School of Medicine Archives - Page 2 of 34

SGU Unveils Campus Enhancements for New Academic Year

August 27, 2024/in Front Page News, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Graduate Studies, School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine /by rpetersgmail

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ray and Jan Sis Hall expansion
Charter Hall Veterinary Lab
Founder Annex classroom
Multi-faith prayer area
Multi-faith prayer area
Multi-faith prayer area (ablution area)
Dog park
Dog park
Large animal farm
LARF teaching area/classroom
Nutmeg dorm upgrade
Nutmeg dorm upgrade
Tiki bar

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

– Ray-Donna Peters 

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

August 26, 2024/in Front Page News, School of Medicine /by jkimmins

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

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

“Czech” yes to new experiences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Observing patients…and giraffes

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

Tiara Singletary with her cohort in Kenya

Tiara Singletary with one of the Kenya international selective cohorts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experiences to shape a career

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

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

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

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

— Juliette Kimmins

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

August 21, 2024/in Front Page News, School of Medicine, University /by lchartor

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

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

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

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

Core clerkships offered

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

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

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

An audition for residency

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

“We are excited to offer students more opportunities to train in the US,” said Dr. Daniel D. Ricciardi, executive vice president of SGU’s clinical network development. “These clinical site additions allow SGU to expand upon a system that has proven successful not only in the education of our medical students, but also in creating a community for students to thrive. We are thrilled to add these new locations to our broad clinical network.”

— Laurie Chartorynsky

Related articles:

SGU Students Aid in Grenada’s Relief Efforts Following Hurricane Beryl

July 31, 2024/in Front Page News, In The News, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Graduate Studies, School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University /by rpetersgmail

In the wake of the destruction to Grenada caused by Hurricane Beryl, St. George’s University students stepped up to aid in the island’s recovery from the storm.

“We are so incredibly proud of our students for their empathy and immediate action,” said Dr. Lucy Clunes, SGU’s dean of students. “By responding so quickly to this urgent need, they have been instrumental in Hurricane Beryl relief efforts and giving back to Grenada. A special thank you goes out to the Student Government Association for their coordinated efforts with the Department of Public Safety. It’s been overwhelming to see how much they have been able to do in such little time.”

Hurricane Beryl was the earliest forming Category 5 hurricane on record and the first for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Although the storm was only the third hurricane in almost 70 years to the island, it caused widespread devastation to the northern parishes of Grenada, and severely impacted the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Many residents there lost their homes and/or businesses, while other areas were uninhabitable.

From traveling to the northern part of Grenada and Carriacou to assist with clean-up efforts and reconstruction to organizing critical emergency supply donations to be dispersed to those who need it most, here are a few examples of how SGU students volunteered to help the island and its residents.

SGU volunteers in Carriacou

As a proud Grenadian and aspiring veterinarian at SGU, Cédric Verdier was eager to be a part of a six-member team made up of current SGU students and alumni who volunteered in Carriacou.

“Grenada and its sister islands are my home so of course I wanted to help rebuild,” said Cedric, who is a Term 3 veterinary medical student. “At first, I was shocked to see buildings I had known now in ruins, but we remained in high spirits, and this allowed us to get a lot of work done in a short space of time. In the end, it was beautiful to see something build itself back up.”

The mini expedition to provide aid in Carriacou was organized by Grenada’s Ministry of Health and the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA). In addition to Cédric, the SGU volunteers comprised of School of Arts and Sciences students and alumni, who worked under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Solomon, professor emeritus and former director and chair of the Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Department.

The team worked in both the field hospital and in the community assisting the nursing staff in their duties and helping construction workers with reroofing the Princess Royal Hospital and the hurricane shelter, which also suffered partial roof damage. They were supported by Horizon Yacht Charters in Grenada, which provided them with transportation, food, water, and accommodation while in Carriacou, so as not to further impact the island’s limited resources.

“These young people were respectful, amazing, and hard working,” said Dr. Solomon. “In the evening, we would debrief about what things they had seen and the stories they had heard while working. I really believe that this experience has had a positive impact on these students and alumni for the better.”

Dylan Solomon, BSc ’22 – Project Manager, Physical Plant Department, SGU

“Many describe the men, women, and children of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique as one big family. So, to be able to give back in any way possible is important to me,” acknowledged Dylan Solomon, BSc ’22, who is now a project manager at SGU. “While studying at SGU, disaster management topics and hurricane preparedness were both discussed in a number of the courses I took. Working at SGU has exposed me to various construction practices, which allowed me to effectively understand and physically be a part of the rebuilding process.”

Students collaborate with the Red Cross Society

Following the hurricane, School of Medicine student Daniel Perry, who is on campus for his third term, immediately jumped into action to help with clean-up efforts in one of most impacted areas of Grenada—the northern parish of St. Patrick. He contacted the Grenada Red Cross Society to register as a volunteer and soon assembled a team of more than 60 SGU medical students ready to volunteer on clean up duty.

“The Grenadian people have welcomed us with open arms as we try to follow our dreams,” Daniel shared, who is a native of Austin, TX. “It only felt right to give back to the community that has given us so much.”

The SGU volunteers worked to help clean up a beach within a community that used it for everything from relaxation to events such as weddings and birthday parties.

As someone who grew up experiencing hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina, Term 3 SOM student Lucinda Eberly, who hails from New Orleans, LA, was touched by the generosity of the Grenadian people.

Lucinda Eberly, Term 3 School of Medicine Student

“Right before we left for the day, local residents in the area brought coconuts for us to drink as a way of thanking us for our help,” shared Lucinda. “This gesture, from people who’ve literally lost everything they own, was so special to witness and receive.”

The students were even featured in a news story for what they did.

SGA delivers critical supplies

Almost immediately following the “all clear” on SGU’s True Blue campus, Term 3 SOM student Andres Assing and others in the Student Government Association expressed the same sentiment: ‘What can we do to help?’ The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl had created critical needs for food, water, clothing, and other emergency supplies for many in its wake.

As the SGA’s vice president of operations, Andres, along with the help of fellow students, partnered with the Grenada Yacht Club to expedite a shipment of donations to those most affected by the storm. Working alongside SGU’s Department of Public Safety, the group helped to transport items such as non-perishable food, household supplies, and hygiene productions to the loading bay to be shipped off.

In addition to coordinating the SGU Student Relief Aid Drives, Andres created an SGA GoFundMe page, which has raised over US$12,000 to be used as part of the NaDMA disaster relief efforts.

“My biggest takeaway from this experience was seeing the power of community,” Andres said. “Witnessing the power of our student body and the University focus on one single goal—the traction we were able to make overnight was incredible. Seeing people come together to donate, plan, and give their time for this island has been nothing short of amazing.”

Want to get involved with hurricane relief efforts? Join SGA’s WhatsApp group chat to learn more about future events, including their upcoming school supply and toy drive for the children of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

– Ray-Donna Peters

SGU Grad One of the First Surgeons to Use Cutting-Edge Robotic Surgery Device

July 22, 2024/in Alumni, Front Page News, School of Graduate Studies, School of Medicine /by jkimmins

A St. George’s University School of Medicine alum is making her mark as one of the first surgeons in the country to use a new advanced robotic system to treat her patients, including in emergency care.

Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital, where Andrea Pakula, MD ’07, MPH ’03, serves as medical director of robotic surgery, is one of only 10 hospitals in the US chosen as a premier access site to receive the da Vinci 5 in its early release phase.

The da Vinci 5 is one of the newest and most advanced surgical robots in its field. Dr. Pakula is one of the first surgeons in the country to use the advanced system, according to a recent news article highlighting the da Vinci 5 and the benefits to patient care.

Dr. Pakula demonstrating using the da Vinci 5

Dr. Pakula demonstrating the da Vinci 5

At Adventist Health Simi Valley, Dr. Pakula is a general and acute care surgeon practicing in all aspects of general surgery including bariatric, foregut, and colon surgery with a passion for hernia repair. Board-certified in both general surgery and surgical critical care, she performs surgeries and procedures entirely with the Intuitive Surgical da Vinci Robotic platform, including in her emergency surgery practice.

The da Vinci 5 allows surgeons to operate with more precision and gives them the ability to perform complex operations through only a few small incisions. This makes for much faster recoveries and return to normal activity for patients without the need for pain medications, Dr. Pakula said.

“This has worked really well for my practice,” Dr. Pakula told Intuitive, the da Vinci 5’s manufacturer. “It’s allowed me to expand minimally invasive surgery to the patients that I see through the emergency room. We’re now able to do minimally invasive surgery any time of day or night, with the same level of care.”

In the same interview with Intuitive, Dr. Pakula said that this trend is important because it means that more surgical patients can be managed with an approach that may be less invasive, potentially contributing to fewer complications and shorter hospital stays, compared to open surgery.

Helping patients get back to their lives in the fastest, most painless way possible is Dr. Pakula’s goal and her favorite part of the job.

“I truly enjoy my patients and being able to take part in their care,” Dr. Pakula told SGU News.

An accomplished surgeon at the forefront of the field of robotic surgery, Dr. Pakula reflects on her drive and perseverance to reach where she is today. She credits SGU with helping set her on a path to success, which she capitalized on with her own determination.

“The education I received at SGU allowed me to get into one of the best fellowships in the country, and that drive has stayed with me and allowed me to excel in my career,” said Pakula.

– Juliette Kimmins

Related Reading

SGU grad named Infectious Diseases Society of America fellow

July 17, 2024/in Alumni, Front Page News, School of Medicine /by lchartor

St. George’s University School of Medicine graduate, Jarod Fox, MD ’11, FIDSA, is among the 2024 class of distinguished physicians recognized by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

St. George’s University School of Medicine graduate, Jarod Fox, MD, FIDSA, is among the 2024 class of distinguished physicians recognized by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Dr. Fox, who is the chair of the infectious diseases department for Orlando Health and the site director for the infectious diseases group at the institution’s Health Central Hospital in Ocoee, FL, was elected as a Society fellow in May 2024 and honored with the “FIDSA” designation.

“It is a huge honor to be recognized by my colleagues both locally and nationally,” said Dr. Fox.

A fellowship in IDSA is one of the highest honors in the field of infectious diseases. It recognizes professional excellence in and contributions to the field of infectious diseases. Dr. Fox is among 128 IDSA fellows for 2024 who were nominated by their peers and met criteria that included: continuing identification with the field of infectious diseases, national or regional recognition, and publication of scholarly work.

“The 128 individuals chosen to receive the FIDSA designation this year have demonstrated a commitment to advancing ID, and we are proud to honor their work and dedication,” IDSA President Steven K. Schmitt, MD, FIDSA, said in a press release announcing the fellows. “These ID physicians and scientists represent a community of leaders around the globe who are on the front lines of research and clinical care and represent the passion and commitment to educate and protect us from dangerous illness.”

An infectious disease physician specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Doctors who specialize in infectious diseases manage illnesses that affect every body system.

“I have always enjoyed microbiology and infectious diseases specialists are often referred to as the ‘Sherlock Holmes of medicine,’” said Dr. Fox. “We enjoy puzzles and figuring out the cause of a patient’s illness. I look forward to continuing my career in infectious disease for years to come and to mentor the next generation of medical detectives.”

A typical day for an infectious disease physician

A typical day in the hospital for Dr. Fox usually starts with a thorough review of patients’ microbiology labs. He then visits with his patients at their besides, reassuring them of any concerns. He makes any necessary changes to their treatment and strategizes with patients’ other treatment providers. Once a week, Dr. Fox sees patients who have been discharged from the hospital and meets with referrals from other physicians in an outpatient clinic.

“I have had a number of cases that have stuck with me over the years,” Dr. Fox said. “It is satisfying to be a part of a patient’s cure and to see them enjoy life again.”

Dr. Fox does all this and more as faculty member of Orlando Health’s infectious diseases fellowship program. He is also involved in the hospital’s antimicrobial stewardship program and infection prevention activities.

Improving antimicrobial stewardship can involve “restricting certain antibiotics to specific infections, recommendations to stop antibiotics when they are not necessary, and optimizing dosage of antimicrobials to ensure that patients receive the right drug at the right dosage for the right duration to treat their particular infection,” he said.

Career beginnings

Dr. Fox graduated from SGU’s School of Medicine in 2011. From there, he began an internal medicine residency at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, GA, completing it in 2014. He then moved on to an infectious disease fellowship at Orlando Health, which he completed in 2016, formally joining the medical group the following year.

“SGU allowed me the opportunity to learn both the science and art of medicine,” said Dr. Fox, who was born in Sulphur Springs, TX and grew up in Greenville, SC. “I enjoyed my time on the island in Grenada. The faculty on the island gave me my base of medical knowledge and a desire to be a lifelong learner which is required to be an outstanding physician.”

He also appreciated joining SGU’s vast alumni network of over 22,000 physicians. SGU-trained doctors have practiced in numerous specialties across the US and globally.

“For those looking to become a physician, SGU is a great place to learn,” Dr. Fox said. Graduates are “well prepared for whatever field they decide to go into.”

— Laurie Chartorynsky

Meeting a critical demand: 300+ SGU graduates begin residency in NY, NJ

July 10, 2024/in Alumni, Front Page News, School of Medicine, University /by lchartor

St. George’s University School of Medicine graduate, Varshitha Tumkur Panduranga, MD ’24, couldn’t wait to start her internal medicine residency at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, NY—her top choice for medical residency.

“During residency, I eagerly anticipate advancing my abilities as a physician, striving to refine both my theoretical understanding and practical skills,” Dr. Panduranga recently said. “Engaging in the intellectually stimulating realm of internal medicine, I aim to master deductive reasoning to deliver optimal care. The hospital where I have matched serves an underserved population and I am [also] eager to work in that environment and make a meaningful impact on their lives.”

Dr. Panduranga is one of the 332 recent SGU graduates who began their postgraduate training at New York- or New Jersey-based hospitals this month. As residents, they will further train in specialties including: internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, family medicine, anesthesiology, ob/gyn, pediatrics, psychiatry, and more. She and her colleagues join nearly 10,000 SGU-trained doctors who have done postgraduate training in area hospitals over the years, according to SGU data as of June 2024.

Committed to communities

As the physician shortage in the US continues to be projected in the tens of thousands, SGU School of Medicine graduates are helping to meet the demand for doctors. For the 10^th year in a row, SGU is the largest provider of new doctors to the US healthcare system and is helping address the physician shortage in the US.* Overall, more than 930 newly minted SGU MDs will embark on their intern year of residency training, offering a welcome addition at hospitals around the US.

The breadth of SGU’s impact on the healthcare workforce is none more evident than in New York and New Jersey. Many of the area’s hospital systems are located in communities where the need for doctors, particularly primary care physicians, is significant.

NYC Health + Hospitals, for instance, the largest municipal healthcare system in the country, serves over 1.2 million New Yorkers annually in over 70 locations, including 11 acute-care hospitals across the five boroughs. NYC Health + Hospitals serves some of the most marginalized populations in New York City, according to its 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment Report.

To help combat the physician shortage in the metro-New York area, the CityDoctors Scholarships Program, a partnership between SGU and NYC Health + Hospitals offers SGU med students full- or partial-tuition awards. It is designed to attract and educate students committed to serving in urban hospitals. To date, the CityDoctors program has made a career in medicine possible for more than 80 students, many of whom now practice in the communities in which they were raised.

In New Jersey, the need for primary care physicians is also critical, particularly for family physicians and general internists, according to a January 2024 report from the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute. The report supports the notion of advanced primary care teams in New Jersey to ease the physician shortage.

Residents headed beyond the NYC metro areas, such as Barilee Abueh Idemudia, who is starting her internal medicine residency at the University of Buffalo, will also fill a vital need for physicians in New York and New Jersey.

“I am looking forward to making a meaningful impact on patient care, gaining hands-on experience, and honing my clinical skills while being a doctor my patient needs,” Dr. Idemudia said.

SGU 2024 First-Year Residencies in NY and NJ

Over 300 SGU graduates began their residencies at New York- or New Jersey-based hospitals this month. They join nearly 10,000 SGU-trained doctors who have done postgraduate training in area hospitals over the years, according to SGU data as of June 2024.

Close to home

Many former SGU students also choose to continue their medical training in New York and New Jersey so that they can be closer to home.

“As we have a large number of students who hail from the New York-New Jersey area, many look to continue their education and training in areas where they grew up and have family,” said Dr. Robert Grant, SGU’s senior associate dean for clinical studies. “These newly matched students join a significant number of our alumni who are already practicing and contributing to patient care within the New York and New Jersey healthcare systems. We know they are well prepared and ready for the challenge of residency.”

Kelise Harris, MD ’24, began an anatomical/clinical pathology residency at Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY—not far from her hometown of Mount Vernon, NY.

Starting a residency close to home means Dr. Harris can better understand “what my patients needs are, the common pathologies they may present with, the circumstances that create these pathologies, and the pathways in which they may progress,” she said.

“It is a great feeling to be part of a healthcare system that is local to me and my community,” she added. “You form deeper, meaningful connections with your practice when it’s familiar territory; you no longer work from a place of trying to imagine yourself in someone’s shoes when you can draw from a well of genuine empathy because I am reminded that I am helping my neighbor.”

SGU in collaboration with three New Jersey hospitals—Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, and St. Joseph’s Medical Center—offer an opportunity for incoming med students hailing from New Jersey to practice in their own communities. The SGU CARE Scholarship allows recipients to receive partial, half, or full tuition to attend SGU and then complete their clinical rotations at hospitals near their hometowns.

“I am looking forward to working and continuing to learn the specialty I love, in the community I grew up in, around doctors I shadowed and learned from as a pre-medical and medical student,” said Emily Rienzo, MD ’24, a first-year surgery resident at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and CARE scholarship recipient.

Developing professional relationships

With more than 75 clinical sites available for SGU students to train in the US, UK, and Canada, students have opportunities to develop professional relationships with the clinical faculty who work at these institutions, particularly in New York and New Jersey. These networking opportunities can potentially help lead to a residency position and even employment beyond residency, Dr. Grant added.

“Having completed most of my clinical rotations at St. Joseph’s Hospital, I am particularly excited about joining their team of phenomenal physicians,” said Justin Eadeh, MD ’24, a PGY-1 emergency medicine resident at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, NJ. “Their dedication to teaching and fostering a supportive learning environment is something I witnessed firsthand, and I am eager to further develop my skills under their mentorship. Additionally, the familial culture they uphold resonates deeply with me, and I am thrilled to become a part of such a close-knit community.”

Following residency training, SGU-trained doctors will become “a well-known and highly capable pool of physicians,” noted Dr. Grant. “They are the kind of doctors—predominantly primary care physicians—that these communities need.”

*As the medical school graduating the largest number of students per year, SGU places the largest number of graduates into residency programs each year, based on internal SGU graduate/expected graduate and residency placement data as of March 2024.

— Laurie Chartorynsky

SGU’s Class of 2024: School of Medicine Honors the Perseverance of New MD Grads at Commencement

June 14, 2024/in Events, Front Page News, School of Medicine /by rpetersgmail

In a wave of excitement and anticipation for their burgeoning careers in medicine, newly minted doctors eagerly accepted their diplomas during St. George’s University School of Medicine’s 43^rd commencement ceremony.

Proud families and friends looked on as their loved ones walked across the stage during two ceremonies held on June 1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY for the Class of 2024.

SGU Chancellor Charles R. Modica commended the students during his remarks.

“You had every reason not to succeed,” he said, referring to the challenges that they experienced during their medical education due to the global pandemic. “But you chose to persevere. You showed great resilience. You believed in yourselves, and your family and friends supported you. One of the greatest thrills and honors of my life will be to hand you a diploma and address you as ‘doctor’.”

Experience the joy, celebration, and overwhelming pride of new graduates at the 2024 SOM Commencement. View the reel!

School of Medicine Dean Marios Loukas also acknowledged the many obstacles that the students overcame to receive their MDs.

“Today we recognize your hard work, your dedication, and your unwavering spirit,” said Dr. Loukas. “Each and every one of you is an inspiration. Medicine is not merely a profession. It is a noble pursuit and calling to serve humanity and alleviate suffering. Congratulations graduates the world awaits—go forth and make us proud.”

The Class of 2024 joins a network of more than 22,000 alumni in the United States and around the world. This summer, 930+ graduates will begin residency programs in more than 40 states and the District of Columbia, securing positions in over 20 specialties.

This also marks the 10^th consecutive year in which SGU has been the largest provider of new doctors to first-year US postgraduate residencies.*

Did you miss the ceremonies? View SOM Commencement on YouTube

* As the medical school graduating the largest number of students per year, SGU places the largest number of graduates into residency programs each year, based on internal SGU graduate/expected graduate and residency placement data as of March 2024.

– Ray-Donna Peters

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

37 Aspiring Physicians Inducted into Gold Humanism Honor Society at 2024 Ceremony

June 14, 2024/in Front Page News, School of Medicine /by jkimmins

Thirty-seven St. George’s University School of Medicine students were recently inducted into the prestigious Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS), pledging to put compassionate care and human connection at the center of their careers. This year’s ceremony took place on May 31 in New York City.

Established by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in 2002, the goal of GHHS is to foster and incorporate humanism in medical education. Over 160 medical schools have a GHHS chapter, awarding thousands of students with honors.

Since the inception of SGU’s chapter of GHHS in 2005, the organization has recognized medical students, resident physicians, and physician educators who demonstrate excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion, and dedication to service. Students inducted into the GHHS are in the top 10 percent of their class and often involved in community service.

“We are here to celebrate your induction into this honor society and to pause and be reminded of some powerful ingredients in the delivery of excellent patient care—namely, compassion and connection with the human spirit,” Dr. Toni Liggins, associate dean of clinical studies and GHHS faculty advisor, said at the ceremony. “We hope to inspire and develop life-long advocates for patient-centered care following graduation from SGU.”

Two graduating chapter members—Sadik Uddin, MD ’24, and Hiranya S, MD ’24 (expected)—were chosen to speak at the ceremony. “Impact of Humanism,” delivered by Dr. Uddin, outlined the chapter’s successes, celebrated the new members, and explained more about the chapters’ projects. Hiranya gave the “Go Forth and Do Good” speech, which underscored the importance of constructive social change through living the values of compassion, empathy, and integrity.

Putting words into action

Each of this year’s inductees will choose one of three ongoing, student-led service projects within the SGU chapter. The goal of project participation is for students to interact with medical education in new ways and to go beyond participation in a one-time service project. The student projects are as follows:

Medical Humanities, team leads Clara Keum and Kendra Butler

This project is a social media initiative meant to encourage reflection and discussion among medical students about mental health, physician burnout, death and grief, stereotyping, and other related issues.

Suicide and Mental Health Awareness, team leads Danielle Lombardo and Priya Atodaria

Those who partake in this project participate in walks, both virtual and in person, that are sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) with the goal of raising awareness and funds for the cause.

Reach Out and Read (ROR), team leads Daniel Grunberg and Cynthia Gutierrez Luna

In contributing to the mission of Reach Out and Read, a national organization, students get involved by reading to children in person, prerecording videos to share, donating books, or fundraising money to buy books. The project focuses on children with limited access to books, many belonging to historically marginalized communities.

Beginning a career of compassion

Dr. Robert Grant, senior associate dean of clinical studies, emphasized that with the privilege of practicing medicine comes the great responsibility to maintain compassion, strong ethics, and empathy. He believes this recognition should be viewed as an introduction to a career where the values of Gold Humanism are at the forefront.

“Induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society is not merely an honor but validates your commitment to remain as an exemplar of compassionate care and humanism always,” Dr. Grant said. “The continuous bond of trust, respect and communication is the foundation for—and the responsibility we hold dear—as doctors.”

–Juliette Kimmins

Match Day 2024: Grenadian SGU Student Secures Highly Competitive US Residency Position

May 22, 2024/in Front Page News, In The News, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Medicine /by rpetersgmail

What does it feel like to match into residency? Just ask St. George’s University medical student Toya Ameda, BSc ’21. Toya, who hails from Grenada, secured a highly competitive residency in the United States in interventional radiology. She is one of 930 soon-to-be graduates of SGU to secure US postgraduate residencies in the 2024 match cycle.

“As you can imagine, the match process was both nerve-wracking and incredibly fulfilling,” said Toya, who is expected to graduate next week from SGU’s School of Medicine. “Finding out that I matched felt surreal. A weight had been lifted off my shoulders, as I now had confirmation that I would actually be an interventional radiologist.”

In July, Toya will be relocating to Miami, FL to begin her career as a preliminary surgery resident at Jackson Memorial Hospital. She will then transition to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA to start her integrated interventional radiology residency in 2025.

View SGU Match Day Instagram reel

At the Forefront of Medical Treatment

Match Day is a monumental occasion for all aspiring doctors—the moment they discover where they are going for residency training and what specialty they will be entering.

SGU students matched into at least 22 specialties this year, including highly competitive positions in fields such as: anesthesiology, vascular surgery, urology, and Toya’s chosen field of interventional radiology— a medical sub-specialty of radiology utilizing minimally-invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system.

One of the reasons why an interventional radiology residency is seen as so competitive is the rapid pace of technological advancement in this field. Interventional radiologists must stay up to date on the latest imaging techniques and treatment options and be skilled at using complex equipment like CT scanners and fluoroscopes.

Toya chose interventional radiology as her specialty because she believes it is a revolutionary medical field—offering minimally invasive treatments to patients from routine procedures to lifesaving ones.

“Its incorporation of the latest technologies and innovative techniques ensures that patients receive the most innovative advances in treatment without having to opt for the traditional invasive route,” she said.

Dr. John Madden, director of SGU’s Office of Career Guidance and a former faculty member at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, was thrilled to learn that Toya matched into the university’s interventional radiology residency program.

“She will be part of a very large and prestigious healthcare system in the Philadelphia region,” said Dr. Madden. “I know from personal experience at this academic center that she will be joining fellow residents and staff who are at the cutting edge of medical procedures and has the potential to become a world class interventional radiologist.”

SGU Alumni Support

Many students rejoiced and breathed a sigh of relief on Match Day 2024. For Toya, she is forever grateful to her mentor and SGU alum, Sumeet Bahl, MD ’13, and couldn’t imagine not having him guiding her through the process.

As someone who had been in Toya’s shoes vying for a residency spot in the same specialty, Dr. Bahl is now a practicing interventional radiologist at The Brooklyn Hospital Center and one of her biggest champions.

“I saw the fire in her as soon as I met her,” Dr. Bahl said. “She had incredible board scores, was well-spoken, and showed up for everything. She was called to one of the most competitive fields in medicine. There are very few black women in our field, let alone international medical graduates. This is a huge deal for the field, women in medicine, and her country.”

A Daughter of the Soil

From as far back as she could remember, it seemed Toya, who grew up in New Hampshire, St. George’s, desired academic greatness. In 2015, she garnered public recognition of her scholastic prowess by winning the Grenada Brain Bee Challenge, while attending St. Joseph’s Convent (SJC), St. George’s.

Two years later, Toya brought home the coveted Alan A. La Grenade Shield Award to SJC and promptly topped that a year later, when she was honored at the National Youth Awards ceremony for academic excellence.

Toya’s academic dominance led her straight to SGU, where after becoming one of Grenada’s prestigious Island Scholars she was awarded a scholarship to attend the University in 2019. She enrolled as a premedical student in SGU’s five-year MD pathway and two years later graduated from the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) with a bachelor’s degree in medical sciences.

“From the moment she arrived on campus, Toya has been impressing us all with her outstanding academic abilities,” praised Dr. Lucy Eugene, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “As a graduate of SAS, we are extremely proud of Toya and all that she has accomplished so far. Her accomplishments can be an inspiration to our students and speak to all that is possible with hard work and dedication. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for the soon-to-be Dr. Ameda.”

The Journey to Future Dr. Ameda

Practicing medicine was not always the goal for Toya. She originally wanted to be a veterinarian.

“It wasn’t until my late teens that I recognized the need for improved healthcare in Grenada and felt that my calling was instead human medicine,” shared Toya.

The journey to making that dream come true began with her decision to apply to SGU as a premedical student. By choosing SGU, Toya felt that it made sense not only because she is Grenadian, but she would also get to remain close to home, while still receiving an international education encompassing academic excellence and a rich, multicultural environment.

Another benefit for Toya was that she also received SGU’s Grenadian Scholarship Award.

“I am incredibly grateful to have received this scholarship,” said Toya. “It has allowed me to pursue my studies without worrying about tuition and provided additional benefits that greatly enhanced my medical school experience.”

During her time at SGU, Toya immersed herself in several extracurricular activities and student clubs. She was a part of the Iota Epsilon Alpha (IEA) International Honor Society and Women in Medicine (WIM) student organization while on island, where she had the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community.

“I couldn’t imagine another medical school experience other than my time at SGU,” stated Toya. “One of my greatest accomplishments was conducting the mini-health fairs in Grenada that I pioneered during my clinical years. I worked with the Grenada Government’s Ministry of Health to reach the wider community and recruited first and second year SGU medical students to participate. I felt honored to give back to my Grenadian community and can’t wait to continue doing so on an even bigger scale.”

With a highly competitive residency position secured, the future Dr. Ameda said she ultimately hopes to practice interventional radiology in Grenada.

“This will allow me to help Grenadians and other Caribbean nationals gain access to advanced healthcare without having to travel abroad,” said Toya. “Until then, I plan on being a part of global health initiatives like RAD-AID, a nonprofit public radiology service that delivers life-changing healthcare to underserved communities worldwide.”

– Ray-Donna Peters