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

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Carriacou Animal Hospital dog

Luna, a nine-month-old dog that was injured after the hurricane in a traffic accident. She has since made a full recovery thanks to the team at CAH. (Photo via: Carriacou Animal Hospital)

St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine 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.

Assessing the damage

Once the storm clouds cleared, it was clear that the islands were in need of help, and the SGU community jumped into action. Throughout Grenada, SGU students helped rebuild structures, distribute necessities, organize donations, and clean up beaches and other public areas. The School of Medicine Alumni Association (SOMAA) led a charity drive to help with relief efforts. With help from School of Veterinary Medicine alumni and other friends, they collected more than $77,000 USD to donate to help those in need.

Further, the Grenada Ministry of Agriculture and Lands requested assistance from SGU. Carriacou needed help assessing the health of the island’s livestock and tending to the management of the stray animal population, according to Dr. Satesh Bidaisee, interim chair for SVM’s Large Animal Medicine and Surgery Department.

“With adverse weather events such as hurricanes, planning for before, during, and after the event must also include the animal populations that are around us,” said Dr. Bidaisee. “A one-health focus for tending to people, animals, and the environment is critical for ensuring the best possible outcome during and after the adverse events.”

Immediately, a veterinary team led by Dr. Wayne Sylvester, medical director of the Small Animal Clinic, sprang into action, traveling to Carriacou to begin administering veterinary care and coordinating relief. The team tended to injuries of the livestock, worked to secure a food supply for the animals, and helped get the stray animal population under control through spay and neuter procedures.

“After the initial assessment, we came up with a list of priorities. That included getting food to the dogs and cats, getting food to the livestock, and getting building materials to the farmers. We wanted to help get the farmers back into farming, back into preserving their livelihoods,” Dr. Sylvester said.

Poultry farms were hit particularly hard as chickens were susceptible to rising water levels and inadequate shelters. Dr. Sylvester said that he and his team estimated thousands of casualties to poultry, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, and other livestock.

Additionally, the Hill’s Pet Nutrition donated about 1,500 pounds of dog and cat food to distribute in Carriacou, shared Tara Paterson, DVM ’03, associate professor in the Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Department and president of School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association.

“It’s always amazing how events like this really help humanity come together,” said Dr. Paterson. “The outpouring of support is heartwarming.”

Carriacou Animal Hospital donations of pet food

Pet food donated from the GSPCA and SGU via Hill’s Pet Nutrition. (Photo via: Carriacou Animal Hospital)

Instilling hope

The veterinary team said that initially, a few farmers felt that they had lost too much to return to their profession and could not focus on their work as they once did. But that the majority of farmers in Carriacou have committed to continuing to farm thanks to the outpouring of help.

“We spent a couple of days on the ground just discussing with farmers, teaching them, advising them, and in some situations giving them hope. We provided more than veterinary care. Veterinary care was primary, but we also had to keep those animals alive, keep them productive, because of the risk of the agricultural industry being destroyed,” said Dexton St. Bernard, DVM ’21, MSC ’23, an instructor of parasitology at SGU and part of Dr. Sylvester’s veterinary team.

Originally from Grenada, he is also a member of the SGU outreach committee for technical support for the farming community and collaborates with the Grenada Ministry of Agriculture in providing veterinary support from time to time.

Dr. St. Bernard shared a poignant story of his experience aiding an elderly poultry farmer who is also one of the main suppliers of eggs on the island. His pens were blown away by the wind in the storm. Most of the birds survived, however, they were also starving from lack of food. Limited physically in what the farmer could do, the team was able to assist him. They brought him food, gave him advice, and spent some time with him.

“You saw on his face how appreciative he was. I felt so gratified. This is why we did this,” said Dr. St. Bernard. “I hope that all these efforts will inspire someone who is at a crossroads about becoming a veterinarian.”

He described this interaction as a hallmark moment giving Dr. St. Bernard motivation to continue volunteering and helping. Dr. St. Bernard believed that he and the team helped farmers like that farmer continue to stay in business and stay committed their craft.

“I am so happy to be a part of SGU, and I’m proud to be a Grenadian,” he said. “We didn’t only save animals. We saved livelihoods.”

 

“We didn’t only save animals. We saved livelihoods.”

 

A display of community

Carriacou Animal Hospital donations distribution

Photo via: Carriacou Animal Hospital

Dr. Sylvester thanks the quick response from various agencies and organizations that helped to coordinate relief to the island’s animal population, including the central government of Grenada, the Ministry of Agriculture, officials at the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, the Caribbean Agriculture Network Disaster Reduction and Management (CANDO), the Grenada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), and the Carriacou Veterinary Hospital (CAH).

Katherine Nowell, managing director of CAH, shared that her team were able to transition to a mobile clinic after the animal hospital was severely damaged in the storm. CAH continues to treat more than 40 animals a week, handle emergencies, and perform multiple spay and neuter procedures at no charge to locals.

“We’re honored to have the support of SGU School of Veterinary Medicine following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl,” said Ms. Nowell.

Dr. Sylvester also took special care to express gratitude to Kimond Cummings, DVM ’17, Grenada’s chief veterinary officer and Dr. Kenrith Carter at Dr. Carter Vet.

He thanked the faculty, staff, and students of SGU and SGU leadership including: Dr. Glen Jacobs, provost of SGU; Dr. Neil Olson, dean of SVM; and Dr. Paterson.

Dr. Paterson made a special note to thank SVM alumni for helping after Beryl.

“Thank you to our veterinary alumni who also responded to this urgent need for assistance,” she said. “Your generosity has been noticed, and we gracefully appreciate your donations to this cause.”

 

 

— Juliette Kimmins

 

Related reading

SOM Faculty Feature: Dr. Ewarld Marshall, Chair of the Department of Pathology

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Dr. Ewarld Marshall

Dr. Ewarld Marshall wears many hats in the St. George’s University School of Medicine. But one of the positions he takes most seriously is that of role model to his students as they pursue their passion to earn an MD.

Dr. Marshall serves as the chair of the Department of Pathology, director of the diagnostic lab, and was recently made associate director of University Health Services. He began his tenure at SGU in 2006 as a clinical instructor, working his way up to lecturer, then associate professor, and now department chair. In that time, he also earned master’s degrees in anatomical science and in medical education.

Dr. Marshall, originally from Grenada, began his career in banking before transitioning to medicine. He trained in Havana, Cuba to become a family practitioner and completed his post-graduate studies in emergency and resuscitation medicine. During his time in Cuba, he also became fluent in Spanish, a skill he still utilizes regularly.

SGU News sat down with Dr. Marshall to learn more about him and his approach to teaching at SGU.

SGU: What are you most proud of in your career?

Dr. Marshall: As a practicing physician, I can touch many lives by seeing patients, but I think I make a bigger impact when I teach medical students. I take that seriously because it’s a representation of you as an educator, the pearls of wisdom that you pass on to your students, and how you portray that professionalism to them. That’s one of the things that I can say I am proudest about my career, and I’m thankful for that opportunity.

SGU: What do you love most about teaching, and what are the key takeaways you want your students to learn?

Dr. Marshall: It’s really a joy to see when those light bulbs go off when student make the connections when learning. That’s what I would like my students to do. I want my students to be able to reason, to be able to think, and to become problem solvers.
I want them to be comprehensive, empathetic physicians, so I try to give students behavior to emulate. I also want them to recognize that medicine is a privilege that someone is given to serve humanity. It’s about more about service than about oneself.

SGU: What fascinates you about pathology?

Dr. Marshall: It’s a beautiful specialty because it actually helps you to become a better clinician. It’s very broad, and we call it the “mother of internal medicine.” It’s a very foundational science that is necessary to become a good physician. Diagnosis, treatment, patient care—they go hand in hand.
Pathology, as a field, is very scientifically based. You must use a lot of intuition because you are examining body tissues, blood, and in the case of forensic pathology, evidence left by the living on the dead. You are consistently integrating medical knowledge and science.

SGU: What advice do you have for medical students just starting at SGU?

Dr. Marshall: Medicine is a journey and not a destination. It’s about persistence, it’s about passion, and it’s about perseverance. You must always remember why you wanted to become a physician.

As you go through medical school, you will encounter many people, people who you might think are smarter or more successful than you. Being better than them should not be your goal. You should learn to be the best physician that you can be, and that should be your personal goal. You got into medicine to improve the quality of life for humanity.

SGU: Why should prospective medical students consider SGU?

Dr. Marshall: SGU has one of the most diverse populations of students. I think a student who attends SGU gets a lesson in global diversity in that you meet and interact with so many different cultures. You learn so many nuances that it broadens your horizons in terms of how you are going to approach your patients.
Prospective medical students should also consider SGU’s curriculum. Our curriculum is designed in such a way that it accommodates many learning types.

SGU: Being on campus, where is your favorite place to eat?

Dr. Marshall: I’m going to be a bit biased but the Cuban Corner. My favorite thing to eat is a Cuban staple, which is black beans, rice, and pork steak. The food reminds me of my journey and is a bit nostalgic. It reminds me of where I was, where I am now, and how far I’ve come.

 

 

— Juliette Kimmins

Related Reading

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

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St. George’s University’s newest classes of medical and veterinary medical students recently gathered on SGU’s True Blue campus in Grenada to mark the start of their professional journeys.

With their friends and families cheering them on, future physicians and veterinarians received their white coats at the School of Veterinary Medicine and School of Medicine White Coat Ceremonies, held on August 31 and September 14, respectively. The ceremonies took place in Patrick F. Adams Hall.

 

View SOM White Coat Ceremony Instagram reel

 

White Coat Ceremonies are a storied tradition within both medical and veterinary medical schools. During the event, a white coat is placed on each student’s shoulders—sometimes by family members or mentors who have completed the same journey before them.

Medical students then recite the Oath of Professionalism, where they pledge to honor the sacred trust and privilege society places on medical professionals while treating their patients. Veterinary medical students affirm an oath of commitment by agreeing to uphold the principles of veterinary medical ethics and the highest professional standards.

 

View SVM White Coat Ceremony Instagram reel

 

What it’s like to be coated? SGU’s newest physicians- and veterinarians-in-training share what it means to them to put on their white coat.

 

“I feel incredibly grateful and very happy to have been coated by SVM professor emeritus, Dr. Rhonda Pinckney. She is an amazing woman and doctor. She’s done a lot with her career and it’s very inspirational. I hope to be as great as she is one day. As for me, I knew I wanted to work with animals when I learned about endangered and extinct species and realized that a lot of human actions harm wildlife. So, I decided I wanted to do something about that.”

– Sydney Stephens
Charlotte, NC
Term 1 SVM

 

“It feels surreal to be sitting next to my classmates and having my family and friends here to support me at my White Coat Ceremony. I’m the first in my family to go to college and the first to pursue a career in medicine. This was also my first time ever traveling overseas. I did the SeeSGU Program and once I visited the campus in person, I was sold. Being here feels amazing because so much effort, time, dedication, and hard work went into preparing for this moment.”

    – Eric Amason
Houston, TX
Term 1 SOM

 

View the full SOM White Coat Ceremony on YouTube

 

 

“I know I made the right decision choosing SGU because of all the support I’ve received so far on my journey to becoming the first doctor in my family. And being able to put on that white coat means I’ve taken another step toward that dream. And as a bonus, the campus is beautiful. I wake up to an ocean view, I go to class with an ocean view, and I go to sleep to an ocean view.”

– Gape Ketshajwang
Botswana
Term 1 SOM

 

“I was crying the whole time during the ceremony because I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been dreaming about becoming a veterinarian or even getting into veterinary medical school and now I’m here and I got my white coat. Both my parents are veterinarians and although they couldn’t be here to coat me, they’re super proud of me and are cheering me on back home.”

  – Wilhemina Medina
Southern California
Term 1 SVM

 

View the full SVM White Coat Ceremony on YouTube

 

– Ray-Donna Peters

Related Reading  

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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St. George’s University Announces New Partnership with Larkin University

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SGU Campus

St. George’s University has renewed its admissions partnership with Larkin University that grants qualified Larkin students fast-track status and expedited entry into the St. George’s University School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine.

“St. George’s University is delighted to offer this new opportunity for aspiring doctors and veterinarians from Larkin University to pursue degrees in medicine and veterinary medicine with us,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, Dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “SGU is tremendously proud to partner with Larkin University and recognizes their dedication to the healthcare needs of minority and underserved communities.”

 

“SGU is tremendously proud to partner with Larkin University and recognizes their dedication to the healthcare needs of minority and underserved communities.”

 

The partnership creates an admissions pathway that provides students who have successfully completed Larkin’s Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with admission to the four-year MD or DVM programs at SGU. Larkin students interested in pursuing the pathway must maintain a strong overall GPA and sciences GPA, and score competitively on relevant entrance exams, including the MCAT for the School of Medicine.

Both pathways have options to complete both years of the basic sciences component at SGU’s campus in Grenada, or to complete one year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom, with clinical rotations in the third and fourth years at various SGU affiliates, including those in the United States. SGU School of Medicine works with a network of more than 75 hospitals and health systems in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom offering clinical and ambulatory training. The School of Veterinary Medicine offers clinical training at over 30 affiliated institutions in six countries.

“At Larkin University we are proud of our College of Biomedical Sciences and their tremendous success in advancing educational opportunities for South Florida’s diverse communities. Our Alumni, serving our communities as medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, or PAs are a testimony for the success of the program, the ability of our graduates to get accepted in competitive medical schools, and the readiness of our graduates to successfully master medical school,” said Dr. Rudi H Ettrich, President of Larkin University.” As a long term partner of St. George’s University with several of our graduates having chosen SGU’s School of Medicine, we’re thrilled to continue to offer this very attractive pathway for our students to make their dreams of becoming a doctor a reality. SGU provides students with first-class medical education demonstrated by impressive matching rates into U.S. residency and exceptional graduates who match into competitive residency programs on their way to becoming medical doctors.”

Students who are accepted into the MD pathway will be granted a $10,000 scholarship for the SGU School of Medicine. Accepted participants may be eligible to be considered for all of SGU’s School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine scholarships and grants. SGU granted more than $50 million in scholarships in the 2022-2023 academic year.

Related reading

 

SGU Unveils Campus Enhancements for New Academic Year

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As the August 2024 term begins, St. George’s University has completed several exciting campus upgrades for the University community to enjoy.

“We are eager to welcome back our students, staff, and faculty to our vibrant campus here in True Blue,” said Dr. Glen Jacobs, provost at SGU. “As we continue to set SGU apart as a unique international educational center, we are excited to share our new and improved facilities.”

SGU is continually looking at ways it can improve campus life for students, staff, and faculty who hail from 140 countries around the world. The 42-acre Grenada campus is built for a safe, comfortable learning environment, with many modern amenities. The goal of the campus expansion and redevelopment efforts is to further enhance the overall student experience at SGU.

“As we prepare for the start of the new term, SGU continues to create spaces and make improvements to foster an exceptional learning environment,” said Christina Verderosa, SGU’s director of operations. “From providing greater capacity for more hands-on training to access to new technologically-advanced equipment, we truly believe these enhancements will greatly contribute to our top priority—our students’ success.”

Check out a few of the new things students, faculty, and staff can look forward to starting this term:

  • Classroom renovations: This includes major renovations of the ground floor of Ray and Jan Sis Hall to expand, upgrade, and modernize the junior surgery lab and its surrounding spaces—including state-of-the-art medical training and surgery equipment. And the Charter Hall Veterinary Lab received a full face-lift with new furniture and fixtures, floor outlets, and new flooring. Last winter, Founder Annex 1 was upgraded with new tables, chairs, carpet, and floor outlets. SGU also recently updated the remaining three Founders Annex classrooms with the same configuration, adding two movable walls to split the classrooms and provide maximum flexibility.
  • Multi-faith prayer area: Working in collaboration with the University’s Muslim Students Association (MSA), SGU has constructed a large prayer area located next to Marion Hall. The area has the capacity to fit over 300 people. It features a fully renovated space with new carpet, male and female ablution areas, audio system, shoe storage rooms, and prayer mats. All new fixtures including lighting, air conditioning, and fire and life safety systems have been installed. Male and female bathrooms were also added right outside of the entrance to the prayer area.
  • Dog park: Sponsored by the Hills College Feeding Program, the new dog park is located between Keith B. Taylor Hall and St. Andrew’s Hall. It is more than 7,000 square feet fenced in and features a pet-friendly water fountain, an agility course, benches for visitors, and a pet waste station.
  • Additional large animal farm: The new large animal farm was constructed adjacent to the existing one. It features a new barn, a field for animals, and a two-story building. The building houses faculty offices on the top floor and a large student lab, bathrooms, and faculty equipment rooms on the bottom floor.
  • Small Animal Clinic conference/teaching room: This venue received a full upgrade and expansion with new furniture and fixtures, new lighting, new flooring, and an upgraded AV system. This space will also be pet friendly, with vinyl tiles.
  • Nutmeg dorm upgrade: SGU has begun a multi-year effort to upgrade all campus dormitories, starting with its villa style dorms. The Nutmeg dorm is the first fully upgraded dormitory. The rooms now contain new kitchens with all new appliances, desks, tables, bathroom furniture, and fixtures. The space also features upgraded air conditioning, lighting, ceiling, and flooring.
  • Tiki bar: As requested by the University’s Student Government Association (SGA), SGU has constructed a Tiki Bar on the beachfront at Andrew Belford Center. This venue is expected to host various SGA and student organization events.

 

  • Ray and Jan Sis Hall expansion

  • Charter Hall Veterinary Lab

  • Founder Annex classroom

  • Multi-faith prayer area

  • Multi-faith prayer area

  • Multi-faith prayer area (ablution area)

  • Dog park

  • Dog park

  • Large animal farm

  • LARF teaching area/classroom

  • Nutmeg dorm upgrade

  • Nutmeg dorm upgrade

  • Tiki bar

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– Ray-Donna Peters 

Related Reading 

SGU SOM Students Get Hands-On Experience in Kenya, Czech Republic

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Tiara Singletary with her cohort in Kenya

St. George’s University School of Medicine students experienced practicing medicine abroad this summer by participating in international selectives in Nairobi, Kenya and Prague, Czech Republic.

“International selectives offer unique experiences for future physicians in so many ways. Not only do you get to travel to beautiful locations such as Prague, Kenya, or Costa Rica, but you also get to see what it would be like to practice medicine there,” said David Nahabedian, SGU’s director of selectives and assistant director and senior medical illustrator at the Center for BioMedical Visualization.

“Czech” yes to new experiences

This year, the Prague selective hosted 25 students from July 6 to 19. The group’s itinerary included morning hospital visits and evening lectures with pre-assigned doctors.

Rising Term 2 student Saira Mohammed of Trinidad and Tobago says she will remember her time in Prague as her first time being present in the operating theatre during surgery. She is also grateful for the experience to build her cultural understanding and competency in a new country.

Saira Mohammed with her cohort in Prague

“It was mind-opening to consider how differences in culture and healthcare systems affect the accessibility to healthcare and prevalence of some diseases within the Czech population,” Saira said.

Carlie Hanlon, a Term 5 SOM student, along with their peers, had the opportunity to visit a hospital specializing in transplant surgery. They observed a kidney transplant operation, describing it as one of the most notable experiences on their trip.

“It was amazing to see new life being pumped into the transplanted organs once the newly united blood vessels were unclamped,” Carlie said. “The patient’s new kidney turned from grey to pink in a matter of seconds and will hopefully provide many more years for them.”

Carlie Hanlon wearing a synthetic cast on her arm

Carlie Hanlon wearing a synthetic cast on her arm placed by her colleague.

Carlie also observed significant differences between the Czech and American healthcare systems. They came away from their experience having learned a lot and admired the strong emphasis on preventative medicine in Czech healthcare.

“Studying medicine in Prague was such a unique and rewarding experience. I am grateful to SGU for providing me with this opportunity,” they said.

Observing patients…and giraffes

The Kenya selective saw two groups this summer comprising of 18 and 20 students. The groups visited two different hospitals where they were able to rotate through different specialties. When they weren’t helping in hospitals, they participated in other activities like visiting the Samburu tribe, going on a safari to learn about the local animals, and visiting orphanages to play with the children.

Tiara Singletary with her cohort in Kenya

Tiara Singletary with one of the Kenya international selective cohorts.

“The Kenya experience is unique because students learn from local clinical consultants and leaders of pastoral communities. They learn about healthcare delivery in urban and rural environments and are exposed to the human, domestic animal, and wildlife interaction,” said Dr. Calum Macpherson, course director for the Kenya selective and dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

Term two student Tiara Singletary was in Kenya from June 6 to 18. There, she gained a plethora of experience shadowing in the psychiatric unit, burn unit, general surgery, CT and MRI scans, orthopedic surgery, labor and delivery ward, and the accident and emergency unit.

Tiara Singletary with a giraffe in Kenya

Whether Tiara was examining patients, delivering babies, or participating in surgeries, to her, it was an amazing opportunity and honor to care for the patients.

“It was a great opportunity to take part in something I would love to do in the future. I learned so much from my time there, knowledge that I want to implement when I become a doctor,” she said.

Tiara said she gained a greater appreciation for the importance of valuing diversity, especially as an aspiring doctor.

“I will always carry with me the conversations that I had, and I would like to continue learning as much as I can,” she said.

Experiences to shape a career

As for what SOM students gained from the 2024 international selectives, many reflected on how their experiences have allowed them to grow personally and professionally. They say the selectives have helped them refine their approach to medicine in a more culturally competent way.

“During medical school, we study clinical correlations related to subjects like biochemistry, genetics, and physiology,” Saira said. “This hands-on experience brings written knowledge to life, emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation during these years. It demonstrates that much of what we learn will be applied in practice, and the effort is worthwhile when we can positively impact and save a patient’s life.”

A group of SOM students standing in front of Motol Hospital in Prague

The Costa Rica selective also took place this summer for Master of Public Health students, which allowed SOM students to attend as a practicum. The SOM Costa Rica selective will run from November 10 to 19, 2024.

For more information about available fall international selectives, visit the Basic Sciences portal.

 

— Juliette Kimmins

 

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

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Clinical training

St. George’s University School of Medicine has added four new US clinical sites, offering medical students more locations to gain hands-on training.

Two of the hospitals—Tucson Medical Center in Tucson and Abrazo Community Health Network in Phoenix—are the first two located within the state of Arizona. The other two locations are Georgia Regional Hospital at Atlanta in Decatur, GA and Southern Winds Hospital in Hialeah, FL.

Including the recently added Illinois-based UChicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange, the new sites add to the 75+ SGU clinical affiliate locations in the US and UK. Importantly the new locations further expand SGU’s breadth of clinical locations outside of the Northeast.

“All of us at SGU are ecstatic to add more hospitals, giving students more location options to complete their clinical training in order to progress from the Basic Sciences into clinicals without delays,” said Dr. Robert T. Grant, SGU’s senior associate dean, clinical studies. “Each of these institutions has a long history of guiding medical students through an enriching and holistic academic experience that will prepare them for residency.”

Core clerkships offered

Both Tucson Medical Center and Abrazo Health will offer students core clerkships, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, ob/gyn, and psychiatry, as well as a family medicine rotation. The Arizona sites will begin accepting students at the end of September. Placement will be scheduled by SGU.

Georgia Regional Hospital at Atlanta and Southern Winds Hospital will accept students for their psychiatry rotations. Placement will be scheduled by SGU.

“SGU is committed to preparing our students with the foundation of knowledge and clinical skills to succeed in their medical careers,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the School of Medicine at St. George’s University. “Our clinical rotations allow our students to gain knowledge of different patient populations in a variety of settings and environments, offering valuable hands-on experience as they complete their final two years of medical studies.”

An audition for residency

A major benefit to SGU’s wide clinical network is that students have the opportunity to form professional relationships with residents, attending physicians, and hospital administration. Given that Abrazo Health has several residency programs associated with the institution, a clinical placement could also eventually lead to a residency interview for students.

“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. We are thrilled to add these new locations to our broad clinical network.”

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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