American med student thinking of applying to Australian med schools

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
K

kkendric100

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Oct 6, 2011
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Members don't see this ad.
Hello all,

I'm about to start my first year of medical school in Nebraska, but I've recently decided to make a major change in my life. I've been dating an Australian for some time and we've decided it would be best for me to move to Australia as soon as possible.

I realize I would be giving up a lot, considering how hard I worked to get into a MD program, but I've decided that this is what I need to do.

I'm trying to find answers but information on this specific circumstance is scarce. Does anyone know anything about an American med student transferring to an Australian medical school? I realize I will probably have to start over from year one. Would I be able to apply for Australian medical schools while simultaneously enrolled in an American medical schools?

My education background:
-Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego CA, May 2012
-GPA: 3.97 (USA), 6.95 (AUS)
-MCAT taken in September 2011: 31Q (11/10/10)

Any advice would help! Thank you!
 
Last edited:
I'm not really asking for opinions, just advice. I know a lot of people are going to think I'm making a terrible decision, but it's my life. I'm just hoping someone out there has an idea of how to make this happen.
 
Advice is a form of opinion. My advice is to not do this. I think you're setting yourself up for a waterfall of regret later on. Maybe your significant other would rather come here for school?
 
I'm sure you could find one that takes transfer students but...Australia is big. Maybe just email the schools in your beloved's city?
 
You will also want to speak with someone who is familiar with post-graduate training (i.e. residency) in Australia. It sounds like you'll want to stay in Australia if your SO is there, and from what I understand, it is very difficult for non-Australian citizens to do residency (and be hired on afterward) there. If you plan on coming back to the US, even with a degree from an Australian school, it will be increasingly difficult to match as an FMG. My advice is to get as much information about your post-med school plans as possible.
 
witzelsucht said:
This is a terrible idea.
Click to expand...

This is a very terrible Idea. As a man, your woman will respect you more if you follow your dreams rather than accommodate her by giving up on yours. This is a no-brainer.
 
kkendric100 said:
Hello all,

I'm about to start my first year of medical school in Nebraska, but I've recently decided to make a major change in my life. I've been dating an Australian for some time and we've decided it would be best for me to move to Australia as soon as possible.

I realize I would be giving up a lot, considering how hard I worked to get into a MD program, but I've decided that this is what I need to do.

I'm trying to find answers but information on this specific circumstance is scarce. Does anyone know anything about an American med student transferring to an Australian medical school? I realize I will probably have to start over from year one. Would I be able to apply for Australian medical schools while simultaneously enrolled in an American medical schools?

My education background:
-Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego CA, May 2012
-GPA: 3.97 (USA), 6.95 (AUS)
-MCAT taken in September 2011: 31Q (11/10/10)

Any advice would help! Thank you!
Click to expand...

1. If you haven't even started M1 yet, how will you have to start over from year one?

2. As others have stated, this is a horrible idea. It's not that hard to get into an AUS med school, but it's very hard to get an AUS residency if you're a non-citizen. Also, If your relationship doesn't work out you'll be an IMG making it very difficult to get a decent residency back in the U.S.
 
Even if your relationship does work out initially, the fact that you'll eventually be struggling to attain a residency position with the knowledge that you could have easily gotten one had you stayed in the U.S. will be a huge cause for tension and resentment in your relationship. I don't know the situation w/ you and your SO, but if I was a betting man, I'd bet on a LDR more than your moving to Aus. if your goal is a LTR/marriage.
 
Reminds me of a good story.

My brother was up for the Joyce Ryder scholarship, which gives the student the opportunity to attend Notre Dame ~or~ Ohio State with free tuition, free housing, and you actually get a small stipend. For an undergraduate education at either institution, it's a phenomenal honor.

My brother was a finalist for it, however it went to a girl he graduated with. However that girl was dating a guy that went to the University of Virginia and she wanted to go with him. Virginia did not offer her any scholarship. So she declined the JR scholarship and went to virginia, making her father pay for it. They broke up six months after she went down there, pissing away more money than you would care to imagine.

You aren't supposed to choose colleges based off of relationships. That's a terrible, terrible idea. Especially going to Australia of all places. Remember to think with the right head.
 
Would you want a life in Australia independent of the relationship?

Many years ago during undergrad I met someone in Europe and I stayed abroad. The 4 year relationship? engagement cancelled. I'm oh, so single but I still love my life in Europe, and I want to keep it this way. I cross the Atlantic every 4 months and I want to do medicine in both continents.

So. Look deep inside and think very carefully about what realistic role Australia plays in your future, whether or not you're in this relationship.
 
Why can't she move out to where you live, or just wait? I would advise you not to go because 3 years is really not that long and you could just do a surgical extra training fellowship or something in Aussie during residency. Like others have said think with you head.
 
Bluesclera said:
Why can't she move out to where you live, or just wait? I would advise you not to go because 3 years is really not that long and you could just do a surgical extra training fellowship or something in Aussie during residency. Like others have said think with you head.
Click to expand...

Your other head...

supratentorially if i'm not being clear.
 
It would be selfish of you to take a spot from a prospective medical student who wants to learn and practice here. Also, you would have to learn how to speak Australian.
 
That is a horrific idea. You're making one of the biggest sacrifices in your life for a girl. Even if she was your wife that would be irrational.

It's absolutely desperate for you to sacrifice your education and career for some international girl you're infatuated with that you might think you're in love with. She could dump you a week from today, maybe a year from today then what!?

I think it's selfish on her part to ask you to move to Australia and selfish on your part for holding the US medical seat from someone that wants to live in the US.
 
Do we have any actual confirmation that the OP has met the girl in person? If not, I'm sticking by my original answer in this thread.
 
As a girl who almost gave up everything for a guy only to have the relationship turn sour, I echo the sentiments above. Giving up a spot in an American med school will virtually ensure that you do not come back to practice in the US. Not to mention, it's probably a lot easier to figure out how to pay for an American med school compared to an Australian one.
 
rodmichael82 said:
You're making one of the biggest sacrifices in your life for a girl. Even if she was your wife that would be irrational.
Click to expand...

GuyWhoDoesStuff said:
Do we have any actual confirmation that the OP has met the girl in person? If not, I'm sticking by my original answer in this thread.
Click to expand...

Why are we assuming the OP is a guy making dumb decisions for a girl? Nothing in the OP suggested that.
 
I visited Australia on a medically-related trip in undergrad and had serious considerations of applying there for med school without having any significant other in the equation. I gathered quite a bit of information to determine what type of sacrifices I'd be making and from what I found, even IF you do land a residency, once you start practicing you'd be spending 10 years out in the bush taking care of indiginous peeps due to the fact that you're not an Aussie. After the 10 years, you can attempt to move into a more urban area. So take that for what it's worth but your SO may not be so keen on living out in the middle of nowhere for 10 years after she put up with you being in med school. And yes I say put up because med school puts some serious strain on a relationship. Food for thought.
 
Think with your big head, not your little head 😀

I know, she's amazing, one to be, blah blah blah, but don't ruin your life over a chick...believe it or not, you are compatible with more than one girl.

When I visited a certain school in Nebraska for interviews, one of my hosts made a similar mistake. He deferred a year because he wanted to wait for his gf to finish school and move over. He was single when I met him.
 
If you're determined to be together in Australia, won't be able to practice medicine there. Just assume you won't. Maybe you found a guy on a forum who did, but that's the exception not the rule. Coming back to the US as an FMG is going to be harder and harder in the future. Perhaps more importantly, the Australian system of teaching is completely completely different (this is coming from the Dean at Flinders University School of Medicine). They spend a fraction of the time on things that would be relevant for Step I because the Aussie system has med students learning it in their later years of school.
Wouldn't it be better if you guys decided to find her a job in Nebraska?

TL,DR:
If you're determined to go to Australia don't bother with med school.

Source:
Nearly went to med school in Australia got into both a US MD program:
University of Queensland
and a proper Aussie school: Flinders University School of Medicine
 
OP, since there's a lot of vitriol here regarding your choices, it might be wise to seek help from the schools in Australia themselves. Assuming your choice is set in stone and that it's not a foolish one, you're going to need insider information. Start with finding information about the schools. The internet is your friend.
 
oojones said:
This is a very terrible Idea. As a man, your woman will respect you more if you follow your dreams rather than accommodate her by giving up on yours. This is a no-brainer.
Click to expand...
you're a dolt. you have no idea what his woman will respect.

yehhhboiii said:
Also, you would have to learn how to speak Australian.
Click to expand...

lol.
 
kkendric100 said:
Hello all,

I'm about to start my first year of medical school in Nebraska, but I've recently decided to make a major change in my life. I've been dating an Australian for some time and we've decided it would be best for me to move to Australia as soon as possible.

I realize I would be giving up a lot, considering how hard I worked to get into a MD program, but I've decided that this is what I need to do.

I'm trying to find answers but information on this specific circumstance is scarce. Does anyone know anything about an American med student transferring to an Australian medical school? I realize I will probably have to start over from year one. Would I be able to apply for Australian medical schools while simultaneously enrolled in an American medical schools?

My education background:
-Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego CA, May 2012
-GPA: 3.97 (USA), 6.95 (AUS)
-MCAT taken in September 2011: 31Q (11/10/10)

Any advice would help! Thank you!
Click to expand...

Basically you don't have to write any additional tests, you just need to apply to Australia now. This is best posted or transferred to the forum for Australian medical schools, there are a number of forum users who know the application process and have been through it.
 
Follow your heart. Your love is waiting and happiness awaits you. I wish I was in love with someone so I could forsake my med school career 😍
 
Last edited:
ChiDO said:
Go to Australia for 2 years, live life, come back to US, apply to schools before MCAT expires (3 years right?!)...profit.
Click to expand...

Except that since he's already been accepted to a med school, it will make schools very hesitant to accept him a second time around.
 
What sort of girlfriend insists you give up your whole career for her? Seems somewhat selfish--does she know what it means to be an IMG, and the disadvantages associated with it?
 
lmfao. When you break up what will you do? Kill yourself?

And what will you do when you want to practice in the US and cannot? KIll yourself?

Those are my 2 questions for you to ponder
 
kkendric100 said:
Hello all,

I'm about to start my first year of medical school in Nebraska, but I've recently decided to make a major change in my life. I've been dating an Australian for some time and we've decided it would be best for me to move to Australia as soon as possible.

I realize I would be giving up a lot, considering how hard I worked to get into a MD program, but I've decided that this is what I need to do.

I'm trying to find answers but information on this specific circumstance is scarce. Does anyone know anything about an American med student transferring to an Australian medical school? I realize I will probably have to start over from year one. Would I be able to apply for Australian medical schools while simultaneously enrolled in an American medical schools?

My education background:
-Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego CA, May 2012
-GPA: 3.97 (USA), 6.95 (AUS)
-MCAT taken in September 2011: 31Q (11/10/10)

Any advice would help! Thank you!
Click to expand...

She is not special, and there are plenty of other girls out there that require less. Do not give up your career goals for her, and do not think you can do both. You will spend more of your life doing your career than doing her. You are young, and medicine is a long journey that stunts your life.

Go to medical school here, and see her when you can. If that is not good enough for her, she is not the one.
 
Well, this thread has turned into something that I wasn't expecting.

Just to clarify, I wasn't asking if people thought I should do it or not. I was just seeking honest, helpful advice from anyone that knows anything about this subject. Most of you know nothing, and I advise that you stop posting in threads that you know nothing about.

I've realized that this was a terrible place to look for advice, and I will look elsewhere. A big thanks to those who actually offered useful information, I really appreciate it.

To all you arrogant chauvinists who think I'm a male giving up my dreams for a girl I barely know... shut up. Stop posting. If you have anything helpful to say, please send me a private message.

Now please, let this thread die.

OP
 
I'm ashamed any of you guys are actually telling this kid ow he can actually do this.

Lets be honest here, you've never even touched this chick.

If you happened to have actually met her I think your smart enough to have mentioned that to eliminate the catfish esque vibe your post has. But since you haven't meet her we know your smart enough to not mention that, so you can actually get sound advice.

Mark my words if you go to Australia you will hate yourself for the rest of your life.

And let's say you meet her, maybe went to undergrad with her and she moved back, because I've know this to happen before. If so then she's either an idiot herself or she hates you personally, because surely she's not in medical school surely she does not understand the work you put in to get where you are and as someone who supposedly loves you, she'll make a bum wife.

Go get laid man, life's about more than finding love, find yourself first and love will adorn you like a apple drops from the tree when it is perfectly ready.
 
You think life is like tv or movies, and your right, but you choose your flick in your life's show, your choosing catfish bro. And that never ends well.
 
kkendric100 said:
Well, this thread has turned into something that I wasn't expecting.

Just to clarify, I wasn't asking if people thought I should do it or not. I was just seeking honest, helpful advice from anyone that knows anything about this subject. Most of you know nothing, and I advise that you stop posting in threads that you know nothing about.

I've realized that this was a terrible place to look for advice, and I will look elsewhere. A big thanks to those who actually offered useful information, I really appreciate it.

To all you arrogant chauvinists who think I'm a male giving up my dreams for a girl I barely know... shut up. Stop posting. If you have anything helpful to say, please send me a private message.

Now please, let this thread die.

OP
Click to expand...

But Guise, I am speshul! I hear about all doze storys on teh interwebz but it can't hapn to meh!

OP, what color is your girl's hair? Do you have a pic of yourself with her?

I think in commemoration of Mr. Catfish here, we should keep this thread alive.
 
OP - what does your GF do for a living? Why can't SHE be the one to move to the US? You already got into US med school, which is a HUGE accomplishment. I just feel like its going to be such a hassle to get into an Aussie school and then hope for an Aussie residency...you could end up killing your career. Medicine is a difficult field to break into no matter what country you go to just due to the educational differences and the competitiveness of the field in general.
 
Could a US Pre-med apply to Australian med schools in hopes of having a career in Australia? I'm assuming placing into Aussie residencies is fairly easy from an Aussie med school!
 
BioBeaver said:
Could a US Pre-med apply to Australian med schools in hopes of having a career in Australia? I'm assuming placing into Aussie residencies is fairly easy from an Aussie med school!
Click to expand...

You would be wrong. Very hard for a non Australian citizen to get a spot. There are plenty of schools that churn out FMG's there, but they don't take them for residency.
 
eastcoastdr said:
OP - what does your GF do for a living? Why can't SHE be the one to move to the US? You already got into US med school, which is a HUGE accomplishment. I just feel like its going to be such a hassle to get into an Aussie school and then hope for an Aussie residency...you could end up killing your career. Medicine is a difficult field to break into no matter what country you go to just due to the educational differences and the competitiveness of the field in general.
Click to expand...

👍👍
 
Ok OP if your life is meant for staying there then look into how to be an Australian citizen. It seems quite difficult (much more so than US citizenship, which really puts a spin on the immigration debate); however, I believe marrying him/her would definitely expedite things. Talk about your options of pursuing a dual-citizenship (allowed for both Australia and US) however recognize this is a multi-year process and may not even happen. Residency over there as an IMG for them isn't worth your time to even apply and the US will not be much of an option for you (though there will always be DO schools to apply for).

If you're not willing to marry this person very soon (preferably over there) than what you're doing is idiotic.
 
kkendric100 said:
Well, this thread has turned into something that I wasn't expecting.

Just to clarify, I wasn't asking if people thought I should do it or not. I was just seeking honest, helpful advice from anyone that knows anything about this subject. Most of you know nothing, and I advise that you stop posting in threads that you know nothing about.

I've realized that this was a terrible place to look for advice, and I will look elsewhere. A big thanks to those who actually offered useful information, I really appreciate it.

To all you arrogant chauvinists who think I'm a male giving up my dreams for a girl I barely know... shut up. Stop posting. If you have anything helpful to say, please send me a private message.

Now please, let this thread die.

OP
Click to expand...

Seriously. Some of the people on here, and the way they tend to give advice, just total *******s. Honestly, to think that these people are going to be counseling sick people with very anxious questions and may need to be informed or even persuaded in a certain way based on what you think might be optimal for them from a medical point of view – I shake my head at the lack of sensitivity some of these posters display.

Just complete disregard and blindness to how they talk to somebody, considering the point of view the other side is coming from and how they might receive it.

Some of these posters are total *******s!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

1
Applying to North American Med School From European?
Replies
2
Views
537
Goro
Goro
D
  • Locked
Premed --> Med Student
Replies
31
Views
2K
deleted969405
D
D
International student at American Medical School ERAS Question
Replies
3
Views
1K
NotAProgDirector
NotAProgDirector
U
  • Locked
Med school apologizes to students "triggered" by a test question
4 5 6 7 8
Replies
365
Views
18K
PapaGuava
PapaGuava
H
  • Locked
What to do summer before med school
Replies
12
Views
2K
gyngyn
gyngyn
Top