Describe an experience that helped form you as an educator.
Prior to medical school, I had the opportunity to pursue a Master's degree in education at Wayne State University as a member of the Teacher Corps in Detroit Public Schools. Working with dedicated educators and students in a diverse multicultural environment was extremely enriching.
How did you become convinced that you should come to AUC, or what attracted you to AUC?
Among Caribbean medical schools, AUC has enjoyed a reputation of excellence because of its outstanding faculty and motivated medical students. My wife, Nan, and I have always loved the Caribbean and its beaches. That combined with opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, boat trips, and beautiful weather (minus hurricanes) made for an easy decision to join AUC.
What is your favorite thing about teaching at AUC?
Interacting with motivated medical students – having the privilege to contribute to the education of future physicians and welcoming them as colleagues on graduation are reward enough.
Are you involved with any student organizations or other student activities?
I am the faculty advisor for the Emergency Medicine Student Interest Group (EMSIG). I have participated in various American Medical Student Association (AMSA) workshops, and served as Course Director for Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) 3 and Director of the Harvey Lab.
What are some of your favorite things about Sint Maarten?
Its people, climate, beaches, restaurants, and multiculturalism.
What makes you look forward to the start of a new semester?
Having the opportunity to interact with new students on a personal level through ICM small groups.
How would you like for students to describe you years from now?
That I somehow played a small role in their medical education as a physician.
What’s something about you that not many people know about you or that your students would be surprised to learn?
Self-taught piano, guitar, and organ player.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy gym workouts and beach naps.
What would you be doing if you hadn’t gone into medical education?
I would be a school teacher.
Dr. Hayden and 4th-year AUC student Jonathan Barney recently co-authored an 80-page educational guidebook designed to provide emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and other first responders with the basics of electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation. Read more >
