For St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine graduate Samal Jakobsen, MD ’13, becoming a doctor was never part of the original plan. Raised in a family of fishermen and farmers in the Faroe Islands, he spent more than four years working in a fish factory and aboard a fishing trawler before his path changed unexpectedly during his travels at sea.
“I never thought medicine was possible for someone like me,” he said. “But meeting a Canadian doctor while sailing around the world gave me the confidence to pursue it.”
Encouraged by that encounter and later by his academic advisor while studying pre-med biology at John Brown University in Arkansas, Dr. Jakobsen chose to attend SGU. As a non-US passport holder, he saw SGU as the best opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a physician. The University’s global structure and rigorous academic program provided a clear pathway forward.
“My time in Grenada shaped me into a lifelong learner,” he noted. “I learned the value of structured study and teamwork, skills that continue to guide me every day in clinical practice.”
After earning his medical degree, Dr. Jakobsen completed foundational training in the United Kingdom before pursuing specialist training in pulmonology in Denmark. Today, he is one of only two pulmonologists in the Faroe Islands, delivering tertiary respiratory care within the country’s national healthcare system.
“The journey has taken me from fishing boats to hospital wards across three countries,” he reflected. “Now I have the privilege of serving patients in my own community. That’s something I’m deeply grateful for.”
SGU News spoke with Dr. Jakobsen about his international medical training and his return home to practice pulmonology in the Faroe Islands.
SGU: Why did you choose SGU and how did it shape you?
Dr. Jakobsen: I applied to SGU on the advice of my advisor at John Brown University in Arkansas, where I studied pre-med biology. Since I was not a US passport holder, SGU was the best option, and I am very glad I took that advice. My time in Grenada shaped me into a lifelong learner. I learned the value of structured study and teamwork, which still influences how I practice medicine today.
SGU: What was your experience transitioning into foundation training?
Dr. Jakobsen: I completed two years of foundation training in the UK at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and Kent and Canterbury Hospital. It was intense but very rewarding. The workload was heavy, yet the camaraderie was fantastic. I loved working with patients, and the supervision from senior doctors was supportive but firm, exactly what I needed to grow.
SGU: What key skills did you gain in the UK healthcare system?
Dr. Jakobsen: I strengthened the basics. Taking thorough histories, performing physical exams, and carrying out procedures like blood draws, arterial blood gases, lumbar punctures, and pleural taps. I also learned how important clear and concise documentation is in daily clinical work.
SGU: Why did you choose pulmonology?
Dr. Jakobsen: After working in the Faroe Islands for about a year and a half, I chose pulmonology because I had loved the subject in Grenada and enjoyed the hands-on nature of the specialty. My training in Aarhus and Horsens in Denmark was excellent and prepared me well to return home.
SGU: What has it been like returning to practice in the Faroe Islands?
Dr. Jakobsen: It has been everything I hoped for. I became the second pulmonologist in a country of about 55,000 people. I am surrounded by family and friends and work with a close-knit team of 17 specialists at the National Hospital. We share wards, so I still practice broad internal medicine. When we reach our limits, we collaborate closely with hospitals in Copenhagen to ensure patients receive the best care.
SGU: What does pulmonology look like in your current role?
Dr. Jakobsen: My colleague and I lead a small team of two doctors and three nurses, providing all tertiary pulmonology care in the country. We treat patients with cough, dyspnea, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, pleural disease, and we manage the initial workup for suspected lung cancer. We also provide outpatient services and palliative care at home. It is a big responsibility but very meaningful work.
SGU: What respiratory challenges are growing worldwide?
r. Jakobsen: Access to quality pulmonary care remains a major challenge. Many patients never receive proper evaluations, and COPD is often undiagnosed. Smoking continues to be a global burden, and lung cancer is one of the most common cancers. Early diagnosis and treatment make a huge difference, so investing in detection and care is critical.
SGU: How did SGU prepare you for international practice?
Dr. Jakobsen: Most Faroese doctors train in Denmark or Poland, but SGU gave me exposure to different cultures and healthcare systems. The program was rigorous and prepared me well for practice in Scandinavia. Since regulations here are similar to the UK, the transition felt smooth.
SGU: What advice do you have for students considering an international path?
Dr. Jakobsen: Be open to opportunities. SGU helped me achieve my dream and it was worth it. At the same time, be realistic. Repaying loans is easier in countries where doctors are paid well. If you plan to work in a lower salary setting, plan carefully. And if you want to pursue specialist training abroad, research programs thoroughly to ensure they meet high standards.
SGU: What stands out most from your SGU experience?
Dr. Jakobsen: The people. Going through SGU with my wife was a blessing, and I made lifelong friends in Grenada, the UK, and Denmark. Living in Grenada was unforgettable. My years in the UK and Denmark were also very special, especially as we started our family there. Some of those friends have even visited us in the Faroe Islands.
