SOM clinical faculty feature: Dr. Tita Castor, DME at two of NYC’s busiest public hospitals

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Dr. Tita Castor is the chief of palliative care at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst and as the director of medical education at NYCHHC/Elmhurst and Queens.

Meet Dr. Tita Castor, the director of medical education at two of New York City’s busiest public hospitals and a 1988 graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine.

Her days are busy serving as both the chief of palliative care at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst and as the director of medical education at NYCHHC/Elmhurst and Queens.

“As DME, I am responsible for the education program for SGU at both hospitals,” Dr. Castor said. “I work with our medical education coordinator, clerkship directors, and faculty to make sure our programs are providing excellent education and support to students, while adhering to requirements as outlined by SGU.”

Dr. Castor was first drawn to geriatrics when she was in medical school and later transitioned to palliative medicine. She co-founded the palliative care program at Elmhurst Hospital in 2007.

“In palliative medicine, we care not only for the patient but all those close to the patient or involved in their care,” said Castor. “When a patient receives a serious diagnosis, the whole family receives this diagnosis as well. We often end up supporting their healthcare team of physicians and nurses as the patient approaches the end of life. Many of our palliative care patients are geriatric so I am still able to serve that population in my ‘Pal Care’ practice.”

 

“Our faculty loves working with SGU students because they are hardworking and always eager to help.”

 

Dr. Castor’s desire to give back to the next generation of SGU-trained doctors led her to join SOM’s clinical faculty. In addition to her responsibilities as DME, Dr. Castor serves a primary advisor to third- and fourth-year SOM students. Castor helps them navigate their clinical years by:

• discussing with students their progress through their clinical years;
• advising them on their clinical rotation timeline to graduation, and their performance during core rotations and on exams;
• scheduling their fourth-year electives; and
• offering guidance when students apply for the Match.

“Our faculty loves working with SGU students because they are hardworking and always eager to help,” said Dr. Castor.
She emphasized the importance for students to maintain an enthusiasm for learning and the value of seeking mentors while going through their clinical years and beyond.

“I believe the only way to provide good healthcare is to continue to remain well-informed and educated,” she said. “As an educator/mentor, one must share not only knowledge and technical skills but emphasize the importance of learning compassion, empathy, and resilience with those who are up-and-coming in the field.”

If you are currently in rotation at Elmhurst or Queens hospitals, say hello to Dr. Castor!

 

 

– Paul Burch

 

 

 

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NCFMEA: SGU Med School Accreditor On Par With US Schools 

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St. George’s University School of Medicine’s accrediting body, the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC), was recently reviewed by the US National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA) and determined to use standards that are “comparable to the standards used to accredit medical schools in the United States” such as the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). 

SGU’s accreditation by the GMDC helps prioritize student success by assuring access to federal loans and licensing exams, as well as the opportunity for graduates to apply for licensure to practice in the US. In choosing the GMDC as its accreditor, SGU is no longer accredited with the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). 

“Throughout our 45-year history as a leader in international medical education—and with the guidance of such accreditors as the GMDC—we have held ourselves to the highest standards of academic excellence,” said Dr. Richard Liebowitz, vice chancellor at St. George’s University. “Our mission remains to help each and every student realize their dream of becoming a physician, one who is highly skilled, compassionate, and inspired to provide high-quality care in whatever field or community they choose.” 

 

“The impact that St. George’s University graduates have had on healthcare reaches every corner of the world, from the largest cities to the smallest towns.”

 

During its reviews, NCFMEA measures accrediting bodies based on the following criteria: analysis of admission process, curriculum, faculty qualifications, student and graduate achievement, basic science and clinical training facilities, and academic support. For complete details on NCFMEA accrediting guidelines, visit the NCFMEA website. 

St. George’s University is the largest source of physicians for the entire US workforce, with more than 12,000 graduates licensed to practice in the US in 2020. For the last 12 years combined, SGU has been the number one provider of new doctors to first-year residency programs, spanning a wide range of states and specialties. 

“The impact that St. George’s University graduates have had on healthcare reaches every corner of the world, from the largest cities to the smallest towns,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of SGU. “They have made this indelible mark on the lives of so many individuals, families, and communities. By aligning our education with the high standards of the GMDC, we as a University look forward to providing the next generation of SGU graduates with knowledge and skills they need to continue that tradition.”

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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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New SGU Orthopaedic Surgery Club Preps Students for Competitive Specialty

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The Orthopaedic Surgery Club is one of St. George’s University’s newest student organizations and was formed to help introduce School of Medicine students to the competitive field of orthopedics early on in medical school. SGU News spoke with Tiamo Blankenship, the club’s president, about the motivation for forming the club and how students can get involved.

St. George’s University: Congratulations on the formation of the Orthopaedic Surgery Club. What was the inspiration for creating this club?

Tiamo Blankenship: This club was formed to provide a place for students and alumni to share their experience about programs that are receptive to internal medicine graduates, and to help them navigate the many pathways into orthopaedics.

Every year SGU students match into this competitive specialty. Part of matching into orthopedics means raising awareness about the specialty and offering advice to students to help them match into this specialty. All of our guest speakers this term are SGU alumni. We are excited to hear about their experiences when applying to orthopedic residency programs and becoming orthopedic residents themselves.

SGU News: Who can join the club?

Ms. Blankenship: Membership is not just limited to just students in their basic sciences—any student who is currently enrolled in the SGU School of Medicine program is welcome to join. Because the advice and experience of clinical year students is invaluable, we have representative students for the club who are currently in their clinical years. Despite this being our first term being the official SGU Orthopaedic Surgery Club, we have already established great connections.

Get in touch!

Visit the SGU Orthopaedic Surgery Club on the University Portal

SGU News: You just had your inaugural meeting. What was on the agenda? 

Ms. Blankenship: We could not believe the support we received during our first meeting. We had almost 70 people show up! At our first general body meeting, we shared our plans for the year including our guest speaker series, a splinting workshop, and our philanthropy events. We also brought up our idea for a mentor/mentee program and heard some great feedback. It was great to see the collaboration between all of the members.

SGU News: How often will you meet? 

Ms. Blankenship: We plan to have general body meetings with all members of the club once a month in order to give updates on club progress and activities to all members. We will also have meetings with the term reps and E-board members every two weeks. We have a wonderful team.

SGU News: How often do you elect board members and a club president?

 

“We want to support students who are interested in orthopedics and provide as many resources as possible.”

 

Ms. Blankenship: We have executive board positions for our club with about one to three term reps for each term, including representative positions for clinical year students. Elections will be conducted before the end of April for the Fall 2022 OSC E-board. Each person has a vital role in contributing to the goals of the club.

The president, for example, oversees all activities of the group and is also responsible for reaching out to orthopedic surgeon alumni, local Grenadian orthopedic surgeons, and meeting regularly with our faculty advisor and executive committee to discuss group progress. Our faculty advisor, Dr. Bashir Heidari, has been a great support. We also have three to four guest speakers planned for this term who are all SGU alumni. Our SGU alumni in the field of orthopedics will also be an outlet for any questions our members have about becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

SGU News: How do you interact with other clubs on campus? 

Ms. Blankenship: For this term, we already have a Splinting and Fractures Clinic planned for early April with the SGU Sports Medicine Club. This clinic will be for both in-person and online students so that every member has an opportunity. We are also planning on working with the SGU Radiology club on campus. We’re happy that we have great connections with a variety of clubs on campus and can interact with other specialties.

SGU News: Why is the formation of this club especially timely for SGU students?

Ms. Blankenship: We want to support students who are interested in orthopedics and provide as many resources as possible. It is a very competitive field. But with a lot of hard work and dedication, we have seen students from SGU create their own paths into successfully matching into orthopedics. We have great connections with clinical year students and fellow alumni who are graciously willing to dedicate time to help other students with similar aspirations.

 

 — Paul Burch

 

 

 

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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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SGU Announces Direct Admissions Partnership with George Brown College 

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St. George’s University is pleased to announce a new direct admissions partnership with George Brown College. The program offers two pathways for qualified George Brown graduates to gain immediate entry into the St. George’s University Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

“Both Canada and the United States are facing acute shortages of doctors and veterinarians,” said Dr. G Richard Olds, president of St. George’s University. “This partnership will provide aspiring doctors and vets the education and skills they need to serve their communities.”

“SGU is very proud of this new Canadian partnership, and we are looking forward to a strong and productive relationship for many years to come,” said Chuck Furey, director of admissions for Canada at SGU. “Our students will benefit greatly from the wonderful expertise across both institutions.”

George Brown students who finish the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway, submit two letters of recommendation, complete an interview, and meet all necessary admissions and grade requirements will progress into one of two pathways at St. George’s.

Students with at least a 3.2 grade point average may enroll in the five-year Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Those with a grade point average of at least 3.4 and a competitive MCAT or GRE score will be eligible to enter the four-year Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

Qualified medical students will have the opportunity to spend their first year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom or on the St. George’s University campus in Grenada. All medical students spend their second year in Grenada and their third- and fourth-year clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals in the United States or the United Kingdom, with elective opportunities available in locations across Canada.

Qualified veterinary students will spend their first three years on the St. George’s campus in Grenada before undertaking their final clinical year at affiliated hospitals in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, or the Netherlands.

“At St. George’s, we offer our students the opportunity to pursue a truly international education,” Dr. Olds said.

“We are excited to partner with St. George’s to help our students to pursue their career goals,” said Alex Irwin, director of transitional education at George Brown. “The direct admissions program provides a valuable pathway to medical school for our students, and offers one more compelling reason for promising students to consider George Brown College.”

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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

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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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Marine, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Degree Gains Accreditation from Royal Society of Biology

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St. George’s University School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) is pleased to announce that the Bachelor of Science Honors (BSc Hons) in Marine, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology (MWC) has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). It becomes the first program in the Western Hemisphere to obtain this distinction, further establishing SAS as a premier higher learning institution in the Caribbean. 

The degree program is housed within the SAS’s Department of Biology, Ecology, and Conservation (BEC). It is only the 11th program outside of the United Kingdom to earn RSB accreditation, which will last through the end of 2026.  

“We are very enthusiastic not only about the breadth of opportunities available in this program but also about its potential for current and future students,” said Dr. Lucy Eugene, dean of the SAS. “There is nowhere quite like Grenada for studying marine and terrestrial biology, and we’re so proud of what this program has become, and of all the incredible faculty and staff members who helped us attain this accreditation.”  

This marks another accreditation by an international body joining other SGU programs: 

  • School of Medicine: Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC) 
  • School of Veterinary Medicine: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) 
  • SAS BSc Nursing degree: Grenada Nursing and Midwifery Council (GNMC) and the Caribbean’s Nursing Board
  • Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Master of Public Health (MPH) degree: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

“With this accreditation, our students can be confident that their program is consistent with internationally recognized standards and that they are prepared to undertake graduate programs,” said Dr. Cristofre Martin, chair of the Department of Biology, Ecology, and Conservation. “It also gives future employers and advisors confidence that their employees have been well trained in marine and terrestrial biology,” 

To graduate, students are required to complete 121 hours of coursework in lectures, the laboratory, and in the field, where they develop skills required to conduct ecological surveys, measure abiotic parameters, and manage and analyze data, while implementing a research design.  

“Grenada is ideal to study marine, wildlife, and conservation biology,” said Dr. Patricia Rosa, BEC deputy chair and MWC program director. “It offers a unique learning environment considering our classrooms are rainforest, dry forest, mangroves, estuaries, freshwater, and ocean ecosystems. This diversity of ecosystems is also readily accessible; one can go from the beach to a mountain peak in the same day.”  

 

“We’re so proud of what this program has become, and of all the incredible faculty and staff members who helped us attain this accreditation.”

 

All students must also complete an independent research project and a capstone thesis in their final year to graduate. Upon doing so, graduates receive an accredited honors degree and a certificate outlining the mastery of 75 technical skills related to marine biology, as well as transferrable job skills such as leadership, communications, and project management. 

“This accreditation will lead to more opportunities and recognition for our students and graduates,” said Dr. Rosa. “It will also enable our department to enhance research capacity and train more highly qualified personnel for conservation in the Caribbean.” 

What graduates are saying about the MWC program

Farihah Khan (Trinidad and Tobago), Class of 2019: 

“I can confidently say that my time at SGU as a MWC student was well spent.  The program’s high academic standards allowed me to develop a solid foundation in science and instilled in me a strong work ethic and sense of professionalism. Its Environment Conservation Outreach (ECO) student organization also encouraged me to balance academic work with extracurricular club activities. The rapport between students and educators was excellent and the teaching is unparalleled. It sets you on a positive trajectory as you enter the working world or continued studies.” 

Saiyana Baksh (Guyana), Class of 2021: 

“My experience at SGU has been no less than exceptional and enlightening. The University overall is challenging, and being an international student had additional challenges. SGU’s commitment to providing students with high academic and professional skills is constant and reliable. It has made me capable of handling anything that’s thrown my way. Their commitment to quality education allowed me to reach a level of maturity and wisdom that may not have been possible under different circumstances.” 

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SGU Announces Partnership with University of North Alabama

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St. George’s University has announced a new direct-admission partnership with the University of North Alabama. The program establishes a pathway for qualified North Alabama graduates to gain immediate entry to the St. George’s Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

“We’re excited to team up with the University of North Alabama to educate a new generation of doctors and vets,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of St. George’s University. “Our program offers students a seamless transition along the way to these vital professions, both of which are currently facing extreme shortages.”

The partnership establishes a “4+4” program, in which students spend four years at each institution. Those who wish to qualify must express their interest at the time they apply to the University of North Alabama. To ensure they can proceed to St. George’s, students must complete all undergraduate coursework, meet minimum grade point averages, and score competitively on the Medical College Admission Test or the Graduate Record Examination. St. George’s University will waive application fees and fast-track students in the program for application review, interviews, and admission decisions.

All students in the program offered medical school admission are guaranteed a $10,000 scholarship.

UNA graduation

Those who enter St. George’s University School of Medicine will be eligible to complete their first two years of study in Grenada, or they can complete their first year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and second year in Grenada. The following two years of clinical rotations will take place at St. George’s-affiliated hospitals in the United States or United Kingdom, with elective opportunities available in Canada. Veterinary students will be eligible to complete three years of study in Grenada and their final clinical year within SGU’s network of 30-plus affiliates located in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

“At St. George’s, we make it possible for our students to pursue a truly international education,” Dr. Olds said. “We’re eager to welcome students from the University of North Alabama to our community.”

“We are pleased to offer our students this opportunity to accelerate their careers,” said Dr. Chunsheng Zhang, senior vice provost for international affairs at UNA. “The direct admissions program will dramatically simplify the graduate school admissions process at a time when new veterinarians and doctors are desperately needed.”

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