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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St. George’s University Announces New Partnership with Green River College

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Green River College

Photo courtesy of Green River College.

St. George’s University has launched a new partnership with Green River College that will give qualified Green River College fast-track status for admission to the four- and five-year medical degree programs at the St. George’s University School of Medicine.

“This partnership between St. George’s and Green River College offers two strong paths to a career in medicine,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “We’re thrilled to help make medical education accessible to Green River’s best and brightest students.”

The partnership establishes a “2+5” program through which qualified Green River College international students who complete two years of undergraduate coursework and earn an Associate in Science for Transfer, or AS-T, degree in biology can secure priority entry into St. George’s five-year MD program.

This program begins with one year of preclinical coursework in Grenada, followed by a year of Basic Sciences in either Grenada or at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom. Grenada is the site for a second year of Basic Sciences study. The final two years consist of clinical rotations at hospitals affiliated with St. George’s in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The partnership also creates a “2+2+4” program, in which students who earn an AS-T in Biology at Green River and earn a bachelor’s degree in a premedical program at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States, can qualify for priority admission into St. George’s four-year MD program.

Students on the four-year MD track may complete their first two years of study in Grenada or spend their first year at Northumbria and their second in Grenada. Students spend the last two years of the program in clinical rotations at hospitals affiliated with St. George’s in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Students who wish to pursue either of the combined degree programs must express interest upon applying to Green River College. Admission to St. George’s School of Medicine requires candidates to maintain a strong GPA and score competitively on the MCAT. Those who enroll in the MD program receive a $10,000 scholarship distributed over the length of their studies upon matriculating and are eligible for additional scholarships and grants from St. George’s.

“Our partnership with St. George’s will give Green River students a tremendous opportunity to make their dreams of a career in medicine a reality,” said Dr. Wendy Lee Stewart, vice president of international programs and extended learning. “We are proud to team up with St. George’s to make medical school more accessible.”

 

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SGU True Blue Campus Gets a Mini Makeover for Term Start

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As St. George’s University prepares to welcome its newest students for the August 2023 term, the University has made several improvements to enhance its picturesque True Blue campus. These changes include several new spaces for new and returning students to explore.

“We can’t wait for our students, faculty, and staff to return to share these improvements to our already beautiful campus,” said Dr. Glen Jacobs, provost at SGU. “With students’ success as our top priority, these additions and renovations will continue to make SGU an outstanding place to live and learn.”

When construction is complete, the campus will feature greater capacity for more hands-on training and access to new technologically-advanced equipment—with the goal of further enriching campus life and the student experience.

Here are a few of the expansion and redevelopment efforts students, faculty, and staff can look forward to enjoying this term.

  • SGU Bookstore: The bookstore will be sporting a brand-new look. New flooring, new doors, and track lights were added to modernize the store, where students have access to all of their SGU merchandise needs.
  • Welcome Centre: At the request of SGU’s Student Government Association (SGA), SGU has increased the seating capacity in the Welcome Centre’s food area. A wraparound quartz countertop was installed, as well as fixed high-top tables with new stools. Electrical outlets were also installed around the perimeter of the countertop so that users can charge their electronics as needed. This new renovation will provide roughly 40 seats in the air-conditioned area.
  • Charter Hall Radiology Lab: SGU completed Phase 1 of renovations for the Charter Hall Radiology Lab that allows the lab to support live-animal training. The next phase will be to complete an interior upgrade including new furniture.
  • New Classrooms: In the coming weeks, the top floor of St. David’s Hall will be transformed to incorporate two additional classrooms and a breakout room. Each classroom will hold 120 students and will have the latest audio/visual technology with recording capabilities. The classrooms will be designed in the group study format with large tables and outlets conveniently located in the floor at each table. Scheduled to be completed by August 2023.
  • SVM Communications Rooms: The south side of the top floor of St. Andrew’s Hall will be completely refurbished to construct seven new rooms to support the SVM Communications curriculum. The area will also feature a large classroom geared towards communications training. Each room will be equipped with the newest A/V tech with recording capabilities, allowing students to view their recorded sessions right after completion. Scheduled to be completed by August 2023.

 

  • SGU Bookstore – new doors (front entrance)

  • SGU Bookstore – inside display

  • SGU Bookstore – branded merchandise

  • SGU Bookstore – branded merchandise

  • Welcome Centre – new seating

  • Welcome Centre – wraparound quartz countertop

  • Charter Hall Radiology Lab – live-animal training space

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“SGU provides an invaluable campus experience for all, and we believe these improvements will continue to do just that,” said Christina Verderosa, SGU’s director of operations. “This term, our campus community will have full access to the facilities that set SGU apart as a leader in providing a unique and exceptional student experience.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

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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.

 

 

Northumbria University and St. George’s University expand collaboration to offer new UK study options

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Following over 15 years of collaboration, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK and St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies, have announced a renewed commitment aimed at delivering exceptional medical education to students worldwide.

The St. George’s University-Northumbria University medical education program was established in 2007 to create a pathway for highly qualified international students to pursue medical education.

Bringing together Northumbria’s well-established excellence in healthcare education and SGU’s reputation as an innovative medical school, the programme was designed to develop knowledge, clinical skills, and research interests while giving students the opportunity to experience two different healthcare systems and enable them to pursue practicing medicine across many specialties with a global perspective.

Going from strength to strength, the programme has grown significantly since its inception, leading to the development of a new Medical Degree Pathway to provide access to the SGU Doctor of Medicine degree for a wider range of students.

The original four-year Medical Degree program offered through the collaborative relationship between the two institutions was only open to graduates with a relevant bachelor’s degree. Under the new 10-year agreement, there are multiple entry points and study routes to qualifying.

The additional entry points allow students with high school level qualifications to achieve the same medical degree via one or two years of additional study. Students will begin their studies at Northumbria and complete one, two or three years of study, dependent upon their enrolment in either the four-year Doctor of Medicine, or the five- or six-year Medical Degree Pathway. They then travel to Grenada to complete one year of study in Principles of Clinical Medicine at SGU’s main campus in Grenada before undertaking two years of clinical rotations in the USA or UK.

 

“Northumbria University and SGU share a similar vision of producing outstanding healthcare professionals who are equipped to tackle real-world challenges in a diverse range of settings. This relationship will enable us to continue combining our expertise, knowledge, and resources to produce the doctors of tomorrow who will go on to make a positive impact on global health.”

 

Another key feature of the new relationship is the ‘dual degree’ opportunity. Students studying in Newcastle may achieve both a Doctor of Medicine Degree from SGU as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Sciences (BMedSci) from Northumbria.

 

Northumbria University Named United Kingdom’s University Of The Year 2022

 

Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with St. George’s University, and we are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with them to offer exceptional medical education through additional pathways.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to welcome more students from a wider range of educational and international backgrounds to Northumbria. Together, we have created a unique educational experience that takes advantage of our collective strengths in a way that ensures our students are equipped with the tools they need to provide outstanding care to patients around the world.”

This year the two institutions celebrated the 2000th student joining Northumbria as part of the SGU programme and the new agreement will help the next 2000 students benefit from this unique study option over the next 10 years.

Dr. Richard Liebowitz, Vice Chancellor of St. George’s University, said: “The relationship between SGU and Northumbria is now in its 16th year. The new agreement provides the platform for the next 10 years of our relationship and reflects the commitment of both Universities to delivering an education that is truly global in nature and provides future doctors with a comprehensive education that prepares them for successful careers in medicine.”

Northumbria and SGU have also recently been shortlisted as finalists in The PIEoneer Awards 2023, in the ‘Public Private Partnership of the Year’ category.

The PIEoneer Awards, which this year will be held on Friday, September 22 in London, honor innovation and achievement across the whole of the global education industry. With a distinguished judging panel representing geographical and professional diversity, The PIEoneer Awards recognize both individuals and organisations who are pushing professional standards, evolving their engagement, or redefining the international student experience.

Dr. James Coey, Assistant Dean of Basic Sciences at St. George’s and the academic lead for the programme in Newcastle, said: “The Doctor of Medicine program at SGU opens doors for a medical career on an international scale. Northumbria University and St. George’s University share a similar vision of producing outstanding healthcare professionals who are equipped to tackle real-world challenges in a diverse range of settings. This relationship will enable us to continue combining our expertise, knowledge, and resources to produce the doctors of tomorrow who will go on to make a positive impact on global health.”

For more information, visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/sgu

970 St. George’s University Students and Graduates Secure US Residencies in 2023 Match

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Match Day 2023 - 970n US residencies and counting

St. George’s University School of Medicine announced today that 970 of its students and graduates secured residencies around the United States in this year’s match cycle.

“Match Day is a pivotal moment in a doctor’s career,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, Dean of the St. George’s University School of Medicine. “On behalf of the entire St. George’s University community, I congratulate this remarkable class of medical students.”

This year, students and graduates matched into residences in 21 specialties across 42 states and the District of Columbia. More students and graduates will find out where they will be doing residency training in the days and weeks to come.

 

Explore 2023 Residency Placement List

 

St. George’s graduates will begin residency programs in several highly competitive specialties, ranging from surgery and neurology to emergency medicine and pediatrics. Many will be returning to their home states to begin their careers in medicine.

This new group of doctors will play a crucial role in addressing America’s growing physician shortage. St. George’s is the largest provider of doctors to the U.S. healthcare system and the number-one provider of primary care doctors into the United States annually. Three-quarters of St. George’s graduates enter primary care specialties, and a significant number of SGU alumni work in medically underserved areas.

“St. George’s University graduates have been meeting the medical needs of communities across the United States for decades,” Dr. Loukas said. “We look forward to seeing all the great things that this newest class of St. George’s graduates will accomplish.”

 

 

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St. George’s University Announces Renewed Admissions Partnership with Springfield College

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St. George’s University has renewed its partnership with Springfield College that will grant eligible Springfield students streamlined entry into the St. George’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine.

“Since 2014, St. George’s has offered talented Springfield College students the opportunity to pursue a first-rate education and subsequent career in medicine,” said Dr. Richard Liebowitz, vice chancellor of St. George’s University. “We’re thrilled to continue that partnership educating the next generation of doctors and veterinarians so they can return to their communities and help address the critical need for medical and veterinary services nationwide.”

Ashley McNeill, PhD, director of the Springfield College pre-health professions advising, said the College is excited to continue to build partnerships like the one with St. George’s.

“Not only will this provide opportunities for our students to pursue excellent medical and veterinary training, but St. George’s University also offers unique opportunities for our students to continue to live our Humanics mission: educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others” McNeill said. “St. George’s University’s focus on global health and care for underserved populations complements our students’ dedication to creating a better world for all.”

The partnership has established two “4+4” programs in which Springfield College 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 School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine. Candidates for the programs must maintain a strong undergraduate GPA and score competitively on relevant entrance exams.

 

“We’re thrilled to continue a partnership educating the next generation of doctors and veterinarians so they can return to their communities and help address the critical need for medical and veterinary services nationwide.”

Students who wish to take advantage of the combined degree programs must express interest upon applying to Springfield College. Those accepted into the MD program receive a $10,000 scholarship upon matriculating and are eligible for additional scholarships and grants from St. George’s.

Students accepted into the St. George’s 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. They undertake their final two years of clinical rotations at hospitals affiliated with St. George’s in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Veterinary students complete three years of study in Grenada and their final clinical year at schools affiliated with St. George’s in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

SOM Spring White Coat Ceremony: The Legacy Continues for SGU President and Son

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With a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in medicine, Dr. G. Richard Olds, president emeritus at St. George’s University was thrilled to have his son, Trevor Olds follow in his footsteps. In addition to being this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Olds also had the honor of coating Trevor at the Spring 2023 School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony.

View photos from the SOM Spring 2023 White Coat Ceremony


“I’m extremely proud of Trevor and happy to share in this milestone moment as he takes his first official steps into the medical profession,” said Dr. Olds. “I have three wonderful sons, but none of whom seemed to want a career in medicine. In fact, Trevor started his career as a professional actor, but I’m delighted he decided to transition into the MD program here at SGU and that I had the special privilege of coating him.”

The future Dr. Olds joined his fellow students in the Class of 2027 as they walked across the stage on January 28 at Patrick F. Adams Hall to receive their white coats. At the end of the ceremony, which marks their entry into the field of medicine, they recited the Oath of Professionalism, where they pledge to uphold the highest of ethical standards while treating their patients.

In his keynote address, Dr. Olds shared three moving stories providing lessons on what it means to be a good physician. His second story centered on Trevor giving his family a medical scare but ended with them being comforted by a physician wearing a white coat.

“All of the men in the Olds family are quite sentimental,” shared Trevor Olds. “So, I was glad that I had a bit of time between my father’s keynote address and when I had to go up to be coated—because I needed to compose myself a little bit. It was such a sweet and special moment, and his speech was very touching and meaningful.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

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Photo Diary: Class of 2027 Begins Journey as Future Physicians at Spring White Coat Ceremony

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It was an emotional day for the newest class of medical students at St. George’s University. Nervousness mixed with excitement filled the air as students took to the stage at the School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony, held on January 28 at Patrick F. Adams Hall.

View SOM White Coat Ceremony Instagram Reel


During the ceremony, which signifies students officially beginning their journey to becoming physicians, a white coat is placed on their shoulders—often by family members or mentors who have become doctors before them. Later, they would each recite the Oath of Professionalism, in which they pledged to honor the sacred trust and privilege society places on medical professionals.

What was it like to be coated? Check out the photos from the White Coat Ceremony.


  • It was all smiles, as students eagerly awaited their name being called for their turn to walk across the stage and put on that white coat.

  • But first, a few warm words from SGU Chancellor Dr. Charles R. Modica. The chancellor shared his appreciation for how far the University had come and his excitement as SGU approaches its 50th anniversary.

  • Dr. Modica was followed by this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. G. Richard Olds, president emeritus of SGU and a tropical disease specialist. In his address he shared three touching stories providing lessons on what it means to be a good physician.

  • Dr. Olds also had the pleasure of coating his son, Trevor Olds in this heartfelt moment—an experience the Olds family will treasure.

  • Trevor Olds and his father, Dr. G. Richard Olds

  • Also sharing a moment on stage was SOM Term 1 student, Carlie Hanlon who had the privilege of being coated by her grandfather, Dr. Robert Hanlon—a retired physician who practiced internal medicine and cardiology. The New Jersey native praised his granddaughter, confident that she will make a wonderful physician.

  • Carlie Hanlon and her grandfather, Dr. Robert Hanlon

  • Holding back tears was Dr. Patrick Borgen, as he coated his daughter Dana Borgen and her fiancé Ezekiel Sanchez. The high school sweethearts chose to attend SGU together after meeting several SGU alumni residents at Maimonides Medical Center where Dr. Borgen serves as chair of the Department of Surgery.

  • Already part of the SGU family, Frances Emmanuel, a Grenadian staff member in the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Small Animal Medicine and Surgery (SAMS) Department, couldn’t be any prouder of her daughter Shanique Emmanuel, BSc ’22, who is on track to becoming the first doctor in their family.

  • Also, now a part of the SGU family is SOM Term 1 student Rashiqa Abdel-Jabbar. She left her Louisiana home to join her cousin, SOM Term 2 student Haneen Awawda in fulfilling her dream of becoming a doctor here at SGU.

  • Twins Mark and Michael Yassa are as different as night and day, except in their pursuit of becoming physicians. Although older by one minute, it was Mark who followed his brother Mike, a Term 2 SOM student from Toronto to SGU.

  • After receiving their white coats, the ceremony ended with students and other physicians in the audience reciting the Oath of Professionalism—pledging to uphold the highest of ethical standards while treating their patients.

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– Ray-Donna Peters

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