Oluwasemilore Oluwagbenro, MD ’26, a St. George’s University School of Medicine graduate, was raised in Nigeria. At just six years old, she was already walking around her school in Nigeria with a toy stethoscope, “checking” people’s temperatures and confidently declaring her future as a doctor. The dream came early, but the confidence to pursue it took time to build.
Raised in a family of business professionals, medicine was the only path she ever seriously considered. Yet as she progressed in her academic journey, the road ahead felt increasingly uncertain especially as an international student aspiring to train in the United States. After beginning her academic journey at Howard Community College, she wasn’t sure what the next step should look like.
It was during this period of uncertainty that SGU came into the picture. “The interview experience changed things for me. It felt warm, supportive, and much less intimidating than I expected,” she says.
Now matched into family medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Dr. Oluwagbenro reflects on a journey shaped not just by determination, but by the support that helped her grow along the way. “SGU gave me the confidence, preparation, and foundation I needed,” she says.
SGU News spoke with Dr. Oluwagbenro about her journey into a career in medicine.
SGU: What led you to choose St. George’s University for your medical education?
Dr. Oluwagbenro: I first heard about SGU during my A-levels but didn’t feel ready for medical school at the time, so I started at a community college in the US. A couple of years later, SGU came up again, and I decided to apply.
The interview experience really stood out. It felt warm, supportive, and not intimidating. That gave me the confidence to move forward, and SGU felt like the right next step for me.
SGU: Where did you intend to become a doctor, and how did SGU help you achieve that goal?
Dr. Oluwagbenro: I always wanted to become a doctor in the US, but as an international student, the path felt uncertain. When I learned more about SGU, I realized it offered a clear way to stay aligned with that goal without needing to complete all my training in the US. That clarity made a big difference and gave me the confidence to move forward.
SGU: How did SGU contribute to your academic success?
Dr. Oluwagbenro: I found strong support at SGU. There was always help available outside the lecture hall, and the structure really kept me on track when I used the resources. One of the most valuable parts was the small group sessions. These were weekly discussions with about 10 students and a physician. If something didn’t click in lecture, this was the space to ask questions and understand it better, either from the doctor or classmates. It really helped with repetition and retention.
We also had Peer Learning Groups led by upper-term students, along with opportunities to learn from honor roll students, so there was always another way to approach the material. Academic advisors and access to free therapy sessions also made a big difference, especially since medical school can feel overwhelming.
SGU: How did SGU prepare you for the USMLE exams?
Dr. Oluwagbenro: For USMLE preparation, the cumulative exam structure stood out. Each exam included material from previous blocks, which was challenging at first but very helpful in reinforcing concepts, similar to the USMLE. The longer exam blocks also helped me build the stamina to complete more than 150 questions without feeling burned out. Overall, it was the combination of structure, repetition, and accessible support that prepared me well.
SGU: What was your experience living and studying in Grenada? What stands out as a highlight?
Dr. Oluwagbenro: For me, Grenada was an ideal place to study medicine. It’s calm, focused, and not overwhelming, with just enough to explore when you need a break.
I especially enjoyed the simple moments like walking around campus, studying with ocean views, and even watching planes take off. Those small experiences made a big difference during such an intense time.
SGU: Were you involved in any clubs or student organizations on campus? How did those experiences shape your journey?
Dr. Oluwagbenro: I was actively involved in the Christian Student Association and Iota Epsilon Alpha. These experiences gave me a break from academic stress and allowed me to stay engaged in community service, from working with children to mentoring fellow students. They were a reminder of the impact I could make beyond the classroom and reinforced my commitment to service.
SGU: Where did you complete your clinical rotations, and what was that experience like?
Dr. Oluwagbenro: I completed most of my clinical rotations in Staten Island, New York, where the hospital environment quickly felt familiar and supportive. Working closely with attendings and residents, I felt like a valued part of the team. The experience gave me a clear sense of what life as a practicing physician looks like and made the learning process much more meaningful.
SGU: How did your Basic Sciences training prepare you for clinical rotations, and how do you see your clinical experience supporting your path to residency?
Dr. Oluwagbenro: My Basic Sciences training provided a strong foundation, which made the transition into clinical rotations much smoother. Seeing the same conditions in real patients helped reinforce and expand my understanding.
Rotating across multiple hospitals exposed me to different environments and approaches to care, while working with attendings and residents strengthened my clinical skills and teamwork. Overall, these experiences have prepared me well for residency, both academically and professionally.
SGU: What was your experience during the residency match process, and how did it feel to match into residency?
Dr. Oluwagbenro: The match process didn’t feel too overwhelming, thanks to SGU’s Office of Career Guidance that had helpful videos of what to expect during the match process. Peer group chats with fellow students and recent graduates were also valuable for sharing advice and staying informed throughout the process.
Matching into residency was a mix of relief and gratitude. It still feels surreal at times, but I’m thankful for the opportunity to begin training as the physician I’ve always wanted to become.
SGU: What drew you to your chosen specialty, and how do you hope to make an impact in this field?
Dr. Oluwagbenro: I chose family medicine because I find it most fulfilling. I value building long-term relationships with patients and providing care across a wide range of needs. I hope to make an impact by serving my community in a consistent, accessible, and holistic way.
SGU: What advice would you give to aspiring medical students from your home country considering SGU?
Dr. Oluwagbenro: For students from Nigeria considering medicine in the US or UK, SGU can be a strong pathway. It provided me with solid training, clinical exposure, and preparation for licensing exams.
My advice is to take full advantage of the resources available, stay disciplined, and be intentional from the start. The journey is demanding, but with consistency and focus, it can open doors to valuable clinical experience and future opportunities.
SGU: Looking back, how would you describe the role SGU played in your journey to becoming a doctor?
Dr. Oluwagbenro: SGU played a crucial role in my journey. I didn’t feel fully ready at the start, but through the admissions process and the premedical program, my confidence grew over time. The support and structured approach to learning helped me adapt and build a strong academic foundation.
By the time I reached clinical rotations, it was encouraging to see how much of what I learned was directly applicable in patient care. Overall, SGU gave me the confidence, preparation, and foundation I needed to become a physician.
