“Pizza, Pets and Vets:” SVMAA fosters alumni-student connections with relaunched lunchtime workshops

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Pizza Pets and Vets - photo of SVM graduate, student, SVMAA and Alumni Affairs administration

The Office of Alumni Affairs and SVMAA relaunched a networking initiative designed to give SVM students on campus a fresh perspective on what it is like to work in the field of animal care and to create connections between students and SVM graduates.

St. George’s University’s Office of Alumni Affairs and School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association (SVMAA) recently relaunched a networking initiative designed to give SVM students on campus a fresh perspective on what it is like to work in the field of animal care and to create connections between students and SVM graduates.  

Renamed “Pizza, Pets and Vets,” the lunchtime talk series was kicked off on September 13. More than two dozen aspiring veterinarians gathered at Charter Hall Lab to listen to Kimberly Ferizolli, DVM ’14, medical director and lead veterinarian at Central Florida Community Pet Clinic. She shared her experiences as a veterinarian and co-founder of the nonprofit organization that offers high-volume, high-quality spay and neuters, mainly to feline patients. Her comments were followed by an engaging Q&A period and, of course, a pizza lunch. 

“Coming back to the island and talking to the students was a way to pay it forward,” Dr. Ferizolli said. “It’s so great to give back to SGU because that’s where my dream started. I wanted to let students know that no matter how hard school is—it is possible to make your dreams come true and to continue on with your goals.”

View reel

 

“Students can greatly benefit from the wealth of knowledge, experiences, and shared community amongst our more than 2,500 esteemed SVM alumni,” said Tara Paterson, DVM ’03, MSc, president of the SVMAA and associate professor of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery at SGU. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring together our alumni community with our current students, creating connections and fostering a spirit of learning that lasts a lifetime.” 

 

Alumni who are planning to visit Grenada, please email aa-svm@sgu.edu or SVMAA President Dr. Tara Paterson if you would like to volunteer for a “Pizza, Pets and Vets” workshop. 

 

Alexandra Prince, a Term 4 student and current SVM president within SGU’s Student Government Association, attended Dr. Ferizolli’s talk, noting that the session was very informative. 

“It was genuinely really amazing,” Ms. Prince said. “I think we as students are looking for those networking opportunities.”  

Ms. Prince is interested in veterinary medicine that specializes in exotic and aquatic animals, as well as surgery and feline medicine. “I want to meet as many veterinarians who specialize in these areas as possible to get a good idea of what each field actually looks like in practice,” she said.  

Student networking and mentorship opportunities

“Pizza, Pets and Vets” is just one of the ways that the Office of Alumni Affairs and SVMAA plan to increase engagement between SVM students and alumni.  

In addition, Ms. Prince has been named the SVM student-alumni representative. Having Ms. Prince in this position will further encourage connections and networking among the two groups as she shares how alumni can help make students’ SGU experience more valuable, SVMAA said. Ms. Prince said she hopes to connect students with alumni based on their area of veterinary interest or geographic location as part of her role. 

 

“It was genuinely really amazing. I think we as students are looking for those networking opportunities.”

 

Students on campus will also have opportunity to connect with SVM alumni attending the upcoming VetBolus conference, taking place in Grenada November 2 to 4. During the “Alumni Student Night,” students will be able to speak with several SVM graduates in a speed-dating type of environment.  

“The immediate goal of Alumni Affairs is to improve alumni engagement across all our support areas, which include connections with prospective students, current students (future alumni), and other alumni,” said Dr. Brendon La Grenade, SGU’s vice provost for Institutional Advancement. “This will be done through selective programming, driven by alumni interest, like ‘Pizza, Pets and Vets.’ We encourage all SVM alumni to follow your newsletter and SGU social media, stay in touch with SVMAA current events, and share your ideas with us.”   

SVM alumni interested in sharing their professional experiences during a “Pizza, Pets and Vets” lunchtime talk (in person or virtually) should email aa-svm@sgu.edu or contact SVMAA President Dr. Tara Paterson.  

 

— Tonya Duncan and Laurie Chartorynsky

  

 

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

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Lasell University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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SVM Fall 2023 White Coat Ceremony - group picture

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

 

View SVM White Coat Ceremony Instagram reel

 

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

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

 

Benjamin Self, SVM student, during WCC

 

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

– Benjamin Self
Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

 

Tatyana Thompson, SVM student, at White Coat Ceremony

 

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

– Tatyana Thompson
Nassau, Bahamas

 

Nicholas Aaron, SVM student, at White Coat Ceremony

 

 

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

– Nicholas Aaron
Trinidad and Tobago

 

 

Taylor Edwinson, veterinary student, at SVM White Coat Ceremony

 

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

– Taylor Edwinson
El Paso, Texas

 

 

View the full SVM White Coat Ceremony on YouTube

 

   – Ray-Donna Peters

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SVM alumna featured on Animal Planet TV series

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Dr. Regan Schwartz, 2019 SVM graduate

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

A Passion for Helping Animals

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

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

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

 

Regan Schwartz, a 2019 School of Veterinary Medicine graduate.

 

– Madeline Otto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

A 20-year legacy

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Kilgore ended on an inspirational note.

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

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

 

—Madeleine Otto

 

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

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St. George’s University has launched a new partnership with Husson University that will give qualified Husson students fast-track status and priority entry into the St. George’s School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine.

“Husson University is the premier professional educator in Maine,” said Dr. Philip A. Taylor, III, dean of the College of Science and Humanities at Husson University. “Agreements like this one with St. George’s University, smooths the transition of students from our rigorous undergraduate healthcare programs to graduate education. Maine, and the rest of the world, will need more qualified physicians to deliver care.” Medical Economics magazine supports this conclusion. According to a recent article, an estimated 6.4 million more physicians are needed to provide universal health coverage (UHC) across the globe.

Simultaneously, there is also a pressing need for more veterinary professionals. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates that employment opportunities for veterinarians will grow 19 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growing pet populations, increased pet longevity and new treatment options are driving the need for more professionals in this discipline. Creating a path that will help meet the increased need for medical and veterinary professionals makes this agreement important.

“This partnership will provide invaluable opportunities for Husson students to become leaders in the medical and veterinary fields,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, Dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “St. George’s is delighted to add Husson to our global network of partner institutions — and make graduate study in medicine and veterinary medicine accessible to a new group of promising students.”

The new partnership establishes “4+4” programs at the St. George’s University Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Husson students who complete four years of pre-medical or pre-veterinary coursework and meet all requirements for admission are fast-tracked for admission into four-year programs at the St. George’s Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Candidates for the programs must achieve a strong undergraduate GPA and competitive test scores on relevant entrance exams.

Students accepted into the “4+4” program at the School of Medicine also receive a $10,000 scholarship from St. George’s, distributed to them over their four years of study.

Students who enroll in the St. George’s University School of Medicine can complete their first two years in Grenada or spend their first year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and their second in Grenada. All SGU medical students spend their final two years in clinical rotations at hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Veterinary medicine students spend their first three years in Grenada and their final clinical year at schools in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

“This partnership offers Husson students the opportunity to pursue an education that leads to a successful career. The international aspect of these programs also provides students with the opportunity to better understand international perspectives,” said Melissa Rosenberg, Husson University’s executive director of admissions. “We look forward to working together with St. George’s to help educate the next generation of doctors and veterinarians.”

Meet the School of Veterinary Medicine 2023 Commencement Speaker

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The 2023 commencement speaker for the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine commencement on June 4 is Brittney Kilgore, DVM. Dr. Kilgore is an SGU SVM alumna and a veterinarian at Lifeline Animal Project in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to her work as a veterinarian, Dr. Kilgore is actively engaged on social media, bringing awareness to special cases and alternative therapies in veterinary medicine.

SGU News sat down with Dr. Kilgore to ask her a few questions about life as a veterinarian and her advice for future SGU graduates.

St. George’s University: What is your ultimate career goal?

Dr. Kilgore: To open a feline-only clinic emphasizing integrative approaches to medicine and therapies.

SGU: Do you plan to incorporate your social media influence into your career? If so, how and what do you think about the potential of social media for other veterinarians?

Dr. Kilgore: I currently try to show special cases and bring awareness to alternative therapies. I’m huge on education, so I like expanding other people’s knowledge on the options for animals, whether as pets and owners or even just participating in veterinary medicine in unique ways such as podcasts, pop-up events, etc. Social media growth requires dedication, but many out there love to see what their pet’s veterinarian is like and what makes them stand out.

SGU: Is there a standout memory/moment from SGU that you feel exemplifies your experience?

Dr. Kilgore: This is a hard one, as so many memories exemplify my time at SGU. I’d say giving tours as an ambassador. From giving tours of the school and answering questions about SGU to making vlogs around the island to show what all Grenada was about outside of SGU was one of my most impactful memories. SGU was an amazing experience to receive my DVM degree, and living in Grenada played a huge role in that experience as well.

SGU: Do you have advice for prospective/entering students?

Dr. Kilgore: I always tell people to keep their heads up. It’s a long journey and not easy, but it’s so rewarding when you can finally say and do the things you’ve always dreamed of. Keep that dream alive and front and center at all times.

SGU: What would it be if you had to leave your graduating class with only one message?

Dr. Kilgore: Always remember to experience life outside of this career, as we did as students on our island home. We will dedicate so much to this profession throughout the years, but we must find time to discover ourselves and live life to the fullest.

—Madeleine Otto

 

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37 SVM Students Secure Competitive Internship and Residency Positions through 2023 VIRMP Match

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Vet small animal clinic with cat

Relief and excitement echoed across St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine as 37 students and graduates secured competitive internship and residency positions within the 2023 Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).  

SGU-trained veterinarians achieved a match rate of 69.8 percent, the highest among Caribbean veterinary schools. This rate compares favorably to the 53.2 percent match rate for all schools—including those in the US—according to data released by the VIRMP, a program sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC).

Beginning in June, the veterinarians will begin their specialized training in areas such as small animal internal medicine, emergency and critical care, surgery, cardiology, neurology, and diagnostic imaging.

These positions are situated at prestigious institutions, including Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, and others within the SVM’s network of clinical affiliates as well as hospitals across the US and Canada.

“While veterinary school is challenging on all levels as students strive to earn their DVM, the effects of the pandemic over the last few years added another layer of challenges to these students, and we are so proud of their ability to shine even in the face of adversity,” said Dr. Neil Olson, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. “Matching in the VIRMP is a true testament to their dedication to the veterinary profession and the care of animals. I have no doubt they will continue to learn and grow as professionals and I wish them the best of luck in their postgraduate training.”

Students shared their reactions to learning they matched and their advice for future veterinarians.

Ida Yate-Lavery, DVM ' 23, matched in the VIRMP

Ida Yates-Lavery, DVM ’23
Hometown: Renfrew, Ontario
Matched: Cornell University
Specialty: Small animal internal medicine rotating internship

Match Day reaction: I am so excited and honored to have matched to my top choice internship.

Career plans: I plan on applying to small animal internal medicine residencies next year. This internship will give me valuable experience in small animal internal medicine that will prepare me for a residency.

Advice for students: Don’t stress too much about the process.

Matthew Pickens, DVM '23, matched in the 2023 VIRMP.

Matthew Pickens, MSc, DVM ’23
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Matched: University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
Specialty: Small animal rotating internship

Match Day reaction: Excited and relieved that I get to continue working with amazing clinicians at the University of Tennessee.

Career plans: I would like to specialize in zoo medicine. After I complete the small animal rotating internship, I plan on applying for a zoo/exotic/aquatic specialty internship. Afterwards, I will apply for a residency in zoo medicine. My overall interests are marine mammal and aquatic medicine and I would like to eventually include research on sea turtle fibro papillomatosis.

Advice for students: The Match is very competitive, especially if the program you are applying to has only one spot available. My advice is to make as many connections as possible. Having simple conversations with people in your field and establishing yourself can take you a long way. Knowing people in the field could help mentor you through the process and help point you in the direction to your next opportunity.

SVM student Shelby Morales, DVM '23, matched in the 2023 VIRMP.

Shelby Morales, DVM ’23
Hometown: Sugarland, TX
Matched: Arizona Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Center
Specialty: Small animal rotating internship with emphasis in emergency and critical care

Match Day reaction: It honestly took a minute to set in. I opened it by myself in my room. When it finally hit me, I was so excited and  immediately called those close to me to let them know.

Career plans: I love emergency medicine and plan to pursue a career in it after completing my internship. The internship I selected gives me a lot of exposure to emergency situations and surgery while supervised to add that extra support. The internship gives me the chance to build a stronger foundation of skills and knowledge before I go off on my own as a doctor.

Advice for students: Actively engage in your rotations during clinical year. Build relationships with your doctors and absorb as much from them as you can. Finding support that helps you navigate the process, and potentially writes you a letter of recommendation will help with the anxiety and the ease of the process.

SVM student Adriana Kalaska, DVM '23, matched in the 2023 VIRMP

Adriana Kalaska, DVM ’23
Hometown: Montreal, Canada
Matched: VCA Canada—Mississauga Oakville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital
Specialty: Small animal rotating internship

Match Day reaction: I was thrilled and relieved to hear that I had matched at my top ranked hospital. The program is one that I’m excited about, and I will also be much closer to home than I have been for a few years. It was great to finally have an answer on where I would be working for at least the next year.

Career plans: I plan on becoming a board-certified small animal surgeon. This small animal rotating internship is the first step in a multi-step process to accomplish this! Following this year, I will apply for a specialty surgical internship then a residency.

Advice for students: Building relationships with your clinical rotation clinicians is essential. Try to repeat rotations that are specific to your interests so that you can ask for a great reference. The VIRMP standardized letters are heavily clinical skills- and client communication-based, which makes our clinical instructors important for a successful match!

SVM student Devon Cruz-Gordillo matched in the 2023 VIRMP.

Devon Cruz-Gordillo, DVM ’23
Hometown: Miami, FL
Matched: Angell Animal Medical Center—Boston
Specialty: Small animal rotating internship

Match Day reaction: I was honestly shocked. I know Angell is one of the most renowned programs in the country and very competitive so when I learned I was chosen for a spot in their small animal rotating internship program—I was ecstatic!

Career plans: I enjoy practicing specialty medicine and receiving cases that are normally referred for tertiary care and am very interested in emergency and critical care medicine as well as internal medicine. I plan to let my internship year guide me.

At Angell, I’ll be mentored by reputable clinicians in their respective specialty fields and bank that knowledge to be used in my future practice of medicine. I also know that being an intern in this program will make me a great clinician, as it is believed that one year in this program is equivalent to three to five years of general practice. Moreover, this internship allows me to be the primary doctor and make my own treatment decisions. I believe doing this is how I will determine which specialty I want to continue in or to continue onto general practice.

Advice to students: Don’t stop yourself from applying if you think you are not as competitive compared to your classmates. If you really want it, go for it. It is important to know your medicine, perform well in clinics, and show that you have a great attitude no matter what. Doing that will take you far.

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

 

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