Help!! SLU med scholars or UCL medical school?

Pre-Med & Medical School Foreign Medical Education
1

<p>Hi, I've recently been admitted to the two below, but I'm having a difficult time choosing one:</p>

<p>SLU med scholars program<br>
or UCL (University College London) Medical School?</p>

<p>I am a Canadian student, and both would be great opportunities for me to pursue medicine. I am aware of some of the goods and bads of each choice:</p>

<p>Going to SLU would mean a generally straightforward path to a US medical school. This would really be a golden chance for me, considering the fact that few Canadians (or any international student for that matter) are accepted to US medical schools each year. Coming from Canada, I'm also assuming that I would more easily acclimatize to the US student atmosphere than the British one. Furthermore, SLU medical school is quite decent in terms of its rankings.</p>

<p>But UCL is a highly reputable institution on an international scale, and it is based in the center of London (a great city, no doubt). The medical education would be top-notch there, and I wouldn't have to go through the undergrad education - I would go straight into their medical school. The only problem is that I'm quite sure I'd like to work in the US, My worry does not necessarily lie in which school I attend, but rather my medical career afterwards. What if I'm not able to make it to a US residency program? Even if I do get a spot, as a foreign medical graduate, even from a great school like UCL, wouldn't I be considered second-rate?</p>

<p>Sorry for the essay but I really need some advice !! - Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Answer is easy if you want to work in the US afterwards: go to the US medical school. International medical graduates have an extremely hard time matching into US residencies, with the vast majority of them being relegated to primary care residences.</p>

3

<p>Rule of thumb is to study in the country you want to practice in.</p>

4

<p>UCL is a top medical school in London. One of the best in London if not the best. I have never heard of the other school you mentioned. A lot of people who study in the UK go on to do residency in the USA. The courses are not tailored to get you to pass USMLEs, however they cover it during basic sciences and you would be able to revise on your own and write step and step 2 then apply for residency in the USA after you finish your degree. It will take 6 yrs and there’s no need for a degree. They usually want A Levels / IB or equivalent to that.</p>

<p>You might want to do some rotations in the USA during your clinical years or electives so that you have experience of the US system for when you go there for residency. It will not be easy though as a foreign medical graduate - apparently if you have a green card it’s easier for residency but because you have a foreign degree it’s still not easy. Not that the education isn’t sufficient or anything.</p>

<p>If I were you I would definitely stay in the US you will be better prepared for exams etc.</p>