A graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine, Moiz Zahid, MD ’21, has dedicated his career to empowering patients through compassionate, patient-centered care.
After completing his family medicine residency at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, affiliated with Mt. Sinai, Dr. Zahid brought his skills and passion for primary care to Dedicated Senior Medical Center in Orlando, FL, where he now serves a diverse patient population.
Dr. Zahid journey toward medicine began years earlier at the University of Waterloo.
“Majoring in biomedical sciences played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue medicine,” he said. “The biomedical sciences program provided a strong foundation in human physiology, pathology, and molecular biology—all of which deepened my fascination with the human body and disease processes.”
Just as influential were his minors in psychology and human resources, which, he explained, “allowed me to explore human behavior, communication, and the social dynamics that influence health and healthcare systems.”
Today, he continues to build on those lessons as a physician. Dr. Zahid shared insights about his journey in medicine and the lessons that have shaped his approach to patient care.
SGU: How did your education at Waterloo influence your decision to pursue medicine?
Dr. Zahid: My education at the University of Waterloo, where I majored in biomedical sciences and minored in psychology and human resources, played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue medicine.
The biomedical sciences program provided a strong foundation in human physiology, pathology, and molecular biology, all of which deepened my fascination with the human body and disease processes. At the same time, my studies in psychology and human resources allowed me to explore human behavior, communication, and the social dynamics that influence health and healthcare systems.
SGU: What factors led you to choose SGU for medical school?
Dr. Zahid: I believe that SGU’s reputation for academic excellence and its strong history of placing graduates into competitive residency programs gave me the confidence that I would be receiving a high-quality medical education.
Also, SGU’s integrated, systems-based curriculum and early exposure to clinical settings aligned well with my learning style and goals. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to complete clinical rotations at a wide range of affiliated hospitals in the US and UK, which offered both flexibility and broad clinical exposure.
SGU: How did your time at Waterloo help prepare you for the rigors of SGU’s medical program?
Dr. Zahid: University of Waterloo prepared me exceptionally well for the academic and personal demands of SGU’s medical program. During my studies, I was consistently challenged to think critically, manage a high course load, and integrate knowledge across disciplines. The program emphasized not just memorization but deep understanding.
Waterloo also fostered a culture of research and inquiry that encouraged me to ask deeper questions, stay curious, and approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset. This mindset helped me transition into SGU with a strong academic foundation, resilience, and the ability to adapt to new challenges—all of which were key to thriving in medical school for me.
SGU: What was your experience studying in Grenada for your Basic Sciences?
Dr. Zahid: Studying in Grenada for my Basic Sciences at SGU was both a challenging and rewarding experience. Academically, it was intense and fast-paced. The faculty were approachable and genuinely invested in student success, which made a big difference during such a demanding period of training.
Living in Grenada also offered a unique and enriching environment. Being immersed in a new culture taught me adaptability, resilience, and the importance of community. Beyond academics, the natural beauty of the island and opportunities for balance, whether it was a walk on the beach after a long study day or exploring local culture, helped maintain my well-being and perspective.
Overall, my time in Grenada strengthened not only my academic foundation in medicine but also my personal growth and ability to thrive in new and challenging environments.
SGU: What was your clinical experience like?
Dr. Zahid: Completing my clinical rotations in New York City was an incredibly valuable and transformative part of my medical education. The dynamic, high-acuity environment exposed me to a diverse patient population and a wide range of medical conditions. This helped solidify both my clinical knowledge and diagnostic skills.
Every day presented new learning opportunities, and I appreciated how the complexity of cases pushed me to think critically and manage time effectively. Living and training in New York also strengthened my cultural competence. I often cared for patients from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, which deepened my understanding of health disparities and reinforced the importance of empathy, advocacy, and patient-centered care.
SGU: How did both Waterloo and SGU help you achieve your dream of becoming a doctor?
Dr. Zahid: University of Waterloo gave me the vision and preparation to enter medicine, and SGU gave me the tools, experiences, and resilience to become the doctor I wanted to be. The journey through both institutions shaped not only my medical knowledge but also my identity as a compassionate, capable, and adaptable physician.
SGU: What advice would you give to a Waterloo student considering SGU?
Dr. Zahid: Don’t hesitate to take the leap! If you’re committed to becoming a physician, SGU can absolutely help you get there. The path may be different from traditional routes in Canada, but it’s just as rigorous, rewarding, and ultimately successful if you’re willing to put in the work.
—Published September 2025
