Impact of Veterinarians Underscored in Spring 2021 Virtual White Coat Ceremony

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With the safety of its students, their families, and the Grenadian community as its highest priority, St. George’s University held its first-ever virtual White Coat Ceremony last week—formally welcoming aspiring veterinarians from its August 2020 and January 2021 incoming classes to the veterinary medical profession.

The future veterinarians are on the path to join over 1,900 other graduates of SGU’s School of Veterinary Medicine. The SVM also maintains partnerships with more than 30 universities and clinical facilities in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, and Australia, where fourth-year students spend a year of clinical training at an affiliated veterinary school.

One alumna—Carolina Medina, DVM ’05, a certified veterinary pain practitioner—served as the day’s master of ceremonies. In her address, she counseled the veterinarians-in-training that becoming a DVM was going to be harder than they expected, but the harder they worked, the greater they would feel when they achieved it.

 

Watch August 2020 Ceremony

“Stay focused, seek help when you need it, and always remember why you started on this journey in the first place,” said Dr. Medina. “Working with animals is rewarding and fulfilling, and as a veterinarian you will have the ability to make an impact on the lives of animals and people, as well as service your community.”

St. George’s University President Dr. G. Richard Olds described last year’s coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak as a prime example of the interconnectivity of human and animal medicine. According to Dr. Olds, the pandemic will take the combined efforts of both human and veterinary medicine to combat, and it has also impacted the symbolism of the white coat.

“Patients and other individuals have often thought well of those in the health professions,” stated Dr. Olds. “However, I believe those in the health profession today have achieved a new status because of the personal risks that those individuals on the frontlines have exposed themselves to while serving those affected by the virus. They have gained a new status—these health professionals have attained ‘hero’ status more so now than ever before.”

Other speakers at the event included the chancellor of St. George’s University, Dr. Charles R. Modica, Provost Glen Jacobs, Dr. Neil C. Olson, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, and keynote speaker Dr. John Howe, the immediate past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, who served in the role of president for 2019-2020. Dr. Howe congratulated the future vets on their success so far, recognizing how hard they’ve worked and knowing the new challenges they will now face.

Watch January 2021 Ceremony

“What will determine your relative success will be your ability to build relationships with your clients,” advised Dr. Howe. “Whatever your career path, it’s all about relationships. And perhaps most of all it’s about listening. As the saying goes… ’nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.’”

Established in 1999, the School of Veterinary Medicine continues to add to its legacy of graduating top-notch veterinarians into the global healthcare system with its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program recently receiving full accreditation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). As a result, St. George’s University is now one of the few veterinary schools in the world to be accredited by both the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA COE) in the United States and Canada, as well as the RCVS in the UK.

– Ray-Donna Peters

From Politics to Academia

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When Dr. Damian Greaves changed course in his career, switching from politics to academic, he had always intended to return. But more than 15 years into his time as an educator at St. George’s University, he has reveled in the opportunity to pass on his knowledge to future leaders in Grenada and throughout the Caribbean. 

“When I teach, I am on top of the world because it is not just a job, it is a vocation—to inspire and mold minds,” said Dr. Greaves, a professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. 

He came to St. George’s University in 2006 after spending five years as the Minister of Health in St. Lucia, first serving as a part-time lecturer while working on a Master of Public Health (MPH) from SGU, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Walden University.  

“Leveraging on various experiences gives a broader view on what is happening, and therefore translates to a more panoramic and rigorous analysis of matters that may come to my attention,” said Dr. Greaves. “It also gives you a more global prospective.”

Roles Run the Gamut

Even with all of his roles at SGU, he traveled to St. Lucia monthly to attend parliamentary sessions. All told, the former Minister served 15 years in politics, including three as senator, for which he led the opposition in the House. Dr. Greaves was also Minister for Culture and Community Development. His passion for culture led him to write songs, own a Carnival band, and participate in calypso competitions.  

Nevertheless, Dr. Greaves remained at SGU as an instructor, teaching Social Sciences and Medicine to premedical and preveterinary students, as well as sociology courses such as Race, Class and Gender; Caribbean Social Structure; Caribbean Government and Politics; and Introduction to Political Science. 

“When you are teaching, you have to be well read. One of your toolkits is to continue to research and read, particularly in this ever-evolving technical age.” Dr. Greaves said. “If you’re a sociologist and you don’t have a working knowledge of economics, political science, other areas of social sciences and even outside of those, your analysis will be the limited because you must engage other subject matters that impact what you’re interrogating.” 

He also leads a very active campus life, serving as president of the School of Arts and Sciences Senate as well as the University Senate. He is also a member of various committees such as the Graduate and Undergraduate Committees, Accreditation Committee, and SGU IRB; a body with a mandate to review the content of research studies. 

Outside of SGU, Dr. Greaves is the director of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, sits on the National Advisory Board for National Health Insurance, and is chair of the Grenada National Commission on Non-Communicable Diseases, a position he has held since 2017. Dr. Greaves is also writing his first book, which focuses on health management in the Caribbean.   

– Tornia Charles

SAS Spotlight: Adel Hagley Ollivierre 

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When Adel Hagley Ollivierre boiled down her career aspirations, two necessities became clear to her—to be in a position that she enjoys while also making a difference in the lives of others. As the current assistant administrator for the Office of the Dean at St. George’s University’s School of Arts and Sciences, she feels she has accomplished just that. 

A Master of Business Administration helped equip her with all the tools for success in that role. The 2018 SGU alumna explained why pursuing an MBA was one of the best career decisions she made, and why she would recommend it to entrepreneurs. 

St. George’s University: Why did you choose to pursue an MBA at SGU? 

Adel Hagley Ollivierre: I envisioned my decision to pursue an MBA would allow me to enhance my knowledge and hone critical competencies across several managerial disciplines, which I felt would create opportunities for career advancement. It was also ideal because of its online mode of delivery, as I could complete my program while at the same time balancing family life and a full-time job. 

SGU: How has this MBA made a difference in your life? 

Hagley Ollivierre: It has brought immediate value to me as an individual. It has proved useful in giving me the confidence to make a major career change. I often felt that I had greater potential and could be more impactful in my career. Acquiring new knowledge tends to change your perspective and initiate other interests. Additionally, it served as an avenue that fostered enduring friendships with colleagues of my graduating class and the exemplary faculty and staff of our program, who provided the requisite knowledge and guidance. 

SGU: You previously worked in the Grenada Public Service. Why did you make such a major career change? 

Hagley Ollivierre: The decision to transition from the public sector to the private sector was a fairly easy one. My time with the Grenada Public Service allowed me to work with brilliant colleagues and develop the skill set and competencies that today serve as the foundation for future growth and development. Naturally, I felt I was at a stage in my career where I wanted to make a difference and simply enjoy what I did for a living. 

Joining the team in the Office of the Dean was the answer to my prayers. I finally had the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge and years of experience to a real-life situation. Here, my productive capabilities are demonstrated. I feel a sense of accomplishment as I execute my duties and navigate this dynamic and often unpredictable environment. 

I am fortunate to have a terrific manager who appreciates my contributions and provides the necessary support and guidance. I enjoy going to work and collaborating with our competent faculty and staff. It gives me a great sense of pride knowing that our collective efforts contribute to the success of our students and organization. 

SGU: Going back to your time as a student, how would you describe campus life for an MBA student? 

Hagley Ollivierre: My on-campus experiences generally involved attending residencies, or studying at the library or study spaces on weekends. St. George’s University is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Grenada—it’s simply the gold standard in my book. I feel extremely fortunate to have experienced its scenic ocean view, the refreshing environment, and the well equipped and comfortable facilities. 

SGU: Would you recommend SGU’s MBA program to entrepreneurs? 

Hagley Ollivierre: The MBA-IB program is designed with an international perspective and is especially beneficial in terms of providing very practical case analyses. It culminates with the defense of a business-related capstone project. This component I believe is particularly useful for aspiring entrepreneurs, as it helps develop appropriate business acumen and provides practical experience. I would highly recommend it. 

– Tornia Charles

SGU Alum Featured in New York Times and US News & Health Report

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Dr. Andrew Carroll, MD ’96, a family physician and primary care doctor in Chandler, AZ, was recently featured in both the New York Times and US News & Health Report, offering his perspective on COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as the intricacies of life as a family medicine physician.

In the Times article, “Doctors’ offices contend with a deluge of requests for the vaccine,” Dr. Carroll, who was recently re-elected to the board of directors for the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) for 2020-21, said patients who were hesitant about receiving the vaccine may feel more comfortable if it was given by their primary care physician.

“Many patients are very reluctant to get a vaccine that doesn’t have a proven track record,” said. “They’d rather get the vaccine from somebody they can call right afterwards if they’re having problems.”

 

Read the full New York Times article

 

In “How to Become a Family Medicine Physician” by US News & Health Report, Dr. Carroll described what it’s like to be a family medicine physician.

“Family medicine is the only singular medical specialty which is tasked with taking care of all people at all ages,” said Dr. Carroll. “We are, in a lot of ways, the Swiss Army knife of all specialties.”

 

Read the full USNews article

 

Dr. Carroll is passionate about family medicine. SGU News profiled Dr. Carroll following his election onto the AAFP board in 2019.

“The grassroots family physician hasn’t been heard loud enough,” Dr. Carroll said at the time. “I want to be that loud voice.”

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

3 SVM Grads Doing Mobile Vet Medicine

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The COVID-19 pandemic has put mobile veterinary clinics in the spotlight. Veterinarians who are practicing in this fashion are busier than ever as plenty of new pet owners take the plunge in adopting a companion animal to care for while they stay at home. In the pandemic environment, pet owners, especially those who are immuno-compromised, are also reluctant to leave the house to take their pets to more traditional clinics for care. The convenience that offering these services is appealing to many clients.

This niche area of veterinary medicine offers many benefits to the veterinarian as well, including:

  • less stressed animals for more precise examinations;
  • a more accurate picture of the pet’s home environment;
  • flexibility for the vet, including the ability to make your own schedule and control the type of appointments accepted; and
  • more access and more time spent with clients to foster doctor-client relationships.

So, what is it like to work as a mobile veterinarian? SGU News spoke with three St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine graduates to learn about their experiences doing this type of medicine. Even with the extra precautions they say they take to protect themselves from COVID—these vets are loving every minute of it.

Micah Woods, DVM ’12
Ooltewah Veterinary Hospital
Chattanooga, TN

Micah Woods, DVM ’12, and his wife, Karla, opened their own veterinary hospital in October 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic sped up their plans to eventually offer ambulatory services to their community. Instead, they now initiate house calls with a fully functional ambulance where clients can stay safely in their homes and their pets are returned to them after their procedures. Ooltewah Veterinary Hospital is one of the only veterinary facilities in the region that also serves a variety of exotic animals ranging from pocket pets and reptiles to birds and zoological animals.

“By being mobile, our facility has unlimited access to the community to serve their needs however it is required,” Dr. Woods said. “This also enables us to reach those who otherwise might not have chosen our group to provide their care.

Through a fully functional ambulance, Dr. Woods and his team are able to offer wellness/vaccination visits, sick animal visits, in-home euthanasia, medical therapies for ill animals and medication dispensing as needed. Additionally, the team has the capability to perform general anesthesia for minor surgical procedures as well as basic bloodwork and laboratory diagnostics. Dr. Woods and his team at Ooltewah Veterinary Hospital were recently named “Best of the Best” veterinarian in Chattanooga.

“As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, the focus for all veterinarians should be on service and how they can differentiate themselves from their competition—how they can best reach current and future clients, meet their needs, and exceed their expectations. As more and more people move to working remotely, mobile veterinary practices will become more and more common,” Dr. Woods said.

Kim Springman, DVM ’10
Hometown Veterinary Clinic
Peoria, IL

A typical trip to the vet can be stressful for both pet owners and their beloved animals. Kim Springman, DVM ’10, owner of Hometown Veterinary Clinic, addresses those concerns with her mobile operation.

With the ability to examine, diagnose, and treat at client’s doorsteps, “mobile veterinary care eliminates the need for car rides with anxious pets, so we get a more accurate examination,” Dr. Springman said. “It also eliminates the clients from having to leave home. Many of our clients are elderly with compromised immune systems. Having veterinary care at their doorstep allows their pets to get the care they need.”

For Dr. Springman, having a mobile practice allows flexibility and get a complete picture of the pet’s home environment, which allows better care for the animals.

“I feel like every day is an adventure. I love seeing the differences in the way people live,” she said.

Dr. Springman’s bet on mobile medicine is paying off. Earlier this year, she added a second mobile vet truck and recently purchased a third truck to be used for mobile grooming. Furthermore, a local newspaper awarded Hometown Veterinary Clinic as her community’s pick for best veterinary clinic for the last three consecutive years.

“We are busier than ever as our clientele has grown to capacity,” she said. Mobile veterinary medicine is “the future of veterinary medicine. With the advent of online ordering, grocery delivery, and restaurant curbside pickup, people want a more personalized, convenient service.”

Tamara Hipp, DVM ’12
Twilight Meadows Mobile Veterinary Services
Raleigh, NC

Dr. Tamara Hipp, DVM ’12, originally started her mobile business, Twilight Meadows Mobile Veterinary Services, to perform end-of-life services for cats and dogs in their homes. However, she enjoyed doing home visits so much she expanded her offerings to include preventative care and minor illness needs, treating the most commonly seen non-emergency illnesses, including ear infections, skin issues, minor injuries, and urinary tract infections, for example.

Being able to make her own schedule and control the type of appointments she sees are her top two reasons for being a mobile vet; Dr. Hipp works out of her vehicle and often brings her pup, Maiya, along for the ride. But she also loves spending more time with her clients and their pets to build relationships.

“I find that the average wellness takes me about 30 to 45 minutes, but I am able to involve clients in their pet’s care and show them things like tartar and ear infections,” she said. “Clients appreciate being actively involved in their pet’s care and it is easier to get compliance.”

Her time is especially busy right now as more and more people become pet owners by adopting puppies and kittens during the pandemic. “In general, I think people are just becoming more aware of it as a service,” Dr. Hipp said, who also serves as a relief veterinarian for area hospitals. Offering mobile veterinary services “has given people an avenue to seek care for their pets if they didn’t want to get out.”

While she is taking extra precautions when she sees patients due to COVID, “as a whole, I feel a lot more connected to my clients. It’s not just a face; I remember people and what their job is, maybe a hobby, because you have time to talk about those things. That connection is important for trust,” Dr. Hipp said.

 

 

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

 

 

9 Questions with MD Student Ololade Akinfemiwa

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Ololade Akinfemiwa

Ololade Akinfemiwa, MD ’21 (expected), is enjoying her challenging internal medicine rotation as a fourth-year student at a clinic affiliated with Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, she chose St. George’s University because, after speaking with a number of graduates practicing in the US and Canada in various specialties—all encouraged her to apply. “I am glad I did,” she said.

Hoping to inspire more black women to go into medicine, Miss Akinfemiwa is active within the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), serving as vice chair of the national chapter’s Community Service Committee. SNMA is committed to supporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students by addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of “clinically excellent, culturally competent, and socially conscious physicians.”

Get to know Miss Akinfemiwa below.

1. What are you learning right now in your internal medicine rotation?

Ololade Akinfemiwa: I am currently on an outpatient rotation and I am learning the importance of effective communication of health-related information. It makes a huge difference when patients have a good understanding of their medical conditions and how to manage them.

2. What is the most surprising or exciting lesson/case learned while in clinical rotations?

Akinfemiwa: I saw a patient with Lyme disease with the classic rash that looks like a bull’s eye. I had so many questions about it and was excited to actually see it in person.

3. Do you plan to go into primary care or specialize?

Akinfemiwa: I plan on going into emergency medicine and I have an interest in global health.

4. Favorite rotation/elective so far?

Akinfemiwa: Emergency medicine, of course!

5. What do you miss most about Grenada?

Akinfemiwa: I miss the warm weather, beaches, and Umbrellas Beach Bar.

6. What has been the most challenging part of clinicals?

Akinfemiwa: Right now, the most challenging part of clinicals has been seeing the devastating effects of COVID firsthand.

7. What has stood out to you most about the role of physicians during this pandemic and how has it affected the type of doctor you aspire to be?

Akinfemiwa: This pandemic has highlighted the need for more doctors and revealed the vulnerabilities in the healthcare system. Knowing that things could have gone better has only inspired me to be a part of making that possible.

8. February 3 is National Women Physicians Day. What does it mean to you to be a black woman about to enter the medical field? What do you hope to accomplish as a doctor?

Akinfemiwa: Black female doctors represent only about 2 percent of physicians in the US. I decided to go into medicine to help fight for health equity. I hope to inspire more black women to pursue medicine because we are truly needed. Black physicians are essential to achieving equity in medical care and I look forward to supporting and advocating for patients as an emergency medicine physician.

9. Best piece of advice about clinical rotations for basic sciences med students?

Akinfemiwa: Take care of yourself and listen to your body. If you love to take naps like me, take those naps!

 

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

 

Prioritizing Student Support During Clinical Rotations: Faculty Spotlight on Associate Dean Dr. Sherry Singh

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Sherry Singh, MD '00, associate dean of SGU’s US clinical studies program and director of the US Onsite Clinical Student Support Program.

This month’s faculty spotlight is on Dr. Sherry Singh, a 2000 graduate of St. George’s University and associate dean of SGU’s US clinical studies program. She also is the director of the US Onsite Clinical Student Support Program.

In her current role, Dr. Singh has her hands in many facets of the clinical student’s journey to graduation, including visiting SGU’s clinical sites, overseeing curriculum, ensuring academic standards are met, as well as participating in the development and implementation of clinical student support modalities. She also enjoys interacting directly with students to offer guidance as they navigate their clinical years.

Among the topics she discussed with SGU News—advocating for women in healthcare as well as the need for students to prioritize self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. George’s University: Navigating clinical studies is an important time. What advice do you have for students?

Dr. Singh: I consider the third year of medical school at SGU the toughest year of their medical studies but also the most rewarding as they apply their basic sciences knowledge directly to patient care.

The third year will require a daily diligent commitment to learning both in the clinical environment as well as study time. I encourage students to keep an open mind as they approach each specialty and consider these years an opportunity to learn about all medical specialties, many of which they may not get a chance to experience directly once they enter into their chosen residency.

The fourth year is a time to strengthen their knowledge as they prepare to enter into residency. With such a tremendous network of clinical sites, I encourage students to take this opportunity to diversify where they do their electives.

SGU: You are a strong supporter of student wellness initiatives at SGU. Why it is important for medical students to take self-care seriously, especially during the pandemic?

Dr. Singh: “Wellness” has become somewhat of a buzz term in today’s world, yet it is not necessarily embraced by those in the world of medicine. As caregivers, it is very difficult to remember to care for yourself. With the pandemic adding yet another layer of complexity, physician burnout—and the number of healthcare workers as a whole—is on the rise. The perseverance with which our students have withstood these difficult times is a testament to their abilities.

Nonetheless, it is critical they manage their time and make self-care a priority—be it exercise, connecting with others, or learning and practicing mindfulness. Learning how to incorporate and build on these skills will lead to a more resilient physician in the long run. Students should take advantage of the various services SGU has to offer available via the University Portal (The Well and through BCS Group).

SGU: National Women’s Physician’s Day is Feb. 3. How has the landscape of medicine changed over the recent years for women physicians?

Dr. Singh: Women are now a majority in medical schools which is helping to balance the ratio of physicians in the workforce. As a result, there continues to be increased awareness of the issues that female physicians face, including work-life balance, compensation discrepancies, and gender equity. Women have taken on roles in both the medical world as well as in leadership positions to help fuel change. In addition, with increased awareness, more men are also helping to equalize the opportunities for men and women. As we recognize and continue to discuss the issues women in medicine face, it is imperative to develop amenable solutions to ensure their success and impact in healthcare.

 

St. George’s University School of Medicine Alumni Association will be hosting a virtual event to celebrate National Women Physician’s Day on February 3 at 9 pm ET. Students are encouraged to log on to the Facebook Live event that will be held simultaneously. 

Learn more about the Feb. 3 alumni event

 

SGU: As part of the Advisory Council for the Women Business Collaborative, you recently hosted the first Healthcare Forum for WBC. What were some of the key takeaways from that discussion?

Dr. Singh: This was a very exciting opportunity to connect with several leaders in healthcare. With SGU being the largest provider of physicians to the US workforce, hosting this forum was a very important start for me.

Key points of discussion were:

  • The ongoing need for mentorship for women (from both women and men), not just awareness but acceptance of the specific issues that women face in striving for work/parenting/life balance;
  • The need to find ways to support women physicians in innovative ways and remove barriers so they can continue successfully as physicians as well as leaders in healthcare; and
  • The positive impacts on patient care from women physicians.

SGU: How can female med students implement these lessons? 

Dr. Singh: Our female students should continue to strive for excellence in all fields of medicine. I encourage them to seek out mentorship as well as lead the way for others toward their goals. Embracing diversity and inclusion and procuring a sense of belonging along the way are essential as we work toward a more equitable environment. This is true for all students, not just our female students.

SGU: How has your career in medicine influenced your role in academia?

Dr. Singh: My career in medicine has been a strong influence on my role in academic medicine by allowing me to bring my own experiences from my teaching roles in understanding the complexities that clinical students face and the particular skill sets they must develop.  By understanding the practice of medicine in our ever-changing world, it has allowed me to contribute to the ongoing refinement of our clinical program at SGU with the goal of continuing the essential and positive impact our students continue to have in the US and around the world.

SGU: What is your best memory from attending SGU?

Dr. Singh: I am often reminded of the surreal excitement I felt as a student arriving in Grenada—in particular, at our White Coat Ceremony. Just as fondly, I recall the overwhelming feeling as I entered Lincoln Center in New York City for the commencement ceremonies with my classmates. Those friendships have long endured. For me, I not only get to pay it forward but to share those moments of excitement as I help new students put on their white coats and, during commencement, hood our deserving graduates. It is truly the best gift!

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

1,000 Residency Slots Approved by Congress: What it Means for Medical Students

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Congress recently passed a measure to fund 1,000 postgraduate residency positions over five years as part of the Medicare-supported program—the first increase in nearly 25 years according to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). St. George’s University President Dr. G. Richard Olds explained to SGU News what the increase means for our medical students. In addition, Dr. Olds also recently appeared on Action News Jax (Jacksonville, FL) to discuss the new medical residency funding in the stimulus package.

St. George’s University: St. George's University President G. Richard OldsWhat does this mean for SGU medical students, especially those applying for residency?

Dr. Olds: This new legislation should help our students in the Match no matter what specialty they decide to go into. Also, these new slots are permanent in contrast to the teaching health center funds that have to be renewed by Congress every few years.

SGU: What specialties will be included?

Dr. Olds: Potentially all specialties are included, but an institution can’t just expand specialty slots. Half must be for primary care, which includes OB/GYN.

SGU: Residency positions in rural and underserved communities were highlighted as a particular focus in the legislation. Why is that important?

Dr. Olds: The population is both growing and aging. The real problem, however, is a maldistribution of doctors geographically and a maldistribution of doctors by specialty. The first issue points out that affluent urban and suburban areas of the US often have a surplus of doctors, while underserved rural and urban areas have severe shortages. In big states, for example, the surpluses in affluent areas often mask the severity of shortages in rural and poor urban areas.

The second problem of maldistribution by specialty is created by the fact that 70 percent of US medical students specialize. The country needs over half to go into primary care fields. To make this issue worse, primary care doctors as a group are older, and age and COVID-19 are driving them into retirement faster than specialists.

SGU: How and why did these positions become available?

Dr. Olds: The issue that is causing problems in the physician pipeline are residency slots—not medical schools and students. Although there are far too few US medical schools for the current need, 25 percent of all residents in US residencies are international medical school graduates (such as SGU grads), and there are far more doctors who want to train in the US than we have residency slots to accommodate them. The shortage of graduate medical education (GME) slots is driven by a decision made in 1997 to cap GME funding by Medicare. Pressure has been growing to increase GME slots because of the growing doctor shortage. This is the first time in over 20 years that Medicare has increased the GME caps on most teaching hospitals.

While the number of additional residencies will not be enough to solve the doctor shortage in the US, and only a percentage of these slots will go to rural primary care residencies where they are most needed, it’s a start.

SGU: What is the rough number of Medicare-funded residency positions now, and why is adding these residency positions such an important breakthrough?

Dr. Olds: Medicare currently funds about 90,000 GME slots, the US Department of Veterans Affairs funds about 12,000, and children’s hospitals fund about 7,000 each year. Remember that training in internal medicine or pediatrics takes three GME slots spread over three years; general surgery five GME slots, etc., since you need a funded slot each year of your training. If you crunch the numbers, we have the ability to train about 35,000 new residents each year, mostly through the Match.

While the addition of 1,000 slots spans five years, and some of those slots will go to big teaching hospitals that are currently over their cap, it’s the first time in decades the number of Medicare slots have increased. It’s a big deal.

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

The News Stories that Defined the School of Veterinary Medicine in 2020

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top vet stories of 2020

From being on the front lines of animal care during the COVID pandemic to discussions on diversity and equality within the veterinary field, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine students, faculty, and alumni made their mark in 2020.

In early June, 180 SVM graduates joined the network of more than 1,900 Doctors of Veterinary Medicine making an impact through veterinary medicine around the world. Many of these graduates took the next step in their careers as aspiring veterinarians by matching into highly competitive postgraduate positions.

When it comes to the ongoing COVID pandemic, it’s not just human healthcare that has been dramatically impacted—animal medicine had its own challenges and some surprising opportunities for veterinarians, including in zoos and aquariums. In Grenada, School of Veterinary Medicine also sprung into action as the country’s national testing site at the onset of the pandemic.

It was also a year in which diversity and equality was brought to the limelight. The University had frank discussions with its entire community about the importance of listening, learning, and supporting, not only in the current climate but going forward.

These are the stories that underscore the School of Veterinary Medicine’s strengths and define us as a University as we aim to enhance student success and grow the number of animal health professionals around the world. Read on to see the top SVM news stories of 2020 on SGU.edu.

SVM Commencement 2020

The School of Veterinary Medicine celebrated its 17th annual commencement on June 6, with 180 students from nine countries and 39 US states graduating from the school. For the first time in history, the ceremony was held virtually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many SVM alums began highly competitive postgraduate positions in a variety of clinical specialty areas such as orthopedics, cardiology, ophthalmology, anesthesiology, immunology, diagnostic imaging, and pathology, matching into positions at reputable veterinary hospitals throughout the US and Canada.

Read the full article

 

Dr. Heather Douglas, DVM ’06

How COVID Impacted Veterinarians

It’s not just human healthcare that has been dramatically impacted as a result of the COVID pandemic—animal medicine had its own challenges and some surprising opportunities for veterinarians.

Heather Douglas, DVM ’06, for example, discussed how the disease is changing the way that small animal veterinarians treat patients and interact with pet owners.

“Initially, businesses like my own were slow when lockdowns were in place,” said Heather Douglas, DVM ’06, owner of Douglas Animal Hospital in Osseo, MN. “Then in mid- to late-April the floodgates opened. This influx was due to clients waiting to bring their pets in during lockdown, clients paying more attention to their pets while at home for extended periods so that illnesses were being detected much sooner, and people adopting new pets to decrease loneliness and feelings of isolation at home. … I’ve had to become more efficient and spend more time communicating with owners.”

Read the full article

 

SGU's Large Animal Resource Facility

A Look Inside SVM’s Large Animal Resource Facility

SGU’s Large Animal Resource Facility (LARF) is a one-acre farm that is home to the equine and bovine teaching herds that students of the School of Veterinary Medicine use to gain crucial large animal clinical skills prior to their fourth year.

Dr. Inga Karasek, director of the Large Animal Resource Facility, was one of a handful of SGU staff who remained on the island to care for the animals during the early days of the global pandemic. In this video, she shared why the farm’s ecosystem—even while students are learning remotely—is important to studying veterinary medicine at SGU.

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The Laboratory Personnel Behind SGU’s COVID Testing Site

Even before the coronavirus disease reached the shores of Grenada, the School of Veterinary Medicine, together with the Government of Grenada and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), were prepared for it. With the proper equipment and a team led by two staff members—both SGU graduates—in the SVM’s molecular virology lab, served as Grenada’s national testing site at the onset of the pandemic.

The effort facilitated testing for more than 2,000 SGU students, faculty, and staff, over 1,200 members of the Grenadian community, as well as individuals arriving in Grenada via plane or cruise ship.

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VOICE SGU chapter

VOICE Seeks to Champion Veterinarian Diversity at The Student Level

It’s no secret that Black and Hispanic Americans are underrepresented in the veterinary profession. Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment, or VOICE, a national organization with student chapters across US and Caribbean veterinary schools, seeks to increase “awareness, respect, and sensitivity to differences among all individuals and communities in the field of veterinary medicine.”

VOICE SGU chapter and its current president, Antonia Nickleberry, MBA, a Term 2 student in the School of Veterinary Medicine, discussed with SGU News why diversity in the field matters and how SVM students can get involved.

“The world around is us diversifying rapidly,” Ms. Nickleberry said. “Veterinary medicine seems to have a delayed response to this diversification and therefore, those within the profession are not as aware as they should be. This can lead to major sensitivity issues between classmates and colleagues that can be avoided by educating and empowering those in this profession, starting with the students.”

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The News Stories that Defined the School of Medicine in 2020

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2020 Top News Stories

For a wide range of reasons, 2020 is a year that we won’t soon forget—from the heroism on the front lines of medicine, powerful demonstrations surrounding racial equality, and the change to our day-to-day lives and our perspectives.

It was a monumental year in so many ways for St. George’s University School of Medicine, its faculty, staff, and students. SGU made history when students and graduates secured 1,124 residency positions across the US and Canada in 2020—a 95 percent residency placement rate for eligible 2020 US graduates who applied for US residencies* and a record for the University. Over the summer, approximately 450 of those grads began their residencies in New York-New Jersey area hospitals, some of the hardest-hit hospitals in the nation during the early days of the COVID pandemic.

SGU profiled many alumni across specialties and locales who tirelessly donated their time and services to help those suffering from the disease, some of those who sacrificed seeing their own families to help the sickest of COVID patients.

It was also a year in which diversity and equality was brought to the limelight. The University had frank discussions with its entire community about the importance of listening, learning, and supporting, not only in the current climate but going forward.

These are the stories that underscore the School of Medicine’s strengths and define us as a University as we aim to enhance student success and grow the number of healthcare professionals around the world. Read on to see the top news stories of 2020 on SGU.edu.

*SGU student data as of November 2020

Match Day 2020

Match Day 2020

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, SGU students and graduates were called on to assist in the fight against the virus. On Match Day 2020 in March, they learned of where they would begin their career as physicians. Positions were secured across a wide range of specialties—including anesthesiology, emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, pathology, and many more—and spanned across the United States.

All told, 1,124 SGU graduates had started residency in the US and Canada in 2020, which equals a 95 percent residency placement rate for eligible 2020 US graduates who applied for US residencies*—a record for the University—including some 450 SGU grads in New York-New Jersey area hospitals. They joined a proud network of 18,000 SGU physicians who have made a difference in healthcare around the world.

*SGU student data as of November 2020

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A Conversation on Diversity in the Medical Profession: Thoughts from SGU’s Student National Medical Association

With the tragic deaths of people like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others, and as social justice events were held around the world, SGU News connected with SGU chapter members of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). The national organization is committed to supporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students by addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of “clinically excellent, culturally competent, and socially conscious physicians.” SGU chapter members shared their perspectives on the world around us, the importance of the SNMA’s mission, and how students can get involved.

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Wyckoff Hospital

SGU Adds New US Clinical Sites for Medical School Student Core Rotations

SGU’s clinical network is growing. This fall, seven US hospitals joined the SGU family, including several in California as well as a new venue into the South that allow third-year medical students to receive core clinical training during a crucial time in healthcare.

These hospitals included:

  • Baton Rouge General Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA
  • Doctor’s Medical Center in Modesto, CA
  • Hemet Valley Medical Center in Hemet, CA
  • MacNeal Hospital in Maywood, IL
  • Mission Community Hospital in Panorama City, CA
  • Westchester General Hospital in Miami, FL
  • Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY
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Georgios Mihalopulos, MD '18

True Calling: From the Navy to the OR

Critical problem solving. A wide array of challenges. The operating room was exactly the type of workplace atmosphere that Georgios Mihalopulos, MD ’18, set out to find when he began working toward a career in medicine. It also mirrored his life as an officer in the Canadian Navy, a position that he held before and during medical school.

“I always say I love stress and I hate sleep, so that’s why surgery is the perfect field for me,” said Mihalopulos, now a third-year surgery resident at Waterbury Hospital in Connecticut. “It just seemed like the most natural thing in the world for me to do.”

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SGU and Grenada partner to address COVID-19 pandemic

As the coronavirus pandemic spread throughout the world, SGU and the Government of Grenada worked hand in hand, developing and operating a COVID testing facility, and bringing in new devices to treat ill patients.

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