Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Brielle Cartwright

In preparation of our next “From an Insider” webinar, we are spotlighting one of its special guests and Trinity’s Assistant Dean of Clinical Clerkships and Integrated Review Systems, Dr. Brielle Cartwright. Join us on April 21st at 2 pm PST/5 pm EST for this virtual event where we will be speaking with Dr. Cartwright and Trinity’s Dean and Provost, Dr. Frances Purcell.

When we asked Dr. Brielle Cartwright what inspired her to go into medicine, she said the answer was simple: “Wanting to advocate for mental health patients who cannot advocate for themselves.” After witnessing loved ones battle with mental illness and addiction, Dr. Cartwright decided to use those experiences to work towards changing the system and reshaping the cultural idea that psychiatric healthcare is unnecessary or shameful. Now, as a Psychiatrist, she works hard to help her patients maintain their mental and emotional stability and provide an underserved population with the care they deserve.

Dr. Brielle Cartwright is a native of Philadelphia and earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania before continuing on to her post-baccalaureate program at La Salle University in her hometown. In 2014, Dr. Brielle Cartwright (then Brielle Marks) became a student at Trinity School of Medicine. During her first days on the island of St. Vincent, Brielle found the man who would eventually become her husband — fellow Trinity student, Paul Cartwright (now Dr. Paul Cartwright, a surgical resident and assistant professor of surgery).

After completing her clinical sciences and clerkships, Dr. Brielle Cartwright successfully matched in Psychiatry at Coliseum Medical Centers (what is now Piedmont Macon Medical) in Macon, Georgia. In addition to being a PGY4 Psychiatry Resident, Dr. Cartwright also serves as Trinity’s Assistant Dean of Clinical Clerkships and Integrated Review Systems. In this role, Dr. Cartwright guides students through their clinical transition term by applying knowledge of the clinical sciences and translating that into patient care. She helps prepare students to begin their rotations through specialized training clinics in performing sutures, intubation, wound care, and more. At the end of each term, Dr. Cartwright celebrates her students with a special Pinning Ceremony, recognizing their success in the clinical transition term and wishing them luck as they move on to the next stage of their medical education journey: clinical rotations.

We recently spoke with Dr. Cartwright to learn more about her path to success, the part that Trinity played, and wisdom that could help aspiring physicians in their own journey.‍

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Was Trinity a good choice for you?
Yes. I wouldn’t change that decision for the world. You are immersed in medicine from day one. They work hard to ensure you have a fruitful experience and are a well-rounded physician by graduation. I also met my husband and life-long friends during my time at Trinity. Trinity allowed me to challenge myself, travel, meet new people, immerse myself in new cultures, and learn new things about who I am as a person.

Why did you choose Trinity and what ultimately helped you make the decision?
Trinity had small classes, provided a tight-knit community, and the faculty was so nice, friendly, and willing to help students on a one-on-one basis. The professors actually care about their students on a personal, individual level. They work hard to ensure the success of all of the students. The island is also so beautiful!

How well do you feel Trinity prepared you for the Match?
Apart from a thorough curriculum and providing volunteer opportunities, Trinity also helped me with writing my resume and building my interview skills. We had “Match 101” classes where we could learn about the match process, writing personal statements, and the do’s and don’t’s of interviews.

What was the transition like moving to St. Vincent?
The transition was easy. The school really makes sure you have all of your ducks in a row. Living on the island was a dream and I miss it every day. My family even enjoyed coming and used my education as an excuse for vacation! The Vincy people are also nice and helpful and welcoming to new members of the community.

From a personal perspective, what is your most fond memory of your time at Trinity?
The sunsets from the library. Always the sunsets from the library. Nothing like it. I remember hiking the volcano and just taking in the views of the island from the top. Truly breathtaking. Drinking water nuts from the island side bodegas and picking fruit from campus and eating it right after the gym! Also Bequia will forever be in my heart. The stars are the most beautiful at nighttime in the Tobago cays. It’s like you can reach up and grab them. And last but not least, meeting my husband and life-long friends!

What is the best advice you could give to a perspective Trinity student?
Trinity is by far the best option out there for Caribbean medical schools. Becoming a doctor is really hard, but the level of personal support you get from Trinity makes it easier. There are some schools where you can really fly under the radar because you’re in a lecture hall filled with 300 other students. And if that’s what you’re looking for, then Trinity is not for you. Trinity’s faculty work with you directly to make sure you are getting the most out of your education. The environment is so supportive and uplifting. The fact that I continued my relationship with Trinity after graduating by now serving as the Assistant Dean of Clinical Clerkships is a testament to the integrity of the institution.

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