Meet Dr. Sayegh

What is your educational background?

I did my undergraduate studies at New York University, and received an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I received my medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine.

Can you tell us a bit about your upbringing and what life was like for you growing up? What would you say are some of the challenges that you faced as a pre-med and how did you overcome them?

I grew up as a multicultural, first generation, American, and I even remember describing myself that way in my college applications when I was applying to undergraduate schools. I grew up in Rhode Island, and was pretty much one of the only non-white students in my high school, as I identify as Latina and Middle Eastern. I always saw the world beyond what my naked eye would see, and what I mean by that is, I always saw the larger picture, and I asked myself what I could do for the world, and how I could better it. My family dynamics were a little challenging to navigate, and especially after my parents’ divorce in middle school. However a lot of the transformative years in my life actually occurred in high school, college, and especially in medical school, where I found my identity, and learned more about myself and others. Besides, the obvious struggles of trying to do well as a premed student in college, I also struggled with other factors, such as being a first generation American, coming from a lower socioeconomic status, and trying to fit in the mold of a typical elite NYU student, aspiring to be a doctor. I would actually like to highlight my childhood experiences and my upbringing, and give thanks to those for helping me overcome the challenges I faced in college, and even in my early years of medical school. There is a sense of gratitude and humbleness that arises from the depths of one’s struggles.

What inspired you to become a physician and what was your medical journey like?  Would you say there was a particular event that served as a motivation for you to pursue medicene? 

What inspired me to become a physician is somewhat multi-factorial, as my mother used to be a doctor in Argentina. Growing up, I would see her working as a pathologist assistant, but I would also hear her talking about her clinical years as a pathologist in Argentina, working as a doctor. Beyond my mother’s influence, I recall visiting my parents’ home countries, Argentina and Syria, and witnessing impoverished communities, and the inadequate healthcare that the underserved would receive. A part of me remembers wanting to help the greater good by not only treating physical ailments, but also treating mental and social ones too. I used to do a lot of volunteer work at the hospital where my mom once worked, and I also believe that firmly contributed to my interest in pursuing a career in healthcare as a physician. When I entered college, I was a resident assistant, and would occasionally take sick and inebriated students to the emergency room. Now looking back, it’s almost as if the universe was gently pushing me to practice emergency medicine. To me, medicine is more than just taking care of illnesses and diagnosing pathologies, but more so about the art in medicine, and the humanistic approach to treating ailments. This dichotomy is what truly incited me and my passion in medicine. After I graduated from NYU, I took a gap year, as I did not get into any of the US medical schools I applied to. Within that gap year, I got accepted to several Caribbean schools, and then made the final decision to attend SGU with the help of family, friends, and my unwavering and undying passion to become a medical doctor.

Reflecting on your medical school journey, is there one thing you wish you had known before starting, or something you wish you had done differently?

I wish I knew more about medical finances, and how to start the process early on, even within residency. There are certain podcasts that I’ve started listening to now, that would have been helpful in my later years of medical school and intern year. The other thing I wish I knew before starting medical school, was how much of an emotional and physical toll medicine would take on my mind and body. We all think becoming a doctor is glamorous, and some days it certainly is. But what I’ve come to realize, is that it certainly can be very draining, especially for me since I always put in my 110%. I wish I would have learned early on, that setting boundaries and space between oneself and the profession, is conducive to longevity and happiness in the field of medicine.

Do you think diversity is important in healthcare? How has diversity impacted your healthcare experience?

Absolutely! I definitely think diversity is highly important in the healthcare field. I’m excited to answer this question and also feel like it’s an important topic to consider, as I myself consider myself to be multicultural and diverse, given my upbringing, and where my roots stem from. I think diversity is particularly important for understanding patients of differing backgrounds, and exercising empathy and sympathy. And even so, diversity never takes away our implicit biases, that we all naturally have; but diversity can help mitigate and resolve those biases. Therefore, I think, as the field diversifies in every sense, a better understanding and wholesome picture of medicine can be created. Luckily, I would say diversity has had a positive impact on my experience in healthcare. I recall that diversity aided me, in every step of the way, from applying to medical school, being a medical student in my clinical rotations, having the opportunity to practice medicine as a resident, and even now as an emergency medicine attending. Unfortunately, in my last year of residency, I experienced a prejudiced and racial situation, which I have not forgotten until this day. Diversity, therefore, is a means to break down those barriers and resolve antiquated conflicts that still exist in medicine today.

What advice would you give to undergraduate students who are considering a career in medicine?

My major advice to those undergraduate students considering medicine, is to love what you do! As I said before, being a doctor and studying medicine has always sounded glamorous and elite, but the reality is that it also requires passion, patience, diligence, and a high level of commitment. If you love what you do and you’re excited to be part of a community of people that love to help and inspire health and well-being, then passionately study medicine, and yearn to discover more! Never do it just for the money, or the glory. Be prepared to be in debt. And just remember, if you ever feel like the process is inundating, you are never alone.

What would you say has been the most rewarding part of your medical journey? 

Being thanked and appreciated by families and patients has to be the most rewarding part of the journey thus far. The smiles, the tears and the struggles we share with our patients is an intimate closeness in the art of medicine that is gratifying to me every day.

What are your hobbies? 

I like to sing, dance, go on walks with my rabbit, hang out with friends, travel, eat new cuisines, try new restaurants, and more recently build aquariums and create aqua-scapes with my partner.

What is a fun fact about you?

I can fluently speak three languages— English, Arabic and Spanish!

Any tips, study strategies or advice?

I would just like to say good luck to everyone interested in pursuing and practicing medicine! Don’t make the same mistake I did, and actually study for your MCAT’s! Then, when you get to medical school, put your heart and soul into it, because those are the formative years, that will provide you with all of the information you’ll need throughout residency, and your attending life. In case you’re interested in reaching out, please feel free to connect with me via email at jasminesayegh@gmail.com.