For many students at St. George’s University, the recent School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony was more than a rite of passage—it was a deeply personal milestone shared with the people who helped shape their journeys.
On February 28, SGU officially welcomed its newest class of aspiring physicians at Patrick F. Adams Hall in Grenada. Term 1 SOM students on campus joined their fellow classmates from the St. George’s University of Grenada School of Medicine/Northumbria University Four- and Five-Year Program, who had officially begun their medical journey two weeks earlier at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom.
As students donned their white coats symbolizing their formal entry into the medical profession, parents, lifelong physicians, and faculty mentors stood proudly beside them. One theme remained clear: behind every future physician stands a network of family, mentors, and supporters who helped make the moment possible.
From multi-generational graduates to first-generation physicians, each story highlighted the unique path that brought students to this defining moment.
View SOM White Coat Ceremony Instagram Reel
A legacy renewed
Among those celebrating that day was Corinne Batsides of Long Valley, NJ, for whom the ceremony was more than a milestone—it was a homecoming. Both of her parents graduated from SGU in 1997, where they met as medical students.
Her father, Dr. George Batsides, now a cardiothoracic surgeon, said watching his daughter step into medicine was unforgettable.
“I couldn’t be prouder,” he said. “My wife and I met here in the ’90s. To see our daughter standing here now—it’s incredible.”
Corinne’s journey to medicine was anything but traditional. After college, she became a police officer, initially considering law school or a federal career. But it was the medical calls that captured her attention.
“I always found myself wanting to learn more,” she said. “So, I left law enforcement and went back to complete my pre-med requirements.”
The path was demanding. “Applying to medical school and trying to get in was stressful,” she admitted. “But putting on the white coat makes it feel worth it. I can finally see the forest through the trees.”
Reflecting on his own student experience, Dr. Batsides noted how much the University has grown.
“When we were here, there were only a handful of buildings and one lecture hall,” he recalled with a laugh. “Now there are more than 60 buildings. The campus is incredible. The facilities and the faculty SGU has assembled are amazing.”
He grew emotional during remarks from SGU’s founding chancellor, Dr. Charles Modica noting the far-reaching impact of the University. “He should know he’s impacted so many lives—not just the physicians, but the patients we’ve helped over the years.”
A dream shaped at home
For Derrick Bernard of Kingston, Jamaica, the White Coat Ceremony was the fulfillment of a dream years in the making.
“It’s so surreal,” Derrick said. “I’ve literally had dreams about this moment for a very long time. I’m so happy to finally have it come true.”
He was coated by his mother, Dr. Derria Cornwall-Bernard, a physician whose dedication inspired his own career choice.
“I’ve always tried to mirror what she does,” Derrick said. “It’s amazing that I’m almost there.”
Although medicine wasn’t always part of his plan, watching his mother’s work ethic ultimately shaped his decision.
“I was inspired by how hard she worked—and it worked out for her. I want to have those same results.”
Dr. Cornwall-Bernard emphasized that her pride goes beyond profession. “I just wanted him to be self-sufficient and successful in whatever career he chose,” she said. “He chose medicine, and I’m happy. I’m proud.”
Both spoke highly of their early impressions of Grenada and SGU.
“It’s beautiful,” Derrick said. “The faculty and staff are so supportive. It’s a great learning environment.”
Having trained elsewhere, Dr. Cornwall-Bernard added that she has been impressed with SGU’s Four-Year MD Program. “The curriculum will produce a solid doctor with a strong foundation who can function anywhere.”
The power of mentorship
The guidance of a trusted mentor helped pave the way to this milestone for Paulette Mitchell, MPH ’25, BSc ’21. A Grenadian native and graduate of SGU’s School of Arts and Sciences and School of Graduate Studies, she now continues her journey in the School of Medicine, on track to become the first doctor in her family.
“I’m excited. I’m motivated. I feel ready for the journey ahead,” she said. “I have relatives who are nurses, but no doctors,” she shared. “So, I’m happy to be the first.”
Paulette, who previously worked as a lab technician in the Department of Anatomical Sciences, was coated by Dr. Kazzara Raeburn, associate dean for curriculum in the Basic Sciences program and co-chair of the department.
“I’ve watched Paulette grow within our department,” Dr. Raeburn said. “I know how much she loves medicine, and I know she’ll be an excellent physician.”
Paulette noted that SGU support systems have been instrumental in her growth.
“I’m very familiar with SGU at this point,” she said with a smile. “The support is really great. I plan to take full advantage of all the resources available.”
Inspired from childhood
For Symiah Grey from Calivigny, St. George in Grenada, the ceremony carried a deeply personal connection. She was coated by her lifelong pediatrician, Dr. Deborah-Ann Stephens-John.
“I feel proud of myself. I feel accomplished and motivated,” Symiah said. “I feel supported and that I’m not alone in this.”
Her mentor, Dr. Stephens-John, has cared for her since infancy—and this marks the second former pediatric patient she has coated in recent years.
“I am exceedingly proud,” Dr. Stephens-John said. “While listening to the keynote speaker today, I thought, maybe I did something that influenced their lives in a positive way. It’s an honor and a privilege to support Symiah along her journey.”
Symiah, who completed her pre-medical studies in SAS, is now continuing on in the Doctor of Medicine program in SGU’s Six-Year MD Track, and will be the first physician in her family.
