For Jose Crespo, MD ’09, the path to medicine was anything but conventional. Initially trained as a lawyer, his early professional life led him into the world of finance, where he held senior roles as a risk manager at credit rating firms like Standard & Poor’s and AM Best. But even at the height of his success in the corporate world, his desire to become a doctor, a dream he had carried since childhood, never left him.
“At the peak of my career, I decided it was finally time to give medicine a try,” Dr. Crespo shared.
That decision set in motion a bold pivot from finance to medicine, with St. George’s University School of Medicine offering his entry point. “I needed space and focus to commit to this new goal. The opportunity to return to the UK after training made SGU the perfect choice for me.”
After completing two years of his MD program training at SGU’s campus in Grenada, Dr. Crespo returned to the UK to undertake his clinical rotations. He earned his General Medical Council registration after graduating and went on to join the UK Foundation Programme. During this time, he appreciated the broad range of clinical experience it offered but also noted the contrast with other systems, where specialty training begins earlier.
Today, Dr. Crespo is a practicing General Practitioner (GP) in the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital while also running a thriving private practice. He values the opportunity to focus on preventive care and long-term patient relationships.
SGU News spoke with Dr. Crespo to learn more about his journey from corporate boardrooms to hospital wards, and how SGU helped him turn a lifelong dream into a thriving medical career.
SGU: Why did you choose SGU? How did your education at SGU support your goal of practicing in the UK?
Dr. Crespo: At the time, I needed to fully commit to my new path in medicine, and SGU gave me the environment to focus and reset. I specifically looked for an international university that would enable me to return to the UK to practice, and SGU offered me just that. Its structured pathway and strong academic foundation provided me made it a great fit for my goals.
SGU: What was the most memorable part of your SGU experience?
Dr. Crespo: The passion and drive of both faculty and students really stood out. SGU fosters a unique sense of community, and it was inspiring to be surrounded by people so committed to becoming doctors. That energy stays with you.
SGU: What drew you to general practice? How do you see yourself making a meaningful contribution in this field?
Dr. Crespo: As a mature candidate, I was mindful of training duration and career flexibility. GP training in the UK appealed to me because it was evolving, GPs could now work in hospital settings and even subspecialize. I completed three years of GP training and have since built a fulfilling career working in A&E and private practice. I focus heavily on preventative care and long-term patient relationships, which I find incredibly meaningful.
SGU: What support did you receive during the transition from SGU to the UK?
Dr. Crespo: SGU was very well-organized throughout my journey. Their UK-based student support staff were particularly supportive, ensuring a smooth transition and helping me stay on track with licensing and placements.
SGU: Can you describe your journey from SGU to entering the UK Foundation Programme?
Dr. Crespo: My journey was fairly smooth. After completing two years of the MD program training abroad, I returned to the UK for clinical rotations, where I felt welcomed and supported. After graduation, I registered with the GMC and entered the UK Foundation Programme through the standard application process.
The Foundation Programme was an eye-opener. It gave me hands-on exposure to a wide range of specialties, which was incredibly valuable.
SGU: What advice would you give to current or prospective SGU students hoping to work in the UK after graduation?
Dr. Crespo: Understand the system. UK medical training is longer and more complex than in some other countries, but it’s also highly rewarding. If you’re committed and adaptable, the opportunities are excellent.
