5 Things to Consider Should You Choose to Attend a Foreign Medical School  

The hardest part about medical school is getting in. As healthcare in America continues to evolve, the pathway to becoming a physician has also changed. Those who plan on practicing in the states must still complete a residency in the US, but getting to that point is now harder and more competitive than it was 20 years ago. Some students have elected to go to foreign medical schools to receive their training. Here are 5 things to keep in mind if you decide to pursue your degree in a foreign country but plan on practicing in America.

5)        Finances

Medical school is an expensive journey. For those who attend medical schools outside of the US, especially the Caribbean, finances may become more of an issue. Most students have to apply for private loans, since most foreign medical schools do not qualify for federal aid from the US. Additionally, many necessities in foreign countries may be more expensive such as food and groceries because these goods have to be imported into the country. This can easily increase a student’s cost of living and add to their overall expenses.

4)        Complete Clinical Rotations in the US

If possible, try to complete all clinical rotations in the states. As a student, you want to familiarize yourself with basic hospital protocol and HIPPA regulations. If there is a hospital or residency program that you have your heart set on, try to schedule a rotation at that hospital, and more specifically, in the department that you are interested in. As you rotate through the hospital, work with current residents, and get to know the program director and clinical coordinator, your chances of being selected for an interview is greater since they can put a name with a face and validate your efforts.

3)        Basic Sciences

In the first two years of medical school a student will study the basic sciences, which lays the foundation for the remainder of his or her education and professional career. Many foreign medical students feel unprepared after they complete their basic sciences and prepare for USMLE Step 1. Students should take it upon themselves to prepare for Step 1 on the first day of class. This is achieved by doing USMLE based questions from a reputable source (such as UWorld) and constantly do questions based on the basic science classes they are studying at that time. The earlier you begin studying questions, the better grasp you will have on the material. The more questions you do, the more prepared you will be for the USMLE exams.

2)        Study Smart, Not Hard

Reading medical book after medical book is great, however, it is passive. When studying the art of medicine, you have to apply your knowledge to solve one or many complex problems. Get in the habit of active learning by doing review questions that reinforces your knowledge and focuses on HIGH YIELD material. Take notes from the questions and constantly review those difficult and high yield topics. Talk to upperclassmen and get their advice on how to prepare for exams. Also, develop a personal relationship with your professors to ensure that you are studying correctly and honing in on the right concepts.

 1)        STEP 1 MATTERS!!

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-series examination that a physician must pass in order to practice in the US. While all exams are evaluated when entering residency, Step 1 continues to be the examination that is weighted more heavily. Take Step 1 seriously and begin the preparation process during your first year. It may be necessary to take a review course once completing the basic sciences that will focus on the high yield concepts that are more likely to be tested. This test often sets students apart from others and must be successfully completed before proceeding into one’s third year of medical school.

-Bernard Clinkscale, MD, MBA, ProMEDeus Academic Advisor

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