Embracing international education that appreciates a diverse human experience, harnessing creativity and intellect, and instilling professionalism is what drives St George’s University (SGU) to continue achieving excellence in the field of medical education.

Grenada’s global university, SGU has established itself as a melting pot of cultures from all across the world; drawing from 140 countries and creating diversity similar to that reflected within the United Nations.

This independent university was established by an act of parliament in 1976 and soon after began lessons at the School of Medicine, a faculty that is now internationally recognised as delivering leading research and honest education to encourage and inspire the next generation of medical professionals.

Organic internationalism is what sets apart SGU from other universities in the Caribbean – public or private. The university has successfully become an outstanding leader in medical education bringing the world to Grenada. And its meteoric rise can be affirmed by the overwhelming response that has led to several new departments and degrees being offered, including a recent degree in Nursing and Allied Health Sciences.

Pic: St George's University.

Academics
Divided into three schools and Graduate Studies, SGU offers a wide variety of programs to choose from for varied educational backgrounds. This university is regarded for its training in medicine and offers a selection of degrees through its School of Medicine – including Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science (MSc) and PhD in Anatomical Sciences, Anatomical Education and Microbiology.

It also provides dual degrees and a premedical programme.

As the first private medical school in the Caribbean, the School of Medicine has pioneered the concept of an international medical education and was the first to be accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Health Professions (CAAM-HP). It continues to stay at the front of world-class, cutting–edge research and has educated almost 11,000 physicians who are licensed and have practiced in almost 50 countries.

The School itself brings together students from 30 nationalities, most of whom arrive from top US schools. Over 500 students at the School of Medicine have previously studied at Ivy League schools in the US and almost 7,000 have graduated from universities that have been featured in the US World & News Report list of top universities.

Doctor of Medicine
The School of Medicine’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a highly sought-after program that uses a dedicated model of education to accommodate the wide-ranging backgrounds and aspirations that collect at this culturally-colourful School.

Students hoping to enter the MD program strive hard during their premedical coursework to be given a spot in the first year of the four-year medical programme.

Once in the prestigious four-year MD programme, students spend the first two years at Grenada’s True Blue campus and the following two years at one of the affiliated centres in the US or in the UK, while they complete their clinical training.

Premedical Program
This program, which is studied at the True Blue campus in Grenada, integrates basic modules in reading, writing and mathematics for an undergraduate level along with required science foundation courses.

The premedical course has a syllabus designed to initiate a strong grounding required for advanced study later in the MD program. It is the student’s academic background that helps the Committee on Admission decide whether to slot them in first, second or third year in the premedical programme. This allows for flexibility and a respect and understanding for each individual’s needs.

All years of the premedical program call for strong self-study and research skills in order to exploit the full potential.

Master of Public Health Program
SGU is host to a dynamic research facility and centre of excellence in public health education in the form of the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPHPM). This international centre offers Masters Degree of Public Health (MPH) and dual degrees in both MPH/MD and MPH/DVM.

The Master of Public Health Program is a popular choice among students and faculty who form an integral part in strengthening and maintain the high quality of this Program. The MPH Program is fully accredited by the prestigious Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH), an independent agency recognised by the US Department of Education.

Achievements and Accreditation
SGU School of Medicine has been recognised by several national and international bodies who have praised the path-breaking research and education delivered at this institution. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program has received several accolades and accreditations, perhaps the most for any medical Program in the world.

These include the Government of Grenada, CAAM-HP (an accreditation that is recognised by the UK for New and Developing Medical Schools in the British Oversees Territories in the Caribbean), New York State Education Department (NYSED), Medical Board of California and the Florida Commission on Independent Education among others.

SGU School of Medicine has been approved by the Bahamas Medical Council, the Bermuda Medical Council, the Sri Lankan Medical Council and the Thailand Medical Council including several others. SGU graduates have also received registration with medical licensing authorities in countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Vietnam, Great Britain, Bahamas, South Africa, Canada, Germany and the United States.

Furthermore, the prominent School is also registered with the World Health Organisation. A full list of the faculty at the School of Medicine can be viewed here.

Campus Life at SGU
The West Indies’ Grenada sparkles with serenity, diversity and warmth. Cradled in the lap of the Caribbean Sea, life at SGU is based in the pastel-tinted architecture of the True Blue Campus – a multi-million dollar, high-tech campus that incorporates advanced teaching and research facilities with the awe-inspiring waters and exciting reefs of the Caribbean.

50-odd student-sponsored organisations result in an extraordinary plethora of extracurricular activities customised for a taste for every palate. The island itself hosts several activities that students can involve themselves in, promising never a dull moment during life at SGU.

The pot-pourri of cultures that collects at Grenada’s SGU gives rise to inquisitive minds to form a stimulating atmosphere of knowledge, diversity and the keen desire to seek answers. The cultural diversity also means that there are a large number of cuisines to choose from on the island. The history of the island also provides for fascinating discoveries and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the music of the land. Despite the variety of nationalities that reside in Grenada, English is the main spoken language.

Pic: St George's University.

Students who go beyond academics
Lebanese student Pamela Youssef from the School of Medicine went on to prove herself when she saved the life of a 61-year-old American tourist who was in a traffic accident. As she was returning home from her swim, Pamela heard a crash involving two vehicles near a nearby hotel. Rushing to the scene of the accident, the young student’s medical training kicked into gear as she hurriedly tended to the injured.

She remembers: “I was a bit hesitant at first but it was like something pushed me there.”

Due to her timely action, one of the victims is alive today.

“Nothing feels like saving a life… and I feel just lucky. I was lucky enough to be there to do it,” says Pamela.

To read more about Pamela and others like her at SGU, please click here.

Student support
SGU provides unique student support, paving the way for their students to succeed in their studies and their careers. The Student Success Division is accessed by 98% of students for both academic and professional help during their time during and after SGU.

The Student Success Division comprises the Department of Educational Services for continuous assistance in academic coursework; the Health and Psychological Services that aim to provide the best professional assistance; Career Guidance and Student Development especially for medical students to reduce stress and maintain focus; and Student Orientation, a perfect time for international students to mingle, get to know each other and immerse themselves in the beautiful culture of Grenada.

Such a welcoming city combined with world-class education in the competitive field of medicine is a definite showstopper for students across the world, especially in Asian countries which host a large number of respected and well-known doctors. A degree at SGU is sure to provide that extra edge to ensure a prominent career in medicine.

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