While the academic calendar called for a break, our students answered a higher calling.
During the vacation period when time is often scattered, our students chose a purpose. Making the most of the flexibility available, a student-led Health Fair was organized to step beyond the classroom and into service, reinforcing that medicine is not only learned, but lived. The initiative provided students with a meaningful break from routine academics while strengthening their commitment to community care and professional responsibility during vacation period.
Dr. Rupanshu Chhikara facilitated and coordinated the event, ensuring every detail came together seamlessly. Held at Curaçao Medical Center (CMC),the largest hospital on the island, the health fair focused on caring for the very people who care for everyone else: healthcare workers. Students conducted blood pressure checks, pulse oximetry, BMI assessments using height and weight, and blood glucose screening for CMC personnel, combining clinical skills with compassion.
The event carried a powerful message: care for yourself and lead by example. By prioritizing the well-being of healthcare workers, students experienced firsthand the importance of preventive care, empathy, and teamwork, core values that define great physicians. The environment fostered learning, confidence, and a renewed sense of why medicine matters.
This inspiring initiative was coordinated with Dr. Y. Schoop and CMC with support of Dr. D. Soria, Dr. R. Chikara and Dr. H. Pandey alongside SMU students, reflecting what is possible when student leadership meets institutional support. It stands as a reminder to all students that impactful medicine can begin today, through initiative, collaboration, and the courage to serve beyond the syllabus.
