5 top SGU School of Veterinary Medicine stories in 2023
From students and graduates matching in competitive veterinary residencies and internships to InVeST 2023 taking place in Grenada to profiles of successful dual-degree graduates, the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine community made its mark in 2023.
Find out which stories made our list of SVM top trending stories this year. And when you’re done, don’t forget to read our must read School of Medicine stories this year as well.
1. SVM commencement—A 20-year legacy
The School of Veterinary Medicine graduation ceremony this past June was full of emotional moments and joyful celebrations. Nearly 200 graduates walked across the stage to commemorate their years of hard work at the ceremony held at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY.
“Twenty years ago, SGU graduated its first class of veterinary medicine, and 30 students graduated young, enthusiastic, and ready to take on the world,” said Dr. Tara Patterson, associate professor, president of the School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association, and a charter class member of the SVM. “Today, SGU has produced over 2,000 Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.”
Read how: SVM celebrated its 20-year legacy at the Class of 2023’s commencement
2. Match 2023—Students secure competitive internship and residency positions
Thirty-seven 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 69.8 percent, the highest among Caribbean veterinary schools, according to data released by the VIRMP, a program sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC).
The veterinarians began their specialized training in June, in areas such as small animal internal medicine, emergency and critical care, surgery, cardiology, neurology, and diagnostic imaging within prestigious institutions in the US and Canada.
Read how: 37 SVM students secured competitive internship and residency positions through 2023 VIRMP Match
3. Grads share their experiences in getting dual DVM and master’s degree
Whether it’s exploring the intersection of animal health and the human world, focusing on fundamental and applied research, or improving their business skills, SGU’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine dual master’s degree options offer aspiring veterinarians in-depth learning opportunities and expertise within their field of choice—and enhanced career prospects.
Read more about: Pursuing a dual degree in veterinary medicine: Grads share their experiences
4. InVeST 2023 comes to Grenada
Veterinary experts traveled to SGU’s True Blue campus in February for the 7th International Veterinary Simulation in Teaching (InVeST) conference. Conference goers—including veterinarians, InVeST members, representatives from educational institutions, researchers, students, and more than 50 SGUSVM faculty, staff, and alumni—spent three days attending interactive sessions and learning how the rapidly growing area of simulation is being incorporated into the teaching practices of veterinary medicine.
SGU’s very own Dr. Francesca Ivaldi, associate professor in the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, received the award for “Best Oral Presentation” for her presentation about the “Development of a Comprehensive Simulated Patient Model for the Physical Examination of the Dog.”
View photos from InVeST 2023: Conference goers travel to Grenada to learn latest trends in veterinary simulation
5. Grad reflects on volunteering during Ukraine-Russia war
Andrew Kushnir, DVM ’19, spent most of 2022 volunteering his time to work with animal rescue groups and zoos to help vulnerable animals affected by the Russian-Ukraine war.
During his time in Ukraine and Poland, Dr. Kushnir saw horrific destruction and pain but also experienced joy and gratitude through the eyes of the animals he cared for, including three African lion cubs. Earlier this year, Dr. Kushnir reflected on his experience, sharing with SGU News what he learned about himself as a veterinarian and caretaker, and his plans to continue supporting animals—and their owners—most in need.
Read more about Dr. Kushnir’s experience: SVM grad reflects on Ukraine volunteer experience: “By helping people’s pets, we were helping the people”
-Laurie Chartorynsky
