Born and raised in Lebanon, Dayana Chabaan is currently in her third year of the Doctor of Medicine program at St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine.
From an early age, Dayana was driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through medicine. While she is the first in her family to pursue a medical career, she has always been encouraged to dream big and challenge herself academically. Today, that ambition has led her to set her sights on one of medicine’s most demanding specialties: neurosurgery.
“I know neurosurgery is an incredibly competitive and demanding field,” she says, but having grown up in a household where ambition, resilience and compassion were instilled at an early age, the encouragement of her parents helped put her on the course toward achieving her lofty goal.
Before entering the MD program at SGU, Dayana completed an undergraduate degree in biology followed by a master’s degree in neuropsychology at the Lebanese University in Beirut. These study choices ignited an early fascination with the human brain, behaviour, and the connection between science and patient care.
“My interest in neuroscience began during my undergraduate studies, which led me to pursue a master’s degree in neuropsychology to further explore the brain and human behavior,” she says. “That experience deepened my passion for the field and confirmed my desire to pursue a surgical specialty.”
Her decision to study medicine eventually took her thousands of miles away from home to Grenada, an experience she describes as both unexpected and transformative. Alongside the personal growth of adjusting to island life, came the realities of a rigorous academic environment, which she describes as rigorous, but also incredibly supportive.
“The curriculum has pushed me to do my best, and while it’s challenging, I am not doing it alone.”
She credits both faculty and fellow students at SGU for helping create an environment where students support one another through the intensity of medical training.
“The professors are knowledgeable and approachable, and there’s a strong sense of community among students. Everyone understands what you’re going through, and that makes a huge difference,” says Dayana.
While progressing through the Doctor of Medicine program, she says SGU’s structure has helped prepare her early for future milestones, including the USMLE examinations and clinical rotations.
“SGU has a very structured curriculum that’s closely aligned with the USMLE content. Early on, I’ve been exposed to systems-based learning, practice questions, and NBME-style exam – which have really helped me build a strong test-taking mindset.”
In addition, early patient exposure has proved invaluable as she prepares for clinical training: “Practicing communication, history taking, and physical exam skills from the start have made me feel more confident and comfortable as I move closer to working with real patients.”
Looking back on her journey so far, Dayana hopes her story can encourage other aspiring medical students from the region to pursue opportunities abroad and learn the value of resilience.
“Medicine challenges you in every way. But it’s not about being perfect, it’s about having the courage to keep going, especially when things get tough. It’s about standing back up every time you fall, learning from each setback, and pushing forward with purpose. Don’t let fear hold you back, if medicine is your dream, go for it.”
As she continues her medical education at SGU and works toward her goal of becoming a neurosurgeon, Dayana remains committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of her future patients, proving that with determination, resilience, and the right support, even the most ambitious dreams are within reach.
For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.
