International Student - USA vs UK

[AmmarNusair]

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I am at a crossroads and would love some help on the matter. I am an international high schooler who is a junior. I have always loved medicine and wish to become a practicing physician in the US. I have heard, however, that it is incredibly difficult for internationals to get seats in US medical schools. Due to this, my second plan (other than going to the US to get a bachelors, then an MD) is to study Medicine in the UK (it is an undergraduate degree there, and the length is generally 5-6 years. So I am able to spend 5-6 years after high school studying medicine and graduating with an MBBS degree, which is equivalent to an MD degree) and then after achieving my degree, apply to US residency programs and hope to get accepted into a good residency. I have also heard however, that it is harder for IMG’s (international medical graduates) to get accepted to good specialities. Some IMG’s don’t even get accepted at all on their first try. I would also like to point out that I will not be taking out student loans at all in both situations. In our culture, it is very normal for parents to pay for the complete academic side of their child. My parents, thankfully, are able to do that. If you were in my shoes, which would you choose? I would please love some help, as I am soon to graduate. Thank you!

 

[gyngyn]

Here are some thoughts from the AAMC: Applying to Medical School as an International Applicant
...and the NRMP: https://mk0nrmp3oyqui6wqfm.kinstacd...ting-Outcomes-in-the-Match-2020_IMG_final.pdf

 

[YCAGA]

I would studying in Ireland, not the UK. Better connections with US schools for clinical rotations and it’s an EU degree, so it’s more portable to Germany or Scandinavia which is where you want to end up in the likely event you can’t match in the US. Practicing medicine in the UK…let’s just say it doesn’t sound like a great gig.

Irish medical schools are hilariously expensive but it sounds like your parents are giving your a full ride? That’s the only case I would recommend Ireland so lucky you.

 

[sandwichwitch]

Your best bet is to get your MBBS then come to the USA and do a research fellowship in your preferred choice of residency to network, build connections and a good pub portfolio. That's usually how non-US IMGs land residency spots.

 

[sandwichwitch]

I would studying in Ireland, not the UK. Better connections with US schools for clinical rotations and it’s an EU degree, so it’s more portable to Germany or Scandinavia which is where you want to end up in the likely event you can’t match in the US. Practicing medicine in the UK…let’s just say it doesn’t sound like a great gig.

Irish medical schools are hilariously expensive but it sounds like your parents are giving your a full ride? That’s the only case I would recommend Ireland so lucky you.

OP clearly stated they wish to practice in USA and not Europe.

 

[YCAGA]

OP clearly stated they wish to practice in USA and not Europe.

Cool. <50% of people with that goal reach it. So OP needs a realistic backup plan.