<p>Here is a list of rankings for international medical schools. What do you think?</p>
<p>[url=<a href="http://www.arwu.org/ARWU-FIELD2008/MED2008.htm%5Dfield%5B/url">http://www.arwu.org/ARWU-FIELD2008/MED2008.htm]field[/url</a>]</p>
<p>yeah so lets say i go to one of those UK Medical Schools on the top rated list
would i still be considered a 2nd- rate doctor when i move back to USA to find a residency?</p>
<p>You would certainly face less prejudice after the process compared to, say, a school from the Caribbean, but the fact of the matter is that US residency spots go first to US medical school applicants, who match at a 94% rate compared to 50%.</p>
<p>Besides that, the high-quality programs overseas are probably very difficult to get into anyway. The "shortcut" programs are problematic.</p>
<p>Some residency programs explicitly say that they have no problem with foreign medical school graduates as long as they are actually FROM the foreign country in question. You can imagine that many others have a similar, but unspoken, policy. An American who goes overseas raises more questions than he answers.</p>
<p>BDM is exactly correct.</p>
<p>Many residency programs have caught onto the current growing trend of going overseas to a foreign medical school usually in the Caribbean. It usually indicates that the applicant did not get accepted to a U.S. school and then desperately turned to a foreign school. These foreign schools specifically get and recruit U.S. applicants. However I'm sure you can find a residency program eventually somewhere in the U.S. but it is more difficult and you may not get your first choice.</p>
<p>thanks BDM and imaginationpower. I was thinking of like overseas schools before but yeah i have found that staying in US will be better. I mean if i will be scared of the selective system here, it would not be worth becoming a doctor.</p>
<p>Well, it might still be worth becoming a doctor. Like I said, I'm sure you could find a residency program somewhere in the U.S., it just may not be your top choice.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I'm sure you could find a residency program somewhere
[/quote]
This is not true. Other threads have extensively pored over the statistics. About 60% of IMG's pass Step 1 of their boards; without that you will never be licensed. Presumably some pass it on a second or third try, but presumably some of them can't pass Step 2 or 3 either, so we generally consider this a wash.</p>
<p>About 50% of those who apply -- meaning they have passed Step 1 -- will not match into any residency at all.</p>
<p>So that sounds to me like about a 70% chance of blowing $240,000 and ending up with an MD that nobody will ever let you use.</p>
<p>yeah i have to agree with BDM. he makes a good point that the passing rate is only 60%. Thus, almost half of those people will never become doctors in the US. Even if they do, if their scores are bad, they will be screwed for residency. That is one of my fears of going to an international school : wasting about 6-7 years of my life. </p>
<p>btw, in the US, dont they make you take the steps exams at the end of second year. That can be one of the reasons for why the IMG pass rates are not very high because most of them usually give it when they are going to find their residency. That is just a guess. Correct me if i am wrong.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Thus, almost half of those people will never become doctors in the US.
[/quote]
No -- the pass rate is only 60%. Of those that pass, only half of them will ever match.</p>
<p>Step 1 of the exams in US medical schools happens after second year; Step 2 happens after fourth year; Step 3 happens after first year of residency ("internship year").</p>
<p>"a good point that the passing rate is only 60%. Thus, almost half of those people will never become doctors in the US. Even if they do, if their scores are bad, they will be screwed for residency"</p>
<p>That's true, but maybe on an inspirational note, you could work extra hard and make sure you get a good score. It is certainly do-able even if the statistics are against you, but that's considering if you want it that bad. Don't give up if you know it's something you want to do! =)</p>
<p>That's what everybody thinks. 70% of them are wrong. This is a bad gamble.</p>
<p>Yes, that's true.</p>
<p>Paki, don't forget the 30% that do make it! If those statistics are even accurate. lol, I'm just trying to be optimistic. =)
I would suggest talking to someone who has gone to a foreign med. school. They will be able to help you more.</p>
<p>But all in all, it is a risky gamble.
Maybe you could stay in the U.K. if you end up liking it after going to school there. maybe you have family there?</p>
<p>
[quote]
If those statistics are even accurate.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>oh, I wasn't talking about those statistics.</p>
<p>I was talking about this one:</p>
<p>"So that sounds to me like about a 70% chance of blowing $240,000 and ending up with an MD that nobody will ever let you use."</p>
<p>It felt like you were estimating with your opinion but maybe I'm getting something mixed up.</p>
<p>... and that thread is where the 70% estimate comes from.</p>
<p>oh, ok. I get it. it is an estimate though.</p>
<p>Can you point out where it says 70%. I can't seem to find it. I believe you, but I just thought it might be interesting to read that part since I don't know much about foreign med schools and residency acceptances but you seem to know more.</p>
<p>65% chance of passing Step 1.</p>
<p>Can't apply for residency unless you pass Step 1. If you apply, 50% chance you get one.</p>
<p>65% * 50% = 32.5%</p>
<p>100% - 32.5% = 67.5%</p>
<p>oh ok I get it. thanks for that blue.</p>
<p>this is the USLME part 1 correct?</p>