Outstanding Achievements Celebrated During SVM Awards Ceremony

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

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

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

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

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

SGU Island Veterinary Scholars Program (Boehringer Ingelheim)  

Allison Kearney, Adrian Jones 

Outstanding Colleague Awards 

Term 1: Miller Young 

Term 2: Giana Gigantino 

Term 3: Molly Ginn 

Term 4: Leandra Margolies 

Term 5: Sheriden Nicholes 

Term 6: Brittney Kilgore, Adriana Kalaska, Marc Bremmer 

Dean Olson’s Award for Academic Excellence 

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

Adrienne Lotton Memorial Award 

Brian Greene 

Zoetis Awards

Zoetis Award for Research Excellence: Daniel Fitzpatrick  

Zoetis Revolution Awards of Excellence 

Small Animal Internal Medicine: Gemma Carter 

Small Animal Surgery: Adriana Kalaska 

Equine Medicine and Surgery: Ashley Law 

Food Animal Medicine and Surgery: Tiara Key 

Scholarship of Service Award: Yvonne White 

Student Research Award: Madison Kucinick 

SVM Alumni Scholarship award: Maggie Macpherson 

Giant Paws Giant Hearts Foundation “Hercules” Award  

Matthew Pickens 

PAWS Recognition for Term 6 Facilitators 

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

Veterinary Public Health Committee 

One Health One Medicine Community Leader Award: Ashley Wyman 

Student Organization Awards

The Feral Cat Project  

Most Valuable Trapper: Elizabeth Peck 

Most Valuable Faculty/Staff: Imika Pascal 

SGUSVM Large Animal Society 

Most Valuable LAS Member Award: Bianca Mower 

SVM Wellness Committee 

Wellness MVP Award: Dr. Adria Rodriguez 

AAARF: Angels in Armor Animal Rescue Fund 

Friends of AAARF Awards: Sarah Mikhail, Taryn Williamson  

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

Internal Medicine MVP Award: Bethany Sakowski 

SVECCS:  Student Chapter of the Emergency and Critical Care Society 

Outstanding Member Award: Sisina Macchiarelli 

Outstanding Clinician Award: Dr. Flavia Restitutti 

SNP: Spay Neuter Pothound  

Pothound Student Hero Award: Lauren Abrams 

Pothound Faculty/Staff Hero Award: Quacy Matthew 

SCACVP: Student Chapter of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists  

The MVP (Most Valuable Pathologist) Award: Taryn Paquet 

EWS: Exotics and Wildlife Society 

Most Valuable Primate Award: Brianna Jacobs 

VBMA: Veterinary Business Management Association 

Impact Award: Gemma Carter 

The Pinckney Parasitology Award 

Letty Bonilla 

DES Recognition Awards 

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

Alpha Delta Chapter of the Society of Phi Zeta 

Fall 2021 Inductees 

Term 5 Inductees

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

 Term 6 Inductees

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

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

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

Honorary faculty: Ms. Elizabeth Peach 

SGU SVM Outstanding Staff Awards 

Technical staff: Keshia John  

Administrative staff: Cindy Edwards  

Hill’s Golden Apple Teaching Award 

Dr. Stacey Byers 

 

 

 

– Ray-Donna Peters 

 

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In Memoriam: Dr. Ravindra Sharma

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Brett Mauser

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5 Stories that Chronicled the School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021

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

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

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

     

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

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

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

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New direct admission partnership with Fisher College

St. George’s University has announced a new direct admission partnership with Fisher College in Boston. The partnership establishes three pipelines for qualified Fisher College graduates to gain immediate entry to SGU’s Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine with a guaranteed scholarship.

“We are delighted to partner with Fisher College to help its most talented students pursue their dreams of becoming doctors,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds, president of St. George’s University.

Students who wish to pursue a career in medicine or veterinary medicine can take advantage of the “4+4” program, which will allow them to advance to four-year MD or DVM programs at SGU after completing all prerequisites and their bachelor’s degree in biology at Fisher. The program will also grant them a $10,000 scholarship.

Under the “3+4 program,” pre-med students who demonstrate academic excellence will have the option to advance to SGU’s MD program at the end of their third year at Fisher, also with a $10,000 scholarship.

A “2+5” program will allow international students pursuing an associate’s degree in health sciences at Fisher to proceed to SGU’s five-year MD program with a $5,000 scholarship upon graduation.

Students who wish to pursue the direct admissions programs at St. George’s must express interest upon applying to Fisher College. SGU will waive application fees for accepted students and grant priority status for interviews and decisions.

In order to proceed to the St. George’s University School of Medicine, students must maintain a 3.4 grade point average at Fisher and obtain a competitive score on the MCAT. A 3.2 grade point average and competitive score on the GRE are required for entry into the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine.

“We are excited to offer our students a seamless pathway to a career in medicine,” said Steve Rich, president of Fisher College. “Our direct admission partnership with St. George’s University will ease some of the stress that students, particularly those from abroad, feel about applying to medical school.”

SVMAA raffle spurs vet grad’s long-overdue return to campus

What does it feel like to return to Grenada for the first time in 10 years? Just ask Preston Smith, DVM ’12, who recently returned to the island courtesy of the School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association

As winner of the SVMAA’s 20th anniversary raffle, which took place in 2019, Dr. Smith was awarded a one-week stay at the University Club as well as $1,500 USD toward flights. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it wasn’t until October of this year that Dr. Smith and his wife were able to travel to Grenada.

“I know that I have wanted to come back for some time,” said Dr. Smith, an associate veterinarian and assistant medical director at Veterinary Surgical and Referral Hospital in Cary, NC. “I just didn’t know how much I had missed Grenada until I walked off the plane at Maurice Bishop Airport. My wife laughed at me a fair bit for my excitement to be walking around the island again. It gets into your soul and changes you for the better for the rest of your life.”

Among the activities the couple took part in while visiting were sightseeing and scuba diving (the graduate was certified as a student), visiting campus (and being amazed at the transformation, he said), and connecting with several former professors, including Drs. CV Rao and Tara Paterson.

Two years ago, the SVMAA ran the contest to commemorate the school’s 20th anniversary. Raffle tickets were sold to more than 160 SVM alumni. The drawing took place that summer at an SVMAA alumni reception in conjunction with the American Veterinary Medical Association’s annual convention. Since then, proceeds from the raffle have funded a scholarship award, which the SVMAA gives to a deserving sixth-term vet student twice each year.

SGU News caught up with Dr. Smith while he was on island.

St. George’s University: What have you missed the most since leaving Grenada?

Dr. Smith: As strange as it sounds, I just wanted to be back. I really love it in Grenada. I’ve missed the people and culture. There is just something about it here that makes it feel like home. I’ve missed waking up to the sounds of the waves and the smell of the ocean. I’ve missed chatting with all the friendly people. I’ve missed the food. There is really nothing that I haven’t missed.

I’ve wanted to take a trip for some time, but between two internships, a residency, and two kids, there wasn’t the ability to do so. I have mentioned diving so often that my wife got her scuba certification prior to coming. We spent several mornings diving. We went on several hikes and trips to the waterfalls. I was disappointed that we couldn’t make it to Fish Friday in Gouyave.

SGU: How did it feel to connect with former professors?

Dr. Smith: There is something about getting to see the people from 10 years ago that, while things were different, they were still very much familiar. Knowing that a lot of the people who made it what it was for me while I was in school are still there, made me miss Grenada just that much more.

SGU: How was your SGU experience when you were a student?

Dr. Smith: My overall experience at SGU was amazing. I went into my clinical year at Louisiana State University as prepared, if not more so, than the students from that school. I think it is because we had so many more technical and hands-on labs.

I loved that the vet school as a whole felt like family. Everyone was willing to help anyone who needed it, professors included. That sense of family was very necessary being so far away from home. In addition, Grenada itself is a beautiful country, and it was awesome getting to spend so much time there and take in the culture and activities the island has to provide. There was always something going on, which really helped to mitigate the stress from school. I loved that time of my life.

SGU:  You are currently an assistant medical director for the clinic you work at, but you actually specialized in anesthesia. What is it about the specialty that appeals to you?

Dr. Smith: I was lucky enough to have a great professor—Dr. Jill Price—for anesthesia while I was at SGU. In addition, the anesthesia department at LSU was very friendly and easy-going. They made learning a lot of fun. Now, there is something I really enjoy about educating and trying to elevate the analgesia practices in the clinics around me.

SGU: Advice for current or incoming SVM students?

Dr. Smith: My advice for students:

  • Make friends with everyone from professors to the local vendors. There is so much information to be found from everyone, and they are friendships and bonds that can help you for the rest of your life.
  • Study hard. Even the most basic information will help in the long run.
  • Take the time to relax. There are not many people that get to spend three years on an island in the Caribbean.
  • Take in the culture. Go to Fish Friday, go on a catamaran, and try the different food and drinks. It will make the experience even more memorable and open your eyes to new things you may have never guessed you would enjoy.
  • But most of all, cherish your time. While it seems like the hardest and most stressful time of your life—and it certainly could be at the time—you may find that it is also the best.

 

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

 

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·       Vet cardiologist inspired to strengthen animal and human bond

·       New SVM associate dean aims to inspire future veterinary researchers

·       SVM welcomes prestigious university in Netherlands to expansive clinical network

Research Day returns to SGU

After a two-year hiatus since a record-breaking turnout in 2019, the True Blue campus was once again buzzing with excitement as faculty, students, and local and regional visitors arrived at Open and Upper Modica Hall for the 19th SGU Research Day and Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day on October 23.

For the first time, the event featured both in-person and virtual presentations. A faculty panel made up of judges from SGU and outside of the University reviewed the presentations and chose winners for each category based on originality, scientific merit, and level of involvement. All winners (complete list below) was presented with a plaque at an awards ceremony held on November 9 at Open Modica Hall.

“This year’s Research Day/Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day was unique in its hybrid delivery, which facilitated participation by faculty and students around the world,” said Dr. Calum Macpherson, director of research at St. George’s University. “Many thanks to all who presented, attended, or assisted with this year’s Research Day and made the event such a success.”

All told, 135 individuals attended Research Day on campus while 67 registered online. Faculty and students from all four schools at SGU contributed 55 oral presentations—21 of which were virtual—and 51 poster presentations, with 25 presenting online.

Highlights included Grenada’s chief medical officer, Shawn Charles, MD ’17, MIB ’07, MBA ’08, who was accompanied by the Ministry of Health’s senior medical officer, Myanna Charles, MD ’16, MPH ’21, in delivering the first of over a dozen presentations on the COVID-19 experience in Grenada. Other COVID-related topics included SGU’s contribution to screening and surveillance, vaccination and vaccine administration in Grenada, as well as reasons for vaccine hesitancy.

Best Faculty Oral Presentation

  1. Anne Marie Corrigan – SVM
  2. Shaniza Haniff – SOM

Best Student Oral Presentation

  1. Madison Kucinick – SVM
  2. Daniel Francis – SAS
  3. Caitlyn Hatcher – SOM

Best Faculty Poster Presentation

  1. Firdous Khan – SVM
  2. Karla Farmer-Diaz – SOM

Best Student Poster Presentation

  1. Ireny Barsoum – SVM
  2. Melissa Joseph – SOM

Best Psychological Services Center Presentation: Dr. Cecilia Rougier

Best Department of Educational Services Presentation: Oluwatosin Omobolanle Arubuolawe

Best WINDREF Presentation: Tania Khan

– Ray-Donna Peters

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Vet Cardiologist Inspired to Strengthen Animal and Human Bond

During a typical day at the office, Amanda LaRose, DVM ’15, a cardiology resident at The Animal Medical Center in New York City, sees an array of different animals. While she mainly treats dogs and cats, technology within the field of vet cardiology has allowed Dr. LaRose to diagnose and care for other small animals, including ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, and even a tegu, that may have heart conditions.

“Growing up as a horseback rider helped me realize how valuable the human animal bond is to a person’s health and mental stability,” Dr. LaRose said. “I wanted to become a vet to enhance that bond through general wellness and client education.”

Dr. LaRose shared what it means to be a vet cardiologist, why she chose the specialty, and her advice to School of Veterinary Medicine students.

SGU: Why did you choose to specialize in cardiology?

Dr. LaRose: It is the one specialty where you can be a jack of all trades. I not only get to diagnose a disease through echocardiograms but I can manage it with medications or potentially fix it with minimally invasive surgery (if it’s a congenital lesion). I also enjoy the long-term follow-up care that’s required with many patients and being able to provide adequate education for their owners. Finally, through our services we’re able to provide quality time for our terminally ill patients. I can’t begin to explain the feeling of being able to give an owner more time with their pet and provide those last days or weeks to come to terms with their pet’s condition.

I also became a specialist to continue to educate owners, referring veterinarians, post-grads, and students. I don’t think there’s anything more important than understanding and setting expectations when it comes to certain diseases and being able to provide support for the referral veterinary community and future veterinarians.

 

“As human medicine advances, so does vet med. I’m excited about the prospects of minimally invasive medical devices and investigative new drugs that could potentially help our patients, especially those where treatments are quite limited.”

 

SGU: As a vet cardiology resident, how long is the program and what are you learning?

Dr. LaRose: I started my third year in July and will complete the residency July 2022. As part of the residency program and becoming a specialist, we are required to be well versed in the basic anatomy, physiology, and sciences of the cardiovascular system and how they can be used to diagnose and manage cardiomyopathy in domestic animals.

Some of the procedures and activities we do include:

  • Diagnosis and management of various acquired cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, and congenital diseases of the heart
  • Diagnosis often occurs through various imaging modalities, the most common of which is echocardiography, but we also become more proficient in reading chest x-rays, CT scans, and angiography studies.
  • A requirement of the program is also to learn minimally invasive management and treatment of congenital diseases such as transvenous closure of patent ductus arteriosus and balloon valvuloplasty for the treatment of pulmonic stenosis.

SGU: What gets you up in the morning when it comes to your job?

Dr. LaRose: The unknown of the day. What congenital case will we see? What animal we save today? What cool cardiomyopathy might we come across? What will today’s teaching point be?

SGU: What new technology or procedures are there that excites you when it comes to the specialty?

Dr. LaRose: As human medicine advances, so does vet med. I’m excited about the prospects of minimally invasive medical devices and investigative new drugs that could potentially help our patients, especially those where treatments are quite limited, as in our feline patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

SGU: Why did you choose SGU?

Dr. LaRose: SGU provided an opportunity for me to gain an education in veterinary medicine and offered a unique life experience. The thought of moving to another country was daunting; however, all of the students and graduates that I had spoken with were happy with their experience and education.

SGU: What was the best part of your SGU experience?

Dr. LaRose: The people and the island by far. As a student, I truly took advantage of what SGU and the island had to offer. This included participating in things like world vets, wet labs, school clubs, and class fundraisers (even if I was just attending). I also really tried to enjoy the island by taking advantage of the tourism and local events. I loved that after a rough test or midterms, we could go to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world to unwind. I was even fortunate enough to spend one Easter weekend sailing the Tobago Cays. It was an incredible experience that I would highly recommend to every student. There was always something new to experience.

SGU: If you had to give SVM students one piece of advice, what would it be?

Dr. LaRose: Take advantage of everything the island and the school have to offer. Get close with your classmates and enjoy your time as a student. The veterinary community is small—make friends, meet people, and keep a positive attitude. These attributes will help you go far!

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

 

 

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9 Mental Health Tips for Students to Focus on Now

The COVID pandemic has had a significant impact on many people’s mental health. Dr. Adria Rodriguez, associate professor in the School of Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Medicine and Surgery and Professional Development, shared helpful ways for students to manage stress and anxiety as a result of the pandemic.

Adria Rodriguez, associate professor, School of Veterinary Medicine

Through the Wellness Domain of SVM’s Professional Development Curriculum, students learn beneficial steps they can take in managing this constant change, stress, and anxiety. These steps include:

  • Remember your ultimate goal and why you are at SGU. Visualize where you will be at the end of this tremendous personal and professional growth journey.
  • Embrace a growth mindset. Learn from opportunities and/or challenges you may encounter along this journey.
  • Be kind to yourself by practicing self-compassion. And be sure to be kind to others who may be struggling inwardly.
  • Practice mindfulness in everything that you do, which will contribute to your growth in self-awareness self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management.
  • Replace the words “I should do…” with “I choose to do…”
  • Practice gratitude. This will result in the attraction of more opportunities in life for which you can be grateful.
  • Spend time with loved ones (in-person or virtually).
  • Make time for hobbies and activities which replenish your soul.
  • Ask for help if necessary.

What resources are available for SVM students to seek additional help?

  • Counseling services are available via the Psychological Services Center. Telehealth counseling is also available for SVM students via the BCS Group.
  • You can also reach out to your faculty advisor, professional development faculty mentor, course directors, or any faculty/staff with whom you feel comfortable talking to as well as the Dean of Students office.
  • The SVM Wellness Committee provides different activities to enhance the students’ physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
  • There are many student organizations that enhance students’ intellectual well-being.
  • There are also multiple smartphone apps that can help with meditation, breathing, mood monitoring, and other stress-reduction techniques such as PSC’s WellTrack.

 

– Laurie Chartorynsky

New SVM Associate Dean Inspires Future Veterinary Researchers

Having grown up in and around New York City, Ray Kaplan was more familiar with city and suburban life than the world he one day found in farm country. In high school, he sought more wide open spaces by spending summers working on dairy farms, a setting in which he felt right at home.

“The farm atmosphere was new to me, but I loved the physical and outdoor nature of the work,” said Dr. Kaplan, a new associate dean of graduate studies at St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine. “I also developed an appreciation of dairy cows and found them to be lovely animals to work with.”

He added to his experience by studying dairy science as an undergrad at Virginia Tech, diving deep into parasitology research at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, and following that up with a PhD in veterinary parasitology from the University of Florida.

Throughout his career as a clinician, Dr. Kaplan emphasized research, including the US Army Veterinary Corps, where he worked at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in a malaria drug discovery program. Several years later, he took an assistant professor position at the University of Georgia Veterinary School, where he would spend the next 23 years developing an internationally recognized parasitology research program.

Excited to now start a new chapter at SGU, Dr. Kaplan shares how he plans to use his knowledge and expertise in research to help improve the SGU School of Veterinary Medicine program, mentor students, and help faculty succeed in their research endeavors.

St. George’s University: What led you to join SGU, and what are you looking forward to the most as an official faculty member?

Dr. Ray Kaplan: I am thrilled to be a part of the SGU family. Although I just started as professor of parasitology and associate dean for graduate studies for SVM in August, I have been coming to SGU as a visiting professor for the past 20 years, so I knew that I loved Grenada, and the community spirit of SGU. I also joined because I had reached a point in my career where I wanted to do something a little different. Though I did a considerable amount of teaching in my earlier years at UGA, over time my position evolved into being predominantly research focused, and I found that I missed the interaction with veterinary students.

At SGU, I am looking forward to returning to doing more teaching and engaging with students, including establishing a vet student parasitology club, as well as conducting some new areas of research, such as parasites of aquatic animals. And in my role as associate dean of graduate studies, I look forward to building and improving the SVM graduate program.

 

“I firmly believe that learning the scientific process by participating in research builds critical thinking skills, which are essential to practicing evidence-based medicine, and can be applied in so many aspects of life.”

 

SGU: What do you consider to be some of the benefits to students participating in research?

RK: The field of veterinary medicine is dynamic and ever changing, and the amount of information is increasing too fast for anyone to keep up with everything. However, experience in research gives students a better foundation to critically evaluate what they read and hear, and thus provides a step up in maintaining the highest standards of practice. I firmly believe that learning the scientific process by participating in research builds critical thinking skills, which are essential to practicing evidence-based medicine, and can be applied in so many aspects of life.

SGU: Why is research so important, especially now with COVID-19?

RK: Understanding research and science in general is essential to controlling COVID-19, as well as many other of society’s current concerns. Veterinary researchers play a large and critical role in the animal-based research that provides benefits to both animal and human health. These researchers and healthcare professionals played an important role in responding to this pandemic, and they will continue to play an important role in helping to prevent the next one. Hence, the world needs more veterinary researchers.

SGU: What future research topics and projects would you like to see covered at SGU?

RK: As a large university in the Caribbean, SGU is uniquely positioned to address research on topics relevant to this region, such as aquatic animal medicine and conservation, and sustainable control of parasites in tropical environments. For instance, SGU is the perfect place for developing a major center for aquatic animal health, and the achievements of such an institute could provide valuable international recognition for the school.

SGU: How would you describe the student journey and what will help make students successful here at SGU?

RK: Students of veterinary medicine are a fairly unique group in their level of passion and dedication to their pursuit. This intense pursuit to become veterinarians involves a lot of emotional and economic investment. Veterinary students tend to be high-achieving idealists who have chosen the profession because they want to help animals.

Over the years of coming to SGU as a visiting professor, I have been impressed with the academic skills and enthusiasm of SGU students. I think building on those core strengths through increasing opportunities for pre-professional groups and professor-student interactions will aid in their success. I also believe that the geographic location of Grenada and being away from their homes creates a stronger student community, which creates an environment where students help other students be successful.

— Ray-Donna Peters

 

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India consulate recognizes SGU faculty members for excellence in medicine and medical education

In honor of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, the Office of the Honorary Consul of India to Grenada honored two longtime St. George’s University faculty members—Drs. Vishnu Rao and Narasimhan Prabhakar—for their commitment to medicine and medical education.

Each was feted at a ceremony at the Botanical Gardens in Tanteen, St. George’s, on August 15. Awardees received the accolades from the Honorary Consul of India to Grenada Shadel Nyack Compton, as well as the Honorable Minister Oliver Joseph.

“An honor like this would have been unimaginable to me as a little boy growing up in India,” said Dr. Rao, who recently was appointed dean of university alumni affairs. “To end up in a beautiful country such as Grenada and have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many students and so many Grenadians is just wonderful. All the while, I have made lifelong friendships with Grenadian people and families, who are so kind and intelligent, and I thoroughly enjoy the everyday living and beauty here on the island.”

Dr. Rao has taught and mentored SGU students for more than 40 years, having joined as an assistant professor in the School of Medicine in January 1977. He is the embodiment of SGU’s commitment to student support, serving as assistant dean of students from 1977 to 1997 before assuming the role of dean of students from 1997 to April 2021. With his help, more than 300 Grenadians have earned their MDs from SGU, and thousands more have graduated from the Schools of Veterinary Medicine, Arts and Sciences, and Graduate Studies.

Dr. Rao and colleagues at the 2015 Orphans and Elderly Gala

“You cannot measure the positive impact that Dr. Rao has had on this university, our students, and people all around the world who have indirectly benefited from the wisdom, values, and commitment to educational excellence,” said Dr. Charles Modica, chancellor of St. George’s University. “SGU would not be where it is today without Dr. Rao, and I’m forever grateful for all he’s done for the island of Grenada and for our students.”

Additionally, Dr. Rao was instrumental in establishing the Orphans and Elderly Fund, which has raised more than $1.8 million to support caregiver programs throughout Grenada since 1991. He also helped build the Grenada Association of Retired Persons (GARP).

As dean of university alumni affairs, Dr. Rao is supporting the Alumni Association by staying connected with SGU’s more than 24,000 graduates. “I have greatly enjoyed speaking with our alumni, finding out how they’re doing, how they can stay involved, and how they can promote the spirit of SGU,” he said.

 

“To end up in a beautiful country such as Grenada and have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many students and so many Grenadians is just wonderful.”

 

The Consul also recognized Dr. Narasimhan Prabhakar, a psychiatrist who has been affiliated with SGU for more than 30 years, including presently as a professor in the clinical teaching unit at Grenada General Hospital and in a clinic within SGU’s Health Services department. He also teaches SGU’s Term 5 students as a psychiatrist at Mount Gay Psychiatric Hospital, and meets with patients the Richmond Home for the Elderly. Dr. Prabhakar was honored for his contributions to mental health, psychiatry, and medicine in Grenada and sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

“I am very humbled by this honor bestowed upon me by the Consul of India,” Dr. Prabhakar said. “I am also indebted to the administration of SGU, the Ministry of Health, and the Government of Grenada for making the person I am today. Teaching communication skills and psychiatric interviewing skills to young and enthusiastic students gives me great pleasure, as does keeping in touch with my patients in the community, which I have been involved in for 40 years. I am proud to be an Indian and an adopted Grenadian.”

Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the School of Medicine, praised Dr. Prabhakar’s contributions to SGU. “We are thankful for the invaluable contributions that Dr. Prabhakar has made to the University and our student body,” he said. “He has played a crucial role in their growth and well-being, both on campus and in the field, and has long been a pillar of psychiatric care for the wider Grenadian community.”

– Brett Mauser

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