SGU Announces Direct-Admission Partnership with Beal University

/in , , , /by

Today, St. George’s University announced a new direct-admission partnership with Beal University in Bangor, Maine. The new program establishes a pathway for qualified Beal graduates to gain immediate entry into the St. George’s Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

“We’re excited to team up with Beal University to educate new doctors and veterinarians at a time when these professions are in such high demand,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of St. George’s University.

The partnership establishes a “3+4” program that enables students to complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in just seven years. Students who wish to qualify must express their interest when they apply to Beal University, where they will complete a three-year bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences.

To ensure they can proceed to St. George’s, students must complete all undergraduate coursework, meet minimum grade point averages, and score competitively on requisite graduate entrance exams. Veterinary students should also have completed the recommended 500 hours of animal experience. St. George’s University will waive application fees and fast-track students in the combined degree program for application review, interviews, and admission decisions.

Those who enter St. George’s University School of Medicine will be eligible to complete their first two years of study in Grenada, or they can complete their first year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and second year in Grenada. The following two years of clinical rotations will take place at St. George’s-affiliated hospitals in the United States or United Kingdom, with elective opportunities available in Canada. Veterinary students will be eligible to complete three years of study in Grenada and their final clinical year within SGU’s network of 30-plus affiliates located in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, or the Netherlands.

“We take pride in preparing students for both US-based and international careers,” Olds said.

“Our new partnership with St. George’s gives Beal students a tremendous opportunity,” said Sheryl DeWalt, president of Beal University. “It puts them on an accelerated career path and ensures a smooth transition from undergraduate work to medical training.”

SGU Celebrates 45 Years of Pioneering Progress

/in , , /by

Forty-five years ago, St. George’s University’s School of Medicine commenced classes on the True Blue campus, marking the start of a world-class institution that is now the largest source of doctors for the entire US workforce.

The past 45 years have provided incredible journeys, memories, accomplishments, and careers resulting in over 24,000 graduates in medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, the arts and sciences, and other professions and disciplines. SGU graduates are part of a strong network of graduates who have established careers in all 50 US states and more than 50 countries around the world.

I am proud of this amazing institution that has also forged a path for generations of doctors to come—for the seventh year in a row, SGU secured more residency positions than any medical school in the world,” said Dr. Richard Liebowitz, vice chancellor of St. George’s University. “Although the campus and the world around it have changed in our 45 years, the University’s commitment to our mission of training high-quality physicians—and our commitment to the island of Grenada—remain the same.”

SGU’s impact on healthcare, veterinary medicine, business, and many other fields has been felt both near and far. Since the first campus expansion in 1993, SGU has continued to make long-term investments to meet the needs of its growing campus community, and, in turn, the wider Grenadian community.

“The University is proud of its long history of mutual support in the Grenada community,” said Dr. Charles Modica, chancellor of St. George’s University. “We are thrilled that so many of our students come back to visit long after graduating, and in recent times, they have given generously with supplies and financial donations to combat COVID-19 in Grenada.”

SGU’s School of Medicine continues to play a large role in transforming education in Grenada by providing scholarships for various programs to its citizens. These opportunities have enhanced and enriched the lives of many in the community. To date, SGU is responsible for graduating over 2,100 Grenadian alumni, with more than 250 MDs.

SGU invites everyone to join the celebration by sharing memories from the past to present day that highlight the pioneering spirit that started a legacy. To participate, post memorable photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #SGUspirit.

Related Reading

New SOM Assistant Dean for Multicultural Affairs Champions Equity and Inclusion Amongst Med School Community

/in , , /by

Home to students and faculty from 151 countries, St. George’s University is committed to developing initiatives and activities designed to nurture and celebrate the cultural differences of the SGU community. The recent appointment of Dr. Arlette Herry as the School of Medicine’s assistant dean for multicultural affairs, equity, and inclusion is another step in achieving that goal.

“We live and work in a global community and we see the impact of how connected our world is every day,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the School of Medicine. “It is therefore important to learn how to navigate that world. With Dr. Herry’s expertise and more than a decade-long commitment to SGU, we look forward to her guiding us to an even more equitable and inclusive environment within the School of Medicine.”

Dr. Herry has been with SGU for more than 15 years of her 20-year career as a psychologist. She also serves as SGU’s ombudsperson and as assistant professor of behavioral sciences in SOM’s Department of Physiology, Neuroscience, and Behavioral sciences.

 

“In this new role, my main goal is to provide avenues to embrace the diversity that is the foundation of our SGU community, from recruitment and retention, to curriculum, and faculty development.”

 

Her mission in her new position: to enrich the educational environment for SOM students and graduates who will embrace these values and draw on them when serving patients. More specifically, Dr. Herry is responsible for creating processes to enhance the school’s commitment to the belief that a culturally diverse faculty and student body is essential for successful teaching, learning, research, and service.

“This is an opportune time for multicultural affairs to be at the front and center of our everyday lives,” Dr. Herry said. “In this new role, my main goal is to provide avenues to embrace the diversity that is the foundation of our SGU community, from recruitment and retention, to curriculum, and faculty development.”

Some of Dr. Herry’s plans for SOM include: the creation and implementation of a School of Medicine Diversity Policy and an anti-discrimination policy—both of which can be found in the faculty and students’ handbooks. She also has several other initiatives in the works including implicit bias training as part of the basic sciences and clinical curricula, and for faculty and staff.

“My hope is that we become more open to new experiences,” shared Dr. Herry. “SGU’s diversity provides a valuable opportunity to share our culture, perspectives, and goals with each other, and feel safe and supported in doing so. I am very happy about the direction that the School of Medicine is taking to broaden its horizons in this area, and to educate and train culturally competent physicians. I am excited to see what the future will be at SGUSOM.”

— Ray-Donna Peters

 

Related Reading

St. George’s University Announces Partnership with St. Francis College

/in , , , /by

St. George’s University announced today two new programs that will allow qualified pre-medicine or pre-veterinary students at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY, to gain streamlined admission to the St. George’s University Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

“We are excited to establish our first pathway program in New York City,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of St. George’s University. “As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, New York faces a shortage of physicians. We look forward to welcoming aspiring doctors from St. Francis and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to serve their communities.”

Students in the “4+4” program will complete their four-year undergraduate degree at St. Francis in a pre-medicine or pre-veterinary medicine program and proceed directly to medical school at St. George’s in Grenada. Those pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree, the final two years of this combined program consist of clinical rotations at SGU’s affiliated hospitals in the United States and/or the United Kingdom. The final year of the combined Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program consists of clinical rotations at SGU’s affiliated veterinary schools in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and/or Ireland.

Exceptional pre-medicine students can qualify for the “3+4” program, under which they complete their degrees in three years and then move onto medical school at St. George’s before spending the final two (2) years in clinical rotations at hospitals affiliated with SGU.

Students who wish to participate in one of the direct admissions partnerships must indicate their interest upon applying to St. Francis. Qualified students will be prioritized for interviews and admissions decisions, provided they meet the admissions criteria for both schools.

In order to proceed to St. George’s, applicants must maintain a 3.4 grade point average at St. Francis and obtain a competitive score on the MCAT. A 3.2 grade point average and competitive score on the GRE are required for entry into the St. George’s veterinary program.

Students accepted into the medical program will receive a $10,000 scholarship upon matriculating at St. George’s.

“We look forward to a very productive partnership with St. George’s University. Offering our students a direct pathway into advanced programs in medicine and veterinary science strengthens our commitment to support our students to reach their personal and career goals,” states SFC President Miguel Martinez-Saenz.

 

 

Related Reading

South African grad thrives treating elderly in UK

/in , , /by

For Carmen Roessler, MD ’14, there is great joy in the company she keeps. The native South African splits time between three sites within England’s National Health Service, including a rehabilitation unit for predominantly older patients who require physical and occupational therapy. It’s her job to develop their functionality and, ideally, their independence.

Along the way, she appreciates getting to hear about the path they took in life, and applying their healthcare goals to the treatment plan she gives them.

“They often have different insights and some amazing stories,” she said.

Dr. Roessler recently shared her story, one that began on a sugar cane farm outside of Durban and has taken her around the world.

What do you enjoy most about working with an older population?

I enjoy interacting with people who have had a lot more time in this world than I have. And along with that, people in this part of their lives can be quite lonely and frustrated. I’m glad to get a feel for who they really are and what’s important to them. There are nuances to caring for them as their priorities may be different than someone who is middle-aged.

What is one challenge facing physicians in this field?

One challenge is that there’s not a lot of evidence out there that’s based on putting older people in studies. If you think about most of the medicines that we take, they’re based on younger people having been in the clinical trials. I think there are limited insights into how medications are processed by older people. People at different stages of their life are going to respond to medications differently. This is an area of medicine where there needs to be more research, and we also need more people to be trained to work in this sphere of medicine.

You completed your GP training in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. How do you believe it’s changed medicine?

COVID is still a major concern. It’s an ongoing threat to human life and human quality of life. One thing it has done is accelerate some of the technological advances that were probably already coming our way. There are benefits, but seeing someone in person can sometimes give you clues that you aren’t privy to if you’re having a telephone consultation. I think primary care is trying to balance and negotiate that very carefully.

When did pursuing an MD come on your radar?

I grew up on a sugar cane farm in South Africa. We had a bit of timber and cattle as well. I think the earliest roots of my interest in medicine were in nature or biology, and was probably inspired by growing up with a lot of contact with the outdoors. And then later on, I had a great aunt who was ill with cancer, and I found it rewarding to be able to offer her emotional support.

You spent your first year in the SGU/NU program in the UK. What was that like?

My experience in the Global Scholars program in the UK was brilliant. We had a smaller class size and we were a really tightly knit group. We built this sort of mini community that studied together and, when exams were over, we’d celebrate together. It was a fantastic bond. Together it was a time of growth and learning across multiple spheres.

In what ways did attending SGU help shape you as a physician?

Going to SGU exposed me to different cultures, different ways of thinking, and different ways of communicating. I think that it made me richer on a personal level; not only that but it has also made me a better communicator and hopefully, therefore, a more understanding doctor.

– Brett Mauser

Related Reading

Royal College of Pathologists Recognizes Longtime SGU Professor

/in , , /by

St. George’s University pathology professor Shivayogi Bhusnurmath was recently honored with an RCPath Achievement Award by the Royal College of Pathologists for his outstanding contributions to pathology education. He was presented with his award virtually as part of the College Council meeting in November.

The College, which oversees the training of pathologists and scientists working in 17 different specialties, including hematology, clinical biochemistry and medical microbiology launched the awards to celebrate excellence in pathology practice and promote high standards in pathology education, training, and research.

Dr. Bhusnurmath attributes this award to the successful joint efforts in planning and execution of many educational innovations with his wife, Dr. Bharti Bhusnurmath, co-chair of the Department of Pathology and director of the medical pathology diagnostic laboratory at SGU’s School of Medicine.

“Winning the award from the Royal College of Pathologists is truly humbling,” said Dr. Bhusnurmath, dean of academic affairs, SGU. “The College has outreach throughout the globe, including Asia, Africa, Far East, and Australia. It is satisfying to see the recognition of the combined efforts of Dr. Bharti and I spanning four decades in pathology education worldwide.”

Drs. Bharti Bhusnurmath (left) and Shivayogi Bhusnurmath

Dr. Bhusnurmath and his wife are two of SGU’s longest-tenured faculty members, having joined the University in 1996. Their accomplishments include revolutionizing clinical problem-based teaching of pathology through the extensive use of clinical vignettes in lectures; initiating audience polling systems in lectures; introducing small-group learning activities with objectives related to communication skills and professional behavior; creating a unique international clinical tutor teaching fellowship program, which has benefitted over 300 international medical graduates to study pathology; and generating an interest in pathology that has resulted in dozens of SGU graduates entering pathology residency programs in the US each year.

“In many ways, this award represents the excellence in education platforms and innovations at SGU,” added Dr. Bhusnurmath. “It was achieved only with the support of visionary leaders such as Chancellor Charles Modica, former dean of basic sciences; Dr. Allen Pensick, former vice chancellor; Dr. Keith Taylor; Dr. Steve Weitzman, dean emeritus; and our energetic new dean full of exemplary educational ideas, Dr. Marios Loukas and his team. This award should allow the flag of SGU to fly high internationally and help more students achieve their dreams of becoming a doctor at our university.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

Related Reading

Reflecting on 2021: 5 stories that illuminated the School of Medicine community

/in , , , /by

From students matching into highly competitive residency positions to alumni, students, staff, and faculty mobilizing to help Grenada combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the St. George’s University School of Medicine community made an enduring mark in 2021.

In a year full of significant news, these stories made our top highlights:

These and other stories defined the School of Medicine in 2021, underscoring the University’s aim to provide a rewarding education for students who aspire to become impactful health professionals around the world.

To read more SOM news stories of 2021, visit the SGU website.

 

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

Related Reading

 

New direct admission partnership with Fisher College

/in , , , /by

St. George’s University has announced a new direct admission partnership with Fisher College in Boston. The partnership establishes three pipelines for qualified Fisher College graduates to gain immediate entry to SGU’s Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine with a guaranteed scholarship.

“We are delighted to partner with Fisher College to help its most talented students pursue their dreams of becoming doctors,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of St. George’s University.

Students who wish to pursue a career in medicine or veterinary medicine can take advantage of the “4+4” program, which will allow them to advance to four-year MD or DVM programs at SGU after completing all prerequisites and their bachelor’s degree in biology at Fisher. The program will also grant them a $10,000 scholarship.

Under the “3+4 program,” pre-med students who demonstrate academic excellence will have the option to advance to SGU’s MD program at the end of their third year at Fisher, also with a $10,000 scholarship.

A “2+5” program will allow international students pursuing an associate’s degree in health sciences at Fisher to proceed to SGU’s five-year MD program with a $5,000 scholarship upon graduation.

Students who wish to pursue the direct admissions programs at St. George’s must express interest upon applying to Fisher College. SGU will waive application fees for accepted students and grant priority status for interviews and decisions.

In order to proceed to the St. George’s University School of Medicine, students must maintain a 3.4 grade point average at Fisher and obtain a competitive score on the MCAT. A 3.2 grade point average and competitive score on the GRE are required for entry into the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine.

“We are excited to offer our students a seamless pathway to a career in medicine,” said Steve Rich, president of Fisher College. “Our direct admission partnership with St. George’s University will ease some of the stress that students, particularly those from abroad, feel about applying to medical school.”

Infectious disease doctor sees similarities between COVID, HIV pandemics

/in , , /by

As an infectious disease fellow at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Lewis Musoke, MD ’16, is combating two pandemics at once—COVID-19, which the world has grappled with for nearly two years, and the still prevalent human immunodeficiency virus, better known as HIV.

Growing up in Kenya, Dr. Musoke was all too familiar with HIV. It was not only in the community but in his household and his circle of friends. That’s why he has committed his career to not only caring for patients afflicted with such diseases but making sure that his community is equipped with the information and resources they need to prevent it.

The St. George’s University graduate shared what he sees as similarities between the two pandemics, and the role he thinks the greater community can play to assist in the fight.

SGU: What do you think is the biggest issue in the HIV community?

Dr. Musoke: There’s a lot of stigma when it comes to HIV, and while we’ve come up with good medications to treat and suppress the virus, we still haven’t gotten to the point where we can sit down and talk about it the way we talk about diabetes or high blood pressure without feeling ashamed. And if you’re not talking about it, then in all likelihood you’re not thinking about it.

This percolates even to the physician level where people are not even testing for it as frequently as they should. We’ve become good in screening for things like colon cancer and breast cancer, but we’re still falling way short of the mark for screening for HIV, and it shows in high prevalent areas where we’re still having a lot of new infections.

SGU: What parallels do you see between the HIV/AIDS crisis and the ongoing COVID pandemic?

Dr. Musoke: The viruses are different but the principles are the same. One of the things that we can learn from HIV is the importance of getting the community engaged and educated. I think a problem that we have in this country and in the world is there’s a lot of misinformation, even at the provider level. It’s affecting our ability to be able to respond.

Back in the 1980s, the lack of education and desire to talk about HIV was what inhibited the progress of treating HIV. But the government shifted and now basically any HIV positive patient in the country, whether or not they have a job or access to healthcare, has pretty much subsidized healthcare through federal funding. My hope is that—as providers, physicians, patients, and the community—everybody understands the seriousness of these pandemics, and that we’re better equipped to tackle it as a whole. You can’t really isolate them to one part of the country. Everyone has to get involved, from all age groups or from all walks of life.

 

“SGU has a special place in my heart. I wouldn’t have done anything differently.”

SGU: What drew you to specializing in infectious disease?

Dr. Musoke: Growing up in East Africa, you’re exposed to HIV from a very young age. HIV was—and still is—a prevalent issue not just in the community but within your household and circle of friends. What was inspiring to me was how, as drug development and treatment options improved, I started to appreciate the role that community outreach played. Some of the clinical trial data and outreach strategies that were implemented in East Africa ended up being used in the United States and around the world.

What solidified this career path for me was a public health field practicum through Boston University that turned out to be in Kenya. It was in a beautiful area right at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. I had never lived there, but I had probably driven past it as a child. The purview of the project was to evaluate public health interventions that had been placed in regard to improving access to water. Doing that made me realize the importance of public health, and also that a lot of those health issues were infectious disease related

SGU: How well did you fit in at SGU?

Dr. Musoke: It was clear very early on that SGU was the perfect fit. I went there and knew six or seven people from Kenya, but then you got to meet people from different parts of the world. It was beautiful to learn about their experiences and the different paths they were on. It was a strange sense of almost feeling like I was home.

I made a lot of close friends, and I even met my wife (Chandula Seneviratne, MD ’16). For those reasons and more, SGU has a special place in my heart. I wouldn’t have done anything differently.

SGU: As an international student, did you have the support you needed?

Dr. Musoke: The basic sciences training was rigorous, but you have a lot of support from the Department of Educational Services. If you’re struggling with something, you have a good support system to help you get back on track. And SGU doesn’t create this illusion that it’s going to be easy. They make you work for it, and I think that’s key. In my clinical rotations, a lot of the physicians were very impressed with how hard-working and diligent we all were, and I think that came from training at SGU. I think that if you put the work in and network, you’re going to make it far, if not further than any US school graduate.

– Brett Mauser

Related Reading

SGU dean honored for helping launch new care management organization

/in , /by

Dr. Robert Grant, the senior associate dean of clinical studies at St. George’s University, was honored in October 2021 for his contributions to help launch the Association of Physician Leadership in Care Management (APLCM).

Dr. Robert Grant, the senior associate dean of clinical studies at St. George’s University, was recently honored for his contributions to help launch the Association of Physician Leadership in Care Management (APLCM).

Founded in November 2017, APLCM is a nonprofit association that falls under the umbrella of the American Case Management Association (ACMA), the group that represents and supports the wider care management community. APCLM develops and directs activities to benefit the physician members of ACMA, and ultimately patients and their families.

As the inaugural president of the APLCM, Dr. Grant was instrumental in defining the association’s role, mission, and bylaws. He was recognized for his contributions on October 29 at the 2021 ACMA/APCLM annual advisor leadership conference in Scottsdale, AZ.

“It became clear that an increasing number of physicians who were part of the care management field needed an outlet for advocacy and professional development. Because I was a physician advisor (at the time) at a large academic health care system, I was approached to help organize the group,” said Dr. Grant, who served as president from inception through April 2020. “I am honored to receive this recognition from my peers. I am thrilled I was able to make a positive contribution that will support physician advisors and physician leaders in case management. Ultimately physician advisors assure that patients are placed in the optimal location so that they receive the best care possible during and upon their discharge from a hospital stay.”

In order to identify additional peer physicians to be recognized for their contributions in case management, APLCM developed a Care Management Physician Certification (CMPC) for physician advisors, Dr. Grant added.

Launched in 2021, the CMPC credential seeks to “improve patient outcomes by establishing national standards and requisite knowledge for the physician advisor role as well as establishing increased visibility for the profession and validation of holders for their engagement and commitment with care management physician leadership.”

Added Dr. Grant: “Students should know that the journey to become and then practice as a physician can open up many doors. In addition to active roles as clinicians there are many kinds of opportunities in health care delivery that doctors can become involved with over their careers as a physician.”

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

Related Reading

Residency success 101: How to ace your application, interview, and first day on the job

Intern of the year’s advice for future physicians: “Don’t give up and don’t take no for an answer”

Family medicine resident wins prestigious AAFP award