Empowering Future Female Doctors: Success Tips from SGU Alumnae on International Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women’s Day, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, has shared valuable insights from a recent panel discussion featuring accomplished female medical professionals.
Organized by the SGU School of Medicine Alumni Association, the discussion featured experts such as Sasha Lake (Assistant Professor at SGU), Kumkum Sarkar Patel (Board-Certified Gastroenterologist), Jessica Best (Emergency Medicine Physician), Svjetlana Lozo (Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstruction Surgeon), and Angela Self (President of the Tarrant County Medical Society). These leaders shared key success strategies for aspiring female doctors, particularly in Africa.
Key Takeaways for Future Female Doctors
🔹 Work-Life Balance Starts with Passion – Finding joy in daily practice and creating a positive work environment helps prevent burnout. Prioritizing personal time and supportive colleagues fosters long-term career success.
🔹 Mentorship as a Career Compass – Seeking multiple mentors throughout medical training builds confidence and clarifies career pathways.
🔹 Building a Strong Support System – Establishing a reliable network of friends, family, and colleagues provides stability and resilience in navigating the challenges of medicine.
🔹 Defining Your Leadership Style – Recognizing personal leadership strengths and embracing unique leadership qualities is essential for career growth.
🔹 Exploring Flexibility in Medicine – The medical field offers diverse career paths, allowing professionals to adapt and explore different specialties for greater fulfillment.
Shaping the Future of Medicine

Brendon LaGrenade, Vice Provost and Director of Alumni Affairs at SGU, emphasized the importance of supporting and celebrating female doctors:
“We are proud to acknowledge our female doctors who continue to provide excellent care and make a difference in their patients’ lives every day. Their dedication and perseverance serve as an inspiration to young women in Africa who aspire to pursue medicine. As the healthcare landscape evolves, female doctors will be instrumental in shaping the future of patient care, medical innovation, and leadership.”
With women now representing over 50% of SGU’s recent incoming medical classes, the next generation of female doctors is breaking barriers, supported by mentorship, resilience, and a strong professional network provided by SGU.