New Partnership In Essex County Paves Pathway For Future Doctors – Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Students who want to pursue a medical degree at St. George’s University (SGU) can get a leg up on their dreams with a new partnership between Essex County College and Caldwell University.

Essex County College recently announced details of its new partnership with the two schools, which aims to create a pathway for admission into SGU’s School of Medicine.

The program – dubbed the “2+1+4 Partnership” – allows Essex County College students who earn an associate degree in biology, pre-medicine to transfer to Caldwell University for one year. They can then move on to St. George’s University’s School of Medicine in Grenada to pursue a four-year medical degree. They also have the opportunity to spend their first year of medicine at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom, which maintains a partnership with St. George’s University.

In order to remain eligible for the program, students must maintain a 3.4 grade point average while enrolled at Essex County College – which has campuses in Newark and West Caldwell –and at Caldwell University. They must also register a competitive score on the MCAT.

Students accepted into the 2+1+4 program will receive a $10,000 scholarship upon matriculating at St. George’s University. They will receive their bachelor of science degree from Caldwell University upon successfully completing the first year of the SGU program.

Essex County College President Augustine Boakye said the school community is “extremely excited” about the new partnership.

“We’re pleased to be able to help our students who aspire to careers in medicine make their dreams a reality at St. George’s University,” Boakye said.

Alvin Williams, executive dean of faculty and academics at Essex County College, said the new partnership will help students be “even more prepared” for the rigors of medical school.

“The third year at Caldwell University will provide students with the extra confidence to succeed at St. George’s University School of Medicine,” Williams said.

Other praise for the new program came from:

G. Richard Olds, president of St. George’s University – “We are thrilled to establish the first-ever 2+1+4 partnership for high-achieving students at Essex County College and Caldwell University. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the depth of the U.S. doctor shortage. Partnerships like this one will help close that gap by making the path to medicine more accessible for aspiring physicians.”

Caldwell University President Matthew Whelan – “Caldwell University is thrilled to partner with St. George’s University and Essex County College to offer students the opportunity to pursue medicine with exposure to medical professionals from around the world. This collaboration will provide our high achieving students the chance to earn both undergraduate and medical degrees through a global lens.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.