Dr. Spier Grenada Mission

Last week was yet another note worthy occasion in which SGU/SGU Alumni and friends impacted the lives of Grenadians, students and physicians.

SGU Charter class transfer Dr. Bernard Speir and Dr. Rebecca Metzinger of Tulane University visited Grenada.

The Ophthalmology team hit the ground running. They arrived on Thursday 17th and began clinics at 8am on Friday 18th.

Completing 2 days at the SGU Ophthalmology Clinic. Friday 18th and Monday 21st. Both 14 -16 hour days. Assessing more than 90 patients.

On Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd both physicians and Ophthalmology Tech Kristin Connolly performed surgeries at the General Hospital OR assisted by General Hospital Staff and observed by students.

Both surgery days started at 8am and finished after 9pm completing 23 cataract surgeries, 4 cornea transplants, 1 investing injection, 2 pterygiums and 4 lasers.

The images of this visit were captured by Josh and can be seen on the link below.

The week culminated with Dr. Metzinger presenting a donation of the live corneal tissue for implants and $15,000 to assist in the continued development of SGU Ophthalmology program.

This check will be the first through the SGU Alumni 501c3. Dr. Metzinger is also interested in discussing potential affiliations.

Dr. Speir contributed through his association with Alcon and others with a donation of ophthalmology supplies of approximately $100,000.00. He has made similar contributions in past years.

The common sentiment echoed by our visiting Alumni is that of gratitude to the institution for giving them the opportunity to have the lives they have.

They also appreciate the efforts made by SGU to improve the lives of the nation that gave them that start and pledged to continue working with us to reduce the number of uncontrolled/ end stage disease through 1)surgical intervention (unavailable due to cost or unavailable expertise and equipment) and 2) management of the many chronic diseases before they get out of control.

In turn both Dr. Speir and Metzinger were happy to be able impact the lives of so many people that have no other option.

During this period SGU Alumnus Gastroenterologist Steve Rubin MD was also doing 20 endoscopy procedures at the SGU/ General Hospital endoscopy suite. A life saving diagnostic service not available. He was assisted by General hospital anesthesiologist and SGU Alumnus anesthesiologist Glenn Brady MD.

We continue to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Health, our Alumni, friends and associates and others to bridge the gap between primary health care/ disease management and provision of care to those without hope, through our programs.