Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Brigid Midwa, MD ’25, was exposed early to the realities of healthcare in resource-limited settings. Her decision to pursue medicine took shape at age 13, after her aunt lost premature triplets. Witnessing her family’s sense of helplessness inspired her to become a physician who could offer clarity and support during uncertain moments.
That early ambition eventually led Dr. Midwa to St. George’s University School of Medicine. She first learned about SGU at a high school career fair, where SGU’s international learning environment and flexible pathways immediately stood out.
During her clinical rotations in the final years of the MD program, Dr. Midwa found herself drawn to internal medicine for its breadth and diagnostic complexity. She enjoyed the careful process of piecing together symptoms, test results, and patient histories while building relationships with people from varied backgrounds. In 2025, she matched into the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Rutgers-Jersey City Medical Center, bringing her long journey from Nairobi to Grenada and New York to a defining new chapter.
“Seeing the email and knowing that the hard work had paid off was incredibly rewarding,” Dr. Midwa said. “It was the moment when everything finally felt official.”
The experience of training across countries has also shaped the kind of physician she hopes to become. Dr. Midwa wants to combine clinical rigor with the cultural awareness she developed as an international medical student, helping patients navigate complex healthcare systems and ensuring that those who feel vulnerable or overlooked are heard and understood.
SGU News spoke with Dr. Midwa about the experiences that shaped her medical journey, her path to residency, and her advice for aspiring doctors from Kenya.
SGU: What led you to choose St. George’s University for your medical education?
Dr. Midwa: During a high school career fair, SGU stood out to me immediately. The idea of studying medicine on an island, with strong resources and an international learning environment, was unlike anything else being presented. I was especially drawn to the flexibility SGU offered, with pathways that could enable graduates to practice in the US, the UK, or back home in Kenya. At 18, I did not want to feel restricted in where my career could take me. Receiving a scholarship ultimately made SGU the clear choice.
SGU: Where did you intend to become a doctor? How did SGU help you achieve your dream of becoming a doctor?
Dr. Midwa: Initially, I did not have a definitive destination in mind. Over time, I recognized the value of completing clinical rotations in the United States, which led me to take the USMLE Step 1 and begin my clinical training there. My rotations and electives confirmed that applying for a US residency was the right next step. SGU’s guidance helped me navigate where and how to apply and refine my application materials, ensuring I was positioned for success.
SGU: How did SGU contribute to your academic success and prepare you for the USMLE exams?
Dr. Midwa: SGU provided a comprehensive academic foundation through detailed lectures, handouts, labs, and practice materials. Together, these resources helped me prepare for both internal assessments and the board examinations.
SGU: What was your experience living and studying in Grenada? What stands out as a highlight?
Dr. Midwa: Living and studying in Grenada was a unique experience. SGU’s shuttle system and the support of the international student office made daily life easier. I especially loved the indoor and outdoor study spaces with beach views. Some of my favourite memories were days at Grand Anse Beach and experiencing the energy of Carnival.
SGU: Were you involved in any clubs or student organizations on campus? How did those experiences shape your journey?
Dr. Midwa: I participated in the Humanism Service Organization, Iota Epsilon Alpha Honor Medical Society, the Surgery Club, Student National Medical Association, and the Internal Medicine Tennis Club. These organizations gave me opportunities to give back to the community, including visiting a local children’s home. The Tennis Club also helped me manage homesickness. Playing tennis reminded me of time spent with my sister and friends in Kenya and helped me stay grounded.
SGU: Where did you complete your clinical rotations, and what was that experience like?
Dr. Midwa: I completed my clinical rotations in New York. It was rewarding to put what I had studied into practice, but it also brought a major shift in responsibility. Much of the learning required initiative and self-direction on the hospital floors while continuing to study independently. The experience taught me discipline, self-reliance, and the importance of being proactive in my own education.
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. Midwa: Basic Sciences gave me the academic framework I needed, even though the transition from the classroom to the hospital involved a steep learning curve. Applying knowledge to individual patients felt very different from learning the material in class, but the strong foundation helped me adapt. My clinical years taught me how to manage change and build confidence, which I believe will support my transition from medical student to resident.
SGU: What was your experience during the residency match process? How did SGU’s Office of Career Guidance support you?
Dr. Midwa: The residency match process was intense, and at first I was unsure how to navigate it. SGU’s Office of Career Guidance provided helpful structure through webinars, recorded lectures, interview preparation, and resources for strengthening application materials. Access to current NRMP information also made the timeline and expectations feel much more manageable.
SGU: What drew you to your chosen specialty, and how do you hope to make an impact in this field?
Dr. Midwa: I was drawn to Internal Medicine because of its puzzle-solving nature. I enjoy the meticulous diagnostic process, the breadth of the field, and the fact that there is always something new to learn. Moving from Kenya to train in Grenada and New York has given me a multicultural perspective. I hope to combine clinical rigor with that perspective to help patients navigate complex systems and ensure that vulnerable patients feel heard and understood.
SGU: What advice would you give to aspiring medical students from Kenya considering SGU?
Dr. Midwa: Embrace the challenge of moving away from home. Leaving your support system is a major sacrifice, but SGU provides resources to help you succeed if you are willing to put in the work. It is also important to stay connected to your roots. For me, playing tennis helped manage homesickness and kept me grounded. If you remain proactive and disciplined, training across different countries can give you a multicultural perspective that is incredibly valuable in medicine.
