The St Nicholas University School of Veterinary Medicine formerly welcomed its May 2021 Semester Students
at a Stethoscope Ceremony held on Friday 28th May 2021. It also marked the end of a week-long Orientation
Program for them.
At the Stethoscope Ceremony, the students were each presented with a Stethoscope from St Nicholas
University.
While this ceremony is symbolic it underlines the important milestone of the commencement of
the professional life of a Veterinarian, the stethoscope is a key tool with which they will diagnose their
animal patients to bring them back to good health. By presenting the Stethoscope St. Nicholas University has
therefore enjoined each of its graduates to professionally and ethically carry out the clinical care that will be
expected of them by their Communities.
In her address to the Students, the President of the University Dr. Golnaz Naderkhani, explained to the new
Students that while the stethoscope is a symbol of authority it was only functional if the person using it has
the knowledge, training, and skill to utilize it. She advised them to remember the symbolism of the
stethoscope and to remain humble, be good listeners, and always show respect as these were the blueprints that will make a successful, competent, and compassionate Veterinarian.
The event also marked another milepost for Dominica and the Caribbean as the new students comprised of
Dominican and International students from the Caribbean notwithstanding the challenges of the Corona Virus
Covid-19.
During the Ceremony Students also heard addresses from the Chief Cultural Officer, Raymond Lawrence,
Disaster Risk Management and Communication Specialist and Consultant, Cecil P. Shillingford and Assistant
Superintendent of Police (ASP) Claude Weekes. These addresses gave the new Students insights into
Dominica’s culture, disaster preparedness, and measures to promote personal safety. The intention of having
the addresses was to assist them to more comfortably immerse themselves into the community while they
live here during the four years of Study.
At the function Chermilla Martin and Sabrya Henderson, both students of the January 2021 Semester, who by
the excellent academic performance made it to the Dean’s List, were presented with certificates.
The Ceremony was attended by the University Faculty, Veterinarians, and other invited guests.
