Question on Cert

[cyberjet31]

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Hey,

I am new here, but I had a question on what happens upon graduation from an irish med school. I believe that the degree awarded is not an MD, however in the US that is what one wants. If I were to go to an irish medical school, and being from the states and wanting to practice there, how would that work out?

Thanks!

 

[JediBookworm]

The Irish medical degree, MB BCh BAO, is functionally equivalent to the MD in the US. To return to the US, you would need to take the USLME and enter the residency selection process. Competitive residencies will be harder to obtain, but if family or internal medicine are your goals, then there should be no problem. Residency directors have experience with Irish grads going back to the States, and Irish med has a highly regarded reputation throughout the world.

Feel free to check out other threads in this forum that may provide more details on this matter.

 

[docolive]

I read the above post about obtaining residencies in the United States. Just wondering about how this pans out if you get a high USMLE Step I and II; what keeps one from obtaining a more competitive residency??
The ABP Program states that 32,000 residencies (Sorry if my numbers are off) are available each year, and furthermore, 16,000 students graduate from medical school each year in the U.S....leaving many residency positions available. They're certainly not all FP residencies. Secondly, I read that both internal medicine and surgery are two residencies that require above 90% performance on the USMLE....so if you attend an excellent Irish medical school and perform well on the USMLE, I don't see why one should not have a good chance at getting the residency of one's choice????

Oh and on another note, do you see that Irish students are performing well on the USMLE? I had posed this question on another thread, but I am afraid that it was put to bed. 😳

 

[leorl]

The very fact that you will be an IMG is a limiting factor. Some programs do not want to entertain applications from any foreign-trained doctors. I don't think this is hugely common, but common enough to be a limiting factor. Essentially, the spots will fill with competitive US grads first.

Internal medicine does not require above 90%. Obviously the higher you score the more opportunities open up. But internal medicine is not hugely competitive. General surgery would be more competitive. If you did well on your USMLE and had good letters, interviews, etc. you would have a good shot. However, keep in mind that the very fact you're foreign-trained may be a limiting factor (which makes US experiences more important).

I'm not sure about Irish performances on the USMLE. I know a couple people who have done very well (ie. over 90 on the 2-digit score). I also know a few people who have "bad" scores even though they are good students and good doctors. I don't think the school is the determining factor on how well you will do, but more the approach to study and diligence in studying and the way information is incorporated into your brain. For instance, my year hasn't done fantastic on the USMLE. A couple people from the year above have had some very good scores. I don't know what it's like at any of the other Irish schools. It's something I'd like to try to compile over the next few years.

 

[docolive]

Leori,
Thank you for your very thorough response. I appreciate it very much!
🙂