Nanditha Guruvaiah, MD

Born in India and raised in the Bahamas, Nanditha Guruvaiah, MD ’23, strongly believes that medicine is a profession that ultimately gives back to the community—and one of the many reasons why she loves the field.

After graduating from St. George’s University (SGU), Dr. Guruvaiah began a preliminary residency year in internal medicine at Richmond University Medical Center. Following her preliminary year, Dr. Guruvaiah will start her residency in advanced diagnostic radiology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina.

“I’m very excited to start this next phase of my journey,” Dr. Guruvaiah said. “I’m so grateful to my family and friends, and most importantly the mentors I gained through SGU for supporting me on this long but fruitful journey.” 

She added: “Being in a field such as radiology gives me endless opportunities for innovative research and global health outreach—both of which I’m interested in doing during my residency. I also hope to encourage and support more of my SGU peers, especially women who are aiming to pursue the more competitive fields.”

Dr. Guruvaiah shared more details about her experience at SGU and her advice for medical students.

SGU: Describe what it felt like when you learned that you matched?   

Dr. Guruvaiah: It was truly one of the happiest moments of my life! It felt like a great weight was lifted off my shoulders because everything I had worked for had culminated in this one important email. Being a non-US citizen and international medical graduate, it was an uphill battle especially since I wanted to match into a very competitive specialty. I was on FaceTime with my mom when I got the first email and we both cried tears of joy. A few days later when I found out that I matched my top choice, I couldn’t believe it! 

SGU: What was your experience like during the match process? How did the Office of Career Guidance (OCG) help you during that time? 

Dr. Guruvaiah: The match process can be a difficult journey, so it’s always better to be one step ahead. Meticulous planning is required to build the perfect application, and OCG helped me greatly during this process by reviewing my CV and personal statement.

SGU: Why did you pursue diagnostic radiology?  

Dr. Guruvaiah: I love the essential nature of this field. It acts as the backbone for most specialties from internal medicine to surgery, to pediatrics, etc. The variety of pathologies you see and the number of patients you help on a day-to-day basis is unmatched compared to any other specialty. Radiology is also on the forefront of medicine in terms of state-of-the-art technology research and global health outreach. All in all, it’s an extremely rewarding field.

SGU: How do you balance work and your personal life?  

Dr. Guruvaiah: Achieving the perfect work-life balance is something I’m still working on. I would credit my academic success to the fact that I knew what my goals were very early on, and I created multiple plans to make sure my goals came to fruition. I’m also a stickler for schedules and I try my best to complete my tasks for that day. On the other hand, I try to devote at least one hour a day to something other than studying that will make me happy like watching a TV show, going for a walk, or listening to an audiobook. This small but important habit goes a long way in avoiding burnout.

 

 

SGU: What are your ultimate career aspirations?   

Dr. Guruvaiah: First and foremost, I want to be a strong radiologist and ultimately want to pursue the path of academic medicine. Research, teaching, and mentorship are very important to me, so I see myself being actively involved in these roles. I also plan to continue my volunteer work and participate in global health initiatives like RAD-AID and Road2IR—especially projects catering to underserved communities. 

SGU: How did you feel about Grenada as a study destination for the basic sciences?  

Dr. Guruvaiah: I really loved my time on the island. I enrolled into the 7-year MD pathway program, so I was on the island for a total of five years (three years completing pre-med classes and two more in the MD program). I felt supported every step of the way.

In terms of teaching quality—the lectures were thorough and adequately prepared me for the block exams. The small groups, hospital visits, and simulation labs gave me the opportunity to put theory into practice and further cemented my foundational knowledge.

The campus itself is beautiful. From the incredible scenic views at Modica Hall to the beachfront gym and the variety of cuisines available—I honestly can’t think of a better place to pursue medical school. 

SGU: Were you involved in any clubs while in Grenada?  

Dr. Guruvaiah: I was on the executive board as vice president and grand marshal for the Iota Epsilon Alpha (IEA) Honor Society. I was also an active member of the Radiology Club, Women in Medicine, and the Neuroscience Society. 

SGU: How did SGU help you with USMLE preparation?  

Dr. Guruvaiah: I feel like SGU’s curriculum is fine-tuned to match the demands of the USMLE exams. The lectures were high yield and the continuous training materials were great as they equipped me with the skills to tackle the real test!

SGU: What advice would you give to students (especially international students) who are coming to Grenada for the first time?   

Dr. Guruvaiah: The curriculum at SGU is fast paced. It’s important to figure out your study pattern early (visual learner, rewatching lectures, whiteboarding, etc.) and stick to a study schedule. Also, try to make the best use of all the extracurricular services being offered at SGU—such as Department of Educational Services (DES) workshops, IEA exam review sessions, and various clubs/societies.

SGU: Why should students in India consider SGU for medical school?  

Dr. Guruvaiah: The transition from the Indian education system to US education system can be challenging but SGU offers a variety of resources to help students make it is as smooth as possible. Also, Grenada essentially feels like a home away from home. There are lots of student clubs/societies and even Indian Cultural Student Association (ICSA), which can be a great source of support system. In addition, festivals such as Diwali and Holi are celebrated on the campus and there is a great selection of Indian food vendors—so there is no chance of missing home!

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