UQ-Ochsner Program vs SGU

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Hello,

I was not accepted to medical school in the US and so I've applied to the UQ-Ochsner Program and St. George's University (the Global Scholars Program). My GPA is 3.5 and my MCAT's were 31P. If I am accepted into both programs, which program do you think would be more beneficial for me getting a good residency in the US? If these two programs were your only choices, which one would you pick if you wanted to practice medicine in the US?

Any and all information would be appreciated.

 

[schandan13]

Go D.O.

 

[Winged Scapula]

No data to compare but in all likelihood the difference is not significant.

 

[mspeedwagon]

With a 3.5/31P, I'd go D.O. long before I went abroad to either of these schools. As you know the residency slots for IMG are being slashed. You are setting yourself up with another barrier to climb. If I absolutely had to choose between one of these two schools, I'd go to SGU. SGU has a much more established programs as far as placing grads into US residencies is concerned. There isn't enough data on UQ yet. US DO schools are superior to either option as you will avoid the classification as an IMG.

 

[nybgrus]

I am currently in year one of the UQ-Ochsner program. I completely agree with everything said above. There is ZERO data, since I am a member of the second cohort. All things being equal, I would say roll with the DO if you can. Everyone here, including myself, has their own reasons for being here. Why did I go with this over SGU? Because I think this has the potential to look better. Yes, there is a stigma of IMG. There is also a stigma of Caribbean grad. Australia is recognized by the US as having excellent 1st world medicine producing good doctors. With the Ochsner side of things, training will be almost entirely in the US. While "IMG" will still stink up your business, you won't have Caribbean adding to that stink. Basically, residencies do have a long standing association with SGU - and for that reason SGU grads get pigeon-holed more. I may not be right, but I am banking on the novelty factor helping me here. "Oh, UQ-Ochsner... hmmm.... never heard of it... UQ - good school with strong reputation, Ochsner - great training center with one of the best reps in the US..." that sort of train of thought. And worst case? I'm wrong and it's a wash. Look up my other posts on the topic for a bit more info.

 

[Richardh]

calling the admission office and explaining your situation might help 🙂

with your gpa and mcat though i believe DO schools suit you wonderfully!

 

[PacificBlue2012]

Hello,

I was not accepted to medical school in the US and so I've applied to the UQ-Ochsner Program and St. George's University (the Global Scholars Program). My GPA is 3.5 and my MCAT's were 31P. If I am accepted into both programs, which program do you think would be more beneficial for me getting a good residency in the US? If these two programs were your only choices, which one would you pick if you wanted to practice medicine in the US?

Any and all information would be appreciated.

I would say neither, the UQ Ochsner program is experimental and new. SGU is probably a better bet as it has been graduating doctors for years. However a DO school is superior to either if your goals are to work in the US. If you want to ever work outside the States, it will be difficult if not impossible as a DO. I went to an Australian medical school and work in Australia, that is why I went to an Aussie med school, a lot of people in the academic community have hostility to the program that UQ started.

You will have to do a lot of work on your own if you go to UQ for medical school in order to match. Although most people I know did well with regards to residency placement they had to work very hard and had to be proactive. SGU's edge is that your clinical education will most likely be in the USA. Regardless DO is better than both options.

So to answer your question, go to a DO school over either of the two.