Is it true that if a person goes to Medical school in Africa it doesnt count here in the United Staes?

Question

If you go to Med school in Guinea, West Africa and are an MD there is it true that when you come to New York you need to translate your degree?

Answer 1

Before you waste 8 years of your life, you need to talk to to people in the know.  Some foreign schools are OK, some are not.  If you are in high school, talk to your guidance counselor and get the true story.  If you are in college already, there most be a equivalent person to talk to.

Answer 2

Yes. I think so.You might want to ask someone who works as a medic.

Answer 3

The US recognizes the medical education programs of almost every foreign country, but in order to practice in the US, everybody needs to pass the USMLE.

You should review the ECFMG web site for details.

Answer 4

Absolutely!  You need far more than the wording of your degree/transcript/shingle translated to ensure being able to practice medicine in the US.  Credentials earned overseas - especially in developing countries are highly suspect where corrupt government employees or school officials can be paid off and things like a medical degree can literally be purchased.  As such, the US often requires anything from competency exams to full-on medical school readmission before being able to practice medicine in the States.

Answer 5

I think that the U.S. does not recognize medical degrees from other countries, period (except maybe Canada and some European countries). I would check before you waste your money -- unless you don't mind living in Africa.

Answer 6

You'd better really do your homework on that one.  I used to work in a hospital that had several foreign doctors.  They all old me that they had to take a very long, difficult exam to get a license to practice in the US.  So, be aware of every pitfall before you go to med school in any foreign country.

Answer 7

thats so true!

my aunt use to be a professor at a foreign country, she came here hoping to become one again, but they won't accept her, because she doesnt have a degree here.