One of the best kept secrets in Caribbean Medical Schools | Trinity School of Medicine

Trinity School of Medicine has always prided itself on the strength and ambition of its students. So many future physicians come our way looking for something new; whether that's a unique learning environment built on support and a strong relationship with the faculty, a curriculum with an emphasis on clinical skills and service to patients, or just a true opportunity to live up to their potential. In this next edition of our alumni spotlight, meet Dr. Mary Anne Brett, McMaster undergrad alum, Trinity graduate, and anatomical pathologist in Calgary, AB.

Late last month, Trinity held its 4th annual charity 5k in conjunction with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Medical Association (SVGMA). The route, going from the Arnos Vale Playing Field to the National Lotteries Tennis Court in Kingstown, was full of walkers and runners enjoying the lower temps on a rainy Sunday. The event involved everything from fierce competition to 3.1 miles of laughter for fun-runners and culminated with the presentation of a check for $9,520 from Trinity to the SVGMA. Read on for a gallery, a race report, and the future of another successful Trinity-student initiative. 

In Canada in 2017, only 2,617 of the 13,690 applicants were admitted to medical schools. An astonishing 81% of the applicants- many of whom would make phenomenal physicians- found themselves rejected at home. For many people considering medicine, becoming a doctor is a calling. So, a large percentage of those Canadian applicants without a seat looked abroad—most of them to the Caribbean, but some considering Ireland, Australia, and Eastern Europe as well. But, what happens when school is over? In 2018, of the 1,758 international medical graduates (IMGs)- most of whom were Canadians that tried to match back home- only 123 were selected. This is by no means to say that this isn't still a viable path for Canadians, and a fair number of Trinity graduates have matched in places like Ontario, Calgary, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba.  

The point is that the decision to study abroad is a major one, with many factors to consider, from proximity to home, to academic approach, matching, cost, and long term career plans.

Earlier this month, a group of second year Trinity students and faculty physician-supervisors traveled to Georgetown, the most northerly town on St. Vincent. They worked with the Rotary Club of St. Vincent to take part in a Village Doctor Exercise, bringing medical care to under-served communities in the small island nation. Trinity students have worked with the Rotary in this capacity for years, as the event aligns the school's culture of global health outreach and clinical experience. Read on to learn about what student responsibilities entailed and what both they and faculty thought of the day.