970 St. George’s University Students and Graduates Secure US Residencies in 2023 Match

Match Day 2023 - 970n US residencies and counting

St. George’s University School of Medicine announced today that 970 of its students and graduates secured residencies around the United States in this year’s match cycle.

“Match Day is a pivotal moment in a doctor’s career,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, Dean of the St. George’s University School of Medicine. “On behalf of the entire St. George’s University community, I congratulate this remarkable class of medical students.”

This year, students and graduates matched into residences in 21 specialties across 42 states and the District of Columbia. More students and graduates will find out where they will be doing residency training in the days and weeks to come.

 

 

St. George’s graduates will begin residency programs in several highly competitive specialties, ranging from surgery and neurology to emergency medicine and pediatrics. Many will be returning to their home states to begin their careers in medicine.

This new group of doctors will play a crucial role in addressing America’s growing physician shortage. St. George’s is the largest provider of doctors to the U.S. healthcare system and the number-one provider of primary care doctors into the United States annually. Three-quarters of St. George’s graduates enter primary care specialties, and a significant number of SGU alumni work in medically underserved areas.

“St. George’s University graduates have been meeting the medical needs of communities across the United States for decades,” Dr. Loukas said. “We look forward to seeing all the great things that this newest class of St. George’s graduates will accomplish.”

 

 

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Dreams come true on Match Day 2023

On Match Day 2023, hundreds of St. George’s University School of Medicine students and graduates found out where they will head for residency training this summer.

SGU students and graduates matched into more than 970 first-year US residency positions across more than 20 specialties including neurology, urology, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, surgery, and more. The numbers are expected to increase in the coming weeks.

 

 

Match Day is a milestone moment in students’ medical education as they learn where their hard work and determination will take them next 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.

David Townsend

Matched: University of North Dakota at Sanford Hospital

Specialty: Internal medicine

Hometown: Alexandria, MN

“I am excited to grow my career and start on my path to cardiology/electrophysiology!  My children are also very excited to be close to their cousins.”

Jaclynn Do

Matched: Zucker School of Medicine / Northwell South Shore University Hospital

Specialty: Preliminary surgery

Hometown: Costa Mesa, CA

“It still feels unreal that I matched because it has been an emotional rollercoaster throughout this journey, but I can’t help but smile when I think about it. I am most grateful for my friends, family, and mentors who have supported me on this journey and continue to support me as a physician.”

John Crane

Matched: Mount Sinai Elmhurst

Specialty: Psychiatry

Hometown: Boston, MA

“Seeing the words, ‘Congratulations, you have matched!’ was one of the biggest moments of my life. I could finally breathe a sigh of relief. I did it. I felt happy, relieved, and validated for my hard work and perseverance. I called my immediate family with tears of joy in my eyes. I could not have matched without the support of my family and friends.

Match Day has been an unforgettable day. I am truly humbled and honored to match into my number one residency program. As a psychiatrist, I look forward to helping patients improve their mental health. I am eager to work with underserved and disenfranchised populations. Mount Sinai Elmhurst will teach me to provide excellent psychiatric care.

SGU provided me with the opportunity to pursue my dreams. Today, my dreams became a reality.”

Rachel Castillo

Matched: University of Maryland Medical Center

Specialty: Pediatrics

Hometown: Bowie, MD

“For Match Day, I decided to keep things ‘low-key’ and open the email with just my parents. They have been my biggest cheerleaders and the best support system I could ever hope for or pray for. I was shocked more than anything else when I saw the email. It’s a program I’ve admired for several years, and to experience the joy and reality of matching there was overwhelming.

As I look towards residency, I’m most grateful to be back in Baltimore, the city that I love and spent time in as a child and graduate student. I’m honored to be able to care for children in Baltimore and the surrounding area and truly be their biggest champion and advocate.”

Nanditha Guruvaiah Sridhara

Matched: Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center

Specialty: Diagnostic radiology

Hometown: Nassau, The Bahamas

“Match Day was truly one of the happiest moments of my life! It felt like a great weight was lifted off my shoulders because everything I had worked for had culminated to this one important email.

I’m so grateful to my family and friends for supporting me on this long but fruitful journey. Most importantly, I’m thankful for the mentors I gained through SGU. They gave me invaluable advice and encouraged me to continue to strive during tough times.

I’m very excited to start this next phase of my journey. I’m especially looking forward to learning from the faculty at this renowned program. Being in a field such as radiology gives me endless opportunities for innovative research and global health outreach—both of which I’m interested in doing during my residency. I also hope to encourage and support more women who are aiming to pursue the more competitive and male-dominated fields.”

Shedane Latty

Matched: New York Medical College-Metropolitan/Harlem

Specialty: Emergency medicine

Hometown: Jamaica

“I am so excited that I matched my first-choice program for emergency medicine! I cannot wait to get started.

Thank you to SGU for giving me an opportunity to materialize a childhood dream. Thank you for the humanitarian scholarship and thank you to the people of Grenada for welcoming me with open arms. It will forever be a second home.”

Joshua Fernandez

Matched: University of California Riverside Community Hospital

Specialty: Neurology

Hometown: Westchester, CA

“When I opened my email, I couldn’t believe I matched at a UC program! I entered a field that is severely lacking Latino doctors, and now I have an opportunity to give back to my community. I was over the moon with all these emotions after four years of hard work. It was all worth it. I am so grateful that I have an opportunity to represent SGU and all the international medical graduates that will follow me because my journey is proof that anything is possible.”

—Sarah Stoss and Laurie Chartorynsky

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7 Questions with SGA-Clinical President Ramona Mittal

clinical students and attending in hospital

Did you know that the St. George’s University Student Government Association has representatives dedicated specifically to School of Medicine clinical students?

Clinical students can safely express their concerns and questions with representatives of the SGA-C, who work closely with University officials and representatives at various clinical sites to ensure students’ voices are heard and acknowledged.

Ramona Mittal, SGA-C president and fourth-year SOM student, sat down with SGU News to share how the organization can be a resource for students navigating their clinical years.

St. George’s University: What are the unique challenges that clinical students face?

Ramona Mittal - SGA-C president

Fourth-year SOM student, Ramona Mittal, is president of SGA-C.

Ramona Mittal: Clinical students are situated around the world, from sites in California to New York and New Jersey, and even in the United Kingdom! With that, each hospital ranges with requirements and expectations of their students, so what may be standard at one site may not necessarily be standard at another one.

SGU: How is the SGA-C unique from campus SGA? And how does the SGA-C work with the School of Medicine’s deans and administration? 

RM: SGA-C advocates specifically for clinical students. The SGA executive board of the School of Medicine meets with SGA-C representatives once a month, and upon request, to hear any concerns from clinical students.

The SGA president and vice president then address those concerns with School of Medicine deans in meetings as needed.

Get in touch with SGA-C! 

Email: sga-clinical@sgu.edu

or

Join the SGA-C Facebook group 

SGU: Can you give an  example of something that was implemented for clinical students as a result of the SGA-C’s advocacy?

RM: Most recently, a number of students voiced concerns regarding off days for Match week. We were able to speak with administration and determine an adequate solution to give Match Friday off to the students.

SGU: Are there any events happening where students can meet SGA-C representatives?

RM: This year, we hosted the SGA-C Match Day party at High Bar Rooftop in New York City! Approximately 250 to 300 people attended, and we were able to have food, refreshments, a DJ, and a photobooth. It was a wonderful celebration for everyone’s accomplishments.

In addition, we are working to have regional representatives reach out to their hospitals and host webinars via Zoom.

SGU: Congratulations on your recent Match, where will you be heading for residency training?

RM: I matched in internal medicine at my top choice hospital!

SGU: Is there anything else you would like to add? 

RM: Being on SGA-C has been the opportunity of a lifetime. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us.

 

 

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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World Kidney Day: Transplant surgeon shares keys to kidney health

Kidney disease progresses silently; in fact, according to the World Kidney Day organization, a person can lose up to 90 percent of their kidney function before experiencing symptoms, and eight to 10 percent of the adult population suffers from some form of kidney damage.

World Kidney Day’s goal is to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys. This year, the annual campaign takes place on March 9, and the theme is “Kidney Health for All—Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable.”

St. George’s University School of Medicine alum Sujit Vijay Sakpal, MD ’05, is a multi-organ abdominal transplant surgeon, intensivist, and kidney and pancreas transplantation director at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in South Dakota. As a physician who works directly with vulnerable populations impacted by issues such as kidney disease, he shared his thoughts on World Kidney Day and why he chose to focus his career on caring for those with end-stage organ failure.

“Everyone should be aware of kidney disease, especially those with risk factors for it such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, or a family history of kidney disease,” said Dr. Sakpal. “Knowing one is at risk is the first step towards a healthier life.”

For those with high-risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or obesity, Dr. Sakpal recommends getting kidney function checked regularly. In addition, to help prevent kidney disease, there are a few daily choices we can all make.

“Keep fit, be active, eat a healthy diet, and stay hydrated. It’s also important to stay mindful of your blood sugar and blood pressure and not smoke or take over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills regularly,” he said.

Although these seem like small changes, they can significantly impact kidney health. Progressive chronic kidney disease could possibly become end-stage and require dialysis. At this point, Dr. Sakpal would recommend seeking early advice and referral for kidney transplantation, which can potentially restore the quality and longevity of the life of those affected. That’s where Dr. Sakpal’s expertise and care would come in.

A profoundly challenging and rewarding career path

“I always wanted to be a surgeon, but a cardiothoracic one initially,” said Dr. Sakpal when asked how he decided on a career in transplant surgery. “That changed in my surgical residency at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey, one of the busiest and top-ranked kidney-pancreas transplantation centers in the US.”

During his surgical residency, Dr. Sakpal learned that solid-organ transplantation goes beyond the craft and skill of surgery. It involves staying up to date with innovations in medicine, immunology, and pharmacotherapy.

“Successful organ transplantation care of complex patients requires a multidisciplinary team effort,” added Dr. Sakpal. “All of it piqued my interest. Exceptional mentorship, both at Barnabas and then at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago during my fellowship in abdominal transplant, helped sculpt and build my professional career.”

The complexity involved in transplant surgery, however, comes with challenges. But those challenges make Dr. Sakpal even more grateful and motivated of how rewarding the work is.

“Reciprocity exists between challenges and rewards in all professions,” said Dr. Sakpal. “Challenges in my profession directly affect the lives of patients who need new organs to survive and live healthier and longer. As one can imagine, caring for patients with end-stage organ failure and optimizing their health to undergo lifesaving and life-changing organ transplantation is profoundly rewarding.”

The importance of a well-rounded medical education

For Dr. Sakpal to get to where he is today, he recognizes the significance of his education and how it prepared him for his future in medicine.

“Every educational experience has been enriching and formative toward building and establishing my professional career thus far,” Dr. Sakpal shared. “From my time as an international student from India at Idaho State University to SGU’s School of Medicine with its high caliber of medical education and opportune clinical rotations that led me to my advanced training as a surgical resident and a fellow, all of it was extraordinarily impactful.”

His education and career have taught Dr. Sakpal about the lifelong journey of practicing clinical medicine and surgery. His advice to students hoping to succeed on a similar path is simple.

“Never cease learning, be adaptive, seek mentorship, find and follow your passion, practice self-care, and most importantly, be humble with successes and never fear failure,” he said.

—Sarah Stoss

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St. George’s University to Expand Relationship with NYC Health + Hospitals, Strengthening Pipeline of Future Doctors

St. George’s University announced today that it has renewed and expanded its relationship with NYC Health + Hospitals to bolster the pipeline of physicians from diverse backgrounds into New York’s healthcare system.

The agreement extends opportunities for SGU medical students to complete clinical rotations at affiliated NYC hospitals during their third and fourth years of study. Following completion of basic sciences studies at SGU, students will continue their medical training in clinical environments in the NYC Health + Hospitals system. Training and learning as members of care teams, these students gain first-hand experience in a range of medical fields while contributing directly to serving and caring for patients.

“We’ve partnered with NYC Health + Hospitals for nearly two decades to achieve our mutual goals of diversifying the nation’s healthcare workforce, bringing physicians to underserved areas, and opening doors for talented students from historically underrepresented backgrounds,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, Dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “We’re thrilled to continue that important work in the years ahead.”

“New York City is one of the most diverse places in the world. It’s critical that our healthcare providers reflect the patient population they serve,” said Machelle Allen, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals. “Expanding our relationship with St. George’s will help us achieve that goal — and improve patient access to culturally competent providers.”

The agreement also increases the number of full-tuition medical school scholarships awarded through the SGU School of Medicine CityDoctors scholarship program from 12 to 15 each year. It will also create 100 full scholarships for employees of NYC Health + Hospitals to pursue a Master of Public Health from SGU, a program accredited by the US Council on Education for Public Health.

“We’ve partnered with NYC Health + Hospitals for nearly two decades to achieve our mutual goals of diversifying the nation’s healthcare workforce, bringing physicians to underserved areas, and opening doors for talented students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.”

“Applying for the CityDoctors Scholarship is one of the best decisions I have ever made. The training I received at St. George’s University and NYC Health + Hospitals gave me the expertise necessary to attend to the mental health needs of our community, especially now as the demand for services is increasing” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi Attending Physician Eric Behar, MD. “I cannot fathom where my medical career would be without this program. CityDoctors and NYC Health + Hospitals taught me the importance of giving back to our community. I highly encourage all aspiring physicians to apply.”

To date, the CityDoctors program has made a career in medicine possible for more than 80, many of whom now practice in the communities in which they were raised. To qualify, applicants must be New York City residents or graduates of a New York City school. Applicants who are employed by, or have a parent or grandparent employed by NYC Health + Hospitals or the City of New York are also eligible. Scholarship recipients must commit to serving in the NYC Health + Hospitals system after residency, one year for each year of full tuition scholarship received. Interested students may access the application here.

SGU’s Master of Public Health program produces leading public health practitioners and researchers on a global scale. Fully accredited by the US Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), it is a one calendar year program in three academic terms, which can be completed online. Interested NYC Health + Hospitals’ staff may apply using SOPHAS, the centralized application service for Public Health programs.

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St. George’s University Announces Renewed Admissions Partnership with Springfield College

St. George’s University has renewed its partnership with Springfield College that will grant eligible Springfield students streamlined entry into the St. George’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine.

“Since 2014, St. George’s has offered talented Springfield College students the opportunity to pursue a first-rate education and subsequent career in medicine,” said Dr. Richard Liebowitz, vice chancellor of St. George’s University. “We’re thrilled to continue that partnership educating the next generation of doctors and veterinarians so they can return to their communities and help address the critical need for medical and veterinary services nationwide.”

Ashley McNeill, PhD, director of the Springfield College pre-health professions advising, said the College is excited to continue to build partnerships like the one with St. George’s.

“Not only will this provide opportunities for our students to pursue excellent medical and veterinary training, but St. George’s University also offers unique opportunities for our students to continue to live our Humanics mission: educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others” McNeill said. “St. George’s University’s focus on global health and care for underserved populations complements our students’ dedication to creating a better world for all.”

The partnership has established two “4+4” programs in which Springfield College students who complete four years of pre-medical or pre-veterinary coursework and meet all requirements for admission are fast-tracked for admission into four-year programs at the St. George’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine. Candidates for the programs must maintain a strong undergraduate GPA and score competitively on relevant entrance exams.

 

“We’re thrilled to continue a partnership educating the next generation of doctors and veterinarians so they can return to their communities and help address the critical need for medical and veterinary services nationwide.”

Students who wish to take advantage of the combined degree programs must express interest upon applying to Springfield College. Those accepted into the MD program receive a $10,000 scholarship upon matriculating and are eligible for additional scholarships and grants from St. George’s.

Students accepted into the St. George’s School of Medicine may complete their first two years of study in Grenada, or spend their first year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and their second year in Grenada. They undertake their final two years of clinical rotations at hospitals affiliated with St. George’s in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Veterinary students complete three years of study in Grenada and their final clinical year at schools affiliated with St. George’s in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

World Cancer Day: FDA Oncologist Shares Advice on How We Can All Help to Save Lives

With more than 10 million people dying from cancer each year, did you know that it is the world’s second-leading cause of death?

World Cancer Day takes place on February 4, and the theme for 2022 through 2024 is “Close the Care Gap,” working toward ensuring equitable access to cancer care from diagnosis to treatment. The initiative was started in 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control as an opportunity to raise awareness for the disease and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. But how can society contribute to its mission?

St. George’s University alumna Preeti Narayan, MD ’12, one of the leaders of the breast/gynecologic malignancies team in the Division of Oncology 1, Office of Oncologic Diseases at the Food and Drug Administration, has some ideas.

“Cancer has likely touched all our lives in some way or another,” said Dr. Narayan. “If you know someone affected by cancer, take some time to reach out and check how they are doing. If possible, offer to run an errand for their family or drive them to an appointment. However, I hope we all can remember to do these things anytime during the year, not just on World Cancer Day.”

Dr. Narayan provided insight into how we can contribute to World Cancer Day’s mission of closing the care gap and stresses the importance of education.

“Unfortunately, despite all the progress made for cancer treatment over the last few decades, inequities in cancer care delivery still exist across the world and within the United States for access to quality cancer care,” said Dr. Narayan. “Everyone can learn more about barriers to care to understand the challenges {of the disease} better and empower us to educate others.”

Daily habits to reduce cancer risk from Dr. Narayan: 

1. Don’t smoke

2. Make time for exercise

3. Eat a well-balanced diet

THE PATH TO ONCOLOGY

Dr. Narayan is at the forefront of cancer treatment in her work with the FDA and is passionate about advancing this cause. The Division of Oncology 1, for which Dr. Narayan is part of the team that leads the breast/gynecologic malignancies team, regulates investigational new drug applications, new drug applications, and biologic licensing applications for breast, gynecologic, and genitourinary cancers, as well as supportive care (non-hematologic) products. However, she didn’t always know this was her career path, deciding to pursue oncology during her internal medicine residency at SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn after graduating from SGU’s School of Medicine.

“At that time, I was doing a rotation in oncology, and my experiences working with patients with cancer resonated with me and also seemed to bring together my past research experience and interest in cellular signaling pathways involved in cancer,” Dr. Narayan said. “One of the patients I rounded on at that time was a young mother with late-stage breast cancer with leptomeningeal disease. Unfortunately, she ultimately needed hospice care, but the experience of being part of her end-of-life care during that difficult time had a profound impact on me and on my decision to become an oncologist.”

Although Dr. Narayan found her path to oncology after medical school, she gained valuable experience in global medicine at SGU, starting from her first days as a student, which helped shape her career at the FDA.

“Learning from faculty and fellow students with such diverse backgrounds and experiences was very rewarding and broadened my interest in policy and equity in care, which is related to aspects of my career today,” Dr. Narayan added.

Throughout her career, from the decision to explore her interests before entering medical school to being curious about different career opportunities for oncologists after graduation, Dr. Narayan has remained open to new experiences. Looking back, she sees these as being some of her most formative decisions and recommends the same mindset to aspiring physicians.

“All your experiences can contribute to your learning and lead to career opportunities in the future that you may have never considered,” said Dr. Narayan. “There are many career settings to contribute to healthcare as a physician, and most importantly, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others that you care for, whether directly through patient care or, in my case, ensuring therapies are safe and effective for a large population of patients.”

And for us all on World Cancer Day, Dr. Narayan shared crucial advice:

“Keep up with your age-appropriate cancer screenings and see your primary care doctor regularly. Cancers such as breast, colon, and cervical cancer have recommended screening guidelines you can discuss with your primary care doctor,” said Dr. Narayan, emphasizing that that screening may catch cancers at precancerous or early stages, which allows for more effective treatment.

“In addition, keep up with recommended vaccinations, as some of these may prevent chronic illnesses that in some cases are associated with cancer risk,” she added.

Disclaimer: This interview represents the perspective of Dr. Narayan and does not necessarily reflect the official policy of the U.S. FDA or the Office of Oncologic Diseases.

—Sarah Stoss

 

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

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


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

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

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

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

– Ray-Donna Peters

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Carlie Hanlon and her grandfather, Dr. Robert Hanlon

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

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

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

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

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

 

– Ray-Donna Peters

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The Scoop on SGU Student Organizations: Why You Should Get Involved

Are you involved in one of St. George’s University’s many active student organizations?

There are nearly 80 clubs to choose from, and the organizations offer students a great way to make friends, feel a greater sense of community, and connect to others with shared passions. With each having a unique mission and regular activities, the clubs present ample opportunities to get involved on campus by joining groups centered on different areas of student life.

“There’s a lot of value in getting involved in student organizations,” said Claire Purcell, director of university campus life at SGU. “They’re a great source of support as students progress through their degree programs, not only for professional development but also to help them adjust to campus life and thrive during their time here. There’s an organization for every interest, and if there isn’t, students can create a new one!”

 

A few of the organizations SGU has available for students to join include the Business Students Association, the Student Chapter of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the American Medical Student Association, Women in Medicine, Pride and Equality, the Nursing Student Association, and multiple cultural organizations to name a few.

Recently, several new organizations established themselves across campus, joining the already diverse list of club offerings. SGU News spoke with four of them to find out more.

The Creative Arts Society (CAS)

Mission statement: To advance the extrinsic, intrinsic, and artistic evolution of all members through the production and presentation of art, and the arrangement of interactive art-related events and activities.

Number of current members: 85

Open to: All SGU students

How to join: CAS Membership Form.

Upcoming events/announcements:

  • February: Talent show in collaboration with the Exotic Wildlife Society’s Avian Club
  • March: Music concert
  • April: World Art Day Exhibition in partnership with the International Student’s Office.

Contact: SO-CAS@sgu.edu or @cas_sgu on Instagram.

St. George’s University: If you had to describe your organization in three words, what would they be?

CAS: Creative, connected, and community.

SGU: Why did you create this organization?

CAS: It is possible to excel in both artistic and academic pursuits, and students should feel empowered to follow all their passions. This is the ideology that CAS was built upon.

SGU: What are your goals for 2023?

CAS: This year, we hope to expand our social outreach, grow in popularity within SGU and the Grenadian community, promote nationwide interest in the Creative Arts Sector, and continue providing a platform for our members to nurture their artistry and master their respective crafts.

Wellness Aid and Guidance (WAG)

Mission statement: The mission of WAG is to provide financial support for animals that are in need of advanced medical treatment and don’t fit the SNP/AAARF selection criteria.

Number of current members: 70

Open to: All Foundation to Veterinary Medicine (FTV), SVM, and SOM students

How to join: Reach out to SO-WAG@sgu.edu.

Upcoming events/announcements:

  • Tie-die event: Saturday, March 25, 2-4 pm on the playing field (pre-purchase a white T-shirt from WAG or bring your own article to use)
  • Creation of SOM WAG representative: The position is open to any SOM student

SGU: If you had to describe your organization in three words, what would they be?

WAG: WAG stands for Wellness Aid and Guidance, three words that sum up the organization pretty neatly. We are dedicated to finding animals in urgent medical need, providing financial aid for these animals to receive treatment, and educating the public on practical animal care they can achieve at home.

SGU: Do you have a fun fact related to your mission that you’d like to share?

WAG: One fact about WAG is that we don’t only help unowned animals; we also provide financial support for locally owned animals who need advanced medical treatment. This has allowed us to widen the scope of animals and people we can help.

SGU: What are your goals for 2023?

WAG: Since we are now an official organization, we hope to have a more significant impact this semester. We are looking forward to helping more animals and people.

A primary goal this semester is to increase our presence school-wide. This is an excellent time to remind students that WAG (and our animals available for foster or adoption) is open to all FTV, SVM, and SOM students! And hey, we would love to see some professors at our events too.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Mission statement: Foster an understanding and awareness of the multitude of complementary and alternative medical practices. The club hopes to allow students an outlet to critically review and discuss new research and to develop these abilities into clinically relevant and valuable skills. The club will allow students to interact with peers and lead discussions about CAM practices. This knowledge will enable future physicians to apply skills in a clinical setting.

Number of current members: 30

Open to: All SGU students

How to join: Reach out to @sgu_CAM on Instagram or email so-CAM@sgu.edu.

Upcoming events/announcements: CAM plans to have at least one event every month this term! They’ll host activities like yoga and have speakers from all different areas of alternative medicine speak to students. These events will be open to everyone.

SGU: If you had to describe your organization in three words, what would they be?

CAM: Inclusive, distinct, and devoted

SGU: Do you have a fun fact related to your mission that you’d like to share?

CAM: A fun fact is that almost everyone has either taken part in or knows of an alternative therapy that falls under the scope of CAM! Some of the most common are yoga, chiropractic, and acupuncture.

SGU: What are your goals for 2023?

CAM: Our goals are to choose a charity that aligns with our mission statement to give back to and educate students about what alternative medicine entails, how it can complement our practice as MDs, and how we can use it to benefit our health and wellness.

Nutrition Medicine Club (NMC)

Mission statement: To provide opportunities for students to learn about the role of nutrition science in medicine and participate in tasty, nutrition-oriented events. NMC strives to provide an open forum to discuss current nutrition research and practices, host guest lecturers by nutrition experts, hold compelling workshops, and exciting social events aimed at increasing our knowledge of the practical application of nutrition medicine while having an enjoyable time. By building on our nutritional insight, NMC members will be able to use their unique skills in their patient care and employ nutrition medicine, an increasingly critical part of patients’ treatment plans.

Number of current members: 104

Open to: All SGU students

How to join: Follow our Instagram @nmcsgu, join our WhatsApp chat, or email us at SO-NMC@sgu.edu.

Upcoming events/announcements:

  • February 20: “Welcome to the Island” workshop, focused on cooking for yourself on the island and introducing students to the food options available.
  • February TBD: Raffle for a chance to win a wide variety of gift cards to local businesses. Raffle proceeds will be donated to Grenada Community Fridge.
  • April TBD: Nutrition Jeopardy night. Proceeds will be donated to food pantries in Ukraine.

SGU: If you had to describe your organization in three words, what would they be?

NMC: Innovative, welcoming, and rewarding

SGU: Do you have a fun fact related to your mission that you’d like to share?

NMC: An unhealthy diet contributes to approximately 678,000 deaths each year in the United States.

SGU: What are your goals for 2023?

NMC: For 2023, we’re striving to grow our NMC community by severalfold, expand our presence on campus and in the outside community, collaborate with other campus organizations, raise $1000 XCD for various charitable causes, and as always, spread nutrition knowledge through social and educational events for the SGU community.

—Sarah Stoss

 

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