From Clinical Practice to Empowering Future Physicians: The Journey of Dr. Stavros Vouyiouklis

Dr. Stavros Vouyiouklis, born and raised in New York, has charted an unconventional yet impactful path in the medical field. After completing an undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Manhattan College and obtaining his MD from the Leavitt School of St. James, Dr. Vouyiouklis ventured beyond the traditional clinical route to embrace a career that merges medicine with education and entrepreneurship. Early Realizations and Career Shift While preparing for his board…

Navigating the Residency Match: What we learned from the 2024 MATCH Cycle

The journey to becoming a practicing physician in the United States is arduous and culminates in a pivotal moment known as the residency match. This complex process, crucial for medical students completing their education and transitioning into residency training, involves a series of steps designed to pair graduating medical students with residency programs across the country. International Medical Graduates (IMGs), including those from Caribbean medical schools, engage in this competitive…

Black History Month: Empowering Diversity in Surgical Fields

Amidst the vibrant celebration of Black History Month, let’s plunge into a pivotal chat about diversity, carving its space in the intricate world of surgical specialties. This reflection goes beyond the historical nods, zooming in on the ups and downs, dreams, and achievements within the surgical realm. At the heart of this journey is the crucial role of mentorship—an absolute game-changer for career navigation and a spark for diversity. The…

Navigating Residency: A Comparative Exploration of Medical Training in the US and Canada

Embarking on the journey of medical residency is a pivotal moment for aspiring physicians, especially for Canadian medical graduates. The decision to pursue residency in the United States or Canada adds a layer of complexity to their career path. In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll delve into critical aspects of the residency experience in both countries, with a focus on the unique considerations for Canadian medical students from Caribbean medical schools.…

Life of an EM Doctor

Are you considering a career as an emergency medicine physician? The medical education of an EM doctor differs slightly from that of other specializations, so it’s important to be prepared. At Saint James School of Medicine, we prepare students to succeed in their chosen specialization. As the premier medical college in the Caribbean. What Is Emergency Medicine? Emergency medicine focuses on treating patients with severe or immediate medical needs, such…

How an Olympic Athlete Passed Step 1

Are you enrolled in or considering medical school but worried about all the exams? Saint James School of Medicine wants all its students to succeed, no matter their background. We’ve based this article on episode 34 of the Med School Minutes Podcast. Keep reading to discover how one student learned to use her training as an athlete to conquer her Step 1 examination. Even if you’re not an athlete, you…

Surviving the First Days of Residency

After graduating from your medical college, you’ll apply the skills you learned in real-life situations as a resident. How do you survive the first days of your residency following medical school? Whether you graduated from Harvard Medical or SJSM, you can use the tips below to navigate this transition smoothly. Your First Day of Residency: From Med Student to Resident Many new residents find the first few days of residency…

Prep Before First Day of Residency

Are you done with medical school and waiting to start your residency program? Keep reading to discover the best tips for residency preparation, so you give yourself the best chance of success. Complete Paperwork and Orientation Complete all your necessary paperwork before your first day of residency. For your medical license, DEA registration, and pharmacy license, consider how long it takes to process after you submit the paperwork and leave…

Interview With a Program Director

A successful career as a physician begins with a comprehensive medical school education and ends with graduate medical education in a residency program. Although landing a coveted residency requires a record of demonstrated achievement, candidates also need to reveal to program directors what they will bring to the practice of medicine. To help students stand out in a crowded field, Saint James School of Medicine spoke with residency program directors…

Caribbean Medical School vs. U.S. Medical School

If you want to attend medical school, you might wonder if there’s a difference between medical schools in the United States vs. those in the Caribbean. Keep reading to discover the important ways in which they’re different and how they’re alike. As an aspiring med student, you want to lay a firm foundation for your future residency and beyond. A Caribbean medical school can help you achieve your goals as…