Grateful, Inspired, Motivated: Term 1 SOM Students Describe What It Means to Put on a White Coat

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Dominique Assing, BS ’23, was no stranger to the lecture halls at St. George’s University. As a child her mother, Brigitte Assing, MBA ’12, would bring Dominque to SGU’s True Blue campus while she completed her graduate studies. Later, Ms. Assing would go on to complete her undergraduate degree at SGU before beginning her medical education in the School of Medicine.

At the recent SOM White Coat Ceremony, Ms. Assing was coated by her aunt Lisa Radix, MD ’95, who inspired her to follow her dreams of becoming a physician at SGU.

“I felt a mixture of emotions at the White Coat Ceremony—excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and most of all gratitude,” said Ms. Assing. “I’m grateful to my family and to my aunt who came to coat me. After having such a positive undergraduate experience here at SGU, I couldn’t think of anywhere else I would want to study medicine. I really love being able to live in my home country, while also getting a truly international medical education.”

 

The occasion was monumental not only for Ms. Assing, but for her aunt as well.

“It was such a special feeling putting the white coat on the next generation,” said Dr. Radix. “Seeing Dominique grow from a toddler to a hard-working adult about to start her own medical career at SGU as I once did more than 30 years ago. In a way this was also my White Coat Ceremony, since I never had one because the tradition started the year after I graduated. Reciting the oath with my niece and her fellow students was doubly moving for me.”

On February 10, the Class of 2028 walked across the stage at Patrick F. Adams Hall during the milestone event that marks their entry into the field of medicine. After being coated—sometimes by family members or mentors who had become physicians before them, the students then recite the Oath of Professionalism—pledging to uphold the highest of ethical standards while treating their patients.

 

View SOM White Coat Ceremony Instagram reel

 

Hear from three other aspiring physicians on what it means to be able to wear a white coat.  

 

“I feel amazing after putting on my white coat. I’m excited and nervous at the same time but I also feel ready to take on this journey. It was such an honor being coated by my dad. He is the reason why I wanted to become a doctor. I was inspired by the work that he does and I’m happy to follow in his footsteps.”

– Abhigna Kandimalla 
Trinidad and Tobago

 

“I am super excited to have my white coat. It signifies that I’m clearly moving forward with my medical education. Previously, I worked in the pharmaceutical industry for about 30 years, but I always wanted to become a doctor. I applied to SGU because it had a great matriculation rate and great success rate of students getting into the residencies of their choice. So, I knew it was the best place for me to fulfill my dream of becoming a physician.”

– Tanette Brown
North Carolina

 

“I can’t even describe the emotion I felt while being coated by my father, SGU Associate Dean Dr. Dolland Noel. It was like he was passing the torch on to me. Initially I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. But then my father really started to stand out to me. The way his work positively affected the people around him and all the gratitude surrounding him made me realize you can have a huge impact on your community and country as a physician. And just seeing the amazing doctor he became and knowing that he went to SGU definitely made me want to come here too.”

– Donan Noel
Grenada

 

View the full SOM White Coat Ceremony on YouTube

 

   – Ray-Donna Peters

Related Reading      

St. George’s University Mourns the Loss of Campus Visionary Architect, Andy Belford

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Charlie Modica and Andy Belford

St. George’s University and its community mourns the loss of Andrew “Andy” J. Belford (right), the school’s very first director of admissions, who had a profound effect on the creation and development of SGU’s True Blue campus. Pictured here in 2018 with SGU Chancellor Charles Modica.

St. George’s University (SGU) and its community mourns the loss of Andrew “Andy” J. Belford, the school’s very first director of admissions, who had a profound effect on the creation and development of SGU’s True Blue campus.

Mr. Belford died peacefully on February 6, surrounded by family and friends. He was 75 years old.

“Andy’s indefatigable energy, spirit, intelligence, and integrity were greatly appreciated as he explained this new concept of a medical school to many prospective students in the 1970s and early 1980s,” according to Dr. Charles R. Modica, chancellor and co-founder of SGU. “His energy and dedication went far beyond the area of admissions—and his wisdom, quick intelligence, and dedication were indispensable to myself and the other founders in the launching and development of a new medical school in the country of Grenada.”

As the University grew its faculty, student body, and presence in the world of medical education, Mr. Belford set off in an entirely new direction, enrolling in Columbia School of Architecture, and designing and building homes and complexes, mainly in South Florida.

When the University began a dramatic expansion in the early 1990s, Mr. Belford returned to SGU’s True Blue campus where he designed and led a team of architects and builders in the creation of the magnificent campus that has come to embody the mission and spirit of SGU. Under his guidance and vision, the University erected more than 65 beautiful, functional buildings along the True Blue peninsula.

Today students, faculty, and administrators live and learn on his visionary, neo-Georgian campus built over the course of three decades.

Recognizing his contributions to SGU

SGU administrators at School of Medicine graduation

University architect Andrew Belford (4th from left) receives the Order of the Mace from members of the selection committee during the 2010 School of Medicine Commencement ceremony. June 13, 2010 – Lincoln Center – New York, NY.

In 2010, he was bestowed the prestigious Order of the Mace Award—the University’s highest honor—for his impact on SGU’s evolution and success. He joined Chancellor Modica, Sir Kenneth Stuart, and Provost Emeritus Allen Pensick as recipients.

In July 2018, SGU named one of its newer buildings after him. Today, the Andrew J. Belford Centre is a vibrant hub of campus life. A bronze plaque was placed in front of the building—outlining the foundation Mr. Belford built and his immeasurable impact—unveiled in front of SGU administrators, faculty, and staff, as well as family and friends, in attendance.

Remembering Andy Belford and his influence on SGU

SGU administrators at dedication ceremony for Andrew J. Belford Centre

In 2018, SGU dedicated a bronze plaque at Andrew J. Belford Centre in honor of Andrew Belford, the University’s first director of admissions and visionary architect of the True Blue Campus.

SGU administrators shared their condolences and remembrances of Mr. Belford.

Dr. Glen Jacobs, provost of SGU: “The campus would not have become what it is today without Andy’s magnificent vision. Andy was a genuine and kind man, and I was fortunate to experience the positive impact that he had on SGU.”

Dr. C.V. Rao, dean of university alumni affairs: “Having started my career in teaching at SGU in 1977, I have had the unique perspective of seeing the full spectrum of SGU’s evolution. He will be greatly missed and every time I walk by the Andrew J. Belford Centre, I will remember the visionary who had such a remarkable influence on SGU.”

Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the School of Medicine: “Andy Belford and his contributions are a major part of the very DNA of SGU. Students and graduates throughout the past four decades have benefitted immeasurably from Andy Belford’s innovative and pioneering vision for our University.”

Dr. Daniel D. Ricciardi, executive vice president, clinical network development: “As part of SGU’s first graduating class in 1981, I can say emphatically that SGU would not be what it was today if it weren’t for the contributions of Andy Belford. He was an instrumental part of the foundation of SGU. God speed and rest in peace.”

Added Dr. Modica: “He will be missed by the entire St. George’s University community. He was my good friend, and I will miss him greatly.”

Mr. Belford is survived by his beloved partner, Charles Crawford; his brothers, Paul A. Belford (Patricia) and Michael K. Belford (Donamarie); his sister, Anne Ryan (Edward); and sister-in-law, Mary Susan Belford.

St. George’s University sends its deepest condolences to Mr. Belford’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. His invaluable impact on the growth and success of SGU will not be forgotten.

 

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky 

 

Related Reading 

SGU Celebrates Grenada’s 50th Anniversary of Independence

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St. George’s University proudly joined with the rest of Grenada in kicking off a yearlong celebration of the country’s Golden Jubilee of Independence.

With a theme of “One People, One Journey, One Future,” the event marks 50 years of Grenada’s independent statehood—one that the SGU community actively participated in and shared in its joyous celebration.

The close symbiotic partnership that SGU shares with its host nation has allowed the University to train thousands of leaders in the fields of medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, business, and more.

“Many years ago, we had the vision to bring people from many countries to this small, beautiful island nation,” said Dr. Charles Modica, SGU’s chancellor and co-founder. “I am most proud of the fact that the University has grown with everyone in this country, and we have grown together. The world is a smaller place now, and Grenada is right in the center.”

 

View National Colors Day Instagram reel

 

Celebration Activities at SGU

As a united community, SGU students, staff, and faculty came together to participate in the Independence celebrations. The festivities began with the transformation of the True Blue campus, symbolizing patriotism and solidarity with SGU’s home nation.

On National Colors Day, the campus community was encouraged to participate in a Spice Wear Competition, where participants were invited to show off their creativity by incorporating Grenada’s national colors of red, green, and gold into their outfits.

SGU faculty and staff also decorated their office space, showcasing a vibrant display of Grenadian pride for the Spice Up Your Office Décor Competition. And lastly, all were asked to join in a mini parade from Louis and Marion Modica Hall to Keith B. Taylor Hall, culminating in a street food fair to close out the celebrations with joy and camaraderie.

See National Colors Day winners listed below.

Best Spice Wear Individual Winners: 

1st Place (tie) – Leedia Lalgie, School of Arts and Sciences

1st Place (tie) – Dominic Gaspard, Centre for Academic Excellence

3rd Place – Kerri-Ann Baptiste, Human Resources Department

1st 1st 3rd

 

Best Spice Wear Team Winners:

Office of Institutional Advancement

 

Spice Up Your Office Décor Winners:

1st Place – Department of Clinical Skills

 

2nd Place – Department of Public Safety

 

3rd Place – Office of the Provost

 

According to Dr. Brendon La Grenade, vice provost for Institutional Advancement: “Whether it was volunteering to decorate and showcase our campus, individual teams decorating their offices and dressing up, or showcasing their culinary skills, SGU’s campus community went above and beyond to make our 50th celebration truly special.”

SGU will continue to honor Grenada’s history and celebrate throughout the year with more festivities planned.

– Ray-Donna Peters

Related Reading 

Future Veterinarians Share What It Feels Like To Be Coated at SVM White Coat Ceremony

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Growing up with two veterinarians in the house, Edith Turpel spent a great deal of her childhood visiting her parents at clinics where they worked. After seeing firsthand what it was like being a vet and their love for the profession, it wasn’t long before Ms. Turpel, a first-term student in the School of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University, made the decision to join the family business. At the recent SVM White Coat Ceremony, Ms. Turpel had the privilege of being coated by her parents.

“To be coated by both my parents is the best feeling I’ve ever had,” said Ms. Turpel, who hails from Ontario, Canada. “While visiting my parents at their clinics, I met several SGU grads who praised the high quality of education and the outstanding faculty and staff there—so much so that I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else to start my journey toward becoming a vet.”

 

Ms. Turpel’s parents are incredibly proud of her and her decision to follow in their footsteps.

“Edith has worked extremely hard to get here and we’re so happy we found St. George’s University,” said Dr. Jim Turpel, Edith’s father. “We researched many veterinary medical schools and SGU came out very high in those rankings. We’ve also been down to Grenada a number of times to visit the campus. You can tell that everyone there wants Edith to succeed.”

 

View SVM White Coat Ceremony Instagram reel

 

Ms. Turpel, along with her fellow students in the Class of 2028, took to the stage at Patrick F. Adams Hall on January 27 to receive their white coats—signaling the start of their professional journey. After being coated—sometimes by family members or mentors who had become veterinarians before them, the students then affirmed an oath of commitment by agreeing to uphold the principles of veterinary medical ethics and the highest professional standards.

Hear from three other aspiring veterinarians on how they felt putting on their white coats.

 

 

“Now that I’ve been coated, it feels very real. I’m officially on my way to becoming a vet and I feel extremely motivated to keep going. Originally, I wanted to be a physical therapist, but after adopting an injured dog and rehabbing him for six months to a year, I became immersed in animal medicine. So, I decided to change course and knew that pursuing veterinary medicine was the right path for me.”

– Kaylee Coppola
New York, NY

 

 

“Being coated by my dad and brother was the best feeling ever! As the youngest, I had been to my brother’s White Coat Ceremony here at SGU and now here they are at mine. I want to be a vet because I grew up listening to all these amazing stories that happened at my father’s practice, and I decided I wanted to experience that myself. I chose SGU partly because my brother raved about how great the school was, but mostly I felt that if he could successfully become a vet here then I could too.”

– James Hammett
Spotsylvania, VA

 

 

“I was so excited to be coated by my mentor, Clarence Williams, DVM ’17, because he is someone who has been in my shoes. As an SGU grad, he shared about his own successful journey to becoming a vet and what I could expect when I got here. But nothing he said could’ve prepared me for how beautiful the campus is and how supportive the faculty and staff are. I’ve found a wonderful community here, and I love it. Now that I’ve put on my white coat, I don’t ever want to take it off.”

– Megan Thomas
St. Petersburg, FL

 

View the full SVM White Coat Ceremony on YouTube

 

  – Ray-Donna Peters

Related Reading  

Moving with Family to Grenada? SGU’s Student Family Network Offers Support and Resources

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Student Family Network

How does St. George’s University support students who come to the island with significant others and families? What housing options are available for students with families? What is the schooling like for my kids in Grenada? Is my spouse able to work in Grenada while I’m in school?

These are some of the most common questions asked by students who make the move to Grenada with their significant others and family members.

SGU’s Student Family Network (SFN) (formerly known as the Significant Others Organization) can help. The student organization was established in 1994 as a support system for families of SGU students living in Grenada. Today, SFN prides itself on being a network of spouses, housemates, friends, family, partners, and pets—and offers resources to help them adjust to living on island.

SFN ambassador and School of Medicine student Brooke Hildebrand shared more details about the organization and how students (and faculty) with families can make the most of their time in Grenada.

SGU: What support can the SGU Student Family Network offer to students and their families?

BH: Moving to a new place is challenging. Moving to a whole new country is oftentimes emotionally terrifying! The SFN aims to ease some of the concerns and apprehension of acclimating to a new way of life by providing support, advice, and connections to anyone affiliated with SGU!

From knowing if there are eggs at the store, to finding buddies to go to the beach with, the communication and the community of SFN has proved a lifesaver for me and my family, so I can only hope it can help another in some way shape or form.

Student Family Network

 

View SFN reel on Instagram

 

SGU: What are some examples of resources that SFN offers to students?

BH: We offer various forms of communication options allowing ample questions and intercommunication among participants. Since we are a resource and not a traditional organization, there are no membership fees/dues or requirements for participation!

There are infinite “where to go” and “how to do” types of answers offered to the community through SGU Family Network communication avenues. Among our various social media presences and communication options we have sub-groups aimed toward uniting similar interest-minded individuals. Examples of a few of our group communications include: remote workers, playdates for children, SFN dudes group, book club, t-shirt design, non-kid events, and the monthly event planning groups.

SGU: What other ways do you help students and their families?

BH: Our diverse community has extensive knowledge in all aspects of life on the island, both on and off campus. We can assist with medical professional and dental referrals, lactation options on campus, any pet-related information, car and housing rental information, free time exploring options, and visa and passport renewal.

Importantly, the community bands together when things may seem amiss and jumps to help one another to ensure everyone is safe and well taken care of at all times.

SGU: Does the SFN organize activities? If so, how often?

BH: Yes! Our goal is to host a minimum of one official sanctioned event per month. We had a September kickball game; on Halloween, we trick-or-treated to the various departments on campus and other organizations hosted activity tables for kiddos, and a Thanksgiving end-of-term potluck meal!

In addition to the official activities, we do book club gatherings every

month, and a few participants have hosted gatherings off campus in various locations—some of which included hiking to the waterfalls and an evening beach party!

Student Family Network

SGU: Best piece of advice for students coming to the island with their families?

BH: I would recommend joining any of the SFN communication groups to understand the interworking’s of the island from an SGU point of view. For example, if you are living off campus, how far is a ‘5 minute’ walk going to take in rainy season and what is the terrain of that walk?

The SFN Exchange group may assist those trying to prioritize what to pack and condense their luggage into two bags. Take the time to follow and read what other people are posting or asking about in the groups to enhance your understanding of how to best prepare for the transition.

Connect with the Student Family Network


Website
SGU Student Family Network 

Facebook
SGU Family Network (SFN) 

SFN of SGU 

SFN of SGU Exchange

Instagram
@sfn_sgu

WhatsApp
Join chat

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

Related Reading  

 

 

5 Tips to Achieve Your Academic Goals in 2024

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The start of the new term means new opportunities for students as they take one step closer to the degree—and career of their dreams. However, it takes lots of dedication, hard work, and excellent study strategies in order to earn that medical or veterinary medical degree—and  St. George’s University’s Department of Educational Services (DES) can help.

“DES can support students through several offerings, including individual advising and consultation, individual and group coaching sessions, small group tutorials, group workshops, courses, and other specialized programing for students in all university programs, and at all levels of achievement,” according to Dr. Sara Rabie, chair of DES.

One of the approaches DES uses to help students maximize their performance in their coursework and on licensure exams is through the Learning Strategies Unit (LSU). Donna Walker, the Unit’s director shared a list of strategies below, which are delivered through personalized, one-to-one meetings where specific learning gaps are identified and skills are developed.

 

 

With a team of five supportive administrative staff members and 48 full-time faculty from diverse disciplines with specialized expertise, at DES students can rest assured they have a group of dedicated learning strategists committed to helping them achieve their academic goals and excel in their chosen professions.

“Our team of learning strategists work from the LSU curriculum to empower students to master the strategies they need to become self-directed, lifelong learners,” said Ms. Walker. “To find the help they need, students can go to their school-specific site on the Learning Strategies page to find tailored resources just for them.”

Need support? Get in touch with DES! 

Email: des@sgu.edu 

Call: 473-444-5008

– Ray-Donna Peters

Related Reading  

 

 

5 top SGU School of Veterinary Medicine stories in 2023

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5 Trending SGU School of Veterinary Medicine stories in 2023

From students and graduates matching in competitive veterinary residencies and internships to InVeST 2023 taking place in Grenada to profiles of successful dual-degree graduates, the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine community made its mark in 2023.

Find out which stories made our list of SVM top trending stories this year. And when you’re done, don’t forget to read our must read School of Medicine stories this year as well.

 

 

SVM commencement 2023

1. SVM commencement—A 20-year legacy

The School of Veterinary Medicine graduation ceremony this past June was full of emotional moments and joyful celebrations. Nearly 200 graduates walked across the stage to commemorate their years of hard work at the ceremony held at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY.

“Twenty years ago, SGU graduated its first class of veterinary medicine, and 30 students graduated young, enthusiastic, and ready to take on the world,” said Dr. Tara Patterson, associate professor, president of the School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association, and a charter class member of the SVM. “Today, SGU has produced over 2,000 Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.”

 

Read how: SVM celebrated its 20-year legacy at the Class of 2023’s commencement

 

SVM student Adriana Kalaska, DVM '23, matched in the 2023 VIRMP

2. Match 2023—Students secure competitive internship and residency positions

Thirty-seven 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 69.8 percent, the highest among Caribbean veterinary schools, according to data released by the VIRMP, a program sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC).

The veterinarians began their specialized training in June, in areas such as small animal internal medicine, emergency and critical care, surgery, cardiology, neurology, and diagnostic imaging within prestigious institutions in the US and Canada.

Read how: 37 SVM students secured competitive internship and residency positions through 2023 VIRMP Match

 

SGU SVM dual degree graduates Dr. Adria Rodriguez

3. Grads share their experiences in getting dual DVM and master’s degree

Whether it’s exploring the intersection of animal health and the human world, focusing on fundamental and applied research, or improving their business skills, SGU’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine dual master’s degree options offer aspiring veterinarians in-depth learning opportunities and expertise within their field of choice—and enhanced career prospects.

Read more about: Pursuing a dual degree in veterinary medicine: Grads share their experiences

 

InVeST 2023

4. InVeST 2023 comes to Grenada

Veterinary experts traveled to SGU’s True Blue campus in February for the 7th International Veterinary Simulation in Teaching (InVeST) conference. Conference goers—including veterinarians, InVeST members, representatives from educational institutions, researchers, students, and more than 50 SGUSVM faculty, staff, and alumni—spent three days attending interactive sessions and learning how the rapidly growing area of simulation is being incorporated into the teaching practices of veterinary medicine.

SGU’s very own Dr. Francesca Ivaldi, associate professor in the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, received the award for “Best Oral Presentation” for her presentation about the “Development of a Comprehensive Simulated Patient Model for the Physical Examination of the Dog.”

View photos from InVeST 2023: Conference goers travel to Grenada to learn latest trends in veterinary simulation

 

Andrew Kushnir, DVM '19, with rescued lion cubs from Ukraine-Russia war

5. Grad reflects on volunteering during Ukraine-Russia war

Andrew Kushnir, DVM ’19, spent most of 2022 volunteering his time to work with animal rescue groups and zoos to help vulnerable animals affected by the Russian-Ukraine war.

During his time in Ukraine and Poland, Dr. Kushnir saw horrific destruction and pain but also experienced joy and gratitude through the eyes of the animals he cared for, including three African lion cubs. Earlier this year, Dr. Kushnir reflected on his experience, sharing with SGU News what he learned about himself as a veterinarian and caretaker, and his plans to continue supporting animals—and their owners—most in need.

Read more about Dr. Kushnir’s experience: SVM grad reflects on Ukraine volunteer experience: “By helping people’s pets, we were helping the people”

 

 

-Laurie Chartorynsky

Related Reading:

No-Shave November: St. George’s University Vice Provost Shares Tips for Prioritizing Your Health

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Brendon La Grenade, vice provost for Institutional Advancement

The month of November is recognized as No-Shave November also known as “Movember.” During the month, men around the world grow their beards to spark conversation and raise awareness about several prominent diseases including prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention in men. 

As an avid sports enthusiast, Dr. Brendon La Grenade, vice provost for Institutional Advancement at St. George’s University, is an advocate for men’s health and engages in several weekly physical activities to help him stay in shape. He also encourages men to not take their health for granted and to be adamant about getting annual checkups.  

“I implore all men to take a moment, go sit with your physician, and hear about your health so that you can be there for those who want you to be there for them” said Dr. La Grenade. 

Here are five ways Dr. La Grenade prioritizes his health and stays active:  

  • Playing sports such as tennis and soccer. 
  • Eating healthy. Dr. La Grenade admits he is a “foodie” and enjoys cooking his own meals. 
  • Weekly runs. 
  • Going to the gym once to twice per week. 
  • Hiking. 

“Let’s use this November as the month to encourage our men to get out there and make appointments to get that checkup,” Dr. La Grenade said. 

 

View Instagram reel

 

 

 -Istra Bell

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“Pizza, Pets and Vets:” SVMAA fosters alumni-student connections with relaunched lunchtime workshops

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Pizza Pets and Vets - photo of SVM graduate, student, SVMAA and Alumni Affairs administration

The Office of Alumni Affairs and SVMAA relaunched a networking initiative designed to give SVM students on campus a fresh perspective on what it is like to work in the field of animal care and to create connections between students and SVM graduates.

St. George’s University’s Office of Alumni Affairs and School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association (SVMAA) recently relaunched a networking initiative designed to give SVM students on campus a fresh perspective on what it is like to work in the field of animal care and to create connections between students and SVM graduates.  

Renamed “Pizza, Pets and Vets,” the lunchtime talk series was kicked off on September 13. More than two dozen aspiring veterinarians gathered at Charter Hall Lab to listen to Kimberly Ferizolli, DVM ’14, medical director and lead veterinarian at Central Florida Community Pet Clinic. She shared her experiences as a veterinarian and co-founder of the nonprofit organization that offers high-volume, high-quality spay and neuters, mainly to feline patients. Her comments were followed by an engaging Q&A period and, of course, a pizza lunch. 

“Coming back to the island and talking to the students was a way to pay it forward,” Dr. Ferizolli said. “It’s so great to give back to SGU because that’s where my dream started. I wanted to let students know that no matter how hard school is—it is possible to make your dreams come true and to continue on with your goals.”

View reel

 

“Students can greatly benefit from the wealth of knowledge, experiences, and shared community amongst our more than 2,500 esteemed SVM alumni,” said Tara Paterson, DVM ’03, MSc, president of the SVMAA and associate professor of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery at SGU. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring together our alumni community with our current students, creating connections and fostering a spirit of learning that lasts a lifetime.” 

 

Alumni who are planning to visit Grenada, please email aa-svm@sgu.edu or SVMAA President Dr. Tara Paterson if you would like to volunteer for a “Pizza, Pets and Vets” workshop. 

 

Alexandra Prince, a Term 4 student and current SVM president within SGU’s Student Government Association, attended Dr. Ferizolli’s talk, noting that the session was very informative. 

“It was genuinely really amazing,” Ms. Prince said. “I think we as students are looking for those networking opportunities.”  

Ms. Prince is interested in veterinary medicine that specializes in exotic and aquatic animals, as well as surgery and feline medicine. “I want to meet as many veterinarians who specialize in these areas as possible to get a good idea of what each field actually looks like in practice,” she said.  

Student networking and mentorship opportunities

“Pizza, Pets and Vets” is just one of the ways that the Office of Alumni Affairs and SVMAA plan to increase engagement between SVM students and alumni.  

In addition, Ms. Prince has been named the SVM student-alumni representative. Having Ms. Prince in this position will further encourage connections and networking among the two groups as she shares how alumni can help make students’ SGU experience more valuable, SVMAA said. Ms. Prince said she hopes to connect students with alumni based on their area of veterinary interest or geographic location as part of her role. 

 

“It was genuinely really amazing. I think we as students are looking for those networking opportunities.”

 

Students on campus will also have opportunity to connect with SVM alumni attending the upcoming VetBolus conference, taking place in Grenada November 2 to 4. During the “Alumni Student Night,” students will be able to speak with several SVM graduates in a speed-dating type of environment.  

“The immediate goal of Alumni Affairs is to improve alumni engagement across all our support areas, which include connections with prospective students, current students (future alumni), and other alumni,” said Dr. Brendon La Grenade, SGU’s vice provost for Institutional Advancement. “This will be done through selective programming, driven by alumni interest, like ‘Pizza, Pets and Vets.’ We encourage all SVM alumni to follow your newsletter and SGU social media, stay in touch with SVMAA current events, and share your ideas with us.”   

SVM alumni interested in sharing their professional experiences during a “Pizza, Pets and Vets” lunchtime talk (in person or virtually) should email aa-svm@sgu.edu or contact SVMAA President Dr. Tara Paterson.  

 

— Tonya Duncan and Laurie Chartorynsky

  

 

Related Reading 

SVM White Coat Ceremony: What does it feel like to be coated?

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SVM Fall 2023 White Coat Ceremony - group picture

A mixture of nervousness and excitement resonated on campus as the newest class of veterinary medical students received their white coats. The Term 1 veterinary medical students were coated during the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine White Coat Ceremony, held on September 2 at Patrick F. Adams Hall.

 

View SVM White Coat Ceremony Instagram reel

 

White Coat Ceremonies are a storied tradition within veterinary medical school. The ceremony signifies students’ official beginning on their professional journeys to becoming veterinarians. During the event, a white coat is placed on each student’s shoulders—sometimes by family members or mentors who have become veterinarians before them. Students then affirm an oath of commitment by agreeing to uphold the principles of veterinary medical ethics and the highest professional standards.

Wondering what it’s like to be coated? Hear from four aspiring veterinarians on what it felt like to experience the milestone event.

 

Benjamin Self, SVM student, during WCC

 

“It feels surreal. Putting on the white coat just made things a little bit more of a reality for me. And having my mentor coat me was one of the best things that I could have ever wished for. Getting the white coat signifies for me that I’ve definitely been adopted into the profession and that I’ve achieved goal one in this whole marathon of becoming a veterinarian.”

– Benjamin Self
Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

 

Tatyana Thompson, SVM student, at White Coat Ceremony

 

“I come from a family of doctors, lawyers, bankers, and teachers. So, putting on my white coat is very symbolic because it’s the start of me becoming the first veterinarian in my family. I felt inspired by the White Coat Ceremony. It made me feel like this is actually happening and that this is where I’m meant to be.”

– Tatyana Thompson
Nassau, Bahamas

 

Nicholas Aaron, SVM student, at White Coat Ceremony

 

 

“The White Coat Ceremony was everything I thought it would be and more. I’m a bit emotional right now. When I put on the white coat, I felt one step closer to fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. My grandfather was also a great inspiration to me and I’m wearing his tiepin to honor him today. It’s a reminder that I wouldn’t be here without him.”

– Nicholas Aaron
Trinidad and Tobago

 

 

Taylor Edwinson, veterinary student, at SVM White Coat Ceremony

 

“One of the reasons I chose to come to SGU was because of my mentor, Felicia Gutierrez, DVM ’20. I’ve known her since I was 16—when I was just a baby vet tech, and she was my head vet tech. I felt honored to have her coat me. I’ve heard so many great things about the SVM program from Felicia and other alumni. And after putting on my white coat, I feel it’s the start of what I’ve been working so hard for, and it gives me the motivation to continue on.”

– Taylor Edwinson
El Paso, Texas

 

 

View the full SVM White Coat Ceremony on YouTube

 

   – Ray-Donna Peters

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