Forty-six alumni from St. George’s University School of Medicine returned to Grenada this March, reconnecting with the campus where their medical journeys first began. The annual Art of Medicine continuing medical education (CME) conference, organized by the SOM Alumni Association (SOMAA), welcomed 70 attendees who came together to learn, reconnect, and give back.
View SOMAA CME Conference Facebook album
Held in association with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the three-day conference offered participants the opportunity to explore the latest developments across the medical field while earning up to 12 CME credits. In addition to the academic sessions, alumni reconnected with classmates and faculty and engaged with current students who will become members of SGU’s growing global alumni network of more than 25,000.
“The SOMAA CME is a unique opportunity to bring our alumni back to Grenada and reconnect them with the University and each other,” said Colin Dowe, associate vice president of Alumni Affairs. “It also creates a meaningful space for them to engage with current students, sharing experiences, offering guidance, and strengthening the sense of community that continues to define SGU long after graduation.”
Alumni connect with students
A key highlight of the conference was the alumni and student networking session, where 14 graduates met with 42 current students to share insights, experiences, and advice.
For many students, the opportunity to connect directly with practicing physicians offered valuable perspective.
“This event gave me a clearer picture of what lies ahead and how I can start preparing now,” said Victoria Roselli, a Term 4 SOM student. “Hearing alumni share their journeys, the challenges and the successes, made the path forward feel more tangible and achievable. It was also incredibly inspiring to connect with individuals who were once in our position and have successfully navigated the process.”
SVM joins CME program
In a notable first for the event, Dr. Tara Paterson, associate dean of Year Four Clinical Training at SGU’s School of Veterinary Medicine, was invited to present at the School of Medicine’s CME conference; this marked the first time SVM has been included in the program.
Her presentation, “Illnesses Transmitted from House Pets to Humans,” explored the critical intersection between human and animal health, emphasizing the importance of awareness and prevention in clinical practice.
“It was truly an honor to be invited to speak at this year’s conference and represent the School of Veterinary Medicine,” said Dr. Paterson. “This topic highlights the close connection between human and animal health, and the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, medical and veterinary, within a community to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease, enable early detection of zoonoses, and ultimately improve zoonotic disease outcomes for all members of the community.”
As SGU looks ahead, the University will celebrate its 50th Anniversary—making the next Art of Medicine CME, scheduled for January 17–19, especially meaningful. The event will coincide with the anniversary of the charter class beginning their journey at SGU in January 1977, promising an extra special gathering for alumni and the University community.
