SGU Veterinarians Secure Postgraduate Training Positions in VIRMP Match

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Students and graduates of St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine will go on to take the next step in their careers this spring.  Forty-two SGU-trained veterinarians will begin specialized training in both internship and residency positions, according to 2022 data from the Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).

SGU students and grads achieved an overall match rate of 76 percent which compares favorably to the average match rate for all schools—including US schools. SGU’s match rate is also highest among Caribbean veterinary schools.

“We are thrilled that so many SGU veterinary graduates will be able to enhance their training through these exciting internship and residency opportunities,” said Dr. Neil Olson, dean of the SVM. “We wish them the best of luck as they start their postgraduate learning and know they are committed to their profession and to providing excellent animal care.”

Starting in June, newly matched graduates will continue their advanced training in fields such as large animal surgery, neurology, oncology, emergency medicine, and exotic animals, among others. These positions are situated at such prestigious institutions as Tufts University, University of Florida, Cornell University, and Michigan State University and several other universities within the SVM’s network of clinical affiliates.

Students and grads expressed their excitement at starting their upcoming postgraduate positions.

Gurcharan Chrai, DVM ‘21
Emergency and Critical Care
University of Florida

“When I was in vet school, I was sure that I wanted to pursue zoo medicine. During my small animal rotating internship, I became drawn to ECC. I am fascinated with the medicine and the complexity of the cases. With much encouragement from my mentors, I decided to go for it and am so excited that I matched at my first choice!”

 

Tori Cleaver, DVM ‘21
Dermatology
Animal Dermatology Clinic, Tustin, CA

“I initially found myself drawn to dermatology at SGU during the classroom lecture series as well as the sixth term dermatology selective. That interest developed into a passion as I began to see cases during my clinical year at the University of Florida and my rotating internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC. My special interests within the field include allergic diseases and cutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases. I cannot wait for the next chapter in my career as I achieve my dream of becoming a veterinary dermatologist!”

Lelia Barden, DVM ’20
Radiology
Ohio State

“When I started veterinary school, I wanted to be a surgeon. My passion for radiology started in my third year when I was doing an equine externship in Kentucky. The mentor I was working with took me to the Fasig-Tipton sales for thoroughbreds. I loved every moment and saw a lot of myself in my mentor. Since then, I’ve pursued a path in radiology. My area of interest is in musculoskeletal ultrasound for horses and small animals.”

– Paul Burch

 

 

 

Related Articles:

Celebrating Black History Month: SVM students and grads eager to pave the way for change

From the deep South to down under: How this SVM grad found “the place to be”

Vet cardiologist inspired to strengthen animal and human bond

SGU President Featured in Miami Herald Article on Doctor Shortage

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St. George’s University President Dr. G. Richard Olds recently sat down with the Miami Herald for an interview about the state’s physician shortage, the importance of international medical graduates, and the strong presence of SGU alumni working throughout the state.

The article, titled “Can’t find a doctor? Florida facing physician shortage amid growth, aging population,” details how the state’s growing and aging population has put undue pressure on the physician workforce–and without immediate action, more and more patients could begin to encounter difficulties accessing care. Dr. Olds offered his expert perspective on the disproportionate impact of these shortages on vulnerable populations:

“’People want to talk about a doctor shortage, but far more important … is when you look at statewide statistics, there are areas of Florida that have an absolute surplus of doctors, including primary care doctors, and they tend to mask the fact that rural underserved America and urban underserved America have a much greater doctor shortage,”‘ Dr. Olds said.

St. George’s University in Grenada supplies the U.S. with more first-year residents than any other medical school. About 70 percent of its students are U.S. citizens and in 2021, 120 of its graduates started residencies in Florida.

Dr. Olds also explained how the highly competitive nature of admissions at U.S. medical schools is preventing some of the best and brightest students from pursuing careers in medicine.

“Competition for medical school slots also is fierce. There are 50,000 qualified candidates for medical school every year in the United States, meaning they have a high enough grade-point average and standardized test score to do well, but only 26,000 are accepted into U.S. medical schools,” Olds said. “Many of those not accepted seek schools outside the U.S.”

 

Read the full article

The Perfect Match: SGU Students Secure US Residencies on Match Day 2022

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For St. George’s University students and graduates, the emotions from Match Day 2022 won’t soon be forgotten. This year, hundreds of soon-to-be practicing physicians secured first-year residencies, and will bring with them the knowledge and skills they’ve learned to reinforce the US healthcare system beginning this summer.

This year, SGU students matched into first-year residency positions across a variety of specialties and throughout the US. They will begin residency programs in a range of highly competitive specialties, including neurology, emergency medicine, surgery, and more. More students are expected to obtain residencies in the days and weeks to come.

“Match Day is one of the most important days of a medical student’s career,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of St. George’s University. “On behalf of the entire SGU community, I extend my sincere congratulations to this outstanding group of students. I wish them the best as they begin their careers.”

 

View all 2022 residency placements

 

SGU graduates will play a critical role in addressing America’s most pressing healthcare needs. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the United States could face a shortage of as many as 124,000 physicians by 2034—including up to 48,000 in primary care.[1]

Seventy-five percent of St. George’s University graduates enter primary care specialties, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine. One in five works in medically unserved areas, and many have served on the frontlines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, SGU is the largest source of practicing doctors to the US healthcare system according to the Federation of State Medical Boards.

“SGU alumni have a long history of rising to meet the medical challenges facing their communities,” Dr. Olds said. “We’re confident that our newest class of doctors will make equally meaningful contributions and improve access to care for vulnerable patients and communities.”

 

View SGU virtual Match Day celebration

SGU grad dedicates her life to giving back to Grenada

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As acting senior medical officer and member of the National COVID-19 Sub-committee in Grenada’s Ministry of Health, Myanna Charles, MD ’16, MPH ’21, responded to the call to serve her country at a very critical time.

Tasked with limiting community spread and preventing as much suffering as possible caused by the COVID-19 virus, Dr. Charles recalled the long days and late nights spent working to ensure that Grenadians had the tools and education necessary to stem the impact of COVID.

Even though there were many challenges, she shared with SGU News that being able to provide technical support and advice in such an influential capacity to a people and a country that has given her so much is what continues to fuel her dedication to her job and to give back to Grenada.

St. George’s University: What motivated you to step up during such a crucial time in your country?

Dr. Charles: This might sound very cliché, but I am a child of the soil. Although it was a heavy call, I responded because I’m dedicated to serving the Grenadian people. In the height of the outbreak, there was no rest, our team was working seven days a week to keep our citizens safe. This country and University have afforded me the opportunity to study and practice medicine and public health. It seems only natural that I would want to give back without hesitation to the people, who have allowed me to achieve my dream of becoming a physician.

SGU: What are some of your responsibilities as part of Grenada’s COVID-19 public health response?

Dr. Charles: In collaboration with and under the leadership of the chief medical officer, Dr. Shawn Charles, MD ’17, MIB ’07, MBA ’08, I provided technical advice on public health measures at the ports of entry and in the community. These included testing requirements, entry forms for travel authorization and health declaration, and quarantine requirements for travelers. I also helped put into place measures to curb community spread, address vaccine hesitancy, and increase uptake in vaccinations. I also assisted with curfew measures, contact tracing, and quarantine/isolation recommendations.

 

“This country and University have afforded me the opportunity to study and practice medicine and public health. It seems only natural that I would want to give back without hesitation to the people, who have allowed me to achieve my dream of becoming a physician.”


SGU: What do you find to be the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

Dr. Charles: Being able to practice an upstream approach to medicine and doing so in my own country. This approach has given me the opportunity to look at and address the root causes and social determinants of health. In doing so, I’m able to improve health and outcomes at a community and country level rather than at an individual level through policy and program management. Instead of treating the disease of individual patients and sending them back to the same environment, I am now able to look at where these patients are coming from and why they have a particular ailment—so that it never happens again. Preventive medicine is dear to me but being able to do so in my home country and for my people means everything to me.

SGU: How well has SGU prepared you for your journey as a physician?

Dr. Charles: My experience at SGU has been instrumental in who I am today. I particularly recall my clinical years in the United Kingdom. The experience there was integral to building up my interpersonal skills but also implanted that preventive approach to medicine in me. It also allowed me to cultivate a network of amazing friends and colleagues throughout the region. Networking is extremely important and I’m now able to tap into many of those resources today.

SGU: Any plans or future projects you’d like to share?

Dr. Charles: I intend to pursue my PhD and to continue my research on carcinogenic exposures. My hope is to improve health literacy in Grenada through effective health education one day, which can have a huge impact in disease care and prevention. People need to be more aware of their health and the importance that lifestyle measures play in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.

SGU: What advice would you give to anyone considering becoming a doctor at SGU?

Dr. Charles: I want to encourage others to be more open to new experiences within the field of medicine. There is so much to explore so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

 

Dr. Dolland Noel (left), Dr. Charles Modica (middle), Dr. Myanna Charles (right).

 

– Ray-Donna Peters

 

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Black History Month: SOM Students and Grads Hope to Inspire Next Generation of Doctors

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With the need to improve overall representation of minority doctors in medicine, students and graduates of St. George’s University School of Medicine who identify as Black or African American plan to make a difference in the field by advocating for underserved communities and the patients they serve, and by inspiring tomorrow’s minority physicians through mentorship and education.

According to the Association of American Colleges, just 5 percent of active physicians identified as Black or African American in 2018. Even more astonishing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found only 4.6 percent of surgeons identify themselves as Black or African American.

This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Black Health and Wellness.” SGU News spoke with School of Medicine students and graduates about their motivations to go to medical school and their career path of choice, the challenges they perceive for minority physicians, and how they can inspire the next generation of Black and African American doctors. Our panel consisted of:

  • Jasmine Shackelford, MD ’20, family medicine resident at Emory University School of Medicine
  • Paul Osunwa, MD ’21, first-year anesthesia resident physician at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  • Melissa Cheong, SOM Term 5, president of SGU’s Student National Medical Association
  • Amanda Herbert, SOM fourth-year student, Class of 2022
  • Okechukwu Nwosu, SOM fourth-year student, Class of 2022
  • Hannah Terefe, third-year SOM student, who also writes for the blog Women in White Coats.

Jasmine Shackelford, MD ’20, a family medicine resident at Emory University School of Medicine.

St. George’s University: What inspired you to enter the field of medicine?

Dr. Jasmine Shackelford: My inspiration for pursuing medicine started as a young girl where I witnessed a lot of apprehension from family members as it pertained to trusting and maintaining healthy relationships with healthcare providers. I wanted to make a difference in helping to eliminate the health disparities that exist in my community, as well as to encourage people to take charge of their health.

Dr. Paul Osunwa: I was originally a business major in undergrad and switched to nursing when the stock market crash occurred in 2008. I also competed in Division 1 athletics as a shot putter on the track and field team at Texas Christian University. My mother was a nurse and two of my cousins were nurses. I was surrounded by individuals who had been in healthcare. I took it to the next level by attaining my MD.

Melissa Cheong: At the age of five, my mother got extremely sick and was in and out of the hospital as I was growing up. Being around medicine at a young age was intriguing and I always found myself asking questions and wanting to get involved. This passion only grew stronger as I got older. Medicine allows for me to interact with people on a daily, while also using my science background to problem solve. I love interacting with people and making individuals feel comfortable in difficult times and situations.

Okechukwu Nwosu: So many people are going through so much, and I want to listen to their problems and help them make good decisions. I also want to be a role model for my community. If I have little kids looking up to me, and if they watch what I do and consider my advice, whether it’s telling them to look after their body, to eat right, not to smoke, then I’ve set them on a good course.

Paul Osunwa, MD ’21, a first-year anesthesia resident physician at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

SGU: What are the biggest challenges for black men and women in medicine?

Dr. Shackelford: Representation. Although there has been an increase in the number of women practicing medicine, specifically underrepresented minority women, there are still more advancements to be made. Representation matters and it is critical to combat the long-standing history of mistrust that exists between the healthcare systems in minority communities. We must acknowledge the disparities that exist within this field, the negative clinical outcomes related to those disparities, and collectively work together towards change.

Dr. Osunwa: The biggest obstacle black medical providers have is believing that we don’t have a place in medicine. Removing the seeds of self-doubt is important.

Melissa Cheong, SOM student, president of SGU’s Student National Medical Association.

Ms. Cheong: The biggest challenge is navigating through a field where we do not see very many individuals who look like us. It can be discouraging at times. Being a minority in medicine also introduces imposter syndrome. The challenge may present itself as us asking ourselves: “Do we belong here?”, “Did I diagnosis my patient correctly?”

Amanda Herbert: Knowing that you are good enough! When you are in a room full of doctors and residents and your skin color, hair, background, and body type are different, the question sometimes arises: Am I good enough to be in this room? I must remind myself, with all my differences, I bring something unique to the table that makes me better than “good enough.”

Mr. Nwosu: People tend to gravitate to people who look like them, people they feel they can relate to and trust. In the rotation I’m on right now, most of the parents and patients are African American. We need more Black doctors so we can educate that community on how to take care of their body and address health morbidities before they even become an issue. Trust is huge in the patient-doctor relationship, so training more minority physicians can help increase medical knowledge and compliance of practices within minority populations.

 

“Representation matters and it is critical to combat the long-standing history of mistrust that exists between the healthcare systems in minority communities.”

 

Hannah Terefe: I think there’s always going to be more work to be done in improving the culture we are expected to thrive in. With the increase in awareness and conversations surrounding topics that affect Black and Brown doctors, I’m hopeful that we can one day get to a point where we are able to claim our spaces within the medical field comfortably. Until then, we will continue to further the legacy of those who came before us and fight for our voices to be heard and respected.

School of Medicine student, Okechukwu Nwosu.

SGU: What do you love most about your work/studies?

Dr. Shackelford: By choosing to become a primary care physician, specifically trained in family medicine, I find immense joy in those long-lasting relationships that I can have with my patients and their families through all walks of life. The continuity is unmatched! I thoroughly enjoy being at the center of their healthcare team and making sure that I am doing my best for these individuals to help prevent illnesses.

Dr. Osunwa: I love to see a positive end to any situation I’m dealing with—whether it’s a tough diagnosis that has been worked up for several days or a patient who has been on the decline that finally makes a turnaround for a full recovery.

Celebrating Black History Month: SVM students and grads eager to pave the way for change in veterinary medicine

Ms. Cheong: I love learning about the different systems in medicine and how each system interconnects. It truly allows for me to look at the body holistically and approach medicine with an open mind.

Ms. Terefe: During my last rotation in OB/GYN, I realized that no matter what specialty or field of medicine you’re interested in, there’s always more work to be done in protecting the safety, well-being, and mental health of our patients. This aspect of medicine is what keeps me motivated to continuously study to ensure that I provide my patient with the best holistic care possible.

School of Medicine student, Hannah Terefe.

SGU: How can Black doctors “pay it forward”? How do you plan to make a difference? 

Dr. Shackelford: I think the best way to “pay it forward” is to continue to be advocates for the minority patients we serve and to help create opportunities for future black physicians that will come after us. Working towards eliminating the health disparities that exist within our communities will lead these vulnerable populations towards better health outcomes.

Dr. Osunwa: As the saying goes “charity begins at home.” I plan to continue advocating for those who I am in close contact with and letting that light illuminate others. If each of us take a part in advocating and correcting microaggressions the workplace, it will make a broad difference overall.

Ms. Cheong: By serving underprivileged communities where people don’t have adequate access to healthcare and insurance. And by becoming mentors for the medical community, being available, and remembering where we all started and where we are all heading. I want to serve as a mentor and tutor to students in the field of medicine. I will advocate for minorities in medicine by making sure there is diversity and inclusion programs where we attend school or a residency.

 

“I plan to pay it forward primarily through mentorship. I’ve watched students give up their dreams of becoming a physician mostly because they weren’t aware of how to seek support.”

 

Ms. Herbert: We must mentor up-and-coming black doctors every step of the way. The support I received from Black healthcare professionals on my journey was priceless. I plan to make a difference by allowing pre-med students to shadow my practice.

Mr. Nwosu: Black doctors can pay it forward by inspiring our youth by visiting elementary schools. We need to make these areas of expertise as exciting as the areas of athletics and entertainment within black culture. Holding each other accountable and helping each other strive for greatness will increase the interest of young African Americans in going into the fields of science, technology, and mathematics.

Ms. Terefe: I plan to pay it forward primarily through mentorship. In the last few years, I’ve watched students give up their dreams of becoming a physician mostly because they weren’t aware of how to seek support. Mentorship looks different for everyone. For me, it means serving as a bank of experiential knowledge for others. If I can hand off the lessons I’ve gained, then they can continue to build upon their own foundation and path to medicine.

 

School of Medicine student, Amanda Herbert.

 

 

— Paul Burch

 

 

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Celebrating Black History Month: SVM Students and Grads Eager to Pave the Way for Change

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Students and graduates of St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine who identify as Black or African American are keenly aware that they are on the vanguard of a field of medicine where they have been traditionally underrepresented. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Black or African American-employed veterinarians make up just 1.2 percent of the total employed in this occupation.

In honor of Black History Month, SGU News spoke with several students and a graduate from the School of Veterinary Medicine about what inspired them to take up veterinary medicine, the challenges of being a minority in the field, and how they can bring new meaning to the celebration of Black History Month. Our panel included:

  • Shannon Carmichael, DVM ’10, Forever Vets Animal Hospital, Jacksonville, FL,
  • Term 5 SVM student Antonia M. Nickleberry, president of SGU’s Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE), and
  • Term 5 SVM student Teylor Nealy, vice president of VOICE.

St. George’s University: What inspired you to enter the field of veterinary medicine? 

Dr. Shannon Carmichael: Despite no one in my family being in the medical/veterinary field or growing up with pets, I developed a passion for healthcare and animals at a very young age.

Antonia M. Nickleberry: I have always had a passion for animals and their welfare. As a child, I was surrounded by animals of various species and saw the love they harbored for humans. Today, I’m more aware of the importance of mental health and the connection animals have to the mental stability of many of us. It’s so important to care for animals because that, in turn, is being there and caring for the humans who love them.

Teylor Nealy: I have never wanted to do anything else. I have always had a keen interest in animals and the multitude of species, each having their own unique characteristics. During this journey my shadowing experiences have afforded me the ability to hone-in on the specific field in which I want to begin my career, which is emergency medicine. It has not been an easy journey, but it has been humbling and rewarding in so many ways. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.

Dr. Shannon Carmichael, DVM ’10, Forever Vets Animal Hospital, Jacksonville, FL

SGU: What do you see as the biggest challenges ahead for Black women in veterinary medicine?

Dr. Carmichael: As a member of a minority, one of the greatest challenges is overcoming stereotypes and negative perceptions, especially along the path to becoming a veterinarian. There is a constant need to prove yourself worthy of a client’s trust and occasional awkward pauses when you introduce yourself as the doctor.

Ms. Nickleberry: Assuming leadership positions at major veterinary hospitals and businesses is a major challenge. Having people of color in leadership positions there will result in increased representation, which can lead to more opportunity for those within those populations. This is what will drive the increase of diversity that we need within the field of veterinary medicine.

Another challenge we face is respect from not only clients, but also our colleagues. Women, overall, have constant struggles with respect in the workplace. I believe these challenges can only be alleviated if those in authoritative positions within the field take a firm, no-tolerance stand against any client, customer, or colleague that treats their employees differently based on their race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, etc.

Ms. Nealy: I feel the best way to fight prejudices and biases is to have an open and honest dialogues even though that is typically uncomfortable for so many people. I can personally attest to incidents I have experienced in past workplaces such as microaggressions and passive prejudices. In one instance, I reported an incident to the manager on duty and she merely replied, “Wow that sucks.” Yes, it sucked, but I wanted to know what she was going to do about it. I felt devalued and witnessed how acceptable this type of behavior is to most people. She truly had no idea how I felt at that very moment as a person and a professional.

Antonia M. Nickleberry, SVM student and VOICE president

SGU: What are some of the positive changes you are witnessing in terms of opportunity and respect for Black veterinarians?

Dr. Carmichael: I am seeing more engagement and veterinary companies becoming involved in Black History Month and Black Lives Matter movements. There are also more veterinary tv shows that feature African American and other minorities. As the veterinary industry and mainstream media brings light to minorities in the industry more opportunities will become available.

Black History Month: SOM students and grads hope to inspire next generation of doctors

SGU: During your time serving as president of VOICE, what are some of the positive changes (in terms of opportunity, respect in the field, etc.) that you witnessed (perhaps among your fellow students or the field at large)?

Ms. Nickleberry: In my time serving as president of VOICE of SGU, the field has begun to make a shift in understanding the need for and importance of diversity within the field of veterinary medicine. With diversity comes shared cultures, traditions, and ideas that can bring us together, which will allow us to be better healthcare providers to our patients.

Teylor Nealy, SVM student and VOICE vice president

SGU: How will you celebrate Black History Month?

Dr. Carmichael: Black History Month is important to me because it is the culmination of the contributions of all different types of people. And recognizing the perspectives and contributions of different groups of people will help us appreciate diversity, defeat stereotypes, and understand our mistakes as a community and build on our successes. I enjoy celebrating black history month by sharing a daily black history fact with friends and families.

Ms. Nealy: I will celebrate Black History Month by reminding myself of how far our people have come. I am grateful every month for the sacrifices my people made to pave the way for me to make it possible for me to pursue my dreams. My dreams are a way for me to show my gratitude to the many who made and paid the ultimate sacrifice.  I am honored to be able to build a legacy for my family and be a role model for little Black girls to look up to, never allowing them to forget our struggles.

 

— Paul Burch

Related Articles:

3 SGU grads changing the face of veterinary medicine

VOICE: Championing diversity in the veterinary profession at the student level

5 stories that chronicled the School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021

 

 

 

From the Deep South to Down Under: How this SVM grad found “the place to be”

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What’s it like to work as a veterinarian serving rural farmland communities in New Zealand? Just ask Elizabeth Flatt, BSc, DVM ’20, who grew up in Georgia and is now an associate veterinarian at VetSouth in Gore, New Zealand.

St. George’s University: Why did you choose to move to New Zealand?

Dr. Flatt: I asked Google! I remember being in my clinical year at Mississippi State University, sitting at a local coffee shop, trying to decide what I was going to do next. Veterinary medicine is so versatile, and as a new grad you are especially malleable. So, I focused on location and extracurricular activities. I wanted to live abroad—specifically somewhere where I could kitesurf and snowboard within a two-hour drive. Google said New Zealand.

It was great timing! I arrived pre-COVID, and this has been the place to be. Thanks, Google!

SGU: What types of animals do you treat there?

Dr. Flatt: VetSouth is a mixed-animal practice that is a part of the VetNZ Ltd., where the philosophy is all about looking after our team, providing premium animal welfare, and making rural communities better by giving back to the regions that support us. This also means that many of our veterinarians are shareholders, ensuring the focus stays local, and our animals, clients, and people are prioritized. I have been with this company for 18 months now and they remain true to their philosophy.

The large animal work is primarily cattle, sheep, horses, and even deer. We also treat pigs and camelids on occasion.

The small animal work is primarily working dogs. Huntaways and heading dogs seem to be Kiwi farmers’ breeds of choice. They are New Zealand-originated breeds. They are especially needed in hill country where not even four-wheelers or horses can easily maneuver. That said, in the last decade, pets such as dogs, cats, exotics, and chickens have increasingly made a presence here—sadly, no snakes as there are none in New Zealand.

 

“SGU provided me with a solid foundation of veterinary medicine. Every case is unique. Veterinarians must rely on their foundation to develop a plan on how to best approach each case.”

SGU: As an associate veterinarian, what are some of the key responsibilities that you have?

Dr. Flatt: In Gore, there are four strictly “smallie” vets, with me as the only full-time small animal veterinarian. The closest specialist referral center is nearly seven hours away in Christchurch. So, oftentimes, you and your team are the only option. Fortunately, we have a wide variety of diagnostic and surgical capabilities. We have CR and DR x-rays, ultrasound, scopes, in-house blood machines, etc.

My main areas of specialty include ultrasound procedures, reproductive assistance, soft tissue surgery, and internal and emergency medicine. I have been receiving referrals from surrounding clinics to perform various ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures. Also, I do a significant amount of artificial insemination around the Southland and Otago regions during breeding season.

SGU: Best day so far at the clinic?

Dr. Flatt: It was around 7:30pm when the emergency text came through: “Cat stuck in grill.” A cat got struck by a vehicle and became lodged in the grill of the car. There was a penetrating chest wound that had to get surgically closed. It was merely a puncture from the outside. From the inside, however, the whole intercostal space was shredded top to bottom. I had to wire the adjacent ribs together and place a chest drain. The best part is that the surgery was a success and the cat lives on. The coolest part is that I felt a beating heart.

SGU: What excites you about practicing veterinary medicine?

Dr. Flatt: The absolute best is being able to fix a patient and get them back home and into action. The second-best part is providing those unfixable patients with a quality of life for their remaining time. This, ultimately, makes you an integral part of their family and business. I love being able to serve people in such ways.

SGU: What is an issue in the field of veterinary medicine that is important to you?

Dr. Flatt: Improving work-life balance. Being an American, I work until I burn out. New Zealanders are huge on work-life balance. We have built-in “tea breaks” twice a day and a one-hour lunch break. Sure, we may not always get those breaks, but this is a priority implemented by VetSouth and our managers. I admire this and wish more of the international veterinary industry prioritized this.

SGU: Three key qualities to be a good veterinarian?

Dr. Flatt: Critical thinking, people skills, and adaptability.

SGU: What are your plans for the future? 

Dr. Flatt: In the immediate future: I am here until at least July 2023. Over the long term, I would love to open my own specialty veterinary clinic and further my seedstock operation.

SGU: How did SGU prepare you for a career as a veterinarian?

Dr. Flatt: SGU provided me with a solid foundation of veterinary medicine. It is impossible to teach a student everything about veterinary medicine. Every case is unique. Veterinarians must rely on their foundation to develop a plan on how to best approach each case.

SGU: Best piece of advice for SVM students?

Dr. Flatt: Take time to enjoy the present. As a student we often get so fixated on what’s to come that we neglect to appreciate what’s around us now.

 

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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SGU Celebrates 45 Years of Pioneering Progress

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Forty-five years ago, St. George’s University’s School of Medicine commenced classes on the True Blue campus, marking the start of a world-class institution that is now the largest source of doctors for the entire US workforce.

The past 45 years have provided incredible journeys, memories, accomplishments, and careers resulting in over 24,000 graduates in medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, the arts and sciences, and other professions and disciplines. SGU graduates are part of a strong network of graduates who have established careers in all 50 US states and more than 50 countries around the world.

I am proud of this amazing institution that has also forged a path for generations of doctors to come—for the seventh year in a row, SGU secured more residency positions than any medical school in the world,” said Dr. Richard Liebowitz, vice chancellor of St. George’s University. “Although the campus and the world around it have changed in our 45 years, the University’s commitment to our mission of training high-quality physicians—and our commitment to the island of Grenada—remain the same.”

SGU’s impact on healthcare, veterinary medicine, business, and many other fields has been felt both near and far. Since the first campus expansion in 1993, SGU has continued to make long-term investments to meet the needs of its growing campus community, and, in turn, the wider Grenadian community.

“The University is proud of its long history of mutual support in the Grenada community,” said Dr. Charles Modica, chancellor of St. George’s University. “We are thrilled that so many of our students come back to visit long after graduating, and in recent times, they have given generously with supplies and financial donations to combat COVID-19 in Grenada.”

SGU’s School of Medicine continues to play a large role in transforming education in Grenada by providing scholarships for various programs to its citizens. These opportunities have enhanced and enriched the lives of many in the community. To date, SGU is responsible for graduating over 2,100 Grenadian alumni, with more than 250 MDs.

SGU invites everyone to join the celebration by sharing memories from the past to present day that highlight the pioneering spirit that started a legacy. To participate, post memorable photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #SGUspirit.

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South African grad thrives treating elderly in UK

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For Carmen Roessler, MD ’14, there is great joy in the company she keeps. The native South African splits time between three sites within England’s National Health Service, including a rehabilitation unit for predominantly older patients who require physical and occupational therapy. It’s her job to develop their functionality and, ideally, their independence.

Along the way, she appreciates getting to hear about the path they took in life, and applying their healthcare goals to the treatment plan she gives them.

“They often have different insights and some amazing stories,” she said.

Dr. Roessler recently shared her story, one that began on a sugar cane farm outside of Durban and has taken her around the world.

What do you enjoy most about working with an older population?

I enjoy interacting with people who have had a lot more time in this world than I have. And along with that, people in this part of their lives can be quite lonely and frustrated. I’m glad to get a feel for who they really are and what’s important to them. There are nuances to caring for them as their priorities may be different than someone who is middle-aged.

What is one challenge facing physicians in this field?

One challenge is that there’s not a lot of evidence out there that’s based on putting older people in studies. If you think about most of the medicines that we take, they’re based on younger people having been in the clinical trials. I think there are limited insights into how medications are processed by older people. People at different stages of their life are going to respond to medications differently. This is an area of medicine where there needs to be more research, and we also need more people to be trained to work in this sphere of medicine.

You completed your GP training in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. How do you believe it’s changed medicine?

COVID is still a major concern. It’s an ongoing threat to human life and human quality of life. One thing it has done is accelerate some of the technological advances that were probably already coming our way. There are benefits, but seeing someone in person can sometimes give you clues that you aren’t privy to if you’re having a telephone consultation. I think primary care is trying to balance and negotiate that very carefully.

When did pursuing an MD come on your radar?

I grew up on a sugar cane farm in South Africa. We had a bit of timber and cattle as well. I think the earliest roots of my interest in medicine were in nature or biology, and was probably inspired by growing up with a lot of contact with the outdoors. And then later on, I had a great aunt who was ill with cancer, and I found it rewarding to be able to offer her emotional support.

You spent your first year in the SGU/NU program in the UK. What was that like?

My experience in the Global Scholars program in the UK was brilliant. We had a smaller class size and we were a really tightly knit group. We built this sort of mini community that studied together and, when exams were over, we’d celebrate together. It was a fantastic bond. Together it was a time of growth and learning across multiple spheres.

In what ways did attending SGU help shape you as a physician?

Going to SGU exposed me to different cultures, different ways of thinking, and different ways of communicating. I think that it made me richer on a personal level; not only that but it has also made me a better communicator and hopefully, therefore, a more understanding doctor.

– Brett Mauser

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Reflecting on 2021: 5 stories that illuminated the School of Medicine community

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From students matching into highly competitive residency positions to alumni, students, staff, and faculty mobilizing to help Grenada combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the St. George’s University School of Medicine community made an enduring mark in 2021.

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

These and other stories defined the School of Medicine in 2021, underscoring the University’s aim to provide a rewarding education for students who aspire to become impactful health professionals around the world.

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

 

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

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