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Vol. 1, No. 1 The Student Newspaper of Albany Medical College Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, September 5,1978 AMA Student Section Reorganization Effected Debakey, “Aortocoronary-Artery By ARTHUR W. PERRY ’81 Bypass: Assessment After 13 The Student Business Section years,” which appeared in JAM A (SBS) of the American Medical February 27, 1978. Both speakers Association convened for its treated the students to a frank annual meeting on Saturday debate, which at times became morning, June 17th, at the Chase- heated to the point of viciousness. Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis, AMA-SBS vs. AMSA Missouri. The SBS is composed The second segment of the of representatives from each of meeting was the Business Session. the US Medical Schools. Its Following the traditional opening purpose is to give students direct remarks, which included a report input to the workings or that students are now permitted organized medicine via their one to attend the AMA Board of representative who is a voting Trustees meetings, a lengthy and member of the AMA House of somewhat heated discussion on Delegates, the legislative body of the internal structure of the SBS the Association. Any member of was held. The controversy the SBS may submit a resolution centered around the amount of which is then discussed and voted input to the SBS that the on by the SBS. If approved, it is American Medical Student then introduced for consideration Association (AMSA), a separate by the House. organization, should have. The SBS meeting was divided Previously, AMSA had appointed into three segments. The first three of the five officers of the included a debate/discussion on SBS while the, remaining two Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery were elected. Although this (CAB), which has become a procedure assures close Photo by J. A. Glenn, Albany. national issue. A recent study by cooperation between the two the Veteran’s Administration groups, it is not a democratic Albany Medical College in 1928; known today as the ‘J Building.' The entrance faces west questioned its efficacy, and the process. A compromise was and dates back to the 19th century. The stairway has been replaced since this photo was taken. ensuing debate has involved not reached whereby AMSA would only the medical profession, but retain its three seats on the the public as well. CAB surgery Governing Council, but that the now consumes 1 percent of the SBS would elect four, rather than nation’s health resources and is two officers, thereby depriving The AMC Experience still growing. Thomas Preston, AMSA of majority control, but M.D., Co-Chief, Division of maintaining their input. Many Cardiology, USPHS Hospital and SBS members still felt AMSA Associate Professor of Medicine, A 50-YEAR PERSPECTIVE was overrepresented by this plan University of Washington, but, nevertheless, it was represented the opposition to the By PAUL Z. SIEGEL,’81 movies, picnics, and welcoming hour of cut and dry lecture in ME successfully instituted. A small talks- a forty-eight hour fantasy 500; day after day of frantically bypass surgery. He stated that the Summer has ended. You’ve group of medical students have which you may also be able to trying to copy down miniscule still unproven procedure was made the trip to Albany and find promised to remedy the inequities delude yourself into believing will facts which you know are in the nevertheless widely accepted. Dr. yourself within the confines of the of this plan by submitting a never end and during which just text books but which out of fear Preston presented many of the Albany Medical Coliege, proposal to AMSA which would about every member of the class you find yourself scribbling arguments which appear in his unfamiliar with the surroundings, call for the election, not will quip,“And they said medical uncontrollably; week after week book, Coronary-Artery Surgery: somewhat ill at ease, excited, appointment, of their school was going to be hard.’’But of accumulating mountains of A Critical Review. He questions anxious, a little scared and representatives to the Governing parties do end, classes do begin, handouts-volumes of gospel whether the procedure is in the mystified — in other words, a Council. and the pleasant memories, often which in a few months will be best interests of the patient and first-year student. But what have The next few hours were spent clouded by a superimposed carefully filed away and possibly society. He argued that CAB you done to deserve being among discussing various reports and drunken revelry, fade faster than never looked at again. Sooner or Surgery is not worth the cost and the chosen few admitted to AMC resolutions. Some of the more is to anyone’s liking. The two later it will get to be a drag and that “there is an economic and, more importantly, what lies significant reports follow. years of preclinical, basic science incentive for surgeons to perform in front of you. Continued on Page 4 Discontinuance of Residencies studies have begun. Hour after the operation.” Gerald M. Well, if the year is 1978 it’s in General Practice. This proposal Lawrie, M.D., an associate of likely you have recently finished would affect 27 currently Michael Debakey, M.D., and four years of college and earned a approved programs. In the Assistant Professor of Surgery at degree. You may be from the opinion of the AMA Council on Baylor, aggressively opposed Dr. Albany area, from distant parts of Medical Education, the general Preston stating emphatically that New York State, or even from practice residency has been Biochem Chairman money was not a factor. He feels remote corners of the country. supplanted by the family practice that the procedure provides both There’s a good chance you’re a residency. relief of symptoms and woman. AMA Dues. There are now prolongation of life. Further And what lies ahead of you? Search Continues 147,500 regular members of the Immediately ahead lie two days of arguments of Dr. Lawrie appear Microbiology) is presently Continued on Page 6 parties, dances, guided tours, By PAUL Z. SIEGEL, 81 in an article co-authored with Dr. engaged in the first step of the The Biochemistry Search process — compiling a list of Committee’s efforts to bring a between fifty and one hundred new department chairman to candidates whose names will be AMC in time for the beginning of presented to each member of the the 1978-79 academic year have committee for personal gone without success. Dr. Joseph evaluation. The committee then Glenn, chairman since 1975, chooses several candidates (this announced his resignation in past year it was five) who are August of last year, effective this invited to AMC to, in Dr. past July. He will be remaining Thomas’ words, “see and be with the biochemistry department seen". As of this point in the here at AMC and has agreed to search process no obligation has continue on as acting chairman been incurred by either the until a replacement is found. medical college or the candidates. The three-step search procedure Having met the candidates must once again be carried out personally the committee then from the beginning. Dr. Wilbur reconvenes and decides whether Thomas, member of the any are right for the job. A final committee and Chairman of the list is constructed and the Department of Pathology, remaining candidates are invited, anticipates it will be at least in order of the committee’s several months before a preference, for a second visit to A M A Photo replacement for Dr. Glenn is the medical college. This second found. Chairman of the search visit includes a discussion of New Jersey Medical School student Leonard Bielory about to raise a question at the A MA committee Dr. Lawrence Caliguiri contract terms with the Dean and meeting. (Chairman of the Department of possibly a formal job offer. P*gc2 NEXUS, September, 1978 Utem itfrnm StyfJftoar s Efttturtal NEXT NEXUS DEADLINE 3rd Year: Wha t Is A Nexus ? is extended to It’s Up to You (Mostly) Those of you who either have not taken or have forgotten Sept. 22,1978 By NINA WIMPIE, ’79 histology may be wondering what a nexus is. In cell biology, this resident or attending physician. \ And MITCH COLLMAN, ’79 You can answer questions and term describes a “gap junction” or interconnection between two A question was put to us the offer comfort to the patients, other day: “So you’re standing cells. Literary types may recognize another meaning of the word. execution of the asanas is set by which is often more important to there with your white coat and Nexus is derived from a Latin Verb meaning to bind or connect. two cornerstones of Hatha yoga. them than your status as a In current usage, it is the bond existing between members of a First of all, each exercise is your black bag; what happens student. However, there are now?” If, despite your basic group. The editors hope that the Nexus will live up to its executed slowly and gracefully, patients who will not cooperate training and education in Physical definition by becoming a bond between the members of the the position being held for several with you. This is surprisingly rare, seconds or minutes in order to Diagnosis, you don’t know quite and each of you will develop your Albany Medical College community. It is here as a service to achieve maximum benefit. where to begin, this is for you. own method of handling this you, the students. Each month it will feature local news, news Secondly, Hatha yoga emphasizes Your education in the third situation. from other medical schools, reports on legislation affecting regulated breathing. Proper year is much more*'" in your Your day will consist of going regulation calls for slow, deep, control than at any time medical students, and significant research advances. on rounds, writing notes on your filling of the lungs to full capacity previously. True, there is a In order to be a true nexus, we encourage participation in patients, attending to various with inhalation through the nose minimum amount of time that the production of this paper. The editorial pages are a forum for chores, participating in in order to maximally filter air. you must spend going on rounds, procedures, and working-up new your ideas via letters to the editor and opinion columns. As your concentration turns away attending to patient care, or patients. There are other Whether your creativity expresses itself as an article, poem, from the events of the day and doing “scutwork”, all of which responsibilities unique to each toward the flow of air and blood cartoon, or letter, the Nexus is your vehicle of communication. vary with the particular rotation rotation, such as assisting in the through the passageways of your and service. It is entirely your OR or seeing clinic patients. body, the tensions of work and decision as to how many ad Scattered throughout the routine exams pass from your ditional hours you will are conferences and lectures. consciousness and are replaced Yoga spend on the floors, how The night and weekend call by profound relaxation and Hatha yoga, the form practiced extensive your reading will be, schedule is variable. Most By ALLAN BAUSTIN sometimes even sleep. in the class, teaches students to and how much you will study for rotations have guidelines, and it All sessions are run on the Amid the whirlwind of fast- attain a heightened sense of well the handful of exams. In most is up to the house officer to premise that everyone moves at cases your level of dedication will paced, high pressure living so being through proper breathing implement them. Obstetrics call their own pace, holding each prevalent, at AMC is someplace and body-stretching postures vary with your interest in each is all night; the others are usually position only as long as is field. you can go to get away from the called ‘asanas’. ‘Hatha’ is derived until about 11 p.m. comfortable. Class regulars find tension. Yoga and Relaxation from the Sanskrit words ‘Ha’ The quality of your experience Thus the third year is actually their flexibility and agility in the clinical years will largely Class, which meets every Monday (sun) and ‘Tha’ (moon), referring a highly individualized process. increasing with each class and are and Wednesday at 5 pm in the to the balance of positive and depend on the housestaff with Your education will be a unique soon able to perform asanas they whom you work. At one end of “movement room,” on the second negative forces in the body. Each collection of , experiences, once considered impossible. the spectrum, there are residents floor of the Capital District asana which is patterned after a different from those of your Class instructors Hayat Abuza who will evaluate your workups Psychiatric Center, provides all naturally occurring phenomenon, classmates. The new type of with care, ask questions to members of the AMC community typically derives its name from an (AMC II; originator of the class), learning requires some getting expand your knowledge, offer with a place where we can animal (the cobra, the fish) or Karen Kenette (AMC II), and used to. In many ways the third semi-formal teaching sessions, temporarily sidestep the rat race celestial body (the moon balance, Deborah Poppel hqve designed year is quite exciting. It marks programs to ease the beginner and require you to assume and even learn to better cope with salutation to the sun), the transition between passive into yoga as well as to challenge responsibility commensurate with the daily pressures. The general tone underlying the booklearning and active patient the experienced student. They your increasing expertise. These contact, and it can be very take time to give individual help. people should be appreciated, for satisfying. On the other hand, the So if you’d like to discover a great they are not that common. On year can be very frustrating. It the other hand, there are IferrgHrnjif — GDpmtott way to relax and unwind or just requires your adjustment to a get in on some fun and physical residents who will pay very little rigid social structure; as a third exercise, remember: attention to you. Fortunately, year student you are at the they are also uncommon. Any Yoga & Relaxation Class bottom. The hours can be long, stereotypes you may have about Smoke Gets In Your Eyes Monday & Wednesday 5 pm and the tasks arduous or even CDPC Movement Room (2nd which personality types are in which specialities are generally boring. The Albany Medical Center Hospital (AMCH) has instituted floor) When the year is over, you’re All Classes Free invalid. sweeping changes in its smoking policy. Following the action of many Attendings are only likely to feel as we did: Can’t other hospitals and the recommendations of the American Heart peripherally involved in your believe there’s only one more Association, the Lung Association, and the American Medical DATES education during the third year. year left. Association, the Hospital has banned smoking in halls, corridors, Dates of Interest to Graduate There is usually some type of classrooms, elevators, floor kitchens, conference rooms, nursing Students and Researchers: basic lecture schedule, and on Champion stations, stairways, and on any patient floor or in any area where there Wednesday, September 6 — some rotations an attending will are patients. Smoking will be permitted only where signs indicate. These Registration, 9:00 a.m.-12 noon meet with students in smaller include parts of the main lobby and cafeteria, the C-l Dining Room, the Tuesday, September 12 — groups. Again, the quality of To Stay Coffee Shop, Doctors’ offices, lounge areas on patients’ floors, and the Faculty Research Seminar: contact varies as widely as it does (AMA News Service) — snack rooms in the Operating Room and on the OB floor. 1) “Regulation of Hormone with housestaff. Washington sources indicate the This change in policy was a major step at the Hospital since it Receptors in Cancer”— What about your patients? once sure switch of . HEW includes a ban on the sale of cigarettes. This had generated substantial How will they respond to you? Undersecretary Hale Champion revenue through the years and is evidence that the principle is important Wilbur A. Thomas, M.D. Most accept students as part of to Social Security Commissioner to the Hospital. Dr. Thomas L. Hawkins, President and Director of the 2)“Angiotoxic Degredation the team. Some prefer them, in will not take place. The new AMCH, said, “Time, experience, and medical research have shown us Products in Cholesterol” — C. Bruce Taylor, M.D. fact, because students have more Social Security Commissioner, that one of the most effective means of improving health is to curtail time to talk to them than the smoking.” He stated that patients will have a choice of either a smoking Seminar at 4:30 p.m. in MS- inside sources say, will be Sanford 169 Ross, an attorney close to HEW or non-smoking room. In the event of a smoker being put in the same CLASSIFIED ADS room as a non-smoker, the non-smoker’s rights would prevail. Wednesday, September 20 — Secretary Joseph Califano who is This change in policy, although long overdue, is quite welcome. Lecture sponsored by the For the ridiculously low sum of presently Chairman of the Social However the Medical College, per se, is unaffected. AMC’s present department of Microbiology and SI, the Nexus will print 20 words. Security Advisory Council. If policy forbids smoking in classrooms and lecture hails but allows it in Immunology. Irwin H. Lepow, Place your ad in the following Champion remains at his HEW other areas of the school. To provide the students, faculty, staff, and M.D., ' Ph.D. President of categories and send it to David post, he retains his position as visitors with unpolluted air, it is hoped that the administration of the Sterling-Winthrop Research Inst. Reino, Business Manager, AMC possible successor to Califano College follow the Hospital’s lead and ban smoking from the halls of “The Alternative Pathway of Box : Apartments, On the who is believed to be in line for AMC. Complement Activation” Market, Services, Help Wanted, another Administration Cabinet — AWP Lecture at 3:30 p.m. in M E-110 Personals. slot, probably as head of the Department of Justice. JAVITS PUSHES INSURANCE STUDY ®hp Albany UMiral Npxuh (AMA News Service) — In the wake of President Carter’s Editor-in-Chief Arthur W. Perry, ’81 announcement of his Administration’s national health Associate Editor Mitch Collman, ’79 insurance principles and the Associate Editor Paul Z. Seigel, ’81 subsequent adverse reaction of Managing Editor James P. Ralabate, ’81 labor organizations and Sen. Business Manager David L. Reino, ’81 The Albany Medical Nexus is published monthly from September to June by Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) to the students of the Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, the principles, Sen. Jacob Javits Graduate School Editor Paul M. Stein, Physiology New York, 12208. The newspaper, a service to the students of the College, is (R-N.Y.) has introduced a also distributed to the faculty, alumni, and administration of the College, as resolution in the Senate calling Assistant Editor Lawrence J. Levitan, ’81 well as to the staff of the major affiliated hospitals. Present circulation is 2000. for a Joint Committee on Assistant Editor David* Livingston, ’81 National Health Policy to “make Editorial policy is determined by the Editorial Board, an autonomous unit Assistant Editor Danae Powers, ’81 continuing studies of a national consisting of the Editor-in-Chief, the Associate Editor(s), the Managing Assistant Editor Michael Silver, ’81 Editor, and the Business Manager. health insurance program.” Assistant Editor Cindy S. Tobin, ’81 Senate Concurrent Resolution All interested individuals are invited to submit letters and opinions for these 1100, the Javits Proposal, would pages. Criteria for publication include clarity, timeliness, and relevance. All establish a 28-member Committee Graphics Daniel P. McCauliffe, ’81 material must be typed and signed, and must include the mailing address of from members of the Senate and the author. The views expressed in this material are not necessarily those of Crosswords James C. Strazzeri, ’80 House of Representatives and the Nexus, and the Editorial Board reserves the right to edit all material. All would give the Committee full notices, manuscripts, and letters must be received by the 15th of each month. Advertising Manager Steve Kaufman, ’81 and exclusive jurisdiction over all Advertising Manager Deborah Kaufman, ’81 The Nexui is funded by the Albany Medical College Alumni Association, by bills, resolutions and other the contributions of philanthropic members of the Medical College matters which relate primarily to Advisors: Dr. Frank Maxon; Alumni Association community, and by our advertisers. the establishment or Dr. Alan Miller: Administration implementation of a national health program. NEXUS, September, 1978 Page 3 ISeljittii Stye Sratmt (Eurtatn Pharmacologically speaking, Dr. Procita Tells All By PAUL STEIN, PHYSIOLOGY, and ARTHUR W. PERRY ’8! appeared to be and, in the final attitude has launched him into analysis, this will probably turn public affairs. He was at the Who are our professors? out to have a negative effect on forefront of a ten year battle for They’re certainly more than just individualism in scientific the development of legislation in lecturers and researchers — research. While we are in an era the care and treatment of animals they’re people. Many are where it is easier to support the used in research and education. In internationally known; they hold big dollar targeted program than the late 1960’s, as President of the positions on editorial boards, are the individual scientist, it is often New York State Society for officers of professional from the latter that the important Medical Research, Chairman of organizations, and often are research flows,” he says. the American Society for involved in activities totally Pharmacology and Experimental unrelated to medical education. Graduate Student Education Therapeutics’ Committee on The following article is the first in As far as the education of Public Affairs, and a member of a a series featuring a prominent professor at A MC. graduate students is concerned, committee of the same name for Dr. Procita believes that their the Federation of American training should be broadly based Societies for Experimental Dean Stuart Bondurant Survivors of the freshman year and interdisciplinary although Biology and Medicine, he worked will look back and remember their research should not be too against a fair amount of many professors. One who wide ranging. “One can learn a opposition with Senator Jacob 0p an ’B (Enrnpr particularly stands out is Dr. subject not only by doing research Javits (R-NY) and Representative Leondard Procita, Professor of in it, but also, with the Paul Rogers (D-Fal) to develop Each month, one of the Deans o f the Albany Medical College Pharmacology and Experimental appropriate background, by this legislation. This culminated will use this space to air his views on a topic of interest to the teaching it,” he says. In that light, in the Rogers-Javits legislation or Therapeutics. Photographs of medical community. eminent colleagues watched over he believes teaching should be an the Humane Handling and us as he discussed science, integral part of the graduate Treatment of Animals becoming research, some eventful activities, student’s education. “At times, national policy in 1969. Dr. DR. STUART BONDURANT and his outspoken views on graduate students are capable of Procita mused that in the course PRESIDENT AND DEAN subjects such as morphine and giving better organized lectures of this struggle, he received a It is a great time for the first issue of the Albany Medical. cigarette smoking. than faculty because they work copy of a letter which had been After receiving his harder at preparing them,” he sent to the President of the Nexus. More than ever before all of us who are involved undergraduate and doctoral conceded. “A researcher can often Pharmacology Society stating professionally in the health care enterprise need to be aware of degrees from the University of get so involved in the minute that he was the most dangerous a range of information and perspective which far transcends the Michigan in 1954 Dr. Procita details of a topic that students can man in American science! curriculum of any medical school or the direct personal began his teaching career at the miss the fundamental points. I In that period, Dr.-Procita also experience of any of us. The Nexus can provide a forum for St. Louis University School of don’t think a lecture has to be a worked with members of the New many views. Indeed, in the long run, it will succeed only if Medicine. There “it was my good dulling and numbing experience.” York Legislature on the Uniform fortune to have become Dr. Procita would rather Anatomical Gift Act, human those responsible for its content over the' years adhere acquainted with Dr. Robert F. discuss a topic with a small group experimentation legislation, drug scrupulously to the highest standards of journalism. As issues Furchgott at Washington than lecture to a larger group. He abuse, and the formation of the become contentious and emotional (laetrile,abortion, national University,” he said. After Dr. likes to challenge students — to Kidney Research Institute. health insurance, grading systems, to name a few) it becomes Furchgott was appointed to chair get them thinking. “It’s In 1969, Dr. Procita became a both more difficult and more important that there be a balance disappointing that students rarely charter member of the Board of the first Pharmacology of information. It can be very healthy and constructive for the Department at Downstate raise arguements with me in Regents of the American College Medical School in New York, he lecture. . . That is really when the of Clinical Pharmacology. He was College community for us to share our ideas, thoughts and brought Dr. Procita with him to learning begins to take some elected Vice-President ‘b f4 the interests more broadly. help organize the department. In form.” College for the term 1976 to 1978. I hope the Nexus will contribute to our collegiality in many 1963, Dr. Procita came to Albany The Most Dangerous Man He is currently serving a second ways— by helping us to know each other better, by helping us where he was Acting In American Science term on the Board of Regents. to be better informed of our own affairs, and as a source of Pharmacology Department Additionally, he serves as Dr. Procita is considered a lively, open and critical discussion of the great and small issues Chairman from 1973 to 1976. candid professor. As many know, Chairman of the Publications Research Committee of the College. His which surround medicine and medical education. I welcome the if you ask him a question, he’ll opportunity to welcome the Albany Medical Nexus and I Dr. Procita’s research interests give you a straight answer. This Continued on Page 7 have changed several times. He wish it a long, exciting and productive life. had worked for many years with Lest anyone be misled by my enthusiasm for, the potential an alkaloid, ryanodine, which contribution of the Nexus, let me hasten to add in case it is not induced rigor in skeletal muscles. otherwise obvious that the Albany Medical Nexus is entirely a His efforts then switched from the effects of this drug on muscle to student controlled enterprise. Neither the College as an its effects on the brain and its institution, the administration nor the faculty have any voice in circulation. This work lead to a its management. series of studies on the central As I considered how I might best use the opportunity created actions of antihypertensive drugs, by the invitation to contribute to this issue, 1 considered and nicotine, and various other rejected several philosophical expositions, one or two tobacco smoke constituents. These studies, done in statesmanlike (I hope) posturings and several homilies of the collaboration with his former kind which are deadly but strangely irrestible on notable colleagues Drs. A.J. Ingenito occasions. I have decided rather to simply cite two of the issues and James P. Barrett, showed on in medicine which I hope will evoke comment and analysis in a direct basis for the first time future issues of the Nexus. that the hypotensive effect of I suppose it is an inevitable sign of our times that the alpha-methyl dopa had a large central component independent of overriding issues in health care, and health care education, its ‘false transmitter’ action. This must include control of the cost of health care and of health work, which showed that “drugs care education. Cost controls imposed in various ways by the with central actions might be Federal and State governments are now shaping the health care preferable to those with only available to our people and these effects will grow. Mescal peripheral actions, fell on deaf education (Snd education for most other health rare ears. Interestingly, centrally acting antihypertensive therapy, professions) is so costly in its present form that manypare such as clonidine, is now coming challenging the cost benefit. There is great need for informed into vogue,” he said. Dr. Procita discussion of how best to control the cost of health care and is currently planning a medical education. pharmacological analysis of the At both the State and Federal level, government is deeply effect of various drugs on retinal involved in ‘health manpower’ planning. These plans will photoreceptors. Twenty-two scientific papers influence the choices available to today’s students throughout have been published by Dr. their career— and they will influence the health care available to Procita. “Nothing in these papers the people of the United States. For example, there are has ever been refuted or thoughtful observers who feel that the nation is now educating questioned by the work of too many physicians. Some feel that the number of training others,” he says. He also has opportunities in some of the specialties should be reduced. In written a score of abstracts, a dozen book reviews, and, both cases there is a classic confrontation of the interests of the interestingly enough, two individual (educational access) and the interests of the controversial articles in The individual (educational access) and the interests of society or Pharmacologist discussing government (appropriate total number and specialty Science and Government. distribution of physicians.) . O n federal policy, Dr. Procita These are but two of a host o6xqi^^arv$;,: and issues which is quite frank. “The largess in the way of funds offered by the are of such importance and interest that 1 hope they will be the National Institutes of Health in Photo by Mitch Col liman focus of some of the attention of future issues of Nexus the late 1950’s and ’60’s may not To all associated with Nexus, congratulations and good have been the blessing they first Dr. Leonard Procita, Professor o f Pharmacology, an. his Page 4 NEXUS, September, 1978 Embarking On The AMC Experience
Continued from Page 1 By the way, it is important to arithmetic, grammar, geography, The makeup of the class in 1923 ingenuity could take you a long there will be times when you’ll define “free time”. For and elementary physics.” The and its students’ visions of what way. During Dr. Maxon’s era it wish that AMC did stand for undergraduate students free time exam was waived for college lay over the horizon were vastly was common practice for American Motors Corporation. means the amount of time left graduates. different from today. The lecturers to lock the doors at the Your motivation to study will over once your work is finished. It was in the late I9th and early majority of students came from scheduled starting time. “You had at times wane but the vision of At AMC free time means the 20th centuries that education at the Capital District and upon to condition yourself to be someday reaching those clinical amount of time you choose to AMC began to take on the basic graduation, expected to enter punctual.” On one occasion Dr. years-that distant oasis, lying two take off from a workload that structure we see today. It was general practice within the Maxon arrived to morning years (or is it millenia?) across a defies completion. This between 1875 and 1920 that all of Albany area. Albany was a local obstetrics lecture only to find the desert of seemingly irrelevant realization that the task is never the following changes were medical college, par excellence. In door already locked. Prepared to textbooks, lectures, and labs draw complete and that you can survive instituted: the New York State contrast to the situation today, leave he noticed a secretary you onward. And when the hope and succeed without mastering Board of Regents began to points out Dr. Mosher, the carrying a plastic model of a baby tnat the thousand tiny facts you every assignment may well be the administer an admissions exam majority of students then had a toward the classroom and cram into your head each week first step toward avoiding two which all candidates had to take, good idea of where they would gallantly offered to deliver the will someday actually serve as a years of misery and self-torment. a state law was passed requiring a eventually practice as well as what model. After accepting the plastic tool in treating real people begins Enough said about 1978. What high school diploma and shortly kind of medicine they would baby handed him and closing the to fade, the menace of an about those who came to AMC door the prof. noticed that its upcoming set of exams garnished in earlier years? What were their deliverer was still inside the with a couple of wee hour cups of backgrounds and what did they lecture hall and was indeed one of coffee will suffice to keep your have to look forward to as his students. Realizing he’d been nose to the grindstone. incoming students? Well, if you duped, the prof gazed at his And when the clinical years are go back to the early years of student and said, “Well Maxon, 1 finally reached and finished-then AMC, that is to say the years see you’ve learned the story of the what? Internship. Residency. immediately following the Trojan Horse.” Specialization? Subspecialization? founding of the medical college in Tuition at that time was about Research? The wonderings will 1839, you will find a very different $300 but even that seemingly go on and on. Some of you breed of medical student. For one small amount of money was not will be able to envision clearly. thing, the med student of that era easy to come by. Students had- to Others will evadei your hadn’t been through four years of work summers and incur debts mind’s grasp, escaping into a college preparation. In all just as they do now. In fact, if you limbo of awareness only to return likelihood he hadn’t even been needed to borrow money you may for future mullings over and through four years of high school. well have had more trouble ponderings. In order to enroll at the Albany finding a loan than you would Medical College it was necessary today. There were no government Free Time? for the candidate “to enter his programs and banks didn’t Medicine and medical school name on the album of the advertise. Dr. Maxon remembers will certainly be the hub of your College...” The curriculum A MC File Photo there being one area physician life and when asked to put a who frequently lent money to consisted of a 16 week lecture Albany Medical College between 1877 and 1928. number on it most medical series in anatomy which included medical students who couldn’t students will probably say that specimens to be dissected plus the pay their tuition. thereafter, two years of college, practice-assuming they made it eighty or ninety percent of their presentation of patients with Prohibition courses in histology and through. Herein lies another time revolves around school. The various medical and surgical What did the med students do pathology were introduced fundamental change in the time you spend relaxing, problems.. If you attended the for fun on weekends back then? (chemistry had begun back in the experience of the medical student enjoying, and unwinding may not 1844 session you would on Oct. 5 For five bucks you could drive 1850’s), a winter session was over the past fifty years. The med amount to a lot of hours but it (the first week) have witnessed down to New York City and back. added to the schedule, and the student of the 20’s didn’t have the will play a key role in determining Dr. Alden March, founder of the If you managed to crash a party course of medical studies was virtual assurance of today’s how happy (or miserable) you’ll Medical College, present a case of and were lucky enough to have lengthened to three, and student that, once admitted, he be. It’s sometimes hard to believe, “wound of finger”. On the docket someone offer you a bed for subsequently, to four years. would graduate. Dr. Mosher but there really are a lot of ways for Nov. 9 you’ll find “foreign Saturday night the same five Thus it was in the early years of remembers his class being told on to spend and enjoy your free time. substance in arm”. By the way, for dollars might carry you through what might be termed the modern the first day “to take a close look In the spring and fall there’s an extra five bucks above the $60 the whole weekend. Those were era of medical education that Dr. at your neighbors to the right and tennis, golf, and the race track. In tuition fee you could obtain prohibition days but booze could John Mosher (AMC class of to the left. By the end of the year the winter there’s intra-mural be gotten and downing a few specimens for private dissection- 1927) began his medical training at least one of the three of you basketball, bowling leagues, and optional. beers was a common pastime. at Albany. The year was 1923 and won’t be there”. And the skiing. There’s a hockey team and Good Moral Character Who knows, the fact that the admissions requirement of prophecy was no empty threat. Of a rugby team. Of course there’s drinking was illegal may very well two years of college education the 33 who started in the fall of always drinking. The city of To graduate you had to attend have made it just a little bit more had been instituted just five years 1923 thirteen returned for the Albany offers a lot of coffee two of the 16 week sessions, study fun. earlier. Dr. Mosher recalls that second year. Were there any other houses, jazz clubs, and bars with for three years under a preceptor Dr. William Scharfman (class most of his classmates had been comments offered in the way of live music- not always the best, and prepare and defend a thesis. of ’46) began his first year at through four years of college but “orientation”? “Sure there were, but certainly places where you can These admissions and graduation AMC in March 1943. This was that he, due to financial strains, says Dr. Mosher, “They told you enjoy an evening with some policies scarcely changed over the war time and the academic had arrived at AMC after only the what books to get, where to get friends. There are yoga and dance ensuing 35 years. In 1875 the first schedule had been compressed. minimum of two years. them, and to be back at 8 a.m. the classes right here at the medical stiffening of graduation Vacations were eradicated and the While medical education at next morning for the first day of school. However you spend your requirements was enacted- 'it normal four year curriculum was AMC had taken the early steps lectures.” No beer blasts, no free time it will be essential to became stipulated that the student squeezed into three. In light of the toward attaining its present dances, no picnics. your peace of mind that it serves “must be of good moral national emergency the entrance structure it still had a long way to ‘The Brink of Oblivion’ to clear your mind of the tensions character”. In 1880 an admissions requirement of four year college go. First of all, the College was By the 1920’s the old college and pressures which gnaw away at examination was instituted, a test degree, established in 1934, had located in downtown Albany on building had grown antiquated and threaten to replace your demanding “a page written... of been rolled back to three years- a Eagle Street between Lancaster and it was with a sense of fending enthusiasm for an often truly which the orthography (i.e. “temporary" measure which has and Jay. It was a twenty minute off obsolescence that AMC fascinating curriculum with spelling), grammatical remained on the books. walk from the hospital which planned and, in 1928, opened its bitterness and resentment over the construction, and penmanship The medical college maintained stood, even then, at its present new building on New Scotland sacrifices it demands of you. will be considered and in much the same appearance it site. The ‘Lancaster Building’, Avenue. It was a five story carried when it moved up from erected in 1815 and home of structure adjacent to the hospital Eagle Street fifteen years earlier. AMC from 1877 until 1928, has and according to then president of It still consisted of a single five i the Alumni Association, Dr. since been razed. One momento story building. The class was still of the Medical College’s early Thomas H. Cunningham, helped NATIONAL days remains with us today; the AMC retrieve itself from “the small, enrollment being about 50 Albany main entrance into our J Building brink of oblivion”. This edifice, in each class, and the “everybody MEDICAL BDS is the very same one which stood which still stands within the knows everybody” atmosphere of on Eagle Street over 100 years medical school complex, is earlier years had been maintained. VQE ago. Still other major changes presently known as the J Building There were still only a handful of have occurred. The dorm, of and can be identified by the women in each class- “homely and ECFMG Center course, hadn’t been built, but marble plaques dedicated to not very bright,” recalls Dr. housing wasn’t a serious problem; various historical figures at AMC Scharfman. He hastens to add FLEX many of the students lived in the which decorate the walls of its that today’s women students are nu sigma nu fraternity house on first floor. “attractive and very bright.” DENTAL BDS lower Madison Ave. Dr. Frank Maxon (class of ’39) WW II clearly had its impact 163 Delaware The College had no library to remembers those early years on on the lives of the medical NURSING BDS speak of but Dr. Mosher doesn’t New Scotland Avenue. It’s a bit of students and created certain recall this as having presented any a shock for the present-day circumstances not found in other Voluminous home study notes on all hardship. “You kept the four or student to hear Dr. Maxon eras. All the preclinical male areas of basic science. students wore uniforms. The Teaching tests accompanied by com Ave. five required textbooks in your describe the layout of AMC at prehensive teaching tapes to be used at room and after attending classes that time. Your vision of today’s Army and Navy footed the bill to any of our tape centers. from 9-5 o’clock and grabbing myriad complex has you prepared preclude any financial hardships Materials constantly updated. some dinner you put in four or so for a building by building account and everyone joined the service. Over 40 years of hours of studying at home.” As but what you hear is a description Besides, if you didn’t enlist you far as medical literature was of each floor. It’s hard to believe, ran the risk of being drafted li?,Er » mpuKi Delmar concerned, the school received but there was indeed one single before graduation whereas the preparation. EDUCATIONAL copies of the New England building and Dr. Maxon enlisted men were guaranteed of CENTER Journal of Medicine, The New remembers each floor- from the finishing their studies York State Journal of Medicine, anatomy lab on the fifth floor to uninterrupted. and the Journal of the American the lockers in the basement where The open field where the Medical Society, and that was students frequently spent their CDPC is now located might have For Information About Other Centers lunch breaks shooting craps or been used for a softball game on Outside NY State Call TOLL FREE 4 3 9 -8 1 4 6 about it. There was no need for extensive library facilities. Dr. playing poker while breaking out one day and then serve as a site 800-223-1782 Mosher surmises that the library their brown-bagged noon time for Army and Navy drills the Centers in Major US Cities, Puerto Rico next. To Dr. Scharfman’s Toronto, Canada ft Lugano, Switzerland today must receive more literature meal. in a day than it did in a year back The Trojan Horse irtnnftftnftnnnftnnnflni r - — ------j — n __ _ c NEXUS, September 1978 Page 5 Looking Back Continued from Page 4 corridor which presently houses recollection the ball games were probably the Business Office, Financial Aid 3 GOOD, taken more seriously than the drills. Office, and Personnel Office the The post WW 11 era at AMC was library of the 1960’s was marked by a lack of growth. The class size^ ^essentially the same one which hovered around fifty or sixty. There served the medical college when it modest increase in facultv^^^uicine, moved up to New Scotland however, was advancn^^^Jy leaps and Avenue in 1928. To use Dr. SOUND bounds. AMC had nothing to grow into. Sarfeh’s words it was a “terrible The only ngjtweBTistruction had been the K affair”. Crowding was so bad you Buildi«ftJffiost of which served the hospital could hardly study and to make lot the medical school. The medical matters worse it was common for 'college was being stifled by a lack of space. books and periodicals to be The Building Boom missing from the shelves. As the 1960’s drew near Albany Medical Disbelief REASONS College faced, for the second time in its What sticks out in Dr. Sarfeh’s history, the threat of losing its status as a mind about his first year at AMC? first-rate medical college. It was again on “We (he and many classmates) the brink of oblivion. In 1955 Dean Harold had heard that the first two years C. Wiggers announced plans for a new of medical school were nothing FORYOU construction and set the stage for an but hard work but deep down we ensuing period of dizzying growth. A didn’t believe it”, he said. “We couple of quick statistics will illustrate the had all breezed through good incredible rate of growth experienced at undergraduate schools without AMC over the past fifteen years. In 1963, working too hard and believed thirty five years after the move to New med school would be the same. The first year turned out to be a TO JOIN Scotland Avenue, the original five-story J shock-having to work hard to get Building constituted about 50 percent of a C. I didn’t believe it ’til 1 got the building space owned by AMC. In here.” 1973, just ten years later, that same building came to represent less than 7 During his first year. Dr. percent of the square footage used by the Sarfeh was disappointed with the lack of esprit de corps among the THE AMA medical college. Dr. James Sarfeh (class of ’68) arrived at students, all going separate ways and not really looking out for one AMC in 1964, just one year after another. He attributes this self- construction of the MS Building was centered attitude mostly to fear. Effective completed. MS 316 was the main lecture During the second year when the hall and Dr. Sarfeh remembers that it curriculum became more relevant accomodated the class of 68 students quite Representation and the students began to relax he There may have been times when you’ve encountered comfortably. The laboratory facilities were found that the class began to new and fully adequate. The only consolidate. In retrospect Dr. problems with your institution, or you’ve wanted to see inadequate facility was the library. Located Sarfeh finds that medical school changes or improvements in your curriculum, or in patient on the first floor of the J Building, along and his subsequent specialty care, or in health care delivery. But where could you go for training in surgery affected his help with your problem or to get a hearing for your ideas? personality in a way that he only There really wasn’t any place. recently, after four years as an attending physician, has come to But now there is: For students, its the AMA Student realize. “My outside interests fell Business Section (SBS); for residents, the AMA Resident f/v\ McDonald's by the wayside. I lost my ability to Physician Section (RPS). They are your representative as communicate with - japjunedical semblies through which the AMA and its resources are WELCOME MEDIC A L STUDENTS people and to identify with their problems.” directed to the problems you and your colleagues wish to TO GET YOU BA CK IN THE S WING Dr. Sarfeh has been on the have addressed. Through the SBS and RPS delegates in OF THINGS, WE HAVE AN OFFER: faculty here at AMC since the AMA House of Delegates, students and residents have finishing medical school. He has direct input and participation in AMA policy-making. MCDONALD’S BIG MAC worked on the curriculum committee and seen changes which, in his eyes, are for the Buy One, better. He points specifically to the deemphasis of anatomy in Get One recent years. “A classmate asked one of the anatomy professors Membership Benefits what we had to know for the Your membership provides a broad range of professional course. 'Gray’s Anatomy’,’’ was as well as personal benefits. Those of particular impor the reply. Dr. Sarfeh has tance are: personally reviewed the present • JAMA, American Medical News, and one of nine spe anatomy course and praises Dr. Edmonds (who currently runs it) cialty journals for not cramming students’ brains • Low-cost insurance programs—group life, excess major with irrelvant material. “It’s more medical, disability, accidental death and dismember sanely done than in my day.” ment, and supplement in-hospital insurance Dr. Peter Kelly (class of ’77) entered AMC in 1973. In the few • AMA Physicians’ Placement Service years before his matriculation • Starting your practice workshops, negotiations seminars into AMC several important changes had occurred. In 1968 the dorm was built, the EGPU grading system had been Two 100% beef patties, sharp instituted, and the ME Building American cheese, lettuce, pickles, with its four two-story amphitheaters plus additional lab Special Dues onions, and and classroom space had just been McDonald’s special sauce completed, and finally, a modern Recognizing the financial burdens you already carry, the AMA established special reduced membership dues. Stu served on a lightly toasted, triple library was constructed. Albany finally had room to grow and dents may join for only $15, residents for $35. (Regular decker sesame seed bun. Truly a grow it did. The entering class of AMA dues are $250.) Join today. The AMA needs and meal disguished as a sandwich. 79 in 1971 was expanded to 110. wants your membership, input, and participation. That these changes made Dr. Courtesy of Kelly’s experience at Albany Med McDonald's of Offer Expires 12-31- profoundly different from that of Holland Avenue 78. students in previous years Offer good only at Limit one per becomes clear after just a few above \p am ed person per visit, minutes of conversation. He spent restaurant. Continued on Page 6
Dept, of Membership Development American Medical Association 535 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610
□ Please send me more information t e u j a x t S ^ ICE CREAM □ YES, I wish to join the AMA. Enclosed is my check 1 (payable to the AMA) for $______I am □ a student □ a resident DROP IN FOR OUR WEEKL Y SPECIALS AND OUR N am e- REGULAR LOW PRICES Address- 261 New Scotland Ave.-5 minute walk from AMC! City/State/Zip.
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THE ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE
further deviations were not This investigation indicates that significant. nitroglycerin is an efficacious The intraoperative blood loss in hypotensive drug useful during “Nitroglycerin” as drug th e S N P group was general surgery. TNG is easy to approximately 184 ml greater administer and elicits rapid than the group given TNG. In patient response. The blood addition, 18 of the 47 patients pressure is reduced gradually and for Anesthesia? who received SNP exhibited smoothly, minimizing the danger temporarily altered of inducing severe low blood By JU LIE KLUG distribution, and weight' — 44 induction of hypotension (control electrocardiograms, while those pressure. TNG, unlike SNP, patients received TNG and 47 value), at 15-minute intervals for receiving TNG showed no provides sufficient coronary (NIH News Service) — were administered SNP, which is a total of 90 minutes during evidence of change. blood flow, guarding the heart Nitroglycerin (TNG) has been currently in widespread usage. hypotension, and after blood During the postoperative muscle from injury due to effectively utilized as a Both groups of patients pressure returned to within 10 periods, no clinical evidence of inadequate flood flow. There were hypotensive drug during general received the same premedication percent of the control value. myocardial infarction, kidney no side effects, such as anesthesia, and may prove to be and were anesthetized with a Several important differences damage, or vascular brain tachyphylaxis, attributable to superior to drugs currently used standard technique. Prior to the were noted between the effects of complications was seen in either TNG administration in this study. for lowering blood pressure actual surgery, arterial the two drugs. Some patients who group. The successful application of during surgery. Hypotension, or hypotension was obtained in all received SNP required increased Nitroglycerin has been shown TNG in the described surgical lowered blood pressure, is desired subjects by continuous doses of the agent in order to to increase coronary blood flow situation indicates the utility of during anesthesia for several intravenous administration of maintain hypotension. However, in both animals and man. Under further trials in other situations reasons — the surgical field is either TNG or SNP. When there was no evidence of such the influence of TNG, the blood where deliberate hypotension relatively bloodless, operative infusion of the drugs was halted, tachyphylaxis occurring in the vessels of the heart become during anesthesia is desired. blood loss is diminished, and both arterial pressure was permitted to group who received TNG. In dilated, lowering the coronary These findings were reported in the need for and risks of blood return to original levels before addition, with the administration blood pressure. Because of these th e July 1978 issue of transfusion are reduced. wound closure in order to insure of SNP, significant increases in effects, TNG decreases the Anesthesiology. Currently available agents, such checking of the flow of blood. heart rate (as compared to pre- chances of heart muscle injury as ganglionic-blocking drugs and For all patients, circulatory and drug measurements) were noted due to ischemia (inadequate sodium nitroprusside (SNP), may blood-gas values were measured at IS, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. blood supply). SNP, however, Julie Klug, an NIH Hummer produce adverse effects including prior to anesthesia With the use of TNG, a decreases myocardial blood flow, Information Aide, is a senior at tachyphylaxis (tolerance to drug administration, after significant rise in heart rate increasing the risk of ischemia of The Ohio State University, action, which increases the dosage administration but before occured only after 15 minutes; heart tissue. Columbus. required to maintain the desired action), cyanide poisoning, and CURRICULUM CALENDAR 1978- 1979 even death. However, in this 13 WEEKS +3.5 DAYS study, supported in part by NIH’s AMC I 14 W EEKS + 2 DAYS 2 WKS. 8 W EEKS + 3 DAYS 1 WK. 12 W EEKS 9 /7 12/20 1/2 3/5 4 / 4/30 6/16 National Institute of General 21 Medical Sciences, the use of Physiology 132 Newosclences 1 120 166 nitroglycerin during general Biochemistry 132 Physiology 42 V 12 Vacation 1 Histology 92 Biochemistry 42 A 130 Fellowships anesthesia for major orthopedic Focal Problems 28 Focal Problems 16 C Gen. Path.__ 45 Preceptorships 7TG Epid. & Stat.__— 30 surgery brought about no 7B2T 4/ undesirable side effects. 12/19 1/1 3/2 4 /2 0 29 6/15 9/5 Dr. Nabil R. Fahmy, Assistant AMC II 14 WEEKS +2 DAYS 2 W KS. 8 WEEKS +2.5 DAYS 5 WEEKS 1 WK.5 WEEKS+4.5 DAYS 14.5 WEEKS Professor in Anesthesia, Harvard 9/7 1 2/20 1/2 3/5 4/16 5/26 4/7 Medical School, evaluated the Human Reproduction 1 20 Cardiovas. 9 0 Clinical Pathology .100 12 Neurosci. II 92 V Hum. Behav JO V effects of nitroglycerin Systems Pathology 132 34 fntrod. to 3 0 National Boards A lutrod. to A administered intravenously to 91 Microbiology & Cellular Basis of 42 Psychiatry Vacation Infectious Disease 152 C Cancer Medicine Clin. Sci. 16 Introd. to Preceptorships ITS patients scheduled for total hip 3 W ~ Intro, to Clinical Sciences 28 Clin. Sci. 3 4 replacement. Since TNG currently 7TE 4/ 154 is used to reduce blood pressure 12/19 1/1 3/2 4/6 15 5/25 9/3 AMC III 8 WEEKS 8 WEEKS 1.5 WKS, 8 W EEKS 8 W EEK S Begin AM C IV in patients with heart failure or 9/5 10/30 12 1/2 2/26 4^23 1978 r 7/10 8/7 after acute myocardial infraction /22 6/19
(heart attack), as well as to Clinical Rotation I Clinical Rotation II Clinical Rotation III Clinical Rotation IV Clinical Rotation V P-3 V P - l P-2 Emerg. Med. control hypertension (high blood A Ob'Gyn Medicine Pediatrics Surgery Psychiatry Medicine Surgery Ambulatory pressure) during coronary artery C Dermatology Care Ophthalmology surgery, Dr. Fahmy chose to 1 Mandatory Rotations further assess its use in surgery. 10/29 12/21 1/1 2/25 4/22 6/17 7 /9 1 8/6| 9/4 The patients studied ranged in AMC IV (cont) 27 WEEKS 1.5 WKS. 2 0 W EEKS 9/5 10/2 1 0/30 11/27 1/2 1/29 2/26 3/26 4/23 age from 18 to 72 years (average 12/22 46 years), and none showed any COMMENCEMENT history or evidence of V Thursday, P-4 P -5 P-6 P -7 A P -8 P-9 P -1 0 P - l l P -1 2 cardiovascular, pulmonary, or Neuro • May 24, 1979 C metabolic disease. The subjects (2 WKS) were divided into two groups M3| 10/1 10/29 11/26 1/28 2/25 3 /2 5 4/22 5/18 similar with regard to age, sex 12/21 1/1