If you are already attending a Caribbean medical school, I know what you are thinking – the title is misleading! Caribbean medicine is where life’s stresses begin, and it only gets worse! Fair enough, but this post is about housing on the island – and I happened to fall into a fairy tale villa that is indeed pleasurable and relaxing.

Unless you arrive very early, it is difficult to find a place to live when you’re on your own. You will not know which areas are safe, what prices are fair, and returning upper semesters would have already snatched up the best apartments. You will probably end up at Rawlings or Potworks (or a random apartment on the housing list). This is not so bad however as people work hard to keep this list reputable.

Prices on this list range from $400 to $2000 per month. If you grew up in the ghettos, than you will be use to teh $400 apartments on the island. You can expect to share a studio, often with cockroaches and lizards if you are lucky and unusually large rodents if not.

I was not so fortunate in my first four months on the island. My plumbing always threw fits, the carpet began to smell, and I had enough hot water to take a lukewarm shower that lasted thirty seconds. It was kind of like camping.

When it comes time to find another place to live, I suggest moving into a pest free apartment with bright natural lighting (even at the expense of a few extra dollars). You may be farther away from school so you will need to rent or buy a car, but even taking that into account, it can be surprisingly affordable and emotionally rewarding. Best of all, my experience suggests that you will have better grades to show for it.

You can find available apartments through word of mouth or the campus housing office, though their lists are sometimes out of date. You can live in Potworks or Rawlings. The advantage is being within walking distance of campus. Nelson Springs Condos is the Las Vegas of Nevis with its pool bar and in-suite entertainment systems. It is expensive to live there, but you get what you pay for.

Since arriving on the island, I have lived in a $225/mo shared studio and also the luxury condos at Nelson Springs. Where I am living now however is by far the best ‘bang for the buck’ – and its classy too!

Here is how the villa is advertised on their website:

Overlooking Charlestown and the Caribbean Sea, Carino Hamilton Development is situated on the lower slopes of Nevis Peak. It is a local company which was established with a view to provide high-end condominiums and villas for the exclusive Nevisian real estate market. Carino gives its residents the benefit of cool mountain breezes and fabulous ocean views from it’s elevation of 500 feet.

The natural environment will provide you with the freshness and caress of cool mountain breezes and lush vegetation.

The spacious bedrooms boast queen sized beds with large closets, ceiling fans, dressers and air conditioning. The home is ‘hotel-like’ and includes fresh delivery of towels, linens, etc – Just bring your toothbrushes!

Services

* Wireless Internet Throughout The House
* Maid service twice per week (daily on request)
* Units self –contained – complete kitchens, washer and dryer
* 24 hours security
* Airport pickup based on request

Weekly Rates
April –November US$1200 – $1700

December – March US$2500 – $3000

Take time to unwind on your private balcony over a cup of tea or at our poolside bar & restaurant with a glass of wine and enjoy a beautiful sunset and the magnificent views of the ocean and our sister island St. Kitts. Our warm and welcoming staff awaits your arrival with nothing short of world class service.

After looking at the weekly rates, I nearly discounted Carino Nevis as an option. But then curiosity got the best of me and I reached for my phone to see what kind of deal I could arrange for medical students.

The Scandinavian owners of the villa were so willing to work with me, that I couldn’t turn down the offer…

So here it is and I encourage any students looking for housing to come up and take a look. After looking at the units, you’ll probably think I must be splurging to stay here, but I can honestly say that I’m probably paying the same amount for rent as you are for wherever you are living!

Hamilton Estates will be my stomping grounds for 12 more months of basic science.

It is a two bedroom and we converted one of the rooms into an office for studying.

The management does a good job of taking care of things here – and they just happen to like students.

The only downside is the distance. I got decided however that is isn’t really a downside – my commutes back in Vancouver were much longer.

The Neighborhood (an introduction for brand new visitors)

Monkey, goats, tree-ripe mangoes and bananas – it’s all very exotic here. Whether you are looking for a unique tropical experience or a luxurious escape, Nevis is one awesome travel destination!

I came here to study medicine in a small international medical school located at the base of the volcano. Did I mention Nevis (the island) is actually a non-active volcano? Imagine that!

The villa is located 3/4 up the volcano with a great view of the ocean and the surrounding islands. It’s odd because you wouldn’t think first class restaurants and amenities exist on such a small and tranquil island, but I have managed to find many gems in my time here. Hidden and scattered around the island you will find world class restaurants serving up anything from fresh lobster and mussels to Jamaican pastries and world famous corn meal.

I can’t tell for sure what travelers are looking for when visiting an island like Nevis – this is because the reason for me being here is to study medicine in a 100% distraction free environment. The island is truly peaceful and serene. There really is nothing better to do here other than to RELAX.

The best I can do is explain the things which I have enjoyed. When I visit the small nearby town called Charlestown, I always try to stop in the Jamaican Bakery for freshly baked breads, swordfish pastries, and raisin wraps. On weekends I will walk up the street to a hidden restaurant near the peak of the mountain amidst lush forests called Bananas. It’s exotic and awesome to arrive in the evening when the winding path to the restaurant is purely lit by flame torches. It reminds me of the show Survivor when they are casting their votes. I would frequent the restaurant daily for food and drinks if I didn’t have classes to attend.

Last month my girlfriend and I went scuba diving for the very first time. It was wild because I didn’t even have a diving license – they trained me on the spot, and down we went! We saw all sorts of sea creatures like sea urchins, these glowing sand worms, lobstor, spiny legged crab, a massive sting ray, coral, shrimp, and many mysterious things I wouldn’t be able to name.

Our house is fully furnished – and in my opinion the fanciest furnishing you’ll ever find in the Caribbean. For example, our unit comes equipped with a fancy Kitchen Aid Mixer and all the accessories which we use to bake cookies and cheesecake. Sometimes we share with the local Nevisians here, so they are quite fond of us =)

A couple of nights ago (on Thursday) we went on a double date with another couple to a place called Nisbett Plantations – a place that used to be a sugar mill decades ago, and now is a beautiful beach side resort. Thursdays are Seafood Buffet nights!!! You don’t have to like seafood because they also have steak, all sorts of salads (mango, papaya, potato, etc.) and plenty of dessert options. I must say though, the seafood is incredible (jumbo BBQ grilled prawns, salmon, etc. etc.)!

The part I love though is the live music you will always find around the island nearly any day of the week. At the seafood buffet the entertainment was pans, keyboards, and vocals. It’s difficult to explain the music played on the pans, but you’ve likely heard it in Bob Marley songs – very island like!

I worked out a very generous student deal also: one bill, house-keeping included, all-inclusive (just show up with your toothbrush and you are ready to roll). No lineups at the bank. No headaches.

There are a couple of units available now since the villa is brand new (the pool and restaurant isn’t even ready yet).

Call 869-762-1436 for a tour if your interested.

If you need to make travel arrangements, you can email support at the top right: “contact us”

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Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 12Th Ed. With Atlas and Registration
by Tortora
The new edition of Principles of Anatomy and Physiology maintains the superb balance between structure and function. It continues to emphasize the correlations between normal physiology and …

Medical Terminology
by Cohen, Barbara Janson
Now in its Fifth Edition, this richly illustrated guide is a comprehensive introduction to medical terminology. It provides extensive coverage of terms related to structure and function, dis…

Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry
by Bettelheim, Frederick A.
Gravetter and Wallnau’s proven best-seller gives you straightforward instruction, guaranteed accuracy, built-in learning aids, and plenty of real-world examples that will help you understand…

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Organic Chemistry: A Biological Approach (Book with 1Pass Access to Web)
by McMurry, John
Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. Textbook focuses on organic reactions that have a direct counterpart in biological chemistry. Topics include structure and bonding, polar covalent bonds, organic c…

Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 12Th Ed. With Atlas and Registration
by Tortora
The new edition of Principles of Anatomy and Physiology maintains the superb balance between structure and function. It continues to emphasize the correlations between normal physiology and …

The World of the Cell
by Becker, Wayne M.
Continuing the tradition of its widely-praised previous editions, The World of the Cell, 7/e, covers some of the most difficult concepts for readers bioinformatics, bioenergetics, metabolism…

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Epidemiology:

+Appleton & Lange’s Review of Epidemiology & Biostatistics for the USMLE
by Hanrahan, Edward J.
Review in outline format of epidemiology and statistics for medical students preparing for board examinations. DNLM: Epidemiology – examination questions.
Required

+Medical Epidemiology
by Greenberg, Raymond S.
Succinct and comprehensive, this book provides students with an overview of the principles and concepts of epidemiology and illustrates the complementary relationship between population-base…
Recommended

Genetics:
+Thompson and Thompson’s Genetics in Medicine
by Nussbaum, Robert L., M.D.
Through six editions, Thompson and Thompson’s Genetics in Medicine has been a well-established favorite textbook on this fascinating and rapidly evolving field, integrating the classic principles of human genetics with modern molecular genetics to help you understand a wide range of genetic disorders. The 7th edition incorporates the latest advances in molecular diagnostics, the Human Genome Project, and much more. More than 240 dynamic illustrations and high-quality photos help you grasp complex concepts more easily. In addition to the book, you will also receive STUDENT CONSULT, enabling you to access the complete contents of the book online, anywhere you go!
Required

+Essential Genetics: A Genomic Perspective
by Hartl, Daniel L.
Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement
Recommended

+Human Molecular Genetics
by Strachan, Tom
* Contains two indices: a general index and one that contains names of diseases and disorders.
Recommended

Microbiology:
+Basic Immunology
by Abbas, Abul K.
Here s a readable and concise introduction to the workings of the human immune system, with emphasis on clinical relevance. The format makes learning easy with short, easy-to-read chapters, …
Required

+Medical Microbiology
by Murray, Patrick R.
The new edition of this popular text presents microbiology in a succinct, easy-to-use, and engaging manner. Clear discussions explain how microbes cause disease in humans, and review the upd…
Required

+Problem-Based Microbiology
by Nath, Swapan K.
This concise, problem-based textbook covers 91 of the most common infectious diseases, using case studies to promote interactive learning and to build a foundation of knowledge for clinical …
Recommended

Neuroscience

+High-Yield Neuroanatomy
by Fix, James D., Ph.D.
High-Yield Neuroanatomy, the best-selling book in the series, extracts the most important information on neuroanatomy and presents it in a concise, uncluttered fashion to prepare students fo…

+Clinical Neuroanatomy
by Snell
Organized classically by system, this popular text gives medical and health professions students a complete, clinically oriented introduction to neuroanatomy. Each chapter begins with clear objectives, includes clinical cases, and ends with clinical notes, clinical problem-solving, and review questions. Hundreds of full-color illustrations, diagnostic images, and color photographs enhance the text. This Seventh Edition features new information relating the different parts of the skull to the brain areas, expanded coverage of brain development and neuroplasticity, and updated information on stem cell research. The artwork has been greatly improved. New Clinical Problems have been added, and updated Clinical Notes incorporate recent advances resulting from war veterans’ head injuries and treatment. A companion Website includes the fully searchable text and 454 USMLE-style review questions with answers and explanations.
Required

+Clinical Neuroanatomy: A Review with Questions and Explanations
by Snell, Richard S.
This revised, concise review of neuroanatomy can be used alone or with Snell’s Clinical Neuroanatomy for Medical Students, Fifth Edition. Along with the parent text, it has been completely r…
Recommended

+High-Yield Neuroanatomy
by Fix, James D., Ph.D.
High-Yield Neuroanatomy, the best-selling book in the series, extracts the most important information on neuroanatomy and presents it in a concise, uncluttered fashion to prepare students fo…
Recommended

+Neuroanatomy: An Atlas of Structures, Sections, and Systems
by Haines, Duane E.
Now in its 25th year, this best-selling work is the only neuroanatomy atlas to integrate neuroanatomy and neurobiology with extensive clinical information. It combines full-color anatomical illustrations with over 200 MRI, CT, MRA, and MRV images to clearly demonstrate anatomical-clinical correlations. This edition contains many new MRI/CT images and is fully updated to conform to Terminologia Anatomica. Fifteen innovative new color illustrations correlate clinical images of lesions at strategic locations on pathways with corresponding deficits in Brown-Sequard syndrome, dystonia, Parkinson disease, and other conditions. The question-and-answer chapter contains over 235 review questions, many USMLE-style. Interactive Neuroanatomy, Version 3, an online component packaged with the atlas, contains new brain slice series, including coronal, axial, and sagittal slices. “Doody’s Core Titles 2009.”
Recommended

I know it can be overwhelming when you find yourself staring at a couple of dozen PDFs, book titles, URLs, and other resources, all available at your fingertips and thinking, “What do I study?” I’ve been there too.

I wrote this up for my mentees, and hopefully others will find their way to it also!

It is a quick guide to help you hack through some of the overwhelm.

Here are the textbooks and resources that I found extremely helpful:

HISTOLOGY:

+BRS Cell Biology and Histology (a very useful book to read after you’ve read the powerpoints once, memorize the charts in here as well as the powerpoint slides)

+Histology A Text and Atlas (some professors require that you read sections from this text, the best place to turn to when you don’t understand something)

+One or Both Histology Atlases for Lab (I used both, the slides you will be tested on are taken from these two books, your powerpoint slides, and lab)

-Wheater’s Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas, 5th Edition (this book will teach you how to identify a histo microscopic slide)

-DiFiore’s Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

ANATOMY:

+BRS Anatomy (read everything, do all of the questions, and particularly make sure you know the ‘take away points’, ‘clinical correlations’ and the summary)

+Essential Clinical Anatomy (I only read all of the the blue clinical boxes)

+Kaplan USMLE Step One Anatomy (use in combination with your notes to prepare for shelf)

+Netter’s Anatomy Atlas (this is an absolute must for lab and theory. tip: don’t bring your Netter’s to lab, it will just get covered in human body fat… find one in the lab)

+http://www.learnerstv.com/medical.php (VERY good videos of dissections, my friend would watch these before and after every anatomy lab)

+http://anatomy.med.umich.edu/ (the best website for anatomy)

+http://anatomy.med.umich.edu/courseinfo/mich_quiz_index.html (You won’t find better sample questions for the theory part of the anatomy course anywhere)

+http://anatomy.med.umich.edu/courseinfo/mich_quiz_index.html (This site has anatomy podcasts, my friend used to listen to them all the time while walking to school and before bed)

Embryology:

+Langman’s Medical Embryology, 11th Edition (I had the 8th edition which was a small purple book – awesome for understanding the difficult concepts in the course such as the pharyngeal arches)

+BRS Embryology (simplistic and effective review… it is a super fast read for each chapter!)

EBM:

+We did not have any text for this course.

For Perfectionists:

I know it can be overwhelming when you are staring at a couple dozen PDFs, book titles, URLs, and other resources all available at your fingertips. I’ve been there too.

Hopefully this quick guide will help you hack through some of the overwhelm.

BIOCHEMISTRY:

-Lippincott’s Biochemistry Review (don’t just admire the beautiful diagrams, draw, draw, and re-draw)

-Pre-Test Biochemistry (do questions not just to test yourself, but to learn also!)

-Kaplan Biochemistry and Genetics (professors rave that this is one of the best reviews in the Kaplan series, make sure to study this VERY early for shelf preparation – block 1/2, this book is rarely available on Amazon (the cheapest place to buy books), so try and find one off of other students)

PHYSIOLOGY:
-Costanza Physiology (detailed and colourful pictures, powerpoints mostly come from this text, I really like this text personally!)

-BRS Physio (super condensed version of Costanza just in case you don’t have time)

-Guyton Physiology (very general/superficial… good for concepts)

Guyton Textbook of Medical Physiology (International Edition)

-Pre-Test Physio (challenging questions that make you think)

-USMLE World (professors like this question bank, I think the answer explanations are awesome)

http://www.usmleworld.com/Step1/step1.aspx

BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE:

-BRS Behavioral Science (read the sections on schizophrenia, psychoanalytic theory, learning theory, biological therapies: pharm)

-Kaplan & Saddock (section on Electroconvulsive Therapy)

-Kaplan MedEssentials (section on childhood development milestones, same chart that is found in USMLE Step 1 Behavioral Science)

-Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Behavioral Science (can be a very handy reference tool, but almost identical to the powerpoint slides)

ETHICS:

-Kaplan Medical Ethics (pretty much just like your powerpoints)

-CEJA Reports (the report on gifts and dating patients are very helpful, I don’t know anybody that purchased the book)

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/about-ama/our-people/ama-councils/council-ethical-judicial-affairs.shtml

Pharmacotherapy of Psychosis : Stream Video Here

Transport of Respiratory Gases Part 2

Transport of Respiratory Gases Part 1