New SOM Assistant Dean for Multicultural Affairs Champions Equity and Inclusion Amongst Med School Community

Home to students and faculty from 151 countries, St. George’s University is committed to developing initiatives and activities designed to nurture and celebrate the cultural differences of the SGU community. The recent appointment of Dr. Arlette Herry as the School of Medicine’s assistant dean for multicultural affairs, equity, and inclusion is another step in achieving that goal.

“We live and work in a global community and we see the impact of how connected our world is every day,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the School of Medicine. “It is therefore important to learn how to navigate that world. With Dr. Herry’s expertise and more than a decade-long commitment to SGU, we look forward to her guiding us to an even more equitable and inclusive environment within the School of Medicine.”

Dr. Herry has been with SGU for more than 15 years of her 20-year career as a psychologist. She also serves as SGU’s ombudsperson and as assistant professor of behavioral sciences in SOM’s Department of Physiology, Neuroscience, and Behavioral sciences.

 

“In this new role, my main goal is to provide avenues to embrace the diversity that is the foundation of our SGU community, from recruitment and retention, to curriculum, and faculty development.”

 

Her mission in her new position: to enrich the educational environment for SOM students and graduates who will embrace these values and draw on them when serving patients. More specifically, Dr. Herry is responsible for creating processes to enhance the school’s commitment to the belief that a culturally diverse faculty and student body is essential for successful teaching, learning, research, and service.

“This is an opportune time for multicultural affairs to be at the front and center of our everyday lives,” Dr. Herry said. “In this new role, my main goal is to provide avenues to embrace the diversity that is the foundation of our SGU community, from recruitment and retention, to curriculum, and faculty development.”

Some of Dr. Herry’s plans for SOM include: the creation and implementation of a School of Medicine Diversity Policy and an anti-discrimination policy—both of which can be found in the faculty and students’ handbooks. She also has several other initiatives in the works including implicit bias training as part of the basic sciences and clinical curricula, and for faculty and staff.

“My hope is that we become more open to new experiences,” shared Dr. Herry. “SGU’s diversity provides a valuable opportunity to share our culture, perspectives, and goals with each other, and feel safe and supported in doing so. I am very happy about the direction that the School of Medicine is taking to broaden its horizons in this area, and to educate and train culturally competent physicians. I am excited to see what the future will be at SGUSOM.”

— Ray-Donna Peters

 

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How the Dean of Students Office promotes student success

As the dean of students at St. George’s University, Dr. Lucy Clunes and her team within the Office of the DOS work closely with all of SGU’s schools, non-academic departments, the Student Government Association, and importantly, with individual students, to ensure that the unique needs of the university’s student body are met.

“Our goal is to provide each student with a strong infrastructure that promotes student success,” Dr. Clunes said. “We also encourage, guide, and expect that all students accept individual responsibility for their own personal, professional, and academic development.”

Dr. Lucy Clunes is is dean of students at St. George’s University.

Dr. Clunes shared how the DOS seeks to assist all students, including those studying virtually, and what advice she has for new students.

St. George’s University: What are some aspects of student life that fall under the department’s purview?  

Dr. Clunes: DOS has assistant deans that are dedicated to each school. This allows for these deans to have an intimate knowledge of the student manual as it pertains to each school, making sure that students can navigate all policies and procedures appropriately.

In addition:

  • We coordinate student orientation events each term for all new students throughout SGU’s four schools.
  • Our International Students Office offers excellent support for our international students in everything from visa guidance to how to prepare local food.
  • DOS is responsible for the faculty advisor assignment in SAS and SVM and is now overseeing the SOM college system. This allows us to focus on how to support students not only in their academic ventures but how to optimize their student life and wellbeing.
  • In the School of Medicine, academic advising for both basic sciences and clinical students has recently been moved to under the DOS umbrella as well as the Office of Career Guidance.
  • Claire Purcell, SGU’s director of student campus life, also works with the more than 60 different student organizations to ensure students’ academic, spiritual, and cultural needs are all met.

SGU: How has COVID changed the way that DOS provides support to students?

Dr. Clunes: We recognize that students are under much more stress than in normal years. The COVID pandemic has caused personal, family, health, and financial challenges for our students. DOS is focused on making sure that students know where to find us and the support they need. My main priority is responsiveness—if a student reaches out for help, they should know that they can receive an answer within a short period of time.

Get in touch! 

Email: DOS@sgu.edu 

For students in NU, email: DOSNU@sgu.edu

For students in their clinical years, email: dosclinical@sgu.edu

SGU: What are some examples of changes made to campus to help students during the pandemic?

Dr. Clunes: Assistant Dean David Twum-Barimah has worked to optimize the use of all study venues as well as develop a student-friendly app that will provide live updates on the availability of both individual and group study spaces. We hope this has decreased stress for students and increased their study time as they will not have to walk from venue to venue looking to see what is available.

Another example is related to use of the campus gym. Currently, the gym is open; however previous restrictions in Grenada had meant that the gym had to temporarily close. We worked to make sure that outdoor gym facilities were available and converted inside cardio and yoga classes to outside venues. We recognize the importance of exercise to our students and do all that we can during these challenging times to make sure that students have access to these amenities.

SGU: How do you ensure the needs of students studying online are met?

Dr. Clunes: The COVID pandemic has also led to us all being more familiar with online platforms such as Zoom; this has enhanced the level of support that DOS can offer. Reaching out to students across the world in all schools has never been so easy and felt more personal. A lot of students feel more relaxed during a virtual appointment which leads to them being more open about the challenges that they are facing and allows us to help more. This does not mean that in-person appointments are not occurring. We are happy to offer students phone, Zoom or in-person counseling.

As part of the broader support services provided by the Office of the Dean of Students, the International Students Office (ISO) offers a wide range of assistance and resources to new and returning students.

SGU: What should students know about COVID for the January ’22 term?

Dr. Clunes: While COVID is still providing us all with new challenges, we are here to listen and to advise. We are happy to work with a student’s individual situation and advise on what the best course of action is. For example, if a student tested positive over the break, we can transfer them to online learning until they are able to return to Grenada and can be transitioned back into in-person learning.

SGU: With the Office of Career Guidance now under the DOS, what changes have been made to streamline support for SOM students?

Dr. Clunes: Together with the School of Medicine’s Dean Loukas and dedicated faculty within the OCG, we have redesigned the department to further guide students toward residency starting their first day in medical school.

Our main goal is ensuring that the curriculum delivery and assessment is intertwined with preparing for residency applications and the matching process as early as possible. This will allow students to be even more competitive during the Match process.

For example, interview skills are not something that is developed the day before the interview but far earlier. One of our main goals is to enhance the interview skills of all our students early on.

In addition, SOM academic advisors in basic sciences as well ase clinical years now fall under the umbrella of DOS. This gives us a great opportunity to ensure our medical students have unfractured academic support from day one right up to graduation and beyond.

SGU: What advice would you give to students on campus for the first time?

Dr. Clunes: Don’t be afraid of asking questions, no matter how minor you may think they may be. We are here to help and support you, and if there is something that would make your life more comfortable, and therefore help you to be more successful academically, don’t hesitate to reach out.

SGU: You have been on island for over 13 years. Where is your favorite place for R&R on the island?

Dr. Clunes: Grenada is my home. My kids were born here and know more about Grenada than my home country—the UK. We are so lucky to have beautiful beaches, forests, wildlife, and beautiful sunsets which never fail to relax you after a long day. If you have not yet visited Carriacou, this is one of my favorite places. Life moves a little slower in Carriacou and a weekend away always manages to refresh me.

SGU: How can students get in touch with the DOS?

Dr. Clunes: Students can email DOS@sgu.edu or drop into the office at any time. They can also reach out to me directly at lclunes@sgu.edu.

 

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

 

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St. George’s University Announces Partnership with St. Francis College

St. George’s University announced today two new programs that will allow qualified pre-medicine or pre-veterinary students at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY, to gain streamlined admission to the St. George’s University Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

“We are excited to establish our first pathway program in New York City,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of St. George’s University. “As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, New York faces a shortage of physicians. We look forward to welcoming aspiring doctors from St. Francis and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to serve their communities.”

Students in the “4+4” program will complete their four-year undergraduate degree at St. Francis in a pre-medicine or pre-veterinary medicine program and proceed directly to medical school at St. George’s in Grenada. Those pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree, the final two years of this combined program consist of clinical rotations at SGU’s affiliated hospitals in the United States and/or the United Kingdom. The final year of the combined Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program consists of clinical rotations at SGU’s affiliated veterinary schools in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and/or Ireland.

Exceptional pre-medicine students can qualify for the “3+4” program, under which they complete their degrees in three years and then move onto medical school at St. George’s before spending the final two (2) years in clinical rotations at hospitals affiliated with SGU.

Students who wish to participate in one of the direct admissions partnerships must indicate their interest upon applying to St. Francis. Qualified students will be prioritized for interviews and admissions decisions, provided they meet the admissions criteria for both schools.

In order to proceed to St. George’s, applicants must maintain a 3.4 grade point average at St. Francis and obtain a competitive score on the MCAT. A 3.2 grade point average and competitive score on the GRE are required for entry into the St. George’s veterinary program.

Students accepted into the medical program will receive a $10,000 scholarship upon matriculating at St. George’s.

“We look forward to a very productive partnership with St. George’s University. Offering our students a direct pathway into advanced programs in medicine and veterinary science strengthens our commitment to support our students to reach their personal and career goals,” states SFC President Miguel Martinez-Saenz.

 

 

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South African grad thrives treating elderly in UK

For Carmen Roessler, MD ’14, there is great joy in the company she keeps. The native South African splits time between three sites within England’s National Health Service, including a rehabilitation unit for predominantly older patients who require physical and occupational therapy. It’s her job to develop their functionality and, ideally, their independence.

Along the way, she appreciates getting to hear about the path they took in life, and applying their healthcare goals to the treatment plan she gives them.

“They often have different insights and some amazing stories,” she said.

Dr. Roessler recently shared her story, one that began on a sugar cane farm outside of Durban and has taken her around the world.

What do you enjoy most about working with an older population?

I enjoy interacting with people who have had a lot more time in this world than I have. And along with that, people in this part of their lives can be quite lonely and frustrated. I’m glad to get a feel for who they really are and what’s important to them. There are nuances to caring for them as their priorities may be different than someone who is middle-aged.

What is one challenge facing physicians in this field?

One challenge is that there’s not a lot of evidence out there that’s based on putting older people in studies. If you think about most of the medicines that we take, they’re based on younger people having been in the clinical trials. I think there are limited insights into how medications are processed by older people. People at different stages of their life are going to respond to medications differently. This is an area of medicine where there needs to be more research, and we also need more people to be trained to work in this sphere of medicine.

You completed your GP training in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. How do you believe it’s changed medicine?

COVID is still a major concern. It’s an ongoing threat to human life and human quality of life. One thing it has done is accelerate some of the technological advances that were probably already coming our way. There are benefits, but seeing someone in person can sometimes give you clues that you aren’t privy to if you’re having a telephone consultation. I think primary care is trying to balance and negotiate that very carefully.

When did pursuing an MD come on your radar?

I grew up on a sugar cane farm in South Africa. We had a bit of timber and cattle as well. I think the earliest roots of my interest in medicine were in nature or biology, and was probably inspired by growing up with a lot of contact with the outdoors. And then later on, I had a great aunt who was ill with cancer, and I found it rewarding to be able to offer her emotional support.

You spent your first year in the SGU/NU program in the UK. What was that like?

My experience in the Global Scholars program in the UK was brilliant. We had a smaller class size and we were a really tightly knit group. We built this sort of mini community that studied together and, when exams were over, we’d celebrate together. It was a fantastic bond. Together it was a time of growth and learning across multiple spheres.

In what ways did attending SGU help shape you as a physician?

Going to SGU exposed me to different cultures, different ways of thinking, and different ways of communicating. I think that it made me richer on a personal level; not only that but it has also made me a better communicator and hopefully, therefore, a more understanding doctor.

– Brett Mauser

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Royal College of Pathologists Recognizes Longtime SGU Professor

St. George’s University pathology professor Shivayogi Bhusnurmath was recently honored with an RCPath Achievement Award by the Royal College of Pathologists for his outstanding contributions to pathology education. He was presented with his award virtually as part of the College Council meeting in November.

The College, which oversees the training of pathologists and scientists working in 17 different specialties, including hematology, clinical biochemistry and medical microbiology launched the awards to celebrate excellence in pathology practice and promote high standards in pathology education, training, and research.

Dr. Bhusnurmath attributes this award to the successful joint efforts in planning and execution of many educational innovations with his wife, Dr. Bharti Bhusnurmath, co-chair of the Department of Pathology and director of the medical pathology diagnostic laboratory at SGU’s School of Medicine.

“Winning the award from the Royal College of Pathologists is truly humbling,” said Dr. Bhusnurmath, dean of academic affairs, SGU. “The College has outreach throughout the globe, including Asia, Africa, Far East, and Australia. It is satisfying to see the recognition of the combined efforts of Dr. Bharti and I spanning four decades in pathology education worldwide.”

Drs. Bharti Bhusnurmath (left) and Shivayogi Bhusnurmath

Dr. Bhusnurmath and his wife are two of SGU’s longest-tenured faculty members, having joined the University in 1996. Their accomplishments include revolutionizing clinical problem-based teaching of pathology through the extensive use of clinical vignettes in lectures; initiating audience polling systems in lectures; introducing small-group learning activities with objectives related to communication skills and professional behavior; creating a unique international clinical tutor teaching fellowship program, which has benefitted over 300 international medical graduates to study pathology; and generating an interest in pathology that has resulted in dozens of SGU graduates entering pathology residency programs in the US each year.

“In many ways, this award represents the excellence in education platforms and innovations at SGU,” added Dr. Bhusnurmath. “It was achieved only with the support of visionary leaders such as Chancellor Charles Modica, former dean of basic sciences; Dr. Allen Pensick, former vice chancellor; Dr. Keith Taylor; Dr. Steve Weitzman, dean emeritus; and our energetic new dean full of exemplary educational ideas, Dr. Marios Loukas and his team. This award should allow the flag of SGU to fly high internationally and help more students achieve their dreams of becoming a doctor at our university.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

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Animal-Human Connection at Heart of Caribbean Veterinary Medical Conference

As the science of veterinary medicine evolves, the veterinary professional continues to play an integral role in the socio-economic development of the community. In collaboration with the Grenada Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA), St. George’s University welcomed more than 100 such professionals to the 32nd Biennial Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association (CbVMA) virtual conference earlier this month.

Under the theme, “The Veterinarian and the Community,” the two-day event brought together regional and international veterinarians and scientists from North America, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom.

“The importance of hosting this conference at this time cannot be overemphasized,” said Dr. Eugene Rennie, president of the GVMA and newly elected vice president of the CbVMA. “As our region becomes more intricately woven into the global village, it was indeed a clarion call to bring together colleagues and professionals from the global community to discuss animal welfare and its impact on the human community.”

Amongst the 30 main presenters were 16 SGU faculty members, as well as 17 SVM alumni attendees. By partaking in the conference, participants were also eligible to receive 30 RACE credits.

“This conference presented an opportunity for continuing education that is reflected in being abreast with new scientific information as it relates to the profession, and to promote collegiality, which is one of the building blocks of intellectual strength,” added Dr. Rennie. “It was also an ideal platform for a ‘community of practice,’ which is an important alternative source that can be tapped into as participants to further enhance our knowledge.”

Topics covered at the conference included video and live presentations on:

  • One health one medicine
  • Small and large animal medicine
  • Exotics and marine animal medicine
  • Apiculture
  • Veterinary acupuncture
  • Poultry and swine medicine
  • Equine microchipping
  • Animal wellness and health
  • Using diagnostics to grow the veterinary clinic
  • Effects of the pandemic on the veterinary profession

 

“The veterinary profession is multifaceted and veterinarians play a crucial role in society,” stated Crissy-Ann Harrylal, DVM ’16, BSc ’12, instructor in the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology. “It is not a profession that only deals with animal care, but all species imaginable, including humans. Veterinarians are involved in public health/disease prevention, food security, zoonoses, environment, animal welfare, biosecurity, and research.”

With his election to the board of the CbVMA, Dr. Rennie intends to champion the revitalization and restructuring of the GVMA. Future plans for the organization include, creating a veterinary council; formulating an Animal Act, which would be critical legislation encompassing proper control of animal health, animal welfare, and veterinary public health policies; and fostering mechanisms for collaboration and cooperation between the veterinary services and the Government of Grenada.

 

– Ray-Donna Peters

 

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Reflecting on 2021: 5 stories that illuminated the School of Medicine community

From students matching into highly competitive residency positions to alumni, students, staff, and faculty mobilizing to help Grenada combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the St. George’s University School of Medicine community made an enduring mark in 2021.

In a year full of significant news, these stories made our top highlights:

These and other stories defined the School of Medicine in 2021, underscoring the University’s aim to provide a rewarding education for students who aspire to become impactful health professionals around the world.

To read more SOM news stories of 2021, visit the SGU website.

 

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

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Outstanding Achievements Celebrated During SVM Awards Ceremony

The School of Veterinary Medicine hosted its bi-annual SVM Awards Ceremony honoring students, faculty, and staff for their outstanding achievements during the fall term. Twenty-four different sets of awards were presented during the virtual event, to students who demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, professionalism, and work ethic as well as to faculty and staff who demonstrated remarkable service and commitment to veterinary education. 

“It’s such an important aspect of the School of Veterinary Medicine to honor the very special achievements of students, faculty, and staff,” said Dr. Neil Olson, dean of the SVM. “With all of the challenges presented while learning during the current global pandemic, what better way to lift the spirits than to acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices they’ve made to make this program and our students successful.” 

In addition to Dean Olson, Dr. Glen Jacobs, provost of SGU also addressed the online crowd. He shared his heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and expressed his hope to attend the next award ceremony in person. “This is our fourth virtual awards ceremony, but I cannot wait for it to be held face-to-face in Grenada and we can all celebrate together again.” 

The ceremony also recognized 24 new inductees into the Alpha Delta Chapter of the Phi Zeta Honor Society—11 from Term 5, 13 from Term 6, and three faculty members. Seven students were awarded Dean Olson’s Award for Academic Excellence, which is given to Term 3 students with the highest GPA (as of the end of Term 2) and who embody professionalism. 

“It’s such a joy and pleasure to bring everyone together to celebrate excellence amongst our faculty, staff, and students,” said Dr. Anne Marie Corrigan, associate dean of academics, during her closing remarks. “It truly shows the passion and love for what we do on a daily basis in veterinary medicine and that you’ve worked so hard to be successful.” 

SGU Island Veterinary Scholars Program (Boehringer Ingelheim)  

Allison Kearney, Adrian Jones 

Outstanding Colleague Awards 

Term 1: Miller Young 

Term 2: Giana Gigantino 

Term 3: Molly Ginn 

Term 4: Leandra Margolies 

Term 5: Sheriden Nicholes 

Term 6: Brittney Kilgore, Adriana Kalaska, Marc Bremmer 

Dean Olson’s Award for Academic Excellence 

Selina Nackley, Amanda Ernst, Natalie Hollo, Anca Gagliardo, Logan Bernstein, Adrian Jones, Maureen Kruhlak 

Adrienne Lotton Memorial Award 

Brian Greene 

Zoetis Awards

Zoetis Award for Research Excellence: Daniel Fitzpatrick  

Zoetis Revolution Awards of Excellence 

Small Animal Internal Medicine: Gemma Carter 

Small Animal Surgery: Adriana Kalaska 

Equine Medicine and Surgery: Ashley Law 

Food Animal Medicine and Surgery: Tiara Key 

Scholarship of Service Award: Yvonne White 

Student Research Award: Madison Kucinick 

SVM Alumni Scholarship award: Maggie Macpherson 

Giant Paws Giant Hearts Foundation “Hercules” Award  

Matthew Pickens 

PAWS Recognition for Term 6 Facilitators 

Maggie Macpherson, Erika Brewer, Gemma Carter, Marc Bremmer, Priyanka Mehta, Luca Mak, Thomas Conley, Corinne Ross, Jessie Whitfield, Louis Carusillo, Colleen Courtney, Vianca Hernandez 

Veterinary Public Health Committee 

One Health One Medicine Community Leader Award: Ashley Wyman 

Student Organization Awards

The Feral Cat Project  

Most Valuable Trapper: Elizabeth Peck 

Most Valuable Faculty/Staff: Imika Pascal 

SGUSVM Large Animal Society 

Most Valuable LAS Member Award: Bianca Mower 

SVM Wellness Committee 

Wellness MVP Award: Dr. Adria Rodriguez 

AAARF: Angels in Armor Animal Rescue Fund 

Friends of AAARF Awards: Sarah Mikhail, Taryn Williamson  

SCACVIM: Student Chapter of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine 

Internal Medicine MVP Award: Bethany Sakowski 

SVECCS:  Student Chapter of the Emergency and Critical Care Society 

Outstanding Member Award: Sisina Macchiarelli 

Outstanding Clinician Award: Dr. Flavia Restitutti 

SNP: Spay Neuter Pothound  

Pothound Student Hero Award: Lauren Abrams 

Pothound Faculty/Staff Hero Award: Quacy Matthew 

SCACVP: Student Chapter of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists  

The MVP (Most Valuable Pathologist) Award: Taryn Paquet 

EWS: Exotics and Wildlife Society 

Most Valuable Primate Award: Brianna Jacobs 

VBMA: Veterinary Business Management Association 

Impact Award: Gemma Carter 

The Pinckney Parasitology Award 

Letty Bonilla 

DES Recognition Awards 

Brin Cerbone, Kisten Braccili, Cassandra Morales, Angelica Melara, Daniel Ingram, Courtney Kennedy 

Alpha Delta Chapter of the Society of Phi Zeta 

Fall 2021 Inductees 

Term 5 Inductees

Ireny Barsoum, Natasha Brown, Rachel Bryan, Karli Collins, Alex Chang, Karine Comeau, Kayla Duncan, Chloe Eaton, Priscilla Leinberger, Glenna Maur, Lauren Pierce 

 Term 6 Inductees

Sarah Beckner, Remington Campbell, Joelle Chami, Iesha Clouden, Thomas Cronly, Sara Hyman, Jennifer Klapko, Ashley Law, Danica McGuire, Erin Rickey, Alyssa Ungemach, Jessie Whitfield, Bahareh Ziai 

Phi Zeta Specialty Faculty Recognition for Their Work in Promoting Research and Scholarship  

Veterinary faculty: Dr. Stacey Byers, Dr. Satesh Bidaisee 

Honorary faculty: Ms. Elizabeth Peach 

SGU SVM Outstanding Staff Awards 

Technical staff: Keshia John  

Administrative staff: Cindy Edwards  

Hill’s Golden Apple Teaching Award 

Dr. Stacey Byers 

 

 

 

– Ray-Donna Peters 

 

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In Memoriam: Dr. Ravindra Sharma

St. George’s University mourns the loss of longtime faculty member Dr. Ravindra Sharma, who passed away on Friday, November 28.

Dr. Sharma joined the School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 as a professor of veterinary pathology, and as chair of the Department of Pathobiology, a position he held until 2011. In addition, he played a crucial role in helping the SVM earn accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2011.

“The SVM would not be what it is today without the vision and leadership of Dr. Sharma,” said Charles R. Modica, chancellor of SGU. “We are extremely grateful not only for the tutelage he provided our students in the classroom but for his contributions in the development of graduate programs and in research.”

“All of us at SGU extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Sharma’s friends and family,” added Dr. Calum Macpherson, dean of the School of Graduate Studies. “Dr. Sharma was an outstanding professor and mentor for our students, and he will be sorely missed.”

Dr. Sharma published more than 190 research articles in peer-reviewed journals worldwide, including research centered around livestock such as poultry, goats, and sheep. For his leadership in research, he was awarded the Pfizer Excellence in Research Award at SGU in 2008.

As associate dean of the School of Graduate Studies, and as associate director of research at SGU from 2003-2017, he played an important part in developing graduate degree programs and was crucial in cultivating SVM students’ own research projects and interests. His book, “A Veterinarian’s Journey in India and Abroad,” details his career in academia and research across continents, and is available for purchase on Amazon.

“He cared a lot about the students,” said Dr. Diana Stone, who worked with Dr. Sharma as chair of SGU’s pathobiology department from 2013-2017. “He would go out of his way to create research opportunities for them.”

Dr. Sharma came to SGU after professorships at the University of Zambia, Shahid Chamran University (Iran), and Great Al Fateh University of Medical Sciences (Libya). His professional associations included being an associate member of the American Association of Avian Pathologists from 1994, and a member of the editorial board of such publications as the Journal of Animal Research, Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology, and International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health.

Dr. Sharma is survived by his four children: son Pramod and his wife Alka; son Deepak and his wife Bhumika; as well as daughters Sheela and Shilpa.

– Brett Mauser

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5 Stories that Chronicled the School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021

From students matching into highly competitive postgraduate positions to alumni from all different backgrounds making a difference in their patients’ lives worldwide, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine students, faculty, and alumni made their mark in 2021.

In a year full of exciting news, these stories made our top highlights:

  • 2021 SVM graduates showed their resiliency and determination as they completed their studies during a global health crisis, joining SGU’s network of more than 2,100 Doctors of Veterinary Medicine around the world.Read: 2021 class of new veterinarians recognized for their resilience and perseverance
  • Many of these graduates took the next step in their careers by matching into residency and internship positions such as diagnostic imaging, oncology, emergency medicine, neurology/neurosurgery, and others.Read: SGU vets rank high in VIRMP match
  • Earlier this year, Maria Coppola became only the second-ever SVM student to assume presidency of SGU’s Student Government Association. Her aspirations while in the position were to “influence other SGA representatives to have a strong voice and to continue to work for positive change on campus.”
    Read: Coppola becomes second-ever vet student serves as SGA president
  • When it comes to the ongoing COVID pandemic, the School of Veterinary Medicine sprang into action last year becoming Grenada’s national testing site at the onset of the pandemic. SGU furthered that initiative by developing a state-of-the-art diagnostic molecular facility on campus that will provide timely and appropriate diagnostic services for the University and potentially the region and serve as a research facility for emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases and other infections.Read: On-campus lab strengthens diagnostics, education, and research in Grenada
  • Minorities have been historically underrepresented in the veterinary profession. To that end, three graduates of the School of Veterinary Medicine shared their perspectives on the issue of diversity in the field and how they plan to make a difference by paying it forward.Read: SGU grads changing the face of veterinary medicine

     

These and other stories defined the School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021, underscoring the University’s aim to enhance student success and grow the number of animal health professionals around the world.

To read more SVM news stories of 2021, visit the SGU website.

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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