SGU Celebrates International Women’s Day on Campus

Caylee Cormier , SVM

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8. It is a day where women around the world join hands in solidarity to advocate for key issues like gender equality. It is a time where people reflect on the incredible achievements women and pay homage to the those who stood courageously to break down barriers and pave the way for women today.  

St. George’s University recognizes the significant role that women play in our global society and as leaders in their professional field of choice. For International Women’s Day, SGU News interviewed several students on campus to learn what this day means to them.

 

 

Natalie Thomas, SOM

 

“International Women’s Day is important to me because it is a celebration of women from all walks of life, coming together in their shared unity and strength to uplift each other.” – Natalie Thomas, School of Medicine 

 

 

Joann Phillip

 

“International Women’s Day really reminds me of the struggles of women and the advancements and achievements we’ve made. And now I’m studying at SGU, something that my great grandmother would have never thought she would have been able to do.” – Joann Phillip, School of Arts and Sciences  

 

 

“International Women’s Day is important to me because it recognizes women all over the world, the roles that we play, and we get to celebrate how far we’ve come.” – Valcina Stoute, School of Arts and Sciences 

 

 

“To me, International Women’s Day is a celebration of women past, present, and future. My advice for any woman pursuing a career in any field is do not give up.” – Mardhalia Charles, School of Arts and Sciences  

 

Caylee Cormier , SVM

 

“I believe women have a natural nurturing capability that I would like to display in my career as a future veterinarian. It allows me to celebrate and represent the hard working and beautiful women who have come before me and paved the way.” – Caylee Cormier, School of Veterinary Medicine 

 

— Istra Bell 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Georgian Court campus

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SGU: Favorite class as a student?

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

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

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

SGU: What is your favorite animal to work with?

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

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

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

SGU: What should aspiring veterinarians know about SGU?

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

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

– Kaylee Coppola
New York, NY

 

 

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

– James Hammett
Spotsylvania, VA

 

 

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

– Megan Thomas
St. Petersburg, FL

 

 

  – Ray-Donna Peters

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

Student Family Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Student Family Network

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Student Family Network

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

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

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

Connect with the Student Family Network


Website
SGU Student Family Network 

Facebook
SGU Family Network (SFN) 

SFN of SGU 

SFN of SGU Exchange

Instagram
@sfn_sgu

WhatsApp
Join chat

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky

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Southeast Missouri State University Starts Partnership with St. George’s University for Pre-Med, Pre-Vet Students

Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) and St. George’s University (SGU), located in Grenada in the West Indies, entered an agreement this month to create a pipeline to medicine and veterinarian studies for students.

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

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

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

“We recruit a lot of high-achieving international students who aspire to become physicians,” said Kevin Timlin, executive director of International Education for Southeast. “However, admission to U.S. medical school is very challenging, even more so for international applicants. Our agreement with SGU guarantees all SEMO graduates from the pre-medical program who meet the requirements will gain admission into their program. This is a great opportunity for qualified pre-med students to know that a seat at an accredited medical school is guaranteed.”

“For the last few years, there are more SGU graduates practicing medicine in the U.S. than any other medical school,” Timlin said. “While SGU is in the beautiful Caribbean nation of Grenada, their students do their residencies and internships in the U.S., and the programs seamlessly lead to practicing medicine in the U.S.”

Students who are accepted into the 3+4 or 4+4 programs for medical sciences will receive a $10,000 scholarship to be evenly dispersed throughout the SGU program. Students can apply for the 4+4 or 3+4 program when they apply to Southeast or while enrolled as students.

Interested students can visit SEMO’s dedicated landing page for the partnership with SGU to learn more about program requirements and opportunities.

 

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5 top SGU School of Veterinary Medicine stories in 2023

5 Trending SGU School of Veterinary Medicine stories in 2023

From students and graduates matching in competitive veterinary residencies and internships to InVeST 2023 taking place in Grenada to profiles of successful dual-degree graduates, the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine community made its mark in 2023.

Find out which stories made our list of SVM top trending stories this year. And when you’re done, don’t forget to read our must read School of Medicine stories this year as well.

 

 

SVM commencement 2023

1. SVM commencement—A 20-year legacy

The School of Veterinary Medicine graduation ceremony this past June was full of emotional moments and joyful celebrations. Nearly 200 graduates walked across the stage to commemorate their years of hard work at the ceremony held at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY.

“Twenty years ago, SGU graduated its first class of veterinary medicine, and 30 students graduated young, enthusiastic, and ready to take on the world,” said Dr. Tara Patterson, associate professor, president of the School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association, and a charter class member of the SVM. “Today, SGU has produced over 2,000 Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.”

 

Read how: SVM celebrated its 20-year legacy at the Class of 2023’s commencement

 

SVM student Adriana Kalaska, DVM '23, matched in the 2023 VIRMP

2. Match 2023—Students secure competitive internship and residency positions

Thirty-seven SVM students and graduates secured competitive internship and residency positions within the 2023 Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).  

SGU-trained veterinarians achieved a match rate of 69.8 percent, the highest among Caribbean veterinary schools, according to data released by the VIRMP, a program sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC).

The veterinarians began their specialized training in June, in areas such as small animal internal medicine, emergency and critical care, surgery, cardiology, neurology, and diagnostic imaging within prestigious institutions in the US and Canada.

Read how: 37 SVM students secured competitive internship and residency positions through 2023 VIRMP Match

 

SGU SVM dual degree graduates Dr. Adria Rodriguez

3. Grads share their experiences in getting dual DVM and master’s degree

Whether it’s exploring the intersection of animal health and the human world, focusing on fundamental and applied research, or improving their business skills, SGU’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine dual master’s degree options offer aspiring veterinarians in-depth learning opportunities and expertise within their field of choice—and enhanced career prospects.

Read more about: Pursuing a dual degree in veterinary medicine: Grads share their experiences

 

InVeST 2023

4. InVeST 2023 comes to Grenada

Veterinary experts traveled to SGU’s True Blue campus in February for the 7th International Veterinary Simulation in Teaching (InVeST) conference. Conference goers—including veterinarians, InVeST members, representatives from educational institutions, researchers, students, and more than 50 SGUSVM faculty, staff, and alumni—spent three days attending interactive sessions and learning how the rapidly growing area of simulation is being incorporated into the teaching practices of veterinary medicine.

SGU’s very own Dr. Francesca Ivaldi, associate professor in the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, received the award for “Best Oral Presentation” for her presentation about the “Development of a Comprehensive Simulated Patient Model for the Physical Examination of the Dog.”

View photos from InVeST 2023: Conference goers travel to Grenada to learn latest trends in veterinary simulation

 

Andrew Kushnir, DVM '19, with rescued lion cubs from Ukraine-Russia war

5. Grad reflects on volunteering during Ukraine-Russia war

Andrew Kushnir, DVM ’19, spent most of 2022 volunteering his time to work with animal rescue groups and zoos to help vulnerable animals affected by the Russian-Ukraine war.

During his time in Ukraine and Poland, Dr. Kushnir saw horrific destruction and pain but also experienced joy and gratitude through the eyes of the animals he cared for, including three African lion cubs. Earlier this year, Dr. Kushnir reflected on his experience, sharing with SGU News what he learned about himself as a veterinarian and caretaker, and his plans to continue supporting animals—and their owners—most in need.

Read more about Dr. Kushnir’s experience: SVM grad reflects on Ukraine volunteer experience: “By helping people’s pets, we were helping the people”

 

 

-Laurie Chartorynsky

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“Pizza, Pets and Vets:” SVMAA fosters alumni-student connections with relaunched lunchtime workshops

Pizza Pets and Vets - photo of SVM graduate, student, SVMAA and Alumni Affairs administration

The Office of Alumni Affairs and SVMAA relaunched a networking initiative designed to give SVM students on campus a fresh perspective on what it is like to work in the field of animal care and to create connections between students and SVM graduates.

St. George’s University’s Office of Alumni Affairs and School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association (SVMAA) recently relaunched a networking initiative designed to give SVM students on campus a fresh perspective on what it is like to work in the field of animal care and to create connections between students and SVM graduates.  

Renamed “Pizza, Pets and Vets,” the lunchtime talk series was kicked off on September 13. More than two dozen aspiring veterinarians gathered at Charter Hall Lab to listen to Kimberly Ferizolli, DVM ’14, medical director and lead veterinarian at Central Florida Community Pet Clinic. She shared her experiences as a veterinarian and co-founder of the nonprofit organization that offers high-volume, high-quality spay and neuters, mainly to feline patients. Her comments were followed by an engaging Q&A period and, of course, a pizza lunch. 

“Coming back to the island and talking to the students was a way to pay it forward,” Dr. Ferizolli said. “It’s so great to give back to SGU because that’s where my dream started. I wanted to let students know that no matter how hard school is—it is possible to make your dreams come true and to continue on with your goals.”

 

Students can greatly benefit from the wealth of knowledge, experiences, and shared community amongst our more than 2,500 esteemed SVM alumni,” said Tara Paterson, DVM ’03, MSc, president of the SVMAA and associate professor of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery at SGU.We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring together our alumni community with our current students, creating connections and fostering a spirit of learning that lasts a lifetime.” 

 

Alumni who are planning to visit Grenada, please email aa-svm@sgu.edu or SVMAA President Dr. Tara Paterson if you would like to volunteer for a “Pizza, Pets and Vets” workshop. 

 

Alexandra Prince, a Term 4 student and current SVM president within SGU’s Student Government Association, attended Dr. Ferizolli’s talk, noting that the session was very informative. 

“It was genuinely really amazing,” Ms. Prince said. “I think we as students are looking for those networking opportunities.”  

Ms. Prince is interested in veterinary medicine that specializes in exotic and aquatic animals, as well as surgery and feline medicine. “I want to meet as many veterinarians who specialize in these areas as possible to get a good idea of what each field actually looks like in practice,” she said.  

Student networking and mentorship opportunities

“Pizza, Pets and Vets” is just one of the ways that the Office of Alumni Affairs and SVMAA plan to increase engagement between SVM students and alumni.  

In addition, Ms. Prince has been named the SVM student-alumni representative. Having Ms. Prince in this position will further encourage connections and networking among the two groups as she shares how alumni can help make students’ SGU experience more valuable, SVMAA said. Ms. Prince said she hopes to connect students with alumni based on their area of veterinary interest or geographic location as part of her role. 

 

“It was genuinely really amazing. I think we as students are looking for those networking opportunities.”

 

Students on campus will also have opportunity to connect with SVM alumni attending the upcoming VetBolus conference, taking place in Grenada November 2 to 4. During the “Alumni Student Night,” students will be able to speak with several SVM graduates in a speed-dating type of environment.  

“The immediate goal of Alumni Affairs is to improve alumni engagement across all our support areas, which include connections with prospective students, current students (future alumni), and other alumni,” said Dr. Brendon La Grenade, SGU’s vice provost for Institutional Advancement. “This will be done through selective programming, driven by alumni interest, like ‘Pizza, Pets and Vets.’ We encourage all SVM alumni to follow your newsletter and SGU social media, stay in touch with SVMAA current events, and share your ideas with us.”   

SVM alumni interested in sharing their professional experiences during a “Pizza, Pets and Vets” lunchtime talk (in person or virtually) should email aa-svm@sgu.edu or contact SVMAA President Dr. Tara Paterson.  

 

— Tonya Duncan and Laurie Chartorynsky

  

 

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St. George’s University Announces New Partnership with Lasell University

Lasell University

St. George’s University (SGU) has announced three new admissions partnerships with Lasell University offering qualified Lasell students fast-track status and expedited entry into the St. George’s University Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

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

The partnership establishes two admissions pathways to the School of Medicine: a “4+4” program and a Master of Science in Medical Science, or MSMS, pathway. The new “4+4” program is also available to qualified students who wish to attend the School of Veterinary Medicine. Students may apply for the special admissions pathways when applying to or while enrolled at Lasell.

Under the “4+4” program, qualified students who have completed the four-year pre-medical or pre-veterinary curriculum at Lasell will be admitted to the four-year MD or DVM programs at SGU.

Under the MSMS pathway, students who earn their Master of Science in Medical Science at Lasell and complete all prerequisite coursework will enroll in their first year of the MD program at SGU.

Under the “4+4” and the MSMS pathway, students admitted to the School of Medicine may spend their first two years of study in Grenada or their first year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and their second year in Grenada. They spend their final two years in clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Students entering the School of Veterinary Medicine through the “4+4” program complete three years of study in Grenada followed by a year of clinical studies at schools affiliated with SGU in the United States and internationally.

In addition to completing prerequisite coursework, Lasell students seeking to participate in these expedited admissions pathways must maintain a strong undergraduate GPA and score competitively on relevant entrance exams, including the MCAT for the School of Medicine. Pre-veterinary students should accumulate at least 500 hours of animal experience with a veterinarian or animal-care professional.

“Lasell University is committed to providing our students experiential and collaborative learning opportunities to inspire a life of social responsibility, intellectual curiosity, and professional growth,” said Eric Turner, president of Lasell University. “We are thrilled that this partnership with St. George’s upholds that mission by empowering our students to pursue the next stage in their academic and professional journey.”

 

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SVM White Coat Ceremony: What does it feel like to be coated?

SVM Fall 2023 White Coat Ceremony - group picture

A mixture of nervousness and excitement resonated on campus as the newest class of veterinary medical students received their white coats. The Term 1 veterinary medical students were coated during the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine White Coat Ceremony, held on September 2 at Patrick F. Adams Hall.

 

 

White Coat Ceremonies are a storied tradition within veterinary medical school. The ceremony signifies students’ official beginning on their professional journeys to becoming veterinarians. During the event, a white coat is placed on each student’s shoulders—sometimes by family members or mentors who have become veterinarians before them. Students then affirm an oath of commitment by agreeing to uphold the principles of veterinary medical ethics and the highest professional standards.

Wondering what it’s like to be coated? Hear from four aspiring veterinarians on what it felt like to experience the milestone event.

 

Benjamin Self, SVM student, during WCC

 

“It feels surreal. Putting on the white coat just made things a little bit more of a reality for me. And having my mentor coat me was one of the best things that I could have ever wished for. Getting the white coat signifies for me that I’ve definitely been adopted into the profession and that I’ve achieved goal one in this whole marathon of becoming a veterinarian.”

– Benjamin Self
Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

 

Tatyana Thompson, SVM student, at White Coat Ceremony

 

“I come from a family of doctors, lawyers, bankers, and teachers. So, putting on my white coat is very symbolic because it’s the start of me becoming the first veterinarian in my family. I felt inspired by the White Coat Ceremony. It made me feel like this is actually happening and that this is where I’m meant to be.”

– Tatyana Thompson
Nassau, Bahamas

 

Nicholas Aaron, SVM student, at White Coat Ceremony

 

 

“The White Coat Ceremony was everything I thought it would be and more. I’m a bit emotional right now. When I put on the white coat, I felt one step closer to fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. My grandfather was also a great inspiration to me and I’m wearing his tiepin to honor him today. It’s a reminder that I wouldn’t be here without him.”

– Nicholas Aaron
Trinidad and Tobago

 

 

Taylor Edwinson, veterinary student, at SVM White Coat Ceremony

 

“One of the reasons I chose to come to SGU was because of my mentor, Felicia Gutierrez, DVM ’20. I’ve known her since I was 16—when I was just a baby vet tech, and she was my head vet tech. I felt honored to have her coat me. I’ve heard so many great things about the SVM program from Felicia and other alumni. And after putting on my white coat, I feel it’s the start of what I’ve been working so hard for, and it gives me the motivation to continue on.”

– Taylor Edwinson
El Paso, Texas

 

 

 

   – Ray-Donna Peters

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