January 21, 2025

Ahana Chakraborty, second-year medical student at the CHSU-COM, has been named the 2024-2025 Student Doctor of the Year.

Ahana was selected by the CHSU-COM Student Government Association from a pool of highly-competitive candidates who proudly contribute towards bettering CHSU through leadership, community service, dedication, and professionalism. 

Charles Lichtenstern, third-year medical student at the CHSU-COM, has been named the 2024-2025 Student Researcher of the Year.

Charles was selected by the CHSU-COM Student Government Association from a pool of competitive candidates with outstanding contributions to research.

Health Literacy and Social Construction

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025

12:00 - 12:30 PM PST

This Snippet will focus on ways to teach students about health literacy, its impacts and dangers, and the concept of social constructivism as a means to overcome some health literacy gaps. Many patients struggle to understand medical information, hindering their ability to make informed healthcare decisions. Healthcare providers must communicate clearly and effectively to bridge these gaps.

Join us as we discuss practical ways to enhance communication skills to help empower both students and patients to make informed healthcare decisions.

Presented by: 

Brian D. Schwartz, PhD, MLIS

Director, Frank Ritchel Ames Memorial Library

Professor of Medical Humanities, Rocky Vista University

Written by: Aicha Naouai, CHSU-COM

The Overdose Prevention Committee (OPC) at CHSU-COM concluded the 2024 year with a unique event titled, “The State of Psychedelic Science and Research” led by Patil Armenian, MD, a dual board-certified Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology physician.

Dr. Armenian is an Attending Emergency Medicine Physician at Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC), Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and Co-Director of Medical Toxicology at CRMC.

Dr. Armenian provided an in-depth exploration of psychedelic compounds, covering their pharmacology, classification, and historical use. She discussed the resurgence of psychedelic research and its promising impact on improving patient care. The session highlighted the evolving nature of psychedelic science and its role in bridging the gap between traditional medical practices and emerging therapeutic approaches; a topic Dr. Armenian noted was never covered during her own extensive medical education. 

Starting in January, Yoga Class will be offered on Tuesday evenings at 5:15-6:15 pm, instead of Mondays.

Located in the Simulation Center Classroom 179.

As we begin the new year I hope to see you there as we move toward new goals in the new year!

Email Lisa James, LMFT, at ljames@chsu.edu with any questions.

Lisa Chun, DO, MS.MEd.L, Associate Dean of Osteopathic Clinical Education and Simulation and Professor and Mahboob Qureshi, MD, MPH, PhD, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Assessment and Professor at CHSU-COM have been selected to present at the AACOM Educating Leaders 2025 Conference on April 9-11, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.

Both will present under the Abstract Theme: Advancing Learning: Innovative Curriculum and Assessment Strategies.

Dr. Chun is a speaker in Session D12.6 - Case Skills & T.R.A.C.K.

Dr. Qureshi is a speaker in Session D22.2 - Optimizing Med Ed Data.

For more information, visit the AACOM website: https://www.aacom.org/programs-events/educating-leaders-2025

Upcoming Events and Observance Awareness

• January: National Blood Donor Month, Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday (Campus Closed) - Jan 20
• Lunar New Year - Jan 29
• February: Black History Month, National Cancer Prevention Month, American Heart Month
• National Women Physicians Day - Feb 3
• World Cancer Day - Feb 4
• National Day of Women and Girls in Science - Feb 11
• Ramadan - Feb 28 - Mar 29

Find information on our website about multicultural events and traditions, gender identity, religious and faith-based holidays and traditions, and awareness observances of diverse members of our campus community.

COM Office of Admissions Events

• Virtual COM Open House - Jan 22
• UC Davis Professional School Presentation - Jan 22
• UC Santa Cruz Health Professional School Fair - Jan 23
• LMSA/SNMA 23rd Annual Pre-Health Conference - Jan 25
• COM In-person Interview Day (Invite Only) - Jan 27
• Financial Aid Info Session - Jan 30
• Wellness Event for Accepted Students - Jan 31
• COM Interview Day (Invite Only) - Feb 4, 5, 11
• Clovis North Sophomore Parent Night - Feb 6
• Scribe Night - Feb 7
• SUMMA Pre-Health Conference - Feb 8
• Campus Tour - Feb 14
• MAPSS Pre-Health Conference - Feb 15
• Accepted Students Day (Virtual) - Feb 22
• COM In-person Interview Day (Invite Only) - Feb 24
• Bakersfield College Spring Transfer Day - Feb 26
• Financial Aid Info Session - Feb 27

• MSBS Interview Day - Jan 22
• MSBS Mock Interviews - Jan 24
• MSBS Valentine's Day Celebration - Feb 14
• MSBS Interview Day - Feb 26

Health and Wellness

Are Organic Foods Healthier?

Organic produce is grown without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which are linked to many health problems.

Pesticide health effects include irritation to the skin or eyes while some pesticides can affect the body’s systems, including the endocrine and nervous systems. 

While US scientists debate whether foods grown with organic fertilizers (such as animal waste) are safer for your health, the U.S. still uses them.

That doesn't mean that organic food is healthier than non-organically produced food. There is no evidence indicating that organically grown food tastes better or has a higher nutrient content. 

However, there are certain foods that tend to absorb more chemicals and organic food may be a better option. That includes produce with thin skins, such as strawberries, spinach, kale, peaches, and grapes.

Least contaminated items include avocado, pineapple, onions, mangos and potatoes; produce with thick skins. 

The baseline is to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, regardless of if they are organic or nonorganic. Both types provide important nutrients and fiber for a healthy eating plan.

Column courtesy of Maria Torres, MS, RDN; Culinary Medicine Instructor, Biomedical Education (COM).

The CHSYou Wow Program gives you the opportunity to show your appreciation for employees, students, and colleagues and acknowledge them for their hard work.

Mikayla Saelee

I want to recognize Mikayla Saelee, our new Digital Marketing Intern, for her amazing work and impact in her first 30 days working at CHSU! She has rapidly learned about CHSU and been extremely active connecting with students, faculty, and staff to share Admission information and all the great things CHSU has to offer on social media. Keep up the great work!!

Submitted by Richele Kleiser