From SGU Grad to Clinical Faculty: “It’s Inspiring to Guide Students on the Same Journey I Took”

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Headshot of Dr. Nader Mahmood

From student to mentor, Nader Mahmood, MD ’08, has come full circle at St. George’s University School of Medicine. Now a clinical faculty member, he oversees and guides SGU students while drawing from his own experiences.

“Being an SGU alumnus and now an instructor is incredibly rewarding,” said Dr. Mahmood, a pulmonologist at North Jersey Pulmonary Associates. “I vividly remember the challenges, excitement, and determination required as a student, which helps me connect on a personal level with my students.”

Dr. Mahmood serves as an internal medicine clinical assistant professor at St. Mary’s General Hospital/Saint Clare’s Hospital, one of SGU’s 75+ affiliated hospitals and clinical sites. He has been an SGU clinical faculty member since May 2023.

He is also a part of the core teaching faculty for the Internal Medicine Residency Program affiliated with New York Medical College/Prime Health Care Consortium at St. Mary’s General Hospital and St. Clare’s Health. Dr. Mahmood said he has been deeply involved with this program since its inception, contributing to its development from the ground up.

Recently, Dr. Mahmood also assumed the role of pulmonary site director at St. Mary’s General Hospital for the Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program affiliated with New York Medical College/St. Michael’s Medical Center. In this position, he can further contribute to the training and mentorship of future specialists in pulmonary and critical care medicine.

 

“It’s inspiring to guide my students on the same journey I took, offering insights and encouragement. Knowing the transformative role SGU played in my career, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility to give back by shaping the next generation of physicians.”

 

SGU News sat down with Dr. Mahmood to learn more about his career as a physician and an instructor.

St. George’s University: What are some of the ways that you interact with SGU students as a clinical faculty member?

Dr. Mahmood: Some of the ways include:

  • Conducting bedside teaching rounds, which provides hands-on clinical experience,
  • Reviewing and discussing clinical cases focusing on critical thinking and diagnostic strategies,
  • Supervising students during procedural training, especially with airway management,
  • Offering one-on-one mentorship, guiding students through research projects and career planning, and
  • Leading lectures and interactive workshops that integrate clinical knowledge with foundational science.

SGU: What are some of the skills that students might acquire during clinicals?

Dr. Mahmood: In clinicals, students learn to develop:

  • Proficiency in critical care decision-making and the ability to manage complex medical cases,
  • Skills in diagnostic reasoning, particularly in evaluating pulmonary disorders,
  • Experience with interpreting pulmonary diagnostic procedures and performing bedside ultrasound,
  • Strong foundations in communication and teamwork, which are essential for patient care and interprofessional collaboration, and
  • An appreciation for evidence-based medicine through active participation in research and academic discussions.

SGU: What fascinates you about pulmonary medicine? Why did you choose that specialty?

Dr. Mahmood: Pulmonary medicine captivates me because of its diverse and dynamic nature. The specialty involves addressing critical, often life-threatening conditions while also focusing on chronic care. The interplay between respiratory physiology, innovative technologies, and evolving therapies keeps me intellectually engaged.

I was fortunate during my clinical rotations at SGU to encounter exceptional mentors who nurtured my appreciation for pulmonary medicine. Their guidance and expertise deepened my understanding of the field and inspired me to pursue it with passion.
I chose this specialty because it allows me to make a tangible difference in acute care settings while also fostering long-term relationships with patients.

SGU: What is one piece of advice that you would like to pass on to students to be successful in their clinical education?

Dr. Mahmood: Embrace a growth mindset. Clinical education is as much about mastering the art of medicine as it is about navigating uncertainty and learning from mistakes. Stay curious, seek feedback, and never lose sight of the compassion at the heart of patient care. Remember that every patient encounter is an opportunity to learn and grow.

SGU: Why did you choose medicine as your career path? What appealed to you about going to med school?

Dr. Mahmood: Medicine appealed to me because of its unique blend of intellectual challenge and the opportunity to make a profound impact on people’s lives. The ability to combine science with compassion, problem-solving, and lifelong learning was irresistible.

SGU: Why did you choose SGU?

Dr. Mahmood: SGU has a stellar reputation, in my opinion, but what truly set it apart for me were the unique training opportunities it offered to me. The ability to train at multiple hospitals, not only across the United States but also internationally, was a major highlight for me, especially during my clinical years.

SGU: How did SGU prepare you for your career and specialty?

Dr. Mahmood: SGU provided me with a solid foundation that prepared me exceptionally well for my career and specialty. The rigorous academic curriculum and diverse clinical training opportunities gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to excel in medicine. SGU’s emphasis on global and culturally diverse medical education broadened my perspective and helped me develop a holistic approach to patient care.

SGU: What was your own clinical experience at SGU like? How did it contribute to your success?

Dr. Mahmood: During my clinical rotations, I had the chance to train at various hospitals in different settings, which exposed me to a wide range of cases and patient populations. This hands-on experience was invaluable in shaping my diagnostic and critical thinking abilities. Additionally, SGU’s supportive environment and dedicated faculty played a crucial role in nurturing my confidence and passion for medicine.

SGU: What advice would you offer to students who are considering SGU?

Dr. Mahmood: My advice to students considering SGU is to embrace the opportunity with an open mind and a commitment to excellence. SGU offered me an amazing education with a unique global perspective that prepares you to thrive in diverse clinical environments.

SGU’s diverse environment exposes you to different cultures, perspectives, and healthcare systems. Use this experience to grow both personally and professionally.

To me, SGU has a proven track record of preparing successful physicians. Trust the education and training you will receive and know that your hard work will pay off.

 

 

— Juliette Kimmins

 

 

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Bird Flu in the US: SGU Veterinary Faculty Share What You Should Know About the Escalating Disease

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SVM faculty, Dr. Sonia Cheetham, Dr. Alfred Chikweto

Avian Influenza, or bird flu, in the US has been cause for growing concerns as it spreads from wild birds to poultry and mammals. As the original strain shifts, bird flu in the US has caused new outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows, with several recent human cases in dairy and poultry workers, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Two St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine professors and experts in the fields of pathology and virology, respectively, shared their thoughts on some of the pressing questions about the disease and its impact.

Hear from experts:

  • Alfred Chikweto, BVM, MSc, PhD, a pathologist and an associate professor within SVM’s Department of Pathobiology; and
  • Sonia Cheetham, DVM, PhD, a virologist and is SVM’s associate dean of research. She is also a professor within SVM’s Department of Pathobiology.

They discussed with SGU News the unique—and evolving—characteristics of the virus, the likelihood of it moving to human transmission in a significant way, and why a career in pathology or virology is worth considering for veterinary students.

SGU: What is unique about the 2024-25 virus outbreak?  

Dr. Cheetham: Within avian influenza viruses, there are some referred to as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which causes severe disease with high mortality, and some that are Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) which do not.

An ongoing outbreak of HPAI H5N1 infection in US dairy cows, which began in 2024 has been identified. Based on genomic sequence data, there is evidence of at least two independent spillover events from birds to cows. This probably occurred due to the current extensive H5N1 viral circulation in wild bird populations.  This outbreak was surprising as H5N1 had not been reported in cattle before. Although this virus does not cause severe disease nor high mortality in cows, the alarming issue is that the virus is shed in large quantities in milk which poses a public health risk if this milk and its derivatives are consumed without proper pasteurization. Dairy herds are being monitored, and raw milk and by-products have been recalled and banned in several affected states. Pasteurized milk and byproducts are safe to consume.

Another HPAI has been identified in ducks in California, this one being from a different strain, H5N9, which resulted in the elimination of the whole flock. However, the identification of this virus may be a result of increased surveillance as HPAI outbreaks are not new.

SGU: What other types of animals are most at risk for bird flu?

Dr. Cheetham: Avian influenza viruses circulate among birds, especially waterfowl. Sporadically it spills over to domestic birds causing outbreaks. It is also possible for these viruses to infect mammals, in some cases causing large outbreaks with high mortality, for example, with marine mammals and farmed minks. Other reported species include bears, foxes, skunks, and even domestic animals such as cats and dogs. Zoo animals like tigers and leopards have also been infected. In some cases, the virus infects a new host species but does not thrive there, so the spread is stopped. However, some outbreaks have spread quickly through the new host populations. Unfortunately, the recent spillover of the H5N1 virus into domesticated cats has resulted in multiple deaths.

SGU: How can pet owners prevent infection in domestic animals like cats?

Dr. Chikweto: If they get exposed to an infected bird, possibly by eating raw meat, then they are at risk of getting infected. Keeping cats inside for now is also important—if an infected wild bird comes into your yard, then it can defecate in the yard and be a source of infection. Keep them inside.

SGU: Can animals recover from bird flu?

Dr. Cheetham: Yes, animals can recover. But some animals like domestic cats seem to be severely affected. To stop the virus from spreading to other bird flocks and to reduce the chances of it changing into new forms, infected domestic birds are usually euthanized.

SGU: Can this disease jump to humans in a significant way? Essentially, should we be concerned about another pandemic?

Dr. Cheetham: Yes, avian influenza viruses have the capacity to infect humans. The virus could evolve, drifting its phenotype by infecting humans over time. Luckily at present, these viruses do not transmit easily from human to human because the human viral receptors are not as similar to bird receptors. In the US, 68 human cases and one death have been confirmed. However, many more infections have probably gone undiagnosed due to mild, or no clinical signs present.

The most worrisome scenario is if the new avian influenza virus co-infects a human that is already infected with human influenza. In these host cells, the virus genome which is normally segmented in influenza viruses, could reassort (mix segments) to create a new virus that can easily transmit, multiply in humans and is highly virulent. For example, the H1N1 swine flu pandemic from 2009 was a result of a triple reassortment (having segments from avian, swine, and human influenza viruses).

SGU: What is the role of public health policy here?

Dr. Chikweto: Solving this type of problem requires a One Health, One Medicine concept. It requires not only veterinarians, but other professionals such as medical doctors, environmentalists, and public health officials to cooperate and respond.

Dr. Cheetham: Food animal veterinarians should test herds and follow protocols to prevent avian influenza viruses from spreading. Human doctors must consider avian influenza in diagnoses, not just assume it’s regular flu. Public health officials should focus on surveillance, education, and collaborating with industry to develop new vaccines.

The key intervention is limiting animal-to-animal transmission and preventing human spillovers. Higher case numbers increase the chances of the virus mutating through drift (point mutations) and shift (recombination and reassortment).

SGU: We are already seeing how the virus has affected egg prices in the US. What other industries could see a trickle-down effect?

Dr. Chikweto: It’s quite a devastating situation for the poultry industry. Imagine the loss that results from your entire flock being culled. You have invested so much money in that flock. And because of the outbreak of H5N1, the entire flock is euthanized. So, it’s quite a huge impact on the livelihood of farmers.

Also, if a country depends on exporting poultry products, then it is now not able to export because its products could have the disease. So economically as a country, it also has that implication and downward effect.

Dr. Cheetham: Depopulation will cause losses to the poultry industry and the smaller supply would cause poultry products to increase in price given the sustained demand for eggs and chicken, turkey, and duck meat. Farms that aren’t directly affected may still feel the impact because of market restrictions, like limits on exports or animal movement. There will be increased costs for surveillance, which involves testing, and this has historically been done by the government in US and Canada, however, it may no longer be the case.

SGU: Is bird flu present in Grenada right now?

Dr. Cheetham: We are not currently tracking avian influenza in Grenada in the vet school, although we believe we have a test that should be able to identify it from a suspected sample if needed.

Dr. Chikweto: If we start hearing that these cases are now moving from the US to the Caribbean, this will trigger us to start testing.

SGU: What is your background in your specialty? What is your day like?

Dr. Chikweto: As a veterinary student back home in Zambia, I was fascinated by the subject of pathology. It’s a specialty that keeps you thinking. You are at the front line of things before everyone knows what is going on.

For example, a dog has a tumor on the skin. The owner is concerned about that mass. Then they take the dog to the clinic. They remove that mass and submit it to our pathology lab. We look at that mass histologically with a microscope, look at what is happening to determine if it is cancerous or not. We also do postmortem examinations to determine cause of death on an animal.

Dr. Cheetham: After vet school, I obtained a PhD in virology at Ohio State University. Coursework for my PhD included veterinary and human virology as many of the viruses’ affecting animals belong to the same viral families that affect humans. I chose to remain in academia and teach virology to DVM students and do research.

SGU: Why do you love your chosen field?

Dr. Chikweto: Pathology for me is a specialty that makes me always wonder. I am passionate about it.

Dr. Cheetham: So many things! It’s relevance, the detective work, the planning, and preparedness.

SGU: What opportunities are there for a veterinary student who’s considering pathology or virology as a career?  

Dr. Chikweto: In pathology we deal with animal diseases, and how to diagnose them. We have Term 6 veterinary students rotate in necropsy for hands on pathology experiences. When they come in, at first, they are very intimidated. But as the week goes on, they tend to be more and more interested in the cases we study. Additionally, on the last day, I tell them the career opportunities, and that gets their attention. For example, in the US, there’s the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, a specialty institution that specifically trains pathologists. Students can apply for residency and get board-certified. As a matter of fact, I’ve recently mentored three students who are pursuing this field based on the experiences they had at SGU that I believe directed them into that path.

Dr. Cheetham: Virology is a very important field that is rapidly growing. Especially in the development of antiviral drugs, new vaccine approaches, and virus discovery. Virologists are also fundamental to clinical diagnosis in specialized teams in government and the agricultural and health industries. There are lots of job opportunities.

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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SGU Announces New Admissions Partnership with the University of the Fraser Valley

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University of Fraser Valley

St. George’s University (SGU) has launched a new admissions partnership with the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) that will grant qualified UFV students fast-track admission into the St. George’s University School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine.

“St. George’s University is delighted to offer this new opportunity for aspiring doctors and veterinarians from the University of the Fraser Valley to pursue degrees in medicine and veterinary medicine with us,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the School of Medicine. “SGU is proud to partner with UFV to create more avenues for qualified Canadian students to become practicing physicians and veterinarians 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 pre-medical or pre-veterinary sciences curriculum at UFV admission to the four-year MD or DVM programs at SGU. UFV students interested in pursuing the pathway must maintain strong overall undergraduate and sciences GPAs and complete all prerequisite coursework in the health sciences.

“This partnership between UFV and SGU brings together two global Universities that are committed to supporting students’ educational goals and aspirations. We are confident that the UFV students who pursue this opportunity with SGU will be successful not only because our academic programs prepared them well to succeed, but also because SGU has a strong history of excellence and facilitating a learning environment where their students can thrive” said Dr. James Mandigo, provost and vice-president Academic at UFV.

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 in their third and fourth years of study will take place with SGU affiliates, including those in the United States, Canada, 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 pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine will complete three years of study in Grenada and a clinical year at an SGU-affiliated university in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, or the Netherlands.

UFV students who are accepted into the MD program while meeting the academic requirements will be awarded a scholarship of US $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 US $71 million in scholarships in the 2023-2024 academic year.*

 

*Data as of October 2024. The scholarship total represents assistance for the duration of students’ four-year MD program.

SGU Marks 30 Years of Innovation: Research Day Presentation Winners Revealed

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SGU Research Day and Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day recently marked its 30th year of uniting faculty, students, and regional collaborators to explore research across all four Schools at St. George’s University. Kicking off the event was Dr. Jacqueline McGlade, marine biologist and environmental informatics professor, who gave the keynote address “Natural Prosperity: Understanding the True Value of Nature’s Contributions to People.”

Held at Upper Modica Hall on November 2, Research Day this year showcased an impressive 128 presentations, 68 of which were poster presentations and 60 oral presentations by faculty and students. There were also two symposia, which included topics such as “Put Yourself In It!: Transforming Grenada’s sustainable future through Creative, People-centred Interventions” and “Wisdom from the Field: Tips from an Educational Research Practitioner.”

“This year marked the 30th anniversary of Research Day which was first held in October 1994,” said Dr. Calum Macpherson, director of research at St. George’s University. “This event once again brought research to the forefront at SGU, as scholarly contributions were shared from students, faculty, and other collaborators. We thank all those who contributed to this year’s event and made it such a memorable occasion.”

A panel made up of SGU faculty reviewed the presentations and chose winners for each category based on originality, scientific merit, and level of involvement. All winners were presented with a plaque at an awards ceremony held on November 15 at the campus-based Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF).

Here are the winners:

Outstanding Faculty Oral Presentations: 

1. Sarah Gluschitz – SOM instructor, Department of Anatomical Sciences

Title: Challenging conventional medical illustrations of the menstrual cycle: Utilizing a systematic review and thematic analysis to examine the linear and cyclical models (co-authors: Anamaria Gluschitz and Robert Hage)

2. Stuart Gordon – SVM professor, Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery

Title: Multiple veterinary stakeholders’ perspectives on important professionalism attributes for career success in veterinary clinical practice: Developing a framework of veterinary professionalism (co-authors: Heidi Janicke, Dianne Gardner, Jenny Weston, Charlotte Bolwell, Jackie Benschop, and Tim Parkinson)

Outstanding Student Oral Presentations: 

1. Mohammad Fadaie – SOM, Term 5

Title: Criss-Cross Hearts: A meta-analysis (co-author: Dr. Marios Loukas)

2. Hunter Byrd – SVM, Term 5

Title: Whole Genome Assembly of a Novel Avipoxvirus in a Carib Grackle (Quiscalus lugubris) in Grenada, West Indies (co-authors: Chiqian Han, Sophie Moittie, Alfred Chikweto, Wayne Sylvester, and Katharina Kopp )

Outstanding Faculty Poster Presentations: 

1. Tiffany Clementson – SOM lecturer, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, Pharmacology

Title: Use of Case Simulations in Nursing Pharmacology

2. Vanessa Matthew-Belmar – SVM instructor, Department of Pathobiology

Title: Current Status of Rabies virus in animals in Grenada (co-authors: A. Chikweto, S. Cheetham, E. Brathwaite, M. Matthew-Bernard, U. Zieger, M. Wilkerson, and A. Alhassan)

Outstanding Student Poster Presentations: 

1. Mael Oujaddou – SOM, Term 5

Title: Ultrasound Visualization of the Superficial Palmar Arch (co-authors: Goeun Kim, Anda Boonsiri, Mohamed Aboutaleb, and Kristna Thompson)

2. Penny Wang – SVM, Term 5

Title: Development of an electrocardiography model for recording heart rate activity in the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata) (co-authors: David Marancik and Hector Zerpa)

Outstanding School of Arts and Sciences Faculty Presentation: 

Antonia MacDonald, professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

Title: “Know what you know”: Merle Collins’ Ocean Stirrings as a Model for Sustainable Cultural Development

Outstanding Research Award, WINDREF: 

Emily Meade – SVM, Fourth-year student

Title: An investigation of the physical characteristics and in vitro antimicrobial activities of local honey sold by beekeepers/apiaries in Grenada, West Indies (co-authors: Andy Alhassan, Satesh Bidaisee, and Sharianne Suepaul)

Phi Zeta plaques/certificates were awarded to the following students for their participation: 

Jackson Burkey, Hunter Byrd, Elizabeth Coelho, Magali Duran, Elizabeth Fournier, Luke Griffin, Chiqian Han, Ashley Long, Shelley Lownds, Emily Meade, Samanntha Mueller, Shelby Richter, Kaylee Schultz, Penny Wang, and Elizabeth Williams.

 

– Ray-Donna Peters

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St. George’s University Announces New Admissions Partnership with McMaster University’s W Booth School

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Photo of SGU campus surrounded by water and blue sky

St. George’s University has launched a new admissions partnership with the W Booth School in the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University. This partnership will grant qualified BTech Biotechnology students fast-track admission into the St. George’s University School of Medicine.

“St. George’s University is delighted to offer this new opportunity for aspiring doctors from the W Booth School 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 the W Booth School 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 BTech in Biotechnology to Doctor of Medicine pathway that provides students who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology at the W Booth School and meet the requirements for entry with admission to the four-year MD program at SGU. Booth students interested in pursuing the pathway must maintain a strong overall GPA and a strong GPA in prerequisite coursework.

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’s affiliate network of more than 75 hospitals and health systems in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom offering clinical and ambulatory training.

“This opportunity significantly broadens the academic and career horizons for our BTech-Biotechnology graduates, offering invaluable global experience,” says Heather Sheardown, dean of Engineering at McMaster. “We eagerly anticipate our first alumni embarking on this journey, gaining the academic and practical expertise needed to make meaningful contributions to healthcare.”

BTech Biotechnology students who are accepted into the pathway with a sufficiently high overall GPA and sciences GPA will be awarded a scholarship of US $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 US $71 million in scholarships in the 2023-2024 academic year.*

 

* Data as of October 2024. The scholarship total represents assistance for the duration of students’ four-year MD program.

 

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2 SOM Grads Featured in International News Publications

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Headshots of Jeff Vacirca and Orapeleng Phuswane-Katse

Two St. George’s University School of Medicine graduates, Jeff Vacirca, MD ’98, and Orapeleng Phuswane-Katse, MD ’11, BS ’07, are making an impression across various international news publications.

On World Cancer Day, Dr. Vacirca shared his tips for preventing the disease in news outlets throughout Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Dr. Vacirca, who is based in New York, serves as CEO and chairman of the Board at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists and is the co-founder of OneOncology. According to OneOncology, the organization “invests in and collaborates with [medical] practices to deliver comprehensive cancer care in communities.”

Addressing audiences in India, Dr. Vacirca shared:

“On World Cancer Day, we are reminded of the profound impact cancer has on India and other nations worldwide. By embracing healthier lifestyles, getting necessary vaccinations, and encouraging early detection, we can collectively reduce the burden of this disease and pave the way for a healthier future for all Indians.”

Read Dr. Vacirca’s insights on incorporating practices for cancer prevention into your daily life.

 

Read the full article

 

Dr. Phuswane-Katse was recently profiled in the Botswana-based publication The Voice for her work in public health at the Ministry of Health and Wellness.  

In her role as head of preventive programmes, she manages diseases among the population through public health program planning, implementation, and evaluation at both district and national levels. 

A graduate of SGU’s School of Medicine and the School of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Phuswane-Katse is using her skills and expertise gained from SGU to make a positive impact in her community.  

“We should all strive for an inclusive healthcare system, which is a system that reaches everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status or distance from healthcare facilities,” said Dr. Phuswane-Katse. “One of the ways I am working towards an inclusive health system is by bringing mobile healthcare outreach to rural communities.” 

Read more about Dr. Phuswane-Katse’s journey in The Voice. 

 

Read the full article

 

 

— Juliette Kimmins

 

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SGU Expands Admissions Partnership with Dillard University

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St. George's University - Grenada campus

St. George’s University and Dillard University have expanded their admissions partnership that grants qualified Dillard students early assurance and expedited entry into the SGU’s  School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine to include a new Master of Public Health pathway and 4+4 MD and DVM pathway.

“St. George’s University is delighted to offer new opportunities for aspiring doctors, veterinarians, and public health professionals from Dillard University,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “SGU is tremendously proud to partner with Dillard to expand access to our MPH, MD, and DVM programs.”

Under the enhanced agreement, Dillard students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Health Science, or Nursing who meet the standards for admission at SGU will be admitted to the Master of Public Health program at SGU’s School of Graduate Studies. The MPH program at SGU offers five tracks with varying specializations.

The partnership creates a “4+4” admissions pathway that provides students who have successfully completed Dillard’s pre-medical or pre-veterinary curricula with admission to the four-year MD or DVM programs at SGU. Dillard students interested in pursuing the pathway must maintain a strong overall GPA and sciences GPA, and score competitively on relevant entrance exams, including the MCAT for the School of Medicine.

Students in the four-year MD program will complete two years of basic sciences study at SGU’s campus in Grenada and clinical rotations in the third and fourth years at various SGU affiliates. 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. DVM students will complete three years of study in Grenada, followed by a fourth year of clinical training. The School of Veterinary Medicine offers clinical training at over 30 affiliated institutions in six countries.

“Dillard University is the oldest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the State of Louisiana,” said Dr. Monique Guillory, president of Dillard University. “Given our longstanding commitment to people from diverse regions and populations, the university looks forward to forging a strong partnership with St. George’s University in Grenada. Our mutual partnership will support our students’ academic and professional goals to pursue postgraduate studies in Public Health, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine. As part of our continued commitment to academic excellence and diversity, we recognize St. George’s University, located on the ‘Spice Island’ of Grenada, as an exemplary global partner in higher education.”

Students who are accepted into these pathways will be granted a $10,000 scholarship for the SGU School of Medicine. Accepted participants may 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.*

 

* Data as of October 2024. The scholarship total represents assistance for the duration of students’ four-year MD program.

 

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SVM 25th Anniversary Recognized at VetBolus 2024 Conference

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group photo of SVM faculty, staff, alumni, and students at VetBolus 2024

St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) commemorated its 25th anniversary during the VetBolus continuing education conference held this past fall in Grenada. SVM alumni, administration, and faculty honored the milestone during the conference’s Alumni Welcome Reception, which took place on SGU’s campus on November 8.

 

View the SVM 25th Anniversary Celebration album

 

During the celebration, Tara Paterson, DVM ’03, president of the School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association (SVMAA), reflected on the School’s 25 years in a speech.

“As much as the SGU campus and the SVM faculty have changed, at least one thing remains the same,” said Dr. Paterson. “Our students are committed to their education. In my experience, when our students go to clinicals, they continue to excel and represent SGU well.”

“On behalf of all SVM alumni,” Dr. Paterson continued, “I want to say thank you to St. George’s University for the opportunity to make our dreams of veterinary medicine a reality.”

Joshua Ames, DVM ’10, of Greer, SC, attended the VetBolus conference. As this was his first time back in Grenada since graduating from SGU, Dr. Ames was delighted to see the advancements and increased alumni presence in the School of Veterinary Medicine.

“It was amazing to see how much the campus has grown with new facilities and study areas,” he explained. “It was great to see alumni returning to the University and being able to mentor and connect with the current students.”

SVM grads at SVM 25th anniversary reception

Another SGU graduate in attendance, Kelsey Atamanchuk, DVM ’21, of Harriman, TN, shared the sentiment.

“It was wonderful being able to see both the school I know and love, as well as the improvements,” Dr. Atamanchuk said. “It was a mixture of nostalgia and pride for the school that allowed me to be where I am today. I also enjoyed getting to see some of my previous professors and swap stories about cases.”

Approximately 80 SVM alumni attended VetBolus in Grenada this year. VetBolus is a continuing education conference for veterinary professionals and leaders. Its mission is to deliver practical and engaging continuing education content in locations around the world. The conference was founded by SVM alum, Aaron Spacher, DVM ’17, who co-launched VetBolus in early 2022.

Dr. Ames said that he hopes to see more continuing education opportunities at SGU like VetBolus because it is an opportunity for non-SGU graduates to appreciate the campus and all the University has to offer.

“I talked with several veterinarians who had never been to SGU before and were very impressed by the campus and in awe of Grenada,” said Dr. Ames. “Returning to Grenada and seeing how SGU has grown made me even prouder to be an alum of the SGU School of Veterinary Medicine.”

Brendon LaGrenade, Neil Olson, Glen Jacobs, and Tara Paterson

Brendon LaGrenade, EdD, vice provost for Institutional Advancement and director of Alumni Affairs, credited VetBolus for helping make this celebration possible and for boosting alumni engagement.

“Thanks to VetBolus, we were able to host many of our SVM alumni here in Grenada, which made this silver anniversary celebration very special,” said Dr. LaGrenade. “Our alumni are the best representation of our success as a university and the same holds true for our School of Veterinary Medicine.”

In acknowledgement of SVM’s 25th anniversary, Dr. Neil Olson, dean of SVM, offered this message:

“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of St. George’s School of Veterinary Medicine, we reflect with pride on the journey that has brought us here. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our remarkable faculty, the commitment of our staff, the success of our alumni, and the passion of our students. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our school, driving us forward as we continue to inspire, innovate, and make a difference in the world.”

 

 

— Juliette Kimmins 

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SGU’s Assistant Dean of Research: “Research is part of our DNA”

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research in a laboratory

The opportunity to engage in and learn to do meaningful research is a fundamental part of a high-quality medical education. Recognizing this, St. George’s University’s School of Medicine has strengthened its support for students and faculty involved in research, creating new opportunities to advance knowledge and the practice of medicine.

“A good physician is not only one who knows a lot about medicine but one who keeps himself or herself at the forefront of their field,” explained Dr. Martin Forde, the School of Medicine’s assistant dean of research and professor in the SOM’s Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. “This is achieved either by contributing to the body of knowledge in medicine or by interpreting and incorporating the latest research insights into the treatment of patients. This allows them to provide their patients the best and highest standard of care they can.”

SGU’s Office of Research is committed to nurturing a “spirit of inquiry” by providing support and resources to students and faculty to help bring their ideas to fruition. The School of Medicine also has two dedicated institutes—the Medical Student Research Institute and Faculty Research Institute––which provide additional avenues for students and faculty to engage in research and other scholarly activities.

“At SGU, we firmly believe that research should be a core component that is integrated into every medical student’s education,” Dr. Forde said. “Over the past few years, we have worked to embed research into the fabric of the medical school experience, essentially making it part of SGU’s DNA.”

These efforts have yielded impressive results. In 2023, the School of Medicine community, including basic sciences and clinical students as well as affiliated faculty, published over 874 peer-reviewed journal articles. Of that, the 172 publications by Basic Sciences students and faculty was the highest output among all Caribbean medical schools, according to a PubMed search for School of Medicine authorship affiliations by the Office of Research for the year 2023.  In addition, 126 students were honored with research and scholarly distinction awards at the 2024 commencement ceremonies.

Dr. Forde shared with SGU News more details on why engaging in research is beneficial for would-be physicians, and how med students at SGU can get involved. Here’s what he had to say.

SGU: What opportunities are there for School of Medicine students to engage in research?

Dr. Forde: Research, and the skills to conduct it have been built into SGU’s MD curriculum. In Term 3, students gain foundational knowledge on how to do statistics and epidemiology. Then, when students do their clinical rotations, they learn how to do translational research, learning how to incorporate the latest research findings into patient treatment and care. The assignments the students get during this phase of their training teaches them how to analyze and apply insights from published research so as to develop treatment regimens that are best tailored to their patient’s needs.

In particular, the Medical Student Research Institute (MSRI) program allows medical students who have demonstrated academic excellence the opportunity to further hone their research skills by working with an assigned faculty mentor on a research project. Students can enter the MSRI program in their Basic Sciences years or during their clinical years.

 

“At SGU, we firmly believe that research should be a core component that is integrated into every medical student’s education. Over the past few years, we have worked to embed research into the fabric of the medical school experience, essentially making it part of SGU’s DNA.”

 

All students who achieve significant research milestones, such as authoring a peer-reviewed research publication or presenting at a major medical conference while in the SOM are eligible to graduate with distinctions such as “Distinction in Scholarly Activity” or Distinction in Research.”

SGU: What are some research topics that students are currently working on through the MSRI?

Dr. Forde: Current research in the Basic Sciences MSRI spans a wide range of topics, including reviews, clinical investigations, and population studies in Grenada and elsewhere. For instance, environmental health studies are investigating the health impacts of pollutants like bisphenol and PFAS, or improved water filtration systems, on overall health. Other studies are focused on critical public health issues such as the impacts of hurricanes, stroke awareness, and HPV vaccination efforts.

SGU: What benefits will students gain from participating in research in med school?

Dr. Forde: Engaging in research allows students to move beyond simply assimilating and absorbing existing knowledge to meaningfully contributing to expanding the knowledge base of the medical field. By participating in research, students transition from just being consumers of information to becoming creators, helping to fill the gaps in the field that were missing and potentially devising innovative solutions to improve patient care.

In the process, students develop valuable skills that will enhance their approach patient care Including:

  • Enabling critical thinking and analytical skills;
  • Understanding and interpreting evidence-based medicine, ensuring treatments are grounded in solid research;
  • Enhanced problem-solving skills, fostering creative and effective solutions;
  • Improved confidence and interpersonal communication skills, essential for patient and peer interactions; and
  • Enhancing their ability to communicate complex information clearly, accurately, and concisely honed through research paper writing.

Involvement in research also provides practical skills, such as:

  • Learning how to make connections while collaborating with other researchers.
  • Securing strong letters of recommendation, and importantly,
  • Enabling them to distinguish themselves during residency interviews.

SGU: What resources are available to help students get started?

Dr. Forde: SGU now offers all SGU students and faculty access to Nature’s Masterclasses on Demand, a premier educational resource.  This web-based platform provides a comprehensive suite of 24 courses that guides users through every stage of the research process. All are encouraged to utilize this valuable resource.

Additionally, the School of Medicine provides financial support to cover the publication fees for faculty and students whose papers are accepted by reputable, non-predatory journals, provided they clearly acknowledge their affiliation with St. George’s University, School of Medicine.

SGU: Looking forward, what is on the horizon for research opportunities at SGU?

Dr. Forde: As we strive to make research an even more integral part of the SGU experience, we are actively developing new initiatives to further cultivate and foster a spirit of inquiry and research among our students and faculty.

 

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

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The 5 Most Impactful SAS and SGS Stories of 2024

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From 25 years of excellence in public health education to the newest class of future nurses, St. George’s University Schools of Arts and Sciences, and Graduate Studies have much to be proud of in 2024.

Take a look at some of the most impactful SGU News SAS and SGS stories of 2024. Then, go ahead and read our The 5 Most Impactful School of Medicine Stories of 2024 and The 5 Most Impactful School of Veterinary Medicine Stories of 2024.

 

1. Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Milestone Moments 

SGU’s Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine celebrated 25 years of offering a Master of Public Health to students and contributing to building a competent public health workforce globally.

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

 

2. Nursing Induction Ceremony

At this year’s Nursing Induction Ceremony, 76 SAS students marked the beginning of their journey into the nursing profession. During the ceremony, each student received The Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s golden Mobius loop pin, which serves as a visual reminder that in order to deliver the best care to their patients, compassion and empathy must be the hallmark of their clinical practice.

Read Called to Serve: 76 Students Inducted at SAS Nursing Induction Ceremony

 

3. SGU Grad Serves as Grenada’s New High Commissioner to the UK

Her Excellency Rachér Croney, MBA ’13, BA ’09, reflected on how her experiences at SGU prepared her for a world of diplomacy and her past year as High Commissioner for Grenada to the United Kingdom.

“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.”

Read more about SGU Grad Thrives as Grenada’s High Commissioner to UK

 

 

4. Grenadian Secures Highly Competitive US Residency

Match Day is a significant milestone in the careers of future physicians. This year, Grenadian-born SOM and SAS alumna, Toya Ameda, MD ’24, BSc ’21, secured a highly competitive US residency position in interventional radiology.

“Finding out that I matched felt surreal. A weight had been lifted off my shoulders, as I now had confirmation that I would actually be an interventional radiologist,” she said.

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

 

5. Celebrating Grenada’s 50th year of independence

SGU proudly joined with the rest of Grenada in kicking off a yearlong celebration of the country’s Golden Jubilee of Independence.

According to Dr. Brendon La Grenade, vice provost for Institutional Advancement: “Whether it was volunteering to decorate and showcase our campus, individual teams decorating their offices and dressing up, or showcasing their culinary skills, SGU’s campus community went above and beyond to make our 50th celebration truly special.”

Check out SGU Celebrates Grenada’s 50th Anniversary of Independence

 

– Ray-Donna Peters

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