Three Vincentians, Dr Ashaki Martin, Dr Camelita Morris and Dr Deslene Lewis, members of the class of 2014 of Trinity School of Medicine, were among those for whom commencement exercises were held on June 7 in Atlanta, Georgia.{{more}}

In his address to the graduates, president of the school Steven R. Wilson said: “We have learned and achieved together, the faculty teaching you and you teaching us. We will always be connected and encouraged by each other. You are an inspiration for us. Through you, we are touching the lives of thousands. Through you, we are living our dream of building one of the best medical schools in the region.”

Also in attendance was Governor General of St Vincent and the Grenadines Sir Frederick N. Ballantyne, MD. He was introduced and acknowledged for his recent Humanitarian Award from his Alma Mater, Update Medical University in Syracuse, NY. He was bestowed the honour for his distinguished service to his profession as a medical doctor, educator and administrator. He shared his pride in the students and their success in their journey thus far, and reminded them that this point marks the beginning of what they will be able to accomplish in their lives as doctors.

Keynote speaker Dr Otis W. Brawley is the current Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society and Professor of Hematology, Oncology, Medicine and Epidemiology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Dr Brawley discussed the role of science in modern medicine.

He spoke of the German doctor, Rudolf Virchow, known as the “father of modern pathology” and how his definition of cancer is still largely in use today, some 160 years later. Dr Brawley went on to discuss the future of cancer medicine as genomic, going beyond what cancer looks like under a microscope and looking into our genes. He inspired the graduates to “Remember you are in a process. It’s a process called learning, it continues, it does not end today… do not lose the passion to learn. Always ask questions, always be inquisitive. Encourage others to question, tolerate alternative opinions and keep an open mind.”

The 2014 graduates distinguished themselves as an academically strong class, with several graduating with Honours and many ready to begin their post-graduate training as first year residents in the weeks to come.

The Vincentian doctors, Martin, Morris and Lewis, will also embark on this journey. Dr Lewis is pursuing her postgraduate medical training at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown.

President Wilson told the gathering: “I’m thankful for the Vincentian people, the Prime Minister, the Governor General, the physicians at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and the many other government dignitaries that have been part of the Trinity School of Medicine community since our very beginning. St Vincent has a medical school with a track record of graduates who are securing residency placement in the US, Canada and in St Vincent and the Grenadines. We have a great deal to be proud of, and we appreciate everyone who has made this possible.”

Trinity School of was Medicine was founded in SVG in 2008 and according to a release from the school, meets all US requirements and international licensing – preparing students for licensure in North America. Trinity’s headquarters is located in Alpharetta, Georgia in the United States of America.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, Georgia