Gold Humanism Honor Society inducts 59 students at 2023 ceremony

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On June 2, St. George’s University’s Gold Humanism Honor Society inducted 59 students. The annual Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) award recognizes students, residents, and faculty who exemplify compassionate patient care and serve as role models, mentors, and leaders in medicine. Recipients of the award are holistically compassionate individuals who exemplify the tenets of an excellent physician. Members of GHHS are collaborative in their approach to medical care, respectful, and inclusive towards patients’ needs and backgrounds.

The Arnold P Gold Foundation established the Gold Humanism Honor Society in 2002. The goal of the organization is to foster and acknowledge humanism during medical education. Over 160 medical schools have a GHHS chapter, awarding thousands of students with honors. The SGU GHHS chapter was established in 2004.

Celebrating a commitment to compassionate care

At this year’s GHHS induction ceremony, Dr. Robert Grant, senior associate dean of clinical studies, congratulated inductees on their achievements.

“As physicians, our profession has always embraced the concept of awareness of suffering and our ability to alleviate pain in many of its manifestations. As the esteemed Canadian physician Sir William Osler said: ‘A good physician treats the disease; a great physician treats the patient,’” said Dr. Grant. “Induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society is not merely an honor but validates your commitment to remain as an exemplar of compassionate care and humanism always.”

Recent developments in SGU’s chapter include Associate Dean of Clinical Studies Dr. Toni Johnson-Liggins’s appointment as Chapter Advisor. She is replacing Dr. Cheryl Cox-McPherson, the prior Chapter Advisor who dedicated many years of service.

Students inducted into the GHHS are in the top 10 percent of their class and often involved in community service. GHHS is a steadfast advocate for humanism on medical school campuses and across healthcare institutions. Holding a GHHS chapter indicates that an institution highly values interpersonal skills and attitudes essential for excellent patient care.

 

View the program for a list of inductees

—Madeleine Otto

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The Future Directions of Research Explored at SGU Research Day

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Research was once again at the forefront of St. George’s University this spring, as it hosted the 20th SGU Research Day and Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day at Open and Upper Modica Hall on March 18. This year’s event had something for everyone—providing ample opportunity to learn about research being conducted in all four Schools.

Faculty, staff, students, and other participants attended one of four concurrent sessions before the plenary presentation was delivered virtually by Dr. Peter Hotez, world renown scientist, pediatrician, global advocate, and leader in the field of vaccine development.

Of the faculty and student presentations showcased, 72 were posters and 70 were oral presentations, along with two symposia. A panel of judges from SGU and outside of the University reviewed the presentations and chose winners for each category based on originality, scientific merit, and level of involvement.

The complete list of winners can be seen below. The campus-based Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF) presented each with a plaque on March 24.

 

  • Best faculty oral presentation: Dr. David Marancik – SVM (center)

  • Best student oral presentation: Hailey Bauer – SOM (second from the left)

  • Best student oral presentation: Emily Meade – SVM (center)

  • Best faculty poster presentation: Makeda Matthew-Bernard – SOM (second from the left)

  • Best faculty poster presentation: Dr. Firdous Khan – SVM (center)

  • Best student poster presentation: Tavsimran Luthra – SOM (left)

  • Best student poster presentation: Dinielle White – SVM (center)

  • Best Department of Educational Services presentation: Todd McKay (second from the right)

  • Best WINDREF presentation: Nikita Cudjoe (center)

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Best Faculty Oral Presentations 

  1. Satesh Bidaisee – SOM
  2. David Marancik – SVM


Best Student Oral Presentations 

  1. Hailey Bauer – SOM
  2. Emily Meade – SVM
  3. Shenel Sampson – SAS


Best Faculty Poster Presentations 

  1. Makeda Matthew-Bernard – SOM
  2. Firdous Khan – SVM


Best Student Poster Presentations 

  1. Tavsimran Luthra – SOM
  2. Dinielle White – SVM


Best Department of Educational Services Presentation: Todd McKay


Best WINDREF Presentation: Nikita Cudjoe

– Ray-Donna Peters

 

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Photos from InVeST 2023: Conference Goers Travel to Grenada to Learn Latest Trends in Veterinary Simulation

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More than 120 veterinary experts traveled to St. George’s University’s True Blue campus earlier this month for the 7th International Veterinary Simulation in Teaching (InVeST) Conference, where they spent three days attending interactive sessions on the latest trends in veterinary simulation and teaching best practices.

InVest conference goers, which included veterinarians, InVeST members, representatives from educational institutions, researchers, students, and more than 50 faculty, staff, and alumni from SGU’s School of Veterinary Medicine, among others, learned new trends and practices in the specialized field, and had the opportunity to network with peers while earning continuing education credits.

The use of simulation is a rapidly growing and exciting area of teaching practices within veterinary medicine. The educational practice uses technology—including virtual and augmented reality, 3D models, and more—to train veterinary technicians, nurses, and veterinarians on the healthcare needs of small companion animals and farm animals, reducing the need to use live animals.

The conference featured three keynote speakers:

  • Daniel Fletcher, DVM, PhD, faculty member of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, who presented on the topic of immersive simulation in veterinary education;
  • Dave Killpack, BA-BPMI, founder of Illumination Studios, who presented on the topic of building connections across disciplines; and
  • Jenny Moffett, BVetMed, MSc, educationalist and faculty developer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Health Professions’ Education Centre, who presented on the topic of applications of simulations-based learning.

Additionally, on the final day of the conference, the winners of the best research poster and best oral presentation were announced:

  • Best poster presentation: Dr. Carolyn Kerr, a professor at the University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College, for her poster about the “Development of a Bovine Paravertebral Block Model.”
  • Best oral presentation: Dr. Francesca Ivaldi, associate professor in SVM’s Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, for her presentation about the “Development of a Comprehensive Simulated Patient Model for the Physical Examination of the Dog.”

Didn’t attend? Check out our top photos from the InVeST 2023 conference.

  • The view from the third floor of the Andrew J. Belford Centre provided a picturesque backdrop for those attending the InVeST 2023 Conference.

  • More than 120 participants from nine countries attended the conference, which explored the latest techniques and technology within the rapidly growing field of veterinary simulation.

  • Keynote speaker Dr. Daniel Fletcher, a faculty member at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, has been building simulators for veterinary education since 2009 and is the primary developer of Open VetSim, an open-source veterinary simulation platform.

  • Several sponsors were on hand, including Vetiqo, to showcase various simulation devices to conference goers. The models displayed are used in training veterinarians, farmers, and veterinary technicians as well as in experimental animal science.

  • Fabiola Casanova Crespo, SVM Term 5 student, attended InVeST 2023, as part of a group of students representing companies such as Banfield Pet Hospital that sponsored the event.

  • Dr. Francesca Ivaldi accepts her award for Best Oral Presentation.

  • Dr. Carolyn Kerr, a professor at the University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College, accepts her award for Best Poster Presentation.

  • Dr. Arend Werners, assistant dean of academics and chair of the SVM planning committee for InVeST 2023, thanked participants for attending the conference, along with fellow committee members, Drs. Annie Corrigan, Firdous Khan, and Heidi Janicke (left to right).

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– Ray-Donna Peters

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Photo Diary: Future Veterinarians Take First Steps into Profession at SVM White Coat Ceremony

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St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine buzzed with excitement as the newest class of veterinary medical students took to the stage to receive their white coats—signaling the start of their professional journey. The students were cheered by friends and family as they looked on during the SVM White Coat Ceremony, which took place on January 28 in Patrick F. Adams Hall on SGU’s True Blue campus.

View SVM White Coat Ceremony Instagram Reel

 

During the event, students are cloaked in white lab coats by various members of SGU administration, faculty, family members, or mentors who have become veterinarians before them. Students then affirm an oath of commitment to the veterinary field by agreeing to uphold the principles of veterinary medical ethics and the highest professional standards.

Wondering what it’s like to be coated? Check out the photos from the most recent SVM White Coat Ceremony.

  • Nervousness and excitement abound as students made their way into the hall to await their turn to walk across the stage to receive their white coat.

  • SGU Chancellor Dr. Charles R. Modica, offered a warm welcome to Mr. Alva Browne, Grenada’s permanent secretary with responsibility for agriculture and lands, fisheries, and cooperatives.

  • Master of ceremonies, Dr. Shekinah Morris, DVM/MSc ’20, knew all too well how the incoming class of vet students felt—having sat in those same seats during her own ceremony seven years ago.

  • Dr. Lori Teller, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association and this year’s keynote speaker, congratulated the Class of 2027, predicting more accolades to come—today it was their white coat, tomorrow would be their diploma, followed by a license, and then the world.

  • Sharing the stage with Jessica Meyer, SVM Term 1 student, was her epilepsy alert dog, Magnolia. The pair shared a touching moment as SVM Dean Dr. Neil Olson, stopped to shake Magnolia’s paw before leaving the stage.

  • For Fiona Minear, SVM Term 1 student, one of the hardest parts of pursuing her dream of becoming a vet was moving away from her partner, Dr. Nicholas Krause, an emergency medicine veterinarian in Pennsylvania. Luckily, he was able to make the trip to Grenada and coat Miss Minear on her special day.

  • Unable to hold back tears, Dr. Ron Ridge, hospital director at St. Francis Emergency Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, FL, was proud of his daughter, Amy Ridge, SVM Term 1 student. Having practically raised Amy in a veterinary hospital during his 40-year tenure as a veterinarian, Dr. Ridge felt honored to coat his daughter at this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • Although previously a cytotechnologist, Phillip Farber knew he always wanted to be a veterinarian and decided now was the time to make a career change. No stranger to studying internationally, after completing a study abroad program in Japan, the Philadelphia native was eager to move to Grenada to follow his dream.

  • Also, making her dream become a reality was SVM Term 1 student, Noor Mazeh. With the support of her mom who was in the audience today, Miss Mazeh is on her way to becoming the first veterinarian in her family—a fact she is both nervous and excited about.

  • After donning their white coats, the ceremony came to a close with the students and other veterinarians in the hall reciting an oath of commitment to uphold the highest ethical standards and professionalism.

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– Ray-Donna Peters

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SOM Spring White Coat Ceremony: The Legacy Continues for SGU President and Son

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With a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in medicine, Dr. G. Richard Olds, president emeritus at St. George’s University was thrilled to have his son, Trevor Olds follow in his footsteps. In addition to being this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Olds also had the honor of coating Trevor at the Spring 2023 School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony.

View photos from the SOM Spring 2023 White Coat Ceremony


“I’m extremely proud of Trevor and happy to share in this milestone moment as he takes his first official steps into the medical profession,” said Dr. Olds. “I have three wonderful sons, but none of whom seemed to want a career in medicine. In fact, Trevor started his career as a professional actor, but I’m delighted he decided to transition into the MD program here at SGU and that I had the special privilege of coating him.”

The future Dr. Olds joined his fellow students in the Class of 2027 as they walked across the stage on January 28 at Patrick F. Adams Hall to receive their white coats. At the end of the ceremony, which marks their entry into the field of medicine, they recited the Oath of Professionalism, where they pledge to uphold the highest of ethical standards while treating their patients.

In his keynote address, Dr. Olds shared three moving stories providing lessons on what it means to be a good physician. His second story centered on Trevor giving his family a medical scare but ended with them being comforted by a physician wearing a white coat.

“All of the men in the Olds family are quite sentimental,” shared Trevor Olds. “So, I was glad that I had a bit of time between my father’s keynote address and when I had to go up to be coated—because I needed to compose myself a little bit. It was such a sweet and special moment, and his speech was very touching and meaningful.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

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Photo Diary: Class of 2027 Begins Journey as Future Physicians at Spring White Coat Ceremony

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It was an emotional day for the newest class of medical students at St. George’s University. Nervousness mixed with excitement filled the air as students took to the stage at the School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony, held on January 28 at Patrick F. Adams Hall.

View SOM White Coat Ceremony Instagram Reel


During the ceremony, which signifies students officially beginning their journey to becoming physicians, a white coat is placed on their shoulders—often by family members or mentors who have become doctors before them. Later, they would each recite the Oath of Professionalism, in which they pledged to honor the sacred trust and privilege society places on medical professionals.

What was it like to be coated? Check out the photos from the White Coat Ceremony.


  • It was all smiles, as students eagerly awaited their name being called for their turn to walk across the stage and put on that white coat.

  • But first, a few warm words from SGU Chancellor Dr. Charles R. Modica. The chancellor shared his appreciation for how far the University had come and his excitement as SGU approaches its 50th anniversary.

  • Dr. Modica was followed by this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. G. Richard Olds, president emeritus of SGU and a tropical disease specialist. In his address he shared three touching stories providing lessons on what it means to be a good physician.

  • Dr. Olds also had the pleasure of coating his son, Trevor Olds in this heartfelt moment—an experience the Olds family will treasure.

  • Trevor Olds and his father, Dr. G. Richard Olds

  • Also sharing a moment on stage was SOM Term 1 student, Carlie Hanlon who had the privilege of being coated by her grandfather, Dr. Robert Hanlon—a retired physician who practiced internal medicine and cardiology. The New Jersey native praised his granddaughter, confident that she will make a wonderful physician.

  • Carlie Hanlon and her grandfather, Dr. Robert Hanlon

  • Holding back tears was Dr. Patrick Borgen, as he coated his daughter Dana Borgen and her fiancé Ezekiel Sanchez. The high school sweethearts chose to attend SGU together after meeting several SGU alumni residents at Maimonides Medical Center where Dr. Borgen serves as chair of the Department of Surgery.

  • Already part of the SGU family, Frances Emmanuel, a Grenadian staff member in the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Small Animal Medicine and Surgery (SAMS) Department, couldn’t be any prouder of her daughter Shanique Emmanuel, BSc ’22, who is on track to becoming the first doctor in their family.

  • Also, now a part of the SGU family is SOM Term 1 student Rashiqa Abdel-Jabbar. She left her Louisiana home to join her cousin, SOM Term 2 student Haneen Awawda in fulfilling her dream of becoming a doctor here at SGU.

  • Twins Mark and Michael Yassa are as different as night and day, except in their pursuit of becoming physicians. Although older by one minute, it was Mark who followed his brother Mike, a Term 2 SOM student from Toronto to SGU.

  • After receiving their white coats, the ceremony ended with students and other physicians in the audience reciting the Oath of Professionalism—pledging to uphold the highest of ethical standards while treating their patients.

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– Ray-Donna Peters

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

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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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SOM White Coat Ceremony Welcomes Class of 2026 Into Medical Profession

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Growing up in Hawaii with a father who’s a doctor, Justin Paeste, a first-term School of Medicine student at St. George’s University spent the majority of his childhood at the hospital where his dad worked. So, it came as no surprise when he decided to also become a physician. His decision to attend SGU was also solidified by his brother, who is a fourth-term SOM student. At the recent SOM White Coat Ceremony, Mr. Paeste was honored to be coated by his father.

“Today is a very special day, which has been years in the making,” shared Mr. Paeste. “I practically grew up in the hospital. My babysitters were the nurses. It seemed inevitable that I wouldone day become a doctor. Having that background and seeing that example from my dad really helped me push toward that goal.”

Although Mr. Paeste’s father was influential in his decision to enter the field of medicine, it was his older brother Jonathan, a Term 4 SOM student, who solidified his choice to go to SGU.

“I’m very proud of him,” said Jonathan Paeste. “Med school isn’t easy and it’s a big commitment. I’m glad that he’s willing to go down this route with me. It’s really nice that I have someone to go through this with.”

Dr. Rosalo Paeste, an internal medicine specialist in Waipahu, HI, echoed the sentiments of just how special the day was to him: “To have one son training to become a physician would’ve been enough, but to have two sons is awesome. And especially with the shortage of physicians in the world today, I’m sure they will both become assets to their community.”

 

View SOM White Coat Ceremony on YouTube

 

The Class of 2026 walked across the stage on September 10 at Patrick F. Adams Hall on SGU’s True Blue campus, receiving their white lab coats, which signified the official beginning of their journey to becoming physicians. After being coated—often by family members or mentors who have become doctors before them—students then recite the Oath of Professionalism, where they pledge to uphold the highest of ethical standards while treating their patients.

In his keynote address, Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of SGU and a tropical disease specialist, shared three touching stories providing lessons on what it means to be a good physician. After which he left the newest class of future doctors with a few additional words of wisdom.

“You’ll learn all about the science of medicine from your faculty at SGU, but you’ll learn the art of medicine from your patients,” said Dr. Olds. “Listen to your patients, care about your patients, and they will make you a really great doctor.”

 

View SOM White Coat Ceremony Instagram Reel

 

The president’s advice rang true for Eromosele Oboite, having heard many of those lessons from his older sister Dr. Michelle Oboite, who was happy to share the stage and welcome her brother into the medical profession.

“It was a surreal moment being coated by my sister,” said Mr. Oboite. “Becoming a doctor is something I’ve dreamed about for many years. It’s a blessing to be here and I’m so grateful that SGU gave me this opportunity.”

“As someone who has also gone through this experience, I know what it takes,” said Dr. Oboite, currently practicing pediatric and adult medical dermatology in Philadelphia, PA. “I have so much respect for my brother. He’s gone through a lot throughout this whole process, and he’s been so resilient. I believe in him, and I know that he’s going to do amazing things in the world. I’m happy to be his sister and get to witness all of it.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

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Future Nurses Welcomed into Profession at SAS Nursing Induction Ceremony

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Hailing from the tiny island of Petite Martinique, Khalid Benjamin traveled to Grenada to begin his nursing education at St. George’s University School of Arts and Sciences Nursing Program. As one of only five male nursing students enrolled in the program, Mr. Benjamin was proud to be inducted into the noble profession. 

“I was so excited to attend my Nursing Induction Ceremony because it meant I was one step closer to achieving my dream,” shared Mr. Benjamin. “In high school I found out that by 2025 there would be a global shortage of nurses and since there aren’t many male nurses out there, I decided to become one. I applied and was accepted to SGU.” 

Mr. Benjamin admitted he did face some questions about joining the female-dominated field. For instance, why not just become a doctor instead? His response, “this is my life and my future, and I chose this for myself.” 

 

View Nursing Induction Ceremony on Facebook

 

Dr. Jennifer Solomon, chair and director of Nursing Department (left) and Nurse Tasera Fletcher, keynote speaker (right)

He joined 120 aspiring nurses who took to the stage on August 27 at Bourne Lecture Hall on SGU’s True Blue campus to mark their entry into the field of nursing. The group was presented with The Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s golden Mobius loop pin, which serves as a visual reminder to students that in order to deliver the best care to their patients, compassion and empathy must be the hallmark of their clinical practice. The last nursing induction ceremony was held in February 2020. This is the first one back in person since the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with being presented with the pins, the future nurses recited the International Council of Nurses pledge during the ceremony.   

Nurse Tasera Fletcher, BSc ’21, the ceremony’s keynote speaker, shared words of wisdom to the new class of nurses.  

“You cannot do it alone; at some point, you will have to look out for each other,” advised Nurse Fletcher. “So, share information and help each other, have small discussion groups, or have a study buddy. Nursing is an honorable and noble profession, and it is centered on effective teamwork and collaboration.” 

 

 

View Nursing Induction Ceremony Instagram Reel

 

Along with her Class of 2026 brethren, Hescintia Wigley also agreed with Nurse Fletcher’s sage words. Encouraged by her family to pursue a degree in nursing, Ms. Wigley left her St. Martin home and moved to Grenada to attend SGU. As someone who considers herself a natural nurturer, she believes that empathy is one of the best qualities to have as a nurse.  

“I was thrilled to get my pin today,” said Ms. Wigley. “It made me even more excited to continue this journey toward helping others. This is the main reason why I wanted to become a nurse—knowing that I could be an advocate for people who needed help and couldn’t speak up for themselves.” 

 

 

– Ray-Donna Peters        

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SVM White Coat Ceremony: Aspiring Veterinarians Take Oath to Enter Profession

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When Dr. Marie-Claude Poulin visited Grenada 25 years ago, she marveled at the impressive St. George’s University True Blue campus. She had no idea that years later she would return to coat her daughter Eloise Verret, now a first-term School of Veterinary Medicine student at SGU, during the School of Veterinary Medicine’s recent White Coat Ceremony.

“I’m very happy and proud that my daughter will be following in my footsteps,” said Dr. Poulin, a veterinarian practicing in Quebec, Canada. “Going up on stage to coat her was a very special moment for us. When my husband and I visited the campus all those years ago, we were amazed at what we saw. So, when the time came for her to apply to veterinary school, we knew that SGU would be perfect for her.”

Ms. Verret shared that the experience was also special to her. “I always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian, just like my mom,” she said. “Growing up as the daughter of a vet, I got to see firsthand what the job was like. When I started researching schools to apply to, it was my mom who introduced me to SGU—and I just knew this would be the best place to start my own veterinary medical journey.”

 

View SVM White Coat Ceremony on YouTube

 

Aspiring veterinarians walked across the stage on August 27 at Patrick F. Adams Hall, where they received white lab coats marking their entry into the veterinary medical profession. Students were coated by various SGU administration, faculty, and sometimes by family members or mentors who have become veterinarians before them. This is the SVM’s 21st White Coat Ceremony and the first to be back in person since the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the Master of Ceremonies Dr. Kerri Nigito to Provost Glen Jacobs, the veterinarians-in-training were urged to rally around each other in the good times and bad. They advised the Class of 2026 that working together would bring them success.

Those sentiments were echoed by Dr. Ruby Perry, dean of veterinary radiology at the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in her keynote address.

“The support of your family members and friends along with your mentors, faculty, staff, and your classmates will be a valued component of your success and worthy of acknowledgment. So, let’s never forget those who help you along the way,” counseled Dr. Perry, who is also the first female African American board-certified veterinary radiologist in the American College of Veterinary Radiology.

 

View SVM White Coat Ceremony Instagram Reel

 

Ashlee Ganpot, BSc ’21, the sole Grenadian Term 1 veterinary medical student felt drawn to the School of Veterinary Medicine while pursuing her undergraduate degree in biology at SGU’s School of Arts and Sciences.

“My faculty advisors at SGU played a major role in my decision to become a veterinarian,” said Ms. Ganpot. “Being exposed to the vet school while completing my undergrad studies is what influenced me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine—and to pursue it at SGU. When I found the vet school, I felt like this is where I belong. I found my place.”

    – Ray-Donna Peters

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