Experienced Leadership, Dedicated Faculty

Leading the way in quality medical education.

Administration

Steven Wilson headshot

Steven R. Wilson​​

Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Wilson was part of the team that brought Trinity from concept to reality as it went through the accreditation process into a full-fledged medical school. Mr. Wilson has many years of leading businesses through the early stages of development and into maturity, his track record speaks for itself. Mr. Wilson served as President and CEO of several highly regarded institutions over the past 22 years. Prior to Trinity School of Medicine, Mr. Wilson was President of TSYS Loyalty, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of TSYS, TSS on the NY stock exchange from 2003 until 2006 when he left to pursue the start-up of Trinity School of Medicine. Prior to TSYS, Mr. Wilson was President and CEO of Enhancement Services Corporation from 1998 to 2003, an institution that provided loyalty transaction processing and fulfillment services to the world’s largest financial institutions. Mr. Wilson was also the President and CEO of Business Travel, Inc. from 1986 to 1997. Mr. Wilson’s background and experience are a vital element in Trinity’s success as it endeavors to become one of the finest Caribbean medical schools available to students from North America and around the globe.

Ward Ulmer, Ph.D

President

With over 25 years of experience in higher education and a vast knowledge of how to lead faculty, administration, and students to success, Trinity Medical Sciences University is proud to have Dr. Ward Ulmer as President. Dr. Ulmer has held leadership positions in education and business throughout his career. Prior to joining Trinity Medical Sciences University, Dr. Ulmer served as the Co-President for Academics at West Coast University, a university with specialties in healthcare-focused fields. In addition, Dr. Ulmer has previously served as the President of Walden University, an online institution serving adult learners pursuing degrees in nursing, mental health counseling, education, and business. During his tenure with Walden, Dr. Ulmer served in several leadership positions, including Chief Learning Officer and Vice President of College Administration, Associate Dean in the College of Management and Technology, and Vice President of Walden’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership. Dr. Ulmer’s additional experience includes holding leadership positions in education and business, serving as Chief Academic Officer and Chief Information Officer for Latimer Education and Senior Vice Provost for Strayer University.

 

Dr. Ulmer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Charleston Southern University and a Master of Arts in Computer Resources and Information Management from Webster University. In addition, he earned two PhDs as a working professional, husband, and father: a PhD in Higher Education Leadership from Clemson University and a PhD in Applied Management and Decision Sciences from Walden University. It was this first-hand experience that has made Dr. Ulmer uniquely aware of the challenges adult learners face in pursuing an advanced degree.

 

In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Ulmer has contributed significantly to the higher education field through publications, presentations, and guest podcast interviews on topics such as preparing for an encore career, leadership in a global workforce, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Dr. Ulmer also serves as a site visitor team member for the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). In his personal life, Dr. Ulmer is an active member of the Men’s Ministry Leadership and has been associated with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for over 35 years.

Dr. John Geisler, Dean and Provost of Trinity School of Medicine.

John P. Geisler, MD​​, MSPharm, FACOG

Dean and Provost

Dr. John P. Geisler is a physician who has focused his career on the advancement of medicine.  Trained in gynecologic oncology and functional medicine, he has focused his career on serving others by educating future generations of medical providers. He has published over one hundred and thirty peer-reviewed medical articles and dozens of book chapters.  He is the editor of multiple medical journals.

 
After completing his Bachelor of Arts with High Honors at the University of Michigan, Dr. Geisler completed his Doctor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. His postgraduate training began with a residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Loyola University Medical Center, followed by a preliminary medicine residency and a four-year residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at St. Vincent Hospitals – Indianapolis. He then completed fellowships in Pelvic Surgery and Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics.  While educating medical learners and practicing oncology full time, Dr. Geisler earned a Masters in Pharmacoeconomics, Patient Safety, and Health Regulations.
 
His leadership in academic medicine has progressed from being an instructor and junior faculty, to becoming a course director followed by clerkship director, division director, assistant residency director, and associate Dean. He has been actively involved in developing curriculum for affiliated health programs, interprofessional education, undergraduate medical education, and graduate medical education.  He transformed the aged curriculum into new innovative pedagogy that engages modern adult learners using available and new technology.  The lecture-based curriculum was changed to problem-based learning and flipped learning for certain projects.  He has worked on accreditation for medical schools (LCME), residents and fellows (ACGME), and even physician assistants (ARC-PA). His passion for medical education has ignited a passion in learners that has led to a large increase in the number of students that have returned to teaching other medical learners once they have finished their formal education.
 
Service to others has been core to his medical career.  Medical missions in Africa have been one way in which he has combined medical education and service to others. For over a decade, he has taken U.S. medical learners, to work with physicians from Africa and reach the underserved in both Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania.
Marc Zubrow headshot

Marc T. Zubrow, MD, FACP, FCCP, FCCM

Senior Associate Dean of Clinical Clerkships - Professor of Internal Medicine

A graduate of University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA., Dr. Zubrow completed his internal medicine residency and completed a fellowship in pulmonary medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. He is certified in internal medicine and pulmonary and critical care. Leadership experience includes serving as director of MICU at Christiana Hospital, ICU at Wilmington Hospital, and many other clinical teams, receiving national recognition for his work. Prior to joining Trinity, Dr. Zubrow was associate professor of medicine and vice president of tele-Medicine at University of Maryland School of Medicine. In addition to his academic duties, he led the development and implementation of the University of Maryland eCare program, providing critical care coverage to 11 hospitals throughout the state of Maryland. He has also co-authored 50+ scientific papers and abstracts. Dr. Zubrow has served as ACCP governor for the state of Delaware as well as on a variety of committees.

Kelly Manahan Profile

Kelly J. Manahan, MD, MBA, FACOG

Associate Dean of Clinical Sciences and Curriculum

After completing pre-med undergraduate studies at Grace College, Dr. Manahan completed her Doctor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. Her postgraduate training included a residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Medical College of Ohio (University of Toledo), where she was named Chief Resident in 1998, and a Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at the University of Michigan. She also spent one year focused exclusively on gynecologic oncology research at the University of Louisville. She was named Outstanding Resident during her training, and she was awarded the prestigious Galloway Fellowship in Gynecology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

 

Dr. Manahan has an extensive range of clinical experience and has held numerous prestigious professorships since completing her training. She was Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, as well as Director of Clinical Research in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. She was a Clinical Instructor at Indiana University School of Medicine. She was named Vice Chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, where she also directed the Residency Program. Dr. Manahan completed her MBA at the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia in 2017.  Before coming to Trinity, Dr. Manahan provided gynecologic oncology care at Piedmont Midtown in Columbus, Georgia.

 

Alongside caring for patients and training new doctors, Dr. Manahan has remained dedicated to advancing the treatment of gynecologic malignancies through clinical trials throughout her career. She has been a Principal Investigator with the federally funded Gynecologic Oncology Group. She has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications of original research and case studies, along with numerous review articles and book chapters. She has presented her research at national and international professional conferences.  Dr. Manahan has also won numerous teaching awards and was named in “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly, Inc. in Atlanta annually from 2016 through 2020.

 

Dr. Manahan is thrilled to be returning to academic medicine and leadership. She hopes to bring vision, timely solutions, and educational empowerment to the medical students and surrounding communities.

 

Married to the Dean and Provost, Dr. John Geisler, Dr. Manahan enjoys spending time with her family, which also includes three grown children, two precious granddaughters, along with their two rescue dogs.   

Dr. Naga Dharshan Devendra_Front2

Naga Dharshan Devendra, MBBS, MD, DipRCPath

Associate Dean of Basic Sciences

Dr. Naga Dharshan Devendra is a highly accomplished medical professional currently serving as the Associate Dean of Basic Sciences at Trinity School of Medicine. With a strong background in clinical biochemistry, medical education, and research, Dr. Devendra brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.

 

Dr. Devendra completed his medical education and residency in Clinical Biochemistry at Jawaharlal Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in India in 2010. JIPMER is an esteemed institute of national importance known for its high standards in medical education and research.

 

Throughout his career, Dr. Devendra has held various teaching and advisory positions in prestigious institutions across the Caribbean. Prior to joining Trinity School of Medicine, he served as an Associate Professor and Course Director for Biochemistry at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. In this role, he played an active role in the development of the Integrated Organ System curriculum, which aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences.

 

With over 12 years of teaching experience, Dr. Devendra has primarily focused on teaching biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology to prepare students for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). His teaching expertise extends to students at various levels, including MD, MBBS, MSc, and BSc, catering to their specific educational needs.

 

Dr. Devendra’s dedication and excellence in teaching have been recognized through multiple awards and prizes. Notably, he has received several Best Faculty awards from the Student Government Association at Trinity School of Medicine, highlighting his outstanding contributions to medical education.

 

Dr. Frances Jack-Edwards

Frances Jack-Edwards, MD

Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs - Associate Professor

Dr. Jack-Edwards hails from St. Vincent and completed her pre-medical program and her MD program at St. Georges University School of Medicine in 2003. She completed an internship at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown, St. Vincent in 2005 and was certified as a medical practitioner with the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2006. She has taught at the Girl’s High School in St. Vincent and has served as a District Medical Officer in the Cedars and Mesopotamia districts and as a Medical Officer, A&E Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. From January 2007 to February 2008 she served as a Clinical Tutor at St. Georges University School of Medicine in Grenada. In addition to her duties as Dean of Students, Dr. Jack teaches in the Introduction to Clinical and Community Medicine course as an associate professor.

Melissa Burns CPA

Melissa L. Burns, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Mrs. Burns has over 20 years of financial management experience working with private entrepreneurs whose businesses range in value from $20 to $50 million. She began her career at Home Depot before transitioning to the private sector, predominantly in the construction/property management industry. Since 2020, Mrs. Burns has been serving as the controller for Trinity, and she was promoted to the position of Chief Financial Officer at the start of 2023. Mrs. Burns holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida and is a certified CPA in the State of Georgia.

Keith headshot

Keith Hollers

Vice President of Student Services

Mr. Hollers responsibilities combine a number of important services for our students. He serves as Registrar and Bursar, oversees student transition and enrollment services, financial planning and student loans as well as the student information system, document management and student housing. Mr. Hollers holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and has extensive background in operations, administration, customer services, and organizational development. He has served in a wide variety of settings in both the public and private sectors and has a proven ability to organize, develop, and manage operations for the successful delivery of services. In concert with other team members, his role serves to promote the overall operational and administrative integrity of the organization to ensure a quality educational environment and experience for our student population.

Houston Healthcare Clinical Administration

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Kerry C. Rodgers, MD, FACS

Surgery

Dr. Rodgers graduated from Oklahoma Christian University of Science & Arts with a BS in Biochemistry in 1998.  In 2003 he received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit Michigan.  Dr. Rodgers served his General Surgery Residency at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Columbia University in Cooperstown, NY as well as a Thoracic and Cardiovascular surgery residency at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Rodgers moved to Warner Robins in 2012 to begin private practice.  He is the newest member of Surgical Associates.  He joined the practice in 2018.  He is married and has three children that he enjoys spending time with.  In his spare time he enjoys riding his motorcycle and wood-working projects.

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Titus A. Taube, MD

Family Medicine

Dr. Titus Taube graduated with honors when he received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1974 and then again when he received his Medical Doctor degree in 1979. He is Board Certified in Family Practice, the father of four and his lovely wife Cheryl works with him on his staff.

 

He is involved in his church and community and participates in a number of professional memberships.  He has served as Assistant Clinical Professor of Family and Community Medicine for Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon since 1985.

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Santanu Das, MD

Pediatrics

Dr. Santanu Das trained in pediatrics in India and the United States. He completed his Medical School and Internship at JIPMER, Pondicherry, which is one of the top medical schools in India. Subsequently, he completed Post Graduate training in Pediatrics for three years in India from the same institution, after which he moved to the United States and completed his residency training at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Illinois. At the end of his training, he was offered the Chief Resident’s position for another year, but chose fellowship training in Neonatology at SUNY Stony Brook (New York). In 1996, Dr. Das moved to Georgia.

 

Dr. Das is a Pediatrics Specialist in Fort Valley, GA and has over 32 years of experience in the medical field.  He graduated from Jawaharlal Inst Med Ed, Pondicherry medical school in 1989.  He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Houston Medical Center and Perry Hospital. Dr. Das also participates in teaching and has been a professor for medical students at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Trinity Medical School, and The Family Medicine Residency program at Houston College.

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Joseph Stephen Lomboy, MD

Internal Medicine

Joseph Lomboy is an Internal Medicine doctor at Houston Hospitals Inc in Perry, Georgia. He received his medical degree from St Louis University Sapientia Ae Dificat. Dr. Lomboy has been practicing medicine for over 27 years and is highly rated in 18 conditions. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Hyperlipoproteinemia Type 5, Familial Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency, and Apolipoprotein C2 Deficiency. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, licensed to treat patients in Georgia, and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Perry Hospital and Piedmont Rockdale Hospital.

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Dan Ioanitescu, MD

Psychiatry

Dan Ioanitescu, MD received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Timisoara in Timisoara, Romania. Dr. Ioanitescu completed his Internship and Residency from Harvard South Shore Psychiatry in Brockton, Massachusetts. Dr. Ioanitescu received Fellowship training in several different categories – Psychiatry in Primary Care, Consultation Liaison with Harvard Longwood Program at Brigham and Women Hospital in Boston MA, Psychoanalyses with Boston Psychoanalytical Institute, and Clinical Psychiatry.

 

Dr. Ioanitescu is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a member of the Houston Medical Center medical staff.

Faculty & Staff

Dr. Naga Dharshan Devendra

Naga Dharshan Devendra, MBBS, MD, DipRCPath

Associate Dean of Basic Sciences
Course Director - CLMD 406, 407 & 408

Dr. Naga Dharshan Devendra is a highly accomplished medical professional currently serving as the Associate Dean of Basic Sciences at Trinity School of Medicine. With a strong background in clinical biochemistry, medical education, and research, Dr. Devendra brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.

 

Dr. Devendra completed his medical education and residency in Clinical Biochemistry at Jawaharlal Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in India in 2010. JIPMER is an esteemed institute of national importance known for its high standards in medical education and research.

 

Throughout his career, Dr. Devendra has held various teaching and advisory positions in prestigious institutions across the Caribbean. Prior to joining Trinity School of Medicine, he served as an Associate Professor and Course Director for Biochemistry at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. In this role, he played an active role in the development of the Integrated Organ System curriculum, which aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences.

 

With over 12 years of teaching experience, Dr. Devendra has primarily focused on teaching biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology to prepare students for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). His teaching expertise extends to students at various levels, including MD, MBBS, MSc, and BSc, catering to their specific educational needs.

 

Dr. Devendra’s dedication and excellence in teaching have been recognized through multiple awards and prizes. Notably, he has received several Best Faculty awards from the Student Government Association at Trinity School of Medicine, highlighting his outstanding contributions to medical education.

Dr. Frances Jack-Edwards

Frances Jack-Edwards, MD

Associate Professor, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Associate Dean for Admissions

Dr. Jack-Edwards hails from St. Vincent and completed her pre-medical program and her MD program at St. George’s University School of Medicine in 2003. She completed an internship at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown, St. Vincent in 2005 and was certified as a medical practitioner with the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2006. She has taught at the Girl’s High School in St. Vincent and has served as a District Medical Officer in the Cedars and Mesopotamia districts and as a Medical Officer, A&E Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. From January 2007 to February 2008 she served as a Clinical Tutor at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada. In addition to her duties as Dean of Students, Dr. Jack teaches in the Introduction to Clinical and Community Medicine course as an associate professor.

Dr. Francesca Jack

Francesca Jack, MD

Assistant Dean for the School of Biomedical Sciences

Dr. Jack serves as Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean for Trinity’s School of Biomedical Sciences. She is a Certified Medical Practitioner with the Government of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and is a certified instructor in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS). Dr. Jack completed her pre-medical program at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada and earned her MD degree from All Saints University School of Medicine in St. Vincent. She completed her medical internship at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where she continues to serve as an ACLS and BLS instructor. Dr. Jack is heavily involved in community service organizations such as the Rotary Club of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the SVG Sickle Cell Association.

Dr. Suresh Bidarkotimath

Suresh Bidarkotimath, MD

Professor | Chair of the Department of Anatomical Sciences

Dr. Suresh Bidarkotimath is a Professor of Anatomy and the chair of the discipline. Dr. Bidarkotimath received an MD in Anatomy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Karnataka, India in 2008. In 2008, he joined the A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangalore, India as an assistant professor. In 2014 he joined as an associate professor Faculty of Medicine in the Department of Anatomy at Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was promoted to Professor in the Department of Anatomy in the year 2021. Before Trinity School of Medicine, Dr. Bidarkotimath had experience working in the Caribbean medical schools. He had worked at the Medical University of the Americas, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and also Texila American University, Guyana. Dr. Bidarkotimath also has experience in teaching allied health students in India as well as the Middle East. He was actively involved in research activity and medical education programs and had attended multiple CME programs in India and Saudi Arabia. He has published multiple research articles in various peer-reviewed journals and also has published a chapter in an anatomy book. He serves as a peer reviewer for PhD students. He is a life member of the Anatomical Society of India (ASI).

Shilpa Karkera PhD

Shilpa Karkera, MSc, PhD

Associate Professor | Department of Anatomical Sciences

Dr. Karkera is an Associate professor of Neuroscience and Anatomy and the Course director of Neuroscience, Anatomy, Cell and molecular Biology at Trinity school of medicine. She is currently perceiving Master in Medical Education and Research from Dundee School of Medicine, University of Dundee Scotland.

In this role, she has worked with medical students individually and in small groups to provide the kinds of learning tools and strategies that can help them reach their maximum potential. She has also facilitated several large group workshops for students focusing on developing the cognitive and metacognitive skills required for success in medical school.

Dr. K has made over 30 scholarly contributions, nearly 28 peer-reviewed research papers. Current research in Dr. K`s account is on “A Study on Neuronal Tube Defects (NTD) in St Vincent and Grenadines: Incidence and Risk Factors’. She has mentored many graduate and post graduate students during her career.

Dr. Pushparaj Shetty

Pushparaj Shetty, MBBS

Associate Professor | Department of Anatomical Sciences

Dr. Shetty serves as Associate Professor in Trinity’s Department of Anatomical Science in addition to being a member of the Academic Counseling Team. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at Government Medical College and Research Foundation in Mysore, India. Dr. Shetty’s interests include oncology research and augmented and virtual reality in medical education.

Somashekar Shetty PhD

Somashekar Shetty, PhD

Professor | Chair of the Department of Biochemistry

Dr. Somashekar Shetty is Professor of Biochemistry and the Chair of the discipline. Dr. Shetty received his Ph.D in Medical Biochemistry from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Manipal, India in 2005.

 

In 1995, he joined Yenepoya Dental College Mangalore, India as a lecturer and in 1997 he joined Melaka Manipal Medical College as a lecturer. He was promoted to Professor in the Department of Biochemistry in the year 2014. While in that position, he taught the undergraduate students of Medicine, Dental, Physiotherapy and the postgraduate students of Biochemistry in MAHE.

 

Dr. Shetty worked in the Department of Biochemistry and Genetics in the American University of Antigua, West Indies as an Associate Professor from 2009-2014, on deputation from MAHE, Manipal.

 

He was also actively involved in clinical diagnostic work at the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory of the K.M.C. Hospital MAHE, Manipal. His research includes Wound Healing and Indigenous Drugs: Role as Antioxidants. He has published 16 research articles in various national and international journals and served as a peer reviewer in various international scientific biomedical journals. He is a member of the Association of Clinical Biochemistry of India (ACBI) and participated in and presented scientific papers at several national and international conferences.

Dr. Uma Shankar Akula

Uma Shankar Akula, PhD

Associate Professor | Department of Biochemistry and Genetics

Dr. Dragan Jovanovic

Dragan Jovanovic, MD, PhD

Professor | Chair of the Department of Pathology

Dr. Jovanovic is Professor of Pathology. He received his MD degree from the University of Belgrade in Yugoslavia. He earned a MS in immunology prior to completing his PhD at the University of Belgrade. Following these, he completed postgraduate training at the National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) in Paris and then became a research scientist for INSERM in Nice. His academic experience spans more than 10 years and includes appointments at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada and two Caribbean medical schools prior to joining Trinity in 2013. His research interests are immunopathology, lymphomas and leukemias, rheumatology, and medical education. He has published 70 manuscripts and abstracts.

Dr. Shashikanth Adlekha

Shashikant Adlekha, MBBS, MD, DNB

Associate Professor | Department of Pathology

Dr. Shashikant Adlekha has an illustrious academic background, having earned his MBBS, MD (Pathology), and DNB (Pathology) from esteemed institutions in India. Furthermore, he has acquired a fellowship in cytology and has undergone rigorous training in both renal pathology and oncopathology. With a teaching career spanning over 14 years, Dr. Adlekha has imparted knowledge to both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students across diverse specializations. His prolific contributions to the academic community are evident from his extensive publication record, comprising over 25 scholarly articles in recognized journals, with several focused on the intricacies of Helicobacter Pylori infections. Prior to his appointment at Trinity School of Medicine, Dr. Adlekha enriched the faculties of two other renowned Caribbean medical institutions.

Dr. Wezenet Tewodros

Wezenet Tewodros Awalom, PhD

Professor | Chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Dr. Tewodros is Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and chair of the discipline. She began her teaching career as a Lecturer at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, the same University where she had earned both her BSc. and MSc. degrees in Biology. After nearly ten years of teaching Biology/Microbiology she left to pursue her PhD in Microbiology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Her research area focused on Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes and has several publications in these areas. After obtaining her PhD, Dr. Tewodros joined the University of Asmara, Eritrea. In addition to her academic career, she had held administrative posts of various capacities including the office of the Director of Academic Affairs at the University of Asmara. In 2002, Dr. Tewodros was granted a research fellowship from the Swedish Institute and spent a year as a Visiting Scientist at the Karolinska Institute. She then took on a post doctorate position at the New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York, in 2003. Since 2005 she has been teaching Microbiology and Immunology at the US off-shore medical schools in the Caribbean. In 2010, she joined her current position at Trinity School of Medicine, St Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies.

Taseen Desin PhD

Taseen Desin, PhD

Associate Professor | Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Dr. Desin is an Associate Professor of Microbiology. He obtained his B.Sc. in Biochemistry & Microbiology, followed by a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization (University of Saskatchewan, Canada) focusing on the role of Salmonella Type 3 Secretions Systems (T3SS). Subsequently, he pursued a postdoctoral fellowship studying the role of Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) T3SS in vaccine development. Dr. Desin has worked as an Assistant Professor & Adjunct Research Scientist at King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) and more recently at the University of Saskatchewan & University of Regina (Canada). He has over 8 years of experience teaching Microbiology and has obtained $1M in research funding. Dr. Desin joined the Trinity School of Medicine in 2022 and his research interests are Enteric Pathogens, Microbial Pathogenesis, Vaccines & Food Safety.

Dr. Yulia Modna

Yuliya Modna, MD, PhD

Associate Professor | Chair of the Department of Physiology

Dr. Yuliya Modna is an Associate Professor of Physiology and a Discipline Chair. She received her MD degree at Lugansk State Medical University (LSMU) in Ukraine. She joined a department of Physiology at LSMU (Ukraine) as an Assistant Professor in 2007 and taught the course of Physiology for medical students. At the same time, she served as a chair of students’ research organization of the department. Following postgraduate training she completed her PhD in Medical Physiology in 2011 at LSMU (Ukraine). She joined Trinity School of Medicine, St Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies in 2014. Dr. Modna teaches the medical physiology course for medical and premedical students, serves as a Chair of Graduate Student Master of Health Sciences Thesis Committee and a Chair of Academic Counselling Team. Her research interests are the physiology and morphology of solid phase of biological fluids and the impact of circadian rhythms in time management organization among students. Current research interests are in areas of medical education and assessment. She is a member of the American Physiological Society (APS), International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE), and Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS). She has 38 publications in peer-reviewed international journals and abstract books and 4 patents.

Dr. Dev Shah

Dev Shah, MD

Associate Professor | Department of Physiology

Dr. Shah serves as Associate Professor in Trinity’s Department of Physiology in addition to being a member of the Master’s Thesis Project Committee and the Academic Counselling Team. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan, Nepal and his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from People’s Dental College in Kathmandu. Dr. Shah has participated in many published research studies on topics such as the biological interaction of stress on digestive disorders, osteoporosis, nerve conduction, and neural adaptations, among others.

Dr. Neha Singla

Neha Singla, MD

Associate Professor | Department of Behavioral Sciences

Dr. Neha Singla is a highly accomplished psychiatrist and academic
professional, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the
field of mental health. With a solid foundation in medicine, she
earned her MBBS from Maharaja Agrasen Medical College, India, in
2010, and subsequently pursued a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in
Psychiatry at the renowned Postgraduate Institute of Medical
Education and Research, Chandigarh, India, completing it in 2015.
Her dedication to advancing her skills and knowledge led her to the
UK, where she completed a GMC Fellowship in advanced clinical
skills in Psychiatry, further enhancing her clinical acumen and
teaching skills. Dr. Singla’s professional journey is marked by a commitment to patient care, research, and education. She has held various significant roles, ranging from serving as a Consultant Psychiatrist in diverse settings, including National health mission, the
Chandigarh Prisons, Pacific International Hospital in Papua New
Guinea, and Ministry of health, Saint Vincent to her current position
as an Associate Professor at Trinity School of Medicine.
She has rich experience working with diverse populations spanning
different parts of the world including her work with Yemen war
victims while holding a position as consultant in Rockland hospital
and asylum seekers in refugee mental health program in PNG as a
clinical director. She also served in National health mission in India
extending mental health service in challenging areas. Her
experience extends to teaching and mentoring medical students,
supervising clinical progress, and conducting research. Her
research contributions, evident through her publications,
underscore her dedication to advancing the understanding of
mental health. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field, Dr. Singla received Dr. G C Boral Award by the Indian Association of Social Psychiatry in 2016 for best poster presented. Her relentless pursuit of excellence in mental health care, coupled with her global
experience and research endeavors, positions her as a prominent
figure in the field, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals
struggling with mental health challenges.

Mr. Marcus Caine

Marcus Caine, MSc

Instructor | Community and Behavioral Sciences

Mr. Caine is an Instructor in the undergraduate and medical degree program. He earned a bachelor of science (BSc) at the University of the West Indies and a master of science (MSc) degree at the University of London. He has been a successful instructor in mathematics, physics, statistics, and epidemiology. He leads the Caribbean Examination Council and serves as a consultant for statistical issues for numerous research projects. He is a member of the National Accreditation Board in St. Vincent.

Nabanit Jha, PhD

Assistant Professor | Department of Pharmacology

Dr. Jha serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Trinity School of Medicine. He received his PhD in Pharmacology at Harbin Medical University in Harbin, China and both his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh. 

Miss. Jo-Ann Marshall

Jo-Ann Marshall

Instructor | School of Biomedical Sciences

Jo-Ann Marshall is a Bioscience educator with more than a decade of experience in teaching and mentoring young people via a blended-learning approach. At Trinity School of Medicine, she delivers Biology-based courses as part of the pre-med program.

 

Ms. Marshall is a graduate of the University of the West Indies (UWI) where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry with honors. She has received numerous awards, including the Sir Arthur Lewis Award for OECS Students and an Emerging Leaders of the Americas Program Scholarship. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Science Education from the UWI and a Master’s Degree in Bioengineering from the University of Sheffield, UK, where she graduated with distinction and received the Best Student Prize. 

 

In addition to her primary role at Trinity, Ms. Marshall serves as an academic advisor, providing guidance to students in their transitional semester.  She enjoys public speaking, and voluntarism in spaces that promote personal growth and community development.

Mrs. Calicia Charles

Calicia Charles

Instructor | School of Biomedical Sciences

Ms. Charles serves as Chemistry Lecturer at Trinity’s School of Biomedical Sciences. Bringing 10 years of higher education experience to Trinity, she designs asynchronous courses for Inorganic Chemistry I, Inorganic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry I, as well as delivers live content for Organic Chemistry II. Ms. Charles received her Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Chemistry with Biochemistry and Analytical Chemistry at The University of the West Indies in St. Augustine and her Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Education at The University of the West Indies at Cave Hill. 

Mrs. Margaret Soleyn_Front

Margeret Soleyn

Instructor | School of Biomedical Sciences

Mrs. Soleyn serves as an instructor at Trinity’s School of Biomedical Sciences, lecturing students in English Composition courses. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of West Indies at Cave Hill. Mrs. Soleyn holds several certifications in language education and she has spent her career teaching English to speakers of other languages at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

Jeanette France

Instructor | School of Biomedical Sciences

Mrs. France is an expert Instructor of communication skills. She received a diploma in Education from the University of the West Indies and a bachelor of arts in English and history at the University College of the West Indies in Jamaica and London. She has extensive teaching experience and authored several modules for training teachers. She has been the advisor for three books and co-author of another.

Vijay Sharma

Instructor | School of Biomedical Sciences

Dr. Mignonette Sotto

Mignonette Sotto, MD

Associate Professor | Department of Clinical Sciences
Associate Dean for Assessment | Testing and Evaluation

Dr. Sotto serves as Associate Professor in Trinity’s Department of Clinical Sciences and is the Associate Dean for Assessment in the Office of Testing and Evaluation. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Cebu Institute of Medicine in the Philippines and her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Silliman University. Dr. Sotto has been part of Trinity’s faculty since the school’s inception, serving in roles ranging from Instructor of Clinical and Community Medicine to her current role as Associate Professor and Dean. Dr. Sotto is a member of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Medical Association and serves on Trinity’s Research Committee.

Dr. Jamil Ibrahim

Jamil Ibrahim, MD

Associate Professor | Department of Clinical Sciences

Dr. Ibrahim is an Associate Professor of Clinical Education in the Department of Clinical Sciences. He received his MD degree from Mathias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine at Southwestern University in Cebu City, Philippines. He completed residency training in both clinical pathology and internal medicine. Prior to joining Trinity in 2014, Dr. Ibrahim was part of a multispecialty practice in St. Vincent. His area of research is peripheral neuropathy among diabetic patients in St. Vincent. He has received multiple teaching awards.

Dr. Bernadette Scott

Bernadette Scott, MD

Assistant Professor | Assistant Dean for the Department of Testing and Evaluation

Dr. Scott is Assistant Dean for Assessment and Assistant Professor of Clinical Education. She received her MD from St. George’s University in Grenada. She conducted research in the United Kingdom on chronic fatigue syndrome before returning to practice at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in St. Vincent. Dr. Scott is an instructor for BLS, ACLS, and PALS. Her research interests include both clinical and academic projects.

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