Choose country and medical school, 41 years old

[doc_career_chng]

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Hello!

I am 41 years old. I am a white male from Eastern Europe. I have a master's degree in IT and also completed a bachelor's degree in biochemistry a few years ago. For the last few years I have worked as a programmer. Despite my advanced age, I want to get a medical education, become an endocrinologist or oncologist.

I have completed a three-year bachelor's degree in biochemistry several years ago, with poor grades. If necessary, I can obtain a letter of recommendation from the professor who taught me organic chemistry and spectrometry. Also, I might be able to get letters of recommendation from one or two more of my former professors. Unfortunately, during my training as a biochemist, I was not able to publish a single article.

I don't have enough money to get a medical degree in the USA. However, I have enough money to obtain medical education in some other country.

I would love to eventually practice medicine in the US.

I'm thinking about earning a 4 year medical degree in the Philippines and taking the United States Medical Licensing Exam. Is it a good plan? Maybe I should choose some other country?

I wouldn't really want to work as a paramedic, or as a surgeon or anesthesiologist, because I'm afraid I won't be sturdy enough for it. However, as a last resort, I can try to enter medicine as a paramedic.

I'll appreciate any advice you give me in this thread.

 

[gyngyn]

When the NRMP published outcomes for IMG's by country of medical education (2015), the Philippines had very poor outcomes (even for US IMG's). Attend medical school in the country in which you hope to practice.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Take loans like everyone else tbh. You're unlikely to match to the US from other countries.

 

[gyngyn]

Take loans like everyone else tbh. You're unlikely to match to the US from other countries.

International students are ineligible for Title IV loans and private loans will usually require a co-signer...

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

International students are ineligible for Title IV loans and private loans will usually require a co-signer...

Ah I didn't see he was Eastern European. I'd imagine going to school in his own country is prob his best bet in general, then.

 

[BritainKittenMittens]

lol everyone wants the US physician salary without the US physician debt

 

[Dral]

I hate to say it, but your age is likely a strike against you for practicing in the US.

I'm not saying it's not possible, but IMG status is a 'strike against you' for practicing in the US. Your age is likely another strike against you. Unless you have really stellar scores, an excellent app, and other remarkable things going for you; you will likely be near the bottom of the list for invites for residency spot interviews.