The Decision
Jesse knew he wanted to pursue a career providing medical care to those in need. He was originally interested in following in his mother’s footsteps and becoming a nurse, but that changed shortly after he recognized the numerous possibilities that were available to him.
“I realized I didn’t have any time limits,” says Jesse. “My entire life was in front of me for as much schooling as it would take to become a doctor.”
The Transition
The decision to attend St. George’s University came after a recommendation from a friend who was an SGU student. Although his hometown of Redding did not afford Jesse a diverse upbringing, his cultural horizons expanded with his matriculation at SGU, when he joined a student body representing over 90 countries.
“There were so many different countries represented at my white coat ceremony,” Jesse remembers. “I knew immediately this adventure would be dissimilar to undergrad in many ways.
“There were a few things to get used to, like the pace of the island,” says Jesse. “But there were no real surprises, and the website was pretty indicative of what St. George’s University offers.”
The Experience
Now in his fourth term, Jesse is the President of the Student Government Association (SGA). This comes after three terms on the Executive Board of the SGA as well as membership in the Emergency Medicine Club.
“The cultural experience is unlike anything any US school can offer,” he states. “St. George’s University is on par with some of the best US schools and it’s the most diverse med school – period – which is the future of medicine as it evolves.”
About the University
St. George’s University was founded in 1977 and grew into a vibrant international center of education, offering advanced degrees in medicine, veterinary medicine and a number of the allied health sciences, including public health, in its Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Students may also pursue bachelor-level degrees in the life sciences, business, computer technology, medical sciences and liberal studies, as well as master’s degrees in business administration and international business, through its School of Arts and Sciences. The Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, located on the True Blue campus, allows students to participate in research that advances areas in health and environmental development in the world’s scientific community.
The University has drawn faculty and students from more than 140 countries, and actively explores and initiates worldwide partnerships. With this international focus, students are given the opportunity to develop the distinct social and professional skills they need to practice medicine on a global scale.