Advice from Resident of the Year: “Hard Work Always Pays Off”

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Hrant Gevorgian, MD/MPH ’21, recently received the honor of being named “Resident of the Year” by the New Jersey Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Gevorgian is a PGY-2 emergency medicine resident at Rutgers Health/Community Medical Center.

A native of Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Gevorgian also recently won first place for the Research Abstract Competition at the NJ-ACEP 2022 Scientific Assembly. His abstract explored how the opioid buprenorphine is administered in the emergency department. He and his team developed a withdrawal scoring system program for patients receiving buprenorphine to help avoid opioid addiction.

Dr. Gevorgian, whose first name means “unextinguishable fire” in Armenian, shared with SGU News what winning Resident of the Year means to him, his most challenging experience in the emergency department so far, and his ABC’s of advice for aspiring physicians.

St. George’s University: What does receiving the Resident of the Year award mean to you?

Dr. Gevorgian: It’s extremely humbling and unexpected. It highlights the dedication and opportunities my first-year program offers residents. Every faculty member has provided enormous amounts of mentorship to help us succeed. I will continue challenging myself every day to push my limits and by mentoring to my co-interns who are all doing amazing things.

SGU: Why were you drawn to emergency medicine?

Dr. Gevorgian: I love working in a fast-paced environment and being exposed to a multitude of pathologies. I also enjoy having the opportunity to do a variety of cool procedures at bedside.

SGU: What is your advice for residents starting their first year?

Dr. Gevorgian: My best advice for incoming residents is simple: don’t forget your ABCs.

  • Accountability: If you say you’re going to do something, do it.
  • Betterment: Always try and learn something new every day and better yourself.
  • Compassion: In addition to being a compassionate provider, makes sure to always be compassionate to yourself because residency is tough with good and bad days.

 

“SGU has taught me that hard work always pays off and that nothing is impossible.”

 

SGU: Share a challenging emergency department moment and how you were able to treat your patient.

Dr. Gevorgian: Sometimes it’s hard to find the balance of providing the best possible care, but also respecting the patient’s wishes. One patient I had during my intern year of January 2021 (when COVID cases were rising again) was COVID-positive and in the emergency department for respiratory failure. I was in the process of getting him admitted to the ICU when he signed out against medical advice. I had multiple conversations with him explaining the risks involved. He was aware that his condition was life threatening, and his exact words were, “if I die I want to be home and be with my dogs.” But somehow my team and I managed to have home oxygen and appropriate medications delivered to his house prior to his discharge.

Being able to provide this patient that level of care, at the last minute, on a Friday night was a miracle—we were so thankful it was coordinated. I felt reassured that my team and I went above and beyond the call of duty for caring for our patient.

SGU: Recount a favorite memory from SGU.

Dr. Gevorgian: Exploring the North side of Grenada was always a blast. My friends and I would drive and explore different secluded beaches. There was something special about the North side, it was so quiet and calm. Once we stayed up all-night watching leatherback turtles come to shore and lay their eggs with endless shooting stars in the sky. It was an unforgettable night.

SGU: How did your experience at SGU help you get to where you are today?

Dr. Gevorgian: SGU has taught me that hard work always pays off and that nothing is impossible.

 

–Ronke Idowu Reeves and Sarah Stoss

 

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School of Arts and Sciences professor receives international recognition

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One of the world’s leading digital-first publishers has recognized a St. George’s University professor for his contribution to the field of entrepreneurship—a demonstration of how SGU faculty are leading experts in their fields.

Dr. Paul Pounder, who teaches entrepreneurship and is director of the MBA program within the School of Arts and Sciences at SGU, was the recipient of a 2022 Emerald Literati Outstanding Paper Award.

Dr. Pounder’s winning paper, titled “Social entrepreneurship and cultural contextualization: A review,” was published in the International Journal of Development Issues in 2021. The research challenged varying schools of thought and reassessed assumptions from different fields of management and business research, providing insight into the conceptualization of social entrepreneurship and the extent to which culture affects it.

The Emerald Literati Awards have celebrated and recognized the contributions of authors and reviewers for almost 30 years. The authors recognized in the 2022 award season are from all around the world, and they were judged on their ability to demonstrate excellence and impact in their field.

“I am humbled, respectful, and truly sensitive to the honor placed on me through having my work recognized with this prestigious award,” said Dr. Pounder. “This is a wonderful recognition for the type of important research that originated in a small island and contributed to the larger international body of scholarship.”

The findings of Dr. Pounder’s research indicated that previous studies conducted on social entrepreneurship described acting entrepreneurially and having a social mission but did not consider the impact of culture. Dr. Pounder’s research fills that missing piece and provides a greater depth of understanding of the topic.

“The recognition of Dr. Pounder’s work is well-deserved,” said Dr. Lucy Eugene, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “We are proud to have him as part of our team of faculty members in the School of Arts and Sciences who continue to lead in their respective fields, and I congratulate him on this honor and the significance of the work it took to receive it.”

—Sarah Stoss

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SGU Alum Returns to Grenada to Perform Lifesaving Heart Interventions

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Interventional cardiologist Jason Finkelstein, MD ’99, has made it a priority to give back to the Grenadian community by frequently returning to the island to offer lifesaving cardiology services at no cost. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his visits were put on hold and his patients went unseen for more than two years. Dr. Finkelstein was finally able to return to Grenada June 20-23 to resume his pro-bono services.

During his visit—his 15th since 2008—Dr. Finkelstein was able to see and treat 103 patients at the Medical Specialties Clinic in Grand Anse. Many patients were seen for the first time, while others came for follow-up visits. With the assistance of Dylan Vulcannon, a pacemaker representative from St. Jude Medical Center, Dr. Finkelstein performed urgent on patients, as well as dozens of pacemaker interrogations (checks)—an essential consultation for all patients with devices. Additionally, pacemaker changes were conducted at the General Hospital.

Dr. Finkelstein said he was especially concerned for those patients who had implanted pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators, since their devices were not checked for such a long time.

“When I returned to Grenada this year, I found that there were a few patients whose pacemaker or defibrillator batteries had run out,” said Dr. Finkelstein, who practices in Decatur, TX. “Fortunately, I was able to change out two pacemaker generators at the General Hospital on two patients and sent another to Florida for a new device. These situations make me want to come back each year to help these patients in need. I was glad to be able to accomplish so much on this trip.”

Since its inception in 2000, the Visiting Cardiology Program, under the sponsorship of St. George’s University School of Medicine, continues to provide much needed heart care for adult Grenadians free of cost to them. These visits are arranged through the SGU-Physician Humanitarian Network (SGU-PHuN), a program that enables SGU alumni and friends to aid the Ministry of Health and Government of Grenada in improving healthcare in the country.

 

“When I returned to Grenada this year, I found that there were a few patients whose pacemaker or defibrillator batteries had run out. Fortunately, I was able to change out two pacemaker generators at the General Hospital on two patients and sent another to Florida for a new device.”

 

Johansen Sylvester, MD ’00, director of the Visiting Cardiology Program, said the two clinics combined were valued at US$75,000.

“During the last 15 years, the Visiting Cardiology Program has worked closely with our valued alumni in providing the highest level of care to many that would otherwise not have received such lifesaving interventions and follow up care,” Dr. Sylvester said. “The work done by Dr. Finkelstein is an invaluable part of continued SGU alumni altruism and a genuine sense of ‘giving back’ to a people and school that has played a critical role in their professional development.”

In addition to Dr. Finkelstein, other SOM alumni and friends who have also pledged their time and expertise to the SGU PHuN program for the fall 2022 term include:

  • Cardiologists – Christine Rodriguez, Rajesh Vakani, and Pravin Patil, MD ’04
  • OB/GYN – Philip Lahrmann, MD ’81
  • Pediatric ophthalmologist – Dr. Michael Gray
  • Wound care/emergency medicine specialists – Drs. Jay Helman and Robert Helman, MD ‘97
  • Grenadian-born endocrinologist – Dwight Matthias, MD ’93
  • Associate alumni and ophthalmologist – Dr. Fred Lambrou

 

“As an experienced contributor to the cardiology team, Dr. Finkelstein adds his value as an interventionalist by seeking out both resources such as pacemakers, as well as aligning his hospital and other colleagues to provide service to Grenadians in need—even bringing them to his site when he is unable to serve them in Grenada,” stated Dr. Brendon La Grenade, vice provost for institutional advancement. “He is more than a resource that we can rely on, he is a true friend to Grenada and a treasured alumnus. We appreciate all that he’s done for us over the past 15 years.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

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SOM White Coat Ceremony Welcomes Class of 2026 Into Medical Profession

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Growing up in Hawaii with a father who’s a doctor, Justin Paeste, a first-term School of Medicine student at St. George’s University spent the majority of his childhood at the hospital where his dad worked. So, it came as no surprise when he decided to also become a physician. His decision to attend SGU was also solidified by his brother, who is a fourth-term SOM student. At the recent SOM White Coat Ceremony, Mr. Paeste was honored to be coated by his father.

“Today is a very special day, which has been years in the making,” shared Mr. Paeste. “I practically grew up in the hospital. My babysitters were the nurses. It seemed inevitable that I would one day become a doctor. Having that background and seeing that example from my dad really helped me push toward that goal.”

Although Mr. Paeste’s father was influential in his decision to enter the field of medicine, it was his older brother Jonathan, a Term 4 SOM student, who solidified his choice to go to SGU.

“I’m very proud of him,” said Jonathan Paeste. “Med school isn’t easy and it’s a big commitment. I’m glad that he’s willing to go down this route with me. It’s really nice that I have someone to go through this with.”

Dr. Rosalo Paeste, an internal medicine specialist in Waipahu, HI, echoed the sentiments of just how special the day was to him: “To have one son training to become a physician would’ve been enough, but to have two sons is awesome. And especially with the shortage of physicians in the world today, I’m sure they will both become assets to their community.”

 

View SOM White Coat Ceremony on YouTube

 

The Class of 2026 walked across the stage on September 10 at Patrick F. Adams Hall on SGU’s True Blue campus, receiving their white lab coats, which signified the official beginning of their journey to becoming physicians. After being coated—often by family members or mentors who have become doctors before them—students then recite the Oath of Professionalism, where they pledge to uphold the highest of ethical standards while treating their patients.

In his keynote address, Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of SGU and a tropical disease specialist, shared three touching stories providing lessons on what it means to be a good physician. After which he left the newest class of future doctors with a few additional words of wisdom.

“You’ll learn all about the science of medicine from your faculty at SGU, but you’ll learn the art of medicine from your patients,” said Dr. Olds. “Listen to your patients, care about your patients, and they will make you a really great doctor.”

 

View SOM White Coat Ceremony Instagram Reel

 

The president’s advice rang true for Eromosele Oboite, having heard many of those lessons from his older sister Dr. Michelle Oboite, who was happy to share the stage and welcome her brother into the medical profession.

“It was a surreal moment being coated by my sister,” said Mr. Oboite. “Becoming a doctor is something I’ve dreamed about for many years. It’s a blessing to be here and I’m so grateful that SGU gave me this opportunity.”

“As someone who has also gone through this experience, I know what it takes,” said Dr. Oboite, currently practicing pediatric and adult medical dermatology in Philadelphia, PA. “I have so much respect for my brother. He’s gone through a lot throughout this whole process, and he’s been so resilient. I believe in him, and I know that he’s going to do amazing things in the world. I’m happy to be his sister and get to witness all of it.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

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From patient to advocate: SOM student recognized with prestigious award

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For some, pursuing a career in medicine is less of a choice and more of a calling. This is true for Nathaniel Kleytman, a Term 4 School of Medicine student at St. George’s University and a recent recipient of the Sanofi TORCH award.

“Nathaniel is a true advocate and embodies the characteristics of a TORCH award winner. As he continues the next chapter of his life in medical school, it is without a doubt that Nathaniel will carry on making a difference in the lives of rare disease patients,” said Kate Tighe, head of US Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy – Rare Diseases at Sanofi. “We are honored to call him a TORCH Award recipient and look forward to his many future achievements on behalf of the rare disease community and in the practice of medicine.”

The Sanofi TORCH award recognizes those who have contributed and brought awareness to a lysosomal storage disorder community or a Sanofi research and development area. Mr. Kleytman was nominated and recognized for his continuous patient advocacy and research on Gaucher disease, a cause that has personal significance. He was diagnosed with the rare disease as a teenager, after a nearly decade-long medical journey of pain, bone crises, rehabilitation, homeschooling, misdiagnoses, and avoidable surgeries.

The work Mr. Kleytman was recognized for includes connecting and speaking with patients with Gaucher disease and other lysosomal storage diseases across the US through educational articles, motivational videos, blog posts, and question-and-answer forums. His other projects include clinical research, abstract presentations, and published papers on Gaucher disease. The recognition comes with a $5,000 donation to a charity of Mr. Kleytman’s choice.

Mr. Kleytman said the award reinforces his drive to become a doctor and continue to be an advocate and researcher for the rare disease community.

“Winning this award is immensely heart-warming and gratifying as the recognition that comes with it confirms the value of my effort and once again underscores the need for the work that I, and those I have been honored to work with, do,” Mr. Kleytman shared. “I appreciate the opportunity to advocate for patients and positively impact their lives.”

In addition to his advocacy work, Mr. Kleytman’s clinical and basic science research at Yale University resulted in a published paper, Incremental biomarker and clinical outcomes after switch from enzyme therapy to eliglustat substrate reduction therapy in Gaucher disease, that shows novel conclusions about treatment regimens with the potential to reduce the disease burden for Gaucher Disease patients.

“Not only are the conclusions of this research immensely gratifying and important for the scientific community and patients struggling with Gaucher, but I walked away with a plethora of medical, practical, and professional knowledge to carry with me into clinicals,” said Mr. Kleytman.

“The work Nathaniel has done is truly deserving of this recognition,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of SGU’s School of Medicine. “We are so proud of him and know the lessons from this experience are emblematic of the calling of a true physician and hopefully is just the beginning of what he will accomplish throughout his career.”

Mr. Kleytman is expected to graduate from SGU in 2025. He hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Beyond that, Mr. Kleytman added, “I want to make direct and palpable changes, to be a part of the team that helps patients walk out of the hospital independently and with a smile.”

—Sarah Stoss and Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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Future Nurses Welcomed into Profession at SAS Nursing Induction Ceremony

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Hailing from the tiny island of Petite Martinique, Khalid Benjamin traveled to Grenada to begin his nursing education at St. George’s University School of Arts and Sciences Nursing Program. As one of only five male nursing students enrolled in the program, Mr. Benjamin was proud to be inducted into the noble profession. 

“I was so excited to attend my Nursing Induction Ceremony because it meant I was one step closer to achieving my dream,” shared Mr. Benjamin. “In high school I found out that by 2025 there would be a global shortage of nurses and since there aren’t many male nurses out there, I decided to become one. I applied and was accepted to SGU.” 

Mr. Benjamin admitted he did face some questions about joining the female-dominated field. For instance, why not just become a doctor instead? His response, “this is my life and my future, and I chose this for myself.” 

 

View Nursing Induction Ceremony on Facebook

 

Dr. Jennifer Solomon, chair and director of Nursing Department (left) and Nurse Tasera Fletcher, keynote speaker (right)

He joined 120 aspiring nurses who took to the stage on August 27 at Bourne Lecture Hall on SGU’s True Blue campus to mark their entry into the field of nursing. The group was presented with The Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s golden Mobius loop pin, which serves as a visual reminder to students that in order to deliver the best care to their patients, compassion and empathy must be the hallmark of their clinical practice. The last nursing induction ceremony was held in February 2020. This is the first one back in person since the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with being presented with the pins, the future nurses recited the International Council of Nurses pledge during the ceremony.   

Nurse Tasera Fletcher, BSc ’21, the ceremony’s keynote speaker, shared words of wisdom to the new class of nurses.  

“You cannot do it alone; at some point, you will have to look out for each other,” advised Nurse Fletcher. “So, share information and help each other, have small discussion groups, or have a study buddy. Nursing is an honorable and noble profession, and it is centered on effective teamwork and collaboration.” 

 

 

View Nursing Induction Ceremony Instagram Reel

 

Along with her Class of 2026 brethren, Hescintia Wigley also agreed with Nurse Fletcher’s sage words. Encouraged by her family to pursue a degree in nursing, Ms. Wigley left her St. Martin home and moved to Grenada to attend SGU. As someone who considers herself a natural nurturer, she believes that empathy is one of the best qualities to have as a nurse.  

“I was thrilled to get my pin today,” said Ms. Wigley. “It made me even more excited to continue this journey toward helping others. This is the main reason why I wanted to become a nurse—knowing that I could be an advocate for people who needed help and couldn’t speak up for themselves.” 

 

 

– Ray-Donna Peters        

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SVM White Coat Ceremony: Aspiring Veterinarians Take Oath to Enter Profession

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When Dr. Marie-Claude Poulin visited Grenada 25 years ago, she marveled at the impressive St. George’s University True Blue campus. She had no idea that years later she would return to coat her daughter Eloise Verret, now a first-term School of Veterinary Medicine student at SGU, during the School of Veterinary Medicine’s recent White Coat Ceremony.

“I’m very happy and proud that my daughter will be following in my footsteps,” said Dr. Poulin, a veterinarian practicing in Quebec, Canada. “Going up on stage to coat her was a very special moment for us. When my husband and I visited the campus all those years ago, we were amazed at what we saw. So, when the time came for her to apply to veterinary school, we knew that SGU would be perfect for her.”

Ms. Verret shared that the experience was also special to her. “I always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian, just like my mom,” she said. “Growing up as the daughter of a vet, I got to see firsthand what the job was like. When I started researching schools to apply to, it was my mom who introduced me to SGU—and I just knew this would be the best place to start my own veterinary medical journey.”

 

View SVM White Coat Ceremony on YouTube

 

Aspiring veterinarians walked across the stage on August 27 at Patrick F. Adams Hall, where they received white lab coats marking their entry into the veterinary medical profession. Students were coated by various SGU administration, faculty, and sometimes by family members or mentors who have become veterinarians before them. This is the SVM’s 21st White Coat Ceremony and the first to be back in person since the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the Master of Ceremonies Dr. Kerri Nigito to Provost Glen Jacobs, the veterinarians-in-training were urged to rally around each other in the good times and bad. They advised the Class of 2026 that working together would bring them success.

Those sentiments were echoed by Dr. Ruby Perry, dean of veterinary radiology at the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in her keynote address.

“The support of your family members and friends along with your mentors, faculty, staff, and your classmates will be a valued component of your success and worthy of acknowledgment. So, let’s never forget those who help you along the way,” counseled Dr. Perry, who is also the first female African American board-certified veterinary radiologist in the American College of Veterinary Radiology.

 

View SVM White Coat Ceremony Instagram Reel

 

Ashlee Ganpot, BSc ’21, the sole Grenadian Term 1 veterinary medical student felt drawn to the School of Veterinary Medicine while pursuing her undergraduate degree in biology at SGU’s School of Arts and Sciences.

“My faculty advisors at SGU played a major role in my decision to become a veterinarian,” said Ms. Ganpot. “Being exposed to the vet school while completing my undergrad studies is what influenced me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine—and to pursue it at SGU. When I found the vet school, I felt like this is where I belong. I found my place.”

    – Ray-Donna Peters

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St. George’s University School of Medicine Accreditor Grenada Medical and Dental Council Achieves WFME/NCFMEA Recognition

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The Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC)—the accrediting body of SGU’s School of Medicine (SOM)—was recently recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME), with recognition for the full 10 years through September 2032.

The recognition is important because the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) announced that, effective in 2024, physicians applying for ECFMG certification to participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) will be required to graduate from a medical school that has been appropriately accredited by an institution recognized by the WFME. This result ensures that SGUSOM students will continue to have access to the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), and apply for licensure to practice medicine in the United States, Grenada, and elsewhere.

“Since opening in 1977, we have proudly called Grenada our home, and could not be prouder of the future that we will build together,” said Dr. Charles Modica, chancellor of St. George’s University. “WFME recognition of the GMDC is evidence of the strength of our accreditation. With the continued guidance and high standards of the GMDC, students’ pathway to becoming highly skilled, well-trained physicians is as strong as ever.”

The National Commission on Federal Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA), a panel of experts organized by the US Department of Education, recently determined that the GMDC uses standards that are comparable to the standards used to accredit medical schools in the United States, further strengthening the pathway for aspiring physicians in Grenada and around the world to receive a world-class medical education at SGU.

The WFME reviews accrediting bodies based on international standards backed by the World Health Organization, to support the highest possible quality of global medical education. The WFME Recognition Programme is the only one accepted by ECFMG for the recognition of medical school accrediting agencies.

“At SGU, we’re equipping students with the skills they need to treat patients worldwide,” said Dr. Richard Liebowitz, vice chancellor of St. George’s University. “We’re proud of the difference our graduates make and are excited to support more students on their journey toward becoming knowledgeable, empathetic, and passionate physicians.”

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President Emeritus Dr. Richard Olds shares a potential solution to the US physician shortage

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In an article published by the American Medical Student Association in The New Physician, Dr. Richard Olds, president emeritus at St. George’s University, provides insight on the physician shortage in the US and shares how international medical graduates, like those from SGU, can help solve it.

In the article, Dr. Olds breaks the problem down by the numbers. He conveys that by 2034, the US population will increase by about 10 percent, with the number of older people rising by 40 percent. Those growing older include doctors, states Dr. Olds. Approximately two in five doctors will reach retirement age by that same year, complicating the shortage even more.

But all is not lost according to Dr. Olds. While US medical schools have low acceptance rates, some at just three percent, international medical schools provide a substantial number of qualified doctors to the US. The number of practicing international medical graduates increased by 18 percent since 2010 according to the American Medical Association. This number is expected to continue to swell and could be the key to solving the physician shortage.

 

Read the full article

 

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How international medical school graduates can solve the physician shortage in their hometowns

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Sammie Gutierrez, MD ’22, is only one of the many St. George’s University School of Medicine graduates who are returning to their hometowns to help solve the ongoing physician shortage.  Dr. Gutierrez hopes is a first-year family medicine resident in Tennessee, one of the states expected to be hardest hit by this shortage according to the National Institutes of Health.

In a recent article published by the Commercial Appeal, Dr. Gutierrez speaks about her experience as an international medical student and why she chose to return to her hometown of Memphis after receiving her medical degree.

“When I was thinking, ‘where can you practice and really make an impact?’ Memphis is such a good city for that because we have this wealth gap. And we have such a large population of people that live at or below the poverty level, and they need family care doctors,” said Dr. Guiterrez in her quoted statement.

Dr. Richard Olds, president emeritus at SGU, is also quoted in the article explaining the need for international medical graduates like Dr. Guiterrez in the United States. He speaks about the need to recruit doctors who not only have excellent exam scores and grades but who also can connect with patients and belong to underserved and underrepresented populations.

“Until the United States builds enough medical schools for its own needs, and probably more important in the short run, builds more graduate medical education slots…we’re going to continue to have a fairly significant shortage,” Dr. Olds said in his quoted statement. “So this situation is going to get considerably worse. And obviously, international medical graduates are going to have to fill the void.”

To read more, please find the subscriber-access-only article below.

 

Read the full article

 

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