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

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photo of SGU campus

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

“St. George’s University is delighted to offer this new opportunity for aspiring doctors and veterinarians from Suffolk County Community College to pursue degrees in medicine and veterinary medicine with us,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “SGU is tremendously proud to partner with SCCC and to offer multiple pathways to healthcare careers with flexible options to meet students’ different academic objectives.”

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

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

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

SGU School of Medicine works with a network of more than 75 hospitals and health systems in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, offering clinical and ambulatory training. The School of Veterinary Medicine offers clinical training at over 30 affiliated institutions in six countries.

Participating students will be eligible to be considered for all of SGU’s School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine scholarships and grants. SGU granted more than $71 million in scholarships in the 2023-2024 academic year.

 

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SGU Grad Thrives as Grenada’s High Commissioner to UK

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Her Excellency Rachér Croney, MBA ’13, BA ’09, has had quite the whirlwind year since her appointment as High Commissioner for Grenada to the United Kingdom in 2023. The St. George’s University graduate recounted one of the most memorable events in the position so far—meeting with His Majesty King Charles III, which she described as both “a thrilling and humbling experience.”

In her new role, High Commissioner Croney is responsible for promoting diplomatic relations between Grenada and the UK, by developing economic, cultural, and scientific partnerships between the two countries. The scope of issues she handles daily ranges from administrative tasks, such as providing consular services for Grenadian nationals and those wishing to visit or immigrate to Grenada, to making policy decisions that can have a global impact.

“It’s exciting and humbling to be appointed as the High Commissioner for Grenada in the UK,” said Her Excellency. “It brings me immense joy to be able to represent my country and advance the Government of Grenada’s developmental agenda. While the job is not without its challenges, it only serves as motivation to be even more innovative, persistent, determined, and focused.” 

 

Before a career in diplomacy

High Commissioner Croney graduated with honors from SGU’s School of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and later from the School of Graduate Studies with a master’s in international business administration.

While earning her undergraduate degree, the High Commissioner simultaneously interned at a Grenada TV station. During that time, she helped the SGU public speaking team win the Sonic Foundry’s 2007 Global Reach Award at the Rich Media Impact Awards Ceremony in Madison, WI.

“SGU provided me with many opportunities,” the High Commissioner said. “Not many can say that they enjoyed an international education right at home—this was my experience at St. George’s University, and for that I am grateful.”

Following the completion of her degrees, she served as an executive member in both schools’ alumni associations. High Commissioner Croney also worked as a communications specialist within SGU’s Office of University Communications and Publications, as it was then known.

Her experiences at SGU prepared her for the world of diplomacy—particularly learning and engaging with people of different backgrounds and cultures.

“Embracing diversity in culture, working with people from all walks of life, and advocating for Grenada are perhaps some of the things I enjoy most about my job today,” she said.  

 

A newfound passion for diplomacy

When the opportunity to work at the United States Embassy in Grenada came along, High Commissioner Croney eagerly stepped into the new role—certain it would allow her the chance to make a more meaningful impact in both Grenada and the wider Caribbean region.

While there she served as political and economic specialist, where she was the senior advisor to the US Chargé d’Affaires on all political, economic, social, and security issues that impact the implementation of US foreign policy in Grenada and the Eastern Caribbean.

“My years at the US Embassy defined my vision and birthed my passion for diplomacy and international relations,” said the High Commissioner. “It is where I came into my own, and where my job became a career—it felt right, it felt natural, it felt like home.”

High Commissioner Croney served at the US Embassy for almost a decade before being appointed to the prestigious position of High Commissioner for Grenada to the UK last year. She described her year so far as not only exciting but rewarding too.

“At the end of the day there is nothing more fulfilling than working for your country and doing the best you can to help promote its advancement,” she said. “My greatest hope is that during my tenure in London I can contribute to the socio-economic development of my country and play my part in building the beautiful tri-island nation of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.”

She looks back on her time at SGU with fondness.

“It is during my years at the University that I grew, challenged myself professionally, and carved out the career path I chose to pursue,” reflected Her Excellency. “I am thankful for the lecturers, staff, and every engagement I had there for they have holistically played a significant part in my journey towards where I am today.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

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

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

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

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

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

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

Students’ clinical rotations will take place with SGU affiliates, including those in the United States and the United Kingdom. SGU School of Medicine works with a network of more than 75 hospitals and health systems in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, offering clinical and ambulatory training. Students who have graduated from Laurier within the past five years are eligible to apply to the program, meaning the agreement will also benefit Laurier alumni.

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

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

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

SGU Alumni Charity Drive Aids Grenadians Impacted by Hurricane Beryl

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Hurricane Beryl relief efforts

Photos courtesy of Grenada’s Office of the Prime Minister.

Drawing on the generosity and compassion of the St. George’s University community, the School of Medicine Alumni Association (SOMAA) and friends led a successful charity drive this summer to help those impacted by Hurricane Beryl in Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and northern Grenada.

“On behalf of the SOMAA, we are grateful to our SGU family for helping us raise more than $77,000 for this worthy cause,” said Matthew Melamed, MD ’14, MPH ’08, FACEP, president of the SOMAA. “SGU’s connection to the people of Grenada as well as its sister islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinque, is innate. We felt it crucial that we do our part as an organization to support them during their time of need, and we could not have done it without the generous donations from the SGU community and friends. Thank you for your help.”

The monies donated will be used to aid in the re-establishment of medical and clinical services in areas devastated by Beryl.

Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall in Carriacou on July 1, 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.

 

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

 

Through a coordinated partnership with the SGU Alumni Affairs department, the Grenada COVID Crisis Group, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Grenadians United in Virginia Inc., SOMAA was able to respond swiftly to the humanitarian crisis on the ground.

The Grenada COVID Crisis Group was formed during the global pandemic to organize a relief effort for the island during a time of much uncertainty. The Grenadians United in Virginia Inc. is an organization whose focus for the past 25 years is to extend medical assistance to Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinque, according to Dwight Matthias, MD ’93, secretary of the SOMAA Executive Committee, coordinator of the Grenada COVID-19 Crisis Group, and vice president of Grenadians United in Virginia.

“It was a natural fit for the groups to come together to assist those affected by Hurricane Beryl,” said Dr. Matthias. “It has truly been a team effort—and we will continue to extend our assistance where needed.”

The request for assistance was put out shortly after the storm made landfall, and the response from alumni and friends has been nothing short of remarkable, according to Brendon La Grenade, EdD, SGU vice provost of Institutional Advancement and head of Alumni Affairs.

“This was the first national crisis faced by Grenadians since the COVID-19 pandemic and it is no surprise that our alumni rallied to help the island they once called home,” Dr. La Grenade said. “We cannot thank you enough for being the wonderful humanitarians that you are. We are happy to report that, through efforts like these, the situation on the islands of Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and northern Grenada continues to improve daily. Your willingness to support this effort has truly made a difference.”

SGU also recognizes alumni who have visited, or plan to visit, the island to pitch in with relief efforts.

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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

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Clinical training

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

 

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

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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

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

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300+ SGU grads start residency in NY + NJ

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 10th 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

 

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SGU’s Class of 2024: Graduates Shine at SAS, SGS Commencement Ceremony

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The St. George’s University Schools of Arts and Sciences, and Graduate Studies Class of 2024 was both proud and thankful as they received their degrees on Saturday, May 18 at the Grenada Commencement Ceremony. Proud families and friends filled Patrick F. Adams Hall in celebration as graduates crossed the stage at the milestone event.

This year’s graduating class included more than 180 students from the School of Arts and Sciences, and 71 from the School of Graduate Studies. Medical degrees were also conferred on 28 new physicians from the School of Medicine in attendance.

 

View Grenada Commencement Ceremony on YouTube

 

Addressing the nearly 300 graduates from 40 countries was Dr. Joy St. John, executive director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and this year’s keynote speaker.

“To the Class of 2024, congratulations,” said Dr. St. John. “As we celebrate your achievements, we also celebrate the future you will shape. Walk with confidence knowing that you are well equipped to navigate the complexities of the world and shine your light.”

Dr. Satesh Bidaisee (left), Dr. Joy St. John (center), and Dr. Calum Macpherson (right)

For her impressive track record of achievements in public health systems management and development and health diplomacy, Dr. St. John was inducted into the Delta Omega Honor Society, the oldest public health society in the world, which celebrates its centenary anniversary this year.

In addition, SGU hosts the Gamma Kappa chapter of the Delta Omega Honors Society and inducted the top 10 percent of this year’s MPH graduates into the chapter for demonstrating excellence in education and scholarship in research and service.

 

View Grenada Commencement Ceremony Instagram Reel

 

Proudly representing the School of Graduate Studies as class speaker, Dr. N’Kosha Fletcher knew exactly how her classmates felt. In addition to graduating today with a Master of Public Health in preventive medicine, she also earned her MD in 2014 and BSc in 2011 from SGU.

Dr. Calum Macpherson (left), Dr. N’Kosha Fletcher (center), and Dr. Glen Jacobs (right)

“Today you receive your degree,” Dr. Fletcher said. “But may you also receive the courage and determination to get out there and strive for excellence. Embark on this new chapter…embrace every opportunity. Chase your dreams and create a life you love.”

Joining Dr. Fletcher as a commencement speaker was SAS valedictorian Shakira Lee. Ms. Lee completed her Bachelor of Science in information technology with a perfect 4.0 GPA and is currently the personal assistant to the Honorable Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy in Grenada.

Dr. Lucy Eugene (left), Shakira Lee (center), and Dr. Glen Jacobs

“Throughout this academic journey, I learned that perseverance is not simply about enduring,” shared Ms. Lee. “It is about forging ahead with purpose and passion. To you, my fellow graduands let your stories be guided by the resilience and determination that has brought you this far. Let our lessons inspire us to act, innovate, and elevate the world around us.”

Ceremonies for the Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine will take place at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on June 1-2.

– Ray-Donna Peters

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Match Day 2024: 8 SGU Students Secure Residency Positions in Canada Through CaRMS Match

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Alexandra Robertson

Eight St. George’s University students will be joining the healthcare system in Canada this summer with MDs at the end of their names.

Eight St. George’s University students will be joining the healthcare system in Canada this summer with MDs at the end of their names, having matched into competitive residency programs through the first iteration of the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) R-1 Main Residency Match.

Students matched into residency programs in four Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario. More SGU students are expected to earn residency positions in the second Canadian Match iteration on April 25.

“We are extremely proud of our students for matching into competitive programs across the country,” said Jibran Vahidy, SGU’s director of admissions and partnerships, Canada. “These students will join hundreds of other SGU alumni who have returned to Canada to pursue their medical careers. We acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments, as well as the positive impact they will have on communities as well-rounded, caring, and competent physicians.”

Dr. Alexandra Robertson, MD ’23, felt a combination of relief, excitement and “pure joy” upon learning that she matched into an internal medicine residency at the University of Alberta.

Dr. Robertson, who hails from Edmonton, Alberta, is looking forward to returning home to practice medicine and to “continue to grow both as a doctor and as a person as I navigate whatever new challenges residency brings.”

“My journey in medicine at SGU has taken me from the United Kingdom, to Grenada, and across the United States and Canada. I have been enriched by being exposed to many different healthcare systems, electronic medical records, teaching environments, team structures, cultures, and patient populations. I have had the good fortune of being able to make deep and meaningful connections with mentors and friends along the way,” Dr. Roberston said. “The path is difficult but rewarding for those who are willing to go on an adventure!”

On March 15, more than 930 SGU students and graduates secured post-graduate residencies at health centers around the United States in the 2024 match cycle. Visit our 2024 residency listing page for a complete list of SGU physicians who will begin their residencies this summer.

 

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky and Juliette Kimmins

 

 

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SGU Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence of the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine

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Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine

The Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at St. George’s University School of Medicine is celebrating 25 years of offering a Master of Public Health to students and contributing to building a competent public health workforce globally.

 

The Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine is celebrating 25 years of offering a Master of Public Health to students and contributing to building a competent public health workforce globally.

The program, which opened its doors in the spring of 1999, has since matriculated more than 1,000 students specializing in health policy administration, environmental and occupational health, preventive medicine, veterinary medicine, global health, epidemiology, and other professional fields.

“On behalf of the St. George’s University community, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of our Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the School of Medicine at St. George’s University.  “The department, with its focus on preparing students for the wide range of careers in the field of public health and preventive medicine, exemplifies SGU’s commitment to our mission of positive global impact and a truly international education.”

Early Beginnings

SGU’s public health program was the brainchild of Dr. Allen Pensick, former provost of the University. His desire to establish a public health program stemmed from the importance of equipping medical students with a holistic approach to medicine—allowing SGU-trained physicians to not only provide clinical care to patients but also have the knowledge to offer patients preventive education and tools as well. In the fall of 1999, the first students began courses in public health at SGU.

Over the years, the department has evolved to include not only School of Medicine students, but also those within SGU’s School of Veterinary Medicine and School of Arts and Sciences, who are interested in pursuing careers in public health. The program proudly hosts students and faculty from countries around the world, contributing to its diverse perspective on public health.

“For the past 25 years, SGU’s Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has been at the forefront of promoting public health through education and practice,” according to Dr. Kerry Mitchell, assistant dean of students and chair of the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. “In Grenada, the region, and even beyond, our students and faculty have tirelessly worked to raise awareness and address the social and environmental determinants impacting the health of our communities.”

Added Dr. Mitchell: “In addition, our alumni, many of whom are practicing physicians globally, hold pivotal roles in shaping public health policies and decisions. This solidifies the crucial role that St. George’s University and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine have played in shaping a healthier future for all.”

 

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Recognized Globally

A significant achievement of the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine is its success in gaining full accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) in 2010. It is one of the few non-US based MPH programs recognized and accredited by the organization. The program continues to be accredited through 2030.

“With this accreditation, we are able to guarantee our students an approved public health master’s education as other CEPH-accredited schools internationally,” Dr. Mitchell said.

As the program has adapted to the changing needs of public health, it welcomed Collaborating Centers from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Environmental and Occupational Health in 2012 and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2013. These collaborations allow both faculty and students to carry out research and service activities in those respective fields.

The department has additional plans to keep up with the changing needs of students as well as the public health workforce.

“Our multidisciplinary team has collaborated closely with numerous local communities and global institutions to tailor and strengthen our public health training,” Dr. Mitchell said. “This adaptability is particularly evident in our reliance on guidance from our community advisory members and the international collaborating centers housed within our department. As a result, we have been able to tailor our educational approach to produce the public health practitioners our communities need.”

For example, despite the global challenges faced in recent years, the department has successfully navigated through various instructional methods, emerging as a leader in public health hybrid education.

SGU graduates with dual MD/MPH and DVM/MPH degrees are making a difference around the world.

 

Darren Cuthbert, MD, MPH

Darren Cuthbert, MD/MPH ’16
Emergency medicine physician
New Jersey

“SGU’s MPH program opened the door of opportunity for me. One of the things I love about medicine today is the increased emphasis placed on evidence-based medicine—public health is the backbone to this practice. Not only does having an MPH make you stick out as a leader amongst your peers, but it broadens your horizon of the world and medicine—eventually creating a better doctor and scientist.”

 

Alicia Persaud, MD, MPH '20

Alicia Persaud, MD, MPH ’20
Family medicine physician
Ontario, Canada

“I believe completing the MD/MPH dual degree program gave me an edge with residency programs simply by having an additional degree. It was reflective of my commitment to medicine and healthcare in general. Completing my MPH in Grenada gave me a unique insight into the global public health sector, and also gave me crucial research experience. I was able to apply both degrees to my research projects during residency.”

 

MPH Program Milestones - (1999-2023)

 

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