For St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine graduate Mishal Jaleel Akbar, MD ’18, becoming a doctor was more than just a childhood ambition. Diagnosed with asthma at an early age, she developed a deep appreciation for medicine and a desire to help others through it.
“I was always very passionate about science, and I wanted to pursue a career that combined science with service to humanity,” she said.
Dr. Akbar chose to study medicine at SGU inspired by the recommendation of her uncle who is also an SGU graduate. The university’s global approach and the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in the UK aligned perfectly with her long-term goals of practicing within the National Health Service (NHS).
“SGU supported me in my goal of practicing in the UK by offering clinical rotations in London and other parts of the country,” she noted.
Dr. Akbar entered the UK Foundation Programme (FY1) in 2019 and is currently completing her core medical training (ST1/2) at Royal Free and Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals (BHRUT) NHS Trusts, specializing in internal medicine. Her passion lies in women’s health and elderly care, making internal medicine a natural fit for her empathetic, patient-centered approach.
“The training I’ve experienced in the UK is just incredible. Being able to help people and provide free healthcare gives me the best feeling. My goal has always been to serve humanity and now I’m living that dream.”
She credits SGU for preparing her academically, especially through the rigorous preparation for USMLE and NBME exams, which gave her a strong foundation for UK licensure.
SGU News spoke with Dr. Akbar about her path from medical school in Grenada to practicing medicine in the UK.
SGU: Why did you choose SGU for your medical education? How did it support your goal of practicing in the UK?
Dr. Akbar: My uncle is an SGU graduate and highly recommended the University to me. SGU supported my goal of practicing in the UK by offering clinical rotations in London and other parts of the country, which aligned perfectly with my long-term plans. That exposure made the transition into the UK healthcare system much smoother.
SGU: How did SGU prepare you academically and clinically for your transition to the UK healthcare system?
Dr. Akbar: Studying for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, as well as scoring well on all of my NBME exams during clinical placements, gave me a strong academic foundation. That preparation translated well when it came to the PLAB exams and adjusting to the UK system.
SGU: Can you describe your journey from SGU to entering the UK Foundation Programme? What were some of the key steps?
Dr. Akbar: Although it’s no longer required, I took both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 and was successfully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) afterward. Since I had already taken USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, I found the PLAB exams relatively straightforward. They served as a great revision tool, and I really enjoyed studying alongside fellow international colleagues.
It was also a memorable time personally. When I passed PLAB 1, I was pregnant with my firstborn, who’s now six. By the time I sat for PLAB 2, my daughter was about four months old. She even came with me to Manchester for the exam and was cheering me on from the hotel. Knowing she was there waiting for me gave me so much motivation. It’s a special memory that made the entire journey even more meaningful.
SGU: What was your experience like during your foundation years? What were some key lessons you learned?
Dr. Akbar: Being able to provide free, high-quality healthcare to patients is such a privilege and it’s something that brings me immense joy and purpose. My goal has always been to help humanity, and this system allows me to do just that. I hope to inspire other future doctors, and especially my two daughters, to pursue careers that serve others.
SGU: What was the most memorable part of your time at SGU?
Dr. Akbar: I absolutely loved my time in Grenada. I built so many meaningful relationships and truly enjoyed exploring the local culture. The people of Grenada are some of the warmest and loving individuals I’ve met. My experience at SGU was both academically enriching and personally unforgettable and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone considering a career in medicine.
