2 SOM Grads Featured in International News Publications

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Headshots of Jeff Vacirca and Orapeleng Phuswane-Katse

Two St. George’s University School of Medicine graduates, Jeff Vacirca, MD ’98, and Orapeleng Phuswane-Katse, MD ’11, BS ’07, are making an impression across various international news publications.

On World Cancer Day, Dr. Vacirca shared his tips for preventing the disease in news outlets throughout Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Dr. Vacirca, who is based in New York, serves as CEO and chairman of the Board at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists and is the co-founder of OneOncology. According to OneOncology, the organization “invests in and collaborates with [medical] practices to deliver comprehensive cancer care in communities.”

Addressing audiences in India, Dr. Vacirca shared:

“On World Cancer Day, we are reminded of the profound impact cancer has on India and other nations worldwide. By embracing healthier lifestyles, getting necessary vaccinations, and encouraging early detection, we can collectively reduce the burden of this disease and pave the way for a healthier future for all Indians.”

Read Dr. Vacirca’s insights on incorporating practices for cancer prevention into your daily life.

 

Read the full article

 

Dr. Phuswane-Katse was recently profiled in the Botswana-based publication The Voice for her work in public health at the Ministry of Health and Wellness.  

In her role as head of preventive programmes, she manages diseases among the population through public health program planning, implementation, and evaluation at both district and national levels. 

A graduate of SGU’s School of Medicine and the School of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Phuswane-Katse is using her skills and expertise gained from SGU to make a positive impact in her community.  

“We should all strive for an inclusive healthcare system, which is a system that reaches everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status or distance from healthcare facilities,” said Dr. Phuswane-Katse. “One of the ways I am working towards an inclusive health system is by bringing mobile healthcare outreach to rural communities.” 

Read more about Dr. Phuswane-Katse’s journey in The Voice. 

 

Read the full article

 

 

— Juliette Kimmins

 

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SVM 25th Anniversary Recognized at VetBolus 2024 Conference

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group photo of SVM faculty, staff, alumni, and students at VetBolus 2024

St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) commemorated its 25th anniversary during the VetBolus continuing education conference held this past fall in Grenada. SVM alumni, administration, and faculty honored the milestone during the conference’s Alumni Welcome Reception, which took place on SGU’s campus on November 8.

 

View the SVM 25th Anniversary Celebration album

 

During the celebration, Tara Paterson, DVM ’03, president of the School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association (SVMAA), reflected on the School’s 25 years in a speech.

“As much as the SGU campus and the SVM faculty have changed, at least one thing remains the same,” said Dr. Paterson. “Our students are committed to their education. In my experience, when our students go to clinicals, they continue to excel and represent SGU well.”

“On behalf of all SVM alumni,” Dr. Paterson continued, “I want to say thank you to St. George’s University for the opportunity to make our dreams of veterinary medicine a reality.”

Joshua Ames, DVM ’10, of Greer, SC, attended the VetBolus conference. As this was his first time back in Grenada since graduating from SGU, Dr. Ames was delighted to see the advancements and increased alumni presence in the School of Veterinary Medicine.

“It was amazing to see how much the campus has grown with new facilities and study areas,” he explained. “It was great to see alumni returning to the University and being able to mentor and connect with the current students.”

SVM grads at SVM 25th anniversary reception

Another SGU graduate in attendance, Kelsey Atamanchuk, DVM ’21, of Harriman, TN, shared the sentiment.

“It was wonderful being able to see both the school I know and love, as well as the improvements,” Dr. Atamanchuk said. “It was a mixture of nostalgia and pride for the school that allowed me to be where I am today. I also enjoyed getting to see some of my previous professors and swap stories about cases.”

Approximately 80 SVM alumni attended VetBolus in Grenada this year. VetBolus is a continuing education conference for veterinary professionals and leaders. Its mission is to deliver practical and engaging continuing education content in locations around the world. The conference was founded by SVM alum, Aaron Spacher, DVM ’17, who co-launched VetBolus in early 2022.

Dr. Ames said that he hopes to see more continuing education opportunities at SGU like VetBolus because it is an opportunity for non-SGU graduates to appreciate the campus and all the University has to offer.

“I talked with several veterinarians who had never been to SGU before and were very impressed by the campus and in awe of Grenada,” said Dr. Ames. “Returning to Grenada and seeing how SGU has grown made me even prouder to be an alum of the SGU School of Veterinary Medicine.”

Brendon LaGrenade, Neil Olson, Glen Jacobs, and Tara Paterson

Brendon LaGrenade, EdD, vice provost for Institutional Advancement and director of Alumni Affairs, credited VetBolus for helping make this celebration possible and for boosting alumni engagement.

“Thanks to VetBolus, we were able to host many of our SVM alumni here in Grenada, which made this silver anniversary celebration very special,” said Dr. LaGrenade. “Our alumni are the best representation of our success as a university and the same holds true for our School of Veterinary Medicine.”

In acknowledgement of SVM’s 25th anniversary, Dr. Neil Olson, dean of SVM, offered this message:

“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of St. George’s School of Veterinary Medicine, we reflect with pride on the journey that has brought us here. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our remarkable faculty, the commitment of our staff, the success of our alumni, and the passion of our students. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our school, driving us forward as we continue to inspire, innovate, and make a difference in the world.”

 

 

— Juliette Kimmins 

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The 5 Most Impactful School of Medicine Stories of 2024

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Collage with the top SOM stories of 2024

As the year comes to a close, the St. George’s University School of Medicine community has much to be proud of. An expanded clinical site network in the US, 940+ US residency placements, and several new and improved campus facilities are just some of the exciting benchmarks of 2024.*

Take a look at some of the most impactful SGU News SOM stories of 2024. Then, go ahead and read our The 5 Most Impactful School of Veterinary Medicine Stories of 2024.

 

1. Match 2024

Match Day 2024 marked a significant milestone in the careers of SOM grads.

This year, more than 940 SOM students and graduates secured residency positions in the US.* There were matches in 22 specialties including surgery, child neurology, diagnostic radiology, and more.* Match 2024 was particularly notable for the Rienzo family–SGU alums and brothers, Francis Rienzo, MD ’88 and Peter Rienzo, MD ’85, witnessed their children match into residency, Emily Rienzo, MD ’24 and Jake Rienzo, MD ’24, respectively.

Read what it felt like to Match in 2024 and about the Rienzo family legacy

 

 

2. Campus Enhancements

As SGU continues to improve its campus for students, faculty, and staff, 2024 saw some exciting new additions and upgrades. The campus added a dog park, a multifaith prayer area, a new large animal farm, and tiki bar. The University also upgraded many classrooms and dorms.

See the new campus enhancements of 2024

 

 

Students coated at ceremony

3. White Coat Ceremonies

First term med students marked the start of their professional journeys to become doctors during this year’s White Coat Ceremonies. During the ceremonies, students affirmed their commitment to the study of medicine, pledged to adhere to values of humanism, and took an oath of professionalism.

Check out SGU Welcomes Aspiring Physicians and Veterinarians at Fall 2024 White Coat Ceremonies in Grenada

 

 

4 SGU students stand on a roof that they are helping repair.

4. SGU Students and Alumni Give Back After Hurricane Beryl

On July 1, 2024, Grenada and its sister islands, Petite Martinique and Carriacou, were hit by Category 5 storm Hurricane Beryl. In the wake of the destruction, St. George’s University students stepped up to aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts. These efforts included assisting nursing staff, fixing damage to roofs and other structures, beach cleanups, organizing donations for supplies and funds, and more.

The SOM Alumni Association also played a critical role in gathering resources post-hurricane by raising more than $77,000 USD.

Read more about SGU students’ relief efforts and SOM alumni’s charity drive for Grenadians impacted by Beryl

 

 

Clinical training

5. US Clinical Site Network Expands 

SGU added new sites for clinical students to complete their rotations in Arizona, Georgia, and Florida this year.

“We are excited to offer students more opportunities to train in the US,” said Dr. Daniel D. Ricciardi, executive vice president of SGU’s clinical network development. “These clinical site additions allow SGU to expand upon a system that has proven successful not only in the education of our medical students, but also in creating a community for students to thrive.”

Read SGU Adds 4 Clinical Sites for Med Student Core Rotations; Expands Hands-On Training Locations to Arizona

 

*Data as of October 2024

 

— Juliette Kimmins

 

 

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The 5 Most Impactful School of Veterinary Medicine Stories of 2024

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Collage of photos from the top svm stories of 2024

As the year comes to a close, the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine community has much to be proud of. Success in this year’s Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP), SVM community support to Grenada’s animals after Hurricane Beryl, and the inaugural SVM career fair are just some of the exciting benchmarks of 2024.

Take a look at some of the most impactful SGU News SVM stories of 2024. Then, go ahead and read our The 5 Most Impactful School of Medicine Stories of 2024.

 

Veterinary students standing over a dog on an examination table

1. 2024 Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP)

Twenty-eight SVM students and graduates secured competitive internship and residency positions within the 2023 Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).  

SGU-trained veterinarians achieved a match rate of 51.8 percent, in line with the match rate of 51.5 percent for all veterinary schools—including those in the US, according to data released by the VIRMP, a program sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC).

Beginning in June, the veterinarians will begin their specialized training in areas such as small animal internal medicine, emergency and critical care, surgery, dermatology, orthopedic medicine, and more. These positions are situated at prestigious institutions within the SVM’s network of clinical affiliates as well as specialty hospitals across the US and Canada.

Read VIRMP 2024: 28 SGU Students Secure Competitive Veterinary Internship and Residency Positions

 

 

Carriacou Animal Hospital dog

2. SVM Offers Support to Grenada’s Animals Post-Beryl

SVM students, faculty, staff, and alumni aided Grenada’s animals and livestock in the wake of Hurricane Beryl in an uplifting display of community and collaboration. Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 storm, barreled through the Caribbean in early July causing extensive destruction to homes and other structures in northern Grenada and Grenada’s sister islands, Petite Martinique and Carriacou.

“I am so happy to be a part of SGU, and I’m proud to be a Grenadian,” said Dexton St. Bernard, DVM ’21, MSC ’23, an instructor of parasitology at SGU and part of the responding veterinary team. “We didn’t only save animals. We saved livelihoods.”

Read How SVM Aided Grenada’s Animals and Communities Post-Hurricane Beryl

 

 

Dr. Cuesta Amado standing next to a horse

3. SVM Grad Works Dream Job Caring for Racehorses

SVM graduate, Adrianna Cuesta Amado, DVM ’21, treats some of the most formidable athletes in the country. Her patients? Racehorses.

She says she chose SGU for its fully accredited veterinary program with ample hands-on experience. Given her love of horses, Dr. Cuesta Amado was motivated by her peers and her family to specialize in equine medicine.

“SGU to me was the full package that offered many opportunities to work hard in a focused yet fun environment,” she said.

Read more about How an SVM Grad Turned Her Love for Horses into a Career

 

 

4. SVM Hosts Inaugural Career Fair for Students

SVM welcomed more than 130 attendees, including students, veterinary professionals, sponsors, and business leaders, to its first ever SVM Career Fair. The event allowed students to learn more about the various career paths they can choose after graduation as well as potential internship and mentorship opportunities. Students were also able to connect with practicing veterinarians and leaders in the field of veterinary medicine, as they solidify their career plans.

Read SGU Vet Students Explore Job Opportunities at Inaugural SVM Career Fair

 

 

photo of Dr. Christianne Shaw in front of campus

5. SVM Alumna Master of Ceremonies at White Coat Ceremony

Christianne Shaw, DVM ’12, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the January 2024 School of Veterinary Medicine White Coat Ceremony. A regular visitor of Grenada, she accepted a position as an assistant professor in the Small Animal Clinic this year.

Read SVM Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Christianne Shaw, recent White Coat Ceremony Master of Ceremonies

 

 

— Juliette Kimmins

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SGU Alumni Physicians & Friends Help 1,200+ Grenadian Patients in 2024

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SGU PHuN opthalmology clinic, Oct. 2024, Dr. Douglas Lavenburg, Dr. Mary Ratchford

Hundreds of Grenadian patients received critical healthcare treatment in 2024 thanks to the volunteerism of St. George’s University alumni physicians and friends.

Hundreds of Grenadian patients received critical healthcare treatment in 2024 thanks to the volunteerism of St. George’s University alumni physicians and friends.

More than 15 visiting physicians—including ophthalmologists, cardiologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and vascular surgeons—volunteered their time and expertise through the SGU Physician Humanitarian Network (SGU PHuN) with some even making multiple trips this year. They offered critical treatment and services to the people of Grenada. Their patients are unable to receive certain specialized medical care due to a lack of access to specialists and/or the funds to attain these required surgeries.

SGU PHuN continued to make a significant impact on Grenada and its communities in 2024. In total:

  • 1,282 patients were seen and/or treated;
  • 240 procedures (surgical and outpatient) were performed;
  • over $230,000 (USD) worth of supplies and equipment was donated; and
  • 7 CME talks conducted; these were attended both in person and virtually by local physicians and other healthcare providers.

Launched in 2008, the program is a joint initiative between SGU’s Office of Institutional Advancement, the Office of Alumni Affairs, and the Office of the Provost that facilitates visits of alumni physicians and other volunteer physicians to Grenada. These medical missions provide much-needed care to the people of Grenada and are in close coordination with the Grenada General Hospital and Grenada’s Ministry of Health.

“SGU-PHuN captures the spirit of the SGU community and its graduates in a very direct way,” according to Brendon LaGrenade, EdD, vice provost for Institutional Advancement and director of Alumni Affairs. “Our physician alumni continue to return to the island to deliver a vast array of voluntary specialty medical care. The value in these programs is not measured in the millions of dollars in donations and services delivered but more so in the lives of the individuals positively impacted.”

Cataract surgery was a top priority for the SGU PHuN this year.

“Due to the pandemic, a lack of specialist equipment and personnel, and high cost, there is a long waiting list for cataract surgery. For this reason, the SGU PHuN set a lofty goal of completing 100 cataract procedures for 2024,” Dr. LaGrenade said. “We are proud to say that we achieved 106 cataract surgeries through the generosity of physicians who traveled here to help the people of Grenada.”

Former SGU-student and New Jersey-based ophthalmologist Dr. Bernard Spier kicked off the cataract mission in February, performing 38 surgeries. In October, a collaborative ophthalmology mission spearheaded by Dr. Mary Ratchford with Vision Health International, performed 68 surgeries.

According to Dr. Spier, he chose to donate his time and skills to the Grenadian people because it is “a basic act of human kindness.”

“I have a special place in my heart for Grenada because that’s where I got my start in medicine,” said Dr. Spier. “Grenada gave me an opportunity to become a doctor. If I hadn’t gone to Grenada, I would’ve done something else [besides medicine].”

Dr. Throl Mason, Dr. Bernard Spier, TracyAnn Frederick, Dr. Brendon La Grenade, Dr. Zachary Mendelson (Left to right)

(Left to right) Dr. Throl Mason, Dr. Bernard Spier, TracyAnn Frederick, Dr. Brendon La Grenade, and Dr. Zachary Mendelson during an ophthalmology clinic in March 2024.

Other ophthalmologists who also donated their services this year included:

  • Roger Turbin (oculoplastic/neuro-ophthalmologist)
  • Fred Lambrou (retina and diabetic eye program)
  • Michael Gray (pediatric ophthalmologist)
Ms. TracyAnn Frederick, Ms. Payge Lipscomb, Dr. Michael Gray, Ms. Leigh Taylor Langdon (Left to right)

Visiting physicians—including ophthalmologists, cardiologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and vascular surgeons—volunteered their time through SGU PHuN.

SGU-PHuN also had visits from the following physician specialists in 2024:

Cardiology

  • Anthony Tramontano, MD ’99
  • Amita Dharawat, MD ’06
  • Vineet Dua, MD ’96
  • Tara Jarreau, MD ’06
  • Pravin Patil, MD ’04
  • Jason Finkelstein, MD ’99 (interventional cardiologist)

Neurology

  • Richard Mikilitus, MD ’90

Endocrinology

  • Dwight Matthias, MD ’92

Radiology

  • Randy Becker, MD ’00

Orthopedic Surgery

  • Dr. Karl Blum, former SGU student

Vascular Access

  • Dr. Christian Rodriguez

“Thank you to all who contributed to this very important mission,” Dr. La Grenade said. “We look forward to making an even bigger impact in 2025.”

SGU alumni who are interested in returning to Grenada to participate in the SGU PHuN program should contact aa-som@sgu.edu.

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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SGU Grad Thrives as Grenada’s High Commissioner to UK

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Her Excellency Rachér Croney, MBA ’13, BA ’09, has had quite the whirlwind year since her appointment as High Commissioner for Grenada to the United Kingdom in 2023. The St. George’s University graduate recounted one of the most memorable events in the position so far—meeting with His Majesty King Charles III, which she described as both “a thrilling and humbling experience.”

In her new role, High Commissioner Croney is responsible for promoting diplomatic relations between Grenada and the UK, by developing economic, cultural, and scientific partnerships between the two countries. The scope of issues she handles daily ranges from administrative tasks, such as providing consular services for Grenadian nationals and those wishing to visit or immigrate to Grenada, to making policy decisions that can have a global impact.

“It’s exciting and humbling to be appointed as the High Commissioner for Grenada in the UK,” said Her Excellency. “It brings me immense joy to be able to represent my country and advance the Government of Grenada’s developmental agenda. While the job is not without its challenges, it only serves as motivation to be even more innovative, persistent, determined, and focused.” 

 

Before a career in diplomacy

High Commissioner Croney graduated with honors from SGU’s School of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and later from the School of Graduate Studies with a master’s in international business administration.

While earning her undergraduate degree, the High Commissioner simultaneously interned at a Grenada TV station. During that time, she helped the SGU public speaking team win the Sonic Foundry’s 2007 Global Reach Award at the Rich Media Impact Awards Ceremony in Madison, WI.

“SGU provided me with many opportunities,” the High Commissioner said. “Not many can say that they enjoyed an international education right at home—this was my experience at St. George’s University, and for that I am grateful.”

Following the completion of her degrees, she served as an executive member in both schools’ alumni associations. High Commissioner Croney also worked as a communications specialist within SGU’s Office of University Communications and Publications, as it was then known.

Her experiences at SGU prepared her for the world of diplomacy—particularly learning and engaging with people of different backgrounds and cultures.

“Embracing diversity in culture, working with people from all walks of life, and advocating for Grenada are perhaps some of the things I enjoy most about my job today,” she said.  

 

A newfound passion for diplomacy

When the opportunity to work at the United States Embassy in Grenada came along, High Commissioner Croney eagerly stepped into the new role—certain it would allow her the chance to make a more meaningful impact in both Grenada and the wider Caribbean region.

While there she served as political and economic specialist, where she was the senior advisor to the US Chargé d’Affaires on all political, economic, social, and security issues that impact the implementation of US foreign policy in Grenada and the Eastern Caribbean.

“My years at the US Embassy defined my vision and birthed my passion for diplomacy and international relations,” said the High Commissioner. “It is where I came into my own, and where my job became a career—it felt right, it felt natural, it felt like home.”

High Commissioner Croney served at the US Embassy for almost a decade before being appointed to the prestigious position of High Commissioner for Grenada to the UK last year. She described her year so far as not only exciting but rewarding too.

“At the end of the day there is nothing more fulfilling than working for your country and doing the best you can to help promote its advancement,” she said. “My greatest hope is that during my tenure in London I can contribute to the socio-economic development of my country and play my part in building the beautiful tri-island nation of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.”

She looks back on her time at SGU with fondness.

“It is during my years at the University that I grew, challenged myself professionally, and carved out the career path I chose to pursue,” reflected Her Excellency. “I am thankful for the lecturers, staff, and every engagement I had there for they have holistically played a significant part in my journey towards where I am today.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

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How an SVM Grad Turned Her Love for Horses into a Career

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Dr. Cuesta Amado standing next to a horse

St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine graduate Adrianna Cuesta Amado, DVM ’21, prides herself on treating some of the most formidable athletes in the country. Her patients? Racehorses.

Growing up in her hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Cuesta Amado was drawn to horses from an early age.

“I’ve always had a deep love for all animals, but horses always fascinated me,” Dr. Cuesta Amado said. “They are such majestic creatures, so strong yet so sensitive. Their eyes are a mirror to their souls, and they perceive people’s energy like no other animal.”

Today as an equine veterinarian in Boynton Beach, FL and Saratoga Springs, NY, Dr. Cuesta Amado works with some of the finest equine athletes in the sport as well as with some of the most renowned trainers and personnel.

She is responsible for providing medical care to thoroughbred racehorses such as lameness exams, routine check-ups, emergency care, and surgical procedures like castrations and wound repairs. She also works with trainers and groomers to develop and implement health and wellness plans curated for each horse.

“There are many, many aspects of my job that I really love,” she says. “One of my favorite parts of the job is getting to know these athletes, being able to help them feel their best, and seeing them win their races after a bit of help from me. Another equally favorite and gratifying part of my job is being able to connect with all the personnel that are involved with the horses and witnessing their love for them.”

Racing towards her dream

Dr. Cuesta Amado’s journey to becoming a veterinarian would not come without its obstacles. She was applying for veterinary school at a time when Puerto Rico did not have one. Dr. Cuesta Amado resolved herself to the sacrifice of leaving her friends and family in Puerto Rico to pursue her dream.

She chose SGU for its fully accredited veterinary program with ample hands-on experience. Given her love of horses, she was motivated by her peers and her family to specialize in equine medicine.

“SGU to me was the full package that offered many opportunities to work hard in a focused yet fun environment,” Dr. Cuesta Amado said.

Dr. Cuesta Amado treating a horse

SGU connected her with valuable opportunities that would shape her career, including serving as secretary, vice president, and eventually president of the Large Animal Society. It was ultimately a faculty advisor who recommended that Dr. Cuesta Amado complete her clinical year at Texas A&M’s program, allowing her to participate in racetrack equine medicine and surgery.

“SGU definitely prepared me for that next step at Texas A&M with its hands on curriculum, extracurricular opportunities, and electives. The semester before going to clinicals ran in a rotation style very similar to my clinical year, which was very helpful for the transition,” said Dr. Cuesta Amado.

Following Texas A&M, Dr. Cuesta Amado secured an 18-month internship at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Florida, where she delved deeper into her passion for equine medicine.

Meeting a need

Dr. Cuesta Amado treating a horse

As an intern, Dr. Cuesta Amado quickly realized that practicing equine medicine put her at the forefront of a serious shortage of equine veterinarians in the US.

According to the American Horse Council, in 2023 there were roughly 6.65 million horses in the US, which contribute $177 billion to the economy across multiple industries. And yet, the American Veterinary Medical Association saw only 3,872 equine veterinarians in the same year.

“There just aren’t enough equine veterinarians. It’s making the profession a struggle in the work-life balance department,” said Dr. Cuesta Amado. “When it comes to racehorses, it becomes more niche. On any given day, I am responsible for around 200 racehorses. All these high-level athletes have very important roles and demand a lot from us.”

For those who are thinking of becoming a racetrack veterinarian, Dr. Cuesta Amado recommended being passionate about horses and making them feel their best, especially during racing season.

“You must be able to build trust with not only the horses but the people that care for them,” she added. “You must be prepared to always put the horse first and advocate for their well-being and best interest.”

Dr. Cuesta Amado said she wouldn’t change her chosen path for anything.

“Making my patients feel better, live healthier lives, or end their lives in the least painful, most peaceful way possible is a role I take extremely seriously,” she said. “The bonds I’ve been able to create with some of my patients I wouldn’t trade for the world.”

 

— Juliette Kimmins

Related reading:
• VIRMP 2024: 28 SGU Students Secure Competitive Veterinary Internship and Residency Positions
• SVM alumna featured on Animal Planet TV series
• From the Deep South to Down Under: How this SVM grad found “the place to be”

SGU Alumni Charity Drive Aids Grenadians Impacted by Hurricane Beryl

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Hurricane Beryl relief efforts

Photos courtesy of Grenada’s Office of the Prime Minister.

Drawing on the generosity and compassion of the St. George’s University community, the School of Medicine Alumni Association (SOMAA) and friends led a successful charity drive this summer to help those impacted by Hurricane Beryl in Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and northern Grenada.

“On behalf of the SOMAA, we are grateful to our SGU family for helping us raise more than $77,000 for this worthy cause,” said Matthew Melamed, MD ’14, MPH ’08, FACEP, president of the SOMAA. “SGU’s connection to the people of Grenada as well as its sister islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinque, is innate. We felt it crucial that we do our part as an organization to support them during their time of need, and we could not have done it without the generous donations from the SGU community and friends. Thank you for your help.”

The monies donated will be used to aid in the re-establishment of medical and clinical services in areas devastated by Beryl.

Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall in Carriacou on July 1, was the earliest forming Category 5 hurricane on record and the first for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Although the storm was only the third hurricane in almost 70 years to the island, it caused widespread devastation to the northern parishes of Grenada, and severely impacted the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Many residents there lost their homes and/or businesses, while other areas were uninhabitable.

 

SGU Students Aid in Grenada’s Relief Efforts Following Hurricane Beryl

 

Through a coordinated partnership with the SGU Alumni Affairs department, the Grenada COVID Crisis Group, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Grenadians United in Virginia Inc., SOMAA was able to respond swiftly to the humanitarian crisis on the ground.

The Grenada COVID Crisis Group was formed during the global pandemic to organize a relief effort for the island during a time of much uncertainty. The Grenadians United in Virginia Inc. is an organization whose focus for the past 25 years is to extend medical assistance to Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinque, according to Dwight Matthias, MD ’93, secretary of the SOMAA Executive Committee, coordinator of the Grenada COVID-19 Crisis Group, and vice president of Grenadians United in Virginia.

“It was a natural fit for the groups to come together to assist those affected by Hurricane Beryl,” said Dr. Matthias. “It has truly been a team effort—and we will continue to extend our assistance where needed.”

The request for assistance was put out shortly after the storm made landfall, and the response from alumni and friends has been nothing short of remarkable, according to Brendon La Grenade, EdD, SGU vice provost of Institutional Advancement and head of Alumni Affairs.

“This was the first national crisis faced by Grenadians since the COVID-19 pandemic and it is no surprise that our alumni rallied to help the island they once called home,” Dr. La Grenade said. “We cannot thank you enough for being the wonderful humanitarians that you are. We are happy to report that, through efforts like these, the situation on the islands of Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and northern Grenada continues to improve daily. Your willingness to support this effort has truly made a difference.”

SGU also recognizes alumni who have visited, or plan to visit, the island to pitch in with relief efforts.

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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SGU Grad Receives Prestigious Fulbright Scholarship

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Alanda Joseph, a new Fulbright Scholar, standing in front of "University at Albany" sign

SAS grad Alanda Joseph, who received a Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship, started studying at the State University of New York at Albany this fall. (Photo via: Ministry of Education Grenada)

 

St. George’s University School of Arts and Sciences graduate, Alanda Joseph, can officially call herself a Fulbrighter.

Ms. Joseph, who earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from SGU in 2021, received the prestigious scholarship through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. She began her two-year master’s degree in educational psychology and methodology this fall at the State University of New York at Albany.

According to Fulbright, the program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the US. Operating in 160 countries, Fulbright offers scholarships to approximately 4,000 students each year.

“Receiving this award was not solely based on academics,” said Ms. Joseph. “My skills, talents, community involvement, as well as my frequent participation in professional development activities certainly enabled me to be selected in the process.”

Learn more about Ms. Joseph’s journey to receiving the scholarship and her long-term career plans.

 

Read the full article

 

 

— Juliette Kimmins

 

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SGU Grad One of the First Surgeons to Use Cutting-Edge Robotic Surgery Device

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Andrea Pakula standing in front of robotic surgery equipment

A St. George’s University School of Medicine alum is making her mark as one of the first surgeons in the country to use a new advanced robotic system to treat her patients, including in emergency care.

Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital, where Andrea Pakula, MD ’07, MPH ’03, serves as medical director of robotic surgery, is one of only 10 hospitals in the US chosen as a premier access site to receive the da Vinci 5 in its early release phase.

The da Vinci 5 is one of the newest and most advanced surgical robots in its field. Dr. Pakula is one of the first surgeons in the country to use the advanced system, according to a recent news article highlighting the da Vinci 5 and the benefits to patient care.

Dr. Pakula demonstrating using the da Vinci 5

Dr. Pakula demonstrating the da Vinci 5

At Adventist Health Simi Valley, Dr. Pakula is a general and acute care surgeon practicing in all aspects of general surgery including bariatric, foregut, and colon surgery with a passion for hernia repair. Board-certified in both general surgery and surgical critical care, she performs surgeries and procedures entirely with the Intuitive Surgical da Vinci Robotic platform, including in her emergency surgery practice.

The da Vinci 5 allows surgeons to operate with more precision and gives them the ability to perform complex operations through only a few small incisions. This makes for much faster recoveries and return to normal activity for patients without the need for pain medications, Dr. Pakula said.

“This has worked really well for my practice,” Dr. Pakula told Intuitive, the da Vinci 5’s manufacturer. “It’s allowed me to expand minimally invasive surgery to the patients that I see through the emergency room. We’re now able to do minimally invasive surgery any time of day or night, with the same level of care.”

Dr. Pakula sitting with the DaVinci 5 robotic surgery device

In the same interview with Intuitive, Dr. Pakula said that this trend is important because it means that more surgical patients can be managed with an approach that may be less invasive, potentially contributing to fewer complications and shorter hospital stays, compared to open surgery.

Helping patients get back to their lives in the fastest, most painless way possible is Dr. Pakula’s goal and her favorite part of the job.

“I truly enjoy my patients and being able to take part in their care,” Dr. Pakula told SGU News.

An accomplished surgeon at the forefront of the field of robotic surgery, Dr. Pakula reflects on her drive and perseverance to reach where she is today. She credits SGU with helping set her on a path to success, which she capitalized on with her own determination.

“The education I received at SGU allowed me to get into one of the best fellowships in the country, and that drive has stayed with me and allowed me to excel in my career,” said Pakula.

 

– Juliette Kimmins

 

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