DukeMed vs University of Cambridge (England)

[europeresearch]

I am an international student who has been in the US for the past 5 years. Due to a previous unsuccessful medical school application cycle, this time I decided to try an apply abroad just in case. I am European, so I thought that applying to school in the UK would be a good call.

Fast forward 6 months. I have narrowed it down to two options.

- Duke School of Medicine: 4 year program in NC. Awesome 3rd year.
- Cost: $60K per year (including financial aid). Possibility of research funding for 3rd year.
Total cost: $180K-240K
- University of Cambridge: 5 year program in England. 2 years of pre-clinical, 3 years of clinical. It is kind of like undergrad: I would be in a dorm, possibly in a varsity athletic team, etc.
- Cost: $15K per year (including scholarship).
Total cost: $75K

My primary medical interests are specialized surgeries (neuro, cardiac, plastic...)

I like Duke because I really like the US and it would be the straightforward path to match into an American residency. However, I have never really lived in the UK so I do not know whether I would like it there as well.

It is important to consider that I can not get private loans in the US, so the full $60K/year would have to come from my parents, who would have to get a loan for me.

I know that they are both great options, and that I would probably love it in either place, but I also know that my future will be completely different depending on which option I choose, so any opinions and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

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[Ck212]

Depends on where you want to practice. If its in Europe, Cambridge is arguable one of the most prestigious university in the world + the low cost compared to Duke makes it an obvious choice. Decide where you are happiest (US or Europe / England). If you want Europe than you would be foolish to turn down Cambridge and that cost.

 

[europeresearch]

Depends on where you want to practice. If its in Europe, Cambridge is arguable one of the most prestigious university in the world + the low cost compared to Duke makes it an obvious choice. Decide where you are happiest (US or Europe / England). If you want Europe than you would be foolish to turn down Cambridge and that cost.

The bigger issue is that I have lived in the US for the past 5 years. I know I like the US, but I have never really been to England for long enough to know whether it is a place I would enjoy. Thank you for your response though

 

[Chromium Surfer]

I would ask a mod to move your thread here http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forums/2015-2016-allopathic-school-specific-discussions.974/ to get more responses since where you currently posted is from last year.

 

[WedgeDawg]

I would ask a mod to move your thread here http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forums/2015-2016-allopathic-school-specific-discussions.974/ to get more responses since where you currently posted is from last year.

On it

 

[canttellmenothin]

Practicing as a physician in the US will almost definitely pay better than in the UK, just something to consider. Although I am sure you could return to the US after attending Cambridge it would likely be more difficult/take more time.

Also there have been some issues between the NHS and the BMA.

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-36134103

 

[Ray D. Ayshun]

The difference in cost is $10500 to $16500 vs 1 extra year. How you value that extra year is up to you, as in you could simply subtract an avg pgy1 salary from the Duke outlay, or consider that you'll be making attending money 1 year earlier. Either way, if your math is correct, it seems Duke makes more sense based on what you said.