Grenada? Didn't we invade....

Yes, I am attending a foreign medical school. It is called St. George's University and it is located in, oddly enough, St. George's, Grenada (pronounced Gre-neh-dah). And, yes, the United States military was involved in a small incursion there in the early eighties. To prove what a small world it really is, my wife's Uncle Mark was serving aboard one of the two naval vessels blockading the island.

Medical students were evacuated during that operation, and there have been no problems since (according to the school's admission representatives). Therefore I do not fear being evacuated for any Military reasons. However, all students are REQUIRED to purchase the helicopter-evacuation insurance for medical and other purposes.

But a little more about the school. As I mentioned St. George's University is located in Grenada's Capitol city and sits along the southern edge. At 334 square km, the island is a little smaller than the city of Detroit. I hope to link to more information and pictures once I arrive, but for now, I'll have to rely on the beautiful images published by the University.

As for the educational program, there is an undergraduate school, a Veterinary school, a Graduate school (Masters of Public Health), and a Medical School on campus. My medical school class (Beginning Jan. '08 is slated to have betwee 300 and 350 students). Combined with the August of '07 class, there will be a total of nearly 700 "first years" on the island.

For those of you unfamiliar with medical schools, that number is, well, huge! The school consists of primarily US and Canadian students, however there are also UK, Indian and many other nationalities.

The first two years of my schooling (the lecture and book years) will be spent on Grenada.
Then, I "sit" for the first of three United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) before I begin the last two years of medical school.

This second half will see me spending many weeks following physicians as I gain exposure to various aspects of medicine (family practice, surgery, ob/gyn, etc). This time is commonly referred to as the clinical rotations. I then "sit" again for the second USMLE test before I am permitted to apply for my Residency.

The residency will focus my learning on the medical field to which I find myself most drawn. But, I believe I am getting WAY ahead of myself.

First, I have to get to the island. I'll discuss how that's happening later.

Disclaimer

A few things before I really start (both this blog and school):

• I will be studying a lot -- Many, many people have assured me of this -- therefore,
  
• There may be extended periods where this site will not be updated.
• Postings my consist of, primarily
• Random observations of life
  
• in medical school
• on an island
• on an island studying medicine
  
• and of life in general
• Reflections of my hopes and wishes for a future practice
• which will, in all likelihood, change
• several times
• and possibly, requests from the faithful readers for
• support
• prayers
• care packages (e.g. magazines, food, money, food...)

I think you get the idea. What is most important is that this will not be my top priority. But I hope to be able to post pictures, links and approved comments from those of you nice enough to write.

So, as my wife and I prepare to begin this portion of our journey, please, keep us in your thoughts, keep reading, and keep in touch.