Growing up in a small town in Kenya, Elizabeth Wagura, MD ’24, witnessed firsthand the challenges that financial hardship can bring. Thanks to her parents’ hard work in building a successful business, she eventually had the opportunity to move to the United States for college. Her journey into medicine wasn’t sparked by a single defining moment, but rather by a deep passion for serving others and a natural curiosity about disease processes.
A pivotal experience came when her grandfather lost his vision to diabetic retinopathy—an event that fueled her determination to understand complex medical issues and ultimately set her on the path to becoming a physician. Today, Dr. Wagura is well on her way to achieving that dream, with a commitment to using her knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.
SGU News spoke with Dr. Wagura to learn more about her background, what inspired her path in medicine, and her experience so far at med school.
SGU: How did SGU contribute to your success?
Dr. Wagura: SGU played a pivotal role in shaping me into the doctor I am today. The support I received was incredible—from mentorship to hands-on opportunities. SGU also gave me the chance to work closely with the SGU faculty during my research fellowship, where I submitted three manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals. This experience not only advanced my research skills but also reinforced the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based practice.
One of the most rewarding experiences has been tutoring students in point-of-care ultrasound. It sharpened my clinical diagnostic abilities while helping me build strong mentorship and communication skills. Additionally, SGU provided me invaluable guidance through mock residency interviews and personal statement reviews, helping me present myself confidently and authentically during the residency interview process.
SGU: What did it feel like when you matched into residency?
Dr. Wagura: When I matched into residency, it was pure, overwhelming joy mixed with a sense of deep relief. I remember staring at the screen, almost in disbelief, and then just feeling this wave of pride and gratitude wash over me. It was like every sleepless night, every hurdle, and every moment of self-doubt finally made sense.
SGU: How did SGU’s Office of Career Guidance help you during residency applications?
Dr. Wagura: SGU’s Office of Career Guidance became an invaluable resource. They really stepped up to support me through every stage. One of the most impactful things they did was organize mock residency interviews. It wasn’t just about practicing responses—it was about refining my storytelling and learning how to highlight my strengths effectively. Getting feedback from experienced mentors made me feel much more confident walking into my actual interviews.
SGU: What drew you to your chosen specialty, and how do you envision making an impact in this area?
Dr. Wagura:I was drawn to internal medicine because it’s the perfect blend of detective work and patient care. From the beginning, I’ve always been curious about disease processes and how they intersect with patient stories. One pivotal moment that solidified my path was diagnosing a woman with idiopathic adrenal insufficiency secondary to long-term use of corticosteroid-based skin-bleaching creams. My cultural background helped me recognize the subtle clue that everyone else had missed, and it was deeply fulfilling to advocate for her and unravel the mystery behind her symptoms.
That experience opened my eyes to how cultural competency and critical thinking can make a profound difference in patient care. It reinforced my desire to be in a field that challenges me to think deeply.
SGU: How did SGU contribute to your academic success and prepare you for the USMLE exams?
Dr. Wagura: SGU played a major role in my academic success and preparation for the USMLE exams by providing invaluable resources and support. One of the most impactful contributions was providing a UWorld subscription, which significantly enhanced my study process. Having access to this essential tool at no personal cost lifted a major financial burden and allowed me to concentrate fully on my studies with peace of mind.
SGU: What stood out most about your time living in Grenada while pursuing your medical education?
Dr. Wagura: One of the highlights of living in Grenada was definitely the natural beauty of the island. After the intensity of exams, there was nothing quite like unwinding at one of the beautiful beaches or exploring the stunning waterfalls. Grand Anse Beach was my go-to spot to just sit back, feel the sand between my toes, and let the stress melt away. Hiking to waterfalls like Annandale Falls or Seven Sisters offered a peaceful escape, and connecting with nature helped me recharge after long study sessions.
Beyond the scenery, one of the most impactful aspects of living in Grenada was being immersed in such a diverse and inclusive community. Coming from Kenya and studying in the US, I was already accustomed to multicultural environments, but SGU took it to another level. My classmates came from every corner of the globe, and I loved how we shared stories, traditions, and perspectives that enriched both our personal and professional lives.
SGU: What was your experience during clinical rotations?
Dr. Wagura: I did most of my clinical rotations in New York, and it was an eye-opening and transformative experience. Working in such a diverse and dynamic healthcare setting exposed me to a wide range of patients from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. It challenged me to adapt quickly and shaped me into someone who can thrive in diverse environments and connect with people from different backgrounds.
SGU: What is your advice to students to maintain good mental health during med school?
Dr. Wagura: My advice to students is to be intentional about self-care and build routines that keep you grounded. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of medical school or training but making time for activities that help you decompress is essential.
For me, hitting the gym is one of my go-to stress relievers—it’s a great way to physically release tension and mentally reset. Meditation has also been a game-changer; I’ve been practicing it for seven years, and it’s taught me to stay present and grounded, even when things get chaotic. Journaling is another tool I use to reflect and gain insight into what’s stressing me out, which helps me move forward with clarity.
Most importantly, lean on your support system. Whether it’s friends, family, or mentors, don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes just talking things through with someone you trust can give you a fresh perspective and make challenges feel more manageable.
SGU: What advice would you offer to aspiring medical students from your home country considering a similar path?
Dr. Wagura: My advice is to embrace your journey and never underestimate the strength derived from your unique experiences. Medicine is a long, challenging, and beautiful path, and there will be moments that test your resolve.
