Vincentians admitted to the Trinity School of Medicine

Newly enrolled medical student at the Trinity School of Medicine Annicia Johnson says hard work and dedication are what landed her in the field of medicine.{{more}} She encourages other young individuals to remain determined and work towards achieving their goals, no matter how challenging they may be.

Johnson was one of two Vincentian students who were a part of a 16 member class that participated in the school’s 11th White Coat ceremony held on Monday, January 9, at the school’s compound located at Ratho Mill.

Known as the class of 2016, the sixteen pre-medical students include 12 United States nationals, two Canadians, along with the two Vincentians.

The other Vincentian student is Kristo Deane. Both Johnson and Deane will spend the next four years of their lives enrolled at the school.

Johnson, a former Girls’ High School student, told SEARCHLIGHT that it was a challenging process for her before achieving admittance to the Trinity School of Medicine, but she is now overwhelmed.

“It was a lot of studying and hard work, but I thank God that I have made this achievement…” Johnson said.

The keynote speaker at Monday’s ceremony was Dr Eugene Toy, an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Rochester.

Dr. Toy reminded the new class of the importance of their roles as pre-meds and encouraged them to remain focussed during their four year study.

“…Each of you is entering a community and one where there is the ethics, team work and collaboration, which is so critical for success,” he said.

Toy also spoke about the significant meaning behind the White Coats in which the students will be attired in as they journey through the medical field.

The students were advised that the coat is not just another piece of clothing.

“The White Coat represents the commitment and your identity to the field of medicine and it never really comes off,” Dr Toy added.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr St. Clair Thomas who also addressed the gathering, made brief remarks on behalf of the Minister of Health, and congratulated the students and wished them success in their future endeavors.

Other remarks came from some of the school’s Deans, including Dr. Edward Johnson, Dr. Manny Suarez, and Dr. Rosalind Ambrose who led the recitation of the Hippocratic Oath.

After the numerous speeches, it was then time for the students to officially be robed in their White Coats.

In 2008, Trinity School of Medicine was accredited to offer the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree and welcomed its inaugural class.(AA)