David Benjamin Joseph, MD ’23, has been immersed in the world of medicine from an early age. Growing up in a rural area, his father served as a physician for a small, tight-knit community. Witnessing his father’s dedication to providing healthcare to underserved communities deeply inspired him. The values his family and community raised him with further solidified his appreciation for supporting vulnerable populations through healthcare

“My intention to become a doctor was deeply rooted in my upbringing, personal experiences, and academic pursuits,” Dr. Joseph said. “SGU played a crucial role in facilitating my journey towards this goal through its comprehensive medical education program, supportive community, and emphasis on clinical excellence. The university provided the necessary resources, guidance, and opportunities for me to succeed in achieving my dream of becoming a physician dedicated to serving underserved communities.”

Learn more about Dr. Joseph’s SGU experience and his advice for aspiring physicians.

SGU: What did it feel like to match into residency? 

Dr. Joseph: Matching for residency was an overwhelming experience filled with mixed emotions. It was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. There was certainly excitement and relief knowing that I had secured a pathway to further my medical training and fulfil my dream of becoming a practicing physician.

SGU: What was your experience during the match process? How did SGU’s Office of Career Guidance help you? 

Dr. Joseph: The match process was challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. SGU’s Office of Career Guidance helped me present myself effectively to residency programs and ultimately secure a position that aligned with my career goals.

SGU: What drew you to your chosen field of specialty, and how do you envision making an impact in this area?

Dr. Joseph: My passion for family medicine stems from a combination of personal experiences and professional exposure from clinical rotations in underserved areas in Chicago at Humboldt Park Health. I envision making a meaningful impact by providing comprehensive, patient-centered care to underserved communities, advocating for preventive medicine, and addressing healthcare disparities.

SGU: What are your long-term career aspirations within the field of medicine?

Dr. Joseph: In the long term, I aspire to continue serving underserved communities as a dedicated family physician, while also pursuing opportunities for leadership, advocacy, and medical education. I aim to contribute to improving healthcare access, promoting health equity, and inspiring future generations of healthcare professionals.

SGU: How did SGU contribute to your academic success and prepare you for the USMLE exams?

Dr. Joseph: SGU played a significant role in my academic success and preparation for the USMLE exams. The rigorous curriculum provided me with a solid foundation of medical knowledge. Additionally, SGU’s emphasis on clinical rotations and hands-on experience equipped me with practical skills essential for residency training and beyond.

SGU: What was the highlight of your experience living in Grenada during your medical education?

Dr. Joseph: Living in Grenada was a transformative experience. The vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and supportive community created a conducive environment for learning and personal growth. Highlights were the opportunity to immerse myself in a diverse medical school, serve in the campus Christian Student Association, contribute to the Grenadian community, and gain valuable insights into global healthcare challenges.

SGU: What is your advice to students to maintain a healthy mental well-being?

Dr. Joseph: My advice to students is to prioritize self-care, establish boundaries, seek support when needed, and engage in activities outside of medicine that bring joy and fulfillment.

SGU: What advice would you offer to aspiring medical students?

Dr. Joseph: To aspiring medical students, I would offer the advice to embrace your unique experiences, cultivate resilience, and pursue your passion for medicine with determination. Seek out mentors, seize opportunities for growth, and never underestimate the power of your own journey in shaping your future success.

Otis Zeon, MD ’17, grew up in a refugee camp in West Africa where life was marked by famine, disease, and drought. From an early age, he had a fascination with science. In the camp, traveling doctors and medical groups from different parts of the world would often visit to provide medical care and offer education. Witnessing their work sparked his interest in medicine, and his passion grew from that point onward.

The doctors who provided medical care in the refugee camp were mostly family medicine doctors. After learning more about this field, Dr. Zeon wholeheartedly believed that primary care providers, particularly family medicine physicians, hold the keys to community health improvements, education, and healthcare policymaking. By focusing on family medicine, Dr. Zeon aims to make a significant impact on the overall well-being of communities.

After 10 years in the refugee camp, Dr. Zeon and his family relocated to Minnesota in the US, where he could further his passion for helping others through medicine. SGU News sat down with Dr. Zeon to learn more about his journey and how SGU helped him reach his goals.

SGU: What did it feel like when you matched into residency?

Dr. Zeon: I had a non-traditional path to medical school and residency. Initially, I did not match into a residency program. After working on my application, I secured my top choice in residency. I am happy to be setting an example for my family, my community, and, most importantly, my children.

SGU: What was your experience during the match process? How did SGU’s Office of Career Guidance (OCG) help you during that time?

Dr. Zeon: SGU’s Office of Career Guidance (OCG) provided me with several options for alternative career paths in case I did not secure a residency match. They also helped me identify and address gaps in my application, strengthening it to make me a more competitive candidate. I completed my MBA in multi-sector healthcare in December 2023, and two months later, I matched into my top choice residency program.

SGU: Where did you intend to become a doctor? How did SGU contribute to your success?

Dr. Zeon: I have always wanted to live in California, and I am blessed to have matched in a city like Los Angeles and to be part of this community. SGU’s advice helped me improve my application. I accepted a teaching position in Los Angeles and eventually matched in the affiliated family medicine program. Without passing all my step exams, improving my application, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to match. Thanks to SGU’s support and guidance, I am now living my dream, making a difference in my community, and inspiring others to pursue their own paths in medicine. I also plan to spend part of my time practicing medicine in less developed countries to pay it forward, ensuring that others have access to the care and opportunities that have been so transformative in my own life.

SGU: What are your long-term career aspirations within the field of medicine?

Dr. Zeon: In the long term, I plan on practicing medicine in my community here in Los Angeles and teaching or precepting the next generation of medical students. I would also like to contribute to health IT by developing user-friendly healthcare products, software, hardware, and education programs.

SGU: What is your advice to students to maintain a healthy mental well-being?

Dr. Zeon: For any young person aspiring to achieve something great, temporary sacrifices and absolute focus are essential. There will always be time to enjoy other aspects of life, especially in a rewarding field like medicine. The best thing you can do as a student is maintain absolute focus. Minimize distractions and find a study companion with the same level of focus.

SGU: What was the highlight of your experience living in Grenada during your medical education?

Dr. Zeon: Apart from the fact that the university is built like a resort, living on the island put me in the best shape of my life, and my mind was very sharp. I especially enjoyed the barbecues and mangos. The island provides a healthy isolation from distractions, allowing you to focus on pursuing your education.

SGU: What advice would you offer to aspiring medical students from your home country considering a similar path?

Dr. Zeon: I have already advised several students who are currently at SGU. SGU prepared me well, so I would advise staying focused and absorbing as much knowledge as possible. Finish your time on the island strong and perform well on your board exams. Finally, during your rotations, stick to one general location and truly get to know the team, the program director, and other attendings who can write you strong letters of recommendation for residency.

From a young age, Jeremiah Madedor, MSc, MD ’20, gained intimate knowledge of the disadvantages that stem from a lack of healthcare access.

His mother, who immigrated to the United States from Nigeria, pushed him to volunteer at the local Veterans Affairs hospital and homeless shelter, and he also went on mission trips with the family’s church. Then as a medical student at St. George’s University School of Medicine, he got hands-on experience working with the homeless population in New York City, as well as those who struggled to make ends meet.

“Those things really resonate with the soul and need to be addressed,” said Dr. Madedor. “I feel that, as a physician, I can do that.”

Dr. Madedor is currently an infectious disease fellow at MedStar Health – Georgetown University Hospital. He will complete his fellowship in July 2025.

“I hope to be able to learn more about HIV management and help that population the best way I can. I was given guidance by the wonderful infectious disease team during my clinicals at Brooklyn Hospital, and I have never looked back,” Dr. Madedor said.

Learn more about his SGU experience and journey to becoming a doctor.

SGU: Why was SGU the right fit for you?

Dr. Madedor: SGU School of Medicine was the perfect fit due to the diversity of the student body, professors, and new cultural experiences of the island. I was able to improve my studies skills, clinical acumen, and expand my horizons. I felt at home on the island from Day 1 and in my clinical rotations at Brooklyn Hospital.

SGU: What are the most significant problems facing healthcare in underserved communities?

Dr. Madedor: Means and access. Patients usually fall into those two categories. In terms of means, we’re talking about money, resources, insurance, and connections to get to a primary care provider or the medical help you need. For financial reasons, a lot of patients don’t see physicians. An emergency department visit can cost thousands of dollars even without surgery, and with surgery, you can be looking six or seven figures for the cost.

Access is just as bad as means because people may have the money or insurance, but if they don’t have the time to go for care, then nothing will be done. Several patients I see in the clinic skip appointments because they don’t have a babysitter or they work long days, and the list could go on.

SGU: Is there a case or experience that you can point to that brought your career path into focus?

Dr. Madedor: Working with SGU clinical faculty at Brooklyn Hospital taught me not to see a patient as a pit stop but, as a physician, you become their conduit who will guide them to their next destination. So with that in mind, I did my best to learn their cases better and do thorough chart reviews so I could prevent potential oversights. Then in the rooms, I treated them like human beings, because patients are more than stats, and sometimes we forget that with a busy schedule.

SGU: How would you describe your experience at SGU, and how has it prepared you for your career?

Dr. Madedor: SGU was one of the most challenging and exhausting journeys of my life. I wouldn’t change that for the world because it prepared for me the roadblocks ahead.

SGU took a student who was a potential diamond in the mine and refined him. Now I am a resident living out my dreams amongst the elite in my craft. From the days of eight-to-10-hour study dates, student support sessions, and rounding as a medical student, SGU provided the necessary environment for me to grow. With great resources, teaching, and great hospitals to rotate at, my experience couldn’t have been any better.

SGU: What is your favorite memory from your time on campus?

Dr. Madedor: Favorite part of SGU was leaving classes and getting food from all the vendors across the campus and island. The cultural hot spot was all in the foods we ate. From Grenadian oil down, to Indian Chicken Tikka Masala, to Greek Kitchen’s special you never had a dull moment with your plate and stomach. I can still taste the roti’s!

Yat Ching Fung, MD ’24, was born and raised in Hong Kong. His professional trajectory has been diverse, spanning roles in the real estate development industry, navigating the vast landscape of private tutoring. He has also contributed to the education sector as a panel head teacher for STEM and Science. Additionally, he has served as a podiatrist (DPM), delving into the intricacies of foot care. These experiences have granted him a profound appreciation for the richness of human interaction across various spheres of life.

However, after volunteering for a time in Sri Lanka and India, Dr. Fung found that his true calling was in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

“My interest in OB/GYN was sparked there as I gained invaluable insights into reproductive health,” Dr. Fung said. “Many of the women lacked access to maternal and reproductive services due to poverty and cultural norms that discouraged them from seeking healthcare. The experience strengthened my resolve to pursue a field where I could provide excellent reproductive healthcare, advocate for the vulnerable, and do my part to reshape societal paradigms that harm women globally.”

For him, pursuing an MD is not merely an academic pursuit but a lifelong commitment to serving humanity with dedication and compassion. Learn more about Dr. Fung’s medical education at SGU and his advice for aspiring physicians.

SGU: What did it feel like to match into residency?

Dr. Fung: The Match week itself is truly a whirlwind. When I read the much-awaited email, saying “Congratulations! You have matched!” I felt a huge relief. I know I am going to be an OB/GYN!

After four more days of anticipation, I finally learned that I matched into my first choice! It was definitely the best day of my life so far. I could not wipe off my smile for days. All these years of endeavors are finally paying off!

SGU: What was your experience during the match process? How did SGU’s Office of Career Guidance help you during that time? 

Dr. Fung: The OCG has helped me tremendously by providing seminars on the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) timeline and NRMP (National Resident Matching Program) application, assistance with CV and personal statement editing, preparing for the MSPE (Medical Student Performance Evaluation), statistics on SGU students matching into various specialties with their scores in the past, advice on visas for visa-requiring candidates like me. I cannot be more grateful towards the help from my mentors and the OCG staff, which made the daunting and tedious match process a lot easier.

SGU: What are your long-term career aspirations within the field of medicine?

Dr. Fung: My ultimate goal is to become a compassionate and skillful practitioner who serves patients to the best of my ability and supports women at all life stages. My experiences as a podiatrist have taught me to pay close attention to detail to ensure accurate diagnoses and the impact of compassionate care on patient outcomes. I am eager to contribute to the advancement of the field with my enthusiasm, determination, and strong work ethic.

SGU: How do you balance work and your personal life?

Dr. Fung: Medical school is a marathon. Striking a balance between arduous work and my personal life is a combination of effective time management, self-discipline, and efficient study methods. I set goals for the day or week for where I want to be (catching up with lectures, preparing for small group, exams, etc.) and then prioritized personal time when I felt like I was not in the headspace to focus. I would go out for a walk, hang out with friends, or treat myself a nice dinner or a movie before returning to the materials. I usually spent a Friday night off every week to make sure my brain and soul were refreshed, and I had something to look forward to every week. This kept me extremely motivated and got burnt out far less easily.

SGU: How did SGU contribute to your academic success and prepare you for the USMLE exams?

Dr. Fung: SGU has a well-designed curriculum that covers most of the areas covered on USMLE step 1. I am fond of the formative and summative assessments every three to four weeks to make sure I am caught up with the curriculum.

The school provides not only didactic lectures but problem-based learning, small group tutorials, and IMCQs where I learned the materials with my colleagues. All electronic resources are available for student access. These helped me consolidate complex concepts in basic medical science and integrate the materials on clinical application.

SGU: What was it like living in the UK during your first year of medical education?

Dr. Fung: I spent the first year in Newcastle, UK and it was such a fantastic experience. I received a great education from both the in-house faculty and visiting professors from within prestigious schools in the UK.

SGU: What advice would you offer to aspiring medical students from your home country considering a similar path?

Dr. Fung: Going to SGU is a life-changing experience. I have met great friends across the globe. It has so many sites for clinical rotations in multiple US states and in the UK that help you build connections with other doctors.

SGU: Where did you intend to become a doctor? How did the university contribute to your success?

Dr. Fung: I have always dreamed of becoming a doctor in the US since I was a teenager. SGU’s focus on academics and research is second to none. The training in the US prepares me to go anywhere in the world to practice medicine.

The background and upbringing of St. George’s University alum Jacobus Schutte, MD ’23, have been deeply rooted in South Africa where he grew up surrounded by the vibrant culture and landscapes of the country. He was particularly drawn to sports, especially rugby and golf, and at various points, he held aspirations of becoming a professional in those fields.

However, a pivotal event during a holiday trip in South Africa when he was 12 years old altered the course of his goals. Witnessing a tragic accident during that trip profoundly impacted him. It wasn’t just the event itself, but also the response of his father, who is a doctor, that left an indelible mark on his young mind. His father’s ability to remain calm, his unwavering knowledge, and his capacity to make critical decisions in the face of crisis were awe-inspiring, according to Dr. Schutte, who recently graduated from SGU.

In the aftermath of that event, Dr. Schutte’s focus shifted entirely towards medicine. The desire to be able to help people in their most vulnerable moments, like his father did, became his driving force. It was a shift from a dream of sports glory to a more profound calling to serve humanity through the field of medicine. That experience shaped his aspirations and ultimately led him on the path to pursuing a career in medicine.

This summer, Dr. Schutte will begin a surgery residency at WellSpan Health/York Hospital Program. He shared his SGU experience and advice for aspiring physicians.

SGU: Describe what it felt like when you matched for residency.

Dr. Schutte: Matching for residency was an exhilarating and humbling experience, the culmination of years of hard work. Knowing I’d have the chance to train in surgery was fulfilling. Sharing the moment with my fiancé, whom I met in medical school and also matched at the same hospital, added immense joy and significance to the occasion. It was a realization of achieving personal goals and embracing the journey ahead together.

SGU: What drew you to your chosen field of specialty? How do you envision making an impact in this area?

Dr.  Schutte: My fascination with the intricacies of the human body and the art of healing drew me towards a lifelong aspiration to become a surgeon. From a young age, I would accompany my father’s colleagues, who are orthopedic and general surgeons, to the operating room, where I witnessed firsthand their dedication, skill, and compassion. These experiences solidified my desire to pursue a career in surgery. Witnessing the remarkable surgeons in action further fueled my passion for the field.

I envision making an impact by providing expert surgical care to patients, ensuring their well-being and recovery. Moreover, I am committed to contributing to advancements in surgical techniques and patient outcomes, striving to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of surgery.

SGU: How do you balance work and your personal life?

Dr. Schutte: Balancing work and personal life in the medical field is undoubtedly challenging. My advice to students is to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and seek support when needed. Cultivating hobbies, maintaining relationships outside of work, and practicing mindfulness are essential for maintaining a healthy mental well-being.

SGU: What are your ultimate career aspirations within the field of medicine?

Dr. Schutte: My long-term career aspirations within the field of medicine include becoming a leader in my specialty, conducting research to advance surgical knowledge, and advocating for improved healthcare access and quality for underserved populations. Additionally, my experiences volunteering in South Africa’s rural areas have inspired me to one day establish a non-governmental organization (NGO) aimed at providing essential surgeries to underserved communities. Through this initiative, I hope to address the healthcare disparities and ensure that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has access to the surgical care they need.

SGU: How did SGU contribute to your academic success and prepare you for the USMLE exams?

Dr. Schutte: Self-directed study and personal motivation were pivotal in mastering the material and achieving success in the exams. While SGU provided substantial support –including a rigorous curriculum, dedicated faculty, and robust support services such as study materials, review courses, and practice exams—yet the ultimate responsibility for academic success lies with the individual. It’s crucial to recognize that self-discipline and personal drive are essential components of mastering the material and excelling in the USMLE exams.

SGU: What was the highlight of your experience living in Grenada during your medical education?

Dr. Schutte: Living in Grenada was an enriching experience filled with memorable moments. Among my favorites were the catamaran trips after exams, the relaxing beach hangouts with friends, and the thrilling scuba diving adventures. These activities provided much-needed relaxation and created unforgettable memories against the backdrop of Grenada’s stunning Caribbean surroundings. Additionally, I cherished the opportunity during my medical education to immerse myself in a vibrant multicultural community. Interacting with students from diverse backgrounds, exploring the island’s natural beauty, and participating in community outreach initiatives all contributed to enriching my educational experience and broadening my perspective.

SGU: What advice would you offer to aspiring medical students considering a similar path?

Dr. Schutte: SGU offered me a clear path to achieving my dream of becoming a doctor. Stay resilient, seize opportunities for growth, and remain focused on the impact you can make as a future healthcare professional.

SGU: How did SGU contribute to your success?

Dr. Schutte: SGU has been instrumental in enabling my wife and I to practice medicine in various countries such as Grenada, the US, UK, and South Africa. While relocating presents challenges, we’re grateful that SGU’s accreditation is recognized in multiple countries, which allows us to pursue opportunities in a bunch of different countries. Only time will tell where we end up, but for now, we’re focused on starting residency and will factor in our future work aspirations when the time comes.