Match Day 2024: SGU students describe what it’s like to Match

Richard Hawran

St. George’s University students rejoiced and breathed a sigh of relief on Friday as hundreds were matched into residency programs on Match Day 2024. The group faced tremendous uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now their hard work is being rewarded with their dreams of being doctors realized.

On March 15, more than 880 SGU School of Medicine students and graduates secured first-year US residency positions.*  These numbers are expected to climb in the coming weeks.

Students matched into at least 22 specialties, including highly competitive positions in fields such as:

  • Anesthesiology,
  • Child neurology,
  • Diagnostic radiology,
  • Emergency medicine,
  • Family medicine,
  • Internal medicine,
  • Neurological surgery,
  • Neurology,
  • Obstetrics and gynecology,
  • Orthopedic surgery,
  • Pathology,
  • Pediatrics,
  • Physical medicine and rehabilitation,
  • Psychiatry,
  • Surgery,
  • Urology,
  • Vascular surgery, and more.

They will join residency programs, many at prestigious institutions, in 40 US states and the District of Columbia this summer.

Match Day is a milestone moment in students’ medical education as they learn where their hard work and determination will take them in their career. Students and graduates will now enjoy the fruits of their labor as the next chapter of their medical training begins—this time with ‘MD’ beside their name.

SGU News spoke with several recently matched students about what it felt like to discover that all their hard work led to a dream come true and what they are most looking forward to in residency. Here are just a few of their answers.

View Our Match Day Reel!

 

 

Iris Alao

Iris Alao

Matched: MedStar/Georgetown University

Specialty: Pediatrics

Hometown: Gross Pointe, MI

What was your Match Day reaction? Thank God! All the sacrifices and hard work finally paid off and my dream of becoming doctor has come to fruition.

What are you most looking forward to in residency? Doing more procedures, building patient relationships while tracking significant milestones, and having a little more independence when it comes to making medical decisions.

 

Ryan Caprio

Ryan Caprio 

Matched: Morristown Medical Center

Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery

Hometown: Medfield, MA

What was your Match Day reaction? I was absolutely speechless. I saw the email pop up on my phone with “Congratulations” being the first word I saw and couldn’t believe it was actually happening! I feverishly refreshed the NRMP site to confirm it was true and was so ecstatic to find out I matched into my dream specialty!

What are you most looking forward to in residency? I’m looking forward to being able to work with such a fantastic team and hope to be able to support patients in their time of need. As I will be at a newer residency program, I am looking forward to getting involved and helping the program grow as well. I’m also excited to be able to learn more about an incredible field and am hoping that the Boston Celtics finally win another NBA Championship by the time I start residency so I can rock a Celtics scrub cap in the OR!

 

Adriana Eslamian

Adriana Eslamian

Matched: St. Joseph’s Medical Center

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

What was your Match Day reaction? Honestly, I immediately burst into tears. We have been working towards this moment from our first day of medical school, and to finally experience that moment was more incredible than I ever could have imagined. My husband and I were also so relieved that I matched close enough to home that we wouldn’t have to be apart for the next three years. It all worked out perfectly!

What are you most looking forward to in residency? I am mostly looking forward to finally starting my training as an internal medicine physician, having my own patients that I get to start building the patient/physician relationship with and seeing myself evolve into the best physician that I can be. I also can’t wait to meet my co-residents and embark on this journey with them.

 

Melanie Espino-Canche and Andrew Cross

Melanie Espino-Cache and Andrew Cross

Matched: Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Inspira Health Network (Vineland, NJ)

Specialty: Child Neurology and Emergency Medicine

Hometowns: El Sereno, CA and Queensbury, NY

What was your Match Day reaction? 
Melanie:
Absolutely thrilled and relieved! You spend a lifetime anticipating this moment, striving, wishing, and hoping for it. Yet, there’s no guarantee, so we were filled with nervous anticipation before opening our emails. We met at SGU in Grenada, sharing a dream of matching together, and we took a chance on ourselves. We feel incredibly fortunate to have been given this opportunity!

Andrew: It was an overwhelming feeling of bliss to know that I would be able to continue my journey with my partner by my side. This meant more to me than the match itself. My relationship was my top priority, so when we matched, it added an extra layer of significance and joy.

What are you most looking forward to in residency?

Melanie: I eagerly anticipate delving deeply into all aspects of my specialty. While our (clinical) rotations provide a glimpse into pathologies and treatment regimens, I am eager to immerse myself further, gaining more exposure and autonomy as I progress in my learning journey and build confidence. Meeting my future colleagues is another source of excitement for me. Having formed a close-knit family at SGU, I look forward to fostering the same strong bonds within my residency program.

Andrew: I am eagerly anticipating the chance to utilize my hands in a deeply meaningful way, making a tangible difference in someone’s life. This opportunity to help others is unlike any I have experienced before, and I am excited to embrace the challenge with open arms. The prospect of being able to see the impact of my actions and the positive change they can bring fills me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that drives me forward.

 

Richard Hawran

Richard Hawran

Matched: Weill Cornell Medicine at NewYork Presbyterian

Specialty: General Surgery (Preliminary)

Hometown: Clifton, NJ

What was your Match Day reaction? I felt like all of my hard work paid off and there was a tremendous sense of relief.

What are you most looking forward to in residency? Challenging myself to grow in every way possible.

 

Jasmine Aukakh

Jasmine Aulakh

Matched: Wayne State University School of Medicine

Specialty: Family Medicine

Hometown: Ontario, Canada

What was your Match Day reaction? I was extremely grateful for matching into my top choice and being close to my family and fiancé during this very important part in my career.

What are you most looking forward to in residency? I am looking forward to adapting to a new environment and taking on the challenges that this role will present. I am excited to join WSU residency family and work alongside and learn from my colleagues.

 

*Data as of March 2024

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky and Juliette Kimmins

 

Related Reading     

VIRMP 2024: 28 SGU Students Secure Competitive Veterinary Internship and Residency Positions

SVM vet students

Twenty-eight students and graduates of St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine secured competitive internship and residency positions within the 2024 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.

“Congratulations to all who matched in this year’s VIRMP,” said Dr. Neil Olson, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. “The hard work that students put in to make their dreams come true has been reflected in these hard-won internships and residencies. It is a true testament to the dedication they have to the veterinary profession, and to the desire to contribute to the betterment of animal healthcare. I hope that students will continue use these opportunities to learn and grow as professionals and to make SGU proud.”

Students shared their reactions to learning they matched and their advice for future veterinarians.

Whitney McCoy, DVM '23

Whitney McCoy, DVM ’23

Matched: Animal Dermatology Clinic, Dallas, TX
Current location: Small animal rotating intern at Iowa State University

What was your reaction to matching in the VIRMP? Are you happy with the outcome?
Dr. McCoy: I was thrilled to see I matched with my top choice!

How does the residency fit within your career plans?
Dr. McCoy: A dermatology residency in private practice will help me achieve my goal of becoming a board-certified veterinary dermatologist in my hometown of Jackson, MS.

What is your top piece of advice to veterinary students?
Dr. McCoy: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Know that veterinary medicine isn’t one size fits all, so find the niche that makes you happy and never give up on your dreams, even if they seem unattainable.

What was your SGU experience?
Dr. McCoy:
Attending SGU was a truly transformative experience that gave me much more than just a veterinary education. I gained invaluable life lessons, formed lifelong friendships, and received a diverse and comprehensive education that has helped me excel in my career.

Lauren Smith, DVM '24 (expected)

Lauren Smith, DVM ’24 (expected)

Matched: Red Bank Veterinary Hospital (Red Bank, NJ)
Current location: Completing clinical year at the University of Georgia

What was your reaction to matching in the VIRMP? Are you happy with the outcome?
Ms. Smith:
I am very excited! I have heard really great things from other veterinarians, interns, and residents who know colleagues that went through the same program. I will also be close to a few friends that I made while in Grenada which is so exciting.

What are your ultimate career aspirations?
Ms. Smith: Completing a one-year small animal rotating internship is the stepping stone to most residency programs. My ultimate goal is to complete a residency in radiology and diagnostic imaging so that I can become a board-certified veterinary radiologist (DACVR).

What key piece of advice can you offer to aspiring veterinarians?
Ms. Smith:
Don’t give up! It took me three application cycles to get accepted into veterinary school and now I’m on my way to an internship program. You get out of your education what you put into it, so always be enthusiastic and willing to learn/try new things.

Why did you choose SGU?
Ms. Smith:
I knew a few veterinarians who went to SGU, and I really admired their work ethic and thought process when working up cases. They really enjoyed their time in Grenada and recommended the program to me. I was also excited about living in a new place as I love to travel.

 

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

 

Related Reading

SGU School of Arts and Sciences Unveils New House Emblems, Further Unites Student Community

SAS Sports Day 2023

Photo courtesy of SGU’s Student Government Association.

As the world grapples with the enduring effects of the pandemic, students on campuses around the world are figuring out how to re-establish a sense of community amongst their peers and faculty mentors.

At St. George’s University’s School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), this challenge has been met head on with innovation and enthusiasm, culminating in the creation of “Houses” and an annual Sports Day event in 2023 that bridged the gap between students and faculty.

The overwhelming success of the first SAS Sports Day left a lasting impression on the SAS community. With plans for this year’s event set for later in March, SAS students have taken this notion one step further by hosting a House emblem competition to further reignite the spirit of camaraderie during the event.

“Each ‘House’ represents an academic family that supports the wellness of students and fosters the academic, personal, and professional development of its membership,” said Dr. Lucy Clunes, SGU’s dean of students. “From the intricate complexities of computer coding to the timeless principles of evolutionary biology, the students did a wonderful job of visualizing the diversity of disciplines within SAS.”

Introducing the SAS House Emblems

Tasked with designing unique logos representing their respective departments, SAS students were challenged to create a design that encapsulates the meaning behind each House’s name. At the end of the competition, students from each of the six departments voted for their favorite designs.

And the winners are …

  • Python’s House (Blue) – Computers and Technology: Inspired by the dominant coding language in information technology, Python House embodies the innovation and adaptability of modern computing. (Student contributor: Faheem Jasat)
    SAS Python's House emblem
  • Darwin’s House (Green) – Biology, Ecology, and Conservation: Named in honor of Charles Darwin, this House celebrates the principles of evolution and the interconnectedness of all living organisms. (Student contributors: Roydon Gasglow and Sian Mark)
    SAS Darwin's House emblem
  • Diamond’s House (Orange) – Business and Management Studies: Paying homage to Michael Porter’s Diamond Theory of National Advantage, Diamond’s House symbolizes the multifaceted approach to success in the world of business. (Student contributor: Keanna Bourne)
    SAS Diamond's House emblem
  • Weber’s House (Yellow) – Humanities & Social Sciences: Named after Max Weber, a pioneer in modern social science, Weber’s House stands for the exploration of human behavior and societal structures. (Student contributor: Aaliyah Sam)
    SAS Weber's House emblem
  • Nightingale’s House (Maroon) – Nursing and Allied Health Sciences: Inspired by Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, Nightingale’s House represents compassion, care, and dedication to healing. (Student contributor: Joliba Regis)
    SAS NIghtingale's House emblem
  • Vesalius’ House (Red) – Pre-Clinical Sciences: Named after Andrea Vesalius, the father of modern human anatomy, Vesalius House embodies the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the human body. (Student contributors: Jordaine Ramnarine and Hyungbin Park)

SAS Vesalius' House emblem

SAS Sports Day Leaves a Lasting Impression

Last spring, SAS representatives within the Student Government Association (SGA) organized the first SAS Sports Day. Modeled after the School of Medicine’s Olympics, the event invited students and faculty from all SAS departments to engage in friendly competition and share team-building experiences.

“SAS Sports was more than just a series of races and games; it was a platform for students to connect beyond their academic interests,” according to Jillaun Mitchell, SAS SGA president, and a Term 6 student. “From thrilling tug-of-war battles to the nostalgic charm of the lime and spoon race, students from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate their collective identity as part of the SAS community.”

Added Dr. Clunes: “Beyond the thrill of competition, SAS Sports Day represents a commitment to fostering connections, nurturing talent, and cultivating a sense of belonging within the SAS family.”

The SGA hopes to further enhance its commitment to re-establishing the strong community spirit SAS is known for on the True Blue campus.

“We hope the bonds forged through SAS Sports will endure long after the games have ended, serving as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the SAS community,” Emilee Atkins, SGA executive president.

 

— Ashley Law, SAS student

Ms. Law is in her final semester within the School of Arts and Sciences Department of Business Management Studies.

Related Reading 

Grateful, Inspired, Motivated: Term 1 SOM Students Describe What It Means to Put on a White Coat

Dominique Assing, BS ’23, was no stranger to the lecture halls at St. George’s University. As a child her mother, Brigitte Assing, MBA ’12, would bring Dominque to SGU’s True Blue campus while she completed her graduate studies. Later, Ms. Assing would go on to complete her undergraduate degree at SGU before beginning her medical education in the School of Medicine.

At the recent SOM White Coat Ceremony, Ms. Assing was coated by her aunt Lisa Radix, MD ’95, who inspired her to follow her dreams of becoming a physician at SGU.

“I felt a mixture of emotions at the White Coat Ceremony—excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and most of all gratitude,” said Ms. Assing. “I’m grateful to my family and to my aunt who came to coat me. After having such a positive undergraduate experience here at SGU, I couldn’t think of anywhere else I would want to study medicine. I really love being able to live in my home country, while also getting a truly international medical education.”

 

The occasion was monumental not only for Ms. Assing, but for her aunt as well.

“It was such a special feeling putting the white coat on the next generation,” said Dr. Radix. “Seeing Dominique grow from a toddler to a hard-working adult about to start her own medical career at SGU as I once did more than 30 years ago. In a way this was also my White Coat Ceremony, since I never had one because the tradition started the year after I graduated. Reciting the oath with my niece and her fellow students was doubly moving for me.”

On February 10, the Class of 2028 walked across the stage at Patrick F. Adams Hall during the milestone event that marks their entry into the field of medicine. After being coated—sometimes by family members or mentors who had become physicians before them, the students then recite the Oath of Professionalism—pledging to uphold the highest of ethical standards while treating their patients.

 

 

Hear from four other aspiring physicians on what it means to be able to wear a white coat.  

 

“I feel amazing after putting on my white coat. I’m excited and nervous at the same time but I also feel ready to take on this journey. It was such an honor being coated by my dad. He is the reason why I wanted to become a doctor. I was inspired by the work that he does and I’m happy to follow in his footsteps.”

– Abhigna Kandimalla 
Trinidad and Tobago

 

“I am super excited to have my white coat. It signifies that I’m clearly moving forward with my medical education. Previously, I worked in the pharmaceutical industry for about 30 years, but I always wanted to become a doctor. I applied to SGU because it had a great matriculation rate and great success rate of students getting into the residencies of their choice. So, I knew it was the best place for me to fulfill my dream of becoming a physician.”

– Tanette Brown
North Carolina

 

“I can’t even describe the emotion I felt while being coated by my father, SGU Associate Dean Dr. Dolland Noel. It was like he was passing the torch on to me. Initially I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. But then my father really started to stand out to me. The way his work positively affected the people around him and all the gratitude surrounding him made me realize you can have a huge impact on your community and country as a physician. And just seeing the amazing doctor he became and knowing that he went to SGU definitely made me want to come here too.”

– Donan Noel
Grenada

 

 

   – Ray-Donna Peters

Related Reading     

Georgian Court Renews Partnership with St. George’s University for Pre-Med, Pre-Vet Students

Georgian Court University and St. George’s University (SGU), located in Grenada in the West Indies, are renewing and recommitting to their agreement which creates pathways for GCU students to pursue studies in medicine and veterinarian medicine.

“St. George’s University is thrilled to continue this partnership with Georgian Court University and to offer their most qualified students multiple pathways to a degree in medicine or veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Richard Liebowitz, vice chancellor of St. George’s University. “We look forward to empowering GCU students to pursue their dreams of becoming a doctor or veterinarian.”

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) sets up a 4+4 program with the two institutions. After completing four years of pre-medicine or pre-veterinarian studies at GCU, students who meet the requirements will be granted admission to SGU’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine to continue their studies.

It also establishes a 3+4 program, in which students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biology: biomedical sciences will complete three years at GCU and then be granted entry into the SGU School of Medicine if meeting requirements.

“Georgian Court University has always been committed to creating educational opportunities that help students excel academically and provide the guidance and support they need to achieve their career goals,” said Dr. Janice Warner, provost of Georgian Court University. “Through this partnership with SGU, we can provide a growing number of students interested in medical and veterinary school a clear integrated path into an accredited, reputable medical school with a good track record for residency placement in the US.”

Georgian Court campus

Georgian Court University and St. George’s University are renewing and recommitting to their agreement which creates pathways for GCU students to pursue studies in medicine and veterinarian medicine.

 

To be eligible for the SGU School of Medicine route, students must maintain a 3.4 grade point average and a 3.2 grade point average in the sciences. They also must score within five points of the average scores for entering students on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

For the School of Veterinary Science, students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.3 while at GCU and complete a recommended 500 hours of animal experience alongside a veterinarian or animal care professional.

Both programs have options to complete part of the program at SGU, with remaining clinical rotations and education at various SGU affiliates, including those in the United States. SGU School of Medicine works with a network of more than 75 hospitals and health systems in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom offering clinical and ambulatory training. The School of Veterinary Medicine offers clinical training at over 30 affiliated institutions in six countries.

Students who are accepted into the 3+4 or 4+4 programs for medical sciences will be eligible to be considered for all of SGU’s School of Medicine scholarships. SGU granted more than $50 million in scholarships in the 2022-2023 academic year.

For more information about how to apply for the pathways program contact Tracy McCarthy, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Georgian Court University, call (732) 987-2759, or send an email to: tmccarthy@georgian.edu.

 

Related Reading

St. George’s University Mourns the Loss of Campus Visionary Architect, Andy Belford

Charlie Modica and Andy Belford

St. George’s University and its community mourns the loss of Andrew “Andy” J. Belford (right), the school’s very first director of admissions, who had a profound effect on the creation and development of SGU’s True Blue campus. Pictured here in 2018 with SGU Chancellor Charles Modica.

St. George’s University (SGU) and its community mourns the loss of Andrew “Andy” J. Belford, the school’s very first director of admissions, who had a profound effect on the creation and development of SGU’s True Blue campus.

Mr. Belford died peacefully on February 6, surrounded by family and friends. He was 75 years old.

“Andy’s indefatigable energy, spirit, intelligence, and integrity were greatly appreciated as he explained this new concept of a medical school to many prospective students in the 1970s and early 1980s,” according to Dr. Charles R. Modica, chancellor and co-founder of SGU. “His energy and dedication went far beyond the area of admissions—and his wisdom, quick intelligence, and dedication were indispensable to myself and the other founders in the launching and development of a new medical school in the country of Grenada.”

As the University grew its faculty, student body, and presence in the world of medical education, Mr. Belford set off in an entirely new direction, enrolling in Columbia School of Architecture, and designing and building homes and complexes, mainly in South Florida.

When the University began a dramatic expansion in the early 1990s, Mr. Belford returned to SGU’s True Blue campus where he designed and led a team of architects and builders in the creation of the magnificent campus that has come to embody the mission and spirit of SGU. Under his guidance and vision, the University erected more than 65 beautiful, functional buildings along the True Blue peninsula.

Today students, faculty, and administrators live and learn on his visionary, neo-Georgian campus built over the course of three decades.

Recognizing his contributions to SGU

SGU administrators at School of Medicine graduation

University architect Andrew Belford (4th from left) receives the Order of the Mace from members of the selection committee during the 2010 School of Medicine Commencement ceremony. June 13, 2010 – Lincoln Center – New York, NY.

In 2010, he was bestowed the prestigious Order of the Mace Award—the University’s highest honor—for his impact on SGU’s evolution and success. He joined Chancellor Modica, Sir Kenneth Stuart, and Provost Emeritus Allen Pensick as recipients.

In July 2018, SGU named one of its newer buildings after him. Today, the Andrew J. Belford Centre is a vibrant hub of campus life. A bronze plaque was placed in front of the building—outlining the foundation Mr. Belford built and his immeasurable impact—unveiled in front of SGU administrators, faculty, and staff, as well as family and friends, in attendance.

Remembering Andy Belford and his influence on SGU

SGU administrators at dedication ceremony for Andrew J. Belford Centre

In 2018, SGU dedicated a bronze plaque at Andrew J. Belford Centre in honor of Andrew Belford, the University’s first director of admissions and visionary architect of the True Blue Campus.

SGU administrators shared their condolences and remembrances of Mr. Belford.

Dr. Glen Jacobs, provost of SGU: “The campus would not have become what it is today without Andy’s magnificent vision. Andy was a genuine and kind man, and I was fortunate to experience the positive impact that he had on SGU.”

Dr. C.V. Rao, dean of university alumni affairs: “Having started my career in teaching at SGU in 1977, I have had the unique perspective of seeing the full spectrum of SGU’s evolution. He will be greatly missed and every time I walk by the Andrew J. Belford Centre, I will remember the visionary who had such a remarkable influence on SGU.”

Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the School of Medicine: “Andy Belford and his contributions are a major part of the very DNA of SGU. Students and graduates throughout the past four decades have benefitted immeasurably from Andy Belford’s innovative and pioneering vision for our University.”

Dr. Daniel D. Ricciardi, executive vice president, clinical network development: “As part of SGU’s first graduating class in 1981, I can say emphatically that SGU would not be what it was today if it weren’t for the contributions of Andy Belford. He was an instrumental part of the foundation of SGU. God speed and rest in peace.”

Added Dr. Modica: “He will be missed by the entire St. George’s University community. He was my good friend, and I will miss him greatly.”

Mr. Belford is survived by his beloved partner, Charles Crawford; his brothers, Paul A. Belford (Patricia) and Michael K. Belford (Donamarie); his sister, Anne Ryan (Edward); and sister-in-law, Mary Susan Belford.

St. George’s University sends its deepest condolences to Mr. Belford’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. His invaluable impact on the growth and success of SGU will not be forgotten.

 

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky 

 

Related Reading 

SVM Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Christianne Shaw, recent White Coat Ceremony Master of Ceremonies

Christianne Shaw, DVM '12, assistant professor, Small Animal Medicine

What’s it like to be a Master of Ceremonies? Just ask Christianne Shaw, DVM ’12, who accepted the role with pride for the January 2024 School of Veterinary Medicine White Coat Ceremony at St. George’s University.

“January 2008—16 years ago, I was wearing this white coat, sitting right where all of you are, thinking, what did I get myself into,” Dr. Shaw said during her opening comments. “I was nervous and scared, but also so proud. I had finally done it. I got into vet school and here we go. Throughout my three years in Grenada, it was really tough and challenging but also so rewarding. … It was an amazing experience while being at SGU.”

Students in the SVM’s Class of 2028 took to the stage at Patrick F. Adams Hall on January 27 to receive their white coats—signaling the start of their professional journey.

 

Read more about the School of Veterinary Medicine’s recent White Coat Ceremony

 

After attending SGU, Dr. Shaw returned to her home state of Ohio, completing her clinical year at The Ohio State University. She worked as an associate veterinarian, practicing in various small animal clinics. Since graduating from SGU, Dr. Shaw has been a regular visitor to Grenada and recently came back full time, accepting a position as assistant professor in the Small Animal Clinic.

“Being on this beautiful island and St. George’s University meant so much to me as a student that I wanted to be able to come back as an experienced veterinarian and give back to all of the future veterinarians,” she said.

SGU News caught up with Dr. Shaw to learn more about her SGU experience, what she is most excited for as a full-time resident in Grenada, and her advice for veterinary students.

SGU: How did you react when you were asked to be Master of Ceremonies for the White Coat Ceremony?

Dr. Shaw: School of Veterinary Medicine Dean, Dr. Neil Olson and I met over Zoom so that he could personally ask me to be the Master of Ceremonies. It was a huge honor to have such an important role in welcoming the new first-term students into the veterinary profession. It was also exactly 16 years since my own White Coat Ceremony at SGU (January 2008), so the experience was very surreal for me.

 

Christianne Shaw, DVM '12, master of ceremonies, SVM WCC

Christianne Shaw, DVM ’12, accepted the role of Master of Ceremonies with pride for the January 2024 School of Veterinary Medicine White Coat Ceremony at St. George’s University.

SGU: What does it mean to you to be back on island teaching the next generation of veterinary students?

Dr. Shaw: My husband (Mike) and I have traveled back to Grenada yearly since I graduated in 2012 and have dreamed of moving here one day. I am grateful for being given this opportunity with SGU to make that dream a reality.

SGU: What learnings do you hope to pass on to students in the Small Animal Clinic?

Dr. Shaw: I am using all of my experience and knowledge (12 years in small animal general practice) to help prepare future veterinarians to smoothly transition into the working world. I am also excited to learn and grow from the current students since I have been out of school for 12 years.

SGU: What most excites you about being back on island?

Dr. Shaw: The beautiful island and warm weather! I was tired of the cold, long winters in Ohio.

SGU: Favorite class as a student?

Dr. Shaw: My favorite classes as a student were the ambulatory/large animal. I especially enjoyed traveling to different farms and helping the animals and farmers throughout the island. I also really enjoyed the large animal rotations in my clinical year at The Ohio State University. Even though I was planning on going into small animal practice, I appreciated just how different large animal medicine can be!

SGU: How did SGU help you achieve your career goals?

Dr. Shaw: At SGU there was—and still is—an endless supply of help and support from faculty and staff members to fellow students. Everyone worked together to be able to accomplish the amazing goal of being veterinarians. The three years I spent in Grenada thoroughly prepared me to go on to my clinical year at OSU.

SGU: What is your favorite animal to work with?

Dr. Shaw: My favorite animals to work with were at the Cleveland Zoo while I was in undergraduate school. This included fruit bats, rhinos, and even a zebra!

SGU: Any pets? Are they with you on island?

Dr. Shaw: I had brought my 19-year-old kitty to the island, but she unfortunately went missing after being here a few weeks. Mike and I do a lot of traveling so it is easier to not have any pets of my own…I get plenty of snuggles at the clinic!

SGU: What should aspiring veterinarians know about SGU?

Dr. Shaw: Although the island is far away from home for most students, it is an absolutely amazing place to be while accomplishing the dream of becoming a veterinarian.

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

Related Reading

Future Veterinarians Share What It Feels Like To Be Coated at SVM White Coat Ceremony

 

Growing up with two veterinarians in the house, Edith Turpel spent a great deal of her childhood visiting her parents at clinics where they worked. After seeing firsthand what it was like being a vet and their love for the profession, it wasn’t long before Ms. Turpel, a first-term student in the School of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University, made the decision to join the family business. At the recent SVM White Coat Ceremony, Ms. Turpel had the privilege of being coated by her parents.

“To be coated by both my parents is the best feeling I’ve ever had,” said Ms. Turpel, who hails from Ontario, Canada. “While visiting my parents at their clinics, I met several SGU grads who praised the high quality of education and the outstanding faculty and staff there—so much so that I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else to start my journey toward becoming a vet.”

 

Ms. Turpel’s parents are incredibly proud of her and her decision to follow in their footsteps.

“Edith has worked extremely hard to get here and we’re so happy we found St. George’s University,” said Dr. Jim Turpel, Edith’s father. “We researched many veterinary medical schools and SGU came out very high in those rankings. We’ve also been down to Grenada a number of times to visit the campus. You can tell that everyone there wants Edith to succeed.”

 

 

Ms. Turpel, along with her fellow students in the Class of 2028, took to the stage at Patrick F. Adams Hall on January 27 to receive their white coats—signaling the start of their professional journey. After being coated—sometimes by family members or mentors who had become veterinarians before them, the students then affirmed an oath of commitment by agreeing to uphold the principles of veterinary medical ethics and the highest professional standards.

Hear from three other aspiring veterinarians on how they felt putting on their white coats.

 

 

“Now that I’ve been coated, it feels very real. I’m officially on my way to becoming a vet and I feel extremely motivated to keep going. Originally, I wanted to be a physical therapist, but after adopting an injured dog and rehabbing him for six months to a year, I became immersed in animal medicine. So, I decided to change course and knew that pursuing veterinary medicine was the right path for me.”

– Kaylee Coppola
New York, NY

 

 

“Being coated by my dad and brother was the best feeling ever! As the youngest, I had been to my brother’s White Coat Ceremony here at SGU and now here they are at mine. I want to be a vet because I grew up listening to all these amazing stories that happened at my father’s practice, and I decided I wanted to experience that myself. I chose SGU partly because my brother raved about how great the school was, but mostly I felt that if he could successfully become a vet here then I could too.”

– James Hammett
Spotsylvania, VA

 

 

“I was so excited to be coated by my mentor, Clarence Williams, DVM ’17, because he is someone who has been in my shoes. As an SGU grad, he shared about his own successful journey to becoming a vet and what I could expect when I got here. But nothing he said could’ve prepared me for how beautiful the campus is and how supportive the faculty and staff are. I’ve found a wonderful community here, and I love it. Now that I’ve put on my white coat, I don’t ever want to take it off.”

– Megan Thomas
St. Petersburg, FL

 

 

  – Ray-Donna Peters

Related Reading

SGU Reinforces Focus on Medical Humanities for Students

Developing a holistic and compassionate approach to the treatment of patients is a key competency needed by physicians in order to address today’s global healthcare needs. Learning these soft skills and acquiring knowledge that focuses on the humanities is an important part in a med student’s overall training. St. George’s University School of Medicine students can expand their humanities knowledge and learnings through the recently formalized Department of Medical Humanities and History of Medicine.

“Medicine is not merely a profession. It’s a noble pursuit—a calling to serve humanity and alleviate suffering,” said School of Medicine Dean Dr. Marios Loukas. “Being a good doctor means actively seeking to understand the unique experiences and perspectives of patients by acknowledging and addressing health disparities and providing the highest quality of care to every individual.”

SOM’s new Department of Medical Humanities and History of Medicine aims to emphasize and integrate humanities and history of medicine courses throughout SGU’s four-year MD program. The department is led by Robert Hage, MD, PhD, DLO, MBA as chair, and Arlette Herry, PhD, assistant dean of multicultural affairs, as its deputy chair.

Disseminated information will strengthen students’ communication skills and empathy, enrich their patient relationships, help build rapport with patients and colleagues, enhance their cultural competency, and mitigate burnout, among other benefits.

“Pure curriculum-based biomedical sciences do not pay sufficient attention to quality of life,” Dr. Hage said. “SGU’s medical humanities department helps students tap into crucial attributes such as introspection/reflection, empathy, and cultural humbleness—all of which are pivotal in creating a physician who is ready to serve a global community.”

What are the medical humanities?

The field of medical humanities is an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates various aspects of the humanities and social sciences into the study of medicine and healthcare. It provides a broader and more holistic understanding of health, illness, and medicine, taking into account the cultural, social, and ethical dimensions of these topics.

On the blog: What makes a good doctor? 7 surprisingly useful skills for physicians

 

SGU’s School of Medicine currently offers  offers students a range of extracurricular selectives to choose from delivered by faculty with a special interest and are far from the normal standardized courses. Faculty from other departments, such as the Department of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, will collaborate to offer relevant courses to basic sciences students. Clinical students will be able to register for a medical humanities elective through the New Jersey-based hospital system, Atlantic Health.

“Currently, we are creating the foundation to coordinate all these activities, including involvement by student clubs,” according to Dr. Herry.

SOM students can earn recognition in the medical humanities through research activities, certificates, a diploma, and eventually, a Master of Science.

On the blog: Recognizing the importance of cultural competence in healthcare

 

“Medical humanities play a vital role in broadening the education and training of healthcare professionals by emphasizing the importance of cultural and social contexts, effective communication, and empathy in patient care,” Dr. Hage said.

Students interested in learning more go to the department’s section on the University portal.

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

 

7 key benefits of the medical humanities

Related Reading:

Moving with Family to Grenada? SGU’s Student Family Network Offers Support and Resources

Student Family Network

How does St. George’s University support students who come to the island with significant others and families? What housing options are available for students with families? What is the schooling like for my kids in Grenada? Is my spouse able to work in Grenada while I’m in school?

These are some of the most common questions asked by students who make the move to Grenada with their significant others and family members.

SGU’s Student Family Network (SFN) (formerly known as the Significant Others Organization) can help. The student organization was established in 1994 as a support system for families of SGU students living in Grenada. Today, SFN prides itself on being a network of spouses, housemates, friends, family, partners, and pets—and offers resources to help them adjust to living on island.

SFN ambassador and School of Medicine student Brooke Hildebrand shared more details about the organization and how students (and faculty) with families can make the most of their time in Grenada.

SGU: What support can the SGU Student Family Network offer to students and their families?

BH: Moving to a new place is challenging. Moving to a whole new country is oftentimes emotionally terrifying! The SFN aims to ease some of the concerns and apprehension of acclimating to a new way of life by providing support, advice, and connections to anyone affiliated with SGU!

From knowing if there are eggs at the store, to finding buddies to go to the beach with, the communication and the community of SFN has proved a lifesaver for me and my family, so I can only hope it can help another in some way shape or form.

Student Family Network

 

 

SGU: What are some examples of resources that SFN offers to students?

BH: We offer various forms of communication options allowing ample questions and intercommunication among participants. Since we are a resource and not a traditional organization, there are no membership fees/dues or requirements for participation!

There are infinite “where to go” and “how to do” types of answers offered to the community through SGU Family Network communication avenues. Among our various social media presences and communication options we have sub-groups aimed toward uniting similar interest-minded individuals. Examples of a few of our group communications include: remote workers, playdates for children, SFN dudes group, book club, t-shirt design, non-kid events, and the monthly event planning groups.

SGU: What other ways do you help students and their families?

BH: Our diverse community has extensive knowledge in all aspects of life on the island, both on and off campus. We can assist with medical professional and dental referrals, lactation options on campus, any pet-related information, car and housing rental information, free time exploring options, and visa and passport renewal.

Importantly, the community bands together when things may seem amiss and jumps to help one another to ensure everyone is safe and well taken care of at all times.

SGU: Does the SFN organize activities? If so, how often?

BH: Yes! Our goal is to host a minimum of one official sanctioned event per month. We had a September kickball game; on Halloween, we trick-or-treated to the various departments on campus and other organizations hosted activity tables for kiddos, and a Thanksgiving end-of-term potluck meal!

In addition to the official activities, we do book club gatherings every

month, and a few participants have hosted gatherings off campus in various locations—some of which included hiking to the waterfalls and an evening beach party!

Student Family Network

SGU: Best piece of advice for students coming to the island with their families?

BH: I would recommend joining any of the SFN communication groups to understand the interworking’s of the island from an SGU point of view. For example, if you are living off campus, how far is a ‘5 minute’ walk going to take in rainy season and what is the terrain of that walk?

The SFN Exchange group may assist those trying to prioritize what to pack and condense their luggage into two bags. Take the time to follow and read what other people are posting or asking about in the groups to enhance your understanding of how to best prepare for the transition.

Connect with the Student Family Network


Website
SGU Student Family Network 

Facebook
SGU Family Network (SFN) 

SFN of SGU 

SFN of SGU Exchange

Instagram
@sfn_sgu

WhatsApp
Join chat

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

Related Reading