AUA Student Presents at the Family Medicine Education Consortium

Fueling Knowledge In the Classroom & Beyond: Reflections on FMEC and AUA

“Ever since I was in 6th grade watching TV shows with my parents, I found a spark for medicine. And, when I started science, biology, and genetics classes, I realized this was a passion I wanted to pursue as a career,” says American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine student Amisha Nimawat. Finishing her fourth year this December, that spark is now flourishing as she plans for a life practicing medicine. 

Accompanying her passion, Amisha’s family was a large driver in her decision to attend medical school — her dad emphasized that attending AUA would open new doors for her, especially in the United States. Although AUA is an international institution, it follows the same rigorous accreditation and academic standards of U.S.-based medical schools. With medical center partnerships across the country, clinical rotations are available to students in places like Florida, New York, California, and other countries outside the U.S.

During her time at AUA, Amisha decided to focus on family medicine, drawn to the nuance of the practice, a calling to support underserved communities, and the desire to build long-term relationships with patients. “In family medicine, you quickly realize that you can connect with people if you just listen to their situations and make conversation beyond their medical needs. Empathy goes a long way,” Amisha said.

From her clinical internship rotation at Brooklyn’s Interfaith Medical Center to attending and presenting at the Family Medicine Education Consortium(FMEC) in September of this year, she’s sought out opportunities to strengthen her knowledge and expand her horizons. 

In June 2024, AUA encouraged interested students to apply to present a poster or patient case at FMEC and travel to attend the conference. Seizing the moment, Amisha submitted a published patient case she was involved in during her internship at Interfaith for consideration. Just a month later, Amisha was selected to present her poster and case during the conference. 

FMEC convenes more than 300 medical students, residents, and faculty from around the world to  advance and share their knowledge of family medicine and discuss challenges and breakthroughs in the field. Through a scholarship created by AUA President Dr. Peter Bell, Amisha’s cost to attend and present was fully covered. “Talking to program directors and residents in the family medicine field was an invaluable advantage to participating in FMEC,” she shared. “Speaking to residents, I got a firsthand account of the types of procedures and work I can expect. I also connected with people I was fortunate enough to meet earlier in my educational career and coordinated some interviews just because I was in the room.”

In addition to attending FMEC, Amisha has embraced additional work experience opportunities — she was a Teaching Assistant from Med2 through Med4. While helping newer medical students settle on the island and grapple with tough topics, she was not only able to “help students through AUA’s TA program” but also helped herself by practicing skills like patience, listening, and just broadening her perspectives. At AUA, Amisha could also build her home away from home. Born and raised in New Delhi, she was a member of the South Asian Society and went to parties AUA would host for significant cultural holidays like Holi and Diwali. “To be honest, AUA has been great to me,” Amisha concluded.