Throughout her education, Resha Ganthan, MD ’23, who is originally from Malaysia, was drawn to health and medicine-related subjects. After graduating high school early and completing a year of her bachelor’s degree, Dr. Ganthan transferred into St. George’s University’s MD6 track.

With her MD in hand from SGU’s School of Medicine, Dr. Ganthan has started the next phase of her journey as an internal medicine resident at Richmond University Medical Center in New York.

We spoke with Dr. Ganthan about her experiences at SGU and her advice for medical students.

SGU: Why did you choose to pursue your medical education at SGU?

Dr. Ganthan: My mother actually discovered SGU. I entered through the MD6 track. I graduated high school early at 15, did about a year of a bachelor’s degree in Malaysia, then found SGU’s pre-med program and transferred into it.

SGU: How did you feel about Grenada as a study destination for the basic sciences?

Dr. Ganthan: The campus in Grenada is very modern. There are multiple study halls located across campus that made studying easy. Campus housing is also convenient for attending lectures and other activities as it is all located within a short distance from each other.

SGU: What motivated you to select internal medicine for your specialty and how do you hope to grow in your career?

Dr. Ganthan: Internal medicine allows me to work in a hospital setting treating patients admitted for various ailments. I have the opportunity to get involved in nearly all aspects of medicine, including cardiology, neurology, etc. I hope to pursue a fellowship after completing my residency, preferably in critical care.

SGU: What advice would you give to students (especially international students) who are coming to Grenada for the first time to study at SGU?

Dr. Ganthan: My advice is to follow the lecture slides closely and stay updated with lecture topics as they are taught daily. I would always study the lectures that were taught that day and review the entire week’s topics at the end of the week, so I didn’t fall behind and I would be well prepared for the exam at the end of the module.

SGU: Do you have any specific advice for students in Malaysia considering medical school and why they should consider SGU?

Dr. Ganthan: If you are looking to practice medicine in the US, SGU is definitely a good way to do so. SGU’s campus is a very nice environment. I found the move to Grenada fairly easy, and I very quickly got used to the campus. They also have a very diverse population of students, so finding a group of friends is not difficult.

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!

Disha Sason, MD ’23, born in Mumbai, India, started her career in medicine as a pediatrics resident at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Dr. Sason always had a desire to help people and wanted to do something in her life that could benefit others. She found a passion in medicine as an ever-growing field from which she enjoys learning new things.

Dr. Sason shared her experience as a medical student at SGU, what it felt like to match into residency, and her advice for aspiring physicians.

SGU: What did it feel like when you found out you matched?  

Dr. Sason: To see a goal that I had been following every day for the past few years come to fruition was surreal. I was—and still am—incredibly excited to see what the future has in store for me.

SGU: Why did you choose pediatrics?

Dr. Sason: I pursued pediatrics because working with children made the concept of “work” easier to think about. Innocent babies, curious children, and reluctant teens make this a challenging and interesting field.

SGU: What are your ultimate career aspirations? 

Dr. Sason: As of now I hope to be a successful child neurologist! I would also love to help the hearing impaired in ways that I can. I want to provide easy and accessible care to children of need in communities that are underrepresented in the US and someday hopefully in my home country of India.

SGU: How do you balance work and your personal life?

Dr. Sason: For me, the two things do not necessarily collide with one another. I believe I am trying to maintain a work-life balance, like everyone else, where I am fulfilled with what I am doing. My responsibility to myself is to make sure that I take care of my mind and my body in the way I need to, so I can be my best self at work.

SGU: How did you feel about Grenada as a study destination for the basic sciences? 

Dr. Sason: I would not have it any other way! Medical school is very taxing, but to go through it on a gorgeous island like Grenada was a blessing. The local community was always so helpful, and the beaches were serene and made for a perfect study break.

In my basic science years, I received a ton of help from the numerous resources provided by SGU. Students from higher terms put in a lot of effort into making presentations and quizzes which helped me understand complex topics and prepare well for my exams.

SGU: Were you involved in any clubs while in Grenada? 

Dr. Sason: I was involved in the Pediatrics Club where we were part of Teddy Bear Clinics. Here we taught local children about first aid exercises. It was a great way to give back to the community. I also joined the Emergency Medicine Club, which was incredibly fun to be part of as they held different events such as triaging, phlebotomy sessions, electrocardiography (ECG) interpretations, etc.

SGU: How did SGU help you with your academic achievements and USMLE preparation? 

Dr. Sason: SGU was very supportive especially during my basic science years. For USMLE preparation, SGU provided me with sufficient support both emotionally and academically for me to feel prepared to take these exams.

SGU: What advice would you give to students (especially international students) who are coming to Grenada for the first time?  

Dr. Sason: My advice to medical students would be to make friends! Medical school is a tough road to travel alone so having the right support system makes all the difference. Enjoy the island. Once you leave it, you won’t get these days back, so embrace the food, the people, and the culture. It is your home away from home.

Varshitha Tumkur Panduranga, MD ’24, was pulled towards medicine early on thanks to her childhood growing up on her family’s poultry farm in Mysore, Karnataka, India. Living close to nature and animals was an integral part of her upbringing, and this environment fostered her love for biology.

Another inspiration for Dr. Varshitha was her uncle, Dr. Srinivasan Ravindranath, a practicing cardiologist in Dubai. From a young age, she looked up to him for the impactful work he did and the positive influence he had on his patients’ lives. His dedication and compassion motivated Dr. Varshitha to aspire to make a similar difference in people’s health and well-being.

Since graduating from SGU School of Medicine, Dr. Varshitha is joining over 300 SGU grads who are beginning residency in New York and New Jersey hospitals and addressing a critical need.

SGU News sat down with Dr. Varshitha to learn more about her journey to practicing medicine in the US.

SGU: What did it feel like to match?

Dr. Varshitha: I was absolutely thrilled that I had secured a spot at my top-choice residency program. This achievement feels like the realization of a long-held dream. Every ounce of effort and every sacrifice made along the way has culminated in this moment of joy. The overwhelming happiness that my family and I felt was beyond words. It’s a deeply gratifying experience that I will cherish forever.

SGU: How did SGU help you prepare for residency? 

Dr. Varshitha: Since day one, SGU has prepared me for residency. Through a comprehensive two-year basic sciences curriculum, I was thoroughly equipped for success in the USMLE Step 1 and 2 exams. Furthermore, SGU’s extensive network of hospital affiliations offered invaluable opportunities to me to connect with physicians across various specialties. With rigorous evaluations such as NBMEs and OSCEs, I feel confidently prepared for the knowledge and practical components of residency underscoring SGU’s ability to lay a solid foundation for residency.

SGU: Why did you want to practice in the US? How did SGU help you reach your goal?

Dr. Varshitha: My goal was to pursue a medical residency in the US, which is known for its advancements in medicine. As a non-US citizen, the journey was challenging, but SGU’s hospital affiliations and networking opportunities were invaluable. I had the chance to experience the healthcare systems in Grenada, the UK, and the US during my rotations. It was during my fourth-year elective rotations that I met exceptional mentors who guided me through the application process for internal medicine residency, ultimately helping me match into my top choice. SGU provided me with the resources and support necessary to achieve my lifelong dream.

SGU: Why SGU? 

Dr. Varshitha: Pursuing a medical residency in the United States has always been a dream for me. When I discovered SGU, I found an abundance of opportunities that allowed me to accomplish this goal. As a non-US citizen, the challenge of securing residency in the US can be daunting, but SGU offers a track to achieve it. With its high match rates at US residencies and extensive hospital affiliations, SGU provided me with a convenient route to residency. The chance to engage in global education by rotating at hospitals both in the UK and the US was invaluable, enriching my cultural awareness and ultimately shaping me into a more proficient physician.

SGU: What are you most looking forward to in residency? 

Dr. Varshitha: During residency, I look forward to advancing my abilities as a physician and refining both my theoretical understanding and practical skills. The hospital where I have matched serves an underserved population, and I am eager to work in that environment and make a meaningful impact on their lives. I also aim to expand my research pursuits and learn from esteemed physicians.

St. George’s University School of Medicine alum Andrea Pakula, MD ’07, MPH ’03, is passionate about her career in surgery—particularly the ability to use the newest and most advanced technology to help patients get back to living their lives as quickly as possible.

As the medical director of robotic surgery at Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital, Dr. Pakula performs surgeries and procedures entirely with the Intuitive Surgical da Vinci Robotic platform, including emergency surgery. In 2024, she was one of the first surgeons in the country to use the da Vinci 5—the newest and most advanced generation of surgical robots in its field. The milestone was covered in a local Los Angeles-area news article.

Staying on the cutting edge of technology in the field of robotic surgery allowed Dr. Pakula to cultivate her love for surgery and critical care.

“My favorite part of the job is being able to treat and help patients get back to their lives in the fastest, most painless way possible,” she said. “I truly enjoy my patients and being able to take part in their care.”

SGU News sat down with Dr. Pakula to learn more about her career and journey to become a doctor.

SGU: What kind of medicine and procedure do you specialize in?

Dr. Pakula: I am double boarded in general surgery and surgical critical care. I do all aspects of general surgery including bariatric, foregut, and colon surgery. I also have expertise in complex hernia repair. My entire practice is robotic including my emergency surgery practice.

SGU: How does the da Vinci 5 benefit patients? What does this technology mean for healthcare in general?

Dr. Pakula: The da Vinci 5 is the newest and most advanced generation of surgical robots which allows the surgeon more precision when operating. We are able to perform complex operations through only a few small incisions which allows for much faster recovery and return to normal activity for patients without the need for pain medications.

SGU: How did you get into robotic surgery?

Dr. Pakula: A few years into practice, I trained on the da Vinci Xi Robot and began to apply robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery to all areas of my practice. I started to be very involved in the various surgical societies and hernia societies and began speaking and teaching robotic surgery all over the country.

In 2018, I moved down to Southern California and was recruited to Adventist Health Simi Valley to build a robotic surgery program. We achieved a Robotic Center of Excellence designation administered by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), which is a nonprofit specializing in patient safety. We continue to lead within our health system, as I still teach and speak internationally about hernia and robotic surgery and have a busy elective practice treating patients with minimally invasive surgery.

SGU: Can you share more about your career path? What was your journey from med student to your current position?

Dr. Pakula: I first received my Master of Public Health at St. George’s University and then began medical school. After completing my first two years at SGU, I completed my third and fourth clinical years at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, CA. It was during my time there that I began to have a strong interest in general surgery. I was then accepted into the general surgery residency program there. It was a very busy trauma center, and so I became very interested in trauma and surgical critical care.

After residency, I went on to complete a surgical critical care fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. From there, I returned to California and started practice at Kern Medical Center as an attending faculty surgeon. I was the associate medical director of the ICU and the medical director of bariatric surgery at Kern around the time I began expanding my interest in complex hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction.

SGU: Why did you choose SGU?  

Dr. Pakula: Considering that I have always wanted to be a doctor and I did not initially get into medical school in the US, the opportunity SGU gave me allowed me to really focus on what was important—doing well in school to get into a good surgery residency.

SGU: How did your med school training at SGU help you get to your position today?

Dr. Pakula: The education I received at SGU allowed me to get into one of the best fellowships in the country, and that drive has stayed with me to be able to excel in my career.