Why does EVERY medical school outside the US seem to have such terrible reputations?

[deleted1191959]

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Greetings,

I have been reviewing forums, Quora, and so much more trying to decide where to take this decision step. Where to apply to actually go.

My PhD is complete. I can stay in the US. But truly, is there so much struggle studying outside the US, for the sake of a different perspective and atmosphere to find an adequate program? I have not read 1 half-way decent review or comment that makes me consider anything less than “tried and true” schools here. Yes, I am in the United States. No, I do not need to study elsewhere. But why exactly is there so much favoritism for US programs? Are they truly that much better? Is it because it’s seemingly easier to match?

I’d love any feedback possible. I need to make this decision and it’s a truly mind-boggling since I don’t feel I’m gaining an objective view of medical programs. It seems much more aligned to the medical industry.

Your thoughts are always appreciated.

Lily

 

[KendallJennerSniperLady69]

Greetings,

I have been reviewing forums, Quora, and so much more trying to decide where to take this decision step. Where to apply to actually go.

My PhD is complete. I can stay in the US. But truly, is there so much struggle studying outside the US, for the sake of a different perspective and atmosphere to find an adequate program? I have not read 1 half-way decent review or comment that makes me consider anything less than “tried and true” schools here. Yes, I am in the United States. No, I do not need to study elsewhere. But why exactly is there so much favoritism for US programs? Are they truly that much better? Is it because it’s seemingly easier to match?

I’d love any feedback possible. I need to make this decision and it’s a truly mind-boggling since I don’t feel I’m gaining an objective view of medical programs. It seems much more aligned to the medical industry.

Your thoughts are always appreciated.

Lily

? if you want to go to a US residency program, then it's not "seemingly easier to match" it is objectively easier to match to US residency programs from a US medical school than a foreign medical school.

Why are you asking about what medical school to attending if you already have your MD/PhD? That doesn't make sense to me.

 

[gyngyn]

Why are you asking about what medical school to attending if you already have your MD/PhD?

I believe they only have a PhD.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

We don't believe in rankings, but...

QS World University Rankings for Medicine 2024

Discover the world's top universities for Medicine. Explore the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 in various disciplines.

www.topuniversities.com

 

[sapphire_fire]

If you want to go to a US residency program, then it's not "seemingly easier to match" it is objectively easier to match to US residency programs from a US medical school than a foreign medical school.

I might be in a similar-ish situation to you so I'll ask @Mr.Smile12 and @gyngyn some questions while they are here that might help both of us.
I am having some trouble being accepted to med schools in the US. So, even though my long-term goal is to be in the US, I am considering doing school abroad and hopefully coming back for residency. I am worried because the general feeling I get is from the reply I quoted, where it is objectively harder to match to residency here when applying from abroad.
However, when people say that, are they referring to the average university abroad, or are they also referring to universities that have similar rank/reputations to US universities? ie., if you went to a school like Oxford/Kings/Milan/Sao Paulo/RCSI and score well on USMLE Steps, do you have the same opportunities to match in the US or are you still at a disadvantage?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I might be in a similar-ish situation to you so I'll ask @Mr.Smile12 and @gyngyn some questions while they are here that might help both of us.
I am having some trouble being accepted to med schools in the US. So, even though my long-term goal is to be in the US, I am considering doing school abroad and hopefully coming back for residency. I am worried because the general feeling I get is from the reply I quoted, where it is objectively harder to match to residency here when applying from abroad.
However, when people say that, are they referring to the average university abroad, or are they also referring to universities that have similar rank/reputations to US universities? ie., if you went to a school like Oxford/Kings/Milan/Sao Paulo/RCSI and score well on USMLE Steps, do you have the same opportunities to match in the US or are you still at a disadvantage?

I can be corrected, but here is what I know.

You have more hoops to jump through, including ultimately getting certification with your foreign medical degree to become eligible for a US license and practice in the US. Here's the information from the organization in charge:

Requirements for 2025 Pathways for ECFMG Certification

www.ecfmg.org

Also, the new residency application management system (Thalamus) is just entering its second year of full implementation. You have to know which programs won't filter you out simply because you have an international degree, but there may be more nuance than this which is outside my professional experience.

 

[deleted1191959]

? if you want to go to a US residency program, then it's not "seemingly easier to match" it is objectively easier to match to US residency programs from a US medical school than a foreign medical school.

Why are you asking about what medical school to attending if you already have your MD/PhD? That doesn't make sense to me.

Hi.
Thank you. I ask because I have my PhD, not MD. That’s the choice I’m looking to make.
Thanks so much. This is helpful.

 

[gyngyn]

However, when people say that, are they referring to the average university abroad, or are they also referring to universities that have similar rank/reputations to US universities? ie., if you went to a school like Oxford/Kings/Milan/Sao Paulo/RCSI and score well on USMLE Steps, do you have the same opportunities to match in the US or are you still at a disadvantage?

Sadly, most of us will not be familiar with these international schools.
When the NRMP published outcomes for international grads, the countries you mentioned had too few US applicants (and acceptances) to include in their data.

 

[LizzyM]

The schools most often attended by US citizens studying medicine abroad prey on academically weak candidates who could not garner admission in the US. Consequently, the attrition rate is considerable (easy to get in, hard to stay in). If you do succeed in graduating, you will be at a disadvantage compared to US grads in terms of residency placement and a US residency is required for licensure in the US. While there are these new pathways to licensure in some US states, it is my understanding that many of these slots will go to talented immigrants who have trained and practiced in their home country and now wish to live and practice medicine in the US.

The conventional wisdom is not to consider off-shore options until you have had at least two unsuccessful cycles applying to US schools including DO schools.

 

[deleted1191959]

The schools most often attended by US citizens studying medicine abroad prey on academically weak candidates who could not garner admission in the US. Consequently, the attrition rate is considerable (easy to get in, hard to stay in). If you do succeed in graduating, you will be at a disadvantage compared to US grads in terms of residency placement and a US residency is required for licensure in the US. While there are these new pathways to licensure in some US states, it is my understanding that many of these slots will go to talented immigrants who have trained and practiced in their home country and now wish to live and practice medicine in the US.

The conventional wisdom is not to consider off-shore options until you have had at least two unsuccessful cycles applying to US schools including DO schools.

Understood. Thanks so much.

 

[deleted1191959]

? if you want to go to a US residency program, then it's not "seemingly easier to match" it is objectively easier to match to US residency programs from a US medical school than a foreign medical school.

Why are you asking about what medical school to attending if you already have your MD/PhD? That doesn't make sense to me.

PhD, not MD. Thank you for the correction.

Lily