For Julia Ali Kobeissi, MD ’26, medicine became personal long before it became a profession. Born in Lebanon and raised for 18 years in Lagos, Nigeria, she was nine years old when a delayed malaria diagnosis nearly cost her life, and she later lost an uncle to the same disease.
“What should have been a treatable illness became a life-altering event,” Dr. Kobeissi recalled. “These experiences inspired my passion for medicine and my commitment to serving underserved communities.”
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the American University of Beirut, Dr. Kobeissi chose St. George’s University School of Medicine for its rigorous academic curriculum and global approach to medical education. She began her medical studies at Northumbria University in Newcastle through SGU’s partnership program before continuing her Basic Sciences training in Grenada and completing clinical rotations at hospitals across New York City.
In 2026, Dr. Kobeissi matched into Family Medicine at the University of Vermont Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital. “Seeing that I had matched was both a relief and a confirmation that all the long nights, exams, and challenges had been worth it,” she said. “It filled me with gratitude, excitement, and a renewed sense of purpose for the work ahead.”
SGU News spoke with Dr. Kobeissi about her journey to medicine, her experience at SGU, and her advice for aspiring physicians.
SGU: Why did you choose SGU for your medical education?
Dr. Kobeissi: SGU was the clear choice for me because it offered strong academics together with an international experience. I began through the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program at Northumbria University in Newcastle, where the smaller class environment and dedicated professors helped me build a strong foundation. I then joined my colleagues in Grenada for the next stage of Basic Sciences. The opportunity to study in the UK and the Caribbean, learn alongside people from around the world, and eventually complete clinical training in the United States made my education both dynamic and meaningful.
SGU: Where did you intend to become a doctor, and how did SGU help you achieve that goal?
Dr. Kobeissi: From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a physician in the United States and training within its diverse healthcare system. SGU helped turn that ambition into reality by providing a strong scientific foundation, small-group learning, hands-on anatomy training, and OSCE sessions that strengthened my history-taking and physical examination skills.
Just as importantly, empathy was emphasized throughout our training, shaping not only how we think about disease, but how we care for patients as people. Through this combination of academic rigor, clinical preparation, and humanistic focus, SGU helped me bridge the gap between a childhood dream and the reality of becoming a physician in the United States.
SGU: How did your experience in Newcastle and Grenada shape your medical journey?
Dr. Kobeissi: Newcastle and Grenada offered very different but complementary experiences. In Newcastle, I appreciated the energy and walkability of the city, the local culture, and the close academic setting. Grenada offered an island environment filled with natural beauty, history, music, and a warm community. Living on an oceanfront campus, hiking, diving, and learning about Grenadian culture created balance during the demands of medical school. Together, both locations gave me a truly global education and taught me how to adapt to new environments.
SGU: How did your involvement in student organizations contribute to your development?
Dr. Kobeissi: Women in Medicine strengthened my interest in women’s health and gave me opportunities to support initiatives such as the Pink Run and other educational and fundraising activities. As an SGA class representative, I learned how to represent student voices, communicate with the administration, and work collaboratively to address student needs. Partnering with Grenada’s Ministry of Health on screenings, health education, and COVID-19 outreach showed me that medicine is not only about caring for individual patients; it is also about advocating for communities.
SGU: How did SGU contribute to your academic success and prepare you for the USMLE exams?
Dr. Kobeissi: SGU’s curriculum builds progressively, beginning with a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology before advancing to microbiology, biostatistics, pathology, and diagnostics. The later terms closely aligned with widely used USMLE resources, making it easier to connect classroom learning with exam preparation and begin approaching medical problems from a clinical perspective.
SGU also provided extensive academic support through programs such as the IEA and the Department of Educational Services, which offered tutoring, study strategies, and guidance tailored to individual needs. This combination of a structured curriculum and accessible support helped me succeed academically and feel well prepared for the USMLE exams.
SGU: What were the most important lessons from your clinical rotations in New York?
Dr. Kobeissi: Training across several New York hospitals exposed me to diverse patient populations, pathologies, and healthcare settings. One of my greatest lessons was the importance of being present, engaged, and unafraid to ask questions. Some of my best learning came from asking why one treatment or procedure was chosen over another. The experience also reinforced professionalism – treating patients with dignity, protecting their privacy, and recognizing the trust they place in us during vulnerable moments.
SGU: What drew you to family medicine, and how do you hope to make an impact?
Dr. Kobeissi: Family medicine brings together many of the areas I enjoyed most, including adult medicine, emergency care, and women’s health. It allows me to care for patients across different stages of life while building continuity and trust over time. I see family medicine as the backbone of healthcare because it connects preventive care, chronic disease management, mental health, and coordination with specialists. I hope to listen deeply, educate patients, champion prevention, and help underserved patients feel informed and supported.
SGU: What advice would you give aspiring medical students from Lebanon considering SGU?
Dr. Kobeissi: Pursue your dream wholeheartedly, even when the path feels long or uncertain. Medicine requires dedication and sacrifice, but it is also deeply meaningful. Do not be afraid to ask questions; there are no “dumb” questions in medicine, only missed opportunities to learn. Study consistently, seek feedback, and find mentors who challenge and support you. SGU can offer a strong education and global perspective, but your success will ultimately depend on your resilience, curiosity, and willingness to advocate for your own learning.
