Short Story
Picture: Dr. David Marcozzi
The Virtual Hospital Program assists in the improvement of health care delivery here in Grenada. This is done primarily through continuing medical education for health care providers and by providing medical care to patients in special need areas. Indeed the mentoring and teaching of health care providers is an integral part of program that draws on the expertise from outstanding SGU alumni and is designed to translate into improved health care practices in Grenada.
One recent participant in the program is emergency medicine specialist, Dr. David Marcozzi who Gazette interviewed on his recent visit to Grenada. His week-long visit comprised of a hectic schedule of lectures to emergency physicians, house officers, clinical tutors and the student body, as well as the mentoring of physicians on duty in the emergency department at the General Hospital as they evaluated patients.
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Full Story
When asked what influenced his choice of a medical career, the 1998 graduate responded, “I had no epiphany, studying to be a doctor was the perfect balance of medicine and providing care for people. I like emergency medicine because there you see patients in the greatest need and the pace and excitement fit my personality well.” Interestingly, he was encouraged to consider St. George’s University as an option for medical school, by charter class member Dr. John Lawrenzitti whom he met in an emergency department where Dr. Marcozzi was working as an emergency technician - a job that helped support him through his college years. He has had no regrets. He puts it this way, “The SGU experience provided an excellent foundation and the opportunity to excel… many doors opened up and my career continues to evolve.”
For Dr. Marcozzi, being involved in the program is “very rewarding” and provides opportunities for what he calls the “practice of hands-on medicine” which challenges the health care provider to continue to provide quality care in the face of limited resources. But the most compelling reason for his involvement is personal, “Giving back to the school and the country that provided me the opportunity to pursue my dreams is important to me. Remembering where you came from is just as important as knowing who you are.” Dr. Marcozzi hopes that this visit would be the first of multiple trips to Grenada where he can continue to do his part in contributing to improved medical care especially in the area of emergency medicine. He encourages other alumni to get involved in the program as it is a viable avenue to give back to the school and the people of Grenada.
Co-ordinator of the program Mr. Brendon La Grenade expressed pleasure over how the week went. Though it took about 18 months to make the trip a reality, he remarked that all of the preparation was well worth the effort. Dr. Marcozzi was “very well received” and comments from participants were “extremely positive.” To date, there are 15 alumni actively involved in the program with many more expressing interest in getting involved in the near future.
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