This might (not) be my last chance, but...

[B.Johansson]

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Hello,

I'm 44 and European. I have been workin as a physiotherapist for a long time. First I did my bachelor in physiotherapy and about fife years later I did my masters in physiotherapy. I have everything ready for my phd but...

Little more than 10 years ago I was working in east-Africa. Casting clubfoot, treating traumas ect. Something you can't do in Europe as a physio. I didn't count working hours and I just tried to do the best I could. I always wanted to go back there, but thats no longer possible. Both my colleagues that time have died in road accidents. That means that I'm here, working in hospital or clinic. Sometimes teaching physios or md students and paying mortgage day after day. When I'm off duty I travel. Sometimes I go and lecture somewhere, but it does not interest me either. My escape plan is to work with Red Cross and/or msf. I started to prepare that few years ago. Thats what I want to do. But on a mission there is greater need for doctors than physios. Thats what I want to do. Work somewhere where you can actually make a difference once in a while.

I shud start to do my phd next September. Motivation for that is not good, but studys will go fine and smooth. Studying is not a problem. And financing for that is also fine. So I will end up being a phd if I don't find a way to escape.

So what I need is a university where I can study to be a medical doctor. My previous studies are "master of healthcare, physiotherapist". Four publifications and once quoted in last 10 years. In Europe there are in meny countries where it is possible to entry with bachelor in health and do md in 4 years, but not where I come from. Here it is 6 years and I don't want to be 50 when I graduate.

The only country in Europe where you can do it in 4 years and in English language is GB and they are leaving EU. That means that after that GB degree in medicine is no longer valid in EU. So that puts GB in the same line with US, Canada, Australia and rest of the English speaking world. I'm not even sure that I need to have a license in EU, it will be enough that I have a license to practice somewhere.

I don't actually care where I'm gonna spend the time when I study. I would prefer a smaller university, a smaller city and a cold weather if thats possible. But only time and money spend is what counts. Here studying is actually free of charge, but living costs are not so cheap. If there is a fast and affordable way to study from mhsc to md that will be my choice. Otherwise I will do my phd, be misery and the only missions that I attend will be behind the desk and not in the clinical work where I would like to be.

Do you know any university that would be possible and what would you recommend?

Thank you,

 

[esob]

There is no fast way to an MD in the US. The fastest route is if you were already a practicing physicians assistant in the US, at which point that would only shorten the process by 1 year and only in some programs. MD in the US is 4 yrs + at least 3 for residency. Some family med programs combine that to a total of 6 years for med school + residency, but that is as fast as you can get. However, when you say "that puts GB in the same line with US" you are mistaken. An MD from a US school will be recognized pretty much anywhere in the world. The reverse is not true.

The adage always is, "you are going to be 50 anyway whether you go to med school or not," so why not be a doctor at 50 if that's what you want to be.

 

[B.Johansson]

Thank you,

If I'm not totally wrong that 3 years of study means that you have M.D degree? In here its 6 years. If I go to GB I will choose Oxford accelerated course for science graduates and its 4 years study.

That residency might be something similar to "doctor in training" or "assistant physician" here in Europe. I did not count that time because It's (almost) properly paid. But in states you need to do that before you get you're license. Here you get you're license when you have you're Md degree, but you're still not allowed to work without supervisor. Small differences. I have to check that I'm getting this right, but if I'm allowed to enter for that "residency" here after 3 years in US that is fast. If I'm not allowed to enter its about the time.

Here education is free, but living costs are more expensive. That 3 years fast trac might be affordable.

 

[esob]

Well, only a few schools offer 3 year programs and they are usually tied to some requirement, such as that you are already a physicians assistant or that you agree to complete a family medicine residency after graduation. "Doctor in training" is basically a resident here, but there is a huge salary discrepancy between a resident and an attending physician. Residents are paid anywhere from 1/3rd to 1/10th of what their attending counterparts receive, but you can't really practice medicine without going through a residency.

In summary, yes you would have an MD after completing medical school but unless you are in a special program, that is likely going to take 4 years and you won't be making a full physician salary for at least 3-4 years after graduating.