Medical doctors who also have a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree have the opportunity to broaden their perspective on global healthcare challenges, and tackle such, Dr. Darren Cuthbert, a 2016 graduate of St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies has said.
Another SGU alumnus, Dr. Orapeleng Phuswane-Katse, MD, MPH, who is also leveraging her expertise to improve public health policies in Botswana, attributed her success to her training in public health.
In an increasingly interconnected world, global health initiatives have become critical in addressing medical challenges and ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all.
Improving health outcomes requires a collective effort that transcends geographical boundaries. At the heart of this mission is education, preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the evolving needs of diverse communities.
St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, is dedicated to preparing medical students with the expertise and hands-on experience needed to drive meaningful advancements in global healthcare.
A Global Network of Healthcare Leaders
with over 23,000 graduates worldwide, SGU’s alumni network is making a difference in medicine, public health, and research.* These healthcare professionals work across various fields, including emergency medicine, primary care, and public health, contributing to improved patient outcomes and stronger health systems.
Dr. Darren Cuthbert, MD, MPH, a 2016 SGU graduate, exemplifies this commitment through his humanitarian efforts. As the founder of Emergency Project, a non-governmental organisation focused on providing life-saving care in underserved regions, Dr. Cuthbert has contributed to flood relief in Pakistan, refugee assistance in Jordan, civilian evacuations in Ukraine and trauma care support in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
“SGU’s MPH programme opened doors for me. Public health is the backbone of evidence-based medicine, and an MPH not only enhances leadership but also broadens one’s perspective on global healthcare challenges,” shares Dr. Cuthbert.
Another SGU alumnus, Dr. Orapeleng Phuswane-Katse, MD, MPH, is leveraging her expertise to improve public health policies in Botswana. She focuses on disease prevention programmes, optimizing healthcare resources and strengthening healthcare frameworks to ensure a more inclusive health system.
“We should all strive for an inclusive healthcare system that reaches everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or location. One of my initiatives is mobile healthcare outreach to rural communities,” says Dr. Phuswane-Katse.
A strong foundation in public health is crucial for tackling complex healthcare challenges. SGU’s MD/MPH dual degree programme empowers future physicians with the skills to integrate clinical care with public health strategies.
Students gain expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health, equipping them to:
Earn MD and MPH degrees simultaneously;
Address ethical and social issues in healthcare; Utilize evidence-based medicine to shape public health policies; Develop strategies for disease prevention and health promotion; A Diverse Campus Driving Global Health Solutions.
SGU’s multicultural student body and faculty cultivate a global perspective in medical education, mirroring the diversity of the healthcare landscape. This environment enhances collaborative learning and equips students with cross-cultural competencies essential for addressing global health challenges.
“A diverse academic setting helps students understand the interconnectedness of healthcare systems and prepares them for challenges like pandemics and climate change,” says Dr. Arlette Herry, Assistant Dean of Multicultural Affairs at SGU.
Through affiliations with over 75 hospitals and health systems worldwide, SGU provides students with international clinical training opportunities. These experiences prepare them to adapt to various healthcare settings and contribute to the ever-evolving global healthcare sector.
As the world continues to face complex healthcare challenges, the need for well-trained, globally focused healthcare professionals has never been greater. SGU remains committed to preparing its students to lead and innovate in global health initiatives.
Prospective students interested in making a difference in medicine and public health can explore SGU’s MD programme and available tracks to build a meaningful career in healthcare; visit SGU’s website.
