Dr. Akwasi Achampong is an Internal Medicine specialist in New York and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Long Island Jewish Medical Center and South Nassau Communities Hospital. He is also a current member of the Xavier University School of Medicine Board of Trustees.

Dr. Achampong traveled to the US from Ghana at the age of 21 with his parents to pursue a better education. He eventually graduated as a pharmacist from Long Island University and began his career at Merck Pharmaceuticals. But he wanted to do more in the medical field. “While practicing as a pharmacist, I realized that my knowledge in patient care was not enough and therefore I decided to further my education in the medical field and specifically as an internist to build a better capacity to take care of people.”

After receiving his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Achampong went on to obtain a residency at the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. After his residency, he joined Roselle Medical Office and practiced as an internist, later moving on to open a private practice at Elmont Medical PC on Long Island. He is also the President of the Baldwin University College in Ghana.

Dr. Achampong joined the Organization for International Development (OID) to provide medical care for the underprivileged in developing countries. “I felt the need to help people learn how to take care of themselves and others,” he said. “Medicine is a very good career to pursue because you get to witness humanity at its worst and best. You are able to give yourself to help solve other people’s problems. You get to give back to society in your own way.”

Proud of how Xavier University has championed increasing diversity in medical school and the field as a whole, Dr. Achampong added, “Diversity is a very important aspect of our lives. Countless people enter into medical facilities in search of health care – people from different ages, races, religions, cultures, languages and genders. It’s great for anyone to see someone like them within the healthcare workforce.”

A strong sisterly bond is proving valuable for Albertina and Natasha Sebastian—sisters from Montreal, Canada—who began their journeys together at Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba to become physicians. Now, in their respective second and first years of residency, these sisters take us on their inspiring path of pursuing their dreams of saving lives.

Growing from love and generosity

From an early age, Albertina, 31, and Natasha, 28, learned the importance of giving back to the community. “We were taught, ‘If you have, then share,’” Natasha said lovingly. “Our parents are amazing and generous people who taught us the beauty of helping others. They would organize food and clothing drives for the less fortunate, and Albertina and I were always there to help. I truly believe this was the foundation of us wanting to become doctors.”

Finding their way to Xavier

Growing up, the sisters said their father instilled in them the virtue of working hard and preparing for their futures.  Each admits that their  parents did not pressure them into attending medical school,  they were always told to be the best in whatever they chose to do.

Albertina explained how school did not always come easy for her. “I had to study hard my entire life,” she said. “Going to medical school was never on my radar.” She explained how the educational system in Canada differs in comparison to the United States. After high school, students who wish to pursue a college degree must attend CÉGEP (Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel), a publicly funded college that provides technical, academic, vocational or a mix of programs that are exclusive to the province of Quebec’s education system. “At CÉGEP, I gravitated toward the sciences,” she explained. “It was great preparation for college, where I fell in love with biology. Little did I know then that I would soon be pursuing a medical degree.” Albertina explained that she worked as a pharmacy technician while in school, and seriously considered becoming a pharmacist. “I never imagined—shortly after earning my degree in biochemistry—that I would be flying off to Aruba to attend medical school.”

Natasha took a similar path as Albertina, attending CÉGEP after high school, and then college, where she also  studied in biochemistry. In August 2014, their father learnt that a friend of his had nephews who were practicing physicians, and had attended medical school in the caribbean. After some reasearch, the sisters applied to Xavier University School of Medicine. “Within 3 weeks of applying, we were accepted to the program, packed, and moving to Aruba,” Natasha said.

Overcoming cultural and gender challenges

“Moving to Aruba was a big adjustment,” said Albertina. “Moving from a large Canadian city to a small tropical island was challenging. We missed our family and had reservations about how we would fare in medical school.” Albertina and Natasha both expressed their fears about succeeding in the medical program at Xavier. “I was excited to go, but I’ll admit I underestimated myself,” said Natasha. “We made a pact that we would give ourselves a trial period to see how we managed in the program. We were both terrified about taking our first exam, but all that changed when we received our grades and saw that we scored the two highest grades in the class.” Albertina said that was all the motivation they needed to forge ahead in the program and prove to themselves that they have what it takes—as women—to earn their medical degrees. “Being a few years older than my sister, I had learnt to balance studying as well as a social life. With that came a lot of jealousy and bullying from our peers, who didn’t understand how two young women could do so well academically and yet be “normal”,” Albertina explains.

The Xavier experience

When it comes to the curriculum, Albertina and Natasha agree that Xavier’s systems-based learning approach made all the difference in their success. “Learning one subject at a time made it easier to move through the program,” said Natasha. “Each class that followed made sense.” Natasha laughingly admits she’s not a shy person and preferred sitting in the front row, where she asked several questions. “The small class sizes set the perfect tone for learning,” she stated, going on to express her love for the beautiful island of Aruba, which she considers as her home away from home. “The tropical setting helps to keep you in a positive mindset, especially on challenging days. And with the residency application hanging in the balance, any medical students will tell you it’s important to be well-rounded.” Natasha was student government president, and said that she and Albertina made time during their third and fourth semesters to join the family medicine group, volunteer at local orphanages and work at local health fairs.

In regard to the professors at Xavier, Albertina said all of them truly have each student’s best interest at heart. She recalls one standout moment that stuck with her during their white coat ceremony, when one professor delivered this message: “When you see your friends out partying and you’re in your room studying, just remember that you’re taking a step to further your life.” Their parents always told them “It’s all about ‘pay me now’ or ‘pay me later.’ Getting the work done now will pay off later in life.” In 2019, the sisters graduated at the top of their class, with Natasha as valedictorian and Albertina as salutatorian. Talk about women power!

Choosing their medical path

Albertina and Natasha are grateful to Xavier for being instrumental in helping them land their clinical rotations in New York and Chicago, respectively. During that time, they both decided to pursue a specialty in general surgery, although Natasha admits her first choice is to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology.

When it came to matching for a residency, Albertina said Xavier was extremely helpful in the process. “It’s more competitive for graduates from Caribbean medical schools to match a residency in the U.S.,” Albertina explained. Albertina initally matched in a one-year preliminary residency in surgery at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She subsequently matched a categorical position thereafter, and is now a PGY-2. Although surgical residency is a five-year program, she is considering specializing in vascular surgery, which would add two more years to her journey. “My rotations facilitated by Xavier definitely helped me match with my current residency. Face time with the programs’ faculty members is extremely important during interview season” she states. Although respected by her peers, Albertina explains that she faces discrimination as a female doctor almost every day. “There are days when I’m consulting with a patient who needs surgery and they’ll ask me when the surgeon will be in to speak with them,” she explained. “When I tell them that I am their surgeon, they look at me in disbelief.” Interestingly, Albertina explained that more than 50 percent of surgical residents are women—with most of them coming from Caribbean medical schools. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t get stereotyped,” she said. “Today’s women physicians need to put up a strong front to overcome these stereotypes.” When asked what drives her most to becoming a surgeon, Albertina replied: “It’s the privilege of saving a life. To know you can fix them from the inside-out is an honor, knowing they are putting their life in your hands.”

Natasha’s path to residency took a different turn. Although she graduated as valedictorian of her class, she did not match for a residency her first time. Feeling disappointed—but not discouraged—she filled her time wisely doing research and eventually earning her master’s degree in experimental medicine. “During those two years, I wrote four papers which were published, presented at conferences, and I made my mark in the research arena,” she said proudly. “There’s not just one path to medicine,” she said. “Things change. You may start out focusing on a field of medicine and end up doing something else. Everything is a learning experience.” Last year, Natasha matched a one-year preliminary residency in surgery at the same hospital as her sister. “It’s wonderful working with Albertina,” she said. “She is so helpful in everything she does. Everyone loves working with her.” When asked how she thinks her sister likes working with her, she remarked: “She’d better!” As to her greatest motivation for becoming a surgeon, Natasha replied: “It takes a certain type of person to be a surgeon. It’s a gift. Surgery is the most definitive treatment plan. Knowing you can give comfort to a patient, ensuring them they will be alright, is extremely gratifying. It’s a trust that is a two-way street.”

Although they both love working and being together, Albertina said they don’t live together. “Natasha lives across the street from me,” she said laughingly. “I love my sister, but we both need our own space—especially after working long shifts.”

Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, so we thought it would be relevant to ask Albertian and Natasha their thoughts on how it feels to be women in a predominantly male-dominated industry.

Albertina: “Women are put in a box. For years, it was the belief that men ‘wore the pants’ in the family. But not anymore. Our generation has opened doors to more opportunities for women—not only in the medical field—but across the board. I’ve had so many doors closed in my face, with others telling me I could never become a doctor. I started medical school at 23-years-old, which is late for a student. I believe there’s always a way to reach your dream. The key is to nurture your passion, work hard, and never have any regrets. It’s your time to shine, so make it happen.”

Natasha: “Women are incredible. Just give them a goal and they’ll work hard to reach it. My interest in obstetrics and gynecology go hand in hand with Women’s History Month. For years, we have been celebrating women during the month of March for their accomplishments and achievements. I believe women should be celebrated every day—all women—some who have suffered silently over the years. Being passionate about women’s health, I believe patients’ concerns have been underplayed for so long. Women caring for women is a passion I hope to turn into a reality. I find out my residency match in March—with OB-GYN as my first choice, and surgery my second. Maybe Women’s History Month will bring me closer to living my dream for helping women.

Advice to students

Albertina and Natasha agree that the best advice they can offer medical students is to find a school/life balance. They admit there are times when this can be overwhelming and stressful—and that’s when it’s time to take a break and enjoy life. Whether it’s going to dinner with friends, or doing something special for yourself, all the hard work will pay off in the long run.

Ask any medical student and they’ll tell you the journey to becoming a doctor is all about landing a great residency. At Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba, we understand the challenges students face and are dedicated to helping overcome these challenges by preparing them for success. After all, becoming successful requires more than hard work and dedication. It’s about having a solid support system and the right tools to make everything happen.

We sat down with Dr. Abdo Aboud, a member of the Xavier University School of Medicine Board of Trustees—and proud alumnus of the university—to discuss Global Meet, an exclusive program to Xavier that is designed to guide and educate students on how to gain a competitive edge in the residency application process.

Gaining a competitive edge

There’s no time to waste when preparing for the residency application process. According to Dr. Aboud, students should begin preparing for the process on the first day of medical school. If this seems like an aggressive approach—it is. And here’s why: “Everything you do while in medical school matters,” said Aboud. “Applying for residency is highly competitive. You only have one chance to make a good impression, so it’s imperative that your application has a competitive advantage to edge out other applicants. That’s where Global Meet comes in.”

The Global Meet connection

Every year, Xavier hosts Global Meet, which is unique to Xavier. During this event, which is delivered through a lecture-and-panel discussion format, all Xavier students have the unique opportunity to gain insight and knowledge about the residency application process. Each student applies and interviews for every program. At the end of this application and interview process, the programs rank the students they want and vice versa. If a student and program’s ranking numbers are close, the student will get matched. Be advised that it costs money every time a student applies to a program, so he or she might have to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000 to apply for a residency—depending on how many are applied for. “The residency matching process is highly competitive and requires serious planning to ensure your application is reviewed in the best light,” explained Aboud. “This is why it’s imperative that students know what field of medicine they want to specialize in, so they can narrow down the programs to apply to.”

Aboud is a proud member of the panel and encourages Xavier students at all academic levels to attend. Here is a snapshot of what they’ll receive:

• Q&A with experienced doctors to understand steps in the residency process
• Help with residency applications
• The best strategies to “match” with their individual residency programs of choice

If you have been studying for a career in medicine, keep in mind some important points regarding residencies. While there’s no denying that grades play a major role in landing a residency, it’s about bringing your “A-game.” And we’re not just talking grades. Having a strong residency application is so much more than that. Aboud said it’s important to humanize your application, and he offers helpful tips to ensure yours is strong, competitive, and viewed in the best light:

• Ensure your area of specialty fits the program you’re applying to
• Showcase any related experience
• Exhibit your strengths
• Close any academic or time gaps
• Eliminate any red flags

“It’s more difficult for medical students outside of the U.S. to match with a residency,” said Aboud. “Programs like Global Meet act as a bridge to helping students navigate the residency process for a successful outcome.”

Clinical rotations

Up until now, we have discussed the importance of landing a residency, which can take three years or more, depending on the specialty. Part of the journey to becoming a practicing physician, however, is the completion of clinical rotations, which are a part of medical school. Clinical rotations are a crucial step in a student’s medical school career. Every medical school has relationships with local hospitals and medical practices where students can complete their rotations. “Every medical student is required to complete their clinical rotations in the core fields of standard medicine, plus electives,” he said.

For example, there are six core fields (family medicine, internal medicine, psychiatry, surgery, pediatric, and gynecology/obstetrics). If a student becomes interested in family medicine, he or she would complete elective rotations in areas that build on that interest. It is during this time that students choose the areas of medicine they wish to specialize in. Committing to a specialty is key to opening doors to a future in medicine. If possible, Aboud highly recommends for students to complete their clinical rotations at the facility where they want to do their residency. “Having experience and a proven track record at the same hospital or facility can give you the competitive edge during the residency application process.”

Dr. Aboud’s journey to family medicine

As a Xavier alumnus, Aboud has a story of his own to tell. Born in Iraq, he always had a passion for medicine. He journeyed to Canada, where he earned his undergraduate degree at University of Waterloo. Realizing the country’s severe shortage of doctors reinforced Aboud’s determination to earn his medical degree. He decided to take the Caribbean medical school route and chose Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba to pursue his dream. “I had friends who attended Xavier and were able to give me firsthand knowledge about the university and its program,” he said. “I applied and began my studies in January of 2012.”

For the next several years, he embraced the program and discovered how certain advantages—such as Xavier’s small class sizes and tropical location—were the perfect combination for his success. “Unlike other medical schools, Xavier’s small class sizes give students the opportunity to ask questions and learn the material, almost on a one-on-one basis,” Aboud explained. “The tropical climate and relaxed atmosphere were the ultimate settings to explore other interests and gain experience in my field, such as planning health fairs for students and becoming the vice president of the student association.”

After completing his required studies at Xavier, Aboud moved to Chicago, where he decided to specialize in family medicine while completing his clinical rotations. “I fell in love with family medicine,” he said. “It’s not only challenging, but it covers a broad area that doesn’t limit me to one type of medicine.” He matched a residency at Sparrow Hospital, which is affiliated with Michigan State University and where he made his mark as chief resident of obstetrics in family medicine for the three years that followed.

One patient at a time

Today, Aboud currently works as a doctor of family medicine in Canada, where he specializes in mental health and psychiatric services. “I am board certified in both the United States and Canada, but I chose to work here where the need for doctors is greater,” he explained. Canada is growing rapidly and there simply aren’t enough medical schools to meet the need. In fact, if you wanted to get a doctor’s appointment (non-emergency) in Canada, you would have to wait anywhere from six months to a year. Aboud also went on to say that the demand for family physicians is global. “We are the first doctor a patient sees. I find that to be the best part of my job—to gain the patient’s trust and make them feel comfortable. It’s a blessing to touch so many people’s lives, and I’m grateful for that opportunity.”

Aboud maintains his connection with Xavier as a prestigious member of the Board of Trustees and planning developer of Global Meet. As someone who has firsthand knowledge of the challenges of medical school, Aboud offers words of wisdom to current and prospective medical students: “Your journey will change, and that’s okay. Don’t think about where you are now. You must grow from your struggles and know you will make it. Remember—everything you do in medical school matters. Push through it all and know you will come out a stronger, wiser, and ready to live your dream.”

Having a special way of connecting with people and an “underdog mentality” proved to be a winning combination for psychiatrist, Sumeet Singh, MD, a graduate of Xavier University School of Medicine in Oranjestad, Aruba.

Realizing his future

Born in the United Kingdom and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Singh always had a way about him that made others feel at ease. He explained how—despite being bullied throughout his childhood—he remained centered and focused on being kind and compassionate to others while lending a sympathetic ear. “I never imagined, then, that I would pursue a career as a psychiatrist,” he explained. “I just knew that I had a gift of connecting with people on a different level.”

As he grew older, Singh took on the responsibility of ‘man of the house’ when his father, who worked for the Ford Motor Company, began to travel overseas more frequently. “I had to grow up quickly,” said Singh. “It was my responsibility to ensure my mother and sister were taken care of.”

Finding his path to medicine

In 2004, Singh enrolled at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he studied neuroscience, with a special interest in neurobiology and medical anthropology. He said he enjoyed taking creative writing classes as it balanced his science courses with a way to express his creative side. He worked several paid internships while working toward his bachelor of science degree in neuroscience, but he still wasn’t clear on his future path. “One day, one of my professors approached me and encouraged me to consider going to medical school,” Singh explained. “I suppose you can say the rest is history.”

Discovering Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba

Now that Singh had determined he wanted to pursue a medical degree, he began researching various institutions. “To my surprise, I knew many people who were applying to Xavier,” he said. “At the time, the university was small, but the programs looked like a great fit for me. And who wouldn’t want to go to school on the beautiful island of Aruba?” he continued laughingly. Singh did his homework when researching colleges and found that Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba “checked off all the boxes” for him when it came down to the admissions process, professors and curriculum, financial aid, accreditations, residency matching, and other factors an International Medical Graduate (IMG) should consider.  In the fall of 2009, Singh enrolled at Xavier and began his basic science courses—MD 1 through MD 4—over the next four semesters. In December 2011, he moved to New York for the required four-month training program and returned back to Michigan to take the first-of-three United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE), which are required to apply for residency.

Continuing the journey

For the next two years, Singh worked in several Chicago hospitals and completed his clinical rotations in all fields of standard medicine—all while studying for the second two-part USMLE. As a fourth-year medical student, he earned the title of ‘student doctor of general medicine.’ In 2013, he graduated Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba with honors. It was then that he decided to specialize in the field of psychiatry.

In 2014, Singh was matched with a residency position at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC, where he worked for the next two years in the Comprehensive Psychiatry Emergency Program at the hospital’s Psychiatric Institute. During that time, he took the third and final USMLE exam. In 2016, he went on to complete his residency at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in the chronic inpatient/forensic setting, where he was voted ‘Chief Resident.’ “It was an amazing feeling being voted into that position,” said Singh. “You have to work hard to be successful. I won’t lie. Being an International Medical Graduate (IMG) means you have to work even harder to get to where you want to be. But—in the end—it’s worth it.”

Entering the workforce

There’s no denying the journey to becoming a doctor is a grueling one. Singh’s decision to be an IMG may have put him on an unconventional path to becoming a psychiatrist, but it is one that he stands by and is proud of. “I think of myself as the ultimate ‘underdog story,’” he said proudly. “As a first-generation medical school graduate, I approached school with an ‘I am good enough’ attitude—and used it to my advantage.” Today, Singh is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and holds active medical licenses in Texas and Maryland. Prior to his current position as an outpatient adult psychiatrist at LifeStance Health—a telepsychiatry company in Round Rock, Texas—Singh worked at Georgetown University School of Medicine as a clinical instructor, where he provided didactic and clinical training in psychiatry to third- and fourth-year medical students. Additionally, he was voted as the Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Adventist Shady Grove Medical Center and also held the position of inpatient attending physician with a specialization in general adult psychiatry. He currently lives with his wife, Ariel, in Austin, Texas.

Giving back—one patient at a time

Mental health awareness is a hot button topic these days, as the pandemic (among other factors) contributes to the psychological well-being of people from all walks of life. Currently, Singh said he treats about 15 patients a day—600 per month—via Zoom. “The process is seamless,” he said. “My patients are very comfortable with it, and they say it’s more convenient and less stressful than in-person sessions.”

Reflecting on his journey to becoming a doctor, Singh admits the road was not an easy one. “The path was difficult, but it was the most fulfilling experience of my life,” he stated. “Helping others, especially during these unprecedented times, is critical. For me, becoming a psychiatrist was the best way to help and heal people.”

Following in his family’s footsteps and a love for children were the driving factors for pediatrician Stanley Lee, MD, graduate of Xavier University School of Medicine in Oranjestad, Aruba.

We sat down with Lee to learn about his journey to Xavier, his advice for medical students, and how he found success by following his true passions in life.

Family connection

Born and raised in the Philippines, Lee always had a special connection to his grandfather, who was a physician by profession. “Seeing how my grandfather helped others made an impression on me from a young age,” said Lee. “He was my inspiration to becoming a doctor. I suppose you can say that’s where my story begins.”

His journey to Xavier

Excited to begin his college career, Lee moved to Canada for high school and college. He had his sights set on attending medical school after graduation. Given the challenge of getting into Canadian medical schools, he explored all of his options until one day, a family friend suggested Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba. “I was apprehensive about where my future would take me,” Lee said. “The curriculum at Xavier seemed like the perfect fit for me.” In 2012, Lee enrolled at Xavier and immediately knew he’d made the right decision. “The tropical setting in Aruba felt like home to me,” he explained. “Xavier is a smaller medical school. The low student-to-professor ratio provided an excellent opportunity to ask questions, compared to larger universities where students get lost in the crowd.”

Maintaining a healthy balance

During his time at Xavier, Lee realized the key to succeeding in medical school meant finding a healthy work/life balance. “Medical school is challenging—there’s no other way to say it. But believe it or not, there’s more to it than just studying. You need a healthy mix.” He made several close friends who he still stays in touch with today. Lee admits that it’s easy for students to become distracted when they find themselves living on a beautiful island like Aruba. With this in mind, he set some strict guidelines that helped to keep him focused and on track. Lee was the valedictorian of his graduating class in 2016. Lee admitted that while this achievement did not come easy, he wishes to pass along these tips for success to other students:

• Wellness is part of medicine. You need to take of yourself, so you do not experience burnout.
• Find the best ways to maintain a good work/life balance.
• When studying, it’s important to understand the material, not just memorize it.
• Study smart and use the resources available to you.
• Sharpen your test-taking skills.
• Make friends and build a good support system.

His passion for pediatrics

Lee’s decision to enter the field of pediatric medicine stemmed from personal experience. “I always loved kids,” he explained. “I spent a few summers as a camp counselor in Canada coaching basketball, so I suppose being around them at an early age helped to mold my future career.” Lee took his passion for pediatrics one step further and decided to specialize in the field of pediatric pulmonology. “I faced similar pulmonary ailments with allergies and exercise-induced asthma, so I knew specializing in this particular field could help me connect with the kids on a more personal level,” he explained.

Continuing his journey

In 2014, Lee completed his two years of basic science courses at Xavier and was ready to continue his journey. He moved to the United States and worked for the next two years toward completing his clinical rotations at Wyckoff Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York and Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2016, he was accepted for residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, where he worked until 2019. “Applying for residency is a process, but one that sets you on a path to your future,” Lee stated. “It was during my residency that I decided to pursue a fellowship in pediatric pulmonology.” Today, Lee is in his last year of his three-year fellowship at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, and he is expected to complete his training in July 2022.

Working with children

Lee plans on moving to South Florida, where he has secured a position in working with children who suffer from pulmonary issues. “Most of my work will be more specialized and done on an outpatient basis,” Lee said. “I’m excited to begin a new chapter in my life where I can help children breathe easier to live a happy and healthy life.”