Q: When and where are the health fairs?

 

A: Health fairs occur typically three times throughout the semester. Most often everybody will meet at 7:30am in front of Charter Hall, and return to there at about 2:30 or 3:00pm. Every Health Fair is at a different location on the island, which is determined by the Ministry of Health, and we provide transportation to and from the sites. Normally, we don’t allow members to drive themselves.

 

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the health fairs?

 

A: Anyone who has registered with AMSA online at AMSA.org (link) is eligible to attend the health fairs. Proof of membership (the 6-digit ID number, NOT the A00# SGU ID) is required during signup for each health fair. Only paid AMSA members may participate. Signing up for the SGU AMSA email list does not equal eligibility.

 

Q: I am not an AMSA member, but I want to go. What should I do?

 

A: AMSA membership is required to attend the fair with AMSA. Women in Medicine, the Pediatrics Club, IFMSA, and the Public Health Club also participate in the health fairs. If you do not wish to join AMSA, please contact these clubs directly. NOTE: the activities performed by the other clubs are not the same as and do not overlap with those performed by AMSA, and attending with these clubs does not allow participation with AMSA.

 

Q: What do I do at the health fair?

 

A: Students who participate in the health fairs get great first-hand experience in dealing with patients. Services provided by the students include history taking, blood glucose determination, vision and hearing testing, and vital signs. We also, depending on time and the volume of patients, allow students to shadow the physicians and observe a physical exam (if the patient permits).

 

Q: How do I sign up for the health fair?

 

A: An online signup sheet is posted approximately two weeks before the date of the health fair. Signup works on a first-come, first-served basis; people who sign up after the roster has filled will be placed on a waiting list.

 

Q: Do I need to do anything prior to going to the fair?

 

A: Each student must attend a training session EACH SEMESTER prior to attending any health fair, regardless of having gone to one in previous semesters. After attending a training session, another training session is not required during the same semester to attend another health fair. Failure to attend a training session for students who have signed up online will result in their spots being given to people on the waitlist who do attend training. Training sessions are typically held on the Wednesday before the planned health fair, barring unforeseen circumstances.

 

Q: I can’t go to the health fair or the training session. What do I do?

 

A: Please contact the Health Fair Director and notify him/her that you will be unable to attend no later than the Friday before the health fair. Failure to notify the director before the day of the fair will result in blacklisting from the next two health fairs of the remaining semester. If a student fails to notify the director during the last health fair of the semester, they will be prevented from signing up for the first two health fairs of the following semester. We are very strict about this policy because money is spent on training, food, and because it is not fair to your classmates to leave them understaffed or take away spots from people who wanted to go.

 

Q: What do I need to wear?

 

A: Please wear comfortable shorts or pants and close-toed shoes (it may be muddy, depending on the location and weather). An official health fair t-shirt will be provided at the beginning of the event, to be worn at all times during the fair. If you’ve attended a Health Fair before, please bring the shirt you received at that time.

 

Q: What should I bring?

 

A: If you have a PD Kit, please bring your stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and tuning forks. Although we have this equipment, it is better to become acquainted with the gear you will be using in class and beyond. A watch is highly recommended for taking vitals. It is also recommended to bring a water bottle (if you freeze it the night before, it tends to stay cold during the entire fair). Some health fairs may be a bit farther away, so you may bring notes to read on the ride to and from the fair. It tends to be sunny, so bring a pair of sunglasses.

 

Q: Is food provided?

 

A: Yes. Lunch will be served and is included as part of your membership.

 

Q: How many health fairs can I attend each semester?

 

A: Students are free to sign up for each health fair. There is no limit.

 

Q: I am thinking of running for a position on the executive board. Do I need to attend each health fair?

 

A: In order to run for an executive board position, attendance of at least one health fair is required. Any member that has been placed on the blacklist is not allowed to run, even if they have attended a Health Fair that term.