for more details. We hope to see you all there!

Hi all! We are so excited for our event this year with Be The Match! Join us on Friday at noon in the atrium to learn more about Be the Match, get swabbed, and join the registry. There will be pizza and boba!

Hi everyone! We’re sharing our Health Topic of the Month!

Disparities exist in HIV treatment and care. Research has shown that among people with HIV, African Americans/Blacks have lower viral suppression rates (6,7). In addition, social determinants such as stigma, racism, and economic barriers may prevent African Americans/Blacks from receiving adequate HIV treatment and care (6,7). Therefore, it is essential to address social and structural barriers to HIV prevention, care and treatment.

What can we do?

We can raise awareness of disparities in HIV prevalence so interventions can be established to reduce the disparities. We can also educate our community members and patients about ways to prevent HIV.

We an also get involved in research projects that search for ways to improve HIV prevention, treatments, and outcomes.

— Written by Jasmine Gibson, MD'25 Candidate
For the full article, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter!

Works Cited:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6704a2.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/racialethnic/africanamericans/index.html

Hi everyone! We wanted to share the flyer for RMEC!

The RMEC is in person this year and registration is live! This years' experience will be hosted by Frank H. Netter School of Medicine in North Haven, Connecticut from October 7th-8th. There is funding available for attendance and the link below will take you to the place to get more information that you may need regarding lodging and ticket purchases as well as an agenda! As a note, attendance is required for chapter presidents and there will be a prize for the chapter with the most members in attendance. Hope to see you there! Early bird is currently only $25 ends this Friday!!!
http://www.region7rmec.com/

We hope your weekend is going well! We’re starting off September right with an SNMA barbecue next Saturday! If you’re able to attend, please be sure to RSVP at the QR code above!

We hope to see you there!

Hi all! We are excited to announce a welcome meeting next week to kick off the school year! At the meeting, we will be discussing ways to get involved with SNMA and volunteering opportunities. Please RSVP at the link in our bio!!

Thank you to everyone who came to our Field Day this year! We had lots of fun and it was so great to see everyone! Stay tuned for more events to come this semester!

As August winds down, we want to share our Health Topic of the Month!

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease, with a 5-year survival rate of only 8 percent (1). Many patients have already sustained substantial damage by the time they develop symptoms, which is why pancreatic cancer is referred to as “the silent killer.” The rate of pancreatic cancer is highest in African Americans, and diagnoses tend to be made when the disease is at its later stage, making it practically inoperable (2). Cigarette smoking, pancreatitis, obesity, and diabetes have all been established as risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer (2). These risk factors, combined with a lack of access to quality healthcare and other unfavorable environmental and socioeconomic factors, can explain why African Americans are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. To bridge this gap, we must invest in more interventional programs to decrease the risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer and improve care for those burdened by this disease.

Written by Simon Kidanemariam MD’25 Candidate

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the full article!

Works Cited
1. https://muschealth.org/medical-services/geriatrics-and-aging/healthy-aging/pancreatic-cancer
2. https://pathology.jhu.edu/pancreas/familial/about/african-americans #:~:text=The%20incidence%20of%20pancreatic%20cancer,is%2013.4%20per%20100%2C000%20people.

Hi all!! We are excited to be hosting a field day along with LMSA, Spectrum, and APAMSA this Saturday!

This will be an event to bring the incoming class into the community, create connections, and build relationships between affinity groups. Snacks, sunshine, games and friendly competition are in store! Please join us in welcoming the class of 2026 to AMS.

July is almost over, and you know what that means - time for our HTOM!

There has been increasing focus within healthcare on mental health and for good reason. Not only is mental health an integral part of health but it can affect our physical health and all the other non health related aspects of our lives. One of the most prevalent and also more understood mental health disorders that can affect everyday life is anxiety. Anxiety disorders are amongst the most common psychiatric disorders with 6.5 percent of all children and adolescents having some form of the disorder (Polanczyk et al 2015; James et. al 2020). This does not account for those who have gone undiagnosed either due to social stigma, hindered access to care or any other life obstacle. Not only does Generalized Anxiety Disorder, just one of multiple anxiety disorders, involve a consistent feeling of anxiety or dread that can last for months to years, it can illicit physical symptoms such as head muscle and stomach aches, fatigue, chest pain, and difficulty concentrating among others (National Institute of Mental Health 2022). It can quite literally affects every major aspect of ones life from being successful in the workplace or with educational pursuits to simply being able to breathe. This is just anxiety.

-Written by Mario Ojadi, MD'25 Candidate
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the full version!

https://sites.google.com/brown.edu/brownvirtualresidencyfair/home

On Friday, August 5th, 2022 Brown will host the 3rd annual Diversity in Medicine Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University Virtual Residency Fair for 4th year medical students. This Brown wide virtual residency fair will help to inform UiM residency candidates about the residency programs and opportunities here at Brown.
Residency Programs in the following disciplines will be represented:
Dermatology
Family Medicine
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine - Pediatrics
Neurology
Neurosurgery
OB/GYN
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Radiology
Radiology/Oncology
Surgery

We hope you are having a great summer! The Regional 7 SNMA Chapter is running a school supply drive for Schools On Wheels Massachusetts, an organization dedicated to promoting the academic, social and emotional growth of students impacted by homelessness. To support the initiative, SNMA is organizing a School Supply Drive at Alpert Medical School (AMS). We are asking individuals to donate supplies for the Schools On Wheels Massachusetts: "Tool for School" bag program.

Donation boxes can be found on the first-floor near the security deck and in green academy until August 10th. The boxes will have the SNMA logo. We are seeking backpacks, glue sticks, two pocket folders, rulers, square root calculators, scientific calculators, pencil sharpeners, and pencil boxes, but any donation will be greatly appreciated!

Hi all! We’ll be hosting a game night this Saturday on Zoom and we’d love for you to attend! It will be a great way to meet other students across different class years. Please RSVP at the link in our bio or message us for the RSVP / Zoom link!

Happy July! We’re sharing our HTOM - sorry for the delay!

Despite having the highest healthcare expenditure, The United States has some of the worst healthcare outcomes, particularly when addressing maternal mortality and morbidity. On average, there are roughly 700 pregnancy-related deaths per year in the United States, two-thirds of which are considered to be preventable.1 A pregnancy-related death is one that occurs during pregnancy or up to one year after birth and is due to a pregnancy-related complication.2 More than 50% of maternal deaths occur after birth in the postpartum period, often referred to as the “fourth trimester.”3 Deaths that occur within 1 week postpartum (19% of all maternal deaths) are largely attributed to severe bleeding, high blood pressure, and infection.4 Cardiomyopathy (weakened heart muscle) is the leading cause of deaths 1 week to 1 year postpartum.3,5


Historically, there has been a big disconnect between antenatal and postpartum care in which expecting persons are less likely to engage with healthcare after birth. It is estimated that roughly 40% of patients do not attend a postpartum visit.6,7 Reasons include feeling fine, being too busy with the new baby, having other things going on, or feeling as though there is no need for postpartum care.8 Patients are more likely to miss a postpartum visit if they are from an underserved community, they did not receive prenatal care, or if they are younger, publicly insured, or have lower socioeconomic status.7 This underutilization of postpartum care further contributes to the health inequities we witness every day.

Written by Isis Van-Putten, MD-25 Candidate
For the full article, subscribe to our newsletter!

Hi all! We are very excited to be hosting “The Doctor Is Out” event, a panel discussing being BIPOC and LGBTQ+ in medicine, along with .at.brown and Spectrum! We hope to see you on Monday, and please message us if you need the Zoom link!

Hi all!! We’re closing out May with our HTOM!

As we conclude Mental Health Awareness month, this month’s health topic focuses on depression. Depression is estimated to affect 280 million people worldwide [1] and 21 million adults in the United States [2]. People with depression experience a depressed mood, but they may also have non-specific and physical symptoms like fatigue and changes in sleep and appetite [3]. Depression can have profound impacts on one’s ability to function at work, at school, or in personal life, so it is important to recognize these symptoms in ourselves and in others.

Health care professionals and physicians-in-training are not immune to mental health challenges. A 2017 review article found that 27% of medical students experienced depressive symptoms, as compared to less than 10% of their peers in the general population [4]. Likewise, over 20% of residents were found to have depressive symptoms [5].

Written by Alanna Brown MD’25
Read the full article in our newsletter!

Works Cited:

1) Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
2) Major Depression. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
3) Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
4) Rotenstein, L. S., Ramos, M. A., Torre, M., Segal, J. B., Peluso, M. J., Guille, C., Sen, S., & Mata, D. A. (2016). Prevalence of Depression, Depressive Symptoms, and Suicidal Ideation Among Medical Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA, 316(21), 2214–2236. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2016.17324
5) Schwenk, T. L. (2015). Resident Depression: The Tip of a Graduate Medical Education Iceberg. JAMA, 314(22), 2357–2358. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2015.15408

Hello everyone! In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, SNMA is holding space for a community meditation on Monday at 4pm! We are collaborating with the POC Meditation Community to gather, destress, and be in community with one another. We hope you’re able to attend!

It’s hard to believe, but the academic year is coming to a close! SNMA, Spectrum, LMSA, and APAMSA are gathering to celebrate all that we have accomplished this year! Join us on May 14th on the terrace for lots of food and lots of fun! Please RSVP at the link in our bio if you plan on attending!

Happy Monday! We’re brightening your week by congratulating our 2021 Eboard for receiving the honor of SNMA Region VII Chapter of the Year! We admire all their hard work and dedication and hope to continue their legacy of excellence!

Last Friday, SNMA students had the opportunity to volunteer with Mary’s House Food Pantry and distribute food to those in need. We’re thankful to Mary’s House for allowing us to engage with the community and have such a meaningful experience, and we hope to continue this work in the future!