List of countries American MD's can practice

[IMissMyMoney]

Does anyone have a list of where US MD's can practice and have to go through the least amount of trouble in terms of getting licensing when you factor in in language barriers, etc? Thanks.

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[MrCheetah]

Does anyone have a list of where US MD's can practice and have to go through the least amount of trouble in terms of getting licensing when you factor in in language barriers, etc? Thanks.

Its pretty well established that a US MD, unlike medical degrees from most other countries, would allow you to become qualified to practice medicine in most countries.

 

[sylvanthus]

Why does this topic come up so often? I seriously seriously doubt many pre-meds end up going outside the US to practice when they become licensed. Is it bragging rights?

 

[Cramster]

Why does this topic come up so often? I seriously seriously doubt many pre-meds end up going outside the US to practice when they become licensed. Is it bragging rights?

His username is : IMissMyMoney

lol put the rest of the pieces together. Probably a post in response to the nilf's resurrected post the other day

 

[IMissMyMoney]

Its pretty well established that a US MD, unlike medical degrees from most other countries, would allow you to become qualified to practice medicine in most countries.

Yep, I know that. What I am asking is, if I were to want to practice in France, I would have to learn French and pass their licensing exam in French. I am trying to find out if there are any countries where something like this will not be necessary.

 

[BrainBuff]

Does anyone have a list of where US MD's can practice and have to go through the least amount of trouble in terms of getting licensing when you factor in in language barriers, etc? Thanks.

None

 

[MrCheetah]

Yep, I know that. What I am asking is, if I were to want to practice in France, I would have to learn French and pass their licensing exam in French. I am trying to find out if there are any countries where something like this will not be necessary.

You'd still have to receive your license for your country of choice. I THINK, if you were to graduate medical school here, complete a residency, receive a license from the U.S., some countries would accept it in lieu of their own and others wouldn't. I would presume that would be permissible in places such as the UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, Canada, Isreal, but I'm not sure.

If you want to practice medicine in a country in which English isn't one of its primary languages (France, for example) speaking the local language will be a necessity, and I don't think you'd find employment if you're unable to do so.

 

[BrainBuff]

Its pretty well established that a US MD, unlike medical degrees from most other countries, would allow you to become qualified to practice medicine in most countries.

This is totally false. In fact, it is the opposite! If you have a degree from most Latin American schools, your MD degree is given full equivalency in Spain for instance. You do not need to take exams, you do not need to go thru a residency... you just practice ( have to do a social program for a year, though)

All European Union members share the same equivalency, except you need to show language knowledge - dutch, german, etc.

The US degree is not given equivalency anywhere in the world because the US does not recognize ANY other degrees either. There is no reciprocity. Period.

 

[WNT Signaling]

Just because a country recognizes a US allopathic medical degree does not mean that you have practice rights; it just means you can apply for a license, which may or may not be easy

 

[addo]

I was telling my mom that I am applying to DO schools too, and unfortunately she wasnt very familiar with the degree to say the least.
So she looks it up on wiki, and it says that DOs can only practice in 48 countries, which she brings up as a genuine concern...
Im like yea right like if it is my dream to practice is Saychelles.
With an MD you can practice in many places, why does it matter? Do you want the list of the countries?

 

[tkim]

Its pretty well established that a US MD, unlike medical degrees from most other countries, would allow you to become qualified to practice medicine in most countries.

Can you supply some sort of proof or link, which states that the USMD can practice internationally? Or some list of countries? Or is this something 'you just know'.

 

[deleted307836]

Can you supply some sort of proof or link, which states that the USMD can practice internationally? Or some list of countries? Or is this something 'you just know'.

I've heard from attendings that US MD's can practice in Canada and Australia fairly easily. Many American hospitals abroad (in China, France, etc) staff American MDs. Some Americans work in Dubai, but that's mainly the province of Europeans now. The EU is also possible, but licensing can be a nightmare and of course you do need to be fluent in the language of the country. And that's a lot of work to go through for a much lower salary.

 

[Espadaleader]

Practicing in Canada is very easy. Their medical schools are accredited by the LCME and are members of the AAMC. The also accept American DO physicians as well. There are some hoops to jump through though.

 

[pennstate4life]

Why would you wanna practice overseas? Glenn Beck said US has the best healthcare system.

 

[Evergrey]

Not sure how accurate this is, but here is the Wiki link.

 

[Trollol]

Why would you wanna practice overseas? Glenn Beck said US has the best healthcare system.

There is no country whose medical techniques and abilities are superior to those of the United States. The US's system is terribly inefficient, but if I were sick (and was smart enough to buy health insurance), I'd rather be treated in an American setting than in any other country in the world.

 

[NotAsking4Much]

There is no country whose medical techniques and abilities are superior to those of the United States. The US's system is terribly inefficient, but if I were sick (and was smart enough to buy health insurance), I'd rather be treated in an American setting than in any other country in the world.

But at the current rate, maybe you don't want to be a doctor in the US where the gov't may control and dictate your practice and salary. No one knows but it can and very possibly happen...

 

[kami333]

There's so many variables you have to take into consideration that it's better to figure out where you want to practice and work towards it.

Some things that matter:
*do you speak the language? (in Japan you can have a limited practice not accepting national health insurance without speaking Japanese, aka take care of expats)
*do you have citizenship or a work permit? (in some countries such as France you can't advance past a resident level position without some sort of permanent visa)
*which school is your degree from? (some countries only recognize WHO listed medical schools, most if not all US MD/DO schools should be listed)
*where did you do your residency? (even if it wasn't in the host country doing your residency in an affiliated country can make life easier, such as doing a residency in the UK for practicing in the EU)
*do you want to be a GP or specialize? (in some countries becoming a GP is easy, practicing as a specialist is harder)
*do you want full autonomy or are you happy with working with a local doctor? (like a PA, personally I think this type of practice especially working with medical tourism is going to become more popular)
*who do you want to work for? (are you happy working for one company, aka in an expat compound, or do you want outside opportunities)
*where do you want to practice? (in some cases practicing in rural areas is easier than in cities, also regional difference exist in larger countries such as Australia)
*how long do you want to be there? (are you happy with 10years, until you retire, or do you want to be there until you die?)

Good luck, but also keep in mind that the expat lifestyle can be pretty bumpy and unpredictable. Even after years of living there you could be deported in as little as 24hours if your visa ever runs out.

 

[MrCheetah]

Can you supply some sort of proof or link, which states that the USMD can practice internationally? Or some list of countries? Or is this something 'you just know'.

Really? I think that, being an attending, you'd know this.

I didn't think it worthy to devote a substantial time amount to, but I found this really quickly:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compar...sional_advantages_for_MD_qualified_physicians

 

[tkim]

Really? I think that, being an attending, you'd know this.

I didn't think it worthy to devote a substantial time amount to, but I found this really quickly:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compar...sional_advantages_for_MD_qualified_physicians

Wikipedia - really? I think that, being a med student, you would know that Wikipedia isn't a verifiable source of info, and even if we were to take it face value, nowhere does it list any of the countries that the USMD is recognized.

Sounds like a lazy med student.

 

[MrCheetah]

Wikipedia - really? I think that, being a med student, you would know that Wikipedia isn't a verifiable source of info, and even if we were to take it face value, nowhere does it list any of the countries that the USMD is recognized.

Sounds like a lazy med student.

Lazy? No. Rather, one who recognizes that any further investigation of this to appease someone who should know better is a complete waste of time.

 

[tkim]

Not lazy. Rather, one who recognizes that any further investigation of this to appease someone who should know better is a complete waste of time.

That's a dodge - a complete sidestep of the simple fact that you DON'T KNOW. Fail.

 

[venacontracta]

This post:

Can you supply some sort of proof or link, which states that the USMD can practice internationally? Or some list of countries? Or is this something 'you just know'.

Was in response to this post:

Its pretty well established that a US MD, unlike medical degrees from most other countries, would allow you to become qualified to practice medicine in most countries.

MrCheetah never claimed that the USMD can practice internationally, he merely claimed that it would allow you to become qualified to practice medicine in most countries. In other words, instead of repeating all of your training in a new country, you go through a bunch of annoying, tough, but not necessarily prohibitive bureaucracy.

tkim, your responses seem to be fixated on the fact that apparently we are all *****ic pre-meds or medical students who think that the USMD is a golden ticket to practice medicine anywhere you want. Is anyone actually claiming that?

 

[MrCheetah]

This post:



Was in response to this post:



MrCheetah never claimed that the USMD can practice internationally, he merely claimed that it would allow you to become qualified to practice medicine in most countries. In other words, instead of repeating all of your training in a new country, you go through a bunch of annoying, tough, but not necessarily prohibitive bureaucracy.

tkim, your responses seem to be fixated on the fact that apparently we are all *****ic pre-meds or medical students who think that the USMD is a golden ticket to practice medicine anywhere you want. Is anyone actually claiming that?

Thats spot on, david06. Thanks.

 

[plauto]

with an MD from the US, the biggest hurdle to practice in the EU is citizenship more than anything else.

 

[tkim]

This post:



Was in response to this post:



MrCheetah never claimed that the USMD can practice internationally, he merely claimed that it would allow you to become qualified to practice medicine in most countries. In other words, instead of repeating all of your training in a new country, you go through a bunch of annoying, tough, but not necessarily prohibitive bureaucracy.

tkim, your responses seem to be fixated on the fact that apparently we are all *****ic pre-meds or medical students who think that the USMD is a golden ticket to practice medicine anywhere you want. Is anyone actually claiming that?

Its pretty well established that a US MD, unlike medical degrees from most other countries, would allow you to become qualified to practice medicine in most countries.

"Well established" - by whom? If it's so 'well established' then why is it so hard to pin down some source of verifiable information about it? "Most countries" - what countries?

Authoritative, yet devoid of information. Get it?

My responses are fixated on this - that you guys spout crap that is neither verifiable or specific. Spouting generalities without backup is garbage info. Stop talking just to talk. If you don't know, admit it up front. Don't make crap up. It will help you go further in life.

 

[Espadaleader]

with an MD from the US, the biggest hurdle to practice in the EU is citizenship more than anything else.

Hey, could you explain your signature? Are these your accomplishments/rotations in medical school?

 

[BrainBuff]

This post:



Was in response to this post:



MrCheetah never claimed that the USMD can practice internationally, he merely claimed that it would allow you to become qualified to practice medicine in most countries. In other words, instead of repeating all of your training in a new country, you go through a bunch of annoying, tough, but not necessarily prohibitive bureaucracy.

tkim, your responses seem to be fixated on the fact that apparently we are all *****ic pre-meds or medical students who think that the USMD is a golden ticket to practice medicine anywhere you want. Is anyone actually claiming that?

However, that "claim" is rather irrelevant. Do you know of a single country whose MD degrees are not recognized by the US?

The important thing is the EQUIVALENCY and to that effect, it is better to be a graduate from Chile (example) , than a US graduate.

 

[BrainBuff]

with an MD from the US, the biggest hurdle to practice in the EU is citizenship more than anything else.

No, it is not. It it is learning the language, taking the exams and sitting in front of the council for the examination. You do not need to be a citizen to practice.

 

[MrCheetah]

"Well established" - by whom? If it's so 'well established' then why is it so hard to pin down some source of verifiable information about it? "Most countries" - what countries?

Authoritative, yet devoid of information. Get it?

My responses are fixated on this - that you guys spout crap that is neither verifiable or specific. Spouting generalities without backup is garbage info. Stop talking just to talk. If you don't know, admit it up front. Don't make crap up. It will help you go further in life.

Whatever, dude. I've told it how it is, provided you, specifically, a starting place to learn more about it if you feel so inclined, and others have resonated my general sentiments.

I've given the OP a response to her question which she can choose to take from or disregard.

You, though, feel compelled to muck everything up by saying that my answer is worthless becuase... because of no good reason at all really, now that I think of it.

What I don't understand is why you're moaning so much about it, yet have not even said that I'M WRONG.

It also seems to me that you've being awfully insensitive to the context of this discussion, which is in an internet forum. This isn't an academic conference. I'm not publishing a research paper. I'm mearly giving a more or less accurate response to the OP's inquiry, which may or may not help him or her out.

Again, I really don't get your deal. I'm particularly appalled by your last paragraph: what we're "spouting" is not crap, its common knowledge. You're free to disagree with it, of course, yet you haven't even done that. I'd call you a bigot, but in order to do that I would need something to call you one because of, which I have not specifically (yet) seen.

 

[MrCheetah]

However, that "claim" is rather irrelevant. Do you know of a single country whose MD degrees are not recognized by the US?

The important thing is the EQUIVALENCY and to that effect, it is better to be a graduate from Chile (example) , than a US graduate.

Well, alot of states won't recognize degrees from the carribean schools. A medical graduate from Iran, for example, would encounter great difficulty if trying to practice in the U.S.

 

[tkim]

Again, I really don't get your deal. I'm particularly appalled by your last paragraph: what we're "spouting" is not crap, its common knowledge.

I'll try to use simple words: if it's 'common knowledge', point me to something that makes it so - not your say so.

 

[auburnO5]

 

[tkim]

Yeah, guilty as charged.

So:

Does anyone have a list of where US MD's can practice and have to go through the least amount of trouble in terms of getting licensing when you factor in in language barriers, etc? Thanks.

Anyone?

 

[BrainBuff]

Well, alot of states won't recognize degrees from the carribean schools. A medical graduate from Iran, for example, would encounter great difficulty if trying to practice in the U.S.

No, you are wrong again. Name ONE caribbean school whose graduates are told that their degree is not valid. That is not the case. Some states do not have ARRANGEMENTS to allow caribbean students to do clinical third and fourth year rotations as students in US Hospitals. (which is very different)

A medical graduate from Iran, does not have any greater difficulty than one from Italy. He needs to show his diploma, transcripts, take the USLME I, II and III, apply for an internship and bingo! - Just like everyone else


Where are you coming from with all the misinformation dude?

 

[BrainBuff]

LMAO.. You are right

 

[morning]

Wikipedia - really? I think that, being a med student, you would know that Wikipedia isn't a verifiable source of info, and even if we were to take it face value, nowhere does it list any of the countries that the USMD is recognized.

Sounds like a lazy med student.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with a cited piece of info in Wikipedia. You can't rely on it to be the end all and be all of your research, but it's a very good starting point.

 

[mfrizzo3]

OP I'll start the list:

1. USA

 

[Trexate]

OP I'll start the list:

1. USA

Beat me to it...

 

[mz1986]

Hi guys,

I keep reading that there are many medical schools that will not consider you if you apply more than twice. Does anyone know where I could get the list of medical schools that do this or is the only way to find out to research each school independently?

Thanks

 

[MrCheetah]

No, you are wrong again. Name ONE caribbean school whose graduates are told that their degree is not valid. That is not the case. Some states do not have ARRANGEMENTS to allow caribbean students to do clinical third and fourth year rotations as students in US Hospitals. (which is very different)

A medical graduate from Iran, does not have any greater difficulty than one from Italy. He needs to show his diploma, transcripts, take the USLME I, II and III, apply for an internship and bingo! - Just like everyone else


Where are you coming from with all the misinformation dude?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Matthew's_University#cite_note-15
http://www.medbd.ca.gov/applicant/schools_unapproved.html

This should be a good starting place for your research wherein you will learn that all medical schools around the world do not grant students equal opportunities.

Now, really, you're the one who is being a bigot. Its near impossible for a medical graduate from Iran to practice in the U.S. unless he is a VERY important physician. You have the visa issue, the background check issue, eventually the citizenship issue. Don't quote me, but he'd probably have to get into a residency position, which would be awfully difficult to do. You make it seem like "Bingo!" its just as easy to get into the U.S. with a non-U.S. degree as it is to get out of the U.S. with a U.S. degree, and that is simply not the case.

 

[garyinthehouse]

Hi guys,

I keep reading that there are many medical schools that will not consider you if you apply more than twice. Does anyone know where I could get the list of medical schools that do this or is the only way to find out to research each school independently?

Thanks

 

[BrainBuff]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Matthew's_University#cite_note-15
http://www.medbd.ca.gov/applicant/schools_unapproved.html

This should be a good starting place for your research wherein you will learn that all medical schools around the world do not grant students equal opportunities.

Now, really, you're the one who is being a bigot. Its near impossible for a medical graduate from Iran to practice in the U.S. unless he is a VERY important physician. You have the visa issue, the background check issue, eventually the citizenship issue. Don't quote me, but he'd probably have to get into a residency position, which would be awfully difficult to do. You make it seem like "Bingo!" its just as easy to get into the U.S. with a non-U.S. degree as it is to get out of the U.S. with a U.S. degree, and that is simply not the case.

Dude, you are clueless. We are discussing here the merits of being a US graduate because of the education and in terms of degree recognition/equivalency. Where do u come from with visa crap?? Are you following this debate at all or are you just too busy looking at what other clueless wonders put on wikipedia?

BTW, I rather sound like a bigot (no idea where u got that from), than like an idiot (i bet you have no idea where i was going with that, do u?)

 

[BrainBuff]

"Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference." Mark T

I am outta here

 

[deleted202457]

OP I'll start the list:

1. USA

Haha. Exactly what I was going to say. No language barrier unless you speak like the Cajun guy from "The Waterboy."

 

[MrCheetah]

I am outta here

Good.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

I've heard from attendings that US MD's can practice in Canada and Australia fairly easily. Many American hospitals abroad (in China, France, etc) staff American MDs. Some Americans work in Dubai, but that's mainly the province of Europeans now. The EU is also possible, but licensing can be a nightmare and of course you do need to be fluent in the language of the country. And that's a lot of work to go through for a much lower salary.

Many countries have a citizenship requirement, including alot of third world countries. It may be relatively easy to obtain a temporary permit, but obtaining a license can be a nightmare, especially if the country you are applying in follows a 5/6 year MBBS program where MD is a post graduate degree after MBBS. Hate to break it to everyone but an EU citizen med school grad has much more flexibility than a US grad in terms of of obtaining medical licenses in different countries.

 

[plauto]

Hey, could you explain your signature? Are these your accomplishments/rotations in medical school?

it's just the sequence of clerkships/tests during 3rd year

No, it is not. It it is learning the language, taking the exams and sitting in front of the council for the examination. You do not need to be a citizen to practice.

are you eligible to sit for the examination if you're not a EU citizen?

 

[cubssox2000]

"Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference." Mark T

I am outta here

Great quote. However, I am more partial to "Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, and then beat you with experience."

Not saying that anyone on this thread is an idiot (I've actually enjoyed the discussion). Just commenting on the quote.

 

[MossPoh]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with a cited piece of info in Wikipedia. You can't rely on it to be the end all and be all of your research, but it's a very good starting point.

Starting points for yourself and tracing the information to the source to present to others are very different.



This discussion comes up so friggin often (the foreign practice one). The major limiting factors aren't with the degree but with everything else. Language, need, nationality, etc.