Help again. -.-

[Dreamin2beDoc]

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Hi. I'm going to be a senior in high school next school year, I want to be a doctor, perhaps be an ER doctor or cardiothoracic or trauma surgeon. After taking AP Biology, doing labs and research is not really my thing, but after going to ER with my grandma, I feel like i like to be a doctor who uses more clinical skills like an ER doctor.

I want to go to 4 year university, like UC Davis and then to a Medical school here in U.S., but my parents don't want to be in debt for several more years after graduating, so they suggested me to study in Philippines instead, where they will be able to pay for my tuition and even provide me a place to stay there, i wont be in debt if i study there... but i heard from a friend that It's too hard to pass the exam in order for international medical graduates to practice medicine here in US. and their admission rate will decrease over year. I also heard that the medical schools here in U.S. will be more competitive.

I believe i have what it takes though.. it's just the financial part is making me consider studying abroad. soo, should i study abroad or here in US?

 

[Mahliah]

The rule of thumb is to study in the country you wish to work in. Stay in the USA. You don't want the hassle of being a FMG.

 

[HH Holmes]

Hi. I'm going to be a senior in high school next school year, I want to be a doctor, perhaps be an ER doctor or cardiothoracic or trauma surgeon. After taking AP Biology, doing labs and research is not really my thing, but after going to ER with my grandma, I feel like i like to be a doctor who uses more clinical skills like an ER doctor.

I want to go to 4 year university, like UC Davis and then to a Medical school here in U.S., but my parents don't want to be in debt for several more years after graduating, so they suggested me to study in Philippines instead, where they will be able to pay for my tuition and even provide me a place to stay there, i wont be in debt if i study there... but i heard from a friend that It's too hard to pass the exam in order for international medical graduates to practice medicine here in US. and their admission rate will decrease over year. I also heard that the medical schools here in U.S. will be more competitive.

I believe i have what it takes though.. it's just the financial part is making me consider studying abroad. soo, should i study abroad or here in US?

You're facing something that a lot of students face -- financial issues. Depending on what state you live in, certain programs may be available to you. For example, I am a New Yorker, and for any NY resident there is a 7 year program, free of charge to all qualified applicants (AKA you have to get in) who want to go into medicine. I am assuming you live in California, since you are interested in UC Davis...

Maybe there isn't a program in California, but if your grades are good enough, maybe you can apply to a Cal State school or even a lower level UC and get a substantial or even a full tuition scholarship. That would release the financial burden on your parents, allowing you to go to medical school in the United States without paying for both undergrad and med school.

Also, as much as you may not like research, it is a great part of the undergrad pre-med/science major experience (unless you aren't majoring in a science). It may not seem like fun in AP Bio, but give it a try in college -- it will help your resume and you may find it interesting.

Good luck with everything! 🙂

Disclaimer: Unless you are 110% dedicated to medicine, do not enroll in a BS/MD program. While they are enticing and usually a great way to go, if you enroll it is very hard to get out and sometimes will leave you in a school that you do not want to go to as a regular undergraduate. I spent a lot of time thinking before I even decided to apply to a dual degree program, and took a lot more time after I was accepted to decide if I would enroll.

 

[Dreamin2beDoc]

ah i see. of course ill put in all my effort to study medicine. I want to make a big impact to many people's lives when time comes.

I want to major somewhere in science like biochem or if its gets too hard for me to handle i might switch to biopsychology which UC Davis offers. If i go to a calstate, is it going to affect my admission? they dont have a research facility as great as the UC schools though.

 

[HH Holmes]

ah i see. of course ill put in all my effort to study medicine. I want to make a big impact to many people's lives when time comes.

I want to major somewhere in science like biochem or if its gets too hard for me to handle i might switch to biopsychology which UC Davis offers. If i go to a calstate, is it going to affect my admission? they dont have a research facility as great as the UC schools though.

What school you go to has no affect on where you get into medical school Just pull high grades (mostly As), rock the MCAT, have good extra curricular activities (shadowing, research (doesn't have to be at Cal State), internships etc...) and get good LORs from professors and extra curricular mentors. The reason you see Harvard graduates and state school graduates at the same medical school is because schools don't care where you went to school, they want to know what you did while you were there that makes you fit to be a physician.

EDIT: Also, from what I've heard SLO is one of the harder schools to get into in California and may be harder to get into than UC Davis or UC San Diego... Apply vastly (maybe 15-20 schools) and whichever is the cheapest/best fit, go there.