In today’s connected world, health problems are not limited by borders. That’s why global health efforts are more important than ever. As we celebrate World Health Day, it’s the perfect time to understand how medical education plays a big role in improving healthcare for everyone, everywhere.
St. George’s University (SGU) is helping prepare future doctors who are not only skilled in medicine but also trained to improve health systems across the world. With a focus on public health, research, and international clinical exposure, SGU is building a network of global health leaders.
SGU Alumni: Making a Global Impact in Healthcare
With more than 23,000 graduates across the world, SGU alumni are working in hospitals, communities, and public health organisations to make real change.
Dr. Darren Cuthbert, a 2016 SGU graduate, founded the Emergency Project, a humanitarian group that delivers life-saving care in crisis zones like Pakistan, Jordan, Ukraine, and Haiti. He says SGU’s MPH (Master of Public Health) program opened new doors and helped him become a better doctor and leader.
Another SGU alumna, Dr. Orapeleng Phuswane-Katse from Botswana, is improving her country’s healthcare system by shaping public health policies, training health workers, and setting up mobile health services in rural areas. Her work is bringing healthcare to people who need it the most.
The Power of the MD/MPH Dual Degree
SGU offers a dual MD/MPH degree, allowing students to earn both medical and public health qualifications. This program helps students understand the bigger picture of health—how diseases spread, what causes health problems in communities, and how policies can change lives.
With training in epidemiology, statistics, health policy, and more, MD/MPH students are prepared to:
- Lead health programs and research
- Treat patients while improving public health systems
- Address global challenges like pandemics and malnutrition
- Apply evidence-based solutions to real-world problems
Dr. Alicia Persaud, a 2020 SGU graduate and now a family medicine doctor in Canada, says her MPH gave her valuable research experience and made her stand out during her residency applications.
Celebrating 25 Years of SGU’s Public Health Education
For 25 years, SGU’s Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has trained students to fight health issues in Grenada, the Caribbean, and beyond. Dr. Kerry Mitchell, the department chair, says their mission is to raise awareness and work on the environmental and social problems that affect health.
Through both teaching and practical outreach, SGU is preparing students to become changemakers in the public health world.
A Diverse Campus That Reflects the Global Healthcare Landscape
SGU has a truly international student body, with students and faculty from over 140 countries. This diversity helps future doctors understand different cultures and work effectively in global settings.
Dr. Arlette Herry, Assistant Dean of Multicultural Affairs, explains,
“A diverse classroom teaches students how healthcare systems are connected across the world and prepares them to solve worldwide health problems like pandemics and climate change.”
Global Clinical Training Opportunities
SGU’s partnerships with 75+ hospitals in the US, UK, and Canada give students hands-on training in international healthcare systems. These real-world experiences build confidence, cultural understanding, and medical skills that are valuable anywhere in the world.
SGU’s Commitment to World Health
SGU is not just training future doctors—it’s helping them become leaders in global health. By offering programs that combine medical knowledge with public health, and by encouraging international exposure, SGU is preparing students to make a difference.
As healthcare challenges become more complex, the world needs more doctors who understand how to create lasting health solutions. SGU graduates are already doing this—and the next generation is ready to join them.
FAQs
What is the SGU MD/MPH dual degree program?
It’s a combined degree that allows students to earn both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Master of Public Health (MPH), preparing them for careers that blend clinical care with public health leadership.
How does SGU contribute to global health?
SGU trains future doctors with a global perspective through public health education, international clinical experiences, and a diverse student body.
Where do SGU graduates work globally?
SGU alumni work in hospitals, research institutions, NGOs, and government health systems around the world, including crisis zones and underserved communities.
Why is public health education important in medical training?
Public health helps medical professionals understand and solve health problems at the population level, such as disease prevention, policy planning, and global health issues.
What international opportunities does SGU offer?
SGU offers clinical training in over 75 hospitals across the US, UK, and Canada, giving students global exposure and hands-on experience in different healthcare systems.