I didnt get into medical school :(?

Question

Found a website that suggests going abroad for school and coming back to USA for residency, any ideas??

http://www.bestforeignmedicalschools.com

Answer 1

The Caribbean medical schools and UAG in Mexico follow the US medical school curricula for the express intent of graduates returning to the US for residency training.  All of these students must obtain an ECFMG certificate in order to take the USMLE exams.

There are four Caribbean medical schools that are recognized by the state of California (California is the Gold Standard of acceptance for offshore schools).  Students attending these four schools are able to get federal student loans.  These four schools have excellent reputations in the US and graduates have no difficulty getting residency slots.  The same is not true for the remainder of the Caribbean schools.  If you attend any of the lesser quality schools you will be assessed on an individual basis for everything--residency and licensure included.  There are some Caribbean schools that are banned in the US, yet are still operating.  

UAG is a highly respected school and graduates of that program have no difficulty with programs or licensure.

While it is possible to attend a medical school in another country and return to the US for residency training, you need to be aware of the significant differences between the methods of education.  The US is highly compartmentalized and is essentially a building block system where you learn a subject and then move on to the next.  European schools are more integrated and they don't emphasize the sciences as much as the US system (which could have a negative impact on your USMLE scores).  The European school systems require graduates to do between 1 and 3 years post-graduate training/observation as an adjunct to medical school before beginning their residency equivalent training.

A couple of more issues:  European schools are accustomed to being contacted by students who were unable to get into US medical schools and they are becoming increasingly offended that there's a perception that European schools have lower standards, which is making it more difficult for US students to get in.  It's almost impossible if you only try for admission by completing applications and mailing them.  You would have a better chance by going to the school and letting them get to know you.

Another issue is that everybody assumes a US student will return to the US after completing a European medical school, which is pretty much all the justification some schools need to deny you admission.  Many European schools are tuition-free for residents and cost-exorbitant for a US resident.

There are a few schools that have English language programs, but most are taught in the native tongue.  If you want to explore which schools have English programs and accept US students, you can search here:  http://imed.ecfmg.org/search.asp

But if you are going to consider a Caribbean school, you'd be wise to spend some time at ValueMD.com

Answer 2

What curie said is very true. Furthermore, the Stafford Loan program is tightening up on loans to students attending foreign medical schools, so financing may become an issue.

I know several physicians who went to school abroad (Mexico, Montserrat, DR). All had difficulties getting a residency but eventually did. All now practice and are quite successful.

You might consider going back to the medical schools that rejected you and ask for their assistance. Contact the Admissions Office or the Office of Student Affairs and ask what you can do to strengthen your position as a candidate next year. You may be able to shore up your application and give it another go.

Good luck to you.

Answer 3

careful on this, I've know some people whose family members have gone to another country to go thru med school and then end up having to re-take a bunch of classes and pass the boards in the US anyway to be able to practice in the states.