You’ve likely been researching different Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs for some time now. The School of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University (SGU) may pique your interest, but you want a clear picture of what you can expect as a vet school student at SGU before you commit.
Hearing directly from graduates is one of the best ways to really get a feel for a veterinary program. You’ll be happy to hear SGU alumni have a lot of great things to say about attending SGU Vet School. We explore why they think St. George’s University is a step above the rest.
5 Ways the SGU School of Veterinary Medicine stands out
As you continue to research different DVM programs, who better to gather your information from than former students who were once in your shoes? Hear firsthand what graduates have to say about their experiences in the vet program at SGU.
1. SGU grads are well-prepared for veterinary practice
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of new DVM degree-holders seeking internships directly after graduating. While some are interested in pursuing additional training to hone their skills in a particular veterinary specialization, a lot of these graduates are seeking internships because they don’t feel ready to start practicing.
The DVM program at SGU focuses on providing students with plenty of hands-on experiences as early as possible. Dr. Emelie Fogelberg, veterinary technical advisor for Ceva Animal Health, notes that participating in SGU’s biannual One Health One Medicine Vaccination Clinic was a great opportunity to start building her skills. “It gave us students a chance to apply our knowledge to real cases at an early stage in our education,” she says.
Students continue to build their veterinary clinical skills as they progress in their education, often completing more spays and neuters than students at other schools. Focusing on practical experiences they’ll encounter as veterinary practitioners proves incredibly beneficial once students complete the program.
“My experience at SGU was amazing,” offers Dr. Francisco Torrado, veterinarian at Live Oak Animal Hospital. “I felt completely prepared to enter the veterinary profession—maybe even more so than my US counterparts.”
2. SGU veterinary faculty put students first
Most vet students need some guidance as they work toward earning their degree. After all, earning a doctorate in any field is going to be rigorous. That’s why SGU provides a range of student support services to make sure you have access to the assistance you need—but the professors also go above and beyond.
Dr. Sylke Lohmann, staff veterinarian at VCA Newark Animal Hospital, was blown away by how much her veterinary surgery instructors supported her. “They were so encouraging and made surgery such a great experience,” she recalls.
Dr. Lohmann believes the emphasis placed on hands-on learning experiences really demonstrates how much instructors want their students to succeed. “With the relatively short time the professors had with us, it was clear they really cared and wanted to teach us everything possible,” she says.
The experience was similar for Dr. Jennifer Lopez, staff veterinarian at VCA Aventura Animal Hospital and Pet Resort. “The faculty spent time with us,” she explains. “They really cared about us doing well, going on to do clinics well, and becoming very good veterinarians.”
3. SGU students work with experienced specialists from around the world
All top veterinary schools make sure to hire qualified faculty with substantial veterinary experience, but SGU takes it one step further. “I had professors who came from all over the world to teach, and they were specialized in their fields,” Dr. Fogelberg notes.
Receiving instruction from professors with such specialized training can help students learn about fields they might not have otherwise considered. Even if they don’t pursue one of those specialties, they can certainly build a more robust veterinary medicine foundation.
It’s also worth noting that veterinary practice can vary quite significantly based on where a veterinarian works. Different geographic locations maintain varying sectors of animal life and, in many cases, slightly different practices. A diverse faculty base with a range of experiences from various countries helps broaden DVM students’ understanding of veterinary medicine.
4. The SGU campus immerses students in a one-of-a-kind cultural experience
In addition to reaping the rewards of instructors with a range of experiences, attending veterinary school in another country itself can be a tremendous benefit for veterinary students.
“One of the best things about SGU is the fact that it isn’t a US school,” explains Dr. Kirsten Traul, equine veterinarian. “It makes you think in a different way, and makes you a better vet.”
Studying at a Caribbean vet school presents students with opportunities to learn about and interact with the animals native to the island of Grenada—something they may otherwise never receive exposure to.
“It opened me up to a whole new world and perspective, and I feel like I left there incredibly well-rounded,” offers Dr. Raye Taylor, veterinarian at Blue Skies Pet Home Euthanasia and Hospice. It wasn’t just getting outside of the US that she appreciated—it was Grenada in particular. “That SGU students can experience culture and balance a stressful education with a tropical island is a distinct advantage,” she adds.
5. SGU students form close personal relationships with each other
While attending a school of veterinary medicine abroad is exciting, it can also be a little bit nerve-wracking. Dr. Joshua Morgenstern, board-certified veterinary cardiologist at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, recalls how this unique circumstance actually brought classmates together.
“We were all experiencing the same thing, and we all had a passion and drive to become veterinarians,” Dr. Morgenstern says. “I think we all found comfort in that and grew together not only as a class but also as a family.”
For many SGU graduates, the friendships they form in veterinary school last long after everyone leaves Grenada. “It just felt like I was away, but with family,” says Dr. Laura Paasch, staff veterinarian at the Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center of Westbury. “I am still close with many of my classmates, who remain dear friends.”
Begin your veterinary medicine journey
It’s clear St. George’s University grads finish the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with much more than a degree. They aren’t just alumni— they’re part of a global community committed to making an impact in the world of veterinary medicine. At SGU, there are opportunities for just about every veterinary interest.
If you could see yourself as a student at the SGU School of Veterinary Medicine, then take the next step. You can learn more about how to achieve your veterinary career goals by visiting our request information page.
Grads Share 5 Ways SGU’s School of Veterinary Medicine Stands Out
You’ve likely been researching different Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs for some time now. The School of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University (SGU) may pique your interest, but you want a clear picture of what you can expect as a vet school student at SGU before you commit.
Hearing directly from graduates is one of the best ways to really get a feel for a veterinary program. You’ll be happy to hear SGU alumni have a lot of great things to say about attending SGU Vet School. We explore why they think St. George’s University is a step above the rest.
5 Ways the SGU School of Veterinary Medicine stands out
As you continue to research different DVM programs, who better to gather your information from than former students who were once in your shoes? Hear firsthand what graduates have to say about their experiences in the vet program at SGU.
1. SGU grads are well-prepared for veterinary practice
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of new DVM degree-holders seeking internships directly after graduating. While some are interested in pursuing additional training to hone their skills in a particular veterinary specialization, a lot of these graduates are seeking internships because they don’t feel ready to start practicing.
The DVM program at SGU focuses on providing students with plenty of hands-on experiences as early as possible. Dr. Emelie Fogelberg, veterinary technical advisor for Ceva Animal Health, notes that participating in SGU’s biannual One Health One Medicine Vaccination Clinic was a great opportunity to start building her skills. “It gave us students a chance to apply our knowledge to real cases at an early stage in our education,” she says.
Students continue to build their veterinary clinical skills as they progress in their education, often completing more spays and neuters than students at other schools. Focusing on practical experiences they’ll encounter as veterinary practitioners proves incredibly beneficial once students complete the program.
“My experience at SGU was amazing,” offers Dr. Francisco Torrado, veterinarian at Live Oak Animal Hospital. “I felt completely prepared to enter the veterinary profession—maybe even more so than my US counterparts.”
2. SGU veterinary faculty put students first
Most vet students need some guidance as they work toward earning their degree. After all, earning a doctorate in any field is going to be rigorous. That’s why SGU provides a range of student support services to make sure you have access to the assistance you need—but the professors also go above and beyond.
Dr. Sylke Lohmann, staff veterinarian at VCA Newark Animal Hospital, was blown away by how much her veterinary surgery instructors supported her. “They were so encouraging and made surgery such a great experience,” she recalls.
Dr. Lohmann believes the emphasis placed on hands-on learning experiences really demonstrates how much instructors want their students to succeed. “With the relatively short time the professors had with us, it was clear they really cared and wanted to teach us everything possible,” she says.
The experience was similar for Dr. Jennifer Lopez, staff veterinarian at VCA Aventura Animal Hospital and Pet Resort. “The faculty spent time with us,” she explains. “They really cared about us doing well, going on to do clinics well, and becoming very good veterinarians.”
3. SGU students work with experienced specialists from around the world
All top veterinary schools make sure to hire qualified faculty with substantial veterinary experience, but SGU takes it one step further. “I had professors who came from all over the world to teach, and they were specialized in their fields,” Dr. Fogelberg notes.
Receiving instruction from professors with such specialized training can help students learn about fields they might not have otherwise considered. Even if they don’t pursue one of those specialties, they can certainly build a more robust veterinary medicine foundation.
It’s also worth noting that veterinary practice can vary quite significantly based on where a veterinarian works. Different geographic locations maintain varying sectors of animal life and, in many cases, slightly different practices. A diverse faculty base with a range of experiences from various countries helps broaden DVM students’ understanding of veterinary medicine.
4. The SGU campus immerses students in a one-of-a-kind cultural experience
In addition to reaping the rewards of instructors with a range of experiences, attending veterinary school in another country itself can be a tremendous benefit for veterinary students.
“One of the best things about SGU is the fact that it isn’t a US school,” explains Dr. Kirsten Traul, equine veterinarian. “It makes you think in a different way, and makes you a better vet.”
Studying at a Caribbean vet school presents students with opportunities to learn about and interact with the animals native to the island of Grenada—something they may otherwise never receive exposure to.
“It opened me up to a whole new world and perspective, and I feel like I left there incredibly well-rounded,” offers Dr. Raye Taylor, veterinarian at Blue Skies Pet Home Euthanasia and Hospice. It wasn’t just getting outside of the US that she appreciated—it was Grenada in particular. “That SGU students can experience culture and balance a stressful education with a tropical island is a distinct advantage,” she adds.
5. SGU students form close personal relationships with each other
While attending a school of veterinary medicine abroad is exciting, it can also be a little bit nerve-wracking. Dr. Joshua Morgenstern, board-certified veterinary cardiologist at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, recalls how this unique circumstance actually brought classmates together.
“We were all experiencing the same thing, and we all had a passion and drive to become veterinarians,” Dr. Morgenstern says. “I think we all found comfort in that and grew together not only as a class but also as a family.”
For many SGU graduates, the friendships they form in veterinary school last long after everyone leaves Grenada. “It just felt like I was away, but with family,” says Dr. Laura Paasch, staff veterinarian at the Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center of Westbury. “I am still close with many of my classmates, who remain dear friends.”
Begin your veterinary medicine journey
It’s clear St. George’s University grads finish the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with much more than a degree. They aren’t just alumni— they’re part of a global community committed to making an impact in the world of veterinary medicine. At SGU, there are opportunities for just about every veterinary interest.
If you could see yourself as a student at the SGU School of Veterinary Medicine, then take the next step. You can learn more about how to achieve your veterinary career goals by visiting our request information page.
