SGU expands admissions partnership with Dillard University

/in , , , , /by

St. George's University - Grenada campus

St. George’s University and Dillard University have expanded their admissions partnership that grants qualified Dillard students early assurance and expedited entry into the SGU’s  School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine to include a new Master of Public Health pathway and 4+4 MD and DVM pathway.

“St. George’s University is delighted to offer new opportunities for aspiring doctors, veterinarians, and public health professionals from Dillard University,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “SGU is tremendously proud to partner with Dillard to expand access to our MPH, MD, and DVM programs.”

Under the enhanced agreement, Dillard students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Health Science, or Nursing who meet the standards for admission at SGU will be admitted to the Master of Public Health program at SGU’s School of Graduate Studies. The MPH program at SGU offers five tracks with varying specializations.

The partnership creates a “4+4” admissions pathway that provides students who have successfully completed Dillard’s pre-medical or pre-veterinary curricula with admission to the four-year MD or DVM programs at SGU. Dillard 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.

Students in the four-year MD program will complete two years of basic sciences study at SGU’s campus in Grenada and clinical rotations in the third and fourth years at various SGU affiliates. 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. DVM students will complete three years of study in Grenada, followed by a fourth year of clinical training. The School of Veterinary Medicine offers clinical training at over 30 affiliated institutions in six countries.

“Dillard University is the oldest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the State of Louisiana,” said Dr. Monique Guillory, president of Dillard University. “Given our longstanding commitment to people from diverse regions and populations, the university looks forward to forging a strong partnership with St. George’s University in Grenada. Our mutual partnership will support our students’ academic and professional goals to pursue postgraduate studies in Public Health, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine. As part of our continued commitment to academic excellence and diversity, we recognize St. George’s University, located on the ‘Spice Island’ of Grenada, as an exemplary global partner in higher education.”

Students who are accepted into these pathways 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 $71 million in scholarships in the 2023-2024 academic year.

SGU’s Assistant Dean of Research: “Research is part of our DNA”

/in , , /by

research in a laboratory

The opportunity to engage in and learn to do meaningful research is a fundamental part of a high-quality medical education. Recognizing this, St. George’s University’s School of Medicine has strengthened its support for students and faculty involved in research, creating new opportunities to advance knowledge and the practice of medicine.

“A good physician is not only one who knows a lot about medicine but one who keeps himself or herself at the forefront of their field,” explained Dr. Martin Forde, the School of Medicine’s assistant dean of research and professor in the SOM’s Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. “This is achieved either by contributing to the body of knowledge in medicine or by interpreting and incorporating the latest research insights into the treatment of patients. This allows them to provide their patients the best and highest standard of care they can.”

SGU’s Office of Research is committed to nurturing a “spirit of inquiry” by providing support and resources to students and faculty to help bring their ideas to fruition. The School of Medicine also has two dedicated institutes—the Medical Student Research Institute and Faculty Research Institute––which provide additional avenues for students and faculty to engage in research and other scholarly activities.

“At SGU, we firmly believe that research should be a core component that is integrated into every medical student’s education,” Dr. Forde said. “Over the past few years, we have worked to embed research into the fabric of the medical school experience, essentially making it part of SGU’s DNA.”

These efforts have yielded impressive results. In 2023, the School of Medicine community, including basic sciences and clinical students as well as affiliated faculty, published over 874 peer-reviewed journal articles. Of that, the 172 publications by Basic Sciences students and faculty was the highest output among all Caribbean medical schools, according to a PubMed search for School of Medicine authorship affiliations by the Office of Research for the year 2023.  In addition, 126 students were honored with research and scholarly distinction awards at the 2024 commencement ceremonies.

Dr. Forde shared with SGU News more details on why engaging in research is beneficial for would-be physicians, and how med students at SGU can get involved. Here’s what he had to say.

SGU: What opportunities are there for School of Medicine students to engage in research?

Dr. Forde: Research, and the skills to conduct it have been built into SGU’s MD curriculum. In Term 3, students gain foundational knowledge on how to do statistics and epidemiology. Then, when students do their clinical rotations, they learn how to do translational research, learning how to incorporate the latest research findings into patient treatment and care. The assignments the students get during this phase of their training teaches them how to analyze and apply insights from published research so as to develop treatment regimens that are best tailored to their patient’s needs.

In particular, the Medical Student Research Institute (MSRI) program allows medical students who have demonstrated academic excellence the opportunity to further hone their research skills by working with an assigned faculty mentor on a research project. Students can enter the MSRI program in their Basic Sciences years or during their clinical years.

 

“At SGU, we firmly believe that research should be a core component that is integrated into every medical student’s education. Over the past few years, we have worked to embed research into the fabric of the medical school experience, essentially making it part of SGU’s DNA.”

 

All students who achieve significant research milestones, such as authoring a peer-reviewed research publication or presenting at a major medical conference while in the SOM are eligible to graduate with distinctions such as “Distinction in Scholarly Activity” or Distinction in Research.”

SGU: What are some research topics that students are currently working on through the MSRI?

Dr. Forde: Current research in the Basic Sciences MSRI spans a wide range of topics, including reviews, clinical investigations, and population studies in Grenada and elsewhere. For instance, environmental health studies are investigating the health impacts of pollutants like bisphenol and PFAS, or improved water filtration systems, on overall health. Other studies are focused on critical public health issues such as the impacts of hurricanes, stroke awareness, and HPV vaccination efforts.

SGU: What benefits will students gain from participating in research in med school?

Dr. Forde: Engaging in research allows students to move beyond simply assimilating and absorbing existing knowledge to meaningfully contributing to expanding the knowledge base of the medical field. By participating in research, students transition from just being consumers of information to becoming creators, helping to fill the gaps in the field that were missing and potentially devising innovative solutions to improve patient care.

In the process, students develop valuable skills that will enhance their approach patient care Including:

  • Enabling critical thinking and analytical skills;
  • Understanding and interpreting evidence-based medicine, ensuring treatments are grounded in solid research;
  • Enhanced problem-solving skills, fostering creative and effective solutions;
  • Improved confidence and interpersonal communication skills, essential for patient and peer interactions; and
  • Enhancing their ability to communicate complex information clearly, accurately, and concisely honed through research paper writing.

Involvement in research also provides practical skills, such as:

  • Learning how to make connections while collaborating with other researchers.
  • Securing strong letters of recommendation, and importantly,
  • Enabling them to distinguish themselves during residency interviews.

SGU: What resources are available to help students get started?

Dr. Forde: SGU now offers all SGU students and faculty access to Nature’s Masterclasses on Demand, a premier educational resource.  This web-based platform provides a comprehensive suite of 24 courses that guides users through every stage of the research process. All are encouraged to utilize this valuable resource.

Additionally, the School of Medicine provides financial support to cover the publication fees for faculty and students whose papers are accepted by reputable, non-predatory journals, provided they clearly acknowledge their affiliation with St. George’s University, School of Medicine.

SGU: Looking forward, what is on the horizon for research opportunities at SGU?

Dr. Forde: As we strive to make research an even more integral part of the SGU experience, we are actively developing new initiatives to further cultivate and foster a spirit of inquiry and research among our students and faculty.

 

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

Related Reading  

The 5 Most Impactful School of Medicine Stories of 2024

/in , , , /by

Collage with the top SOM stories of 2024

As the year comes to a close, the St. George’s University School of Medicine community has much to be proud of. An expanded clinical site network in the US, 940+ US residency placements, and several new and improved campus facilities are just some of the exciting benchmarks of 2024.*

Take a look at some of the most impactful SGU News SOM stories of 2024. Then, go ahead and read our The 5 Most Impactful School of Veterinary Medicine Stories of 2024.

 

1. Match 2024

Match Day 2024 marked a significant milestone in the careers of SOM grads.

This year, more than 940 SOM students and graduates secured residency positions in the US.* There were matches in 22 specialties including surgery, child neurology, diagnostic radiology, and more.* Match 2024 was particularly notable for the Rienzo family–SGU alums and brothers, Francis Rienzo, MD ’88 and Peter Rienzo, MD ’85, witnessed their children match into residency, Emily Rienzo, MD ’24 and Jake Rienzo, MD ’24, respectively.

Read what it felt like to Match in 2024 and about the Rienzo family legacy

 

 

2. Campus Enhancements

As SGU continues to improve its campus for students, faculty, and staff, 2024 saw some exciting new additions and upgrades. The campus added a dog park, a multifaith prayer area, a new large animal farm, and tiki bar. The University also upgraded many classrooms and dorms.

See the new campus enhancements of 2024

 

 

Students coated at ceremony

3. White Coat Ceremonies

First term med students marked the start of their professional journeys to become doctors during this year’s White Coat Ceremonies. During the ceremonies, students affirmed their commitment to the study of medicine, pledged to adhere to values of humanism, and took an oath of professionalism.

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

 

 

4 SGU students stand on a roof that they are helping repair.

4. SGU Students and Alumni Give Back After Hurricane Beryl

On July 1, 2024, Grenada and its sister islands, Petite Martinique and Carriacou, were hit by Category 5 storm Hurricane Beryl. In the wake of the destruction, St. George’s University students stepped up to aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts. These efforts included assisting nursing staff, fixing damage to roofs and other structures, beach cleanups, organizing donations for supplies and funds, and more.

The SOM Alumni Association also played a critical role in gathering resources post-hurricane by raising more than $77,000 USD.

Read more about SGU students’ relief efforts and SOM alumni’s charity drive for Grenadians impacted by Beryl

 

 

Clinical training

5. US Clinical Site Network Expands 

SGU added new sites for clinical students to complete their rotations in Arizona, Georgia, and Florida this year.

“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.”

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

 

*Data as of October 2024

 

— Juliette Kimmins

 

 

Related Reading

SGU Alumni Physicians & Friends Help 1,200+ Grenadian Patients in 2024

/in , , /by
SGU PHuN opthalmology clinic, Oct. 2024, Dr. Douglas Lavenburg, Dr. Mary Ratchford

Hundreds of Grenadian patients received critical healthcare treatment in 2024 thanks to the volunteerism of St. George’s University alumni physicians and friends.

Hundreds of Grenadian patients received critical healthcare treatment in 2024 thanks to the volunteerism of St. George’s University alumni physicians and friends.

More than 15 visiting physicians—including ophthalmologists, cardiologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and vascular surgeons—volunteered their time and expertise through the SGU Physician Humanitarian Network (SGU PHuN) with some even making multiple trips this year. They offered critical treatment and services to the people of Grenada. Their patients are unable to receive certain specialized medical care due to a lack of access to specialists and/or the funds to attain these required surgeries.

SGU PHuN continued to make a significant impact on Grenada and its communities in 2024. In total:

  • 1,282 patients were seen and/or treated;
  • 240 procedures (surgical and outpatient) were performed;
  • over $230,000 (USD) worth of supplies and equipment was donated; and
  • 7 CME talks conducted; these were attended both in person and virtually by local physicians and other healthcare providers.

Launched in 2008, the program is a joint initiative between SGU’s Office of Institutional Advancement, the Office of Alumni Affairs, and the Office of the Provost that facilitates visits of alumni physicians and other volunteer physicians to Grenada. These medical missions provide much-needed care to the people of Grenada and are in close coordination with the Grenada General Hospital and Grenada’s Ministry of Health.

“SGU-PHuN captures the spirit of the SGU community and its graduates in a very direct way,” according to Brendon LaGrenade, EdD, vice provost for Institutional Advancement and director of Alumni Affairs. “Our physician alumni continue to return to the island to deliver a vast array of voluntary specialty medical care. The value in these programs is not measured in the millions of dollars in donations and services delivered but more so in the lives of the individuals positively impacted.”

Cataract surgery was a top priority for the SGU PHuN this year.

“Due to the pandemic, a lack of specialist equipment and personnel, and high cost, there is a long waiting list for cataract surgery. For this reason, the SGU PHuN set a lofty goal of completing 100 cataract procedures for 2024,” Dr. LaGrenade said. “We are proud to say that we achieved 106 cataract surgeries through the generosity of physicians who traveled here to help the people of Grenada.”

Former SGU-student and New Jersey-based ophthalmologist Dr. Bernard Spier kicked off the cataract mission in February, performing 38 surgeries. In October, a collaborative ophthalmology mission spearheaded by Dr. Mary Ratchford with Vision Health International, performed 68 surgeries.

According to Dr. Spier, he chose to donate his time and skills to the Grenadian people because it is “a basic act of human kindness.”

“I have a special place in my heart for Grenada because that’s where I got my start in medicine,” said Dr. Spier. “Grenada gave me an opportunity to become a doctor. If I hadn’t gone to Grenada, I would’ve done something else [besides medicine].”

Dr. Throl Mason, Dr. Bernard Spier, TracyAnn Frederick, Dr. Brendon La Grenade, Dr. Zachary Mendelson (Left to right)

(Left to right) Dr. Throl Mason, Dr. Bernard Spier, TracyAnn Frederick, Dr. Brendon La Grenade, and Dr. Zachary Mendelson during an ophthalmology clinic in March 2024.

Other ophthalmologists who also donated their services this year included:

  • Roger Turbin (oculoplastic/neuro-ophthalmologist)
  • Fred Lambrou (retina and diabetic eye program)
  • Michael Gray (pediatric ophthalmologist)
Ms. TracyAnn Frederick, Ms. Payge Lipscomb, Dr. Michael Gray, Ms. Leigh Taylor Langdon (Left to right)

Visiting physicians—including ophthalmologists, cardiologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and vascular surgeons—volunteered their time through SGU PHuN.

SGU-PHuN also had visits from the following physician specialists in 2024:

Cardiology

  • Anthony Tramontano, MD ’99
  • Amita Dharawat, MD ’06
  • Vineet Dua, MD ’96
  • Tara Jarreau, MD ’06
  • Pravin Patil, MD ’04
  • Jason Finkelstein, MD ’99 (interventional cardiologist)

Neurology

  • Richard Mikilitus, MD ’90

Endocrinology

  • Dwight Matthias, MD ’92

Radiology

  • Randy Becker, MD ’00

Orthopedic Surgery

  • Dr. Karl Blum, former SGU student

Vascular Access

  • Dr. Christian Rodriguez

“Thank you to all who contributed to this very important mission,” Dr. La Grenade said. “We look forward to making an even bigger impact in 2025.”

SGU alumni who are interested in returning to Grenada to participate in the SGU PHuN program should contact aa-som@sgu.edu.

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

 

Related Reading  

 

SGU Holds First-Ever Tech Expo

/in , , , , , /by

From displaying the latest advancements in virtual reality to exploring the benefits of high-tech simulation labs used for educational purposes, St. George’s University recently held its first-ever Technology Exposition Week on campus.

More than 250 members of the SGU community attended the week-long event, which took place from October 28 to November 2, in which participants were able to engage in interactive sessions presented by a variety of SGU departments to highlight the University’s technology offerings.

“Technology has been modifying and redefining the face of education for years now and our goal is to provide our students with the knowledge and skills to navigate these new learning environments,” said Dr. David Twum-Barimah, chair of the Committee for Technology-Based Teaching and Learning (CTTL) and director of Student Campus Facilities. “The purpose of the SGU Tech Expo was to focus on technology and innovation applications at the University and to share, learn, and transfer those tools among the community.”

Highlights from the Tech Expo included:

  • A presentation by SGU’s medical illustrators, which create visual images that help explain complex medical information;
  • An interactive display of the latest tech used in virtual reality and 3D printing applications within medical education;
  • Tours of the School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine simulation labs;
  • A presentation by SGU’s Department of Educational Services on technology in education;
  • The School of Arts and Sciences IT presentation and display; and
  • A tour of the SGU Command Center.

 

“Through the introduction of the SGU Tech Expo Week, the campus community was able to physically connect with a variety of different technologies on display before them,” added Dr. Twum-Barimah. “By participating in a series of engaging events, attendees were able to explore how technology is influencing and transforming their fields of interest and how it can be applied in order to drive innovation forward in a rapidly evolving world.”

The Tech Expo was hosted by SGU’s Committee for Technology-Based Teaching and Learning (CTTL). The committee, which consists of faculty and students from each school as well as members of staff, administration, and the Office of Information Technology, aims to explore technology-based solutions for teaching and learning experiences to further enhance the academic technology used by the SGU community.

Didn’t attend? Check out our top photos from the SGU Tech Expo 2024. 

 

  • Participant using virtual reality device.

  • Close up of virtual reality device.

  • Virtual reality device user.

  • SAS IT students display autonomous mobile robots.

  • SAS IT student showcases computer components.

  • 3D printing machine.

  • Close up of 3D printer.

  • SAS IT students display 3D renders using blender application.

  • SAS IT student highlights another 3D render using blender software.

  • Participant utilizing high fidelity simulation mannequin in the SOM sim lab.

  • Phlebotomy demonstration in the SOM simulation lab.

1234567891011

 

– Ray-Donna Peters

Related Reading  

St. George’s University Announces Admissions Partnership with Suffolk County Community College

/in , , , , /by

photo of SGU campus

St. George’s University and Suffolk County Community College have established an admissions partnership that grants qualified Suffolk students fast-track status and expedited entry into the St. George’s University School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine.

“St. George’s University is delighted to offer this new opportunity for aspiring doctors and veterinarians from Suffolk County Community College 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 SCCC and to offer multiple pathways to healthcare careers with flexible options to meet students’ different academic objectives.”

Dr. Edward Bonahue, president of Suffolk County Community College, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership: “This partnership represents a significant step forward in providing community college students with a clear pathway forward to advanced degrees in medicine and veterinary medicine. This partnership will help to build a pipeline of highly trained professionals who are well-prepared to meet the growing demand for highly educated healthcare professionals. We are proud to work alongside St. George’s University to make these dream careers a reality for our graduates.”

The partnership creates a “2+2+4” admissions pathway that provides SCCC students who have successfully completed an associate’s degree in arts and sciences, and who proceed to complete a baccalaureate premedical or pre-veterinary medical program at an SGU partner university in the New York area, with admission into SGU’s 4-year Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Suffolk students interested in pursuing this pathway must complete all necessary prerequisite undergraduate coursework, maintain a strong overall GPA and sciences GPA, and score competitively on relevant entrance exams, including the MCAT for the School of Medicine.

The partnership also creates a “2+5” admissions pathway that provides Suffolk students completing an associate’s degree in arts and sciences with admission into SGU’s 5-year Doctor of Medicine program. This program consists of a pre-clinical year and two years of basic sciences, which can be completed on SGU’s campus in Grenada or at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom, followed by two years of clinical rotations in SGU’s network of affiliated hospitals and health systems.

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.

Participating students will 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 $71 million in scholarships in the 2023-2024 academic year.

 

Related reading

St. George’s University Announces New Admissions Partnership with Brooklyn College

/in , , /by

SGU Campus

St. George’s University announces a new admissions partnership with CUNY-Brooklyn College that grants qualified Brooklyn College students fast-track status and expedited entry into the St. George’s University School of Medicine.

“St. George’s University is delighted to offer this new opportunity for aspiring doctors from Brooklyn College to pursue degrees in medicine with us,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, Dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “SGU has a long-standing relationship with New York City, home to many of our students and alumni, and we are pleased to create an additional pathway for New York students to enter the medical profession.”

The partnership creates a “4+4” admissions pathway that provides students who have successfully completed Brooklyn College’s premedical program with admission to the four-year programs at SGU. Brooklyn College students interested in pursuing the pathway must maintain a strong overall GPA of 3.4 or higher, and score competitively on the MCAT medical school entrance examination. The program is open to students when they apply to Brooklyn College or during their first two years of study.

The pathway includes the option 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.

“We are excited to expand our offerings to students interested in studying medicine to the St. George’s University School of Medicine,” said April Bedford, Brooklyn College’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “The strong foundation students receive in our premedical program will prepare them well for the next step in their educational journey and careers in healthcare.”

Accepted participants may be eligible to be considered for all of SGU’s School of Medicine and scholarships and grants, including SGU’s CityDoctors scholarships for graduates of New York City high schools who wish to return to New York to practice medicine after completing their MD. SGU granted more than $71 million in scholarships in the 2023-2024 academic year.

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

/in , /by

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

St. George’s University Announces New Admissions Partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University

/in , /by

St. George’s University (SGU) has launched a new admissions partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University that will grant qualified Laurier students fast-track admission into SGU’s School of Medicine.

“St. George’s University is delighted to offer this new opportunity for aspiring doctors from Wilfrid Laurier University to pursue degrees in medicine with us,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “SGU is tremendously proud to partner with Laurier to create more avenues for qualified Canadian students to become practicing physicians, while helping to address Canada’s ongoing physician shortage.”

The partnership creates a “4+4” pathway that provides students who have successfully completed a four-year premedical curriculum at Laurier admission to the four-year MD program at SGU. Laurier students interested in pursuing the pathway must maintain a strong undergraduate GPA and complete all prerequisite coursework in the health sciences.

The pathway also includes an option for students to enter the first year of the MD program at SGU’s campus in Grenada after their third year at Laurier, provided they meet the standards of admission.

Students may apply to the pathway upon application to Laurier’s Honours Science program, or while an enrolled student in most Bachelor of Science programs. Qualified students will be eligible to complete the basic sciences component of the SGU MD program in either two years of study in Grenada, or one year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and one year in Grenada.

Students’ clinical rotations will take place with SGU affiliates, including those in the United States and the United Kingdom. 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. Students who have graduated from Laurier within the past five years are eligible to apply to the program, meaning the agreement will also benefit Laurier alumni.

“This strategic partnership opens additional pathways into medical education for Laurier students taking many of our science programs and provides our graduates with Laurier-specific scholarships and benefits to support them as they enter medical school,” said Laurier Faculty of Science Dean Anthony J. Clarke. “We are excited to partner with St. George’s University to enhance our program offerings to students.”

Laurier students who are accepted into the pathways with a sufficiently high overall GPA and sciences GPA will be awarded a scholarship of U.S. $85,000 at SGU School of Medicine. Students will also be eligible to be considered for all of SGU’s School of Medicine scholarships. SGU granted more than U.S. $50 million in scholarships in the 2022-2023 academic year.

Graduates of SGU School of Medicine have the option to write exams that allow them to practice medicine in Canada, the UK, or the United States.

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

/in , , , /by

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