Quote:
Originally Posted by monolisp
I certainly don't have an axe to grind for either, as I am still deciding and am considering both, but I think it is worth noting that you may do your 4th year of clinicals in the US if you meet some modest expectations (B+ average in school, pass Step 1 your first try, etc).
In addition, I gather that you can fail the Step 1 in Mexico and try again. Whether or not the Carib schools will tell you to kick rocks is probably different for each individual school.
In the apples to apples vein, you can rest assured you will get *more* clinical experience in Guadalajara than any carib school as you start from day one. The argument that your experience in residency pales this comparison I believe is an unfair judgment, as I am sure that you will see a good share of very diverse situations in Mexico, which you will only read about marooned on some island.
Anointed with great responsibility so early on is akin to plunging in head first as opposed to testing the clinical waters. Without a doubt, the legalities of the medical system differ in Mexico vs. the States.
My question is this : why not take the opportunity to screw up in Mexico instead of the US, which could easily spell the end of your career?
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What career-ending screw up are you referring to? By do ALL of your rotations in the states you will see the method of practicing medicine in the country in which you will ultimately practice. You will have responsibility during rotations in the US, but I have yet to hear of a hospital center from a graduate from a foreign or US school be given the level of responsibility as a med student in which a patient's care would be sub-optimal. Also, you stated that you are someone who is still deciding about med school, while I am writing as someone who will be graduating from med school in 3 weeks and will be starting residency in July. During my rotations, I have come across students from different foreign schools. Those who did clinicals outside of the US, had more difficulty in matching into programs of their choice. If you want a good residency of your choice, US clinical experience is a very important step to get there.