Hasan Al-Ali, MD ’26, St. George’s University School of Medicine graduate always knew he wanted a career where he could make a real impact. Born in Baghdad and raised in Dubai, he learned early on the value of adaptability and making the most of opportunities. He completed his high school education at the International School of Choueifat in Dubai, where he pursued A-levels and began building a strong foundation for a future in medicine. “I’ve always been drawn to the idea of helping people in a meaningful way,” he says.
That decision led him to SGU, where his medical journey took him across three countries. He began at Northumbria University in the UK through SGU’s partnership pathway, continued his studies in Grenada, and went on to complete his clinical rotations in New York.
In Newcastle, he found a close-knit academic community that helped him build confidence early on. In Grenada, he experienced a different pace of life while continuing to grow academically. But it was in New York, during clinical rotations, that everything came together.
“The environment is fast-paced and hands-on. You’re not just observing, you’re part of the team,” he says.
One moment, in particular, stayed with him. “I had the chance to perform CPR during a cardiac arrest. That’s when you realize the responsibility you carry and the kind of doctor you want to become.”
Experiences like that shaped his decision to pursue surgery. What started as an interest became something more defined during rotations, where he found himself drawn to the operating room and the precision it demands.
SGU News spoke with Dr. Al-Ali about his journey across three countries and how those experiences shaped his path to surgery in the United States.
SGU: Why did you choose St. George’s University?
Dr. Al-Ali: SGU stood out because of its global pathway and early career guidance. The chance to study in the UK, Grenada, and the US gave me exposure to different systems while keeping a clear path toward residency.
SGU: How did SGU support your goal of training in the United States?
Dr. Al-Ali: I knew early in my career that I wanted to become a doctor in the United States. As an international student, that can be a challenging goal, but SGU provided a clear pathway and the guidance needed to make it possible. SGU also offered the resources I needed for every milestone along the way.
SGU: How did SGU contribute to your academic success and prepare you for the USMLE exams?
Dr. Al-Ali: SGU provided a strong curriculum that helped me build a solid foundation from the start. Mastering the basics early allowed me to better understand the mechanisms behind complex diseases. The additional resources available throughout my Basic and Clinical Sciences prepared me well for the USMLE exams.
SGU: What was your experience like studying in Grenada?
Dr. Al-Ali: It was one of the most unique parts of my training. I was studying medicine in a beautiful environment while living with close friends. It was a great balance of focus and experience.
SGU: Were you involved in any clubs or student organizations on campus? How did those experiences shape your journey?
Dr. Al-Ali: I was involved in several student organizations throughout my time at SGU. In the UK, I joined a radiology society where we conducted ultrasound-based research, resulting in two publications, and I had the opportunity to present one at a conference in Florida.
I was also part of the surgical society, where I gained early exposure to hands-on skills through surgical labs. During my Basic Sciences, I joined the IEA Honor Society, which provided valuable guidance on career planning.
SGU: How did your Basic Sciences training and clinical rotations prepare you for residency?
Dr. Al-Ali: My Basic Sciences training gave me a strong theoretical foundation, which made the transition into clinical rotations much smoother. During rotations at Elmhurst and Queens Hospital Center in New York, I was able to apply that knowledge in real-world settings and develop patient management plans.
Training in these high-volume hospitals exposed me to a wide range of cases and gave me a realistic understanding of different specialties. Beyond clinical knowledge, I also gained insight into the full scope of patient care, including coordination with social work, administration, and discharge planning.
This progression has prepared me well for residency, with each stage building on the previous one and helping me grow with confidence.
SGU: What did it feel like to match into residency?
Dr. Al-Ali: It felt like everything I worked for finally paid off. Matching into my top program was something I’ll always be grateful for.
SGU: Why did you choose general surgery?
Dr. Al-Ali: I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, and during rotations, I realized surgery was where I felt most engaged. Being in the operation theatre and learning directly from mentors made it clear this was the right path.
SGU: What advice would you give to prospective students?
Dr. Al-Ali: Be sure you’re choosing medicine for the right reasons. It takes discipline and consistency. SGU gives you the opportunity, but you have to stay proactive and make the most of it.
