School of Medicine Grad Featured in AMSA’s The New Physician

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St. George's University campus, sunset view

Earning an MD from a Caribbean medical school offers several benefits to future physicians, and St. George’s University alum Joshua Ramjist, MD ’11, is sharing his advice for those weighing the pros and cons of attending an institution outside of the United States.  

“My advice? Go for it, but do your research first,” according to an editorial written by the pediatric surgery fellow in the Spring issue of the American Medical Student Association’s The New Physician.  

Titled, “A Global Education Helped Me Become a Better Doctor It Can Do the Same for You,” Dr. Ramjist shared his positive experience as a student at St. George’s University and why he chose to attend a Caribbean medical school.  

Read the full article

 

Among the reasons he is glad he went to SGU, in his words: 

  • A truly international education: A diverse array of classmates led to learning about different cultures and their healthcare systems. 
  • Global clinical experience: Dr. Ramjist spent his first year of medical school in Newcastle, UK thanks to a partnership between SGU and Northumbria University (he spent his second year in Grenada); he traveled to Thailand to participate in a two-week long selective; and completed rotations and ultimately matching in Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY.  
  • The ability to practice anywhere in the world: SGU gave him the tools needed to pass licensing exams not just in the US but in other countries.  

 

“Many medical school hopefuls may not consider Caribbean medical schools. But that can be a mistake. Caribbean schools can offer a truly global education, and open up a path to practicing medicine in the United States or Canada.”

Dr. Ramjist added that prospective students need to do their research before committing to a school, looking at things like residency placement and licensing exam pass rates; how well a school supports students in their journey both academically and non-academically; scholarship/financial aid opportunities; and accreditation, among other aspects.  

All that said, today, Dr. Ramjist, MD, MSc, MBA, FRCS(C) practices in the division of general and thoracic surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario. In 2019, he was named as the Maimonides Medical Center Department of Surgery’s Chief Resident of the Decade.  

“My international education has allowed me to better care for patients of different backgrounds and identities. I can relate to their experiences when I’m at their bedside. And I see them not just for the disease they have but as a whole person, culture and all,” he said. “For these reasons, I’d encourage any student considering a Caribbean medical school to take the leap.” 

 

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St. George’s University Announces New Partnership with Green River College

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Green River College

Photo courtesy of Green River College.

St. George’s University has launched a new partnership with Green River College that will give qualified Green River College fast-track status for admission to the four- and five-year medical degree programs at the St. George’s University School of Medicine.

“This partnership between St. George’s and Green River College offers two strong paths to a career in medicine,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “We’re thrilled to help make medical education accessible to Green River’s best and brightest students.”

The partnership establishes a “2+5” program through which qualified Green River College international students who complete two years of undergraduate coursework and earn an Associate in Science for Transfer, or AS-T, degree in biology can secure priority entry into St. George’s five-year MD program.

This program begins with one year of preclinical coursework in Grenada, followed by a year of Basic Sciences in either Grenada or at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom. Grenada is the site for a second year of Basic Sciences study. The final two years consist of clinical rotations at hospitals affiliated with St. George’s in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The partnership also creates a “2+2+4” program, in which students who earn an AS-T in Biology at Green River and earn a bachelor’s degree in a premedical program at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States, can qualify for priority admission into St. George’s four-year MD program.

Students on the four-year MD track may complete their first two years of study in Grenada or spend their first year at Northumbria and their second in Grenada. Students spend the last two years of the program in clinical rotations at hospitals affiliated with St. George’s in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Students who wish to pursue either of the combined degree programs must express interest upon applying to Green River College. Admission to St. George’s School of Medicine requires candidates to maintain a strong GPA and score competitively on the MCAT. Those who enroll in the MD program receive a $10,000 scholarship distributed over the length of their studies upon matriculating and are eligible for additional scholarships and grants from St. George’s.

“Our partnership with St. George’s will give Green River students a tremendous opportunity to make their dreams of a career in medicine a reality,” said Dr. Wendy Lee Stewart, vice president of international programs and extended learning. “We are proud to team up with St. George’s to make medical school more accessible.”

 

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SGU UK Dean Receives Distinguished Service Award: Recognized for 40+ Years of Service

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Rodney Croft, dean, clinical studies, UK (retired)

Rodney Croft, SOM dean of clinical studies, UK, received the Distinguished Service Award after 43 years with the University. He retired on March 1.

St. George’s University School of Medicine clinical dean Rodney Croft was honored with this year’s Distinguished Service Award after 43 years with the university, 20 of which he served as dean of clinical studies in the UK.

The award is given to members of faculty and those in the community in recognition of their outstanding service to the University. Mr. Croft retired on March 1.

“I want to express my sincerest appreciation to Mr. Croft for the remarkable service to St. George’s University School of Medicine,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the School of Medicine. “Mr. Croft made many significant contributions to furthering our MD program in the UK. I am grateful for his leadership there, most notably as dean of clinical studies.”

Early years 

Mr. Croft’s journey started with a bachelor’s degree from Cambridge University back in 1965. He earned his qualification (MB BCHIR) in 1968 and his Master of Arts the following year (MA Cantab). Mr. Croft then became a fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1972, received his Master of Surgery (MChir Cantab) in 1982, and went on to proudly become a fellow of The American College of Surgeons in 1984.

During his tenure as a consultant general and vascular surgeon at North Middlesex University Hospital, Mr. Croft’s dedication and expertise shone as he became the foremost authority in cardiovascular implants within the UK. His influential role included crafting standards for prestigious international bodies such as CEN, the European Committee for Standardization, and the International Organization for Standardization. His commitment to excellence was acknowledged with a commendable long service award from the British Standard Institute.

Mr. Croft possesses extensive familiarity with London Medical School education, having previously been the clinical sub-dean at The Royal Free and University College Hospital Medical School in London. Furthermore, he played an active role on The Royal Free Medical School Council for a commendable nine-year period.

A long tenure at SGU  

With a background as a consultant general and vascular surgeon in London, Mr. Croft has dedicated an impressive 43 years to undergraduate medical education at St. George’s University School of Medicine. Notably, he served as the dean of clinical studies of the UK program for an uninterrupted span of 20 years. His role included overseeing clinical faculty at SGU’s 17 UK-affiliated hospitals and clinics in training a considerable number of students from the Commonwealth to become skilled medical professionals.

His past SGU roles have included clerkship director, director of medical education, and UK chair of the SOM Department of Surgery.

“From the entire SGU community, my heartfelt congratulations to Rodney for this esteemed accolade and on his retirement,” Dr. Loukas said.

 

-Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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SGU pathology professor receives prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award 

SGU True Blue Campus Gets a Mini Makeover for Term Start

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As St. George’s University prepares to welcome its newest students for the August 2023 term, the University has made several improvements to enhance its picturesque True Blue campus. These changes include several new spaces for new and returning students to explore.

“We can’t wait for our students, faculty, and staff to return to share these improvements to our already beautiful campus,” said Dr. Glen Jacobs, provost at SGU. “With students’ success as our top priority, these additions and renovations will continue to make SGU an outstanding place to live and learn.”

When construction is complete, the campus will feature greater capacity for more hands-on training and access to new technologically-advanced equipment—with the goal of further enriching campus life and the student experience.

Here are a few of the expansion and redevelopment efforts students, faculty, and staff can look forward to enjoying this term.

  • SGU Bookstore: The bookstore will be sporting a brand-new look. New flooring, new doors, and track lights were added to modernize the store, where students have access to all of their SGU merchandise needs.
  • Welcome Centre: At the request of SGU’s Student Government Association (SGA), SGU has increased the seating capacity in the Welcome Centre’s food area. A wraparound quartz countertop was installed, as well as fixed high-top tables with new stools. Electrical outlets were also installed around the perimeter of the countertop so that users can charge their electronics as needed. This new renovation will provide roughly 40 seats in the air-conditioned area.
  • Charter Hall Radiology Lab: SGU completed Phase 1 of renovations for the Charter Hall Radiology Lab that allows the lab to support live-animal training. The next phase will be to complete an interior upgrade including new furniture.
  • New Classrooms: In the coming weeks, the top floor of St. David’s Hall will be transformed to incorporate two additional classrooms and a breakout room. Each classroom will hold 120 students and will have the latest audio/visual technology with recording capabilities. The classrooms will be designed in the group study format with large tables and outlets conveniently located in the floor at each table. Scheduled to be completed by August 2023.
  • SVM Communications Rooms: The south side of the top floor of St. Andrew’s Hall will be completely refurbished to construct seven new rooms to support the SVM Communications curriculum. The area will also feature a large classroom geared towards communications training. Each room will be equipped with the newest A/V tech with recording capabilities, allowing students to view their recorded sessions right after completion. Scheduled to be completed by August 2023.

 

  • SGU Bookstore – new doors (front entrance)

  • SGU Bookstore – inside display

  • SGU Bookstore – branded merchandise

  • SGU Bookstore – branded merchandise

  • Welcome Centre – new seating

  • Welcome Centre – wraparound quartz countertop

  • Charter Hall Radiology Lab – live-animal training space

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“SGU provides an invaluable campus experience for all, and we believe these improvements will continue to do just that,” said Christina Verderosa, SGU’s director of operations. “This term, our campus community will have full access to the facilities that set SGU apart as a leader in providing a unique and exceptional student experience.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

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3 Pieces of Advice from Dean of Students Dr. Lucy Clunes

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For students pursuing challenging degrees, having a sense of community and creating a home away from home is fundamental to wellness and success. Fortunately, there are many ways for students to acclimate and find support on campus at St George’s University.

Dean of Students Dr. Lucy Clunes describes campus support as being like family for the duration of students’ time at SGU. She describes it as a community, emphasizing the various organizations and societies students can join.

“We want to give students the best possible learning opportunities available so they can reach their full potential,” said Dr. Clunes.

SGU News sat down with Dr. Clunes to learn more about how students can make the most of their education. Here are three pieces of advice she shared.

 

lucy clunes

1. Seek mentorship opportunities

Dr. Clunes highlights the importance of seeking mentorship from different individuals, as areas of expertise vary between departments.

“Students are encouraged to seek guidance from all faculty members,” said Dr. Clunes. “Faculty are always available to help guide students, and anyone can be approached for mentorship opportunities.”

 

2. Take advantage of the dedicated support services on campus

Resources for students at SGU include academic and non-academic support, such as assisting with accommodations and accessibility requirements, helping international students with transit visas, providing health and psychological services, and familial support. Students can get involved on campus through a variety of organizations and societies, such as the student government association, recreational activities, cultural, spiritual and academic organizations, intermural sports, and events on and off campus.

 

3. Prioritize your physical and mental health

Dr. Clunes emphasizes the importance of managing both mental and physical health, especially given the stress and pressure of being a student.

“Balance is critical since efficiency productivity as a student requires you to be physically and mentally healthy,” said Dr. Clunes.

To encourage students to take care of their health at SGU, the wellness center on campus is an excellent resource offering fitness classes including yoga, cardio, and high intensity interval training. Rounding out SGU’s focus on health, are treatments from weekly massages to aromatherapy, as well as wellness days offered throughout the semester.

With a full-service wellness center, mentorship opportunities, and more than 80 student organizations and societies to choose from, incoming students can rest assured they will receive as much guidance and support as they need while acclimating to a new environment. The available resources support all SGU students as they create a sense of community and work toward their future careers.

—Sarah Stoss and Madeleine Otto

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

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St. George’s University has launched a new admissions partnership with Simmons University that will grant qualified Simmons students expedited entry into the St. George’s University Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

“St. George’s is thrilled to partner with Simmons to expand access to medical and veterinary education,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “Simmons University has been educating top-notch graduates for nearly 125 years. We’re delighted to welcome a new generation of Simmons alumni to St. George’s in the years to come.”

The partnership creates “4+4” programs that provide qualified Simmons students who have completed four years of pre-medical or pre-veterinary coursework admission to a four-year program at the St. George’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine.

Admission to St. George’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine requires candidates to maintain a strong undergraduate GPA and score competitively on relevant entrance exams. Applicants for the School of Veterinary Medicine’s 4+4 program are also encouraged to have a minimum of 500 hours of animal experience alongside a veterinarian or animal care professional.

Students enrolled in the School of Medicine may complete their first two years of study in Grenada or spend their first year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and their second year in Grenada. Medical students complete their final two years in clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom.

School of Medicine students who participate in the 4+4 program receive a $10,000 scholarship from St. George’s distributed over their four years of study and are eligible for additional scholarships and grants.

Veterinary students enrolled in the 4+4 program complete three years of study in Grenada and their final clinical year at affiliated schools in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

“Our new partnership with St. George’s advances the mission of Simmons University by providing our students the unique opportunity to pursue advanced studies in medicine or veterinary science with a global lens,” said Simmons University Provost Russell Pinizzotto. “We are proud to team up with St. George’s to educate the next generation of doctors and veterinarians.”

 

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A shared dream and home: Meet three CityDoctors scholarship recipients

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The demand for physicians, especially in urban areas, is expected to increase as the current physician workforce ages and retires. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts a shortage of 46,000-90,000 physicians by 2025.

To help alleviate the doctor shortage in New York, St. George’s University partnered with NYC Health+Hospitals, and together, they have developed the CityDoctors Scholarship Program. St. George’s University Scholarship Committee and NYC Health+Hospitals jointly award full and partial scholarships to eligible incoming students accepted into SGU’s School of Medicine. 

The CityDoctors scholarship program grants students with medical aspirations the opportunity to advance their careers while lessening their burden of debt. Three scholarship recipients shared how CityDoctors has helped them fulfill their dreams of attending medical school.

Shahzeb Leghari

Term 2 medical student

Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan

Originally from Lahore, Pakistan, Shahzeb Leghari now calls New York home. While volunteering in a metropolitan hospital, Shahzeb saw others experience similar disparities to his own. This solidified his desire to become a physician in the community to ensure everyone has access to the basic rights of medicine.

Coming from an underprivileged background, scholarship resources were vital to Shahzeb’s ability to pursue a medical career.

“I hope for a world where healthcare is accessible to everyone, and there is a focus on preventative medicine so all of us can enjoy healthy lives,” Shahzeb said.

Dina Gomaa

Term 2 medical student

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Recognizing the issues facing tomorrow’s doctors, Dina Gomaa wants to be a part of the solution in the discipline she loves. Primary care specialties interest her because they allow Dina to get to know her patients and have holistic conversations about their health. The CityDoctors scholarship proved an excellent opportunity for Dina to achieve her career goals with fewer financial concerns.

During the pandemic, Dina worked in Urgent Care and saw firsthand how critical it was to have both passionate and empathetic physicians in well-staffed, quality healthcare centers. This experience contributed to Dina’s motivation to apply for the scholarship.

“It’s a privilege to serve New York City and give back to the people and places that got me here,” Dina said. “My community has shaped me into who I am, and I want to pay it forward.”

Sasha Zheng Gonzalez

Term 2 medical student

Hometown: Hastings on Hudson, NY

Sasha Zheng Gonzalez saw another side of the patient-physician relationship when her mother suffered a myocardial infarction. This experience prompted her to transition from the clinical side of patient care to becoming her mother’s sole advocate.

“Medicine is a multifaceted field, and it is vital to me to become a physician who sees the complete story of each patient,” said Sasha.

Sasha applied for the CityDoctors scholarship because it gave her the opportunity to fulfill her dream of becoming a physician while staying in close proximity to family and friends. This scholarship allows Sasha to continue serving and working within her community in her new capacity as a doctor.

 

Learn more about the CityDoctors scholarship program

 

—Madeleine Otto

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Bethany College and St. George’s University Forge Groundbreaking Partnership to Guarantee Access to Veterinary and Medical School

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Bethany College and St. George’s University (SGU) in Grenada, West Indies, are pleased to announce a transformative partnership that will provide aspiring students with a pathway to pursue careers in both medicine and veterinary medicine. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both institutions, qualified students will have the unique opportunity to obtain a BS/MD or BS/DVM degree, seamlessly progressing from Bethany College to St. George’s University.

“Today marks a momentous occasion as Bethany College announces this highly attractive partnership with St. George’s University,” said Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi.   “Because of our agreement, Bethany students who aspire to become a veterinarian or physician will have a guaranteed pathway to veterinary school and a guaranteed, accelerated pathway to medical school at St. George’s University. Together we will equip and empower the next generation of compassionate healers and innovative leaders in healthcare and veterinary medicine.”

The partnership has established two 4+4 programs, in which Bethany College students who complete four years of pre-medical or pre-veterinary coursework and meet all requirements for admission are fast-tracked into four-year programs at the St. George’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine. The partnership is also unveiling a 3+4 pathway with provisional acceptance to the School of Medicine. Candidates for the programs must maintain a strong undergraduate GPA and score competitively on relevant entrance exams.

 

“It is an honor to now count my alma mater among St. George’s University’s growing global network of partner institutions, and we look forward to the talent, dedication and service Bethany graduates will bring to SGU and to the medical and veterinary professions.”

 

  1. 4+4 Program: Under this program, students will begin their studies at Bethany College. After successfully completing the four-year pre-medical or pre-veterinary medicine curriculum at Bethany and meeting the requirements for admission into SGU’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine, qualified students will proceed to SGU. Medical students will have the option to complete the first two years of their studies in Grenada or spend the first year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and the subsequent two years in Grenada, followed by two years of clinical rotations at SGU’s affiliated hospitals in the United States and/or the United Kingdom. Veterinary students will complete three years of study in Grenada and the final clinical year at SGU’s affiliated schools located in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, or the Netherlands.
  2. 3+4 Program: This program caters to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biology or chemistry (pre-med programs) at Bethany College. After three years at Bethany, students meeting all prerequisite coursework will have the option of spending their senior year at SGU, completing the first Basic Sciences year of the MD Program. Upon successful completion of this year, along with meeting all SGU prerequisites and maintaining good standing, the student will receive their bachelor’s degree from Bethany College. They will then continue their medical studies in Grenada, followed by two years of clinical rotations at hospitals affiliated with SGU in the United States and/or the United Kingdom.

Bethany College and SGU have collaborated to streamline the admissions process for students. Applicants can apply before or after matriculation at Bethany College. Applicants will receive fast track status and prioritized review, interviews, processing, and decisions. Additionally, SGU will provide a dedicated point of contact to support Bethany and its students throughout the application process. Application fees for SGU will be waived for applicants.

“The partnership between Bethany College and St. George’s University is a particularly special one since St. George’s University was founded by Bethany College alumnus Dr. Charles Modica, ’70,” said President Caridi. “We are extremely proud to count Charlie among our most distinguished alumni, and I am immensely grateful for his support of this endeavor.  I am also grateful to Don Werner, ‘69 whose passion and persistence helped forge this significant collaboration. Finally, I want to thank SGU Vice Chancellor Dr. Richard Liebowitz for his leadership and commitment to this important initiative.”

“As a founder and Chancellor of St. George’s University and as a Bethany College graduate, it is a unique pleasure and privilege to announce this partnership between the two institutions that will create more opportunities for Bethany College students to become leaders in the medical and veterinary fields,” says SGU Chancellor Dr. Charles Modica. “It is an honor to now count my alma mater among St. George’s University’s growing global network of partner institutions, and we look forward to the talent, dedication and service Bethany graduates will bring to SGU and to the medical and veterinary professions.”

Bethany College and SGU also intend to develop a study abroad opportunity to further enhance this incredible opportunity for Bethany students. This program would offer students a chance to earn credits in Grenada to count towards their Bethany degree. More details on this will be released in the coming months.

The partnership of Bethany College and St. George’s University represents a significant stride in providing aspiring medical and veterinary professionals with an unparalleled educational experience. By combining the strengths and resources of both institutions, this partnership aims to shape the future of healthcare and veterinary medicine.

 

 

Northumbria University and St. George’s University expand collaboration to offer new UK study options

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Following over 15 years of collaboration, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK and St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies, have announced a renewed commitment aimed at delivering exceptional medical education to students worldwide.

The St. George’s University-Northumbria University medical education program was established in 2007 to create a pathway for highly qualified international students to pursue medical education.

Bringing together Northumbria’s well-established excellence in healthcare education and SGU’s reputation as an innovative medical school, the programme was designed to develop knowledge, clinical skills, and research interests while giving students the opportunity to experience two different healthcare systems and enable them to pursue practicing medicine across many specialties with a global perspective.

Going from strength to strength, the programme has grown significantly since its inception, leading to the development of a new Medical Degree Pathway to provide access to the SGU Doctor of Medicine degree for a wider range of students.

The original four-year Medical Degree program offered through the collaborative relationship between the two institutions was only open to graduates with a relevant bachelor’s degree. Under the new 10-year agreement, there are multiple entry points and study routes to qualifying.

The additional entry points allow students with high school level qualifications to achieve the same medical degree via one or two years of additional study. Students will begin their studies at Northumbria and complete one, two or three years of study, dependent upon their enrolment in either the four-year Doctor of Medicine, or the five- or six-year Medical Degree Pathway. They then travel to Grenada to complete one year of study in Principles of Clinical Medicine at SGU’s main campus in Grenada before undertaking two years of clinical rotations in the USA or UK.

 

“Northumbria University and SGU share a similar vision of producing outstanding healthcare professionals who are equipped to tackle real-world challenges in a diverse range of settings. This relationship will enable us to continue combining our expertise, knowledge, and resources to produce the doctors of tomorrow who will go on to make a positive impact on global health.”

 

Another key feature of the new relationship is the ‘dual degree’ opportunity. Students studying in Newcastle may achieve both a Doctor of Medicine Degree from SGU as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Sciences (BMedSci) from Northumbria.

 

Northumbria University Named United Kingdom’s University Of The Year 2022

 

Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with St. George’s University, and we are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with them to offer exceptional medical education through additional pathways.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to welcome more students from a wider range of educational and international backgrounds to Northumbria. Together, we have created a unique educational experience that takes advantage of our collective strengths in a way that ensures our students are equipped with the tools they need to provide outstanding care to patients around the world.”

This year the two institutions celebrated the 2000th student joining Northumbria as part of the SGU programme and the new agreement will help the next 2000 students benefit from this unique study option over the next 10 years.

Dr. Richard Liebowitz, Vice Chancellor of St. George’s University, said: “The relationship between SGU and Northumbria is now in its 16th year. The new agreement provides the platform for the next 10 years of our relationship and reflects the commitment of both Universities to delivering an education that is truly global in nature and provides future doctors with a comprehensive education that prepares them for successful careers in medicine.”

Northumbria and SGU have also recently been shortlisted as finalists in The PIEoneer Awards 2023, in the ‘Public Private Partnership of the Year’ category.

The PIEoneer Awards, which this year will be held on Friday, September 22 in London, honor innovation and achievement across the whole of the global education industry. With a distinguished judging panel representing geographical and professional diversity, The PIEoneer Awards recognize both individuals and organisations who are pushing professional standards, evolving their engagement, or redefining the international student experience.

Dr. James Coey, Assistant Dean of Basic Sciences at St. George’s and the academic lead for the programme in Newcastle, said: “The Doctor of Medicine program at SGU opens doors for a medical career on an international scale. Northumbria University and St. George’s University share a similar vision of producing outstanding healthcare professionals who are equipped to tackle real-world challenges in a diverse range of settings. This relationship will enable us to continue combining our expertise, knowledge, and resources to produce the doctors of tomorrow who will go on to make a positive impact on global health.”

For more information, visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/sgu

School of Veterinary Medicine celebrates its 20-year legacy at the Class of 2023’s commencement

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A momentous occasion for students and faculty alike, the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine graduation ceremony was full of emotional moments and joyful celebrations. The 2023 commencement ceremony took place on June 4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY, and nearly 200 graduates walked across the stage to commemorate their years of hard work.

SGU Provost Dr. Glen Jacobs addressed the audience to kick off the ceremony.

“This ceremony is a symbol of confidence that students are now equipped to practice medicine,” he said. “Students will be stretched in many directions and rely on your core values to guide you. Today is about your ability to embrace the opportunities ahead of you.”

SGU Chancellor Charles Modica then added to Dr. Jacobs’ remarks.

“How utterly improbable that you would be here today,” Chancellor Modica said, referencing the obstacles students overcame. “You have every reason in the world not to be here today, yet you persevered.”

A 20-year legacy

Dr. Tara Patterson, associate professor and president of the School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association, spoke next. As a charter class member of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Patterson provided a meaningful perspective on how far the school has come.

“20 years ago, SGU graduated its first class of veterinary medicine, and 30 students graduated young, enthusiastic, and ready to take on the world,” Dr. Patterson said. “Today, SGU has produced over 2,000 Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.” *

Joining the ranks of their existing alumni, students ceremoniously moved their tassels from the right side of their caps to the left, and conferred their veterinary medical degrees. Proud families and loved ones gave a rousing standing ovation as streamers cast joyfully across the auditorium, and members of the crowd wished recent graduates the best in their journey forward.

Commencement speaker Dr. Brittney Kilgore, a fellow 2023 graduate, closed the ceremony.

“You are entering a career with endless opportunity,” she said. “May we always remember to experience life outside of this career and live life to the fullest.”

Dr. Kilgore ended on an inspirational note.

“Only 50% of people who start doctoral degrees finish, and only 2% of the world’s population hold doctoral degrees. Where many fail, we did not. Congratulations, Class of 2023.”

*Based on number of students who have completed the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program from 2003-2022.

 

—Madeleine Otto

 

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