Frontliners From Alumni of Manipal's American University of Antigua College of Medicine Battling the COVID-19 Pandemic

/ -- As the COVID-19 pandemic surges through the world, many of those fighting on the frontlines are the alumni of Manipal's American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUACOM), who have worked tirelessly to earn their degrees and demonstrate their skills. The current pandemic has indeed brought to the forefront the issue of the impending shortage of physicians.

This pandemic has challenged the alumni to put their best skills to work as they race to help flatten the curve against the novel coronavirus. One such Manipal's AUA alumnus, Dr. Vamsi Nukala, working with primary care patients, despite the inherent risks says his practice has changed in the last few weeks:
"We are having to learn a whole new way to treat patients by telephone visits as well as video visits. We have to be flexible during this time and willing to help the patients regardless of how medicine has had to currently adapt."
Other alumni are working behind the scenes, helping with diagnosis and discovery. Dr. Chase Parsons, a resident in diagnostic radiology, credits Manipal's AUACOM with preparing him to effectively handle the current pandemic. They are seeing several new cases every day, primarily using CT scans of the chest. Dr. Chase Parson says, "Although not on the immediate frontline per se, we as radiologists are doing our part behind the scenes, helping by diagnosing and stratifying patients."
Dr. Ayoosh Kakkar, Psychiatry, Class of 2016 says, "Manipal's AUACOM did an excellent job preparing me throughout medical school. We are taught perseverance, to keep pushing ourselves and marching on, throughout our medical career."
"Its been a challenging scenario physically, mentally and emotionally to deal with this emergent health crisis all over the world. We are thousands of miles away from our families, following our oath to serve humanity. Yes, it's been scary to see how NY is engulfed in the clutches of COVID-19. It did not take long till Illinois too saw its rising numbers. We, the residency interns started seeing, experiencing and treating ailing patients who had the COVID doom hanging upon them. The uncertainty of this disease and the scarcity of PPEs for healthcare workers affected each and everyone of us all over the country. We did not shy away from our responsibilities. As an AUA alumni, I am humbled to have the opportunity to make my lifelong dream come true: 'to serve humanity in times of dire need'. AUA set the foundation of my growth as a Physician, and I will continue to make my Alma Mater proud, in whatever way I can."
About American University of Antigua College of Medicine
For more information, please visit: www.auamed.org
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1168695/Dr_Nandini_Chattopadhyay.jpg