Caribbean schools

[dhageremtp]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am wondering a couple of things.....from what I have read, most people say look at the big three, AUC, ROSS, and SGU. Is that correct, St. George University, Ross University School of Medicine, and American University of the Caribbean?

Next, if I am married, can my spouse move to the Caribbean with me, while I am attending school? Will she be able to work there while I am in school (this could mean the differance in DO or going to the Caribbean)? Next, I am seriously just wanting to do Family Medicine or Family Practice, wondering how that works with Caribbean med schools? Would I complete my two years of basic sciences there at the school, then the next two years in the US doing rotations? How hard is it for a FMG to get into a FM/FP residency?

Right now my thoughts are to apply to 2 US Med Schools and 2 Caribbean Schools (or DO schools). Just wondering if anyone could answer these questions for me to assist me in my decision making. Thanks,

 

[Luck]

I am wondering a couple of things.....from what I have read, most people say look at the big three, AUC, ROSS, and SGU. Is that correct, St. George University, Ross University School of Medicine, and American University of the Caribbean?

Next, if I am married, can my spouse move to the Caribbean with me, while I am attending school? Will she be able to work there while I am in school (this could mean the differance in DO or going to the Caribbean)? Next, I am seriously just wanting to do Family Medicine or Family Practice, wondering how that works with Caribbean med schools? Would I complete my two years of basic sciences there at the school, then the next two years in the US doing rotations? How hard is it for a FMG to get into a FM/FP residency?

Right now my thoughts are to apply to 2 US Med Schools and 2 Caribbean Schools (or DO schools). Just wondering if anyone could answer these questions for me to assist me in my decision making. Thanks,

I would advise you not to apply to the caribbean especially since you have a wife. Be advised that the caribbean has third world country status, and some places are outright dangerous to have a family. If you were a single young student I would say it wouldn't matter.

In this case however, with a family, I would advise you to apply to MD and DO schools in the US because you're family's security should be an utmost concern.

Go to http://www.aaimg.com/misst.html to learn more about the caribbean schools. There is a section which discusses how some schools have a deficiency in how secure the place is for family.

 

[Skip Intro]

Before I answer your questions (and I will), I'd remind anyone reading this to do a search. A lot of these topics have been covered ad nauseum in other threads. Some not, so here goes...

I am wondering a couple of things.....from what I have read, most people say look at the big three, AUC, ROSS, and SGU. Is that correct, St. George University, Ross University School of Medicine, and American University of the Caribbean?

Correct.

Next, if I am married, can my spouse move to the Caribbean with me, while I am attending school?

Of course!

Will she be able to work there while I am in school (this could mean the differance in DO or going to the Caribbean)?

Well, unless she works at the campus bookstore if you end up at Ross, she's going to have a hard job finding a job in Dominica. Don't expect her to find an office job or anything. Don't know about St. Maarten or Grenada.

Next, I am seriously just wanting to do Family Medicine or Family Practice, wondering how that works with Caribbean med schools?

No sweat. You complete your undergrad medical degree at one of the three schools, come back to the U.S. after you take and pass all of your exams, and the enter the Match ( http://www.nrmp.org/ ). FP is considered a "non-competitive" (i.e., easy to get) residency. You shouldn't have any problems if you can make it through school without any difficulties.

Would I complete my two years of basic sciences there at the school, then the next two years in the US doing rotations?

Yes. Each school is slightly different. Ross, if you don't fail any classes and do well in your pre-clinical courses, is the shortest amount of time in the Caribbean. It's also, arguably (and at least in my book), the least "fun" island to be on while you're doing your school work. Just my opinion.

How hard is it for a FMG to get into a FM/FP residency?

Not hard at all.

Right now my thoughts are to apply to 2 US Med Schools and 2 Caribbean Schools (or DO schools). Just wondering if anyone could answer these questions for me to assist me in my decision making. Thanks,

Generally, this is the answer you're going to get:

(1) Apply to U.S. allopathy (M.D.) programs;
(2) Apply to U.S. osteopathy (D.O.) programs;
(3) Go to one of the "big three" if you don't get in to (1) or (2) - and apply to/consider attending the "big three" in this order: St. Georges, Ross, then AUC.

Having said all of that, I am currently a fourth-year at Ross with no regrets and, yes, I would do it all over again given the choice.

Good luck.

-Skip

 

[Luck]

(1) Apply to U.S. allopathy (M.D.) programs;
(2) Apply to U.S. osteopathy (D.O.) programs;
(3) Go to one of the "big three" if you don't get in to (1) or (2) - and apply to/consider attending the "big three" in this order: St. Georges, Ross, then AUC.

Having said all of that, I am currently a fourth-year at Ross with no regrets and, yes, I would do it all over again given the choice.

Good luck.

-Skip

I like your answer and honesty. I have a question though. Why is AUC always listed the last of the big three below Ross. I know that SGU is usually number one but what makes Ross better than AUC?

 

[Skip Intro]

I would advise you not to apply to the caribbean especially since you have a wife. Be advised that the caribbean has third world country status, and some places are outright dangerous to have a family. If you were a single young student I would say it wouldn't matter.

That's just nonsense.

I was at Ross, arguable the "worst" and "most dangerous" island of the three, and there were tons of spouses - with children - there. Never heard a complaint or bad thing happening to any spouses or children. In fact, most loved their experience there (a lot more than the stressed-out students, in fact).

Trust me, there are neighborhoods here in Brooklyn that are far less civil than the worst shanties in Portsmouth. Believe that!

-Skip

 

[Skip Intro]

I like your answer and honesty. I have a question though. Why is AUC always listed the last of the big three below Ross. I know that SGU is usually number one but what makes Ross better than AUC?

I rank them solely on the quality of their clinical rotations and their placement of grads into choice residencies.

-Skip

 

[Luck]

I rank them solely on the quality of their clinical rotations and their placement of grads into choice residencies.

-Skip

Well, all I know is that if I had a family, I would keep them in the US and do whatever it took to stay there. Better to be safe than sorry.

As for your ranking, so then I assume that Ross places their grads into better residencies and has better clinical rotations than AUC. Is that true?

 

[Skip Intro]

Well, all I know is that if I had a family, I would keep them in the US and do whatever it took to stay there. Better to be safe than sorry.

Well, that's your prerogative. But, you shouldn't attempt to dissaude people from doing something of which you have no firsthand knowledge.

As for your ranking, so then I assume that Ross places their grads into better residencies and has better clinical rotations than AUC. Is that true?

On the whole, yes. Currently, it's: SGU > Ross > AUC. But, AUC has made vast strides in the past year in getting their students into quality U.S. rotations. So, that's why I would now include them in the "big three", whereas a couple of years ago I wouldn't have mentioned them at all as a viable choice (based on availability of U.S. rotations and strong residency-placement track record).

-Skip

 

[Aucdoctobe]

Skip has done an excellent job.

The most encouraging thing you can do is contact the alumni in your area. Talk with them. It will really encourage you.

I don't know about the other schools, but AUC is great for family. There is a spouses club (check my thread called pictures, pictures, pictures). The spouses (mostly women) are a very close-knit group.

AUC has recently gone through many changes. At current, there is a shortage of clinicals in the United States. They are in works with 4 hospitals in the US to get more clinical spots. Most students are going to Ireland for clinicals until they add more spots (soon). I personally don't mind Ireland. All the clinicals are approved and the students seem to love it.

This is because of record admission and only a 9% (attrition rate). Even two years ago, they had an attrition rate around 25 to 33%. No longer. The university just wasn't prepared for this.

But hey, many students are telling stories about having the times of their lives in Sint Marteen. I'm going to the island three weeks early to become certified in diving. I'm joining the scuba diving group. I think it's kind of cool. There are a lot of activities for the students. Plus, the students are very close.

Okay, I'll shut up now. I don't know about the other schools, but I would definitely talk to the alumni. They will tell you the truth.

 

[dhageremtp]

How could I find FMG's in my area? Anyway thats best to go about this?

 

[flighterdoc]

How could I find FMG's in my area? Anyway thats best to go about this?

Generally the schools will tell you who's willing to speak to you. I know that SGU has a book they send out with the application listing physicians in practice, and I think AUC has something on their website.

You can always call the schools office and ask.

 

[Aucdoctobe]

Generally the schools will tell you who's willing to speak to you. I know that SGU has a book they send out with the application listing physicians in practice, and I think AUC has something on their website.

You can always call the schools office and ask.

Right on target!

 

[Skip Intro]

Bumping a post I made ten years ago. Interesting to re-read that from the mind and thinking of a younger "me". Bit of a time capsule, but at least I've been consistent. That should be worth something.

The only difference now is that I would not individually rank the schools. I don't think that was fair. Each has their own and slightly different track record and advantages/disadvantages.

(Ahh... the things you do when you're bored and on-call. Yes, call doesn't end when residency ends... unfortunately.)

-Skip

 

[Top Gun]

When I was at SGU, many students brought their spouses from the US. A lot of the spouses found work in the Educational Services Department at my school.

 

[Mr.MG]

Bumping a post I made ten years ago. Interesting to re-read that from the mind and thinking of a younger "me". Bit of a time capsule, but at least I've been consistent. That should be worth something.

The only difference now is that I would not individually rank the schools. I don't think that was fair. Each has their own and slightly different track record and advantages/disadvantages.

(Ahh... the things you do when you're bored and on-call. Yes, call doesn't end when residency ends... unfortunately.)

-Skip

Would you still agree with the sentiments that you expressed 10 years ago that a non competitive residency such as FP or IM would be attainable to a grad of the Big 4?

 

[Skip Intro]

Would you still agree with the sentiments that you expressed 10 years ago that a non competitive residency such as FP or IM would be attainable to a grad of the Big 4?

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/months-at-ross-medical-school.1085561/#post-15503854