Born in India and raised in the Bahamas, Nanditha Guruvaiah, MD ’23, strongly believes that medicine is a profession that ultimately gives back to the community—and one of the many reasons why she loves the field.

After graduating from St. George’s University (SGU), Dr. Guruvaiah began a preliminary residency year in internal medicine at Richmond University Medical Center. Following her preliminary year, Dr. Guruvaiah will start her residency in advanced diagnostic radiology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina.

“I’m very excited to start this next phase of my journey,” Dr. Guruvaiah said. “I’m so grateful to my family and friends, and most importantly the mentors I gained through SGU for supporting me on this long but fruitful journey.” 

She added: “Being in a field such as radiology gives me endless opportunities for innovative research and global health outreach—both of which I’m interested in doing during my residency. I also hope to encourage and support more of my SGU peers, especially women who are aiming to pursue the more competitive fields.”

Dr. Guruvaiah shared more details about her experience at SGU and her advice for medical students.

SGU: Describe what it felt like when you learned that you matched?   

Dr. Guruvaiah: It was truly one of the happiest moments of my life! It felt like a great weight was lifted off my shoulders because everything I had worked for had culminated in this one important email. Being a non-US citizen and international medical graduate, it was an uphill battle especially since I wanted to match into a very competitive specialty. I was on FaceTime with my mom when I got the first email and we both cried tears of joy. A few days later when I found out that I matched my top choice, I couldn’t believe it! 

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

Dr. Guruvaiah: The match process can be a difficult journey, so it’s always better to be one step ahead. Meticulous planning is required to build the perfect application, and OCG helped me greatly during this process by reviewing my CV and personal statement.

SGU: Why did you pursue diagnostic radiology?  

Dr. Guruvaiah: I love the essential nature of this field. It acts as the backbone for most specialties from internal medicine to surgery, to pediatrics, etc. The variety of pathologies you see and the number of patients you help on a day-to-day basis is unmatched compared to any other specialty. Radiology is also on the forefront of medicine in terms of state-of-the-art technology research and global health outreach. All in all, it’s an extremely rewarding field.

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

Dr. Guruvaiah: Achieving the perfect work-life balance is something I’m still working on. I would credit my academic success to the fact that I knew what my goals were very early on, and I created multiple plans to make sure my goals came to fruition. I’m also a stickler for schedules and I try my best to complete my tasks for that day. On the other hand, I try to devote at least one hour a day to something other than studying that will make me happy like watching a TV show, going for a walk, or listening to an audiobook. This small but important habit goes a long way in avoiding burnout.

 

 

SGU: What are your ultimate career aspirations?   

Dr. Guruvaiah: First and foremost, I want to be a strong radiologist and ultimately want to pursue the path of academic medicine. Research, teaching, and mentorship are very important to me, so I see myself being actively involved in these roles. I also plan to continue my volunteer work and participate in global health initiatives like RAD-AID and Road2IR—especially projects catering to underserved communities. 

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

Dr. Guruvaiah: I really loved my time on the island. I enrolled into the 7-year MD pathway program, so I was on the island for a total of five years (three years completing pre-med classes and two more in the MD program). I felt supported every step of the way.

In terms of teaching quality—the lectures were thorough and adequately prepared me for the block exams. The small groups, hospital visits, and simulation labs gave me the opportunity to put theory into practice and further cemented my foundational knowledge.

The campus itself is beautiful. From the incredible scenic views at Modica Hall to the beachfront gym and the variety of cuisines available—I honestly can’t think of a better place to pursue medical school. 

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

Dr. Guruvaiah: I was on the executive board as vice president and grand marshal for the Iota Epsilon Alpha (IEA) Honor Society. I was also an active member of the Radiology Club, Women in Medicine, and the Neuroscience Society. 

SGU: How did SGU help you with USMLE preparation?  

Dr. Guruvaiah: I feel like SGU’s curriculum is fine-tuned to match the demands of the USMLE exams. The lectures were high yield and the continuous training materials were great as they equipped me with the skills to tackle the real test!

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

Dr. Guruvaiah: The curriculum at SGU is fast paced. It’s important to figure out your study pattern early (visual learner, rewatching lectures, whiteboarding, etc.) and stick to a study schedule. Also, try to make the best use of all the extracurricular services being offered at SGU—such as Department of Educational Services (DES) workshops, IEA exam review sessions, and various clubs/societies.

SGU: Why should students in India consider SGU for medical school?  

Dr. Guruvaiah: The transition from the Indian education system to US education system can be challenging but SGU offers a variety of resources to help students make it is as smooth as possible. Also, Grenada essentially feels like a home away from home. There are lots of student clubs/societies and even Indian Cultural Student Association (ICSA), which can be a great source of support system. In addition, festivals such as Diwali and Holi are celebrated on the campus and there is a great selection of Indian food vendors—so there is no chance of missing home!

Geraldine Nabeta, MD ’23, always had a desire to transform health systems in her home country of Uganda to fit the needs of a diverse and ever-growing population. Dr. Nabeta believed medicine was the way in which she could best contribute to the world and bridge her love for the sciences with service to humanity. Dr. Nabeta is now pursuing her career as an internal medicine resident at the University of Connecticut in the US.

Dr. Nabeta shared her experiences as a medical student at St. George’s University (SGU) and her advice to those considering the profession.

SGU: Describe what it felt like when you heard the news that you matched?

Dr. Nabeta: Immense joy–it was incredible. It felt as if I had been waiting to exhale for years and now I finally could.

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

Dr. Nabeta: The match comes with its own set of worries and concerns and having the OCG as a resource lifted a lot of anxiety off my shoulders. OCG provided webinars throughout the year, and these were very helpful to tune into and get an idea for what the timeline ahead will look like. The team is also incredibly knowledgeable and prompt with their responses.  I felt guided throughout the process.

SGU: Which specialty did you pursue and why? 

Dr. Nabeta: I pursued internal medicine because of the diverse pathology I would be exposed to and the variety of specialties I can enter after the training. Starting my career as an internist is an invaluable way for me to build confidence in my medical knowledge and abilities. Also, I enjoy the flexibility and opportunity to use medicine to engage in medical education.

SGU: What are your ultimate career aspirations? 

Dr. Nabeta: I aim to build a career focused on the health and human rights of underserved populations. Naturally, I want to practice medicine and participate in academic medicine, but I would also love to empower the health of communities globally via medical journalism. undefined

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

Dr. Nabeta: SGU’s exam materials were formatted according to topics covered on USMLE exams. I was able to study strategically during my basic science years which provided me with a good foundation to prepare for the USMLE exams.

SGU: Why did you choose the UK for your basic sciences?

Dr. Nabeta: I did the first year of basic sciences in the UK because I wanted an opportunity to study abroad and enrich my medical school experience. It was great learning about a healthcare system different to what I’ve known and been exposed to.

SGU: What was your experience like living in the UK as a study destination?

Dr. Nabeta: The UK was a perfect destination for me. Even though I consider Uganda my home, I was raised in Europe, so I was returning to an environment that I was familiar with as I embarked on the start of my career—and this was exciting. I describe Newcastle as a small city with the feel of a big city, which gave us plenty to do during our downtime. I also found that people in Newcastle are very friendly and helpful. For students that are looking to travel to other countries/cities, traveling from Newcastle via plane or train was incredibly easy.

SGU: What was it like living in Newcastle on the NU campus? 

Dr. Nabeta: All SGU students live in the same residential hall on Northumbria’s campus, which relieves any kind of stress on finding student housing.  I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, especially because my roommates became some of my closest friends. It was also convenient having your study groups close by to catch up on lecture content either in our respective apartments or in the designated study spaces. There was an easily accessible train/subway from our accommodation to the main campus and often times you can meet with your classmates on your way to or from class.

SGU: What would you say about teaching quality at Northumbria University?

Dr. Nabeta: One of my favorites parts was the small class sizes. The smaller class sizes gave the teaching experience a much more intimate feel and provided less distraction. The teaching quality was thorough, as faculty often focused on providing students with a solid foundation of content material—a foundation which I continued to lean on during the rest of medical school. The faculty absolutely went above and beyond to make sure students appreciated the subject at hand, sometimes even extending their office hours to accommodate more students. I truly loved my time at Northumbria!

SGU: What advice can you share with students in Africa considering medical school at SGU? 

Dr. Nabeta: SGU was a great choice because of all the support available to international students. There are several resources to help with the transition to medical school, clinical years, and even residency. As an African student, I can also say that there is opportunity to build community with other African students—which has been a very joyful part of my time at SGU.

The best decision I made at SGU was to take advantage of the free resources the school provides—do not be shy to do the same! Everyone is there to help. From the Department of Education Services (DES) to OCG to faculty for office hours—you do not have to figure medical school out alone.

Born in South Korea, Dr. Julia Hweyryoung Cho moved frequently as an international student since she was 11 years old. Her desire to pursue medicine first occurred when she was very young while watching her elderly grandparents struggle with age-related health issues. She simply wanted to find a way to cure them. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Cho was drawn to both biology and philosophy. Combining her childhood motivation with her intellectual curiosity made becoming a physician the natural choice.

Dr. Cho recently matched and will start her internal medicine residency at MetroHealth in Cleveland, Ohio. She chose to pursue internal medicine because she enjoys the diverse and challenging clinical scenarios it offers and the constant need to handle complex cases requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Internal medicine also provides a path to sub-specialization—an added bonus. Although Dr. Cho hasn’t decided whether to pursue a fellowship in geriatrics or endocrinology yet, she believes the decision will solidify by meeting mentors and exploring available resources within the program.

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

St. George’s University: How did you feel about Grenada as a study destination for the basic sciences?

Dr. Cho: Grenada is a beautiful island, and I’m glad I made the right choice to study there. Since most of my colleagues and I were far away from home, we formed a special bond with each other. In addition to creating study groups, we also went grocery shopping together on the bus to IGA—the supermarket located outside of the campus—and even explored the wilderness to visit one of the waterfalls. Studying in Grenada provides a unique setting that leads to unforgettable memories I will carry for the rest of my life. Studying in Grenada also made taking care of my mental and physical health easier, thanks to the ability to visit the gym every morning and run on the treadmill while facing the ocean and watching the sunrise.

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

Dr. Cho: Yes, I was a part of Iota Epsilon Alpha (IEA) and the Christian Student Association (CSA). During my time in IEA, I participated in the diabetic clinic outreach program and tutored Term 1 and 2 students. In CSA, beyond attending the beautiful and vibrant worship services run by students on Sunday mornings, I participated in multiple community service projects. These included visiting the Home for the Aged and the Bel Air Children’s Home.

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

Dr. Cho: SGU was ideal for me because it prepared me for board exams. While everyone has different learning styles, I found multiple choice question (MCQ) sessions to be especially helpful. These sessions allowed me to discuss my thought process with colleagues while also assessing my own level of understanding compared to others. Additionally, SGU was helpful for me because the exams reflect the style of board exams. This is achieved by utilizing computer-based multiple-choice questions that are given within a strict time limit.

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. Cho: My advice would be to embrace the culture and enjoy the experience. Grenada is a beautiful island with a rich culture and friendly people. Take the time to explore the island and its many attractions, such as the beautiful beaches and hiking trails. It’s also important to balance your studies with other activities and hobbies to avoid burnout. Lastly, my advice would be to reach out to the SGU community for support and guidance.

SGU: Why was SGU the right fit for you?

Dr. Cho: For me, SGU provided a comprehensive medical education that prepared me to be successful in the US healthcare system. During my clinical rotations in the US, I was provided hands-on experience and exposure to the American healthcare system, making my transition to residency, and practicing medicine in the US smoother.

Iman Naimi’s, MD ’14, career interests were solidified during his third- and fourth-year clinical rotations as a St. George’s University medical student. The mentorships and experiences he gained directed him toward the path he’s been on ever since, pursuing a pediatric residency and then pediatric cardiology and congenital interventional cardiology fellowships.

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Dr. Naimi has been on quite a journey. As an aspiring medical professional, he went from Canada to Grenada to the US, and then finally back to Canada where he is now a congenital interventional cardiologist at Stollery Children’s Hospital and Manzankowski Alberta Heart Institute, as well as a clinical assistant professor of pediatric cardiology at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Dr. Naimi shared how he made his way back to Canada to achieve his dream of becoming a physician in his home country.

St. George’s University: Why did you choose your specialty?

Dr. Naimi: I have always had an interest in cardiology and cardiac surgery. However, during my third- and fourth-year rotations my love for pediatric cardiology and interventional cardiology was greatly influenced by the mentorship and experiences I had in general pediatrics at St. Barnabas Medical Center with Dr. Margolin, Pediatric Cardiac ICU at Miami Children’s Hospital, and interventional cardiology with Dr. Marc Cohen at Newark Beth Israel. I was fascinated by the variety and complexity of congenital heart disease and transcatheter interventions to treat or palliate such lesions. At this time in the program, I decided to apply to pediatrics with the intention of pursuing cardiology and interventional cardiology.

SGU: Where did you match and what was your match experience like?

Dr. Naimi: I matched at SUNY Upstate Medical University for a pediatric residency and matched in Seattle Children’s Hospital and University of Washington Medical Center for pediatric cardiology and congenital interventional cardiology fellowships.

I knew SUNY Upstate Medical University has always had a great track record for residents matching in top fellowship spots across the country. Therefore, I was very excited and relieved that I matched at a University Programs knowing that I wanted to pursue pediatric cardiology.

My match experience at Seattle Children’s-UW for cardiology was surreal, and I vividly remember the match day. I knew I would get the best hands-on training there, leading to amazing opportunities for matching into an excellent advanced-fellowship spot in interventional cardiology and securing a competitive faculty position after graduation.

SGU: Did you always know you wanted to practice in Canada and how did you prepare for that?

Dr. Naimi: Canada is my home, and I always knew that one day I would return and practice somewhere in Canada after my training.

At SGU, I joined the Canadian Student Association and went to all the info sessions to stay up to date with different provincial policies and elective sites. While in school, I took the MCCEE alongside the USMLE. I also did a family medicine rotation in Vancouver, BC, and was able to obtain an excellent recommendation letter to increase my chances of matching into the Canadian residency program. However, after learning the timeline of CaRMS relative to the US match, I decided to only apply for US residency programs.

I then decided to take the Royal College Exam for Pediatrics to ensure I could eventually obtain a license to practice in Canada. During my fellowship, when looking for a job in Canada, I found that Alberta (CPSA) did not require me to take the Royal College Exam for Cardiology, and since I was boarded in the US, I could obtain a practice permit in Canada.

SGU: What advice do you have for SGU students who are hoping to practice in Canada after graduation?

Dr. Naimi: What I have learned is that the best way to prepare is to plan ahead. This entails getting involved with the Canadian Student Association and attending all the meetings and information sessions. It is very important to reach out to Canadian programs early on in your training to inquire about elective rotation opportunities. Given the timeline of the Canadian and US match in the past, I personally chose to apply only for US residency and fellowship spots and was still able to land a job in Canada. If you choose this path, depending on the Province that you want to work in, you may be required to take the Royal College Exams. It is crucial to know the timeline of all the Canadian exams and be prepared to take them alongside the US exams. This will provide ease when applying to Canadian residency programs or job opportunities after you complete your training.

If you maintain a high GPA and board scores, as well as excel in your clerkship training by demonstrating that you can perform well in a busy clinical setting, you will set yourself apart from others. Throughout your training, it is very important to form strong connections with mentors, especially those within the institution and program that you would like to pursue, allowing you to receive excellent recommendation letters for residency opportunities after graduation.

SGU: Looking back on your journey to where you are today, why was SGU the right fit for you?

Dr. Naimi: SGU gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. It is through its extensive clinical affiliations that I was able to secure clerkships in many great hospitals that provided me with amazing mentorship opportunities that helped me find my path and pursue my dream.

Asa Radix, MD ’88, PhD, MPH decided to pursue medicine out of a desire to offer patient-centered healthcare in an often-overlooked community in need.  Dr. Radix’s career has focused on LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Ally, plus) health and policy and being able to ensure patients receive quality care that is respectful, non-judgmental, and meets the unique needs of members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Dr. Radix is originally from Grenada and attended SGU on one of the first Grenadian scholarships. They currently serve as senior director of research and education at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in New York City—which has a mission to serve LGBTQIA+ communities and people with HIV.

In addition to their work at Callen-Lorde, Dr. Radix is a clinical associate professor of medicine at New York University and holds faculty appointments at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Yale University. Over the years, they’ve developed expertise in transgender health and contributed to several US and international clinical practice guidelines and textbooks.

In honor of pride month, SGU News spoke with Dr. Radix to find out more about their experience providing care to the LGBTQIA+ community and the journey to becoming an expert in this field.

St. George’s University: Why did you choose your specialty?

Dr. Radix: I trained in internal medicine and then completed a fellowship in infectious disease. Infectious disease is a broad specialty, but it is a good field for people who like clinical practice as well as research. I like the diversity of the specialty. You can focus on many different areas such as travel medicine, global health, antibiotic stewardship, and emerging infectious diseases as well as a choice of inpatient or outpatient settings.

I mainly focus on HIV and Hepatitis C but still see patients with a wide variety of issues.

SGU: What are some unique medical needs of the LGBTQIA+ community? 

Dr. Radix: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community also have other social identities or groups to which they belong with varying health priorities. There are some issues that are common for all, such as difficulty in finding respectful healthcare providers as well as frequently facing discrimination in health settings. As a result, LGBTQIA+ individuals may underutilize cancer screening interventions, and there are often higher rates of substance abuse, including tobacco use, which is probably related to experiencing social stressors such as interpersonal and structural discrimination. In addition, it is important for medical providers to offer appropriate HIV/STI screenings and HIV prevention interventions (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis) to those who are eligible.

SGU: What training can physicians interested in working in LGBTQIA+ healthcare participate in?

Dr. Radix: There isn’t a specialty in LGBTQIA+ health. However, there are healthcare environments with a mission to care for LGBTQIA+ individuals, such as health centers like Callen-Lorde or dedicated clinics at other institutions. Many require training in a primary care specialty, such as internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics. Usually, these centers provide training in LGBTQIA+ health since most incoming providers have not had adequate experience during their medical school or residency training.

There are also organizations, such as GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality and The LGBT Health Workforce Conference that hold annual meetings for clinicians who are interested in this field.

SGU: When you look back at your professional journey to this point, what stands out to you most as being the most formative experiences?

Dr. Radix: I trained in the early 1990s when HIV was one of the most important and prevalent health issues that we saw. It was also a time when there were few therapeutic options available. Taking care of individuals living with HIV was a major motivation for pursuing a fellowship in infectious disease.

SGU: How did your experience at SGU help prepare you for your career?

Dr. Radix: I was fortunate to do most of my clinical rotations in the United Kingdom and to be exposed to a diverse student body throughout my SGU experience. The love of travel continued, and I completed a diploma in tropical medicine in London during my infectious disease fellowship as well as a Master of Philosophy in epidemiology at Cambridge, later leading to a PhD at Columbia University.