Ph.D completed, but wants to study Medicine

[sureshsuresh]

Hello People,

I finished Ph.D in Molecular Biology. But I am interested to study Medicine and after wards practice in the US.

I am 33 years old and male.

Please let me know whether it is worth enough to do so?

What is the best and easiest way (without MCAT) to get admitted into the US medical colleges?

Yours suggestions are appreciated.

Cheers
Sureshsuresh

[aProgDirector]

Getting admitted to a US medical school as an international student is difficult.

All US schools require the MCAT, as far as I know. They also require 90 credits of undergrad education in the US or Canada. Your PhD, if it's in an international school, will not count.

Your best option is to complete medical school outside of the US, and then plan for a residency in the US. However, concerns have been raised about the number of slots that will be open to non-US students in the future -- which depends on what Congress does with funding for GME slots. At present I do not expect any further funding, but who knows what will happen in the future.

[Looking Glass]

I don't think there is a way that you can get admitted to a US medical school as an international student without taking the MCAT - almost everyone who wants to go to a US medical school has to take the MCAT regardless of their educational background (this includes US citizens).

That being said, the MCAT may be the least of your problems if you want to go to a US medical school. If you did all of your education abroad in a non-English speaking, you will be required to take your pre-requisite science courses (general physics, chemistry, organic chemistry, intro biology) at an American accredited university. If you are a non-us citizen you have to obtain a student visa to study in the US. Even if you complete all of your pre-requisite in the US and get accepted to medical school here, you will have to find a way to finance your medical education which costs about $200,000 over four years (check the MSAR). Most US citizens and permanent residents qualify for government loans and grants, however, as an international student, you may be required to prove that you are financially solvent or that you have $200,000 worth of assets as collateral.

Studying in the US would seem to be a very difficult proposition due to the cost and immigration issue. I agree with aProgDirector that it would be more realistic for you to attend medical school in your home country and then take the USMLE and try to obtain a residency in the US.

Originally Posted by sureshsuresh

Hello People,

I finished Ph.D in Molecular Biology. But I am interested to study Medicine and after wards practice in the US.

I am 33 years old and male.

Please let me know whether it is worth enough to do so?

What is the best and easiest way (without MCAT) to get admitted into the US medical colleges?

Yours suggestions are appreciated.

Cheers
Sureshsuresh