Caribbean vet schools?

[ppfizenm]

Hey. Fellow SDNer from the pre-allo side of the medicine. I was wondering what, if any, were the downsides of going to vet school in the Caribbean? Is it bad like it is for allopathic doctors, or is not generally considered a big deal?

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[ppfizenm]

My friend from college is going and I want a little information on it from people who would know more than I would on the subject.

 

[NStarz]

Caribbean vet schools do not carry the same stigma as caribbean med schools. There are so few vet schools in the county (28) that it merely adds to the number of graduating vets. Since vets do not need to pursue a residency program, there is also not a problem of Caribbean grads matching into a competitive residency. I believe there is also some attrition down in the islands, but it appears to be much less than med schools. Most vets are absolutely fine with hiring a Caribbean grad and they are just as capable when they enter practice.

 

[bearito]

One of the vets I used to work for went to Ross, and she said she went there because she didn't get in in the US, but ended up loving it. She said the only downside was the extreme amount of exams she had to do to practice in the US, but not sure if that's still the case.

 

[NStarz]

One of the vets I used to work for went to Ross, and she said she went there because she didn't get in in the US, but ended up loving it. She said the only downside was the extreme amount of exams she had to do to practice in the US, but not sure if that's still the case.

Not anymore 🙂 SGU and Ross were recently accredited--so it's only the NAVLE.

 

[ppfizenm]

Thanks guys.

 

[NYGXLVIChamps]

Having spent some time in a Caribbean vet school I strongly recommend gathering as much information as possible before making this life changing decision. Feel free to PM me if you would like.

 

[ppfizenm]

Having spent some time in a Caribbean vet school I strongly recommend gathering as much information as possible before making this life changing decision. Feel free to PM me if you would like.

I'll be in med school next by August so it really doesn't affect me. I was just wondering if I should tell her to re-apply or it would be fine

To reinforce all of your life choices to become vets I present my cat Sam

 

[PetPony]

Which one is she going to? There are some people here that are in the Caribbean and depending on which school, we could maybe direct you to them.

 

[PetPony]

Here is a blog of a forum member that is attending St. George right now.

Doctor in the Sand

I love her blog and it's the reason I am contemplating applying if I can't go to vet school in the US.

 

[ppfizenm]

Which one is she going to? There are some people here that are in the Caribbean and depending on which school, we could maybe direct you to them.

Whichever one is in Grenada

 

[jmo1012]

Whichever one is in Grenada

That's St George's, however the only interaction I've had with the medical school is the current 2nd term med student i live with and that's been a bit of a nightmare...

the only thing i can tell ya is that the vet school here is fabulous 😀

 

[PetPony]

Whichever one is in Grenada

That would be St. George then. Maybe you can send her the link or even read it yourself? I think it's very informative.

 

[PetPony]

That's St George's, however the only interaction I've had with the medical school is the current 2nd term med student i live with and that's been a bit of a nightmare...

the only thing i can tell ya is that the vet school here is fabulous 😀

I knew your name started with a j, but I couldn't think of the whole thing!

The poster is asking about a friend who wants to go to St. George anyways, so I figured you'd be a good person to talk to.

 

[ppfizenm]

I knew your name started with a j, but I couldn't think of the whole thing!

The poster is asking about a friend who wants to go to St. George anyways, so I figured you'd be a good person to talk to.

Caribbean MD's are stigmatized (and not without reason) by US MD's. Since my knowledge is limited to US MD schools I was curious as to whether a similar stigma existed for vet students. It seems like it isn't though which is nice hear.

 

[TigerWillow]

Caribbean MD's are stigmatized (and not without reason) by US MD's. Since my knowledge is limited to US MD schools I was curious as to whether a similar stigma existed for vet students. It seems like it isn't though which is nice hear.

From what I hear from vets, no, no stigma. Just harder to finish, and perhaps those are the best vets who GRADUATE.

 

[Emiloo4]

I definitely wouldn't say there's "No stigma". I think we all like to look through our rose colored glasses and say there isn't one because we are very supportive of each other, but unfortunately there still is a small stigma (not that I agree with it). It has gotten much better since some of the schools received accreditation and I know the schools are awesome, but the stigma will always exist slightly. For the same reason that med school ones exist (lower GPA acceptances) which we all know does NOT mean you won't make an awesome doctor or vet. However, the stigma is much less associated with vet schools because as mentioned above, there are far fewer med schools. Again, not that I agree with any of it. I know plenty of people with low GPAs who would be MUCH better doctors than some of the 4.0ers out there!

As far as your friend goes, he/she will get a great education at any school, but I would recommend at least trying for one that is accredited, so there is less to go through when they graduate. Ross offers online seminars which are very helpful. And save up those pennies! It's expensive down there!

 

[sunnex3]

i don't know how people are ignoring this, but your cat is freaking adorable ppfizenm 😍 like seriously

 

[jmo1012]

I definitely wouldn't say there's "No stigma". I think we all like to look through our rose colored glasses and say there isn't one because we are very supportive of each other, but unfortunately there still is a small stigma (not that I agree with it). It has gotten much better since some of the schools received accreditation and I know the schools are awesome, but the stigma will always exist slightly. For the same reason that med school ones exist (lower GPA acceptances) which we all know does NOT mean you won't make an awesome doctor or vet. However, the stigma is much less associated with vet schools because as mentioned above, there are far fewer VET med schools. Again, not that I agree with any of it. I know plenty of people with low GPAs who would be MUCH better doctors than some of the 4.0ers out there!

As far as your friend goes, he/she will get a great education at any school, but I would recommend at least trying for one that is accredited, so there is less to go through when they graduate. Ross offers online seminars which are very helpful. And save up those pennies! It's expensive down there!

FWIW, not every student at a caribbean vet school had a lower GPA (know from experience-some of my classmates had stellar GPAs and jaw dropping experiences, some times i think it really just is a roll the dice adcom game!)

med school roommate mentioned the stigma in convo one time (watching her study and such makes me terrified of doctors now though)

and the cost thing, ehh. depends on your life style. the meddies seem more attached to their possessions and such though in general here (though there are definitely vet students that make me raise an eyebrow!)

 

[TigerWillow]

i don't know how people are ignoring this, but your cat is freaking adorable ppfizenm 😍 like seriously

Didn't ignore, just forgot!!! So cute!

 

[Emiloo4]

FWIW, not every student at a caribbean vet school had a lower GPA (know from experience-some of my classmates had stellar GPAs and jaw dropping experiences, some times i think it really just is a roll the dice adcom game!)

Oh I know that, but I'm just stating the reason for some stigmas. Personally, if it wasn't so expensive, I actually thought about going to Ross as one of my first choices.

 

[NStarz]

As for whether she should reapply or not, it really depends on the reason(s) she didn't get into a US school this time around.

Are her numbers good? (GPA + GRE). GRE is generally easier to fix than GPA. If she has a low GPA, she should look at getting residency in a state that has a GPA forgiveness option. If she has a low GRE, she should study and retake (and possibly do better on the new format, anyway).

Does she have a breadth and depth of experience? Schools like to see large animal (particularly, food animal) experience, so if she is lacking there, it would be a good idea to round out her application. She should try to get a variety of experiences but also have a good amount of experience in the area that interests her. This is also a relatively easy category to fix.

Other than that, it's a numbers game beyond personal statement and LORs.

What state is she a resident of? That has a huge deal to do with acceptance to vet school, and if she is an OOS resident at every school she applied to, she needs to apply to more schools and be smart about where she applies to. Some schools take very few OOS residents (GA) and some take more (Penn, Tufts, Kansas, for example), so she needs to apply to schools that she has the best chance of getting acceptance to. If she is not a resident of a state with a vet school (or a contract seat with a vet school), then she may consider moving to another state. If she had an IS school this time around and she wants to give it another go, apply to some OOS schools as well that she is competitive for. Some people get into OOS schools but not into their IS schools.

HTH.

 

[Emiloo4]

As for whether she should reapply or not, it really depends on the reason(s) she didn't get into a US school this time around.

Are her numbers good? (GPA + GRE). GRE is generally easier to fix than GPA. If she has a low GPA, she should look at getting residency in a state that has a GPA forgiveness option. If she has a low GRE, she should study and retake (and possibly do better on the new format, anyway).

Does she have a breadth and depth of experience? Schools like to see large animal (particularly, food animal) experience, so if she is lacking there, it would be a good idea to round out her application. She should try to get a variety of experiences but also have a good amount of experience in the area that interests her. This is also a relatively easy category to fix.

Other than that, it's a numbers game beyond personal statement and LORs.

What state is she a resident of? That has a huge deal to do with acceptance to vet school, and if she is an OOS resident at every school she applied to, she needs to apply to more schools and be smart about where she applies to. Some schools take very few OOS residents (GA) and some take more (Penn, Tufts, Kansas, for example), so she needs to apply to schools that she has the best chance of getting acceptance to. If she is not a resident of a state with a vet school (or a contract seat with a vet school), then she may consider moving to another state. If she had an IS school this time around and she wants to give it another go, apply to some OOS schools as well that she is competitive for. Some people get into OOS schools but not into their IS schools.

HTH.

+1 👍👍

 

[jmo1012]

As for whether she should reapply or not, it really depends on the reason(s) she didn't get into a US school this time around.

Are her numbers good? (GPA + GRE). GRE is generally easier to fix than GPA. If she has a low GPA, she should look at getting residency in a state that has a GPA forgiveness option. If she has a low GRE, she should study and retake (and possibly do better on the new format, anyway).

Does she have a breadth and depth of experience? Schools like to see large animal (particularly, food animal) experience, so if she is lacking there, it would be a good idea to round out her application. She should try to get a variety of experiences but also have a good amount of experience in the area that interests her. This is also a relatively easy category to fix.

Other than that, it's a numbers game beyond personal statement and LORs.

What state is she a resident of? That has a huge deal to do with acceptance to vet school, and if she is an OOS resident at every school she applied to, she needs to apply to more schools and be smart about where she applies to. Some schools take very few OOS residents (GA) and some take more (Penn, Tufts, Kansas, for example), so she needs to apply to schools that she has the best chance of getting acceptance to. If she is not a resident of a state with a vet school (or a contract seat with a vet school), then she may consider moving to another state. If she had an IS school this time around and she wants to give it another go, apply to some OOS schools as well that she is competitive for. Some people get into OOS schools but not into their IS schools.

HTH.

med school-->MCAT (and while i'm willing to bet GRE is easier to fix than MCAT, MCAT is still probably easier to fix than GPA-dunno, wouldnt touch that with a 10ft pole!)

 

[NStarz]

med school-->MCAT (and while i'm willing to bet GRE is easier to fix than MCAT, MCAT is still probably easier to fix than GPA-dunno, wouldnt touch that with a 10ft pole!)

Yes? But the OP was asking about a friend who was applying to veterinary school.

 

[PetPony]

med school-->MCAT (and while i'm willing to bet GRE is easier to fix than MCAT, MCAT is still probably easier to fix than GPA-dunno, wouldnt touch that with a 10ft pole!)

She'd be applying to VET school though, so it doesn't matter if the MCAT was harder.. 😉

 

[PetPony]

Yes? But the OP was asking about a friend who was applying to veterinary school.

...beaten once again.

 

[NStarz]

...beaten once again.

😀 Essentially the same post.

 

[PetPony]

😀 Essentially the same post.

Exactly.

 

[jmo1012]

Yes? But the OP was asking about a friend who was applying to veterinary school.

She'd be applying to VET school though, so it doesn't matter if the MCAT was harder.. 😉

hahaha ya know this whole time i thought we were discussing sending a friend to med school down here this actually explains a lot now ...its midterms week 😳

in that case, the vet school here is lovely! great school, great people, great place!

 

[ANY2003]

I'm probably going to get death threats for posting this, but there definitely IS a stigma for Caribbean schools. Many vets, hospital managers, and clients look down on a degree from a Caribbean school. I've seen it many times. I've worked at 4 different vet hospitals. Some of the vets I've worked for do look down on those schools and have made disparaging remarks about them. I've also worked for vets who went to the Caribbean and have seen the judgments on clients faces when they asked what vet school they attended. I'm not saying it's justified or fair, but it is real. Not everyone thinks this way, but SOME people do. And if one of those judgemental people happen to be a potential employer, you may be at a disadvantage. It's unfortunate, but until people realize that the programs overseas provide quality education, this stigma will continue to exist in some people's minds.

 

[lostbunny]

I'm probably going to get death threats for posting this, but there definitely IS a stigma for Caribbean schools. Many vets, hospital managers, and clients look down on a degree from a Caribbean school. I've seen it many times. I've worked at 4 different vet hospitals. Some of the vets I've worked for do look down on those schools and have made disparaging remarks about them. I've also worked for vets who went to the Caribbean and have seen the judgments on clients faces when they asked what vet school they attended. I'm not saying it's justified or fair, but it is real. Not everyone thinks this way, but SOME people do. And if one of those judgemental people happen to be a potential employer, you may be at a disadvantage. It's unfortunate, but until people realize that the programs overseas provide quality education, this stigma will continue to exist in some people's minds.

This may be true- but the AVMA tag on them would help change this, no? I don't even think the AVMA grads have finished school yet (correct me if I'm wrong!), so once they come out they'll all be on the same playing field since they'll have just written the NAVLE and come fresh outta school... ?

also, the MCAT wasn't that bad when I wrote it- but then again I did really bad on it lol....

 

[equinerider26]

I'm probably going to get death threats for posting this, but there definitely IS a stigma for Caribbean schools. Many vets, hospital managers, and clients look down on a degree from a Caribbean school. I've seen it many times. I've worked at 4 different vet hospitals. Some of the vets I've worked for do look down on those schools and have made disparaging remarks about them. I've also worked for vets who went to the Caribbean and have seen the judgments on clients faces when they asked what vet school they attended. I'm not saying it's justified or fair, but it is real. Not everyone thinks this way, but SOME people do. And if one of those judgemental people happen to be a potential employer, you may be at a disadvantage. It's unfortunate, but until people realize that the programs overseas provide quality education, this stigma will continue to exist in some people's minds.

I would also think that the reason clients seem judgmental about where their vet attended is because they know about the med school stigma, and believe it's the same for vet schools.

There probably is some stigma, as you hear of students who didn't get in to their IS or an OOS going abroad. But as jmo1012 said, there's also a number of students who have stellar statistics, and just chose to go abroad for the experience.

I dunno, I feel like as long as you can pass your boards/NAVLE and prove you're a competent doctor, there should be no reason for judgment/discrimination.

 

[kakurubird]

This may be true- but the AVMA tag on them would help change this, no? I don't even think the AVMA grads have finished school yet (correct me if I'm wrong!), so once they come out they'll all be on the same playing field since they'll have just written the NAVLE and come fresh outta school... ?

also, the MCAT wasn't that bad when I wrote it- but then again I did really bad on it lol....

I was under the impression (and I'm remembering this from when I first read about them being newly accredited, so my memory could very well be wrong) that everyone that graduated after the schools received the full accreditation only had to take the NAVLE, but now I can't find where I read this and my google powers are failing me. If anyone has anything definite, or any Ross/SGU folks who know more than I do want to chime in, I'm really curious now that I can't find anything definitive.

 

[SnowyRox]

I'm probably going to get death threats for posting this, but there definitely IS a stigma for Caribbean schools. Many vets, hospital managers, and clients look down on a degree from a Caribbean school. I've seen it many times. I've worked at 4 different vet hospitals. Some of the vets I've worked for do look down on those schools and have made disparaging remarks about them. I've also worked for vets who went to the Caribbean and have seen the judgments on clients faces when they asked what vet school they attended. I'm not saying it's justified or fair, but it is real. Not everyone thinks this way, but SOME people do. And if one of those judgemental people happen to be a potential employer, you may be at a disadvantage. It's unfortunate, but until people realize that the programs overseas provide quality education, this stigma will continue to exist in some people's minds.

Death threats? I hope note!

I think you have a realistic view. Even with accreditation, there is some stigma attached to studying in the Caribbean. It's not as big a deal as for the med students b/c vet students don't need to find an internship & residency post-graduation. At many places, given two identical applicants, the US grad is likely to get the position over a Caribbean grad. But really, when are two applicants identical? Carib grads might have to work a little harder to show everyone how awesome they are, but it's definitely doable. I would be hesitant to go there if I wanted to specialize right out of vet school, but otherwise it's probably worth going there rather than waiting another year.

 

[jmo1012]

I was under the impression (and I'm remembering this from when I first read about them being newly accredited, so my memory could very well be wrong) that everyone that graduated after the schools received the full accreditation only had to take the NAVLE, but now I can't find where I read this and my google powers are failing me. If anyone has anything definite, or any Ross/SGU folks who know more than I do want to chime in, I'm really curious now that I can't find anything definitive.

yup, just the NAVLE and state requirements for AVMA accredited schools.

no AVMA accredidation:
-PAVE (in school-passing=license in PAVE states only) + NAVLE (during clinics) + state requirements
-ECFVG (post graduation-passing=license for all states) + NAVLE + state requirements

 

[kakurubird]

yup, just the NAVLE and state requirements for AVMA accredited schools.

no AVMA accredidation:
-PAVE (in school-passing=license in PAVE states only) + NAVLE (during clinics) + state requirements
-ECFVG (post graduation-passing=license for all states) + NAVLE + state requirements

Does this start with just those that began after the accreditation was received (so, your class, right?) or will those who will graduate sooner but began before the school was fully accredited have to do the NAVLE only?

 

[jmo1012]

Does this start with just those that began after the accreditation was received (so, your class, right?) or will those who will graduate sooner but began before the school was fully accredited have to do the NAVLE only?

it applies to everyone who graduated after the site visit last april, so it technically applies to the june 2011 grads (but last fall's 6th, 7th, and 8th termers all took the PAVE, it's just this spring that people stopped taking the PAVE)