New On-Campus Lab Strengthens Diagnostics, Education, And Research In Grenada

/in , , /by

With the development of a state-of-the-art diagnostic molecular facility on campus, St. George’s University has assured its community and the country of Grenada that SGU will be prepared to do its part should another infectious disease outbreak surface in the near or distant future.

The laboratory is housed in the on-campus Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF) building, and was constructed to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

“By upgrading our laboratory, we can now provide a long-term diagnostic molecular facility that could provide timely and appropriate diagnostic services for the University and potentially the region,” said Dr. Calum Macpherson, director of research at SGU. Previously, most diagnostic testing had to be sent outside of Grenada for analysis, often creating longer lead times for receiving results.

In addition to diagnostics, the lab will serve as a teaching facility for graduate and undergraduate students interested in molecular technology elective courses. It will also be a resource for faculty and students to conduct research on emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases and other infections.

By demonstrating the capacity to accurately and safely test hundreds of cases each week, Dr. Macpherson envisions that the lab will further enhance international and regional partnerships with such groups as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and universities worldwide.

“We can now provide a long-term diagnostic molecular facility that could provide timely and appropriate diagnostic services for the University and potentially the region.”

 

Commitment to accuracy and efficiency

SGU’s molecular lab will be overseen by Elsa Chitan, the head of the WINDREF laboratories, and will be initially utilized to conduct all COVID-19 testing on campus. Vanessa Matthew-Belmar, MSc ’16, a lab technician in the School of Veterinary Medicine, will use the lab to conduct her PhD studies on COVID-19 at SGU.

“The molecular lab will provide a diverse group of students and faculty with a molecular facility, which is increasingly the Gold Standard for diagnosing infectious diseases,” said Dr. Trevor Noël, director of SGU’s field research studies in the Office of Research and deputy director of WINDREF. Since its founding in 1994 as a non-governmental organization in Grenada and as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable foundation, WINDREF has been committed to health and environmental development through research and education programs, by promoting collaborative relationships between internationally recognized scholars and regional scientists, and by adhering to the highest ethical research and academic standards. WINDREF’s current donors include the NIH, Grand Challenges Canada, Nature Conservancy International, FAO, The Spencer Foundation, Global Challenges Research Fund, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Global Water Partnership, and many other entities.

SGU’s molecular lab in the School of Veterinary Medicine served as Grenada’s initial national SARS-CoV-2 testing site at the onset of the pandemic last year. It was one of approximately 250 quality control labs around the world overseen by the WHO. Its results were in 100 percent concordance with the expected test results from the WHO. The national testing laboratory located at the Grenada General Hospital continues to collaborate with WINDREF personnel on best diagnostic practices.

PCR testing continues at SGU’s Open Modica Hall, where Dr. Kathy Yearwood, director of University Clinical Services and Dr. Jennifer Solomon, chair of nursing and allied health science, join staff from the University Clinic, nursing program, and WINDREF COVID-19 team, have been testing the SGU affiliated community and contractors. The program has tested almost 8,000 individuals over the past year with the majority of the results returned to those tested within eight hours. A rapid turnaround is essential for the test to be useful for epidemiological surveillance, and its success played a significant role in limiting the numbers of COVID-19 infections in Grenada over the past year.

Dr. Trevor Noel receives his COVID-19 vaccine as part of Grenada’s initial rollout.

SGU faculty step forward in Grenada vaccine rollout 

Drs. Macpherson and Noël were amongst the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford/AstraZeneca SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on February 12. They joined the Grenada Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell; Minister of Health the Hon. Nickolas Steele; and a number of cabinet members, senior administrators from the Ministry of Health, and some frontline workers.

“In Grenada, non-pharmaceutical measures have been in place from the beginning, whether it’s a limited curfew, the mandatory wearing of masks in public, frequent washing of hands, physical distancing, along with a rapid test, trace, and isolate and quarantine program, all helped to maintain the low numbers of COVID-19 infections in Grenada,” Dr. Macpherson said. “As a result, we have had so few cases, which means that almost everyone is immunologically naïve and susceptible to infection. The vaccine is the final piece to protect everyone in Grenada.”

 

Related news: Under the Microscope – COVID-19 Vaccines in Grenada

 

Both Dr. Macpherson and Dr. Noël reported having only transitory mild side effects from the first of two vaccine shots. The immediate rollout of the vaccine will be administered by the Community and Public Health nurses of the Ministry of Health at the Grenada General Hospital. Dr. Yearwood and members of the SGU clinical team and WINDREF COVID-19 team were among those to receive the vaccine early in its rollout.

“The strong partnership between the Ministry of Health, SGU, WINDREF, PAHO/WHO and the participation of the people of Grenada with the non-pharmaceutical measures allowed Grenada to limit the number of cases of COVID-19 in Grenada to extremely low levels,” said Dr. Macpherson. “It has been a pleasure for us to be a part of this remarkable public health achievement.”

– Brett Mauser

 

Under the Microscope: COVID-19 Vaccines in Grenada

/in , , /by

Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of St. George’s University, has committed his life to studying tropical and infectious diseases. All over the world, he has seen how viruses—these microscopic parasites that are invisible to the naked eye—can spread through a community, leaving damage in their wake.

One of the best methods to combat the virus is the use of vaccines. A version of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine began being administered in Grenada last week, and a full program is currently being rolled out that places essential workers, elderly and Grenadian residents with pre-existing conditions on the priority list. Having long studied vaccines and their positive effect on healthcare, Dr. Olds is an ardent supporter of their implementation.

“I got my first COVID vaccine today,” he said.

Dr. Olds shed light on the vaccine that is currently being distributed in Grenada, what citizens can expect when receiving it, and the long-term outlook for COVID-19 in the country.

St. George’s University: What vaccine does Grenada currently have in stock? Is it being administered elsewhere in the world and how does it compare to other versions?

Dr. G. Richard Olds: Grenada is currently using the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is currently being used extensively in England. It was developed in partnership with Oxford University. In contrast to the two vaccines being used in the US, it is a chimpanzee adenovirus that has had the message for the spike protein placed within it. This vaccine can’t make humans sick, but it induces a high level of protection against COVID-2. Just like the mRNA vaccines used in the US, this vaccine requires two doses but has the advantage of being stored in cold but not freezing environments.

SGU: How exactly does this vaccine provide protection against SARS-CoV-2?

Dr. Olds: The COVID-2 virus attaches to human cells through a molecule on its surface called a spike protein. All current COVID vaccines target this molecule. Vaccinated people develop antibodies that block the binding of the spike protein to human cells. Unable to bind, the virus is unable to infect cells.

SGU: How long is the protection expected to last?

Dr. Olds: How long the vaccine will protect those who receive it is currently unknown, but it looks like all vaccines provide protection for at least a year and probably longer.

 

“If everyone doesn’t take the vaccine, we run the risk that COVID will circulate for a very long time.”

 

SGU: Is the vaccine available in one shot or does it require multiple shots over a period of time?

Dr. Olds: Most of the seven COVID vaccines require two shots, but the Johnson and Johnson vaccine only needs one shot. This is not currently available in Grenada. The interval between the two shots varies, but about a month is the most common. There are experiments in England now with the AstraZeneca vaccine with longer periods between the shots.

SGU: How safe is the vaccine that is available in Grenada? Are there any side effects?

Dr. Olds: All the COVID vaccines appear very safe. In blinded control studies, no difference was seen between vaccinated people and those that got sugar water in terms of long-term side effects. In the short run, vaccinated people will likely feel soreness in their arm, feel poorly for a few days, and may have a low-grade fever. None of these responses are serious, and they often respond to over-the-counter medicine.

The AstraZeneca vaccine currently in Grenada does not seem to cause severe allergic reactions. All minor reactions to the vaccine appear more commonly in reaction to the second vaccine, and are a sign that they are working.

SGU: Are there any pre-existing conditions that would prevent someone from getting it?

Dr. Olds: If a person is severely immune compromised—such as being infected with the AIDS virus, on high-dose steroids, getting chemotherapy, or having an organ transplant—they should consult a doctor before getting the vaccine.

Related news: New On-Campus Lab Strengthens Diagnostics, Education, and Research in Grenada

SGU: Once an individual receives the vaccine, how will restrictions change for them?

Dr. Olds: Even after you get fully vaccinated, people will still need to wear a mask and socially distance until everyone on the island is vaccinated. That’s because vaccinated people are protected from dying from COVID, but they could still transmit the virus to others. Once everyone is vaccinated, life should return to normal.

SGU: Do you believe that all eligible individuals should receive the vaccine?

Dr. Olds: Everyone over 18 years of age should get the vaccine. Soon we will know if children over 12 should get the vaccine. The vaccine is very safe, and COVID can lead to serious illness or fatalities. In addition, COVID can cause long-term health issues for people. By now, millions of people in England have already received the vaccine currently available in Grenada without a problem.

If everyone doesn’t take the vaccine, we run the risk that COVID will circulate for a very long time, and the more the virus circulates, the greater the chance that a new variant will develop that the vaccine will not protect people from. It’s a race, and I hope this time humans win.

For First Black Graduate, SGU Was “Opportunity Of A Lifetime”

/in , , /by

SGU News caught up with John Washington, MD ’81, who with his charter class colleagues were the first to enter medicine as St. George’s University graduates. Dr. Washington has spent the last 35 years working as an emergency medicine physician in Macon, GA, and he looks back fondly on where his journey began.

St. George’s University: How did you end up choosing SGU?

John Washington: Going to SGU was the opportunity of a lifetime for me. We’re talking about a time when black individuals didn’t really have that kind of opportunity in medicine. For us, we had to go to Howard or Meharry, which is the oldest black medical school in the nation. Some schools weren’t letting black medical students in.

A friend of mine at one school told me some stories about how he was treated—and of the things that went on. It’s amazing he made it through. He isn’t alone either. When I compared my time in Grenada to the experience that he and others had elsewhere, it was completely different. SGU was a great fit for me.

SGU: How would you describe the camaraderie amongst the charter class?

Dr. Washington: The most important thing I remember is that everybody stuck together. It was a tight-knit group, and everybody helped each other out in any way they could. We studied hard, and it was easy to see who was committed to making it through and building a legacy for the school. Looking back at it now, we were able to lay the groundwork for what was then this completely new and unique school.

SGU: What’s it like for you looking back on the foundation that you and your classmates built?

Dr. Washington: It’s just been marvelous. I believe that SGU is the preeminent foreign medical school in the world, in terms of the training it provides and the opportunity it gives students to practice in the US. Graduates from SGU are everywhere now, and they’re doing well. I’m proud to have been part of the first class and to have helped physicians who followed in our footsteps.

– Brett Mauser

Learn more about our commitment to diversity

SGU Public Health Professor Appointed To Serve On The ASPPH Board Of Directors

/in , /by

Although Professor Martin Forde’s career begun as an engineer in 1987, it has been his two decades in the field of public health that has proved most rewarding to him.  Dr. Forde is  a professor within the School of Graduate Studies Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. He also serves as director for St. George’s University’s Medical Student Research Institute and track director for the environmental and occupational health concentrations within the Master of Public Health degree program.

His latest appointment to the board of directors of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) makes him the first representative from SGU to serve in that capacity.  Professor Forde explains to SGU News what his appointment to the ASPPH board means to him, what he hopes to achieve as director, and how he plans to balance his responsibilities between SGU and ASPPH.

St. George’s University: How does it feel to be recently appointed to serve as director for ASPPH?

Professor Martin Forde: I feel honored. I have the privilege to be the voice that represents SGU’s public health program and others from non-US territories on various issues. I am also grateful that ASPPH has proactively reached out to non-US programs to ensure that these schools and programs are represented on their board.

SGU: What are you hoping to achieve during your appointment?

Professor Forde: I am hoping to introduce the way in which non-US-based public health programs operate with less resources as compared to the US counterparts, as well as related issues and concerns that impact us, and how public health solutions can be tailored to meet our unique needs.

SGU: What does your additional responsibilities within the University entail?

Professor Forde: As a professor within the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, I am presently the longest serving faculty member having been with the department now for more than 20 years teaching both environmental and occupational health. Further, I am the track director for the environmental and occupational health concentrations within the Master of Public Health degree program. I’m also the director of the Medical Student Research Institute, which offers honors students in term 2 the opportunity to engage in research projects with an assigned faculty mentor.

SGU: How do you balance those responsibilities?

Professor Forde: All the above appointments are to a large degree synergistic in that they are related and complement each other. My new appointment as an at-large ASPPH board member will allow me to share my teaching and research experiences from a non-US based public health program with the leading association for public health schools and programs in the US.

SGU: What’s next Professor Forde?

Professor Forde: To continue to be of service to all in bringing the skills and knowledge I have in my personal toolbox to address and help solve the global public health challenges we currently face.

 

–Tornia Charles

SAS Student Balances Parenthood And Pursuit Of Business Degrees

/in /by

Currently pursuing a double major in business management and tourism and hospitality management at St. George’s University School of Arts and Sciences, Gillian Francis, BSc ’22 (expected), performs the balancing act between motherhood and academia daily.  Although the journey to graduation has presented its share of challenges, she hopes to inspire other parents who are eager to advance their education, but are concerned about being able to manage parenthood, university life, and everything that comes along with it.

SGU News reached out to Ms. Francis to learn how she spends a typical day as a mom and student, the advice she would offer to other parents, and how she manages it all.

St. George’s University: Why did you decide to pursue your studies at SGU?

Gillian Francis: SGU offered the perfect blend of what I needed in terms of locale, financial affordability, and academic programs. I never have to leave my family to pursue my studies as the University is right here at home. The 90 percent scholarship offered to all Grenadian citizens also piqued my interest as I was able to further my education in the area I most desired, particularly tourism and hospitality management.

SGU: What does a typical day look like for you as a mom/student?

Francis: Now that classes are virtual, a typical day for me is extremely busy, as I have to attend my classes, ensure that my son attends his classes (online as well), prepare meals in between classes, and fit my assignments—and his—into my schedule. I don’t have much spare time so planning is very crucial for me in order to get things done.

SGU: How are you able to balance parenthood and academia amidst a pandemic?

Francis: My way of balancing both worlds is through daily and weekly planning of all the things I must get done. That includes classes and assignments, household chores, and simply being a mom. As part of my self-care routine, I watch a little television, listen to music, go to the beach, or exercise at least once a week.

SGU: What has your favorite class been so far and why?

Francis: I must say that I really enjoyed and learned a lot from Destination Marketing and Quality Customer Service. It gave me a bird’s eye view of the many things involved in marketing a destination, and the wider concept of service and its importance. Both courses offered theoretical and practical experience of what goes into marketing a destination and in the service industry.

SGU: Have you taken advantage of any other services offered by the University?

Francis: Yes, I often utilize the peer learning group sessions which can be found at the Department of Educational Services, as I find it a great form of revision and a means of clearing up misconceptions. Also, as the newly elected secretary for the Business Students Association for the second time in a row, I am able to provide assistance to fellow business students and contribute to their overall development.

SGU: What advice would you give to a parent interested in attending SGU?

Francis: It is worth it—just take everything one step at a time. Do not take on more courses than you can handle, plan consistently, and ensure to make time for yourself and your family.

 

– Tornia Charles

 

WINDREF Provides In-Depth Fisheries Training Through UN Grant

/in , /by

Fishers from Carriacou celebrate earning their captain’s permit through a 12-week training program facilitated by WINDREF. Photos from Roland Baldeo

To strengthen a region that relies heavily on the fisheries sector for its food safety and livelihood, the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF) recently led a rigorous 12-week training course that resulted in more than 300 men and women earning a fishing vessel captain’s permit, demonstrating their expertise in rules and safety on the seas.

The Grenada graduation ceremony bestowed captain’s permits to more than 250 alumni of the 12-week course.

WINDREF, which is based on the St. George’s University campus, carried out the project through funding from a $370,000EC grant from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the Climate Change Adaptation in the Eastern Caribbean Fisheries Sector (CC4FISH) project in the Eastern Caribbean. Permits were bestowed to fishers from Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

“This project provided a unique public-private partnership opportunity despite COVID-19 restrictions for services by WINDREF towards regional implementation of climate change adaptation,” said Trevor P. Noël, PhD ’17, MPH ’04, deputy director of WINDREF. “The success of this program is evidenced in the fact that both the United Nations (FAO) and Grenada Government Ministries have requested further dialogue with us for future UN projects that are due to come on stream this fall. It is an exciting time for WINDREF and, by extension, St. George’s University.”

The training was set up in 12 one-week modules covering rules of the sea, safety at sea, search and rescue, seamanship and boat handling, global positioning systems (GPS), navigation, first aid, conflict resolution, fishery laws and regulations, marine protected areas, engine repair and maintenance, and marine radio operating procedures. Each fisher was required to attend all 12 sessions to obtain their permit.

“This project is an embodiment of ‘being thy neighbor’s keeper’ by improving safety at sea for Grenadian fishers,” Dr. Noël said. “In addition, the importance of food security and the linkage to climate resilience and health is foremost in our mind.”

Fishers throughout the region, including in Petite Martinique (shown), were trained on a wide variety of topics focused on rules and safety.

 

–Brett Mauser 

SAS Grad Commits Life To Serving Community As Grenada Police Commissioner

/in , /by

Edvin Martin, BSc ’08, the current commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF)  came from humble beginnings. He grew up in a Grenadian household of seven kids, inspired by his hard-working mother and his father,  a police constable who was the motivating factor for his son joining the RGPF. Mr. Martin attributes his humility and simplicity to this family construct, and one he is very proud of today.

Well into his thirties, he made the decision to pursue a degree program at SGU. He recalls one of his scares at the beginning was his conscious weakness in his math abilities. In an interview with SGU News, the recently appointed commissioner talks about the way he conquered his fear of math, how SGU aided in his career development, and being able to achieve success at any stage in life.

St. George’s University: What are your responsibilities as commissioner of the RGPF?

Commissioner Edvin Martin: As Commissioner of Police, my responsibilities consist of a complete superintendence command and control of the entire RGPF apparatus, and in so doing I am supported by deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners of police.

SGU: Can you describe your journey with the RGPF and specifically your career mobility?

Commissioner Martin: In addition to my parental upbringing and guidance, my journey with the RGPF has been very interesting, and certainly one I attribute almost everything to. I will remain eternally grateful for the opportunities afforded to me. From the early days of recruitment, I received the baton of honor, and from then on, I received several successive promotions, where I was subsequently promoted to assistant commissioner of police, deputy and ultimately to the rank of commissioner.

SGU: What do you consider to be the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Commissioner Martin: Certainly it is in service to people. I’ll give you an example. When I launched the police farm watch scheme, a farmer came to me when he noticed that a lot of his yams had gone missing. I understood this was his livelihood and knew we had to help. He was so elated when we found the individuals stealing and was able to get a conviction in court. At the end of the day, if what I do results in elevation and recognition for me, then so be it, but it has never been the driving force. The greatest satisfaction is how I can make people’s lives better and that continues to be my motivation onto this day.

SGU: How have your studies at SGU helped with your career development?

Commissioner Martin: SGU provided the academic foundation that allowed my career to propel in many ways. Predominantly, I didn’t enter with the strongest number of subjects, but my experience and several other courses, including an accelerated promotion course and studies at the US-based Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy, aided as well. Having completed my SGU degree and graduating with honors (magna cum laude), that served me well in getting accepted into UK universities and made it easy in the ultimate decision for my being granted a Chevening scholarship award.

SGU: Were there any services offered at SGU that you would have taken advantage of during your time there?

Commissioner Martin: I used the Department of Educational Services to assist with the issue of building my math capability. I had to start at the foundation level because math was not one of the O-level subjects I had. I received an A in math for critical thinking and a B in statistics, so I pat myself on the back for doing so. You can do well once you invest the time in the extra support mechanisms available to help you succeed.

SGU: What would you say to someone who wants to advance their career later in life?

Commissioner Martin: You can start to achieve success at any stage in life. If you weren’t the best student, it is not the end. I know several persons who did not excel in their earlier years and today these persons have degrees. The opportunities are there. By and large, once you are disciplined, motivated, and believe in yourself, you can aim for the sky and certainly do well.

SGU: How do you respond to comments about you being one of the most eloquent speakers in Grenada?

Commissioner Martin: I am absolutely flattered by the statement but, quite frankly, I think differently. I am humbled by the comment and I will interpret that to mean that when I do speak people understand, digest, and find clarity, and I will use that as a motivating statement.

SGU: What advice would you give to someone thinking of SGU?

Commissioner Martin:  I would wholeheartedly recommend SGU. In fact, my daughter is in her last semester pursuing a nursing degree, and it is testimony of my support and confidence in the school. I have great faith in the institution, and the fact that I was able to use my graduation certification from SGU to leverage further academic education in the UK further justifies that. The University is also very accessible and affordable to Grenadians, as it offers a number of scholarship opportunities.  I highly recommend it.

 

– Tornia Charles

SGU Celebrates Alumnae Impact On National Women Physicians Day

/in , /by

In honor of National Women Physicians Day, St. George’s University’s School of Medicine Alumni Association (SOMAA) held a virtual panel discussion to celebrate its accomplished alumnae making a difference every day in the medical community. The group of esteemed panelists delved into an open and informative discussion about their perspectives on not only being a woman physician but also the impact that female leaders can have on their organizations, as well as the impact those leadership roles can have on the women who hold them.

“I’ve learned to become a servant leader and a collaborative leader,” stated Gina Puglisi, MD ’87, attending adult hospitalist for Envision Physicians in New Jersey and regional medical director of hospital medicine for NEOU. “I’m a leader that gives to their team and makes sure their team is always happy. Everything I do is for the team because if the team is happy then the patients are happy.”

As a physician working in emergency medicine for the past 31 years, Dr. Puglisi has been in a leadership position since her third year out of residency.

“Most studies show that servant leadership and collaborative leadership are the most successful types of leadership,” added Dr. Puglisi. “As a servant leader, I do everything I can to make things easier for my team on a day-to-day basis so, that they can spend more time at the bedside with patients and less time getting bogged down with other aspects of their jobs.”

In addition to sharing their personal stories about the unique qualities that women leaders and physicians bring to the table—and some of the barriers they’ve faced along the way—the panelists also shared insights on how to balance their careers with their personal lives, wellness, and other passions and hobbies they may have.

“Achieving work/life balance is a continued work in progress,” said Marie Raphaelle Jean, MD ’09, a pediatric gastroenterologist at the University of Arizona. “No one has it completely figured out. However, what has served me well is that I became non-negotiable with giving life to activities that brought balance to my mind, body, and spirit. When I focus on those three things, it keeps me grounded.”

“Another good way to strike that balance is that when one vacation ends, start scheduling your next one so that you prevent burn out,” she added. “And lastly, remind yourself that you didn’t get to this place by chance. We have been vetted and we absolutely belong where we are and deserve to be where we are.”

With St. George’s University being the second largest source of physicians for the entire US workforce, the SOMAA was proud to host the online event acknowledging its female doctors who continue to provide excellent care and are committed to making a difference in the lives of their patients every day. The five SGU graduates on the panel represented a variety of specialties, including gynecology, radiology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.

“It’s impossible to not be inspired by these women physicians—their stories and their impact on healthcare,” said Robert Alig, vice president of alumni affairs at St. George’s University. “It’s incredibly powerful to hear them speak and to connect their experiences back to their education here at St. George’s University. It’s unmistakable that they care deeply about their profession, one another, and about SGU, but most important is their commitment to educating themselves, their peers, and their colleagues to make a difference in healthcare.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

 

Learn more about the SGU alumnae who are impacting healthcare

Canadian Grad Secures Highly Competitive EM Fellowship

/in , /by

The journey for Ryan Toews, MD ’19, has taken him from an international medical school experience, to his top-choice residency back in Canada, and now, to a much sought-after emergency medicine fellowship beginning this summer.

Dr. Toews was ecstatic to learn that he had secured one of only a few such fellowship positions through Canada’s Family Medicine Enhanced Skills Match, and that he’ll remain in the U of S system, just a short drive east from where he trained in Swift Current for residency. He received his nursing degree from the University of Calgary before joining the St. George’s University of Grenada School of Medicine/Northumbria University Four-Year Program, for which he spent the first year of basic sciences in Newcastle, United Kingdom.

SGU News connected with Dr. Toews to learn what captured his interest in the fellowship position, and his hopes for the future.

St. George’s University: What prompted you to apply for this fellowship position in particular?

Ryan Toews: I was drawn to the opportunity to further develop my acute care skills in order to provide a high quality of care to patients in a wide variety of settings.   

SGU: What does this fellowship position mean for your future?

Dr. Toews: It will mean that emergency medicine will be a large focus of my career, as well as the provision of acute care medicine. I hope this leads to an improved and versatile skillset that will allow me to practice in rural, regional, and urban settings. 

SGU: How would you describe your residency experience at the University of Saskatchewan?

Dr. Toews: Building on skills learned from clerkship, residency has been a very positive experience with a faculty dedicated to teaching and cultivating clinical knowledge. I have been able to apply my clinical skills to a variety of different patient populations in a variety of different settings.  

SGU: How did SGU prepare you for residency and the next step in your career?

Dr. Toews: SGU created a solid foundation as well as engrained a strong work ethic that has allowed me to be successful in both residency and fellowship. 

 

– Tornia Charles

 

Learn more about Canadian student success at SGU

Coppola Becomes Second-Ever Vet Student To Serve As SGU SGA President

/in , /by

For only the second time in the history of St. George’s University, a veterinary student has been elected president of the Student Government Association. Maria Coppola, a Term 6 student from Pittsburgh, PA, will serve as a leader and voice for students from all schools within the University for the Spring 2021 term.

SGU seems to run in Ms. Coppola’s blood. Her parents met at the University as medical students and graduated in 1984. Her mother, Carmela, now specializes in neonatology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, while her father, Matthew, practices internal medicine with a focus on geriatrics. The lineage continues with her brother, Matthew, a current SOM student who is expected to graduate in 2023.

Ms. Coppola is no newcomer to the SGA, having joined in her first term and joined the SVM executive board in Term 4. SGU News caught up with her as she began her tenure as the organization’s president.

St. George’s University: How does it feel to be only the second SVM student to be elected as SGA president?  

Maria Coppola: It is a great honor. I hope that SGA’s presidency becomes more diverse over the years and there will be more SAS and SVM presidents to come after me.

SGU: What are some of your top priorities in your new role? 

MC: As SGA president in this online environment, my goals are different than what they would be in person. I want SGA to be more than an outlet to voice school-related concerns, and to be an organization that is there for students. It is important to check in with students and help them with motivation and accountability throughout the term. Our executive board is holding weekly office hours, a daily virtual study hall, and an amazing study buddy locator resource. We hope to host some events throughout the term to promote wellness and boost morale.

12

SGU: How will you incorporate the concerns and issues of students of all schools? 

MC: Our executive board positions help me to incorporate the concerns and issues of all SGU students. I check in weekly with the presidents of each school’s affairs to make sure all concerns are being addressed. I also check in with our graduate school SGA representatives to help where I am needed.

SGU: What are the qualities you believe a student needs to have in order to be in this type of leadership position?  

MC: Passion, courage, and embracing teamwork. An SGA president must be passionate about student concerns and needs in order to succeed in this role. You must have the courage to speak with administration and professors to advocate for the student body in an effective and professional manner. Also, you need to be able to delegate tasks, and to work and communicate with SGA, your colleagues, and administration to make a positive change at SGU.

SGU: How did your prior SGA experience prepare you for the role?  

MC: I joined SGA my first term in SVM. I immediately joined committees to get involved, and later joined the executive board in my fourth term. My prior experience on the SGA executive board as vice president of SVM affairs enabled me to see what it took to be president. I was able to see the collaboration of all schools, and the areas that could be improved. I work really hard to make sure that all schools feel equally heard and appreciated.

SGU: What prompted you to pursue this position, and what influence do you hope to have? 

MC: I wanted to be a voice for students and to join an organization that encompasses all schools. I hope that I influence other SGA representatives to have a strong voice and to continue to work for positive change on campus.

SGU: What are your career aspirations?

MC: In May, I will start my clinical year at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, where I will track Small Animal Medicine. My expected graduation is June 2022. I plan to practice small animal medicine in Georgia or Florida after graduation.

SGU: How will being SGA president help you in your career?  

MC: My role as SGA president has helped me improve the leadership and interpersonal skills needed to be a successful veterinarian. Veterinarians are team leaders at the hospital and should possess these skills to lead a successful and encouraging team. As with many other careers, veterinarians rely on their team to efficiently get things done. I am thankful to be in this current leadership position to continue improving my skills.

– Laurie Chartorynsky

Learn more about the School of Veterinary Medicine