A recent survey found that over 60% of working adults hope their children will attend medical school, with nearly 70% citing long-term job stability as the primary reason. The findings reflect the profession’s enduring appeal, even amid intense competition for admission, an appeal that extends beyond the start of one’s professional journey and continues throughout a physician’s career.
Recognizing this pattern, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, offers a strategic international pathway for mid-career professionals in South Korea who wish to transition into the medical profession.
It’s Never Too Late to Pursue Medicine
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the median age of students starting medical school in 2024 was 23. More than 16 percent were over 25.
This number can vary by institution. For example, SGU’s School of Medicine class that enrolled in the 2024-25 academic year had a median age of 24. About nine percent of the class was over the age of 30, with some even beginning in their 50s and 60s.
Journey from Science to Clinical Medicine
Dr. Ahmed Hussein, MD ’22, is an example of a professional who transitioned into medicine after first building a career in pharmacology. Motivated by a desire to work directly with patients, he pursued his long-standing goal of becoming a physician at SGU School of Medicine in Grenada.
“Being on the frontline, diagnosing and treating patients, was my main drive to pursue medicine. I knew it would require hard work every day, but I was ready to commit to the journey,” he said.
Dr. Hussein valued SGU’s academic preparation for the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and the detailed basic science curriculum. Today, he is a first-year pediatrics resident at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
For South Korean students considering practicing medicine internationally, access to clinical rotations in the US and UK, along with structured USMLE preparation, are important factors when evaluating medical schools.
A Global Pathway for South Korea Students
SGU offers clinical training opportunities through a network of more than 75 affiliated hospitals and health centers in the United States and the United Kingdom. Students can begin their medical education in Grenada or the UK before progressing to clinical rotations abroad.
For South Korea career-changers, this international exposure can provide broader clinical experience and pathways toward global medical practice.
SGU offers a wide range of scholarships to help aspiring medical students achieve their dream of becoming a doctor. For more information, please visit SGU’s website.
About The Author
