Saint James School of Medicine’s faculty is made up of accomplished medical professionals dedicated to scientific instruction and academic excellence. All faculty members hold an M.D., a Ph.D., or both. Saint James School of Medicine faculty offer tutoring, mentoring, one-on-one guidance, and research support.
One of the faculty members of the school is Dr. Maria Picu. We interviewed Dr. Picu to find out why she chose to teach at Saint James School of Medicine and ask for any advice that she might have for medical students.
Background
Dr. Maria Picu earned her Medical Doctor Degree at the University of Craiova School of Medicine in Romania from 1977-1983.
She also has earned other accolades throughout her career including an Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Residency Certificate from the University of Chicago (2000-2004); a Haematopathology Fellowship Program Certificate from the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (2005-2006); Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (2007); a Commonwealth Medical License: Medical physician and surgeon (2009); and designation as a Diplomate of the American Board of Pathology (2011).
She is currently teaching Pathology to our MD4 and MD5 semester students and has taught General and Systemic Pathology to students of some other well known Caribbean Medical schools.
Why Teach at SJSM?
Dr. Picu said she empathizes with what her students are going through at this point in their lives and wants to share her experiences with them. The highlight of her day is being in the classroom, where she teaches her students the information they will need to pass NBME’s and their USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3, and getting them placed in the proper hospitals to begin their careers. She says it brings her great joy to be educating the next generation of medical professionals and ushering them into the medical field.
Why Choose SJSM?
Dr. Picu said she chose Saint James School of Medicine because of its longstanding good reputation in medical education. She was impressed with the faculty and has wanted to teach on St. Vincent with its friendly people and picturesque views.
Advice for Students
Her advice for students is to be committed to the goal of achieving a medical degree from the moment they arrive on the island. Students must be ambitious, possess the discipline to study and hard work, and willingness to make sacrifices.