Going outside of US for medical school

[SavoirFaire]

I am in the process this year of applying to U.S. MD and DO programs. In case I don't get in this year at any U.S. schools, I am considering going to school elsewhere. I have always heard the Caribbean schools were an option, so I am considering SGU and Ross there. Other than the Caribbean schools, I have heard very little about international programs.

Are there other programs I could apply to? The flexibility to come back and practice and the U.S. would be a plus, but I might even consider staying in another country if the standard of living/opportunities for doctors compares to the U.S.

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[Winged Scapula]

Many countries will take applicants from the US. I cannot provide you with an exhaustive list but other choices would include Australia, Mexico, Ireland/UK, Poland -- to name a few.

If you'll check the individual country forums above, you can get more information about admission requirements and ability to practice in the US.

 

[SavoirFaire]

Many countries will take applicants from the US. I cannot provide you with an exhaustive list but other choices would include Australia, Mexico, Ireland/UK, Poland -- to name a few.

If you'll check the individual country forums above, you can get more information about admission requirements and ability to practice in the US.

Awesome, thanks. I will look into the UK.

 

[Yhs10]

Consider Cornell Qatar , that's a good one .

 

[Killer T Cell]

I'm a US-IMG studying in UK at the moment. Currently in my final year and applying for residencies back in America this week. I never even applied to US schools and defected quite early. But that story is for another day. Feel free to PM me or ask me any questions you might have about studying in the UK.

 

[Best4Med]

Best4Med.com has a list of schools from all around the world, with contact information and short descriptions.

 

[sanityonleave]

I am in the process this year of applying to U.S. MD and DO programs. In case I don't get in this year at any U.S. schools, I am considering going to school elsewhere. I have always heard the Caribbean schools were an option, so I am considering SGU and Ross there. Other than the Caribbean schools, I have heard very little about international programs.

Are there other programs I could apply to? The flexibility to come back and practice and the U.S. would be a plus, but I might even consider staying in another country if the standard of living/opportunities for doctors compares to the U.S.

Since nobody really addressed your original point --

There are very few countries (and probably no "Western" countries) where physicians enjoy the level of income they do in the US. There are probably several where you can work fewer hours, but there isn't anywhere that the pay is even close to the same.

As a heads up, I might try at least two rounds of applications before heading outside the US if practicing in the US is your ultimate goal. A recent report released by the ACGME showed that they expect there to be as many US grads as residency spots by 2015, meaning that chances for IMGs are going to be significantly hampered. Just a heads up -- you should definitely do your homework and know what you're getting in to (and really have committed to staying outside the US) before you go offshore.

 

[thomasfx10]

UAG medical school is a good option in Guadalajara. Has all 50 state approval, Gov. Loans, and it is cheaper than Caribs

 

[jdnontrad]

As a heads up, I might try at least two rounds of applications before heading outside the US if practicing in the US is your ultimate goal. A recent report released by the ACGME showed that they expect there to be as many US grads as residency spots by 2015, meaning that chances for IMGs are going to be significantly hampered. Just a heads up -- you should definitely do your homework and know what you're getting in to (and really have committed to staying outside the US) before you go offshore.

This.

I had seriously considered going to Australia for an MBBS ie MD and had gotten offers, but the odds of getting a US residency of my choice led me to jettison my plan. And it looks to get worse in the future with the healthcare reforms.

Better to try again for MD/DO schools. Good luck.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Since nobody really addressed your original point --

There are very few countries (and probably no "Western" countries) where physicians enjoy the level of income they do in the US. There are probably several where you can work fewer hours, but there isn't anywhere that the pay is even close to the same.

That used to be true. But I can tell you that at least in Australia, the level of income has risen significantly (even in Sydney and other major urban centers), and exceeds that of the US (where income has dropped).

I was visiting a friend in Sydney less than 3 weeks ago and he was literally shocked at how little I made compared to him, and worked more hours (I'm a specialist surgeon and he's a psychiatrist).

 

[thomasfx10]

How would someone (U.S. Citizen) that has a MD practice medicine in Australia?

Thxs

 

[Winged Scapula]

How would someone (U.S. Citizen) that has a MD practice medicine in Australia?

Thxs

It is a VERY long and painful process. There is a thread about this topic in the Australasia forum where a US Anesthesiologist married to a Aussie woman talks about his experiences getting registered to practice there (and it involves spending more time in training, FYI).

 

[sanityonleave]

That used to be true. But I can tell you that at least in Australia, the level of income has risen significantly (even in Sydney and other major urban centers), and exceeds that of the US (where income has dropped).

I was visiting a friend in Sydney less than 3 weeks ago and he was literally shocked at how little I made compared to him, and worked more hours (I'm a specialist surgeon and he's a psychiatrist).

I stand corrected (and am surprised to hear that). I know that the Aussie government had a lot of trouble in the 90s with poorly-qualified foreign docs and lots of malpractice -- and as part of the reaction/reform were trying to attract more qualified docs -- but I didn't realize that the salary/lifestyle had gone up to compensate. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[bidiboom]

SavoireFaire do you know another language other than English?

edit: By the way, if you are looking for the programs only in English, then there is a summary list of some of the East European med schools' med programs in English, here:
http://medical-schools.blogspot.com/
(there are two more schools in the next page of the blog)