Pichapa “Sandy” Sangsawad, MD

St. George’s University School of Medicine alum, Pichapa “Sandy” Sangsawad, MD ’24, entered the medical field thanks to a mix of opportunity, passion, and resources.

Upon graduating from university, she knew traditional routes like working in a lab or pursuing a PhD were not for her. When she discovered SGU, she saw an opportunity to help others and take on new experiences. She took the leap and applied.

“I aimed to be a doctor in the US,” she said. “SGU provided international students like me with the opportunity to pursue my dreams.”

Now, she is entering residency specializing in family medicine and looking to the future for new goals.

“After completing residency, I want to specialize further with a fellowship. I’m particularly drawn to addiction medicine and dream of owning my own clinic,” Dr. Sangsawad said. “I’m also intrigued by the idea of working as a traveling physician.”

SGU News spoke more with Dr. Sangsawad about her journey to MD.

SGU: What did it feel like when you matched into residency?

Dr. Sangsawad: Matching into residency was an indescribable blend of emotions—joy, relief, anxiety about the next phase in my journey, and a feeling of accomplishment. Matching was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. Ultimately, securing residency confirmed my belief that hard work truly does pay off. It was a reminder to always trust in myself and to not underestimate my capabilities.

SGU: What was your experience during the match process? How did SGU’s Office of Career Guidance (OCG) help you during that time?

Dr. Sangsawad: The Match process felt like the last leg of a marathon. It was challenging to distill my life and hardships into an application and a brief interview. But I wasn’t alone because I had friends and colleagues who understood and supported me every step of the way.

SGU: What drew you to family medicine? How do you envision making an impact in your field?

Dr. Sangsawad: You can form deep connections with patients in this specialty. Family medicine emphasizes the importance of counseling and continuous care. This looks like caring for patients from infancy to the elderly while still leveraging my knowledge of pharmacology, physiology, and microbiology. Like a detective, a family physician investigates chief complaints and medical histories to piece together clues and arrive at a diagnosis. This skill, coupled with exposure to a broad spectrum of pathology, keeps each day dynamic and rewarding.

SGU: How did SGU contribute to your academic success and prepare you for the USMLE exams?

Dr. Sangsawad: SGU offered me a rigorous curriculum, office hours, access to resources such as the UWorld question bank, opportunities for clinical experience in various hospitals across the US, and counseling services.

SGU: What is your advice to students to maintain a healthy mental well-being?

Dr. Sangsawad: Maintaining a healthy mental well-being is crucial for success in medical school and life. Here is my advice:

1. Establish a clear, structured schedule: Designate study days for studying only, and make sure your time off is truly for relaxation without any studying.
2. Seek therapy early. Stress will inevitably arise, and having a professional therapist can help manage difficult emotions in a way friends may not be qualified for.
3. Prioritize exercise for both physical and mental health.
4. Meal prep to maintain a balanced diet and save time during busy periods.
5. Treat yourself. Make sure to reward yourself after an exam to maintain motivation and well-being.

SGU: What was the highlight of your experience living in Grenada during your medical education?

Dr. Sangsawad: Living in Grenada during my medical education was incredible. The island’s beauty and our campus were breathtaking. The stunning beaches made studying feel like a paradise. Plus, the campus was modern and vibrant, fostering a great learning environment. Grenada offered so much to explore from hiking in rainforests to snorkeling in colorful reefs. It was an unforgettable experience that blended education with natural wonder.

SGU: What advice would you offer to aspiring medical students from your home country considering a similar path?

Dr. Sangsawad: I have the following advice to students from my home country:

1. Focus on your studies and make a strong foundation.
2. Gain educational experiences like research and volunteering.
3. Find a mentor to help navigate the journey.
4. Don’t forget your loved ones—their support is crucial throughout your medical education.

Remember, it’s a tough journey, but the transformation is worth it!

Find out if St. George’s University is right for you.