What should I do?

[yellowtail]

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[ThoracicGuy]

Hi it's my first post here. I am desperately seeking for some good advice and suggestions after getting dismissed from US med school during my 3rd (clinical) year of med school and whether I should continue my medical education possibly via transferring to Caribbean Medical Schools (if they choose to accept me). I won't tell you specifically the reason why I was dismissed from school because then people will find out who I am. Also I need to tell you that I have failed my first attempt of USMLE (only off 15 points from passing, I think I was very nervous during exam day, ran out of time on couple of blocks, but I am ninety-nine% positive I will have no problem passing the USMLE step 1 on next attempt if I stay focused). One thing that I worries me is that after reading many threads related to the Caribbean Med Schools here (SDN), I have a strong feeling that it's going to be an uphill battle in terms of getting a residency spots after graduating, even though I am all-in for family medicine (primary care). What do you guys think about me transferring to Caribbean Medical School at this time? I am also thinking about other medical-related fields as well just in case; applying to different programs like PA, pharmacy, dentistry... I welcome any inputs and thanks for reading.

You would have more red flags than just being an IMG to future residency programs. They would see that you were at a USMD school and failed out. The reasons for failing out will likely be a big red flag as well, especially if its something you can't/won't mention on here. Failing USMLE once will hurt alot. You have no guarantee and a high chance of failing Step 1 your second time around. Being a IMG, you can't just pass the Steps, you have to be above average.

As for other schools, I don't think you'll find much love from other professional schools after failing out of USMD school. Maybe you might find a place, but it will be hard.

 

[darkeon]

It's a safer route for you to go to other professional schools. Look into shadowing. See what you like.

 

[Skip Intro]

Wow. Tough.

I previously relayed a story of a student who this happened to when I was in residency (at a U.S. medical school-affiliated program). In his case, there were clear psychological/performance issues. Here, it appears among other things that Step 1 was the big hurdle.

Having said all of that, I'm not exactly sure what you're hoping to gain by transferring to a Caribbean school. At this point, you'd still have to pass (as you know) USMLE before you can get into clinical rotations. Your best bet would be to call one (or all) of the reputable programs' offices in the U.S. and specifically discuss your situation. They may or may not accept you, and you will still have to pass Step 1 before you can start clinicals.

With regards to interviewing and matching into a Family Practice residency... it will depend on how you do during your clerkships, how you do on Step 2 CK/CS, and what kind of recommendations you can get.

It must suck getting dismissed from U.S. medical school. I feel for you. You have options. You've invested 2+ years of your life in this pursuit. And, if you're being honest with yourself (and us) about why you were dismissed - and are able to rectify those issues, then there's no reason why you can't finish your medical degree and go on to practice medicine.

Call SGU, Ross, AUC, and Saba's U.S. offices. And, good luck!

-Skip

 

[FutureMDiA]

Don't give up on your dream. Transfer to Caribbean school.

 

[W19]

Wow. Tough.

I previously relayed a story of a student who this happened to when I was in residency (at a U.S. medical school-affiliated program). In his case, there were clear psychological/performance issues. Here, it appears among other things that Step 1 was the big hurdle.

Having said all of that, I'm not exactly sure what you're hoping to gain by transferring to a Caribbean school. At this point, you'd still have to pass (as you know) USMLE before you can get into clinical rotations. Your best bet would be to call one (or all) of the reputable programs' offices in the U.S. and specifically discuss your situation. They may or may not accept you, and you will still have to pass Step 1 before you can start clinicals.

With regards to interviewing and matching into a Family Practice residency... it will depend on how you do during your clerkships, how you do on Step 2 CK/CS, and what kind of recommendations you can get.

It must suck getting dismissed from U.S. medical school. I feel for you. You have options. You've invested 2+ years of your life in this pursuit. And, if you're being honest with yourself (and us) about why you were dismissed - and are able to rectify those issues, then there's no reason why you can't finish your medical degree and go on to practice medicine.

Call SGU, Ross, AUC, and Saba's U.S. offices. And, good luck!

-Skip

Psychosis or schizophrenia or depression etc...