CHRONICLE CHRONICLE - St. George's University

THE 

CHRONICLE 

The Newsletter of St. George’s University 

Grenada, West Indies Fall 2011 Vol. 30 No. 1 

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program 

Earns AVMA COE Accreditation 

Veterinary medical students applaud during AVMA accreditation announcement 

The American Veterinary Medical 

Association Council on Education 

(AVMA COE) announced 

its full accreditation of the St. George’s 

University Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 

(DVM) program for seven years. 

This accreditation follows a self study 

by the School of Veterinary Medicine 

and a site visit by a team of AVMA 

appointed reviewers in April 2011. 

According to the AVMA website, 

“accreditation by the AVMA COE represents 

the highest standard of achievement 

for veterinary medical education 

in the United States. Institutions that 

earn accreditation confirm their commitment 

to quality and continuous 

improvement through a rigorous and 

comprehensive peer review.” Fur ther - 

more, students graduating from an 

(Continued on page 3) 

ST. GEORGE’S 

UNIVERSITY TOPS 

US PERFORMANCE 

ON USMLE 

STEP 1 

In 2010, St. George’s University’s 

US and Canadian medical students 

surpassed medical school students 

in the US and Canada with a 94% 

first-time pass rate on the United 

States Medi cal Licensing Examination 

(USMLE) Step 1. In fact, the Uni - 

versity’s overall first-time USMLE test 

takers—students representing 49 different 

countries—equalled the 92% firsttime 

pass rates of US and Canadian 

schools for 2010. 

“We are thrilled to be able to report 

this result,” said Chancellor Charles R. 

Modica, JD of St. George’s University. 

“St. George’s has always had a strong 

commitment to teaching and learning— 

and this result only serves to reinforce 

our focus on training excellent doctors 

for the US, Canada, and the world.” 

First-term Canadian medical students 

and Chancellor’s Circle of the Legacy 

of Excellence scholarship recipients 


IN THIS ISSUE: 

MPH Graduates 

Obtain CPH... 4 

SGU Alumni 

Give Back...11 

NACADA Recognizes 

Dedicated DES Unit...19 

2011 Ceremonies...20

SGU TOPS US PERFORMANCE ON USMLE STEP 1 

(Continued from page 1) 

Aishwarya Bhardwaj and Mehmet Deniz 

Alpas both recognized the University’s 

commitment to teaching excellence and 

credit the strong reputation and high test 

scores of St. George’s graduates as the 

main reasons for having applied to and 

then entering the University this past 

August. “I selected St. George’s University 

because of the USMLE pass rates, 

quality of education, and facilities and 

services,” explained Aishwarya. It was 

Mehmet’s mentor—St. George’s charter 

class graduate Dr. Charles Gervais—that 

first introduced him to the University. 

Mehmet explains, “Once I started gathering 

information about the school, such as 

USMLE scores and residency match 

rates, it really started to become clear that 

SGU was the top school in their field and 

would suit me very nicely. I started mentioning 

the SGU name around town, and 

USMLE Step 1 First-Time Test-Takers’ Pass Rate 2006 - 2010 

* Excludes SGU 

1. St. George's University, Office of Enrolment Planning 

2. United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) website as published in 2010 National Board of Medical 

Examiners (NBME) Annual Report 

THE CHRONICLE is published 

through the Office of University 

Communications and Publications, 

c/o The North American 

Correspondent: 

University Support Services, LLC 

3500 Sunrise Highway, Building 300 

Great River, New York 11739-9002 

US Phone: +1 (631) 665-8500 

US/Canada Toll-Free: 

1 (800) 899-6337 

US Fax: +1 (631) 665-5590 

UK Free Phone: 08001 699061 

http://www.sgu.edu 

sgucommunications@sgu.edu 

Contact Caroline McCann at 

+ 1 (631) 665-8500 ext. 9 1396 or 

cmccann@sgu.edu with any article 

suggestions or comments. 

I was amazed at how many SGU graduates 

and students came out of the woodwork—they 

are everywhere, they are 

successful, and they are proud!” 

Another member of the most recent 

entering class, Julian Christopher 

Lagoy, acknowledges the efforts of the 

Department of Education Services 

(DES). “I was actually accepted into US 

medical schools, but I chose SGU over 

them for both personal and professional 

reasons—one being the DES.” Margaret 

Lambert, Dean of Enrolment Planning, 

considers the unique DES a cornerstone 

of the success St. George’s students 

have seen when taking the USMLE. 

“SGU’s success with student support 

services is borne out in the results we 

have achieved,” remarked Dean Lambert. 

“Our faculty is committed to 

excellence in teaching, both in Grenada 

and at our Global Scholars Program in 

the UK, and our commitment to student 

success supports our mission as an 

institution of teaching excellence.” 

Mehmet and Julian are proud to join a 

school that produces competitive and 

qualified doctors. Likewise, as part of the 

Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program 

(KBTGSP), Aishwarya is thrilled to 

pursue her dream “to benefit not just the 

local, but global community” in New - 

castle, UK. The KBTGSP class will join 

Mehmet, Julian, and the rest of their 

peers in Grenada for the second year. 

At the end of their basic sciences, the 

students will take the USMLE Step 1. 

For more comprehensive studies on 

USMLE performance, refer to these articles 

in Academic Medicine: “Medical 

Education in the Caribbean: Variability in 

Medical School Programs and Performance 

of Students” (October 2008, Sup - 

plement) and “Medical Education in the 

Caribbean: A Longitudinal Study of 

United States Medical Licensing Examination 

Performance, 2000–2009” (February 

2011). 

2 ST. GEORGE’S UNIVERSITY

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program Earns US Accreditation 


AVMA COE-accredited institution can 

be assured the education they receive 

meets a “competency threshold for 

entry into practice, including eligibility 

for professional licensure.” 

Dr. Raymond F. Sis, Dean of the 

School of Veterinary Medicine, led the 

accreditation efforts. Having joined 

the University in 2001 as a professor 

of anatomy and then appointed Dean 

in 2003, he has brought his knowledge 

and passion for veterinary medical 

education to his current role. 

“Accreditation of the veterinary 

medicine program is a direct result of 

the hard work undertaken by our very 

dedicated faculty, administration, and 

staff members,” said Dr. Sis. “The 

AVMA site visit in April was the culmination 

of more than 10 years of 

dedicated veterinary education by faculty, 

administration, and staff that are 

second to none.” 

The AVMA COE site visit team 

traveled to the St. George’s campus in 

April for a comprehensive review of 

the DVM program curriculum, physical 

facilities, equipment, clinical 

resources, library, and infor mation 

resources as part of its assessment of 

the program’s readiness for accreditation. 

Admissions policies, faculty 

qualifications, and the number and 

quality of professional degree 

students in the DVM program were 

also assessed. 

Citing the quality of the DVM 

program, Dr. Sis provided further comment 

on the accreditation process, 

“Completion of our comprehensive 

self study and the continuous improvements 

in curriculum, faculty, and facilities 

helped our accreditation team 

effectively showcase our academic program 

to the site visit team. I am 

thrilled to have been a part of this rigorous 

process and happy to have our 

hard work validated through this 

accreditation.” 

The University’s DVM graduates 

wishing to practice in North America 

will no longer be required to sit the 

examination given by the Educational 

Commission for Foreign Veterinary 

Graduates or the PAVE examination, 

and they will now be required to take 

only the North American Veterinary 

Licensing Examination (NAVLE) for 

licensing as they have graduated from 

an AVMA accredited program in veterinary 

medicine. The accreditation 

decision is retroactive to the date of 

the council's site visit on April 21, so 

all students graduating after this date 

are considered graduates of an AVMA 

COE-accredited institution. 

Dr. Charles R. Modica, JD, St. 

George’s University Chancellor, in 

conjunction with Dr. Sis and members 

of the administration and faculty, 

announced news of the accreditation 

to current students at a jubilant School 

of Veterinary Medicine town hall 

meeting on campus. “Students who 

join our veterinary program with its 

international educational experiences 

will now benefit from belonging to 

an AVMA-accredited institution. We 

are proud of Dr. Sis and his faculty 

and staff.” 

St. George’s University School of Medicine Maintains 

Accreditation by CAAM-HP 

St. George’s University School of 

Medicine’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) 

program was once again granted 

accreditation by the Caribbean Accreditation 

Authority for Medicine and 

Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) 

this June. This accreditation is for four 

years to 2015 and includes the Keith B. 

Taylor Global Scholars Program given 

in conjunction with Northumbria University 

in Newcastle, United Kingdom. 

According to their website, CAAM- 

HP was established in 2003 and is the 

legally constituted body established to 

accredit medical, dental, veterinary, 

and other health professions programs 

leading to professional degrees 

required for practice in Caribbean 

Community (CARICOM) member 

states. The UK government recognizes 

CAAM-HP as the official accreditation 

authority for New and Developing 

Medical Schools in the British Overseas 

Territories in the Caribbean. 

Provost Allen H. Pensick, who is 

also the Dean of Basic Sciences in the 

School of Medicine, stated, “Our 

University has been reviewed and 

accredited by a number of accrediting 

and governmental approval bodies, 

and has received approvals and 

accreditations on our strong program 

in medicine. This recent accreditation 

builds upon our already strong foundation 

of success. I applaud the members 

of the SGU accreditation team 

and our School of Medicine faculty on 

this recent accreditation.” 


Medicine is one of two extant private 

medical schools in the Caribbean to be 

accredited by CAAM-HP. 

THE CHRONICLE 3

First Dual 

Degree MPH 

Graduates 

Obtain US 

National Board 

Certification in 

Public Health 

Alexander Juusela, MPH ’09, MD expected ’13, processing Hepatitis A 

blood samples in the Dominican Republic 

“My MPH studies have 

taught me to think outside 

of the box. Whether you 

are an MPH, MD, 

or DVM—the concept of 

One Health One Medicine 

applies to all health 

care professionals,.” 

—Alexander Faludi 

In February 2011, dual degree 

students, Alexander Faludi and 

Alexander Juusela, earned the 

distinction as the first graduates of 

St. George’s University’s Master of 

Public Health (MPH) program to obtain 

US National Board Certification in 

public health. In addition to earning 

their MPH, Faludi and Juusela are currently 

completing degrees in veterinary 

medicine and medicine, respectively. 

They will join more than 1,500 certified 

public health professionals in the US 

and abroad. 

The Certification in Public Health 

(CPH) exam is offered only once a year 

to students who successfully complete 

their MPH studies at colleges and 

universities accredited by the Council 

on Education for Public Health (CEPH). 

As the US accreditation authority for 

public health programs, the CEPH 

granted full accreditation to St. George’s 

MPH degree program in 2010. The 

University is only the fifth non-US 

institution approved by the CEPH to 

hold this coveted distinction. 

“We are incredibly proud of both students. 

They seized the first opportunity 

to earn their CPH, further validating 

their credentials as public health professionals 

as well as bolstering the University’s 

reputation in the international 

arena,” commented Dr. Omur Cinar 

Elci, MD, PhD, FRSPH, Chair of the 

Department of Public Health and Preventive 

Medicine (DPHPM). While 

Faludi chose to specialize in Environmental 

and Occupational Health, 

Juusela opted for the Health Policy and 

Administration track. The 42-credit 

MPH program also offers students the 

option to specialize in Epidemiology 

and Veterinary Public Health. Dr. Elci, 

along with DPHPM faculty, offered his 

support when the students requested a 


Alexander Faludi, MPH ’09, DVM expected ’14, conducts field research as part of the 

Snake and Serpent Relocation Project 

one-week leave in order to complete the 

exam in the United States. 

The MPH program also offers its students 

the opportunity to register in a 

practicum in more than 150 sites all over 

the world—one of the main reasons 

Juusela applied to the program at St. 

George’s. He explains, “I really liked the 

idea of being able to travel while getting 

my education. Most MPH programs in 

the US only offer limited hands-on practical 

experience in the local public 

health departments.” Juusela spent two 

months with the Pan American Health 

Organization (PAHO) in the Dominican 

Republic. Additionally, he volunteered 

in Haiti for one month post-earthquake, 

providing free medical services to displaced 

Haitians. 

Faludi had the opportunity to complete 

his practicum with the United 

States Department of Agriculture, 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service, Veterinary Services. “My MPH 

studies have taught me to think outside 

of the box. Whether you are an MPH, 

MD, or DVM—the concept of One 

Health One Medicine applies to all 

health care professionals. 

“Collaboration between disciplines is 

important when considering how to 

manage global health issues. My MPH 

degree allows me to more readily see the 

interconnectedness,” explains Faludi on 

how his MPH will further his future 

career aspirations to work with international 

health organizations. “With my 

dual degree I now have the skills to 

explore the inextricable link between 

animal and human health, particularly 

when using animals as an indicator 

species for human diseases.” 

Currently, Faludi is the lead veterinary 

student researcher for the snake 

relocation program in Grenada, which 

works to relocate snakes instead of 

killing the already rapidly declining 

species in the region. “In addition to 

relocation, we’re working to change peoples 

existing opinions on these creatures. 

Working in the Grenada rainforest, I 

have the opportunity to see the impact of 

my internship and research work.” 

Additionally, both CPH graduates 

believed their certification would aide 

in dispelling the lingering stigma of 

St. George’s University as another 

Caribbean school. “The program covered 

more than what was on our CPH 

exam,” explains Juusela. “Our MPH 

program goes well beyond and in-depth 

compared to what another US school or 

online program might offer because you 

can’t learn public health without the 

field experience. In addition to the 

international practicum experience, 

the close-knit community on the island 

of Grenada provides a wealth of opportunities 

to gain hands-on learning 

opportunities.” 

“The certification reinforces my credentials 

as a public health professional. 

Even though I am a foreign school graduate, 

I am up to par with public health 

professionals earning their degrees at 

other institutions,” Faludi stated. He 

encourages other MPH students to take 

the test as well. “By taking the exam students 

will not only bolster their own credentials 

and prove their qualifications, 

but also strengthen the University’s reputation 

in the international arena.” 

Faludi also encouraged his younger 

brother, Christopher Faludi, to earn his 

MPH. Christopher is currently a second 

year medical student, completing a dual 

MD/MPH degree. As students earn 

their certifications and take their 

knowledge abroad, Dr. Elci predicts 

Faludi and Juusela have opened the 

door for other students in Grenada. “We 

expect additional MPH graduates to 

follow in their footsteps and participate 

in the next CPH examination in 

February 2012.” 


WINDREF Hosts Caribbean-Canada 

Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue 

Attended by Dialogue President, HRH, the Princess Royal, Princess Anne 

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, Princess Anne with members of the CCELD 

On Saturday, June 4, 2011, Grenada welcomed 

members of the Caribbean- 

Canada Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue 

(CCELD). The conference lasted four 

days at the Windward Islands Research & 

Educations Foundation (WINDREF) and 

was part of an intensive two-week program. 

One hundred twenty participants 

from all sectors of the economy joined to 

take part in the leadership development 

conference to broaden their perspectives 

in hopes to improve future decisionmaking 

practices. 

The program initially began in 

Ottawa, Canada where 80 participants of 

the Caribbean, along with 40 participants 

from Canada, engaged in two days of 

presentations, discussions, and networking 

with the motto of the program being 

“Together we will challenge, learn and 

lead!” The group then divided into study 

groups of 12 participants each, traveling 

to seven different locations in Canada 

and to 10 Caribbean countries to visit 

communities and workplaces from both 

public and private sectors and civil society. 

Grenada was one of 10 Caribbean 

countries to host a study tour before the 

full dialogue reconvened in Barbados for 

the final three days. 

As Dialogue President, Her Royal 

Highness, The Princess Royal, Princess 

Anne attended a number of CCELD visits 

and events, including a welcome cocktail 

reception and dinner kindly hosted by Sir 

Royston and Lady Hopkin at the Spice 

Island Beach Resort and Spa. HRH, the 

Princess Royal, Princess Anne also had 

the opportunity to tour True Blue campus 

with St. George’s Vice Provost Calum 

Macpherson, CCLED Grenada Country 

Lead Nickolas Steele, and Assistant 

Director of WINDREF Trevor Noël. 

On their third day of the trip CCLED 

attendees, including HRH, the Princess 

Royal, Princess Anne, visited WINDREF 

where the day’s session included a panel 

discussion with Deputy Commissioner 

of Police Franklyn Redhead, Mr. Nigel 

John, and Mr. Robert Frederick, as 

well as a culture and history presenta - 

tion by Mr. Richardo Keens-Douglas— 

renowned story teller, playwright, and 

author. They were joined by Dr. Nicole 

Phillip, author and Dean of the School of 

Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies at 

the T.A. Marryshow Community College. 

Margaret A. Lambert, St. George’s 

University Dean of Enrolment Planning 



St. George’s 

University Establishes 

Teaching Hospital 

in Grenada 

St. George’s University and the Govern - 

ment of Grenada have signed an agreement 

which establishes a teaching 

hospital on the island. The project, which 

has been in development for some time, 

speaks to the 35-year relationship the 

University has with the Government. 

“This agreement further cements 

St. George’s University’s commitment to 

help in the development of a quality health 

education program to the Caribbean for 

students from Common wealth nations and 

from around the world,” says Charles R. 

Modica, JD, St. George’s University 

Chan cellor. “By adding to the elective and 

intern program already in place and establishing 

this full teaching program that is 

operated by the University, we are able to 

provide a quality graduate and postgraduate 

program in Grenada. Our students will 

be able to perform clinical rotations in 

Grenada, in addition to the clinical rotations 

available at many top affiliated hospital 

and clinical centers in the US and 

UK. Our students have the opportunity to 

experience yet one more system of health 

care delivery in a hospital setting while at 

the same time providing Grenada with an 

influx of much-needed health care practitioners 

to local health care facilities.” 

The government too recognizes the significance 

of this agreement as demonstrated 

by a statement earlier this year 

when discussions were being held, 

Finance Minister Nazim Burke said 

“…the establishment of a teaching hospital 

in Grenada would help to raise the 

standard and quality of health care for 

citizens at home, citizens abroad desirous 

of returning home to retire, as well as 

our visitors.” 

Undoubtedly, the development of a 

graduate and postgraduate teaching program 

at the General Hospital is a significant 

investment by the University and 

will contribute to an improved standard 

and quality of health care available on the 

island. The University has, for more than 

35 years developed an extensive scholarship 

program for the educational benefit 

of citizens of Grenada and other Com - 

monwealth countries. The formation of 

the clinical teaching program will be of 

great benefit to the island and the region 

as well. 

St. George's University Students Raise Nearly $38,000 USD During the Wii Olympics III 

On October 8, 2011, St. George’s 

University students raised $18,725 

USD during the Wii Olympics III. 

Once again, the University’s Chancellor 

Charles R. Modica, JD, generously 

matched the efforts of the student 

body, allowing for a total donation of 

nearly $38,000 USD to selected charities. 

The Wii Olympics occur biannually 

and are hosted by student organi - 

zations, Urban Humanitarian Project 

(UHP) and Iota Epsilon Alpha Inter - 

national Honor Medical Society 

(IEA). In order to make the charity 

event a success, nearly 80 volunteers 

came together and transformed the 

normally academically intense Keith 

B. Taylor Hall into a video game 

arena, where 17 teams of four to six 

players competed. 

“The success of the event highlights 

the desire of our student body—in particular, 

the leadership of UHP—in 

enhancing the lives of people in need,” 

stated Assistant Dean of Graduate Students 

Dr. Feisal Brahim. Dr. Brahim, 

along with Dean of Students Dr. C.V. 

Rao, supported the students as faculty 

advisor. All SGU student organizations 

were invited to participate in the 

fundraiser in addition to faculty, administration, 

and tutors. Local businesses 

in Grenada also showed their support 

by donating money and prizes. 

This term, funds and proceeds were 

divided among three major charities. 

UHP and IEA donated funds to Doctors 

Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières 

(MSF) to support humanitarian 

relief efforts in Somalia. Mount Gay 

Psychiatric Hospital in Grenada will 

also benefit from UHP’s efforts. It is 

the only mental health institution serving 

the island, with only 80 beds to 

serve a population of over 100,000 residents 

of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit 

Martinique. Lastly, the Urban Santa 

project in New York brings toys, 

clothes, and much needed supplies to 

children living in shelters in the New 

York City area. 

The previous Wii Olympics generated 

similar funds. The first Olympics 

supported Pakistan relief efforts, and 

second Wii Olympics, held in March 

of this year, raised $28,344 USD for 

the Grenada General Hospital. Given 

the hospitals long-standing and close 

relationship with the University, the 

group believed it was imperative to 

provide the hospital with much needed 

tools and equipment to help provide 

health care service to the local pop - 

ulation. 

About the Urban Humanitarian Project: 

The UHP is registered as a non-profit 

organization in NY, and it gives the 

opportunity for St. George’s University 

students to participate while in Grenada 

and during their clinical years in the 

Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York 

tri-state area. Future plans for the student 

organization include establishing 

branches of UHP in other cities in the 

USA and Canada. Visit www.uhp.org for 

more information. 


ST. GEORGE’S UNIVERSITY’S 

FIRST DVM GRADUATE 

LICENSED IN SOUTH AFRICA 


Veterinary Medicine was only established 

in 1999, but it is already following 

in the foot steps of the School 

of Medicine by proving itself as a top 

center of education in the international 

arena. Most recently, St. George’s 

School of Veterinary Medicine graduate, 

Dr. Lauren Havenga, DVM ’10, is 

the first to be licensed to practice in 

South Africa. While the University has 

a long history of strong ties within the 

African region through its graduates, 

international selectives, and collaborations 

with African health organizations, 

the medical licensure in South 

Africa further cements the University’s 

presence in the region. 

“Dr. Havenga has paved the way 

for future veterinarians hoping to practice 

in South Africa,” explains Director 

of International Admissions Laurie 

Hinrichs on the significance of the 

medical licensure. “South Africa recognizes 

St. George’s as producing 

capable veterinarians who will contribute 

to animal welfare and public 

health for the nation. Dr. Havenga’s 

success reaffirms the SGU’s School of 

Veterinary Medi cine upholds international 

standards and will likely lead to 

further students pursuing careers in the 

region.” 

The South African Veterinary 

Council (SAVC) is the regulatory 

body in the field of veterinary medicine 

in South Africa. No person in the 

country can practice veterinary medicine 

unless they are registered with the 

SAVC or authorized to perform specific 

procedures. The SAVC holds 

examinations once a year in Septem - 

Lauren Havenga, DVM ’10, 

poses with her SAVC certification 

ber. The exam consists of two sessions 

of a computer based examination 

(CBE) that test a person’s veterinary 

knowledge as well as specific disease 

conditions that relate to South Africa. 

A clinical and oral examination is also 

conducted by a panel of examiners 

appointed by the Council once the 

CBE exams have been passed. 

Registering with the SAVC and 

acquiring licensure has opened 

considerable opportunities for Dr. 

Havenga. She joined a wellestablished 

research project that is 

trying to halt the rapidly declining 

numbers of endangered vulture 

species. “Vultures are listed as an 

endangered species by the South 

African government and the red book 

of endangered species.” As a nonlicensed 

veterinarian Dr. Havenga 

was limited to working on specimens 

in the laboratory or under veterinary 

supervision. Her status as a veter - 

inarian in South Africa now opens 

numerous doors to a career in 

research. She explains, “The licensure 

has helped because I can now parti - 

cipate in the vulture project more 

extensively by working independently 

in the field. I am also able to work as 

a veterinarian and locum at practices 

when not involved in research.” 

Currently, Dr. Havenga is pursuing 

an honors degree in veterinary science 

and masters degree in anatomy from 

the University of Pretoria in South 

Africa. She hopes to combine her 

passion for anatomy and research in 

her career as a veterinary medical professional. 

Dr. Havenga is grateful for 

small animal surgeon faculty member 

Dr. Rudolfo Bruhl-Day for inspiring 

her to get involved with surgery; 

Professor Dr. Buxton Nyack for providing 

practical hands-on at the Large 

Animal Resource Facility during her 

basic science years; and the University 

administration for its support as 

she applied for licensure through 

the SAVC. 


100% 

Pass Rate 

for St. George’s 

Veterinarians 

Entering into RCVS 

Five graduates from St. George’s 

University School of Veterinary Medicine 

have passed the Statutory Membership 

Examination of the UK’s Royal College 

of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). While St. 

George’s veterinary medical graduates 

have traditionally demonstrated impressive 

pass rates on this rigorous exam, this 

year’s 100 percent pass rate by the 

University’s students—compared with the 

44 percent pass rate for candidates overall—is 

an exceptional result, and it is only 

the second time it has been achieved in the 

school’s history. 

“All of those registering 

today have succeeded 

in meeting the educational 

and professional 

requirements that enable 

them to call themselves 

veterinary surgeons and 

to practice in the UK.” 

—RCVS President Dr. Jerry Davies 

St. George’s graduates—Francesca 

Hendey, Matthew Foulkes, Jennifer 

Roberts, Caroline Dennis, and Ashley 

Beresford—were formally admitted to 

the RCVS during a ceremony this past 

From left to right: (back) Francesca Hendey, Matthew Foulkes, Jennifer Roberts (front) Caroline Dennis, 

RCVS President Dr. Jerry Davies, Ashley Beresford. Photograph © Andrew McCargow 

July. Presenting the graduates with a 

membership certificate at the Ceremony 

of Admissions at Belgravia House in 

London, RCVS President Dr. Jerry 

Davies said, “I was delighted to welcome 

so many of this year’s successful candidates 

to the College. Whether newly 

graduated or long-qualified elsewhere, 

all of those registering today have succeeded 

in meeting the educational and 

professional requirements that enable 

them to call themselves veterinary surgeons 

and to practice in the UK.” 

“St. George’s School of Veterinary 

Medicine once again produces an excellent 

set of results with a 100 percent pass 

rate for the Royal College of Veterinary 

Surgeons Statutory Membership Examination 

for those SGU students who sat 

the examination,” stated Austin Kirwan, 

St. George’s University Associate Dean 

of UK and Ireland Clinical Affairs. “This 

is a credit to the school in the quality of 

education it provides, but also an indication 

of the caliber of person SGU attracts 

in its student cohort—outstanding success 

abounds by thinking beyond.” 

The rigorous examination is held once 

a year, and all graduates with foreign or 

Commonwealth qualifications must pass 

the RCVS Statutory Membership exam in 

order to practice veterinary surgery in the 

UK. The University’s students performed 

remarkably on the exam which consists of 

written papers, followed by clinical, oral, 

and practical exams. The RCVS sets no 

quota for this Statutory Membership 

Examination, meaning those who meet 

the standards will pass, regardless of the 

number of candidates sitting the exam. 

Thirty-five St. George’s graduates have 

passed into the RCVS since the School of 

Veterinary Medicine’s inception in 1999. 

The Royal College of Veterinary Sur - 

geons was established in 1844 by the 

Royal Charter to act as the governing 

body of the veterinary medical profession 

in the UK. The RCVS safeguards the 

health and welfare of animals under veterinary 

care, protects the interests of those 

dependent on animals, and promotes public 

health by ensuring only those registered 

with the RCVS can practice 

veterinary surgery. 


ST. GEORGE’S UNIVERSITY 

MEDICAL GRADUATES ATTAIN RESIDENCY PROGRAMS 

ACROSS THE UNITED STATES 

By John F. Madden, MD ’81, FAAEM 

Associate Dean of Students and Director of the Office of Career Guidance 

and Student Development at St. George’s University 

From Alabama to West Virginia, Alberta 

to Toronto, from Alameda County Medical 

Center to Wright State University 

Hospital, and from anesthesia to surgery, 

St. George’s medical graduates 

once again have excelled in obtaining 

residency positions. The majority of 

graduates will be doing their residencies 

in New York and New Jersey, but graduates 

have also attained residency—and 

postgraduate—positions throughout the 

United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, 

and other countries. 

While many graduates continue to 

enter the primary care fields of internal 

medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, 

and obstetrics and gynecology, the Class 

of 2011 also attained what are considered 

the most difficult specialties such as neurosurgery, 

ophthalmology, and orthopedics. 

Many students also entered the 

fields of psychiatry, surgery, and emergency 

medicine. For a complete listing of 

graduate success visit http://www.sgu. 

edu/alumni/student-profile-alumni-residency-appointments.html. 

Graduation from medical school 

marks the beginning of the next step in a 

physician’s education with the start of a 

residency (postgraduate) program. Residency 

programs can last three to seven 

years and are often followed by a fellowship 

program that can extend another few 

years. Medicine truly is a profession that 

involves life-long learning. Yes, there are 

the continuing medical education conferences 

to stay abreast of changes in each 

John F. Madden 

field that are often held in beautiful vacation 

spots, but there is also the journal 

reading, researching in the library, or 

consulting others long after colleagues 

have gone home. 

Fourth year medical students who 

seek to attain a residency in the US generally 

go through the National Residency 

Matching Program (NRMP), 

commonly called “the Match.” Students 

send electronic applications to programs 

they are interested in and are then invited 

for an interview if the program is 

similarly interested in them. A program 

may interview up to 10 people for each 

position they need to fill. The student 

then ranks each residency program by 

level of interest while the program’s 

director likewise ranks each applicant. 

Both of these lists are entered into a 

computer, and within minutes the computer 

determines the applicant’s future 

direction in medicine. Results are 

released in mid-March every year. 

Graduates have opted to go to residency 

programs at university sites as 

well as community programs with 

smaller or perhaps less residency training 

positions overall. Many of the 

University’s affiliated hospitals—that 

are the foundation to its clinical program—continue 

to accept St. George’s 

medical graduates into their own residency 

programs based on the experience 

that St. George’s students have received 

a superior education with a firm grasp 

of clinical medicine. In 2011, International 

Medical Graduates (IMGs) could 

still obtain a position “outside of the 

Match,” by signing a contract directly 

with a hospital. This option is slated to 

be discontinued in the future. 

Many St. George’s graduates have 

gone on to become chief residents within 

their residency program, displaying 

leadership qualities that allow them to 

act as liaison between the attending 

physician staff and the residents as 

well as to perform administrative 

responsibilities to assist the program 

director. 


S G U A L U M N I G I V E B A C K 

ST. GEORGE’S UNIVERSITY ALUMNI 

PROVIDE PROSTHETIC LIMBS FOR 26 AMPUTEES 

In collaboration with the Gre - 

nada National Council for the 

Disabled (GNCD), St. George’s 

University conducted a five-day 

Prosthetic Clinic from June 16 

to 20, 2011. The initiative was 

led by alumni Dr. John O’Brien, 

MD ’81, who along with Certified 

Prosthetist and Orthotist Dr. 

Dave Mahler and a team of 18 

health care professionals, attended 

to more than 60 mobilitychallenged 

patients. The patients 

ranged from 18 months of age to 

78 years old and were chosen to 

participate based on recommendations 

of the GNCD. 

On day one of the clinic, the 

team began by conducting examinations. 

While some patients 

received soft medical goods, such 

as arm, wrist, or knee splints, others 

were measured for prosthetic 

limbs. By the end of the clinic, 

26 patients were fitted with prosthesis. 

The prosthetic limbs were 

fabricated at the University’s 

Main tenance Department over a 

three-day period. Additionally, 

Medical Directory of the Mini - 

stry of Health Dr. Kestor Dragon 

was presented with a donation of 

soft medical goods, surgical instruments, 

and theatre equipment on behalf of 

Yale University and a host of other US 

organizations. 

In 2005, St. George’s honored Dr. 

O’Brien with an Alumni Distinguished 

Service Award for his work with 

amputees in Grenada. “Grenada really 

gave me my life. Part of my life is making 

artificial legs and prescribing and 

Three-year-old Tyler Smith is fitted with a prosthetic leg, 

allowing him to walk for the first time 

treating people with that kind of a problem. 

I thought it would be a good idea to 

give back to the community,” stated Dr. 

O’Brien who is currently practicing in 

Connecticut and is the Assistant Medical 

Professor at Yale University. He continued 

to explain why he comes back to 

Grenada to participate in the Prosthetic 

Clinic. “I decided to go into rehabilitation 

because it is a field where you’re 

able to make a difference in people’s 

lives instead of just identifying 

physical issues that they have. 

It is a field where you’re able to 

walk them through the recovery 

process.” 

Over the last 10 years Drs. 

O’Brien and Mahler have conducted 

three prosthetic clinics, 

distributing more than 42 prosthetic 

limbs overall. During this 

year’s clinic, the 18 member team 

comprised of a physical and occupational 

therapist, a nurse, athletic 

trainer, dietician, and several 

helpers including former employee 

of the Faculty Senate Ms. 

Jeanne Pascal. 

Drs. O’Brien and Mahler are 

especially grateful for the support 

of Provost Dr. Allen Pensick; 

Coordinator of Support Services 

Mr. Brendon La Grenade; Mr. 

Roy Campbell from the Maintenance 

Department; and GNCD 

Coordinator Ms. Hilary Gabriel. 

Additionally, Dr. Mahler’s 14 year 

old nephew, Kimball Mahler, 

must be highly commended for 

his tireless efforts to contact various 

organizations for donations 

and equipment in an effort to 

make the Prosthetic Clinic the resounding 

success it was. 

GNCD is a non-governmental, nonprofit 

organization that acts as the central 

point of coordination for development 

activities among disabled citizens of 

Grenada with the ultimate goal to gain 

equal access to education, employment, 

and public facilities for all individuals 

with disabilities. 



FATHER AND DAUGHTER SGU ALUMNI TEAM 

LAUNCH OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINIC IN GRENADA 

A father-daughter team, comprised of 

St. George’s graduates Orazio Giliberti, 

MD ’82, and Francesca Giliberti, MD 

’10, launched an Ophthalmology Clinic 

this spring in Grenada. Their two-day 

visit marked the opening of the clinic 

which will work in conjunction with the 

University’s Adult Visiting Cardiology 

Program to provide medical services to 

both the University and local Grenadian 

community. The clinic runs as part of 

the Ophthalmic Division of St. George’s 

Clinical Sciences Department. 

The father-daughter team was happy 

to report that many students and graduates 

of the University expressed interest 

in the program and volunteered to be 

included on the rotation schedule to staff 

the clinic. “We are happy to be able to 

provide ophthalmic care for the island 

residents and can do so only because our 

students—who are now graduates, doctors, 

and attendants—have specialties in 

many areas of medicine,” explained Dr. 

Orazio Giliberti, the first St. George’s 

graduate to specialize in ophthalmic care. 

On opening day, the father and 

daughter duo conducted complete eye 

examinations on more than 20 people, 

diagnosing and treating cases of glaucoma 

and cataracts. Clinic patients 

benefited from medical advice, medication, 

and in some instances, a special 

24-hour treatment to alleviate eye 

pressure. Drs. Orazio and Francesca 

Giliberti also met with local ophthalmologists 

to showcase the equip ment 

and facilities available at the 

Ophthal mological Clinic as well as visited 

Honorary Anne Peters, Grenada’s 

Minis ter of Health, to discuss possible 

collaboration with the Government of 

Grenada in the future. 

Francesca Giliberti, MD ’10, (above) conducts a routine eye examination while 

Orazio Giliberti, MD ’82, (below) examines a Grenadian patient 

Overall, the clinic proved to be successful 

with a strong turnout and positive 

reviews from patients. Dr. Orazio 

Giliberti expressed his hope for the 

future of the clinic. “It is my vision to 

have a presence on the island and have 

an ophthalmic clinic co-existing with 

other sub-specialties.” 

After graduating St. George’s, Dr. 

Giliberti returned to Grenada in 1986 to 

open the University’s first eye clinic on 

the Grand Anse Campus. Since that time 

he has continued to engage in charitable 

work and host clinics on the island while 

in his current role as Associate Dean of 

Clinical Studies and the Director of 

Ophthalmology at St. George’s University. 

In addition to his private practice in 

Totowa, New Jersey, Dr. Orazio Giliberti 

is the Chairman of Seton Hall University. 

His daughter, Dr. Francesca Giliberti 

credits her father as the major 

inspiration in her life. She plans to follow 

in her fathers footsteps and is 

currently pursuing a specialization in 

ophthalmic care. 



SGU STUDENT ASSISTS ALUMNUS IN PACEMAKER 

IMPLANTATION DURING VISITING CARDIOLOGY PROGRAM 

Above: Rosa Home undergoes pacemaker implantation surgery at the Cardiology Center 

Below: Jason Finkelstein, MD ’99, (left) and medical student Glenn Nanny (right) prepped for surgery 

Sixth term medical student Glenn Nanny 

had the opportunity to participate in a pacemaker 

surgery alongside Class of 1999 

alum Dr. Jason Finkelstein. The patient, 

Rosa Horne, a 64 year-old mother of two 

and patient at the Richmond Hill Home 

for the elderly, received the surgery valued 

at approximately $20,000 USD at no personal 

cost. The surgery was conducted at 

Grenada’s General Hospital during Dr. 

Finkelstein’s annual visit to Grenada for the 

Visiting Cardiology Program. 

“The Visiting Cardiology Program is a 

great success for both alumni, students at 

the University, and patients from the local 

community. We have the opportunity to 

give back to the community, and we are 

happy to do whatever we can,” stated 

Dr. Johansen Sylvester, Director of the 

Cardiology Clinic. “We are providing a 

service not provided by any other institution 

on the island. We have been doing this 

for the last 10 years and, with each month 

that passes, the service only becomes 

greater. For instance, we are now able to do 

exercise stress testing and 2D cardiograms. 

Dr. Finkelstein is the fourth cardiologist/alumnus 

to participate in the program 

for the year and will be followed by about 

five more before the end of 2011.” 

Nanny was also grateful to participate 

in the surgery. “Medicine is a profession of 

service—and there is no higher calling than 

to serve others,” he explained on his desire 

to become a physician. As a “nontraditional” 

medical student, Nanny worked as 

a Pacemaker Representative at Boston 

Scientific for several years before deciding 

to become a doctor. “I would like to thank 

SGU for giving me the opportunity to go 

to medical school. Although I was successful 

in my previous career, I felt on a 




ALUMNI LAUNCH 

FIRST GASTROENTEROLOGY CLINIC FOR GRENADA 

In June 2011, Dr. Patrick 

Tempera, MD ’86, launched 

the the first Gastroenterology 

(GI) Clinic in 

Grenada with the assistance 

of his cousin and fellow 

alum, Ophthalmologist Dr. 

Anthony Napolitano, MD 

’98. During this initial visit, 

the duo attended to patients, 

assessed the needs of the 

population, and worked 

with the University to determine 

the structure and necessary 

materials to set up a 

successful and continuing 

GI Clinic. 

Drs. Tempera and Napoli tano conducted 

examinations on more than 75 

patients, five of whom unfortunately tested 

positive for colon cancer. Due to a lack of 

equipment, the doctors were restricted to 

colon cancer screenings, rectal exams, and 

examining stool for blood. “There are no 

other options for these patients. There is 

limited equipment to detect colon cancer 

and other diseases, and even less gastroenterologists 

available to the majority of 

the population,” explained Dr. Tempera, 

who has a private practice in New Jersey. 

Those who tested positive will wait for 

treatment during the next GI clinic 

expected to take place early next year. 

Until they found out about an opportunity 

to give back to the island by volun - 

teering at a St. George’s alumni-hosted 

Ophthalmology Clinic, the pair had never 

thought about returning to the island. It 

was during his volunteer rotation with the 

Ophthalmology Clinic that Dr. Tempera 

learned the island lacked gastroenterologists. 

It was the first time Dr. Tempera had 

been to the island in more than two 

From left to right: Dr. Anthony Napolitano, MD’98, Volunteer Maria Tempera, 

Dr. Patrick Tempera, MD ’86, and Volunteer Patrick Tempera 

decades. He commented, “I was astounded 

to learn how prevalent colon cancer was in 

the Caribbean region, particularly in 

Grenada —and even more surprised to see 

that it had never been addressed.” Dr. 

Tempera initiated the launch of the GI 

Clinic because he believes the best way he 

could ever give back to the island is by 

applying the skills he once learned there. 

Dr. Napolitano agreed, “SGU gave me the 

opportunity to get to where I am today, 

and I felt compelled to give back to the 

community.” 

The GI clinic will follow the format of 

the Ophthalmology Clinic, taking place 

every month and relying on visits by the 

University’s alumni. “In addition to alumni 

volunteers to conduct the clinic, I think 

it would be beneficial for students to 

assist as part of the clinical diagnosis and 

get a better feeling of what it is like to 

practice in this field,” explained Dr. Tempera 

who witnessed his children Maria 

and Patrick—aspiring physicians—benefit 

from first-hand volunteer experience 

during the clinic. Drs. Tempera and 

Napolitano hope to set up 

an endoscopy unit in the 

hospital and have the GI 

Clinic take place with the 

Visiting Cardiology Program 

and Ophthalmology 

Clinic near Grand Anse. 

The University is also 

assisting in these efforts 

by notifying local physicians 

on the island to refer 

their patients to GI Clinic 

in order to receive necessary 

care. 

Dr. Tempera offered 

some insight on the 

importance of the clinic. 

“Cancer in the colon and stomach are 

among the top most frequent cancerassociated 

mortalities for both men and 

women in Grenada so early diagnosis and 

screening is instrumental.” With the support 

of the University and its graduates, the 

duo hopes to make the GI clinic accessible 

to the entire population. Dr. Tempera 

continued, “The Clinic will be able to 

address the needs of patients with anemia, 

abdominal pain, or other symptoms appropriate 

for gastroenterologists.” 

To date, Drs. Tempera and Napolitano 

have secured $150,000 USD in donations 

by Olympus. Most recently, Dr. Tempera 

hired fellow alum, Dr. Kunal Grover, MD 

’03, to his private practice. Dr. Grover will 

be joining Drs. Tempera and Napolitano in 

conducting the clinic along several other 

physicians who have pledged to donate 

their time. However, the pair is still seeking 

additional volunteers and donations to 

make the clinic a success. If you are interested 

in volunteering for the clinic or making 

a donation, please email Dr. Patrick 

Tempera at patricktem@aol.com. 


SGU HOSTS COLLEGE AND 

UNIVERSITY ADVISORS ON CAMPUS 

On three separate occasions over the last 

year St. George’s University has hosted 

pre-health advisors from colleges and 

universities in the United States for the 

University’s Advisor Visit Program. The 

newest campaign for the program, “Oui 

Foute,” is a Grenadian patois expression 

that means surprise, awe, or shock—and 

has certainly captured the sentiment of a 

recent group of advisors whose conversations 

were often peppered with comments 

on the surprising size and vibrancy 

of the University’s True Blue campus. 

Over the past 20 years hundreds of 

advisors have visited the campus for a 

week-long stay. In addition to spending 

four-nights at the exclusive University 

Club, located on five acres of beachfront 

property in the southern end of 

Lanse aux Epines in St. George’s, advisors 

are provided with a full schedule of 

“Visiting the University 

is a wonderful way for 

advisors to not only get 

an overview of the 

programs offered at 

St. George’s, but also 

is a great opportunity 

to tour the island and 

experience the culture 

and beauty of Grenada.” 

—Jeffrey Bates, Director of Veterinary Enrolment 

activities that include meeting with 

SGU faculty, staff and students— 

including students from their own universities 

when possible. On the first 

night of the program, SGU hosts a welcome 

reception where the guest list 

includes current students who are alumni 

of the undergraduate colleges and 

universities the advisors represent. Students 

share their experience of moving 

from the United States to Grenada to 

continue their education, providing a 

good opportunity for advisors to see 

their former students in the next phase 

of their academic career. 

An in-depth tour of the campus as well 

as of the island of Grenada provides 

advisors with additional opportunity to 

gain a glimpse into the day-to-day life of 

a St. George’s student. Scheduled events 



Participants of Marine Anti-Litter Awareness Workshop:”How to encourage students to put their trash in the bin” 

Arts & Sciences Students Lead International Marine 

Anti-Litter Campaign in Grenada Local Communities 

The Windward Island Research and 

Education Foundation (WINDREF) at 

St. George’s University, along with the 

Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute 

and the Caribbean Marine Protected 

Areas Management Network and Forum, 

was awarded a grant from the Caribbean 

Marine Litter Grant Program of the US 

Department of State to reduce marine litter 

throughout Grenada. Under the leadership 

and guidance of Dr. Clare Morrall 

of WINDREF and Assistant Dean of the 

School of Arts of Sciences, a dedicated 

group of School of Arts and Sciences 

students took the initiative to support and 

launch the Marine Anti-Litter Campaign 

in Grenada using this grant money. 

As part of the campaign, more than 

two dozen participants volunteered for a 

coastal clean-up at the Sevan Swayzee 

Beach in St. Patricks, Grenada, beginning 

with an early morning debriefing 

on Ocean Conservancy’s International 

Coastal Clean Up rules and regulations. 

In addition to collecting and properly 

disposing of used household items such 

as appliances, furniture, and roof sheeting, 

more than 20 bags of garbage were 

gathered on the beach and brought to 

proper disposal facilities. 

Vaughan Forsyth, Operations Man - 

ager of the Grenada Solid Waste Man - 

age ment Authority, said that although the 

sheer volume of trash collected by the 

volunteers is commendable, he stressed 

that “clean-ups need to be accompanied 

by education and enforcement to address 

the root of the problem.” Mr. Forsyth 

went on to say, “The education component 

is critical. It is like planting a seed. 

Community buy-in and cooperation are 

equally important.” 

Building on their coastal cleanup success, 

and using Mr. Forsyth’s comments 

as impetus to expand their campaign, the 

undergraduate students used additional 

funds from their grant to host a Teacher’s 

Awareness Workshop for primary and 

secondary school teachers. The workshop 

provided teachers with a basic 

foundation on the impact of marine litter 

on the environment, how to promote 

litter management practices in schools, 

and the importance of supporting environmental 

protection efforts at the 

national level for the enforcement of 

Grenada’s anti-litter laws. 

As a leader in the Marine Anti-Litter 

Campaign, Dr. Morrall is enthusiastic 

about the response to the project. “We 

are optimistic our workshops will be 

effective in reducing marine litter in 

Grenada. Teachers and students from the 

School of Arts and Sciences have been 

very passionate about the course and two 

of our faculty members have now 


pledged to study marine biology!” 

A workshop was also held to educate 

the Royal Grenada Police Force 

(RGPF) on the effect of marine litter on 

the environment. Attendees included 

RGPF, represented by 16 police officers 

of varying ranks and divisions; the 

Ministry of Health, represented by two 

Environmental Health Officers; the 

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and 

Fisheries, represented by three Junior 

Officers from the Fisheries Division, 

Marine Protected Area Program; and 

one representative from the Grenada 

Solid Waste Management Author ity 

(GSWMA). Each participant was presented 

with a certificate of participation 

at the end of the workshop. 

Overall, participants agreed stricter litter 

law enforcement in Grenada, Carriacou, 

and Petite Martinique. 

Commenting on the activism of the 

Arts and Sciences students and their 

impact on the success of the program, 

Dr. Morrall said that they “have given 

the campaign the strength and support 

to make a difference on the island—and 

wider Caribbean region—through a 

combination of public education efforts, 

including presentations in schools and 

local clubs, radio announcements, development 

of a litter warden program, and 

the placement of new waste and recycling 

stations.” 

The Marine Anti-Litter Campaign 

will run for two years in the participating 

countries of Belize, Jamaica, 

Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grena - 

dines, and The Bahamas. On behalf of 

the group, Dr. Morrall states, “We’re 

pleased to take part in a project that will 

serve to bolster other efforts that are 

underway locally to help deal with 

marine litter, such as the International 

Coastal Cleanup.” For additional 

information or to get involved, 

please visit the WINDREF website at 

www.sgu.edu/windref. 

OUI FOUTE! SGU HOSTS COLLEGE AND 

UNIVERSITY ADVISORS ON CAMPUS 


include an overview of the University’s 

43 academic programs as well as a 

review of financial aid options, student 

support services, and psychological 

counseling center services. A tour of the 

True Blue Campus and its facilities 

include the library, lecture halls, 

science laboratories, and the on-campus 

Small Animal Clinic and meetings with 

faculty and University administration are 

usually scheduled. The recent Advisor 

Trip provided advisors with an opportunity 

to attend a special question and 

answer session with the University’s 

Student Gov ernment Association (SGA) 

so they could hear experiences direct 

from current students and ask questions 

on behalf of the students they advise 

throughout the US. On the last days of 

the trip, advisors went off-campus to 

explore the island, meeting for dinner at 

the Coconut Beach Resort. 

Recognizing that it can be challenging 

to guide students on their postgraduate 

options without fully experiencing 

the academic and social atmosphere at a 

University in another country, the student 

advisor trip provides an opportunity 

for secondary school, college, and 

university advisors to learn more about 

the campus life and academics aspects 

of St. George’s so they can better advise 

their students. According to Jeffrey 

Bates, St. George’s Director of Veter - 

inary Enrolment and recent advisor trip 

attendee, “Visiting the University is a 

wonderful way for advisors to not only 

get an overview of the programs offered 

at St. George’s, but also is a great opportunity 

to tour the island and experience 

the culture and beauty of Grenada.” 

Many advisors are unsure of what to 

expect, but speaking to current students, 

experiencing campus life first-hand, and 

learning about the school’s programs 

provide a realistic view of St. George’s 

University. “After visiting St. George’s 

University, advisors come away with a 

very realistic picture of the campus and 

its programs, as well as a feel for the 

Island and what a wonderful experience 

it would be to go to school in such a 

beautiful environment,” explained Bates. 

The University offers advisors several 

trips each year with about three 

dozen advisors attending annually. This 

year attendees hail from the following 

colleges and universities: 

Andrews University 

Avila University 

California Polytechnic State University 

California State University 

George Mason University 

McGill University 

Missouri Western State University 

Monmouth University 

Murray State University 

New Mexico State University 

Niagara University 

Nova Scotia Agricultural College 

Oklahoma State University 

Oregon State University 

Saint Joseph’s College 

Siena University 

St. Cloud State University 

Tuskegee University 

University of Arkansas 

University of Arizona 

University of California, Irvine 

University of Cincinnati 

University of Kentucky 

University of Michigan 

University of Nevada 

University of New Hampshire 

University of Puget Sound 

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 

Vanderbilt University 

To learn more about the Oui Foute! 

Advisor Program or how to schedule a 

campus visit, please contact Candyce 

Armenti at carmenti@sgu.edu or 631- 

665-8500 ext. 9 1217. 


SGU Hosts 43rd International Seminar on 

Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention 

St. George’s University welcomed 31 of 

the world’s leading cardiovascular and 

epidemiology specialists to the International 

Society of Cardiovascular Disease 

Epidemiology and Prevention’s 43rd 

10-Day Teaching Seminar on Cardiovascular 

Disease Epidemiology and Prevention 

from June 26 to July 8, 2011. 

The Society’s Seminar Committee only 

selects approximately 36 fellows to 

attend the seminar every year. Participants 

of the 10-day teaching seminar 

represented 24 different countries, 

including St. George’s faculty members, 

Drs. Johansen Sylvester and Dolland 

Noel. 

Dr. Calum Macpherson, Director of 

WINDREF, welcomed the physicians 

during the opening session. “We are 

delighted to have the faculty and participants 

here at St. George’s University. We 

regard ourselves as an international institution 

and this seminar links very closely 

to our philosophy as a University.” 

Facilitators included experts in the 

field of hypertension, aging and cardiovascular 

diseases, stroke epidemiology, 

and disease prevention and control. 

Among the diverse group of participants 

are also bio-statisticians, nurses, behavioral 

scientists, and nutritionists. 

According to one of the coordinators, 

Director of the Division for Heart 

Disease and Stroke Prevention of Centers 

for Disease Control Darwin Labarthe, 

MD, MPH, PhD, the seminar was 

designed to introduce and educate young 

professionals—without substantial experience 

in research or teaching in the 

science of preventions—on various 

methods of prevention as it relates to 

heart diseases, stroke, hypertension, high 

cholesterol, and diabetes. He explained, 

“The primary objective of the seminar is 

From left to right: Professors Darwin Labarthe, K.T. Khaw, T.M. Reddy, and Neil Poulter; 

Director of WINDREF Dr. Calum Macpherson; and Coordinator of Support Services Brendon LaGrenade 

to introduce young professionals to the 

current knowledge and methods of 

research in heart disease and stroke. The 

goal is for them, after this experience, to 

be able to work more effectively in their 

home-based organizations, agencies, and 

institutions.” 

Dr. Labarthe further explained how 

over the past 20 years emphasis has been 

placed on developing countries, having 

recognized the burden placed on these 

economies by an increase in cardiovascular 

and other chronic diseases. 

According to the World Health Federation, 

cardiovascular disease (CVD) is 

the world’s largest killer, claiming more 

than 17 million lives annually. Additionally, 

the majority of CVD-related deaths 

take place in third world and developing 

counties. It is because of this that the 

seminar has been strategically located at 

St. George’s University in Grenada. He 

commented, “This has been a very successful 

approach and has greatly 

increased representation from developing 

countries.” 

The annual seminar retains a general 

format from year to year, and includes 

both lectures and group activities about 

the latest science in cardiovascular 

diseases and epidemiology, as well as an 

introduction to the methods of research 

within the field. The international 10-day 

teaching seminar began in 1968 by what 

is now known as the World Heart 

Federation, out of a recognized need for 

training throughout the world and physicians 

and other persons interested in 

research, teaching, and practice in the 

prevention of cardiovascular diseases. 

Since 1968 the seminar has been held in 

twenty-four different countries, with 

Grenada being the first English-speaking 

Caribbean to play host. 


National Academic Advising Association Recognizes Dedicated 

Department of Educational Services 

In October 2011, the National Aca demic 

Advising Association (NACADA) formally 

awarded St. George’s University Department 

of Educational Services the 2011 

Outstanding Institutional Advising Program 

Certificate of Merit Award for its 

Supplemental Learning Program (SLP). 

The NACADA annually recognizes higher 

education programs that contribute to academic 

advising and student-related support 

services, and St. George’s is the first 

Caribbean institution outside of Puerto 

Rico to be recognized by the association. 

The SLP prides itself as a cutting-edge 

program where demonstrators—faculty 

members that hold at the very least a 

bachelors or masters degree in the subject 

area in which they hold groups sessions—develop 

innovative and creative 

session plans to engage students. “All of 

our demonstrators are trained on how to 

best teach and engage students during the 

small group sessions. We use a variety of 

visuals and models to help understand the 

subject matter. Instead of listening to a 

lecture, students spend more time interacting 

and discussing,” explains Peter 

Slinger, Super visor of the SLP. “It helps 

get students proactive and excited to take 

on challenging material.” Additionally, 

Supplemental Learning team from left 

to right: Atom Abdullah (Demonstrator), 

Marsha Nicholson (Demonstrator), 

Peter Slinger (Supervisor), Beth Miller 

(Demonstrator), Gervette Penny 

(Demonstrator) 

demonstrators attend every lecture the 

students attend, keeping up-to-date with 

course material. 

Chair and Professor of Education 

Services Dr. Adrian Havenga believes the 

program to be extremely beneficial for 

incoming students. He comments, “Even 

though it is not mandatory, students elect 

to use this resource—especially in the 

beginning of the semester when they are 

still finding their feet.” The voluntary 

group sessions are held at least once a 

week, providing extra academic support 

for the larger classes offered at the University 

that are traditionally found to be 

more rigorous. “We are constantly looking 

for ways to improve and new methods 

that will help our students master the 

material,” continues Slinger. In addition 

to surveying students and faculty, the 

Department monitors attendance and performance 

scores to review the program. 

Dr. Havenga stated, “We are honored 

that the NACADA has recognized the 

efforts of the Supplemental Learning 

Program,” and he is proud of the Department’s 

achievements. The SLP team 

(pictured below) flew to Denver, CO to 

attend the NACADA’s annual conference 

and receive the 2011 Outstanding Institutional 

Advising Program Certificate of 

Merit Award in person. 

Since its inception in 2000, the SLP 

functions as an academic support group 

primarily for students in their under - 

graduate and preprofessional studies, 

including Arts and Sciences, Charter 

Foundation, Pre medical, and Preveterinary 

Medical programs. In addition to the 

SLP, the Department of Education Services 

provides academic development and 

support services to students and faculty 

across all disciplines. Close to 100% of 

the University’s students—and many of 

the professors—in all schools avail themselves 

of the support offered through a 

variety of innovative programs, including 

time manage-ment, note-taking skills, 

and utilizing technology effectively in 

teaching and learning. 

NACADA is an international organization 

representing 10,000 members from 

higher education institutions from around 

the world. Members include faculty, advisors, 

counselors, administrators and students. 

The goal of NACADA has been to 

honor individuals and institution making 

significant contributions to the improvement 

of academic advising. 


2011 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES 

Several Firsts for SGU 2011 Graduating Class 

On Saturday, May 14, 2011, St. George’s 

Univer sity held its annual Commencement 

Ceremony for the School of Arts 

and Sciences and the Graduate Studies 

Program. More than 300 students took to 

the stage to receive their diplomas at 

Patrick Adams Hall, the University’s 

newest and largest auditorium. This year’s 

Commencement Day also marked several 

firsts for the University. The commencement 

included the first cohort sponsored 

by the University of Botswana to earn 

their Bachelor of Preveterinary Medical 

Sciences; the first class to earn a Bachelor 

of Science in Nursing (BSN); and the 

charter class graduation of the Master of 

Business Administration (MBA) in 

Multi-Sector Health Management. 

Renowned Grenadian writer and poet, 

Dr. Merle Collins, OBE, PhD, was the 

keynote speaker, taking center stage to 

address all students and their families. Along 

with Dr. Collins, honored guests included 

Deputy Chair of the Conference of Churches 

in Grenada, Reverend Osbert James, PhD, 

and 2011 Distinguished Service Honoree 

Gloria Payne-Banfield, OBE, MSc. Ms. 

Payne-Banfield received St. George’s 

Distinguished Service Award in recognition 

of her outstanding service to the University; 

in acknowledgement of her long friendship 

with the University and leadership in forwarding 

its progress; and in gratitude for her 

advocacy and commitment to the evolution 

of graduate studies, research programs, and 

to the creation and development of the 

School of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, 

the University’s Undergraduate Student 

Government Asso ciation (USGA) presented 

the George B. Daniel Undergraduate Award 

to Ejaz Ramsingh, BS for his outstanding 

contribution to student life. 

In the School of Arts and Sciences, 

School of Arts and Sciences graduate 

Felix Thomas celebrates 

more than 250 undergraduate degrees 

were conferred and included Bachelors of 

Arts (BA), of Education (BEd), of Science 

(BS), or of Science in Nursing (BSN) 

degrees. Grena dian students made up the 

majority of the graduates and were 

addressed by Class Valedictorian Alana 

Praimdass of Trinidad and Tobago. “It is 

important for us to realize that final examinations 

and graduation does not mark our 

end to the relationship we have with St. 

George’s University,” she emphasized during 

her speech. On behalf of the graduating 

class, Ms. Praimdass also expressed 

her gratitude for the support offered by the 

University staff and faculty. She reminded 

her fellow classmates, “We are the force 

that will drive this institution towards 

future success. We should wish to contribute 

in whichever manner possible to 

the enrichment and enhancement of the 

quality of education being received by the 

current and future students.” 

The commencement ceremony included 

a group of Batswana students—sponsored 

by the University of Botswana—to earn 

their BS in Preveterinary Medical Sciences 

in Grenada. Similarly, a handful of students 

who completed their first two years at 

Stony Brook University in New York also 

had their Bachelor’s degree conferred. 

Each of these students will continue onto 

the four-year veterinary medical program 

at St. George’s. Their graduation, and promotion 

into the School of Veterinary Medicine, 

speaks to the success of St. George’s 

collaboration with the University of 

Botswana and Stony Brook University. 

The second half of the Commencement 

Day was dedicated to St. George’s graduate 

students. In the Graduate Studies Program, 

approximately 70 students earned their 

Master of Business Administration (MBA), 

Master of Public Health (MPH), or Master 

of Science (MSc) degrees. While four 

MBA graduates were members of the 

MBA in Multi-Sector Health Management 

charter class, the remaining MBA students 

specialized in the International Business. 

MPH graduate, St. Lucian born Lydia 

Atkins, represented the graduate students 

during the ceremony as class speaker. Ms. 

Atkins joined St. George’s in 2010, 

excelling throughout her years in Grenada. 

She was selected as class speaker due to 

her unique combination of technical 

expertise and administrative experience in 

the health sector as well as community and 

youth development. 

St. George’s University is proud of all 

its graduating students and confident its 

alumni will positively impact the world in 

each respective field. 



St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine 

Produces 100 More Veterinarians 

Chancellor Modica (left) and Dean Sis (right) congratulate veterinary medical graduate 

On Friday, June 10, 2011, 100 graduates 

had their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 

(DVM) degrees conferred during the St. 

George’s University School of Veterinary 

Medicine Commencement Ceremony at 

Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center in New 

York City, NY. The Class of 2011 represented 

eight countries, including the 

United States, Grenada, Canada, 

Bermuda, Botswana, Colombia, Pakistan, 

and the United Kingdom. 

“It is my pleasure to welcome you to 

the University’s commencement for the 

School of Veterinary Medicine, during 

which degrees will be conferred for the 

classes of January 2011, June 2011 and 

September 2011,” began Provost Dr. Allen 

Pensick, PhD in his introductory remarks. 

“You are here because our graduates recognize 

you as essential components in 

their success, and your mission does not 

end here. You must continue to foster their 

development and encourage adherence to 

their professionalism and humanism in 

this life-long process of learning.” 

Chancellor Charles R. Modica, JD 

followed Dr. Pensick’s welcoming introductory 

remarks, reiterating his respect for 

the veterinary medical profession. He 

reminded them that as new graduates 

“you all are setting the pace and we are 

looking to you.” He continued, “Through 

your work in Grenada and in your own 

communities, you have demonstrated your 

understanding of the value of integrity, 

excellence, compassion, altruism, respect, 

empathy, and service. Now we challenge 

you to live these values in your practice of 

veterinary medicine.” 

Dr. Raymond Sis, the Dean of the 

School of Veterinary Medicine, lead the 

academic oath. He advised graduates, 

“Success as a veterinarian depends on 

your knowledge and life skills, the foundation 

of which you received during your 

course of study at St. George’s University.” 

The Commencement Ceremony concluded 

upon the Chancellor officially 

conferring the Doctor of Veter inary Medicine 

degree and Dean Sis’ closing 

remarks. An hour-long reception followed 

where the new graduates celebrated with 

their families and friends as well as faculty 

and administration. St. George’s newest 

veterinarians will join the nearly 600 veterinary 

alumni living across the United 

States and other countries, including 

Canada, Ireland, and Australia. 

The day’s events included a pre-graduation 

breakfast sponsored by the School 

of Veterinary Medicine Hill’s College 

Feeding Program, a program run by Hill’s 

Pet Nutrition, Inc. that donates pet food to 

veterinary medicine programs. After 

spending their first three years together in 

Grenada, the class will go on to complete 

their fourth year at the University’s clinical 

affiliations at 23 of the 28 US veterinary 

schools, two of five Canadian 

schools, two of seven UK veterinary programs 

as well as affiliations in Ireland and 

Australia. The breakfast served to reconnect 

the students and to celebrate one of 

the most important occasions of their 

careers. They also had the opportunity to 

take professional photographs in their 

caps and gowns before the hour and half 

ceremony. 



SGU Honors Nearly 800 New Medical Doctors 

On Saturday, June 11, 2011 it was with a 

sense of pride and accomplishment that 

nearly 800 medical students, drawn from 

30 different countries, graduated as part 

of St. George’s University School of 

Medicine Commencement Ceremony at 

Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center in 

New York City, NY. This year’s commencement 

ceremony was particularly 

special as it marked the Keith B. Taylor 

Global Scholars Program (KBTGSP) 

charter class graduation. The 54 charter 

class students started the program in 

January 2007, completing the first year 

of basic sciences at Northumbria 

University in Newcastle, UK. 

Distinguished guest and Assistant 

Dean of the Keith B. Taylor Global 

Scholars Program, Dr. David Holmes, 

BSc (Hons), PhD, CSci, FIBMS, was honored 

with St. George’s University Medal 

Dean of Students Dr. C.V. Rao poses with graduates and family during the hour-long reception 

that followed the commencement 

of Merit by the Chancellor Charles R. 

Modica, JD, during the ceremony. The 

medal was presented in recognition of 

Dr. Holmes’ contribution and tireless 

efforts towards the collaboration between 

St. George’s and Northumbria University 

and the development of the KBTGSP. 

In his introductory remarks, Provost 

Dr. Allen Pensick, PhD provided wise and 

encouraging words to the University’s 

newest alumni, “You will be stretched in 

many different directions through your 

career and you must rely on your core values 

to guide you.” Chancellor Modica followed 

Dr. Pensick by asking the graduates 

to stand up and applaud their families and 

friends in order to demonstrate their 

appreciation for all the support offered by 

the guests in attending the day’s event as 

well as supporting their dream to become 

a physician. He also reminded the graduating 

class of the importance of the commencement 

ceremony. “This moment celebrates 

the commitment you have made to 

medicine. Your dedication is commendable, 

and we are confident you can make 

a positive impact in your local communities 

and in a global context.” 

Her Excellency Dr. Dessima Williams, 

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipo - 

tentiary Permanent Representative of 

Grenada to the United Nations, also 

extended her congratulations to the 

School of Medicine Class of 2011, 

which included seven Grenadian graduates. 

She challenged them to make 

health care strong with their entry into 

the professional world. Additionally, she 

highlighted efforts by the United 

Nations to eradicate AIDS by 2020 

through “zero new infections, zero stigma 

and zero Aids-related deaths”—a 

goal revealed at the United Nations Aids 

Summit held the same week. 

The 44th School of Medicine Commencement 

Ceremony concluded upon 

closing remarks from the Dean of the 

School of Medicine Dean Stephen 

Weitzman, MD. Graduates, along with 

their families and friends, took the 

opportunity to mingle with peers, faculty, 

and administration during an hourlong 

reception that followed. 

St. George’s University is extremely 

proud of its newest alumni who will now 

join the ranks of the University’s more 

than 9,000 medical graduates licensed in 

all 50 states and practicing in more than 

45 countries around the world. With a 98 

percent residency placement rate for eligible 

US graduates, St. George’s alumni 

will continue their professional development 

in highly competitive residencies in 

surgery, radiology, orthopedics, emergency 

medicine, and so forth. 



The School of Medicine Gold Humanism 

Honor Society Chapter Welcomes 29 New Members 

2011 inductees along with Deans Stephen Weitzman, C.V. Rao, and Cheryl Macpherson 

On Friday, June 10, 2011, St. George’s 

University welcomed 29 new members 

into its School of Medicine Gold Humanism 

Honor Society (GHHS) during an 

induction ceremony at Le Parker Meridien 

Hotel in New York City. Congratulations 

to the following inductees who were 

nominated by their peers for demonstrating 

humanistic characteristics during 

their time in medical school, including 

mentoring skills, community service, and 

observance of professional ethics: 

Ajay Amarnani 

Julia Brockway 

Alexia Casalnuovo 

Baldeep Chera 

Santhosh Cherian 

Kimberley Dekker 

Anthony Dinallo 

Jerry George 

Justin Goralnik 

Heidi Hon 

Meredith Jones 

Jacklyn Kopf 

Danielle Krol 

Aneta Kular 

Vincent Mandola 

Urva Naik 

Orapeleng Phuswane 

James Ronayne 

Kumkum Sarkar 

Zane Shaeffer 

Charmi Shah 

Sarthi R. Shah 

Sara Shahram 

Rafi Skowronski 

Donielle Sliwa 

Andrew J. Smith 

Edward Sorenson 

Jamie Zakkak 

Michael Zeidman 

Working to keep the care in healthcare 

Dr. Cheryl Macpherson, Chair of the 

Bioethics Department and Faculty 

Advisor of the University’s GHHS 

Chapter, welcomed the honorees as well 

as family, friends, faculty, and staff. 

Following Dr. Macpherson, Dean of 

the School of Medicine Dr. Stephen 

Weitzman discussed the chapter’s goals 

and projects for the upcoming year. 

Lastly, each student was presented with 

a pin and certificate by Dr. Macpherson 

and Dean of Students Dr. C. V. Rao. 

“The purpose of this award ceremony 

is to acknowledge the efforts of these students 

who dedicated their personal time 

and resources to benefit others while in 

Grenada and during their clinical rotations 

abroad,” explained Dr. Macpherson. 

“We want these students to know they set 

an example by demonstrating and 

upholding the values of the humanism 

and medicine while managing to maintain 

a standard of academic excellence.” 

The St. George’s University chapter of 

the GHHS was established in 2004 with 

the guidance of the Arnold P. Gold 

Foun dation and endorsement by the 

Chancellor, Board of Trustees, Academic 

Board of Trustees, Dean of the School of 

Medicine, and student government. The 

University’s chapter of GHHS honors 

medical students and alumni for excellence 

in clinical care, leadership, compassion, 

and dedication to service. 

Since its inception in 2002, the 

GHHS has been established at more 

than 90 medical schools, and has 

awarded more than 1,000 students with 

honors. The Association of American 

Medical Col leges (AAMC) has established 

five characteristics of humanism 

in medicine: positive mentoring skills, 

community service, compassion, sensitivity, 

collaboration, and observance of 

professional ethics. St. George’s University 

hopes to foster these same ideals 

amongst its students and faculty. 


2011 FALL WHITE COAT CEREMONIES 

The School of Medicine Welcomes the Class of 2015 

in Grenada and the UK 

St. George’s University welcomed students 

to the School of Medicine Class 

of 2015 at its White Coat Ceremonies, 

where 647 entering students in Grenada 

and 68 entering students at North - 

umbria University in the UK, were 

cheered on by proud friends and family 

members. Students were welcomed to 

the profession and to the University by 

faculty, staff, students, and dignitaries. 

The students welcomed at Northumbria 

join St. George’s as part of the Keith B. 

Taylor Global Scholars Program and 

will spend their first year of basic sciences 

at Northumbria University before 

joining their classmates in Grenada. 

At both ceremonies the students 

donned white coats which symbolize 

their entry into the medical profession 

and their commitment to upholding the 

duties and trust associated with practicing 

medicine and medical training—a 

commitment they reaffirmed with the 

recitation of the Oath of Professional 

Commitment at the ceremony. 

Iona Heath, MD, CBE, MRCP, 

PRCGP delivered an inspiring keynote 

address at the Grenada ceremony, speaking 

of how both courage and joy are 

significant aspects of practicing medicine. 

Sharing insightful anecdotes from 

her own professional history, Dr. Heath 

counseled incoming students to trust 

patients’ accounts of their own experience, 

to doubt the known, to tolerate 

uncertainty, and to be an advocate for 

patients. She also listed the joy and privilege 

of relating to the whole of humanity, 

listening to accounts of amazing 

courage and endurance, being able to 

make a difference in the life of her 

patients, having colleagues and friends 

around the world, and the joy which 

comes from the sheer intensity of the 

profession. In closing she wished the students 

success and “the courage that I 

have sometimes lacked and the joy that 

I have found and more.” 

Andrew James Johnson, MB BCh, 

FRCP delivered the keynote address at 

the Northumbria ceremony where he 

drew a unique parallel between the 

medical profession and theatre. Using the 

example of Shakespeare to demonstrate 

the communication needs between doctor 

and patient, Mr. Johnson imparted 

wisdom to the incoming students on the 

importance of avoiding jargon and using 

words that can be easily understood by 

patients. He also stressed the importance 

of reading between the lines when 

discussing health care with patients, 

relaying on body language and demeanor 

to understand a patient’s deeper anxieties. 

In closing, he noted,‘The smile as the 

patient leaves is the medical equivalent 

of the cheer of the audience in a theatre…Medicine 

is a mix of art and science—communication 

is the art that 

makes science worth it for all!” 

St. George’s University welcomes the 

incoming School of Medicine class in 

Grenada and in Newcastle and con - 

gratulates them on their first step in this 

noble career. 

Chancellor Modica poses with the newest incoming class in Grenada 


2011 FALL WHITE COAT CEREMONIES 

School of Veterinary Medicine White Coat Ceremony 

Welcomes 79 Students 

First-term veterinary medical student, Nicole McDonagh, recites the Oath of Professionalism 

St. George’s University welcomed 79 

new students to the School of Veterinary 

Medicine at the Fall 2011 White 

Coat Ceremony on the True Blue Campus 

in Grenada. 

Dr. Marguerite Pappaioanou, Execu - 

tive Director of the Association of 

American Veterinary Medical Colleges 

(AAVMC), addressed students during the 

keynote speech. “There is no question 

that veterinary medicine is the best and 

most fulfilling profession that anyone 

can aspire to, and each of us, having been 

given the chance to become a member of 

the profession, is extremely lucky.” Dr. 

Pappaioanou continued, “Very few professions 

provide the broad range of 

career opportunities that veterinary medicine 

does to make the lives of people, 

animals, and the world a better place.” 

Dr. Pappaioanou noted that the education 

students receive at St. George’s 

University will make it possible for them 

to pursue any field of veterinary medicine. 

She encouraged students to find 

their passion and to be open to the career 

opportunities they are presented with 

along the way. “It is the comparative 

medical aspect of the education that you 

are about to receive that will open doors 

to you as you find your passion,” said Dr. 

Pappaioanou. “These are the opportunities 

that are not open to other professions 

as they are to us…There are positions 

that have influence and that can significantly 

change our world—positions you 

will qualify for, and in fact these are 

positions in which you will shine.” 

Dr. Raymond Sis, Dean of the School 

of Veterinary Medicine, spoke of the 

unique opportunity St. George’s veterinary 

students have by being on-campus 

at a vibrant medical school—the opportunity 

to see the idea of One Health, One 

Medicine not only as a concept, but in 

action via student health fairs and crossdiscipline 

collaborative learning opportunities. 

Dr. Sis also mentioned the 

two-day veterinary leadership experience 

where all incoming veterinary medical 

students participate. The leadership experience 

provides an overview for new students 

to develop the skills and attributes 

needed to become a successful veterinarian. 

“Knowledge is power,” remarked 

Dean Sis as he challenged the students to 

learn as much as possible during their 

training. 

The University’s commitment to providing 

the very best of veterinary medical 

education to its students was echoed 

in comments by Chancellor Dr. Charles 

R. Modica, JD, “We have a University 

here that is truly international and the 

veterinary medical school provides us 

with quality that is second to none.” 

The Fall 2011 School of Veterinary 

Medicine White Coat Ceremony culminated 

with the robing of all 79 students 

and the recitation of the Professional 

Commitment Oath. The white coat symbolizes 

professionalism, entry into the 

veterinary profession, and commitment 

to upholding the duties of the profession. 

On behalf of St. George’s University, 

congratulations are extended to the Class 

of 2015. 


WINDREF Hosts Caribbean-Canada Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue 

Attended by Dialogue President, HRH, the Princess Royal, Princess Anne 


and WINDREF board member, stated, 

“WINDREF has been able to contribute 

to advances in health and environmental 

development through multidisciplinary 

research and education programs. We see 

hosting this conference as another opportunity 

to bring intellectual talent together 

to address challenges and issues of international 

importance.” 

The theme of this year’s CCLED leadership 

development conference was 

“Growth Through Connections: Enabling 

Sustainable Progress.” During the study 

tour in Grenada, the participants visited 

local businesses and industries as well as 

met with several stakeholders, including 

government officials, the police, and 

community leaders. These visits provided 

an opportunity for the team to be 

exposed to the diverse challenges being 

faced by these leaders, and learn from 

one another to strengthen ties between 

the region and Canada, whilst developing 

cross-cultural leadership skills. 

“It was an honor for 

WINDREF to be part 

of this international 

collaboration and a 

valuable opportunity to 

bring the regions emerging 

leaders together to share 

their experiences and to 

discuss current challenges 

of regional and international 

importance.” 

—Vice Provost Calum Macpherson 

The CCLED concluded in Barbados 

on Sunday, June 11, 2011. It was made 

possible by the support of more than 150 

volunteers and 21 countries as well as 

private, public, and non profit organi - 

zations at all levels. The participants, 

which included community leaders, 

workers, and volunteers from a variety of 

sectors, came together to engage, listen, 

inquire, share ideas, and learn what it 

means to be a leader in an increasingly 

interdependent and complex world. 

Dr. Macpherson commented, “It was an 

honor for WINDREF to be part of this 

international collaboration and a valuable 

opportunity to bring the regions emerging 

leaders together to share their experiences 

and to discuss current challenges 

of regional and international importance.” 

He is thrilled to announce that 

given the positive reviews from attendees, 

“WINDREF was recommended 

to host the CCLED participants in 2015 

as well.” 

SGU STUDENT ASSISTS ALUMNUS IN PACEMAKER IMPLANTATION 

DURING VISITING CARDIOLOGY PROGRAM 


spiritual level that this was something 

I needed to do. I really appreciate SGU 

giving me the opportunity to go to medical 

school.” 

Nanny first met Dr. Finkelstein as a 

prospective student during his admissions 

interview at St. George’s University. Dr. 

Finkelstein was conducting interviews as 

part of the Alumni Admissions Mentor 

Program (AAMP) and was impressed by 

Nanny’s qualifications and ambition. Since 

their meeting, Dr. Finkelstein has been utilizing 

Nanny’s skills as a pacemaker representative 

in interrogating pacemakers at the 

clinic in Grenada. 

The team’s quick response is highly 

commendable, given that the surgery was 

done within 48 hours of Mrs. Horne’s initial 

consultation. After the surgery, Dr. 

Sylvester and Nanny followed up with Mrs. 

Horne and determined she was in great 

health and that the surgery was a success. 

In addition to performing a successful 

pacemaker implantation surgery, Dr. 

Finkelstein saw approximately 50 patients 

during his third consecutive year participating 

at the clinic. He provided a variety 

of cardiology services including consul - 

tation, diagnosis, and pacemaker interrogation. 

Additionally, Dr. Finkelstein has 

facilitated the donation of five pace makers 

and leads valued at approximately 

$50,000 USD from St. Jude Medical 

and a variety of pharmaceuticals valued at 

an additional $1,000 USD compliments 

Forest Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, and Astra- 

Zeneca. 

Currently, services available at the centre 

include ECG testing, two-dimensional 

echo-cardiograph, exercise stress tests, and 

pacemaker interrogation. The Visiting 

Cardiology Program provides quality heath 

care—at no cost to the local Grenadian 

population—in an easily accessible, central, 

and disability-friendly Cardiology 

Centre in Grand Anse. In addition to serving 

the local population, the clinic provides 

opportunities for the University’s medical 

students. Visiting cardiologists also give 

didactic lectures to hospital physicians and 

medical students as well as join staff at 

Grenada’s General Hospital for ward 

rounds and patient education. 


Association of 

Caribbean Tertiary 

Institutions 2011 

Conference Held 

in Grenada 

The Association of Caribbean Tertiary 

Institutions (ACTI) held its 21st annual 

conference in Grenada from November 

9-11, 2011, under the theme “Austerity 

Measures and Higher Education: Programs, 

Policies, Practices and Student 

Services.” The opening cere mony held at 

St. George’s University marked the start 

of an intense two-day series of sessions, 

with 17 countries being represented at the 

conference: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, 

Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British 

Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, 

Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, 

Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, 

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, 

and Trinidad and Tobago. 

During this year’s conference, delegates 

came together to discuss policies, 

programs, student services, and the ways 

to encourage and promote cooperation 

and improvement between the region’s 

tertiary educational institutions. At the 

opening ceremony President of ACTI 

Dr. Roosevelt Williams remarked, “We 

have to remind ourselves that not only 

must we not neglect, but we must continue 

to focus on our students, thus ensuring 

the student-centered philosophies and 

practice of all our institutions.” He went 

on to discuss the financial challenges 

being faced by the educational system 

including budget cuts to higher education 

and increases in tuition and student debt. 

He added, “We must keep our sight on 

the future and the big picture. In any 

event, we must insist that education is a 

right and not a privilege.” 

The Honorable Franka Bernadine, 

Minister of Education and Human 

Resource Development, delivered the 

St. George’s University Vice Provost for Institutional Advancement Dr. Denis Paul 

addresses attendees of the ACTI Conference 

keynote speech at the opening. She commended 

ACTI on its initiative and on its 

role in influencing and guiding the 

region’s educational policies. “We must 

rethink education in the Caribbean. We 

must agree on a philosophy, establish a 

seamless education system and attune our 

assessments to key competencies and 

global competitiveness. We must work 

together to synchronize the stages in order 

to make it a seamless flow right throughout 

tertiary institutions. We must bear in 

mind that the pillars and foundation are 

not merely to acquire knowledge, learn to 

learn, but also learn to do, to learn to be 

who we are, and to learn to live together,” 

she remarked. “Your challenge is to find a 

way to introduce the austerity measures 

that would allow the programs, policies, 

and student services to continue to provide 

what is needed to prepare the next 

generation of our Caribbean people.” 

Colin Dowe, Assistant Dean of Enrolment 

Planning at St. George’s University, 

also gave an address at the ceremony. He 

stressed the need for collaboration among 

institutions across the region as a means 

of dealing with current economic difficulties. 

“I will like to suggest and offer that 

we commit ourselves in Grenada, the 

OECS and wider Caribbean, to forging 

affiliations with each other that will allow 

our students to get value for money as 

they complete their first degrees,” he said. 

“Our vision for tertiary education should 

ensure that through our collective efforts 

we lower the cost and hence increase the 

access to tertiary education so this region 

will be a better place.” 

Other notable attendees at the 

opening ceremony included US Chargé 

d’Affaires Bernard Link, Principal of 

T. A. Marryshow Community College 

(TAMCC) and the event co-host Dr. 

Jeffrey Britton, St. George’s University 

Vice Provost for Institutional Advancement 

Dr. Denis Paul, as well as faculty 

and students from the aforemention ed 

institutions. In addition to the various 

addresses, the opening ceremony also 

showcased Jonathan Ramirez, a student 

of TAMCC and member of Comman - 

cheros Steel Orchestra, who performed 

a solo steel pan rendition of the National 

Anthem Grenada. Additionally, 

St. George’s University student Donella 

Hosten recited a poem that she wrote. 

During his tenure as Vice Chancellor 

of the University of the West Indies 

(UWI), Sir Alister McIntyre initiated a 

series of discussions that led to the establishment 

of ACTI. The purpose of the 

organization was to help strengthen tertiary 

level institutions and to effect better 

articulation between their program offerings 

and those of UWI. Currently, the 

Association as expanded to include nearly 

100 members from 17 countries. 


Every year, St. George’s University 

Family Weekend invites families and 

friends of its student body to the island 

of Grenada to participate in a host of 

activities. Once again, from October 21 

through the 23, the beautiful True Blue 

campus in Grenada, West Indies played 

host to the families and friends of 

the current student body. The event was 

a success and allowed students the 

opportunity to share their home-awayfrom-home 

and provide their loved ones 

with an insider’s view of the island, its 

people, and the University. 

Known for its rich history of spice production, 

the island nation of Grenada is 

one of the world’s largest exporters of 

nutmeg and mace—but spice production 

is only a small part of the history and culture 

of this amazing nation. Every year, 

St. George’s University Family Weekend 

provides students and their families with 

free time for exploring the island of 

Grenada. In addition to traditional Caribbean 

activities like snorkeling, hiking the 

rain forest, and fishing, attendees participated 

in the many must see attractions 

including the Grenada National Museum, 

Rome’s Museum, Fort George, Fort Frederick, 

Seven Sisters Falls, Grenada Choco - 

late Company, Rhum Runner, River Antoine 

Rum Distillery, and Annandale Falls. 

A record-breaking number of families 

and friends attended this year, with more 

than 200 registered guests. Additionally, 

new features of the program included 

a Grenada’s famous Fish Fridays and a 

Catamaran Sailing trip around the island. 

To see more pictures from Family Weekend, 

become a fan of St. George's University's 

official Facebook page by visiting 

www.facebook.com/StGeorgesU. 


CELEBRATING 35 YEARS 

OF GLOBAL EDUCATION 

Medical education was transformed in 

January 1977 as St. George’s University 

welcomed its first class of medical 

students who survived the naturally rocky 

beginnings of a visionary idea. In the 35 

years since opening its doors, the University 

has become one of the world’s leaders 

in international education, with its curricula, 

faculty, student body, and extracurricular 

activities being informed by academics 

and students from around the world. 

The world, and its myriad cultures, is carefully 

nurtured in Grenada on one of more 

beautiful academic settings in the world. 

The University’s history begins with 

the Act of Parliament in Grenada which 

allowed the establishment of the School 

of Medicine in 1976. It was further 

bolstered by the establishment of the 

Windward Islands Research and Education 

Foundation (WINDREF) in 1994, 

allowing for research and graduate 

studies. Three years later, the University 

expanded to include the School of Arts 

and Sciences. The School of Veterinary 

Medicine and Department of Public 

Health and Preventive Medicine were 

established in 1999 and the Master of 

Business Administration in 2006. The 

Council on Education for Public Health 

(CEPH) in the US accredited the Master 

of Public Health program in 2010, and 

the American Veterinary Medical Association 

Council on Education (AVMA 

COE) accredited the School of Veterinary 

Medicine in 2011. These external 

validations speak to our years of success. 

To celebrate 35 years of producing 

successful graduates, the University has 

planned a series of exciting events 

throughout 2012. The first takes place 

this January in conjunction with the 

annual Faculty Retreat, where the 

University will reach out to the Grenadian 

community to brainstorm partnering 

ideas, and hold an awards ceremony to 

salute members of its faculty, administration, 

and staff who have dedicated themselves 

to furthering the University. 

In the winter and spring, the University 

will unveil honorary plaques for the 

buildings named after SGU's visionaries 

who helped to develop the University 

into the international success it is 

today—Morris Alpert, Geoffrey H. 

Bourne, Keith B. Taylor, Allen H. Pensick, 

and Patrick F. Adams. 

Additional details and upcoming 

events will be posted on the MySGU 

member center in the coming months. 

All students and faculty are encouraged 

to join the University as it celebrates 

35 years of excellence. 

SGU Merchandise 

Available Online! 

If you’re looking for St. George’s Univer sity logo hoodies, 

shirts, hats and more, look no further than the University’s 

Online Bookstore at http://sgu.promoshop.com! University 

merchandise is available in a variety of colors and designs to 

suit every style. 

Show your pride by wearing genuine 

St. George’s University apparel. 

Go to http://sgu.promoshop.com today! 


GRADUATE PROFILE 

Roggie Reason MD ’11 

“Through the KBTGSP, 

I have experienced life in 

a cosmopolitan setting 

as well as the many diverse 

cultures of my fellow 

students. It is critical 

for a physician in today’s 

world to learn to adapt to 

different cultures.” 

Dr. Roggie Reason is a native to Grenada and prior to attendinig 

St. George’s University he was valedictorian at both his secondary 

school, St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (SAASS), and at TA 

Marryshow Community College, where he graduated with an associate’s 

degree in Natural Sciences. He returned to SAASS to teach for one year, 

and it is during this time he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a 

doctor. He applied to St. George’s University and was not only accepted, 

but granted a joint scholarship from the University and the Government 

of Grenada. 

Upon completing the third year of the premedical program, Roggie 

jumped at the chance to be a part of the charter class of the Keith B. Taylor 

Global Scholars Program (KBTGSP)—an opportunity that allowed 

him to spend his first year of basic sciences at Northumbria University in 

Newcastle, United Kingdom. 

“I truly enjoyed the year spent at Northumbria University. I met some 

amazing persons and made life-long friends. The members of our class 

supported each other a great deal—a quality I truly admired.” Roggie 

believes his experience as a medical student at an international institution 

is instrumental to the success of a well-rounded physician. He explains, 

“Through the KBTGSP, I have experienced life in a cosmopolitan setting 

as well as the many diverse cultures of my fellow students. It is critical for 

a physician in today’s world to learn to adapt to different cultures.” 

Roggie was presented with three of four awards presented at the Sixth 

Term Award Ceremony, including the BSCE 1 and BSCE 2 for achieving 

the highest score in the Basic Sciences Comprehensive Exam 1 and 2, 

respectively, as well as the Golden Stethoscope Award which is presented 

by the Department of Clinical Skills to the student with the overall best 

performance in clinical skills throughout their basic sciences years. He is 

the first and the only student to receive all three academic awards since 

the inception of this award ceremony. 

“Everyone has a way in which they learn best and if they can find that, 

and then adapt it to the individual courses, they’ll be successful,” Roggie 

advises prospective medical students on how to strive for success. “A physician 

must be able to communicate effectively with his patients and also be 

able to make the best decisions for that individual patient because every 

patient is different, even if they present with the same disease.” 

Roggie was one of seven Grenadians in the School of Medicine, and one 

of 37 from the KBTGSP charter class, to graduate as part of the School of 

Medicine graduating Class of 2011. He will begin his residency in July at 

Trinitas Regional Medical Centre in New Jersey and plans to return to 

Grenada to practice upon completion. Roggie’s dedication to his native 

community is consistent with many of the KBTGSP students, who now represent 

14 countries throughout the world, exemplifying the University’s 

commitment to improving global health through this unique program. 


GRADUATE PROFILE 

Brittany King DVM ’10 

“The early practical 

hands-on experience during 

the clinics and at the 

on-campus Large Animal 

Resource Facility and at the 

Small Animal Clinic gave 

me confidence, and I was 

more than well-prepared 

compared to my peers.” 

Dr. Brittany King began her veterinary studies in her home state 

of Texas, but soon found the large university environment of Texas A&M 

University to be overwhelming and impersonal. “I think I needed a more 

personal relationship with my professors,” she explained. “At big schools in 

the states you sometimes feel like you’re just another number.” Brittany 

took six months off before deciding to enroll in St. George’s University 

School of Veterinary Medicine. She found the personal relationship she was 

looking for as well as numerous research opportunities that she was able to 

take advantage of with the support and encouragement of the staff and 

professors. “If I had questions, someone would always be available to help.” 

Additionally, Brittany enjoyed the diversity on campus, living with 

girls from Trinidad and Grenada her first semester and learning about different 

cultures. 

During her time at the University, Brittany also joined Student Affiliate 

of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SAAVMA), actively 

participated in a number of charitable projects, worked with wildlife in 

Uganda, and conducted research at an elephant hospital in Thailand. After 

completing three basic science years of the program, Brittany elected to 

complete her final clinical year in Edinburgh, Scotland at Edinburgh 

University Dick Vet School of Veterinary Medicine. “The early practical 

hands-on experience during the clinics and at the on-campus Large Animal 

Resource Facility and at the Small Animal Clinic gave me confidence, and 

I was more than well-prepared compared to my peers.” 

Most notably, Brittany was integral to launching the One Health One 

Medicine clinics throughout Grenada for which she received a medal from 

the University in recognition for her contributions to global one health medicine. 

The concept of One Health One Medicine focuses on the convergence 

of human, animal, and ecosystem health and is becoming increasingly 

prominent in health care. Currently, the One Health One Medicine clinics 

involve St. George’s students from the fields of medicine, veterinary medicine, 

and public health in a joint effort to deliver valuable health care 

and information to members of the Grenadian community at the same time 

and place. Medical students conduct general checkups, blood pressure 

screening, breast exams, and vision and hearing exams, while veterinary 

medical students provide physical exams, wound treatment, vaccinations 

and so forth. Public health students provide education on food safety and 

zoonotic disease prevention and control. 

Upon graduating in June 2010, Brittany joined Banfield Pet Hospital 

to experience a level of corporate veterinary medicine and is currently training 

for a Chief of Staff position. She and her dog Hank have made numerous 

television appearances promoting public health and proper veterinary 

medical care. While she remains passionate about directly dealing with 

families and their pets, Dr. Brittany King hopes to find enough hours in the 

day to also work on research and public health initiatives. 


c/o The North American Correspondent: 

University Support Services, LLC 

3500 Sunrise Highway, Building 300 

Great River, New York 11739-9002

CHRONICLE CHRONICLE - St. George's University

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?