For St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine graduate Oghenewegba Marvelious Erivwo, MD ’26, the journey into medicine began in Nigeria, where he observed firsthand the challenges patients face in accessing care. A personal loss following surgical complications later gave that interest a deeper sense of purpose.
“SGU played a transformative role in my journey by providing the academic foundation, clinical exposure, and support system needed to achieve my goal of becoming a physician,” he says. “It served as a bridge between my aspirations and my reality.”
Determined to better understand the factors that influence surgical outcomes, Dr. Erivwo pursued his studies at SGU, first earning a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences, graduating summa cum laude from the School of Arts and Sciences, before continuing into the MD program. This progression allowed him to build a strong academic foundation while developing the discipline and clinical skills required for medical training.
Through clinical rotations across New York and New Jersey, he gained experience in diverse, high-volume healthcare settings, further strengthening his interest in anesthesiology, a field central to patient safety, perioperative care, and pain management.
Dr. Erivwo matched into anesthesiology at Cook County Health and Hospitals System in Chicago, where he will continue to build on his focus on improving patient outcomes.
SGU News spoke with Dr. Erivwo to learn more about the experiences that shaped his path to anesthesiology and his interest in patient safety.
SGU: Why did you choose St. George’s University, and how did it support your goal of training in the United States?
Dr. Erivwo: I had planned to pursue medical training in the United States, and SGU offered me a structured pathway aligned with that goal, along with a strong premedical foundation. Beginning in the premedical program at SGU helped me build the academic knowledge and discipline needed for medical school, and progressing into the MD program allowed me to gradually develop the skills and confidence required to navigate a rigorous training environment.
SGU’s network of physicians and clinical affiliates in the US also provided exposure to different healthcare settings, along with opportunities for mentorship and clinical development, which supported my overall preparation for the next stage of training.
SGU: What was your experience like in Grenada?
Dr. Erivwo: Grenada provided a focused, close-knit environment where it was easy to stay disciplined. Being surrounded by students with a shared purpose made the experience both motivating and meaningful.
SGU: Where did you complete your clinical rotations, and what was that experience like?
Dr. Erivwo: I completed my clinical rotations across multiple hospitals in New York and New Jersey, where I was exposed to high-volume, diverse patient populations. These experiences strengthened my clinical reasoning, adaptability, and ability to work within multidisciplinary teams. They also solidified my interest in anesthesiology.
SGU: How did SGU prepare you for the USMLE exams and support your transition into clinical training and residency?
Dr. Erivwo: The Basic Sciences curriculum, along with a consistent study approach, played an important role in my USMLE preparation. The NBME-based resources and structured timelines helped me stay on track and build a solid foundation.
That same foundation made the transition into clinical rotations smoother. The emphasis on systems-based learning and clinical correlations helped me approach patient care with greater confidence and clarity. My clinical experiences further strengthened these skills and prepared me for the demands of residency training.
SGU: What was your experience during the residency match process?
Dr. Erivwo: The residency match process was rigorous but rewarding. SGU’s Office of Career Guidance played a significant role by offering structured advising, application support, and interview preparation, which helped me navigate the process effectively.
SGU: What drew you to anesthesiology, and how do you hope to make an impact in this field?
Dr. Erivwo: I was drawn to anesthesiology because of its critical role in patient safety, perioperative care, and pain management. I hope to contribute to advancing pain medicine and improving perioperative outcomes, particularly in underserved settings.
SGU: What advice would you give to prospective students?
Dr. Erivwo: I would recommend seeking mentorship early and staying focused on your long-term goals. Being intentional about how you use your time can make a meaningful difference throughout your training.
