As the year comes to a close, the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine community has much to be proud of. Success in this year’s Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP), SVM community support to Grenada’s animals after Hurricane Beryl, and the inaugural SVM career fair are just some of the exciting benchmarks of 2024.
Take a look at some of the most impactful SGU News SVM stories of 2024. Then, go ahead and read our The 5 Most Impactful School of Medicine Stories of 2024.
1. 2024 Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP)
Twenty-eight SVM students and graduates secured competitive internship and residency positions within the 2023 Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).
SGU-trained veterinarians achieved a match rate of 51.8 percent, in line with the match rate of 51.5 percent for all veterinary schools—including those in the US, according to data released by the VIRMP, a program sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC).
Beginning in June, the veterinarians will begin their specialized training in areas such as small animal internal medicine, emergency and critical care, surgery, dermatology, orthopedic medicine, and more. These positions are situated at prestigious institutions within the SVM’s network of clinical affiliates as well as specialty hospitals across the US and Canada.
Read VIRMP 2024: 28 SGU Students Secure Competitive Veterinary Internship and Residency Positions
2. SVM Offers Support to Grenada’s Animals Post-Beryl
SVM students, faculty, staff, and alumni aided Grenada’s animals and livestock in the wake of Hurricane Beryl in an uplifting display of community and collaboration. Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 storm, barreled through the Caribbean in early July causing extensive destruction to homes and other structures in northern Grenada and Grenada’s sister islands, Petite Martinique and Carriacou.
“I am so happy to be a part of SGU, and I’m proud to be a Grenadian,” said Dexton St. Bernard, DVM ’21, MSC ’23, an instructor of parasitology at SGU and part of the responding veterinary team. “We didn’t only save animals. We saved livelihoods.”
Read How SVM Aided Grenada’s Animals and Communities Post-Hurricane Beryl
3. SVM Grad Works Dream Job Caring for Racehorses
SVM graduate, Adrianna Cuesta Amado, DVM ’21, treats some of the most formidable athletes in the country. Her patients? Racehorses.
She says she chose SGU for its fully accredited veterinary program with ample hands-on experience. Given her love of horses, Dr. Cuesta Amado was motivated by her peers and her family to specialize in equine medicine.
“SGU to me was the full package that offered many opportunities to work hard in a focused yet fun environment,” she said.
Read more about How an SVM Grad Turned Her Love for Horses into a Career
4. SVM Hosts Inaugural Career Fair for Students
SVM welcomed more than 130 attendees, including students, veterinary professionals, sponsors, and business leaders, to its first ever SVM Career Fair. The event allowed students to learn more about the various career paths they can choose after graduation as well as potential internship and mentorship opportunities. Students were also able to connect with practicing veterinarians and leaders in the field of veterinary medicine, as they solidify their career plans.
Read SGU Vet Students Explore Job Opportunities at Inaugural SVM Career Fair
5. SVM Alumna Master of Ceremonies at White Coat Ceremony
Christianne Shaw, DVM ’12, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the January 2024 School of Veterinary Medicine White Coat Ceremony. A regular visitor of Grenada, she accepted a position as an assistant professor in the Small Animal Clinic this year.
Read SVM Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Christianne Shaw, recent White Coat Ceremony Master of Ceremonies
