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

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Lasell University

St. George’s University (SGU) has announced three new admissions partnerships with Lasell University offering qualified Lasell students fast-track status and expedited entry into the St. George’s University Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

“St. George’s is thrilled to form this partnership with Lasell University and to offer their most exceptional students manifold pathways to a degree in medicine or veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Richard Liebowitz, vice chancellor of St. George’s University. “We look forward to empowering Lasell students to pursue their dreams of becoming a doctor or veterinarian.”

The partnership establishes two admissions pathways to the School of Medicine: a “4+4” program and a Master of Science in Medical Science, or MSMS, pathway. The new “4+4” program is also available to qualified students who wish to attend the School of Veterinary Medicine. Students may apply for the special admissions pathways when applying to or while enrolled at Lasell.

Under the “4+4” program, qualified students who have completed the four-year pre-medical or pre-veterinary curriculum at Lasell will be admitted to the four-year MD or DVM programs at SGU.

Under the MSMS pathway, students who earn their Master of Science in Medical Science at Lasell and complete all prerequisite coursework will enroll in their first year of the MD program at SGU.

Under the “4+4” and the MSMS pathway, students admitted to the School of Medicine may spend their first two years of study in Grenada or their first year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and their second year in Grenada. They spend their final two years in clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Students entering the School of Veterinary Medicine through the “4+4” program complete three years of study in Grenada followed by a year of clinical studies at schools affiliated with SGU in the United States and internationally.

In addition to completing prerequisite coursework, Lasell students seeking to participate in these expedited admissions pathways must maintain a strong undergraduate GPA and score competitively on relevant entrance exams, including the MCAT for the School of Medicine. Pre-veterinary students should accumulate at least 500 hours of animal experience with a veterinarian or animal-care professional.

“Lasell University is committed to providing our students experiential and collaborative learning opportunities to inspire a life of social responsibility, intellectual curiosity, and professional growth,” said Eric Turner, president of Lasell University. “We are thrilled that this partnership with St. George’s upholds that mission by empowering our students to pursue the next stage in their academic and professional journey.”

 

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

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SVM Fall 2023 White Coat Ceremony - group picture

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

 

View SVM White Coat Ceremony Instagram reel

 

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

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

 

Benjamin Self, SVM student, during WCC

 

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

– Benjamin Self
Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

 

Tatyana Thompson, SVM student, at White Coat Ceremony

 

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

– Tatyana Thompson
Nassau, Bahamas

 

Nicholas Aaron, SVM student, at White Coat Ceremony

 

 

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

– Nicholas Aaron
Trinidad and Tobago

 

 

Taylor Edwinson, veterinary student, at SVM White Coat Ceremony

 

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

– Taylor Edwinson
El Paso, Texas

 

 

View the full SVM White Coat Ceremony on YouTube

 

   – Ray-Donna Peters

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SVM alumna featured on Animal Planet TV series

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Dr. Regan Schwartz, 2019 SVM graduate

Dedicating yourself to helping animals in need is a noble calling, but it may not be fully understood to what lengths veterinarians go to save the animals that come into their clinic. One St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine graduate is helping to change that as she gives an inside look at her daily life as a veterinarian in the Animal Planet series, “Pets and Pickers.”

Dr. Regan Schwartz, a 2019 SGU graduate with a dual degree in veterinary medicine and public health, practices at the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS), a nonprofit organization in Richmond, British Columbia. The television show, which aired its first season in the spring of 2022 (it was recently renewed for a third season), follows Dr. Schwartz and her colleagues at RAPS hospital in their day-to-day professional lives and seeks to raise awareness about animal welfare.

“There was a vision for the show, and it evolved,” said Dr. Schwartz. “The primary goal of the program is to raise awareness of the organization and grant exposure to encourage further support and involvement.”

Six veterinarians are featured in “Pets and Pickers.” The film crew shadowed the veterinarians over the course of six months, filming enough for two seasons worth, based on specific cases of interest and conducted interviews at the end of the show. After many weeks of the camera crew following the cast around the hospital, Dr. Schwartz said they all became like a big family.

“The filming process was a rewarding experience. I’m very proud of the work we’ve done on these first two seasons,” added Dr. Schwartz.

 

Dr. Regan Schwartz, a 2019 School of Veterinary Medicine graduate.

A Passion for Helping Animals

Originally from Toronto, Dr. Schwartz decided to apply to SGU when she discovered their dual-degree program in public health and veterinary medicine. Dr. Schwartz’s lifelong passion for community service and supporting communities in need led her to work extensively abroad, including in Nicaragua, Nepal, and Africa, before she began her current position. So, when a role opened at RAPS, Dr. Schwartz knew the opportunity would allow her to continue doing the work she loves. The show came later.

Dr. Schwartz said that SGU provided a supportive environment with a small faculty that prepared her for a career in veterinary medicine. But she attributes her greatest strength as a veterinarian to her parents, who instilled extreme compassion and empathy when she was growing up.

“I feel animal suffering so deeply that I work hard to alleviate it,” said Dr. Schwartz. “When I watched myself on TV, I definitely saw it as an asset, and it reassured me that this is what I’m meant to do.”

 

Regan Schwartz, a 2019 School of Veterinary Medicine graduate.

 

– Madeline Otto

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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

 

Related Articles:

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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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