SGU President Dr. Richard Olds addresses physician shortage in Q&A with Healio

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In an article published by Healio, St. George’s University President Dr. Richard Olds addresses how international medical graduates can help solve the primary care physician shortage in the US. During the interview, Dr. Olds provides insight into the conditions that caused the shortage and how it has been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID has also made this shortage worse since most primary care doctors support themselves in the outpatient area, and during the first year of the pandemic, about 10% of physicians closed their practices permanently,” Dr. Olds stated in the article. “Indeed, by 2034, the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates the US will face a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians.”

While the problem is growing, there are potential solutions, including educating more international medical graduates. International medical graduates are more likely to practice primary care in areas where the need for physicians is greatest, such as the rural US, and can offer the quality care needed to close the gap.

“Because U.S. medical school grads are not going into primary care or practicing in rural areas in large numbers, many international medical graduates have filled that gap,” according to Dr. Olds. “About 40% of the primary care doctors in the U.S. trained outside the states. At my university, 75% of our grads go into primary care fields while 25% specialize.”

Read the full article

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

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From commencement celebrations to students securing highly competitive residency positions to groundbreaking medical procedures pioneered by graduates, the St. George’s University School of Medicine community made its mark in 2022.

In a year full of significant news, these stories came out on top:

Commencement 2022

After two years of virtual celebrations, the School of Medicine celebrated its 41st commencement in June at the Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, NY.

Despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic, SGU’s newest physicians joined a network of more than 20,000 alumni practicing in the United States and around the world.

View on Instagram: Relive the excitement of the SOM commencement ceremonies 

School of Medicine reaffirms accreditation

This fall, the accrediting body of SGU’s School of Medicine, the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC), was recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) for the full 10 years through September 2032.

This recognition allows SGU students to continue to meet the standards set by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), setting them up for success when applying for certification to participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).

What does it mean for students? Read:  Medical School Accreditation: Everything You Need to Know

Match Day 2022

For hundreds of SGU School of Medicine students, the wait was most certainly worth it as they found out where they will take the next step in their careers during residency training.

This year, SGU students matched into first-year residency positions across a variety of specialties throughout the US. Over the summer, they began residency programs in a range of highly competitive specialties, including neurology, emergency medicine, surgery, and more, and shared what it felt like to receive the positive news that they matched and how they felt about starting residency.

Read: Soon-To-Be Physicians Share Their Excitement On Match Day 2022 

Groundbreaking advancements in cardiology

Through the use of robotics, interventional cardiologist and Grenadian national Adam Bierzynski, MD ’11, is moving the field of interventional cardiology forward within outpatient settings. He was among the team who performed the first-ever outpatient robotic percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at an ambulatory surgery center. Dr. Bierzynski shared with SGU why the procedure was groundbreaking, the potential life-saving capabilities of robotics within the cardiology field, and how his medical training set him up for success.

Read: Cardiologist From Grenada Pioneers Robotic Procedure In Outpatient Setting

Return to campus

For many students, the August term was either their first time on SGU’s iconic True Blue campus or their first time being back in Grenada since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime—the University was busy with several expansion and redevelopment projects in preparation for the return of the growing campus community. Check out what’s new—and in the works—on campus.

Read: Back To School: What’s New On The True Blue Campus

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky 

 

 

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Returning home: Three grads’ journeys to practicing as MDs in Canada

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St. George’s University students are from all over the world, and many dream of returning to their home country to practice medicine after graduation. As the largest provider of doctors into first-year residencies in North America, it’s no surprise that students from the Great White North turn to SGU to follow that dream.

“Many Canadians have attended SGU to become a physician and been incredibly successful,” said Charles Furey, director of admissions for Canada at SGU. “We’re proud to have over 2,100 medical graduates from Canada in our alumni network and are encouraged by the strength of that community and what it means for students who are looking for guidance on the process of returning to Canada after graduation.”

SGU News spoke with three SOM grads about their journey from Canada to Grenada and back again to follow their dream of becoming a physician. They shared their advice for how aspiring MDs can be successful on the same path.

 

“SGU gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. It is through its extensive clinical affiliations that I was able to secure clerkships in many great hospitals that provided me with amazing mentorship opportunities that helped me find my path and pursue my dream.”

 

Iman Naimi, MD ’14

Hometown: Vancouver, Canada

Current position: Congenital interventional cardiologist, clinical assistant professor of pediatric cardiology at the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Hospital: Stollery Children’s Hospital and Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute

SGU: Did you always know you wanted to practice in Canada and how did you prepare for that?

Dr. Naimi: Canada is my home, and I always knew that one day I would return and practice somewhere in Canada after my training.

At SGU, I joined the Canadian Student Association and went to all the info sessions to stay up to date with different provincial policies and elective sites. While in school, I took the MCCEE alongside the USMLE. I also did a family medicine rotation in Vancouver, BC, and was able to obtain an excellent recommendation letter to increase my chances of matching into the Canadian residency program. However, after learning the timeline of CaRMS relative to the US match, I decided to only apply for US residency programs.

I then decided to take the Royal College Exam for Pediatrics to ensure I could eventually obtain a license to practice in Canada. During my fellowship, when looking for a job in Canada, I found that Alberta (CPSA) did not require me to take the Royal College Exam for cardiology, and since I passed my boards in the US, I could obtain a practice permit in Canada.

SGU: What advice do you have for SGU students who are hoping to practice in Canada after graduation?

Dr. Naimi: What I have learned is that the best way to prepare is to plan ahead. This entails getting involved with the Canadian Student Association and attending all the meetings and information sessions. It is very important to reach out to Canadian programs early on in your training to inquire about elective rotation opportunities. Given the timeline of the Canadian and US match in the past, I personally chose to apply only for US residency and fellowship spots and was still able to land a job in Canada. If you choose this path, depending on the Province that you want to work in, you may be required to take the Royal College Exams. It is crucial to know the timeline of all the Canadian exams and be prepared to take them alongside the US exams. This will provide ease when applying to Canadian residency programs or job opportunities after you complete your training.

If you maintain a high GPA and board scores, as well as excel in your clerkship training by demonstrating that you can perform well in a busy clinical setting, you will set yourself apart from others. Throughout your training, it is very important to form strong connections with mentors, especially those within the institution and program that you would like to pursue, allowing you to receive excellent recommendation letters for residency opportunities after graduation.

SGU: Looking back on your journey to where you are today, why was SGU the right fit for you?

Dr. Naimi: SGU gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. It is through its extensive clinical affiliations that I was able to secure clerkships in many great hospitals that provided me with amazing mentorship opportunities that helped me find my path and pursue my dream.

Robinder Bahniwal, MD ’14

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

Current position: Family medicine physician

Hospital: Echo Valley Medical

SGU: Did you always know you wanted to practice in Canada?

Dr. Bahniwal: I did to an extent. I was okay staying in the US as well, and I did stay there for residency and three years afterward. However, I always wanted to keep my options open for Canada, so I did take my Canadian Qualifying Exams along with the USMLE exams.

SGU: How did you prepare for your return throughout med school?

Dr. Bahniwal: There are various ways to get back into Canada, but I did my research beforehand, decided that I wanted an independent license, and ensured my exams were done. When I completed my American Board of Family Medicine residency, getting my independent license in Canada was a seamless process.

SGU: Why did you choose family medicine?

Dr. Bahniwal: I very much enjoy seeing patients of all age groups, along with the variety of patient cases. In family medicine, you can see everything ranging from acute ailments to chronic disease management, women’s health, dermatology, and sports medicine which can be heavy in procedures if that is something you enjoy, along with pediatric and geriatric medicine, giving you the vast age range if that is also something you enjoy.

SGU: What advice do you have for SGU students hoping to practice in Canada after graduation?

Dr. Bahniwal: My advice is to never give up. It is a challenging road with peaks and troughs, but your perseverance will take you through the long haul, and the journey will definitely be worth it.

 

View the international student’s guide to becoming a doctor in Canada

 

Eirn Boparai, MD ’19

Current position: Fourth-year psychiatry resident

Hospital: University of Manitoba

Hometown: Kelowna, BC, Canada

St. George’s University: Did you always know you wanted to practice in Canada?

Dr. Boparai: Yes, coming back to Canada was always my goal. I was constantly reminded how difficult it would be, about the statistics of how tough it is to match back to Canada, and that I should focus on the US. But I ensured I had enough time to prepare for Canadian exams, I never underestimated them, and I asked others who had matched in Canada for advice and their own experiences and used that as a template for myself.

SGU: How did it feel to learn you were successful?

Dr. Boparai: I was in disbelief. I had to screenshot my match results and confirm with my friends that I wasn’t hallucinating. After their confirmation, I cried tears of joy for the first time in my life. It was and still is the happiest moment of my life.

SGU: Why did you choose psychiatry as your specialty?

Dr. Boparai: I’ve always enjoyed hearing stories and getting to know someone. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I worked with various organizations that emphasized mental health services and this was the foundation of my interest. Once in medical school, I shadowed a psychiatrist attending and immediately knew it was the right choice for me.

SGU: How did your experience at SGU help you get to where you are today?

Dr. Boparai: I completed my first year of medical school in the UK, then Grenada, and rotated for clinicals throughout the US and Canada. The ability to adapt and constantly change with traveling developed these skills and allowed me to build a network of connections which helped with career planning. SGU allowed me to pursue my medical goals after other options weren’t possible.

SGU: What advice do you have for SGU students hoping to practice in Canada after graduation?

Dr. Boparai: Many factors must come together to match, including your exam scores, application, clinical experiences, and CARMS interviews. For each step, put your best into it, ask for help, and remember that school isn’t only about studying and learning; it’s about life experiences you can gain through the friendships you make and places you travel to.  There will always be work to do, so enjoy the present. Your experiences will make you a better physician.

 

 

—Sarah Stoss

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Vascular Surgeon Facilitates Significant Donation to Grenada General Hospital, Helps Establish Dialysis Program

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Dr. Christian Rodriguez, a chief vascular surgeon, felt the calling to give back to the island where he got his start in medicine after a recent trip to Grenada.

During his vacation—his first visit to the island in 26 years—Dr. Rodriguez learned of Grenada General Hospital’s need for a vascular surgeon and for someone to help implement a new dialysis and nephrology program.

So he decided to do something about it.

First, Dr. Rodriguez, who practices at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Maine, arranged for a substantial donation of two sets of surgical instruments and supplies from medical provider Scanlan International, valued at nearly $37,000 USD. The donation of the surgical instruments will allow the hospital to offer ongoing in-house sustainability of vascular access procedures and treatments to patients.

He also worked with the hospital’s house officers—and resident doctors—Drs. Neisha Ross, Johnathan Ramirez, and Diana Shears to create a week-long clinic (which took place October 10 to 14, 2022) where he would train hospital doctors on vascular access procedures, while also seeing patients in need of care. Vascular access is the surgical procedure by which a fistula connection is made by a surgeon allowing the removal and return of blood during dialysis.

“When I learned that Grenada General needed more support in the area of vascular surgery, I did not hesitate to offer my time, expertise as well as organizing a donation to the hospital,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “While on island, I even got to meet with my old anatomy professor, Dr. C.V. Rao (current dean of university alumni affairs). We spent some time catching up and it brought back many memories of my time in Grenada.”

 

“We are extremely grateful to Christian for not only answering the call but going above and beyond to gain an understanding of what may be needed and securing this incredible donation that will definitely change lives.”

 

Dr. Rodriguez is the first vascular specialist to provide crucial medical care to Grenadian residents as a part of the St. George’s University Physician Humanitarian Network (SGU PHuN).

“We are extremely grateful to Christian for not only answering the call but going above and beyond to gain an understanding of what may be needed and securing this incredible donation that will definitely change lives,” said SGU Vice Provost Brendon LaGrenade, MBA, EdD.

A Gratifying Experience

Vascular surgeon Christian Rodriguez returned to the island where he got his start in medicine to help patients in need.

Seeing Grenadian patients was very gratifying, according to Dr. Rodriguez. He completed four vascular access procedures and was able to treat more than 30 patients with vein, circulation, wound and other issues.

“I spent a week seeing patients and performing surgeries in the operating theater. It was a rewarding experience,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “It felt wonderful to offer patients a service that they would not otherwise have. The patients were incredibly grateful. I feel a very strong bond with Grenada and its people.”

The training he provided to resident clinic doctors included demonstrations on how patients are assessed for surgery.

“The clinic involved examining and evaluating patients as well as evaluating which kind of arteriovenous access was most appropriate for each patient,” he said. “This depends on their arterial circulation and the size and quality of their veins. Additionally, we took advantage of the clinic space/time to see patients with other vascular surgery conditions.”

Dr. Rodriguez said it was a pleasure to work at Grenada General and it all harkens back to his time at SGU.

“It was an amazing experience and I truly feel the education I received there was top notch,” said Dr. Rodriguez, adding that any SGU alum who gets the opportunity to return to Grenada to share their gifts of physician care will find it to be an experience that equally benefits doctors, patients, and the community at large.

“If you have a chance to contribute to the well-being and health of the Grenadian people, do it. It’s an incredibly great and rewarding experience,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “I’m already making plans for a repeat visit next year.”

 

–Ronke Idowu Reeves

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Advice from Resident of the Year: “Hard Work Always Pays Off”

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Hrant Gevorgian, MD/MPH ’21, recently received the honor of being named “Resident of the Year” by the New Jersey Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Gevorgian is a PGY-2 emergency medicine resident at Rutgers Health/Community Medical Center.

A native of Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Gevorgian also recently won first place for the Research Abstract Competition at the NJ-ACEP 2022 Scientific Assembly. His abstract explored how the opioid buprenorphine is administered in the emergency department. He and his team developed a withdrawal scoring system program for patients receiving buprenorphine to help avoid opioid addiction.

Dr. Gevorgian, whose first name means “unextinguishable fire” in Armenian, shared with SGU News what winning Resident of the Year means to him, his most challenging experience in the emergency department so far, and his ABC’s of advice for aspiring physicians.

St. George’s University: What does receiving the Resident of the Year award mean to you?

Dr. Gevorgian: It’s extremely humbling and unexpected. It highlights the dedication and opportunities my first-year program offers residents. Every faculty member has provided enormous amounts of mentorship to help us succeed. I will continue challenging myself every day to push my limits and by mentoring to my co-interns who are all doing amazing things.

SGU: Why were you drawn to emergency medicine?

Dr. Gevorgian: I love working in a fast-paced environment and being exposed to a multitude of pathologies. I also enjoy having the opportunity to do a variety of cool procedures at bedside.

SGU: What is your advice for residents starting their first year?

Dr. Gevorgian: My best advice for incoming residents is simple: don’t forget your ABCs.

  • Accountability: If you say you’re going to do something, do it.
  • Betterment: Always try and learn something new every day and better yourself.
  • Compassion: In addition to being a compassionate provider, makes sure to always be compassionate to yourself because residency is tough with good and bad days.

 

“SGU has taught me that hard work always pays off and that nothing is impossible.”

 

SGU: Share a challenging emergency department moment and how you were able to treat your patient.

Dr. Gevorgian: Sometimes it’s hard to find the balance of providing the best possible care, but also respecting the patient’s wishes. One patient I had during my intern year of January 2021 (when COVID cases were rising again) was COVID-positive and in the emergency department for respiratory failure. I was in the process of getting him admitted to the ICU when he signed out against medical advice. I had multiple conversations with him explaining the risks involved. He was aware that his condition was life threatening, and his exact words were, “if I die I want to be home and be with my dogs.” But somehow my team and I managed to have home oxygen and appropriate medications delivered to his house prior to his discharge.

Being able to provide this patient that level of care, at the last minute, on a Friday night was a miracle—we were so thankful it was coordinated. I felt reassured that my team and I went above and beyond the call of duty for caring for our patient.

SGU: Recount a favorite memory from SGU.

Dr. Gevorgian: Exploring the North side of Grenada was always a blast. My friends and I would drive and explore different secluded beaches. There was something special about the North side, it was so quiet and calm. Once we stayed up all-night watching leatherback turtles come to shore and lay their eggs with endless shooting stars in the sky. It was an unforgettable night.

SGU: How did your experience at SGU help you get to where you are today?

Dr. Gevorgian: SGU has taught me that hard work always pays off and that nothing is impossible.

 

–Ronke Idowu Reeves and Sarah Stoss

 

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SGU Alum Returns to Grenada to Perform Lifesaving Heart Interventions

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Interventional cardiologist Jason Finkelstein, MD ’99, has made it a priority to give back to the Grenadian community by frequently returning to the island to offer lifesaving cardiology services at no cost. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his visits were put on hold and his patients went unseen for more than two years. Dr. Finkelstein was finally able to return to Grenada June 20-23 to resume his pro-bono services.

During his visit—his 15th since 2008—Dr. Finkelstein was able to see and treat 103 patients at the Medical Specialties Clinic in Grand Anse. Many patients were seen for the first time, while others came for follow-up visits. With the assistance of Dylan Vulcannon, a pacemaker representative from St. Jude Medical Center, Dr. Finkelstein performed urgent on patients, as well as dozens of pacemaker interrogations (checks)—an essential consultation for all patients with devices. Additionally, pacemaker changes were conducted at the General Hospital.

Dr. Finkelstein said he was especially concerned for those patients who had implanted pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators, since their devices were not checked for such a long time.

“When I returned to Grenada this year, I found that there were a few patients whose pacemaker or defibrillator batteries had run out,” said Dr. Finkelstein, who practices in Decatur, TX. “Fortunately, I was able to change out two pacemaker generators at the General Hospital on two patients and sent another to Florida for a new device. These situations make me want to come back each year to help these patients in need. I was glad to be able to accomplish so much on this trip.”

Since its inception in 2000, the Visiting Cardiology Program, under the sponsorship of St. George’s University School of Medicine, continues to provide much needed heart care for adult Grenadians free of cost to them. These visits are arranged through the SGU-Physician Humanitarian Network (SGU-PHuN), a program that enables SGU alumni and friends to aid the Ministry of Health and Government of Grenada in improving healthcare in the country.

 

“When I returned to Grenada this year, I found that there were a few patients whose pacemaker or defibrillator batteries had run out. Fortunately, I was able to change out two pacemaker generators at the General Hospital on two patients and sent another to Florida for a new device.”

 

Johansen Sylvester, MD ’00, director of the Visiting Cardiology Program, said the two clinics combined were valued at US$75,000.

“During the last 15 years, the Visiting Cardiology Program has worked closely with our valued alumni in providing the highest level of care to many that would otherwise not have received such lifesaving interventions and follow up care,” Dr. Sylvester said. “The work done by Dr. Finkelstein is an invaluable part of continued SGU alumni altruism and a genuine sense of ‘giving back’ to a people and school that has played a critical role in their professional development.”

In addition to Dr. Finkelstein, other SOM alumni and friends who have also pledged their time and expertise to the SGU PHuN program for the fall 2022 term include:

  • Cardiologists – Christine Rodriguez, Rajesh Vakani, and Pravin Patil, MD ’04
  • OB/GYN – Philip Lahrmann, MD ’81
  • Pediatric ophthalmologist – Dr. Michael Gray
  • Wound care/emergency medicine specialists – Drs. Jay Helman and Robert Helman, MD ‘97
  • Grenadian-born endocrinologist – Dwight Matthias, MD ’93
  • Associate alumni and ophthalmologist – Dr. Fred Lambrou

 

“As an experienced contributor to the cardiology team, Dr. Finkelstein adds his value as an interventionalist by seeking out both resources such as pacemakers, as well as aligning his hospital and other colleagues to provide service to Grenadians in need—even bringing them to his site when he is unable to serve them in Grenada,” stated Dr. Brendon La Grenade, vice provost for institutional advancement. “He is more than a resource that we can rely on, he is a true friend to Grenada and a treasured alumnus. We appreciate all that he’s done for us over the past 15 years.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

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SOM White Coat Ceremony Welcomes Class of 2026 Into Medical Profession

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

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

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

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

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

 

View SOM White Coat Ceremony on YouTube

 

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

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

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

 

View SOM White Coat Ceremony Instagram Reel

 

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

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

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

– Ray-Donna Peters

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From patient to advocate: SOM student recognized with prestigious award

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For some, pursuing a career in medicine is less of a choice and more of a calling. This is true for Nathaniel Kleytman, a Term 4 School of Medicine student at St. George’s University and a recent recipient of the Sanofi TORCH award.

“Nathaniel is a true advocate and embodies the characteristics of a TORCH award winner. As he continues the next chapter of his life in medical school, it is without a doubt that Nathaniel will carry on making a difference in the lives of rare disease patients,” said Kate Tighe, head of US Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy – Rare Diseases at Sanofi. “We are honored to call him a TORCH Award recipient and look forward to his many future achievements on behalf of the rare disease community and in the practice of medicine.”

The Sanofi TORCH award recognizes those who have contributed and brought awareness to a lysosomal storage disorder community or a Sanofi research and development area. Mr. Kleytman was nominated and recognized for his continuous patient advocacy and research on Gaucher disease, a cause that has personal significance. He was diagnosed with the rare disease as a teenager, after a nearly decade-long medical journey of pain, bone crises, rehabilitation, homeschooling, misdiagnoses, and avoidable surgeries.

The work Mr. Kleytman was recognized for includes connecting and speaking with patients with Gaucher disease and other lysosomal storage diseases across the US through educational articles, motivational videos, blog posts, and question-and-answer forums. His other projects include clinical research, abstract presentations, and published papers on Gaucher disease. The recognition comes with a $5,000 donation to a charity of Mr. Kleytman’s choice.

Mr. Kleytman said the award reinforces his drive to become a doctor and continue to be an advocate and researcher for the rare disease community.

“Winning this award is immensely heart-warming and gratifying as the recognition that comes with it confirms the value of my effort and once again underscores the need for the work that I, and those I have been honored to work with, do,” Mr. Kleytman shared. “I appreciate the opportunity to advocate for patients and positively impact their lives.”

In addition to his advocacy work, Mr. Kleytman’s clinical and basic science research at Yale University resulted in a published paper, Incremental biomarker and clinical outcomes after switch from enzyme therapy to eliglustat substrate reduction therapy in Gaucher disease, that shows novel conclusions about treatment regimens with the potential to reduce the disease burden for Gaucher Disease patients.

“Not only are the conclusions of this research immensely gratifying and important for the scientific community and patients struggling with Gaucher, but I walked away with a plethora of medical, practical, and professional knowledge to carry with me into clinicals,” said Mr. Kleytman.

“The work Nathaniel has done is truly deserving of this recognition,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of SGU’s School of Medicine. “We are so proud of him and know the lessons from this experience are emblematic of the calling of a true physician and hopefully is just the beginning of what he will accomplish throughout his career.”

Mr. Kleytman is expected to graduate from SGU in 2025. He hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Beyond that, Mr. Kleytman added, “I want to make direct and palpable changes, to be a part of the team that helps patients walk out of the hospital independently and with a smile.”

—Sarah Stoss and Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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St. George’s University School of Medicine Accreditor Grenada Medical and Dental Council Achieves WFME/NCFMEA Recognition

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The Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC)—the accrediting body of SGU’s School of Medicine (SOM)—was recently recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME), with recognition for the full 10 years through September 2032.

The recognition is important because the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) announced that, effective in 2024, physicians applying for ECFMG certification to participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) will be required to graduate from a medical school that has been appropriately accredited by an institution recognized by the WFME. This result ensures that SGUSOM students will continue to have access to the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), and apply for licensure to practice medicine in the United States, Grenada, and elsewhere.

“Since opening in 1977, we have proudly called Grenada our home, and could not be prouder of the future that we will build together,” said Dr. Charles Modica, chancellor of St. George’s University. “WFME recognition of the GMDC is evidence of the strength of our accreditation. With the continued guidance and high standards of the GMDC, students’ pathway to becoming highly skilled, well-trained physicians is as strong as ever.”

The National Commission on Federal Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA), a panel of experts organized by the US Department of Education, recently determined that the GMDC uses standards that are comparable to the standards used to accredit medical schools in the United States, further strengthening the pathway for aspiring physicians in Grenada and around the world to receive a world-class medical education at SGU.

The WFME reviews accrediting bodies based on international standards backed by the World Health Organization, to support the highest possible quality of global medical education. The WFME Recognition Programme is the only one accepted by ECFMG for the recognition of medical school accrediting agencies.

“At SGU, we’re equipping students with the skills they need to treat patients worldwide,” said Dr. Richard Liebowitz, vice chancellor of St. George’s University. “We’re proud of the difference our graduates make and are excited to support more students on their journey toward becoming knowledgeable, empathetic, and passionate physicians.”

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President Emeritus Dr. Richard Olds shares a potential solution to the US physician shortage

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In an article published by the American Medical Student Association in The New Physician, Dr. Richard Olds, president emeritus at St. George’s University, provides insight on the physician shortage in the US and shares how international medical graduates, like those from SGU, can help solve it.

In the article, Dr. Olds breaks the problem down by the numbers. He conveys that by 2034, the US population will increase by about 10 percent, with the number of older people rising by 40 percent. Those growing older include doctors, states Dr. Olds. Approximately two in five doctors will reach retirement age by that same year, complicating the shortage even more.

But all is not lost according to Dr. Olds. While US medical schools have low acceptance rates, some at just three percent, international medical schools provide a substantial number of qualified doctors to the US. The number of practicing international medical graduates increased by 18 percent since 2010 according to the American Medical Association. This number is expected to continue to swell and could be the key to solving the physician shortage.

 

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