Well, I think most people wouldn't consider Caribbean schools to be their preferred setting for medical education, with the exception of the few who have extraordinary experiences or viewpoints. No, these schools aren't premium microbreweries for doctors, but they do produce competent doctors; that's what matters to the majority of US students who attend them. It's an opportunity to practice medicine, to pursue their dream.
These types of schools tend to give a significant pool of applicants a chance to prove themselves in medical school, as long as you hand them a big, fat check. It seems that some entering classes are as large as 600 people. They do not provide many of the luxuries of US schools, and probably provide limited academic "help"; from my research, it seems that you are in many ways on your own in the midst of large classes. Some thrive, others don't. In fact, it's my impression that a significant number of people don't make it. Yes, there are likely top students in these schools, too, and every year, some go into highly-competitive residencies.
For the most part, however, I am led to believe that Carribean medical students are at a disadvantage in comparison with their US counterparts. They have much more to prove, don't have as many academic resources available to them, and the residency matching process is probably more challenging for them. Does that mean that Carribean medical students are worse doctors than their US cousins? I don't think so. Do they need to work harder, in general, to achieve similar results? Likely. This won't bother most Caribbean students, however, since they are getting a chance to practice medicine.
Since there isn't a governing body that regulates Carribean schools, the quality varies greatly, from very bad to US-equivalent education. First off, I wouldn't decide to go this route unless you've exhausted every reasonable possibility to matriculate into a US program. If you must go this route, pick the Caribbean schools that have been around for a while, who have affiliations with US hospitals and pre-set 3rd/4th year clinical rotations in the US, who have degrees that are accepted by most US states, and who have a decent match list. You named a few good ones. I've heard that St. George's University is pretty good, indeed.
As far as how graduates are viewed by their peers, there isn't much I can say, since I'm not presently a physician. However, from my limited contact, I would say that while there are jerks who will judge Caribbean grads in a negative light (there is always this crowd in any profession), there doesn't seem to be any real problem professionally. After you graduate, it's mostly about your performance, anyway. If you are a good clinician, then you are good clinician, no matter where you went to school.
In terms of sub-par Caribbean programs, well, that might just make things more hellish. Imagine not having set clinical rotations when you reach MS3; yeah, not good. Don't attend them, unless you have no choice.
I know that there is a Caribbean thread on here, but I wanted to ask an unbiased group as to how they view Caribbean grads? Have you worked with them, are they as knowledgable, are they looked down upon, etc.
In addition if things dont go that well for me here in the US, after hours and hours of research I've concluded that Saint George, Saba, American University, and far lastly Ross. As you may of guessed I would appreciate your comments on those as well.
My soon to be fatherinlaw graduated from San Padro and had some difficulties passing the USMLE part 1, he blamed it on the school, I think that all graduate level work is largely dependent on you, not the school but thats my 2 cents. In addition, I dont know if San Pedros coursework was aimed towards US liscensure.
And please dont take me as a slacker, I am bot looking for any easy roads I just want to have a B or C plan. Thanks, and Happy New Year to everyone🙂
Glückliches Neujahr!
