Saudi Nationals Turn Their Dream of Becoming Doctors into Reality at St. George’s University

Ain Alalam – Rashad Iskandrni

Determined to pursue careers in medicine and make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives, Aseel Al Jeshi and Meilad Alhashim chose St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, to begin their medical journeys. Today, as they continue their medical education, they are building the knowledge, clinical skills, and international perspective they hope to one day bring back to Saudi Arabia’s evolving healthcare sector.

For Aseel, medicine was never an abstract goal. Now in her first year of clinical rotations, she is gaining valuable hands-on clinical experience that she hopes to bring back to Saudi Arabia in the future.

Meilad Alhashim arrived with the same clarity. She wanted to be a doctor from a young age, drawn by a fascination with the human body and the desire to make a tangible difference in patients’ lives. Now in her third year as a medical student, she hopes to specialize in pediatrics.

“What I like about studying is not only the knowledge that I get from practicing medicine, but also my understanding of the human body. When I moved abroad, it was difficult at the beginning, but it made me stronger and more mature, and I have benefited from different types of teaching at SGU, which is really getting the best out of me,” Meilad says.

For both students, SGU provided an opportunity to continue pursuing their medical ambitions at a time when their educational pathway was uncertain. Beginning their studies through SGU, they found an inclusive learning environment, experienced faculty, and a curriculum that has prepared them for clinical training and future medical practice.

Aseel points to the teaching style as a particular strength. SGU combines lectures with small-group discussions in which students examine cases, diagnoses, and pathological explanations with a doctor. Separate sessions focus on patient interaction and communication skills.

SGU has played a pivotal role in shaping both students’ academic and professional journeys. Through a carefully structured curriculum that integrates foundational sciences with early clinical exposure, SGU has supported their progression from classroom learning to hands-on patient care.

Faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and career guidance have further strengthened their professional development, enabling them to be prepared not only to meet the demands of residency but also to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare landscape in Saudi Arabia.

“On a personal level, relocating abroad opened horizons to me that I didn’t consider beforehand,” Aseel says. “There, I had the opportunity to engage with a diverse cohort from all over the world with different ethnicities, religions, and educational backgrounds as we worked on building our CVs together.”

Both students acknowledge that leaving home was not easy. The teaching was different. The environment was new. Yet the distance has given them something they could not have found by staying put.

“I aim to go back to Saudi Arabia with everything that I have learned abroad and work to improve the opportunities we have at home,” Aseel says.

Their return will come at an important moment. Saudi Arabia is expanding its healthcare infrastructure and developing a highly skilled workforce through its Health Sector Transformation Program, a key pillar of Vision 2030. More than 803,000 healthcare practitioners now work across the Kingdom’s health sector, and over 35,000 doctors have graduated through Saudi Board programs, according to the program’s 2025 annual report.

The goal was never simply to earn a medical degree abroad. It was to gain new perspectives, develop global clinical skills, and return home ready to make a meaningful contribution to Saudi Arabia’s healthcare future. As the Kingdom continues to advance its Vision 2030 healthcare ambitions, graduates like Aseel and Meilad represent a new generation of globally trained physicians committed to serving their communities.

For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.

ENDS

About St. George’s University School of Medicine: 

Founded in 1976, St. George’s University (SGU) is a center for academic excellence worldwide. With students and faculty drawn from more than 150 countries, SGU is truly an international institution, with a uniquely global perspective. The SGU School of Medicine is accredited by the Grenada Medical and Dental Council which has been recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). The school offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree program. Students can also enter the MD degree program from many education systems around the world via the five-, six-, or seven-year tracks. SGU has a large network of 75+ affiliated hospitals and health centers in the US and UK, with the unique opportunity for students to begin their medical career in Grenada or the UK.