other than carribean?

[kast]

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People mention the carribean as an alternative to U.S. med schools. I understand that these schools may be easier to get into but harder to market yourself with during residency. Plus, I've read that there are a few "extra" requirements after school there. It's rough to think of it, but it's even more expensive, too.

My question is though, are there schools in Europe that are something like those schools? Would it be harder to go there or the carribean? I've posted my story here before, but a quick rundown is:
I'm 24, decided within the past year to become a doctor (pathologist), and had a HORRIBLE 1st year of college back in 2000-2001. after that I was out of school for a little while, went back for a couple semesters (another college) and got about a 3.4 or so. Now I'm back at the uni I started at and doing great. I'm basically asking about Europe just in case I don't get into the schools here in texas (or U.S. anywhere). I'd love to spend time in Europe and it would be fun to do med school there, I think.

thanks for any responses.

-pete

 

[Law2Doc]

People mention the carribean as an alternative to U.S. med schools. I understand that these schools may be easier to get into but harder to market yourself with during residency. Plus, I've read that there are a few "extra" requirements after school there. It's rough to think of it, but it's even more expensive, too.

My question is though, are there schools in Europe that are something like those schools? Would it be harder to go there or the carribean? I've posted my story here before, but a quick rundown is:
I'm 24, decided within the past year to become a doctor (pathologist), and had a HORRIBLE 1st year of college back in 2000-2001. after that I was out of school for a little while, went back for a couple semesters (another college) and got about a 3.4 or so. Now I'm back at the uni I started at and doing great. I'm basically asking about Europe just in case I don't get into the schools here in texas (or U.S. anywhere). I'd love to spend time in Europe and it would be fun to do med school there, I think.

thanks for any responses.

-pete

Europe is certainly a foreign school option, and I've met a few US folks who have done this. However people on SDN usually mention carribean because they are close, easier to get into, geared toward americans, often have US based rotations, and ultimately try to prepare folks to take the USMLE -- the focus of those schools is totally on ultimately practicing in the US. As the educational system in europe is very different, and I think folks go to a combined college and med school right after high school, for a different number of years, and ultimately have a different licensing exam at the end, it might be somewhat difficult to merge in and out as a foreign educated person -- but I'm totally guessing on this point. And you probably hit the same hurdles coming out in terms of US residencies, but with your studies having been less targeted for the boards. Others should weigh in on this, as I admit some ignorance on this topic. Good luck.

 

[oldpro]

People mention the carribean as an alternative to U.S. med schools. I understand that these schools may be easier to get into but harder to market yourself with during residency. Plus, I've read that there are a few "extra" requirements after school there. It's rough to think of it, but it's even more expensive, too.

My question is though, are there schools in Europe that are something like those schools? Would it be harder to go there or the carribean? I've posted my story here before, but a quick rundown is:
I'm 24, decided within the past year to become a doctor (pathologist), and had a HORRIBLE 1st year of college back in 2000-2001. after that I was out of school for a little while, went back for a couple semesters (another college) and got about a 3.4 or so. Now I'm back at the uni I started at and doing great. I'm basically asking about Europe just in case I don't get into the schools here in texas (or U.S. anywhere). I'd love to spend time in Europe and it would be fun to do med school there, I think.

thanks for any responses.

-pete

Caribbean is 18 months Basic sci. then the rest of the time is in the USA. Most european medical schools with english schools, Uh 5 to 6 although there are a copuple 4 year schools now. Clinicals are in that country and all in the native language so you will have to learn it. It seems to be harder on you when it comes to the USLME because the school teaches different than the US style.

Good Luck.

 

[kast]

Caribbean is 18 months Basic sci. then the rest of the time is in the USA. Most european medical schools with english schools, Uh 5 to 6 although there are a copuple 4 year schools now. Clinicals are in that country and all in the native language so you will have to learn it. It seems to be harder on you when it comes to the USLME because the school teaches different than the US style.

Good Luck.

well, thanks for the replies. I am not going yet, but was wondering about those European schools. My wife is from Eastern Europe, so I figured she would really enjoy spending time over seas where she could visit her family more often. But I'm already dealing with a few hurdles, so why add another one when I know I would fully enjoy a school here in the U.S. anyway. I could always go spend a couple years over seas later in life 😉

 

[rgerwin]

Atlantic bridge program. Ireland.

 

[UMP]

try getting in state-side by any means necessary... carib and europe are second/last options... there are a lot of programs in central and eastern europe that cater to americans... some with 4 year programs are KMU in Poznan, Poland, Jagiellonski University in Cracow, and 6 year programs at Charles university in Prague, and Pecs in Budapest... do your research, if you are doing a 4 year program, stick with Krakow and Poznan, there are a few others in Poland but they are crap... I have some experience with these schools, PM me if you want to know more...

 

[NonTradMed]

I would try to maintain a good GPA and show an upward trend and do well on the MCAT. If you want to practice in the US, try to get into a US school.

Have you thought about DO? That is also an option. They take slightly lower MCAT and GPA scores and would allow you to match along with the rest of the MD grads plus they have their own separate residencies to pick from. It may be a better pick if you want to specialize (except for surgery who dont' like DOs that much). Caribbeans are an option beause they are geared with the sole purpose of turning out US physicians. They gear everything toward that goal. I don't think a US citizen would need to jump thru too many hoops to practice in the US as long as you went to a established caribbean school. But you will be at a disadvantage for residency. I wouldn't recommend european schools because they are geared toward their own country's medical system.

Remember, not all foreign medical schools are created equal. The caribbean schools are created for those that couldn't get into the US med schools and cater to the US students. Schools in other countries such as Ireland, Britain etc typically are geared toward feeding their native country's need for practitioners and will gear the education that way. You would probably have a more difficult time transitioning back to the US.

My opinion is to try this:
1. US MD/DO
2. Caribbean
3. Anywhere else.

Good luck.