Proud of our Alumni

Dr. Erika Singh

Program: Psychology
Year of Graduaiting: 2019
Now Working: University of North Dakota’s Family Medicine

Dr. Singh completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Indiana University Northwest, intending to become a psychologist after graduation, but a course in Anatomy and Physiology set her on a different path.

Achievement:
Dr. Singh graduated from SJSM in 2019 and is currently undergoing her third year of residency at the University of North Dakota’s Family Medicine Program. As in any career, there will be good days and bad days – but in residency, those days depend on your schedule. She currently holds the position of Chief Resident and said she could not be happier with where she is thanks to the education and support she received from SJSM. “SJSM provided me with the platform to build upon my dreams,” said Dr. Singh. However, it is also important to remember that it’s not just the school; it’s the hard work and determination of our students that allow for our students to excel in achieving their goals. “SJSM will be there to support you, help you with your rotations, and make sure you have the resources you need to get that MD. If you put your mind to it and stay dedicated, nothing can stop you!”

Dr. Joyce Cheng

Program: Biological Science
Year of Graduaiting: 2018
Now Working: Mercy Health System-IL

In every person’s life, there comes a time that will define who they are and what they hope to accomplish going forward. For Dr. Joyce Cheng, that time came in March h 2020 with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. We previously chatted with Dr. Cheng in 2018 as she was on the cusp of starting residency.

Achievement:
With that being said, Dr. Cheng has made the most of her residency program despite the disarray of the Covid-19 pandemic. From the first day of her residency, her attendings and fellow peers have shown her a great deal of support for an ever-changing profession. “I am constantly meeting different patients that present with a variety of symptoms, and I have gained valuable insights into new diseases and management/treatment,” she said. “I am also working in an incredibly supportive environment with a group of wonderful peers, attendings, nurses, and staff.” At the end of the day, she absolutely loves what she does and looks forward to becoming an internist. “My goal is to improve my patients’ outcomes by focusing on preventative health, allocating resources, and patient education”.

Dr. Roland Zhang

Program: Family Medicine program
Year of Graduaiting: 2018
Now Working: Family Medicine Resident @ Arnot Ogden Medical Center, NY

Throughout life’s journey, there are bound to be unforeseen twists and turns that lead us to a new avenue in how we perceive the world around us. For Dr. Roland Zhang growing up in Rochester, New York, this non-traditional path took place on his way to becoming a doctor.

Achievement:
“Entering medical school does not guarantee that you will graduate, pass your NBME/Step exams or Match into residency. Even if you do everything ‘right’, you can still not achieve what you want. However, what happens next is more critical,” said Roland. “While it is so easy to blame yourself, the esoteric rules, the university etc., what did YOU do when things did not go according to plan. These skills, traits and assets all help you build your own definition of success, whether as a practicing physician or another valued member of healthcare.” If there was one word to perfectly describe Dr. Roland Zhang is perseverant. No matter what obstacle is in his way, he will find a way to overcome it with a positive attitude and the privilege of serving as a medical doctor.

Crystal Richardson

Program: Sports Therapy
Year of Graduaiting: 2021
Now Working: Complete her Masters of Law (LLM)

Why enter a medical program out of the Caribbean? Is it for the endless opportunities it offers to achieve your dreams of a career in medicine? Is it because you may be an untraditional student that felt drawn to this calling later in life? Or are you looking for the best of both worlds, receiving a quality medical education on one of the serene islands in the Caribbean?

Achievement:
She was fortunate enough, even with the current pandemic, to complete a variety of in-patient rotations for electives, she looks forward to applying to the Match next cycle here and in the United Kingdom (UK). “I am currently in the process of enhancing my resume with research publications, publishing both Surgical Techniques, Complications, and Long-Term Health Effects of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices and Racial and socioeconomic disparities in congenital heart surgery: A research article,” said Crystal. Her research article entitled Surgical Techniques, Complications, and Long-Term Health Effects of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices was awarded third place in AZIYO’s “Strategies to Promote Long-Term Cardiac Implant Site Health” publishing competition.