SGU Announces Partnership with University of North Alabama

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St. George’s University has announced a new direct-admission partnership with the University of North Alabama. The program establishes a pathway for qualified North Alabama graduates to gain immediate entry to the St. George’s Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

“We’re excited to team up with the University of North Alabama to educate a new generation of doctors and vets,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of St. George’s University. “Our program offers students a seamless transition along the way to these vital professions, both of which are currently facing extreme shortages.”

The partnership establishes a “4+4” program, in which students spend four years at each institution. Those who wish to qualify must express their interest at the time they apply to the University of North Alabama. To ensure they can proceed to St. George’s, students must complete all undergraduate coursework, meet minimum grade point averages, and score competitively on the Medical College Admission Test or the Graduate Record Examination. St. George’s University will waive application fees and fast-track students in the program for application review, interviews, and admission decisions.

All students in the program offered medical school admission are guaranteed a $10,000 scholarship.

UNA graduation

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, and the Netherlands.

“At St. George’s, we make it possible for our students to pursue a truly international education,” Dr. Olds said. “We’re eager to welcome students from the University of North Alabama to our community.”

“We are pleased to offer our students this opportunity to accelerate their careers,” said Dr. Chunsheng Zhang, senior vice provost for international affairs at UNA. “The direct admissions program will dramatically simplify the graduate school admissions process at a time when new veterinarians and doctors are desperately needed.”

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SGU Announces Direct-Admission Partnership with Beal University

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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.”

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

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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.

 

 

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Animal-Human Connection at Heart of Caribbean Veterinary Medical Conference

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As the science of veterinary medicine evolves, the veterinary professional continues to play an integral role in the socio-economic development of the community. In collaboration with the Grenada Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA), St. George’s University welcomed more than 100 such professionals to the 32nd Biennial Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association (CbVMA) virtual conference earlier this month.

Under the theme, “The Veterinarian and the Community,” the two-day event brought together regional and international veterinarians and scientists from North America, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom.

“The importance of hosting this conference at this time cannot be overemphasized,” said Dr. Eugene Rennie, president of the GVMA and newly elected vice president of the CbVMA. “As our region becomes more intricately woven into the global village, it was indeed a clarion call to bring together colleagues and professionals from the global community to discuss animal welfare and its impact on the human community.”

Amongst the 30 main presenters were 16 SGU faculty members, as well as 17 SVM alumni attendees. By partaking in the conference, participants were also eligible to receive 30 RACE credits.

“This conference presented an opportunity for continuing education that is reflected in being abreast with new scientific information as it relates to the profession, and to promote collegiality, which is one of the building blocks of intellectual strength,” added Dr. Rennie. “It was also an ideal platform for a ‘community of practice,’ which is an important alternative source that can be tapped into as participants to further enhance our knowledge.”

Topics covered at the conference included video and live presentations on:

  • One health one medicine
  • Small and large animal medicine
  • Exotics and marine animal medicine
  • Apiculture
  • Veterinary acupuncture
  • Poultry and swine medicine
  • Equine microchipping
  • Animal wellness and health
  • Using diagnostics to grow the veterinary clinic
  • Effects of the pandemic on the veterinary profession

 

“The veterinary profession is multifaceted and veterinarians play a crucial role in society,” stated Crissy-Ann Harrylal, DVM ’16, BSc ’12, instructor in the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology. “It is not a profession that only deals with animal care, but all species imaginable, including humans. Veterinarians are involved in public health/disease prevention, food security, zoonoses, environment, animal welfare, biosecurity, and research.”

With his election to the board of the CbVMA, Dr. Rennie intends to champion the revitalization and restructuring of the GVMA. Future plans for the organization include, creating a veterinary council; formulating an Animal Act, which would be critical legislation encompassing proper control of animal health, animal welfare, and veterinary public health policies; and fostering mechanisms for collaboration and cooperation between the veterinary services and the Government of Grenada.

 

– Ray-Donna Peters

 

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Outstanding Achievements Celebrated During SVM Awards Ceremony

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The School of Veterinary Medicine hosted its bi-annual SVM Awards Ceremony honoring students, faculty, and staff for their outstanding achievements during the fall term. Twenty-four different sets of awards were presented during the virtual event, to students who demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, professionalism, and work ethic as well as to faculty and staff who demonstrated remarkable service and commitment to veterinary education. 

“It’s such an important aspect of the School of Veterinary Medicine to honor the very special achievements of students, faculty, and staff,” said Dr. Neil Olson, dean of the SVM. “With all of the challenges presented while learning during the current global pandemic, what better way to lift the spirits than to acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices they’ve made to make this program and our students successful.” 

In addition to Dean Olson, Dr. Glen Jacobs, provost of SGU also addressed the online crowd. He shared his heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and expressed his hope to attend the next award ceremony in person. “This is our fourth virtual awards ceremony, but I cannot wait for it to be held face-to-face in Grenada and we can all celebrate together again.” 

The ceremony also recognized 24 new inductees into the Alpha Delta Chapter of the Phi Zeta Honor Society—11 from Term 5, 13 from Term 6, and three faculty members. Seven students were awarded Dean Olson’s Award for Academic Excellence, which is given to Term 3 students with the highest GPA (as of the end of Term 2) and who embody professionalism. 

“It’s such a joy and pleasure to bring everyone together to celebrate excellence amongst our faculty, staff, and students,” said Dr. Anne Marie Corrigan, associate dean of academics, during her closing remarks. “It truly shows the passion and love for what we do on a daily basis in veterinary medicine and that you’ve worked so hard to be successful.” 

SGU Island Veterinary Scholars Program (Boehringer Ingelheim)  

Allison Kearney, Adrian Jones 

Outstanding Colleague Awards 

Term 1: Miller Young 

Term 2: Giana Gigantino 

Term 3: Molly Ginn 

Term 4: Leandra Margolies 

Term 5: Sheriden Nicholes 

Term 6: Brittney Kilgore, Adriana Kalaska, Marc Bremmer 

Dean Olson’s Award for Academic Excellence 

Selina Nackley, Amanda Ernst, Natalie Hollo, Anca Gagliardo, Logan Bernstein, Adrian Jones, Maureen Kruhlak 

Adrienne Lotton Memorial Award 

Brian Greene 

Zoetis Awards

Zoetis Award for Research Excellence: Daniel Fitzpatrick    

Zoetis Revolution Awards of Excellence 

Small Animal Internal Medicine: Gemma Carter 

Small Animal Surgery: Adriana Kalaska 

Equine Medicine and Surgery: Ashley Law 

Food Animal Medicine and Surgery: Tiara Key 

Scholarship of Service Award: Yvonne White 

Student Research Award: Madison Kucinick 

SVM Alumni Scholarship award: Maggie Macpherson 

Giant Paws Giant Hearts Foundation “Hercules” Award  

Matthew Pickens 

PAWS Recognition for Term 6 Facilitators 

Maggie Macpherson, Erika Brewer, Gemma Carter, Marc Bremmer, Priyanka Mehta, Luca Mak, Thomas Conley, Corinne Ross, Jessie Whitfield, Louis Carusillo, Colleen Courtney, Vianca Hernandez 

Veterinary Public Health Committee 

One Health One Medicine Community Leader Award: Ashley Wyman 

Student Organization Awards

The Feral Cat Project  

Most Valuable Trapper: Elizabeth Peck 

Most Valuable Faculty/Staff: Imika Pascal 

SGUSVM Large Animal Society 

Most Valuable LAS Member Award: Bianca Mower 

 SVM Wellness Committee 

Wellness MVP Award: Dr. Adria Rodriguez 

AAARF: Angels in Armor Animal Rescue Fund 

Friends of AAARF Awards: Sarah Mikhail, Taryn Williamson  

SCACVIM: Student Chapter of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine 

Internal Medicine MVP Award: Bethany Sakowski 

SVECCS:  Student Chapter of the Emergency and Critical Care Society 

Outstanding Member Award: Sisina Macchiarelli 

Outstanding Clinician Award: Dr. Flavia Restitutti 

SNP: Spay Neuter Pothound  

Pothound Student Hero Award: Lauren Abrams 

Pothound Faculty/Staff Hero Award: Quacy Matthew 

SCACVP: Student Chapter of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists  

The MVP (Most Valuable Pathologist) Award: Taryn Paquet 

EWS: Exotics and Wildlife Society 

Most Valuable Primate Award: Brianna Jacobs 

VBMA: Veterinary Business Management Association 

Impact Award: Gemma Carter 

The Pinckney Parasitology Award 

Letty Bonilla 

DES Recognition Awards 

Brin Cerbone, Kisten Braccili, Cassandra Morales, Angelica Melara, Daniel Ingram, Courtney Kennedy 

Alpha Delta Chapter of the Society of Phi Zeta 

Fall 2021 Inductees 

Term 5 Inductees

Ireny Barsoum, Natasha Brown, Rachel Bryan, Karli Collins, Alex Chang, Karine Comeau, Kayla Duncan, Chloe Eaton, Priscilla Leinberger, Glenna Maur, Lauren Pierce 

 Term 6 Inductees

Sarah Beckner, Remington Campbell, Joelle Chami, Iesha Clouden, Thomas Cronly, Sara Hyman, Jennifer Klapko, Ashley Law, Danica McGuire, Erin Rickey, Alyssa Ungemach, Jessie Whitfield, Bahareh Ziai 

Phi Zeta Specialty Faculty Recognition for Their Work in Promoting Research and Scholarship  

Veterinary faculty: Dr. Stacey Byers, Dr. Satesh Bidaisee 

Honorary faculty: Ms. Elizabeth Peach 

SGU SVM Outstanding Staff Awards 

Technical staff: Keshia John  

Administrative staff: Cindy Edwards  

Hill’s Golden Apple Teaching Award 

Dr. Stacey Byers 

 

 

 

– Ray-Donna Peters 

 

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In Memoriam: Dr. Ravindra Sharma

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St. George’s University mourns the loss of longtime faculty member Dr. Ravindra Sharma, who passed away on Friday, November 28.

Dr. Sharma joined the School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 as a professor of veterinary pathology, and as chair of the Department of Pathobiology, a position he held until 2011. In addition, he played a crucial role in helping the SVM earn accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2011.

“The SVM would not be what it is today without the vision and leadership of Dr. Sharma,” said Charles R. Modica, chancellor of SGU. “We are extremely grateful not only for the tutelage he provided our students in the classroom but for his contributions in the development of graduate programs and in research.”

“All of us at SGU extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Sharma’s friends and family,” added Dr. Calum Macpherson, dean of the School of Graduate Studies. “Dr. Sharma was an outstanding professor and mentor for our students, and he will be sorely missed.”

Dr. Sharma published more than 190 research articles in peer-reviewed journals worldwide, including research centered around livestock such as poultry, goats, and sheep. For his leadership in research, he was awarded the Pfizer Excellence in Research Award at SGU in 2008.

As associate dean of the School of Graduate Studies, and as associate director of research at SGU from 2003-2017, he played an important part in developing graduate degree programs and was crucial in cultivating SVM students’ own research projects and interests. His book, “A Veterinarian’s Journey in India and Abroad,” details his career in academia and research across continents, and is available for purchase on Amazon.

“He cared a lot about the students,” said Dr. Diana Stone, who worked with Dr. Sharma as chair of SGU’s pathobiology department from 2013-2017. “He would go out of his way to create research opportunities for them.”

Dr. Sharma came to SGU after professorships at the University of Zambia, Shahid Chamran University (Iran), and Great Al Fateh University of Medical Sciences (Libya). His professional associations included being an associate member of the American Association of Avian Pathologists from 1994, and a member of the editorial board of such publications as the Journal of Animal Research, Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology, and International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health.

Dr. Sharma is survived by his four children: son Pramod and his wife Alka; son Deepak and his wife Bhumika; as well as daughters Sheela and Shilpa.

– Brett Mauser

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5 Stories that Chronicled the School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021

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From students matching into highly competitive postgraduate positions to alumni from all different backgrounds making a difference in their patients’ lives worldwide, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine students, faculty, and alumni made their mark in 2021.

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

  • 2021 SVM graduates showed their resiliency and determination as they completed their studies during a global health crisis, joining SGU’s network of more than 2,100 Doctors of Veterinary Medicine around the world.Read: 2021 class of new veterinarians recognized for their resilience and perseverance
  • Many of these graduates took the next step in their careers by matching into residency and internship positions such as diagnostic imaging, oncology, emergency medicine, neurology/neurosurgery, and others.Read: SGU vets rank high in VIRMP match
  • Earlier this year, Maria Coppola became only the second-ever SVM student to assume presidency of SGU’s Student Government Association. Her aspirations while in the position were to “influence other SGA representatives to have a strong voice and to continue to work for positive change on campus.”
    Read: Coppola becomes second-ever vet student serves as SGA president
  • When it comes to the ongoing COVID pandemic, the School of Veterinary Medicine sprang into action last year becoming Grenada’s national testing site at the onset of the pandemic. SGU furthered that initiative by developing a state-of-the-art diagnostic molecular facility on campus that will provide timely and appropriate diagnostic services for the University and potentially the region and serve as a research facility for emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases and other infections.Read: On-campus lab strengthens diagnostics, education, and research in Grenada
  • Minorities have been historically underrepresented in the veterinary profession. To that end, three graduates of the School of Veterinary Medicine shared their perspectives on the issue of diversity in the field and how they plan to make a difference by paying it forward.Read: SGU grads changing the face of veterinary medicine

     

These and other stories defined the School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021, underscoring the University’s aim to enhance student success and grow the number of animal health professionals around the world.

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

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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New direct admission partnership with Fisher College

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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.”

SVMAA raffle spurs vet grad’s long-overdue return to campus

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What does it feel like to return to Grenada for the first time in 10 years? Just ask Preston Smith, DVM ’12, who recently returned to the island courtesy of the School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association

As winner of the SVMAA’s 20th anniversary raffle, which took place in 2019, Dr. Smith was awarded a one-week stay at the University Club as well as $1,500 USD toward flights. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it wasn’t until October of this year that Dr. Smith and his wife were able to travel to Grenada.

“I know that I have wanted to come back for some time,” said Dr. Smith, an associate veterinarian and assistant medical director at Veterinary Surgical and Referral Hospital in Cary, NC. “I just didn’t know how much I had missed Grenada until I walked off the plane at Maurice Bishop Airport. My wife laughed at me a fair bit for my excitement to be walking around the island again. It gets into your soul and changes you for the better for the rest of your life.”

Among the activities the couple took part in while visiting were sightseeing and scuba diving (the graduate was certified as a student), visiting campus (and being amazed at the transformation, he said), and connecting with several former professors, including Drs. CV Rao and Tara Paterson.

Two years ago, the SVMAA ran the contest to commemorate the school’s 20th anniversary. Raffle tickets were sold to more than 160 SVM alumni. The drawing took place that summer at an SVMAA alumni reception in conjunction with the American Veterinary Medical Association’s annual convention. Since then, proceeds from the raffle have funded a scholarship award, which the SVMAA gives to a deserving sixth-term vet student twice each year.

SGU News caught up with Dr. Smith while he was on island.

St. George’s University: What have you missed the most since leaving Grenada?

Dr. Smith: As strange as it sounds, I just wanted to be back. I really love it in Grenada. I’ve missed the people and culture. There is just something about it here that makes it feel like home. I’ve missed waking up to the sounds of the waves and the smell of the ocean. I’ve missed chatting with all the friendly people. I’ve missed the food. There is really nothing that I haven’t missed.

I’ve wanted to take a trip for some time, but between two internships, a residency, and two kids, there wasn’t the ability to do so. I have mentioned diving so often that my wife got her scuba certification prior to coming. We spent several mornings diving. We went on several hikes and trips to the waterfalls. I was disappointed that we couldn’t make it to Fish Friday in Gouyave.

SGU: How did it feel to connect with former professors?

Dr. Smith: There is something about getting to see the people from 10 years ago that, while things were different, they were still very much familiar. Knowing that a lot of the people who made it what it was for me while I was in school are still there, made me miss Grenada just that much more.

SGU: How was your SGU experience when you were a student?

Dr. Smith: My overall experience at SGU was amazing. I went into my clinical year at Louisiana State University as prepared, if not more so, than the students from that school. I think it is because we had so many more technical and hands-on labs.

I loved that the vet school as a whole felt like family. Everyone was willing to help anyone who needed it, professors included. That sense of family was very necessary being so far away from home. In addition, Grenada itself is a beautiful country, and it was awesome getting to spend so much time there and take in the culture and activities the island has to provide. There was always something going on, which really helped to mitigate the stress from school. I loved that time of my life.

SGU:  You are currently an assistant medical director for the clinic you work at, but you actually specialized in anesthesia. What is it about the specialty that appeals to you?

Dr. Smith: I was lucky enough to have a great professor—Dr. Jill Price—for anesthesia while I was at SGU. In addition, the anesthesia department at LSU was very friendly and easy-going. They made learning a lot of fun. Now, there is something I really enjoy about educating and trying to elevate the analgesia practices in the clinics around me.

SGU: Advice for current or incoming SVM students?

Dr. Smith: My advice for students:

  • Make friends with everyone from professors to the local vendors. There is so much information to be found from everyone, and they are friendships and bonds that can help you for the rest of your life.
  • Study hard. Even the most basic information will help in the long run.
  • Take the time to relax. There are not many people that get to spend three years on an island in the Caribbean.
  • Take in the culture. Go to Fish Friday, go on a catamaran, and try the different food and drinks. It will make the experience even more memorable and open your eyes to new things you may have never guessed you would enjoy.
  • But most of all, cherish your time. While it seems like the hardest and most stressful time of your life—and it certainly could be at the time—you may find that it is also the best.

 

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

 

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Research Day returns to SGU

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After a two-year hiatus since a record-breaking turnout in 2019, the True Blue campus was once again buzzing with excitement as faculty, students, and local and regional visitors arrived at Open and Upper Modica Hall for the 19th SGU Research Day and Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day on October 23.

For the first time, the event featured both in-person and virtual presentations. A faculty panel made up of judges from SGU and outside of the University reviewed the presentations and chose winners for each category based on originality, scientific merit, and level of involvement. All winners (complete list below) was presented with a plaque at an awards ceremony held on November 9 at Open Modica Hall.

“This year’s Research Day/Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day was unique in its hybrid delivery, which facilitated participation by faculty and students around the world,” said Dr. Calum Macpherson, director of research at St. George’s University. “Many thanks to all who presented, attended, or assisted with this year’s Research Day and made the event such a success.”

All told, 135 individuals attended Research Day on campus while 67 registered online. Faculty and students from all four schools at SGU contributed 55 oral presentations—21 of which were virtual—and 51 poster presentations, with 25 presenting online.

Highlights included Grenada’s chief medical officer, Shawn Charles, MD ’17, MIB ’07, MBA ’08, who was accompanied by the Ministry of Health’s senior medical officer, Myanna Charles, MD ’16, MPH ’21, in delivering the first of over a dozen presentations on the COVID-19 experience in Grenada. Other COVID-related topics included SGU’s contribution to screening and surveillance, vaccination and vaccine administration in Grenada, as well as reasons for vaccine hesitancy.

Best Faculty Oral Presentation

  1. Anne Marie Corrigan – SVM
  2. Shaniza Haniff – SOM

Best Student Oral Presentation

  1. Madison Kucinick – SVM
  2. Daniel Francis – SAS
  3. Caitlyn Hatcher – SOM

Best Faculty Poster Presentation

  1. Firdous Khan – SVM
  2. Karla Farmer-Diaz – SOM

Best Student Poster Presentation

  1. Ireny Barsoum – SVM
  2. Melissa Joseph – SOM

Best Psychological Services Center Presentation: Dr. Cecilia Rougier

Best Department of Educational Services Presentation: Oluwatosin Omobolanle Arubuolawe

Best WINDREF Presentation: Tania Khan

– Ray-Donna Peters

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