Growing up in Ghana, St. George’s University School of Medicine graduate, Enoch Anane, MD ’24, was surrounded by love, tradition, and a deep sense of community but also the harsh realities of medical hardship.
Inspired by his brother’s lifelong struggle with sickle cell disease, he felt an early and powerful calling to medicine. That purpose led him on a journey from Accra to Grenada, through the challenges of medical school, and ultimately to a residency in anesthesiology at UMass Chan Medical School in the United States.
“When I finally matched into anesthesiology at UMass Chan, I cried. Not just for joy, but for everything it took to get me there. For the nights I almost gave up, for the people who wouldn’t let me give up, and for my brother, whose memory carried me every step of the way,” said Dr. Anane.
Along the way, SGU became more than an academic institution, it became his foundation, his community, and the bridge to his dreams.
SGU News spoke with Dr. Anane to learn more about his SGU journey, aspirations, and future plans.
SGU: What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
Dr. Anane: My brother’s struggle with sickle cell disease opened my eyes to the realities of pain, suffering, and disparities in healthcare. Watching him live with constant pain instilled in me a deep desire not just to become a doctor, but to be one with purpose. I wanted to advocate for better pain management and, one day, open a specialized pain clinic in Ghana. That dream became my driving force.
SGU: Why did you choose SGU?
Dr. Anane: SGU gave me an opportunity at a time when the path forward felt uncertain. I was filled with gratitude, but also aware of the challenges ahead especially financial ones. What made the difference was my Ghanaian SGU community. Their unwavering support made it possible for me to continue. They became my support system, my anchor, and my family. We shared laughs, tears, and dreams and lifted one another every step of the way.
SGU: How was your experience living and studying in Grenada?
Dr. Anane: Living in Grenada was transformative. The island’s warmth, the late-night study sessions, and the deep connections I formed made it unforgettable. I learned that resilience isn’t just about strength, it’s about love, connection, and being open to building new family wherever you are.
SGU: What was your clinical experience like?
Dr. Anane: My clinical rotations at The Brooklyn Hospital Center were intense and rewarding. I was pushed, tested, and ultimately affirmed in my path. SGU clinical faculty helped shape me into the physician I am today. It was during this time that I truly fell in love with anesthesiology. The precision, the quiet focus, the responsibility of this field-it all resonated deeply with me.
SGU: In what ways did SGU empower you to pursue your dream of becoming a doctor?
Dr. Anane: SGU gave me more than an education; it gave me a foundation, a community, and the courage to believe that no dream is too distant. My journey wasn’t easy, but it was beautiful. And now, as I step into this next chapter at UMass Chan, I carry with me not just the knowledge and skill, but the heart, humility, and fire that this journey has given me.
SGU: What advice would you give to future SGU students?
Dr. Anane: To students walking a similar path, especially from Ghana: believe in the worth of your dreams. Stay rooted in your “why.” Surround yourself with people who uplift you. Ask for help. Lean into your community. And remember, resilience isn’t about never falling, it’s about rising every time you do.
–Published July 2025
