SGU Students to Use Prestigious APA “Helping Hands Grant” to Benefit Underserved Populations

Two School of Medicine students will use a prestigious grant awarded to St. George’s University to further their research in mental health initiatives for underserved communities.

SGU and fourth-year students John Crane and Janice Lee are among the 2022-2023 recipients of The American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s (APAF) Helping Hands Grant Program. SGU is one of the few international medical schools to receive the award since the program’s inception in 2005.

“This grant is a great honor for both our students and SGU. I look forward to hearing about the students’ findings,” said Dr. Laurence Dopkin, assistant dean of students for the School of Medicine’s US Clinical Program and a Distinguished Fellow within the APA. He served as the supervising faculty for Mr. Crane and Ms. Lee’s application, created in collaboration with the Manhattan Psychiatric Center, a fellow student from another medical school, and the team at WINDREF Research Institute.

The Helping Hands Grants Program provides grants of up to $5,000 to medical schools for “mental health and substance use disorder projects, particularly in underserved minority communities. The funded projects are created and managed by medical students and can be conducted in partnership with community agencies, or in conjunction with ongoing medical school outreach activities,” according to the Foundation’s website.

“The APA Foundation is pleased to award a Helping Hands grant to St. George’s University,” said Rawle Andrews, Jr., Esq., executive director of the APA Foundation. “Through the efforts of St. George’s dedicated medical students and all the other grantees’ schools, these grants will help improve the quality and accessibility of mental health services in underserved communities.”

 

“Working on this project has fortified my love of psychiatry and provided me the opportunity to interact with a variety of mental health professionals that I probably would not have had the chance to otherwise.”

 

The two aspiring psychiatrists applied for the grant to further their research measuring the success of patients transitioning from inpatient psychiatric units back to community living. A unique challenge that many psychiatric patients face is integration within their community, which is amplified when following inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, they said.

“There are a lot of obstacles that prevent effective reintegration, and our grant is attempting to better understand this process,” Ms. Lee said. “We will follow patients that have been discharged from Manhattan Psychiatric Center and evaluate how successful they are in assimilating back into their community based on identifiable data outcomes, such as inpatient readmission, outpatient follow up, and housing.”

Mr. Crane, who completed his psychiatry rotation at Manhattan Psychiatric Center, said he is passionate about improving patients’ access to high-quality healthcare and reducing the stigma of mental health treatment. He shared that he went into medicine to serve underserved populations and improve their well-being.

“I realized there were opportunities to help patients through research, which made me want to apply for the grant and conduct research during my fourth year of medical school,” said Mr. Crane, who previously worked as a research assistant on several projects ranging from cognitive psychology to HIV prevention. “It is an honor to be a medical student working in a lead role on a grant from the APAF. Receiving this grant provides validation and reassurance that I am on the right track to do great things for my future psychiatry patients.”

Mr. Crane credited Dr. Dopkin and other SGU educators for the recent achievement, as well as SGU alum, Dr. Valentino Vasy, a PGY-4 psychiatry resident at Metropolitan Hospital for his guidance through the application process. He hopes the research will make him a competitive applicant for psychiatry residency programs.

“I could not have received this grant without the help of SGU and its alumni network,” said Mr. Crane.

Ms. Lee echoed his sentiments.

“Research is becoming increasingly necessary to evaluate different aspects of psychiatric care, whether it be in clinical care, pharmacological, or different social determinants of health,” she said. “Working on this project has fortified my love of psychiatry and provided me the opportunity to interact with a variety of mental health professionals that I probably would not have had the chance to otherwise.”

Like other grant recipients, the students will be invited to present a poster about their project at one of the American Psychiatric Association’s conferences in 2024. The 2022 award was also given to medical students from: Howard University College of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, University of Chicago, University of Tennessee, and University of Washington.

 

Ronke Idowu Reeves and Laurie Chartorynsky

 

 

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St. George’s University School of Medicine Re-Approved By New York State Department of Education for Clinical Clerkships for Full Seven-Year Term

St. George’s University’s School of Medicine has received renewed approval from the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) for long-term clinical clerkships at affiliated hospitals and health systems in the state. Previously approved in 2015, the new approval again covers a full period of seven years, through the year 2029.

NYSED’s approval process entails an extensive review of documentation of SGU’s resources, programs, processes and outcomes, including a series of meetings with school academic and administrative leadership in spring 2022. The School of Medicine was evaluated in five areas: institutional setting and clinical affiliate relations; faculty affairs, including teaching qualifications; medical education, including objectives, assessments and outcomes; student affairs, including financial aid and debt management; and educational resources. The School of Medicine also demonstrated that it is financially stable, and that students have access to sufficient space, reference materials, and information technology platforms.

Approval from New York State ensures that SGU medical students will continue to be able to pursue placements at affiliated teaching hospitals in New York for clinical training, an essential part of their preparation as physicians. SGU works with over 70 teaching hospitals and health systems in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom to offer clinical and ambulatory training and support, including 17 affiliated hospitals in New York.

 

“The experience, skills, and professional relationships students build during these clinical experiences in New York teaching hospitals are invaluable to their futures as practicing physicians. We are honored by this recognition of our commitment to training future generations of doctors licensed to practice in the United States.”

 

Recently, SGU’s accreditor, the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC) received recognition by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) through 2032. Starting in 2024, only graduates of schools accredited by an organization with WFME recognition will be eligible to take USMLE exams or be placed in residency positions in the United States. With this recognition by WFME, SGU students have a clear and secure route to qualification to take the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) and to post-graduate residency training programs in the United States.  The re-approval by NYSED ensures continued access to New York State clinical sites for training following passage of the USMLE Step 1 exam. New York, together with California, Florida, Georgia and New Jersey, are the states which require recognition for clinical training. SGU has been recognized by all five states.

“We are delighted that our students will continue to benefit from clinical rotations at our partner hospitals throughout the state of New York,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “The experience, skills, and professional relationships students build during these clinical experiences in New York teaching hospitals are invaluable to their futures as practicing physicians. We are honored by this recognition of our commitment to training future generations of doctors licensed to practice in the United States.”

SGU is accredited by the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC), which is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) and the National Commission on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA). Clinical approval from NYSED enables the pathway from the classroom experience at SGU’s campus in Grenada to students being qualified to do clinical rotations at New York teaching hospitals.  SGU is the largest provider of new doctors into the U.S. healthcare system.

Northumbria University is named United Kingdom’s University of the Year 2022

As St. George’s University and Northumbria University, in Newcastle, UK, celebrate the 15-year anniversary of their partnership, the latter has received a significant distinction—they were named the UK’s University of the Year 2022 in the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards.

“We are thrilled to congratulate Northumbria University on this accomplishment,” said Dr. James Coey, SGU’s dean of basic sciences in the UK. “We at SGU have seen the University’s excellence firsthand, as have our students. The value of our partnership cannot be understated, and this recognition is proof of that.”

The Times Higher Education awards recognize exceptional performance and “bold, imaginative, and innovative initiatives” that advanced a higher education institution’s reputation during the 2020/21 academic year. According to their announcement, Northumbria credits its recent research advancements with its success. In the 2021 report results published by Research Excellence Framework (REF), which measures the quality and strength of research across UK universities, the University moved up 27 places to 23 from 50.

A 15-YEAR HISTORY OF COLLABORATION

The partnership between SGU and Northumbria began in January 2007 and has since welcomed more than 2,000 medical students to spend up to three years of their preclinical or medical degree program in the UK.  The partnership provides students with the opportunity to begin either a four-, five-, or six-year MD pathway at SGU. The pathways are aligned and equivalent to those delivered in Grenada but allow students to study in and experience a different healthcare and education environment.

The inception of the partnership came about from SGU’s second Vice Chancellor, Dr. Keith B. Taylor (1989-1998). Dr. Taylor’s vision for international expansion was spurred by the reality of a shrinking world of medical education, which led not only to the growth of St. George’s University but also the creation of the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF) in 1994.

“So much good has come out of our partnership with Northumbria University,” added Dr. Coey. “We look forward to continuing to strengthen that partnership together and provide a world-leading medical education for our students.”

To learn more about SGU’s partnership with NU, visit our website.

—Sarah Stoss

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5 tips when applying to international medical schools: SGU featured in Forbes article

What do aspiring doctors need to know when considering which international medical schools to apply to? A recent Forbes article shared crucial insight and advice for prospective international medical students.

While it’s no secret that medical school admission rates, particularly at US schools, are lower than ever—just 38% of applicants received an acceptance letter last year—aspiring doctors shouldn’t let these numbers discourage them from pursuing their dreams, the article stated.

US medical schools are not the only pathway to a career in medicine: international medical schools have proven a viable option, while still allowing the physician to practice medicine in the US.

“International medical schools tend to look not just at a student’s MCAT score, GPA or shadowing hours,” St. George’s University President Dr. G. Richard Olds shared in the article. “We seek out qualified, well-rounded individuals who may not fit the traditional mold of a pre-med student because we know that their diverse experiences can make them exceptional doctors.”

Still it’s important to do your research before applying to any international medical school. Here are five key key criteria to keep in mind.

    • A university’s average GPA and MCAT scores of incoming students;
    • Financial aid availability;
    • A school’s accreditation status;
    • Curriculum that is styled after US medical schools;
    • Research and clinical opportunities.

Adding to the criteria listed, Dr. Olds recommends students investigate an institution’s USMLE pass rate and residency placement rate.

“A student’s future career as a doctor really starts with their medical school decision,” Olds said. “There are so many quality medical school options out there. Students just need to do their research to find them.”

 

 

 

 

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St. George’s University Announces Admissions Partnership with Christian Brothers University

St. George’s University announced a new partnership today that will provide eligible students from Christian Brothers University with streamlined admissions to St. George’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Christian Brothers University to educate the next generation of doctors and veterinarians,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds, president emeritus of St. George’s University. “Both of these professions are facing shortages that pose a concerning threat to public health. Initiatives like this one will help us close those gaps, and we’re honored to work toward that goal alongside CBU.”

The partnership creates a “4+4” program, in which students spend four years at each institution. Those who wish to qualify must express interest while applying to CBU or while matriculating. Interested students must pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at CBU, complete all prerequisite coursework, maintain a strong GPA, and score competitively on relevant entrance exams. Interested veterinary students must also report at least 500 hours of animal experience alongside a veterinarian or animal-care professional.

St. George’s University will waive application fees for interested students and fast-track CBU applications during the admissions process. Students accepted into the medical program will receive a $10,000 scholarship. They will also be eligible for additional SGU scholarships and grants.

Those who enter the 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. 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.

“This partnership with St. George’s University provides a unique opportunity for high-achieving undergraduate students at Christian Brothers University who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine or veterinary medicine,” said Dr. James McGuffee, Dean of the CBU School of Sciences. “We are pleased to partner with St. George’s University as we nurture future graduates who will in turn use their advanced degrees to serve as medical doctors or doctors of veterinary medicine.”

 

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Giving Back in 2022: SGU PHuN Resumes Efforts to Help Grenadian Community

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, the St. George’s University Physician Humanitarian Network (SGU PHuN) once again restarted its efforts to continue providing crucial medical care to the Grenadian community. SGU doctors specializing in cardiology, vascular surgery, breast cancer detection, and more either returned to Grenada to offer their services pro-bono or assisted with medical donations through the PHuN program to give back to the community that helped them get their start in medicine.

“The SGU PHuN program is extremely beneficial to the Grenadian community because it provides valuable support in the form of medical services to the people of the island as well as donations of medical instruments to Grenada General Hospital,” according to Brendon LaGrenade, vice provost of St. George’s University. “It also provides an outlet for a variety of SGU doctors of various disciplines to give back to the island where they got both their education and medical career starts.

During the pandemic, many doctors reach out asking when they could return to the island to help the community-at-large, Vice Provost LaGrenade said. “We are thrilled we were able to restart the program this year,” he said. “We thank all the doctors who selflessly gave their time and services to the Grenadian people this year.”

“As we plan for 2023, I cannot be more pleased with our SGU humanitarian alumni interest, we already have a full schedule of volunteers for spring, and commitments for the fall are being confirmed,” he added. “Additionally, we will be enhancing our alumni outreach to broaden the scope of SGU PHuN giving more opportunities for our physicians to impact communities in Grenada and beyond.”

Here’s look back at some of the doctors who returned to the island community this year to make a difference.

Dr. Anthony Tramontano

 

Cardiologist Anthony Tramontano, MD ’99, helped to restart the SGU PHuN Adult Cardiology Program—which offers essential cardiovascular services to the people of Grenada free of charge.

“Knowing the great need for cardiology services on the island, I was anxious to return to my regular visits to the clinic,” said Dr. Tramontano, chair of medicine and medical director of cardiology at Adirondack Health in Saranac Lake, NY. “My start in medicine was here at SGU and Grenada will always hold a special place in my heart. It is an honor to serve the patients here and offer what care I can, whether it be a one-time appointment in the Cardiology Clinic or continued care each time I return.”

Dr. Jason Finkelstein

Before the pandemic, interventional cardiologist Jason Finkelstein, MD ’99, frequently returned to Grenada to offer lifesaving cardiology services at no cost. But when the COVID-19 pandemic put his visits on hold, his patients went unseen for more than two years. Dr. Finkelstein was especially concerned about patients who had implanted pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators, because their devices went unchecked for a lengthy period. Dr. Finkelstein was finally able to return to Grenada this past June where he treated 103 patients at the Medical Specialties Clinic in Grand Anse.

“These situations make me want to come back each year to help these patients in need. I was glad to be able to accomplish so much on this trip,” he said.

 

 

“We are thrilled we were able to restart the program this year. We thank all the doctors who selflessly gave their time and services to the Grenadian people this year.”

Dr. Randy Becker

Dr. Randy Becker, MD ’00, who is the current medical director at Crossroads Imaging Center of Advanced Radiology, in Ellicott City, MD, and a clinical assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, noticed a higher-than-normal percentage of Grenadian patients with more advanced breast cancer. This is oftentimes an indirect result of limited breast screening programs and access. Last spring, Dr. Becker worked with his imaging partner Hologic, to secure two portable breast ultrasound units. The donated imaging units are being used at Grenada General Hospital and Princess Alice Hospital.

“Improving access to women’s healthcare and screening services in Grenada is an important health initiative for the country. As a radiologist, I know that early detection often means better long-term outcomes for the country’s mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts. That is why making this donation means so much to me,” said Dr. Becker.

In addition, Dr. Becker was instrumental in securing another SGU PHuN medical contribution that aided both doctors and patients. Over the fall, the cardiologist ensured that a cardiac echo machine, with three probes for vascular, echo, and doppler screenings was donated. Not only does this machine reduce the need to budget for a new one, but Dr. Becker’s acquisition also replaces the 15-year-old machine currently in use SGU’s cardiology clinic program.

Dr. Christian Rodriguez

Dr. Christian Rodriguez, a chief vascular surgeon, learned of Grenada General Hospital’s need for a vascular surgeon and for someone to help implement a new dialysis and nephrology program.

So, Dr. Rodriguez, who practices at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Maine, arranged for a substantial donation of two sets of surgical instruments and supplies from medical provider Scanlan International, valued at nearly $37,000 USD. The donation of the surgical instruments will allow the hospital to offer ongoing in-house sustainability of vascular access procedures and treatments to patients. He also helped to create a week-long clinic (which took place October 10 to 14, 2022) where Dr. Rodriguez trained hospital doctors on vascular access procedures, while also seeing patients in need of care.

“When I learned that Grenada General needed more support in the area of vascular surgery, I did not hesitate to offer my time, expertise as well as organizing a donation to the hospital,” Dr. Rodriguez said.

But his work at SGU last spring was only the start of Dr. Rodriguez’s ongoing efforts with PHuN to provide care where it’s most needed. Looking forward to 2023, his sights are once again set, and island bound.

“I am looking forward to going back and continuing the mission in Grenada,” said Dr. Rodriguez.  I just confirmed dates with the humanitarian network for a repeat trip in March!”

–Ronke Idowu Reeves

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SGU President Dr. Richard Olds addresses physician shortage in Q&A with Healio

In an article published by Healio, St. George’s University President Dr. Richard Olds addresses how international medical graduates can help solve the primary care physician shortage in the US. During the interview, Dr. Olds provides insight into the conditions that caused the shortage and how it has been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID has also made this shortage worse since most primary care doctors support themselves in the outpatient area, and during the first year of the pandemic, about 10% of physicians closed their practices permanently,” Dr. Olds stated in the article. “Indeed, by 2034, the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates the US will face a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians.”

While the problem is growing, there are potential solutions, including educating more international medical graduates. International medical graduates are more likely to practice primary care in areas where the need for physicians is greatest, such as the rural US, and can offer the quality care needed to close the gap.

“Because U.S. medical school grads are not going into primary care or practicing in rural areas in large numbers, many international medical graduates have filled that gap,” according to Dr. Olds. “About 40% of the primary care doctors in the U.S. trained outside the states. At my university, 75% of our grads go into primary care fields while 25% specialize.”

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Reflecting on 2022: 5 stories that highlighted the School of Medicine community

From commencement celebrations to students securing highly competitive residency positions to groundbreaking medical procedures pioneered by graduates, the St. George’s University School of Medicine community made its mark in 2022.

In a year full of significant news, these stories came out on top:

Commencement 2022

After two years of virtual celebrations, the School of Medicine celebrated its 41st commencement in June at the Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, NY.

Despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic, SGU’s newest physicians joined a network of more than 20,000 alumni practicing in the United States and around the world.

View on Instagram: Relive the excitement of the SOM commencement ceremonies 

School of Medicine reaffirms accreditation

This fall, the accrediting body of SGU’s School of Medicine, the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC), was recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) for the full 10 years through September 2032.

This recognition allows SGU students to continue to meet the standards set by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), setting them up for success when applying for certification to participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).

What does it mean for students? Read:  Medical School Accreditation: Everything You Need to Know

Match Day 2022

For hundreds of SGU School of Medicine students, the wait was most certainly worth it as they found out where they will take the next step in their careers during residency training.

This year, SGU students matched into first-year residency positions across a variety of specialties throughout the US. Over the summer, they began residency programs in a range of highly competitive specialties, including neurology, emergency medicine, surgery, and more, and shared what it felt like to receive the positive news that they matched and how they felt about starting residency.

Read: Soon-To-Be Physicians Share Their Excitement On Match Day 2022 

Groundbreaking advancements in cardiology

Through the use of robotics, interventional cardiologist and Grenadian national Adam Bierzynski, MD ’11, is moving the field of interventional cardiology forward within outpatient settings. He was among the team who performed the first-ever outpatient robotic percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at an ambulatory surgery center. Dr. Bierzynski shared with SGU why the procedure was groundbreaking, the potential life-saving capabilities of robotics within the cardiology field, and how his medical training set him up for success.

Read: Cardiologist From Grenada Pioneers Robotic Procedure In Outpatient Setting

Return to campus

For many students, the August term was either their first time on SGU’s iconic True Blue campus or their first time being back in Grenada since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime—the University was busy with several expansion and redevelopment projects in preparation for the return of the growing campus community. Check out what’s new—and in the works—on campus.

Read: Back To School: What’s New On The True Blue Campus

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky 

 

 

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Returning home: Three grads’ journeys to practicing as MDs in Canada

St. George’s University students are from all over the world, and many dream of returning to their home country to practice medicine after graduation. As the largest provider of doctors into first-year residencies in North America, it’s no surprise that students from the Great White North turn to SGU to follow that dream.

“Many Canadians have attended SGU to become a physician and been incredibly successful,” said Charles Furey, director of admissions for Canada at SGU. “We’re proud to have over 2,100 medical graduates from Canada in our alumni network and are encouraged by the strength of that community and what it means for students who are looking for guidance on the process of returning to Canada after graduation.”

SGU News spoke with three SOM grads about their journey from Canada to Grenada and back again to follow their dream of becoming a physician. They shared their advice for how aspiring MDs can be successful on the same path.

 

“SGU gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. It is through its extensive clinical affiliations that I was able to secure clerkships in many great hospitals that provided me with amazing mentorship opportunities that helped me find my path and pursue my dream.”

 

Iman Naimi, MD ’14

Hometown: Vancouver, Canada

Current position: Congenital interventional cardiologist, clinical assistant professor of pediatric cardiology at the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Hospital: Stollery Children’s Hospital and Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute

SGU: Did you always know you wanted to practice in Canada and how did you prepare for that?

Dr. Naimi: Canada is my home, and I always knew that one day I would return and practice somewhere in Canada after my training.

At SGU, I joined the Canadian Student Association and went to all the info sessions to stay up to date with different provincial policies and elective sites. While in school, I took the MCCEE alongside the USMLE. I also did a family medicine rotation in Vancouver, BC, and was able to obtain an excellent recommendation letter to increase my chances of matching into the Canadian residency program. However, after learning the timeline of CaRMS relative to the US match, I decided to only apply for US residency programs.

I then decided to take the Royal College Exam for Pediatrics to ensure I could eventually obtain a license to practice in Canada. During my fellowship, when looking for a job in Canada, I found that Alberta (CPSA) did not require me to take the Royal College Exam for cardiology, and since I passed my boards in the US, I could obtain a practice permit in Canada.

SGU: What advice do you have for SGU students who are hoping to practice in Canada after graduation?

Dr. Naimi: What I have learned is that the best way to prepare is to plan ahead. This entails getting involved with the Canadian Student Association and attending all the meetings and information sessions. It is very important to reach out to Canadian programs early on in your training to inquire about elective rotation opportunities. Given the timeline of the Canadian and US match in the past, I personally chose to apply only for US residency and fellowship spots and was still able to land a job in Canada. If you choose this path, depending on the Province that you want to work in, you may be required to take the Royal College Exams. It is crucial to know the timeline of all the Canadian exams and be prepared to take them alongside the US exams. This will provide ease when applying to Canadian residency programs or job opportunities after you complete your training.

If you maintain a high GPA and board scores, as well as excel in your clerkship training by demonstrating that you can perform well in a busy clinical setting, you will set yourself apart from others. Throughout your training, it is very important to form strong connections with mentors, especially those within the institution and program that you would like to pursue, allowing you to receive excellent recommendation letters for residency opportunities after graduation.

SGU: Looking back on your journey to where you are today, why was SGU the right fit for you?

Dr. Naimi: SGU gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. It is through its extensive clinical affiliations that I was able to secure clerkships in many great hospitals that provided me with amazing mentorship opportunities that helped me find my path and pursue my dream.

Robinder Bahniwal, MD ’14

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

Current position: Family medicine physician

Hospital: Echo Valley Medical

SGU: Did you always know you wanted to practice in Canada?

Dr. Bahniwal: I did to an extent. I was okay staying in the US as well, and I did stay there for residency and three years afterward. However, I always wanted to keep my options open for Canada, so I did take my Canadian Qualifying Exams along with the USMLE exams.

SGU: How did you prepare for your return throughout med school?

Dr. Bahniwal: There are various ways to get back into Canada, but I did my research beforehand, decided that I wanted an independent license, and ensured my exams were done. When I completed my American Board of Family Medicine residency, getting my independent license in Canada was a seamless process.

SGU: Why did you choose family medicine?

Dr. Bahniwal: I very much enjoy seeing patients of all age groups, along with the variety of patient cases. In family medicine, you can see everything ranging from acute ailments to chronic disease management, women’s health, dermatology, and sports medicine which can be heavy in procedures if that is something you enjoy, along with pediatric and geriatric medicine, giving you the vast age range if that is also something you enjoy.

SGU: What advice do you have for SGU students hoping to practice in Canada after graduation?

Dr. Bahniwal: My advice is to never give up. It is a challenging road with peaks and troughs, but your perseverance will take you through the long haul, and the journey will definitely be worth it.

 


 

Eirn Boparai, MD ’19

Current position: Fourth-year psychiatry resident

Hospital: University of Manitoba

Hometown: Kelowna, BC, Canada

St. George’s University: Did you always know you wanted to practice in Canada?

Dr. Boparai: Yes, coming back to Canada was always my goal. I was constantly reminded how difficult it would be, about the statistics of how tough it is to match back to Canada, and that I should focus on the US. But I ensured I had enough time to prepare for Canadian exams, I never underestimated them, and I asked others who had matched in Canada for advice and their own experiences and used that as a template for myself.

SGU: How did it feel to learn you were successful?

Dr. Boparai: I was in disbelief. I had to screenshot my match results and confirm with my friends that I wasn’t hallucinating. After their confirmation, I cried tears of joy for the first time in my life. It was and still is the happiest moment of my life.

SGU: Why did you choose psychiatry as your specialty?

Dr. Boparai: I’ve always enjoyed hearing stories and getting to know someone. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I worked with various organizations that emphasized mental health services and this was the foundation of my interest. Once in medical school, I shadowed a psychiatrist attending and immediately knew it was the right choice for me.

SGU: How did your experience at SGU help you get to where you are today?

Dr. Boparai: I completed my first year of medical school in the UK, then Grenada, and rotated for clinicals throughout the US and Canada. The ability to adapt and constantly change with traveling developed these skills and allowed me to build a network of connections which helped with career planning. SGU allowed me to pursue my medical goals after other options weren’t possible.

SGU: What advice do you have for SGU students hoping to practice in Canada after graduation?

Dr. Boparai: Many factors must come together to match, including your exam scores, application, clinical experiences, and CARMS interviews. For each step, put your best into it, ask for help, and remember that school isn’t only about studying and learning; it’s about life experiences you can gain through the friendships you make and places you travel to.  There will always be work to do, so enjoy the present. Your experiences will make you a better physician.

 

 

—Sarah Stoss

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Vascular Surgeon Facilitates Significant Donation to Grenada General Hospital, Helps Establish Dialysis Program

Dr. Christian Rodriguez, a chief vascular surgeon, felt the calling to give back to the island where he got his start in medicine after a recent trip to Grenada.

During his vacation—his first visit to the island in 26 years—Dr. Rodriguez learned of Grenada General Hospital’s need for a vascular surgeon and for someone to help implement a new dialysis and nephrology program.

So he decided to do something about it.

First, Dr. Rodriguez, who practices at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Maine, arranged for a substantial donation of two sets of surgical instruments and supplies from medical provider Scanlan International, valued at nearly $37,000 USD. The donation of the surgical instruments will allow the hospital to offer ongoing in-house sustainability of vascular access procedures and treatments to patients.

He also worked with the hospital’s house officers—and resident doctors—Drs. Neisha Ross, Johnathan Ramirez, and Diana Shears to create a week-long clinic (which took place October 10 to 14, 2022) where he would train hospital doctors on vascular access procedures, while also seeing patients in need of care. Vascular access is the surgical procedure by which a fistula connection is made by a surgeon allowing the removal and return of blood during dialysis.

“When I learned that Grenada General needed more support in the area of vascular surgery, I did not hesitate to offer my time, expertise as well as organizing a donation to the hospital,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “While on island, I even got to meet with my old anatomy professor, Dr. C.V. Rao (current dean of university alumni affairs). We spent some time catching up and it brought back many memories of my time in Grenada.”

 

“We are extremely grateful to Christian for not only answering the call but going above and beyond to gain an understanding of what may be needed and securing this incredible donation that will definitely change lives.”

 

Dr. Rodriguez is the first vascular specialist to provide crucial medical care to Grenadian residents as a part of the St. George’s University Physician Humanitarian Network (SGU PHuN).

“We are extremely grateful to Christian for not only answering the call but going above and beyond to gain an understanding of what may be needed and securing this incredible donation that will definitely change lives,” said SGU Vice Provost Brendon LaGrenade, MBA, EdD.

A Gratifying Experience

Vascular surgeon Christian Rodriguez returned to the island where he got his start in medicine to help patients in need.

Seeing Grenadian patients was very gratifying, according to Dr. Rodriguez. He completed four vascular access procedures and was able to treat more than 30 patients with vein, circulation, wound and other issues.

“I spent a week seeing patients and performing surgeries in the operating theater. It was a rewarding experience,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “It felt wonderful to offer patients a service that they would not otherwise have. The patients were incredibly grateful. I feel a very strong bond with Grenada and its people.”

The training he provided to resident clinic doctors included demonstrations on how patients are assessed for surgery.

“The clinic involved examining and evaluating patients as well as evaluating which kind of arteriovenous access was most appropriate for each patient,” he said. “This depends on their arterial circulation and the size and quality of their veins. Additionally, we took advantage of the clinic space/time to see patients with other vascular surgery conditions.”

Dr. Rodriguez said it was a pleasure to work at Grenada General and it all harkens back to his time at SGU.

“It was an amazing experience and I truly feel the education I received there was top notch,” said Dr. Rodriguez, adding that any SGU alum who gets the opportunity to return to Grenada to share their gifts of physician care will find it to be an experience that equally benefits doctors, patients, and the community at large.

“If you have a chance to contribute to the well-being and health of the Grenadian people, do it. It’s an incredibly great and rewarding experience,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “I’m already making plans for a repeat visit next year.”

 

–Ronke Idowu Reeves

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