All GSP/Newcastle/KeithBTaylor questions here

[Phrozen]

Note from moderator Orthonut: The GSP related threads have all been merged and stuck. Please keep all GSP related questions here so that new users etc are able to find the info all in one place.

I'm not sure what to choose:

Jan 2009 Grenada or Aug 2008 GSP?

I know about the licensing issue in California for the GSP program and I don't want to shut the door on working in California once I graduate.

Should I go for the Jan 2009 class starting directly in Grenada or go to GSP this Aug 2008??

Thanks for all the help!

[argazul]

If you don't want to shut the door on CA, then its Jan 2009 Grenada for you. Most approvals won't be retroactive.

[Coldfusion]

I think it's on a case by case basis , and with St. George's reputation, it's not likely to be a problem.

Why would they punish you for one year of classes, if you still pass your USMLE, obtain residency, etc.

I think their licensing board is a bit more rational than that, although I could be wrong. I guess only time will tell.

[NYladoo]

I think it's on a case by case basis , and with St. George's reputation, it's not likely to be a problem.

Why would they punish you for one year of classes, if you still pass your USMLE, obtain residency, etc.

I think their licensing board is a bit more rational than that, although I could be wrong. I guess only time will tell.

St. George's is not a US school, so it doesn't matter they have a solid reputation as a foreign med school. CA approval isn't a joke and can take awhile, so if GSP doesn't (I don't know if they do, I'm just speaking in hypotheticals) GSP will need to show CA board that it is as strong as SGU Grenada program to be awarded CA approval.

[phronesis]

jan 09 in grenada!!!!!!!!!!!,its a lot safer, its only 4 months from august,

[Phrozen]

Thanks guys. I chose Jan 09 in Grenada.. :)

[rage medicine]

go with aug 2008 gsp. would you rather match in 2012 or 2013? that's 1 year's salary difference. that's a child's tuition for 4 years.

[Kongakut]

It doesn't matter if the state phrozen wants to get licensed in adopts the California list that at this time does not accept GSPers. Or suddenly has a great opportunity in Cali but can't become licensed there. So, maybe a kid's tuition will be delayed a year. Is that worth limiting your career options?

Good choice Phrozen. GND is cool.

[Phrozen]

go with aug 2008 gsp. would you rather match in 2012 or 2013? that's 1 year's salary difference. that's a child's tuition for 4 years.

But there's no Cali with GSP. Wouldn't it make more sense to just go to AUA or MUA-Nevis in Sept (I've already been accepted to both) and save a lot of money for tuition?

[Coldfusion]

How long do they give you to decide?

[Phrozen]

I already chose Jan 2009 in Grenada... It doesn't make sense to do the GSP and not be able to work in Cali. That's one of the perks of going to a "Top 4" school.

Still waiting to hear back from AUC. My interview for Ross is in August because I wanted to wait to hear back from SGU or AUC first instead of flying to Chicago for the Ross interview.

[Bluefirex7]

I got into GSP for aug 08 and I am taking it because England is going to be an awesome experience with my 2nd year obviously in grenada. I live in NJ, so i can so clinicals in NJ which works well for me..but yea Cali i could understand...

Joe

[Kongakut]

Well, you may have a problem with a NJ residency if you go GSP. There was some movement on this issue a little while back so I don't know what the status is now, but at one point there were issues with clinicals, residency, and licensure in NJ coming from GSP. I think the clinicals issue was resolved but since you are a NJ resident - you should definitely get the latest info.

[AngryBaby]

Well, you may have a problem with a NJ residency if you go GSP. There was some movement on this issue a little while back so I don't know what the status is now, but at one point there were issues with clinicals, residency, and licensure in NJ coming from GSP. I think the clinicals issue was resolved but since you are a NJ resident - you should definitely get the latest info.
I was also going to bring up this point. Last I heard there was a problem with GME in NJ but that the clinical rotations while still enrolled in SGU and the independent practice-rights post-residency had been favorably resolved.

If you live and/or want to work in NJ you should call the school about this specifically.

[Bluefirex7]

What do you mean...I cant do clinicals/rotations in NJ? I thought i did one year in england, the 2nd in carribean then past 1st step then get a choice or match for clinicals in US...am i misinformed?

[Phrozen]

What do you mean...I cant do clinicals/rotations in NJ? I thought i did one year in england, the 2nd in carribean then past 1st step then get a choice or match for clinicals in US...am i misinformed?

Call the school bro. Based on what I know you can't do clinicals/residency in NJ and you cannot be licensed in California if you go through GSP.

That's why I chose to just go to Grenada in Jan 2009.

[AngryBaby]

last we heard (at least last I heard) was that GSP kids can do rotations in NJ and practice independently in NJ. The problem was that the GSP students either definitely weren't allowed to perform their residency in NJ or the NJ medical board wasn't sure how to handle the GSP students and wasn't making any promises regarding residency until the first GSP students applied for a training license.

Do a search on the topic and call the school/NJ medical board.

EDIT: I am by no means up to speed or well-versed on the topic since it doesn't pertain to me so definitely don't just take my word on this. Call the school to find out for yourself. Doing a search of the forum should give you some pertinent questions.

[Bluefirex7]

I just dont see how its a problem, when i am still part of the 2012 class and only doing my first year in england..ill meet up with grenada students year 2..and graduate on time etc...i am calling the school to find out..but i dont see how residency, clinicals should be a problem in NJ...

I dont want to practice in CALI although im sure it would be nice so the cali thing is no big deal to me haha...but im going to find out whats up..

[AngryBaby]

all GSP students only do 1 year in England. The potential problem with the GSP program is that the students don't spend their entire basic science curriculum in the country of the school's charter (in this case, Grenada). This applies to all GSP students and thus applies to you.

Again, just do a search to read about the problem and you should definitely call the school.

[Bluefirex7]

But if i cant practice in NJ whats the point? I just called and they said there could be a potential problem with practicing in NJ...What should i do now?

[Bluefirex7]

If my diploma comes from SGUSOM why does it matter that i dont do all the science base in grenada? They said it was exactly the same curriculum just that i'd do my first yr in england...this is so strange i dont get it...

[Phrozen]

But if i cant practice in NJ whats the point? I just called and they said there could be a potential problem with practicing in NJ...What should i do now?

Join me in Jan 2009 in Grenada :)

[AngryBaby]

But if i cant practice in NJ whats the point? I just called and they said there could be a potential problem with practicing in NJ...What should i do now?
You can practice independently once you've finished your residency, however you may have a problem getting a residency in NJ. So you may have to do your residency in another state (such as NY) and then apply for (and presumably obtain, barring some black mark on your record) a license to practice independently in NJ upon the completion of your residency.

Do a search on "Global Scholars Program" because you're not understanding what I'm saying.

[Bluefirex7]

No no i am understadning what your saying..but ive so many different posts on the matter...do you know where what you said is posted on SGU ? How do you know that for sure...because right now you've given me a sigh of relief cuz i dont mind doing residency in NY..aslong as I CAN practice medicine in NJ with my dad...

[AngryBaby]

I was suggesting you search the forum here on VMD, not SGU's website.

Here is the result of the search I suggested, check out a few of the threads.

http://www.valuemd.com/search.php?searchid=1291103

Also what I just said is what I think is the current situation; again I'm not completely up-to-date on the topic. SGU really needs to do a much better job giving the caveats of this program to applicants.

[Bluefirex7]

when i clicked that link nothing came up..but I am searching through this site for info..Im just getting mixed responses..so I dont know..

[AngryBaby]

also the risk you take with the GSP program is that even though many will say, "Well I'm not ever going to practice in California" you never know if/which other states are going to adopt the Cali list, which a number of them already have. So not only are you apparently excluding yourself from practicing in California but if any more states adopt the Cali list (I think Arkansas did recently, I'll check) then you might run into problems there also depending upon whether the state in question allows loopholes such as previously holding a license in another state, etc.

Everything in NJ and Cali could be worked out by the time you graduate, but that's a risk you need to be aware of and decide for yourself whether or not it's worth it.

[AngryBaby]

when i clicked that link nothing came up..but I am searching through this site for info..Im just getting mixed responses..so I dont know..

Try these specific threads:

http://www.valuemd.com/st-georges-university-school-medicine/150437-whats-so-good-about-global-scholars-program.html

http://www.valuemd.com/st-georges-university-school-medicine/154430-lay-rest-rumors-regarding-gsp-global-scholars-program-california-nj-issues.html

[Coldfusion]

I'm in the same boat as you blue. I want to practice in NJ, and this whole thing is scaring me.

It seems to me like it'd be kind of strange for them not to allow you to do anything a normal SGU graduate does in NJ, seeing how the program is 75% the same.

Also, the first year of basic sciences seems like it would be the same everywhere, and as long as we all do fine on the Step 1, what difference does it make.

I'm Guessing we won't find out anytime soon.

[Bluefirex7]

thanks that email sent to that student..pretty much states i can get be licensed in NJ but might have trouble getting a residency spot..as long as i can practice there in the end thats what ultimately matters...thanks again

[Bluefirex7]

Fusion, check out the 2nd link that angry baby sent me..and email from the dean of enrollment sent to the GSP students THIS PAST April...states that we can obtain NJ licenses regardless of GSP or non-GSP stature and that residency/clinicals are still up in the air...

My sn is bluefirex7...incase IM is easier for any of you...

Joe

[AngryBaby]

no problem. The school should be doing this instead of random people over the internet. I would wait until you hear back from the NJ medical board before you made any permanent decisions; always better to hear it from the horse's mouth.

[Bluefirex7]

I was only accepted into GSP, im going no matter what..its nice knowing i can be licensed in NJ and hopefully i can do residency/clinicals there..but yea ill post something once i heard from Dean and NJ Medical Board

[Mr.Puffy]

Hi guys, I've been accepted to Jan 09 class for SGU and Ross..I was very set in going to SGU, but after speaking with my academic advisor, I'm not sure..some point she brought out was that Ross Jan 09 class graduate within 10 semesters (hence, 2012), whereas SGU Jan 09 graduate in 2013?

[argazul]

Hi guys, I've been accepted to Jan 09 class for SGU and Ross..I was very set in going to SGU, but after speaking with my academic advisor, I'm not sure..some point she brought out was that Ross Jan 09 class graduate within 10 semesters (hence, 2012), whereas SGU Jan 09 graduate in 2013?
only if you can schedule all your rotations back to back. and if you know anything about recent Ross clinical situation, that is a big IF.

[Scylin]

only if you can schedule all your rotations back to back. and if you know anything about recent Ross clinical situation, that is a big IF.

It's an even bigger "if" if you need all greenbook rotations or want to stay in the same location for a few months. SGU has a huge advantage on those two issues over Ross.

[Bluefirex7]

Just talked to Dean of Enrollment..obviously as we know California is out of the picture...GSP is eligible for licensure in NJ but clinicals/rotations are still ify and not accredited yet..there have been no updates but he is confident NJ will get things accredited soon because GSP has met the guidelines that each states medical board wants so it is just a matter of time...hopefully less than 2 yrs for me...

[argazul]

You should also ask them if the approval will be retroactive. Make sure the approval does not say the student who will enroll after this announcement are eligible and if SGU is addressing this.

[Kongakut]

Arga makes a very good point. If it not retroactive - then if you start now - you will not be eligible for clinicals/residency in NJ.

[Bluefirex7]

I know, but he had said he doesnt know if it WOULD be retroactive or not...Ive got someone working to try and get me transferred into grenada for 2 years...but i know alot of people in NJ because my dad is a doc here so i dont know i will just have to wait and hear whats up for clinicals/residency...

[CANeh]

Almost everyone I talked to from August 2007 GSP entry (which are now in Grenada for term 3) said they are happy that we did 1 year in the UK and will only be doing 1 year in Grenada.

Licensing in California is an issue, and doing residency in NJ is an issue. These are things that you will have to look into and decide what is worth more for you.

[Bluefirex7]

Well im definitely going to GSP in England...just waiting to see if i can switch progams..either way im happy because i can practice in NJ which is the ultimate goal for me..

[Coldfusion]

Have you bought your plane ticket yet blue?

[Bluefirex7]

Yea i have plane tickets, my parents, my gf and I will be going, and ofcourse ill be staying while they leave :( haha but yea im excited...

[Coldfusion]

Can you gimme the details, date, airline, $?

Trying to find a good deal. Thanks.

Also, do you know if its cheaper to use philly, newark, or jfk?

[Bluefirex7]

Where you from? I am using Philly i think, i'll ask my mom and get the details from her to let you know..I know it cost me about 1100 round trip, flying in aug 8th and my parents/gf leaving after white coat while i stay until 12/13/08 to come home..british airways i think is the airline, but ill get the info and stay in touch..

[jelaeris]

Hi everyone! I am really interested in Keith B Taylor Program but I have no clue how it works, except that you go to England for a year and after a year of studying they give you are certificate. But there is no information about how financial aid is provided (like does it cover tuition and books?), which countries you can go to serve (can you chose yourself or the program directors do it for you?)

Thank you!

[cavalletti]

which countries you can go to serve (can you chose yourself or the program directors do it for you?)


There's no service requirement. Many US students attend this program. It is supposed to mirror the Grenada program.

[jelaeris]

I thought you are required to serve a year in an underdeveloped country... at least thats what it says in the booklet I have...

[Kongakut]

Please check other threads on GSP, as there are other issues with NJ (residency) and Cali (clinicals and/or residency and/or licensure). You can search under GSP.

[Kongakut]

I thought you are required to serve a year in an underdeveloped country... at least thats what it says in the booklet I have...

From SGU web page:

Prospective students who wish to apply for this program (GSP) must include a 500-word essay which demonstrates a commitment to dedicating at least a part of their professional lives to practicing medicine in developing countries or underserved regions of a developed country.

IMO, you decide what your level of commitment may be and then write about it.

[NYladoo]

From SGU web page:

Prospective students who wish to apply for this program (GSP) must include a 500-word essay which demonstrates a commitment to dedicating at least a part of their professional lives to practicing medicine in developing countries or underserved regions of a developed country.

IMO, you decide what your level of commitment may be and then write about it.

That's kind of funny considering those students study in England (a developed/industrial/post-industrial, whatever you call it these days) and spend less time in a developing country like Grenada. :)

[Bluefirex7]

I am going GSP this fall and i thought i had to serve time or something too..but when i got in back in March i realized you didnt have to...Jelaeris it is one yr in england, one yr in grenada and then pass step1 that summer i believe, then clinicals then residency

[ameyer1211]

I think it looks like a great opportunity to study in Europe, gain some understanding of the medical practices in developing countries and hopefully be the exact same as grenada. it is kind of humorous that the focus is medicine in developing countries as new castle is much more developed then grenada.

[jelaeris]

oh great! thanks for the information bluefirex7. I didnt know that after 2 years I can take the exam and be a resident. (or is it same for "regular" SGU medical students, or do they jus take step 1 exam after 4 years of education in Grenada?) Please forgive my ignorance on this step 1 exam because for now all my concern is getting into a medical school (hopefully to SGU) (im going to take the MCAT tomorrow actually)...
Thanks again for the info...

[rokshana]

oh great! thanks for the information bluefirex7. I didnt know that after 2 years I can take the exam and be a resident. (or is it same for "regular" SGU medical students, or do they jus take step 1 exam after 4 years of education in Grenada?) Please forgive my ignorance on this step 1 exam because for now all my concern is getting into a medical school (hopefully to SGU) (im going to take the MCAT tomorrow actually)...
Thanks again for the info...

no you cannot take an exam after 2 years and be a resident...you take step I after the 1st 2 years, take step II CK and CS after the 3rd year and finish all your rotations, THEN you will be a resident (if you match somewhere)...

[jelaeris]

wow... I have tons to learn... thanks rokshana..

[Bluefirex7]

haha gotta pass step 1, then go through clinicals/rotations, then pass 2 and then u match for residency, after first yr of residency i believe u pass 3 and then u get your license..but if uspecialize..u gotta finish specialty training then take the board for it and pass it to be board certified in that specialty, im pretty sure thats the lineup..but i could have something mixed up..

[thiban]

Hey Guys,
I was admitted to the January '09 KBTBSP and I want to know who else got in. I am from Toronto Ontario, Canada, Went to the University of Toronto at Scarborough. I am researching on this program since it is new. I am still not 100% sure if it is more worth it than going to St. George's for 2 years. One major problem is living expenses. What do you guys think?

[Coldfusion]

http://www.valuemd.com/st-georges-university-school-medicine/143525-2008-accepted-gsp-students.html

[CANeh]

Okay when someone puts Class of 2009. IT means that you will graduate in 2009.
So in your case it will be Class of 2013.

[BCgal]

Hey,

I'll be doing GSP in Jan as well. I'm reeeally excited about the program :)

[timisdaman]

Global Scholars Program - SGU FAQ Wiki (http://sgufaq.medstudentnotes.net/wiki/Global_Scholars_Program)

[thiban]

Thanks for pointing out my mistake CANeh. I didn't realize I wrote that :-)

[thiban]

Hey BCgal, I'm excited as well....why did you choose to goto newcastle instead of grenada?

[NYC Medic]

What is the difference between the two (besides the location)?

[cavalletti]

What is the difference between the two (besides the location)?

They are supposed to be mirror images of each other. They even write tests at the same time (time difference taken into consideration). See link to SGU site Programs - Global Scholars Program - School of Medicine - St. George’s University (http://www.sgu.edu/website/sguwebsite.nsf/som/global-scholars.html)

SGU does advise Cali students to matriculate at the Grenada campus as Cali is reviewing the GSP before confirming state acceptance.

[ecela7]

Cloudy skies vs blue skies

[rokshana]

do a search-this has been discussed ad naueum...

[AngryBaby]

and ad-infinitum...

[tiapsu]

hey guys, i'm interviewing this Friday for the Jan 09 GSP. any advice? can anyone tell me what the 15 minute personal essay is all about? ~~thanks!

[akebaje]

hey guys, i'm interviewing this Friday for the Jan 09 GSP. any advice? can anyone tell me what the 15 minute personal essay is all about? ~~thanks!

It's nothing serious. I didn't even know about it till I got to the interview. Basically, you choose one of 3 prompts I believe and write a page or so about it. I chose something pretty easy so writing abt it will come more easily. Don't lose sleep over it

[breezemaker]

Hey Guys,

Just a notice that if your heading over to the UK for the Global Scholars Program. You can join the official "SGU Global Scholars Program" facebook group. There you will find a wealth of information, discussions, tips, and photos, all that have been posted by the previous classes, that will come in handy.

Please be sure to share this with everyone.

[breezemaker]

Hey Guys,

Just a notice that if your heading over to the UK for the Global Scholars Program. You can join the official "SGU Global Scholars Program" facebook group. There you will find a wealth of information, discussions, tips, and photos, all that have been posted by the previous classes, that will come in handy.

Please be sure to share this with everyone.

[breezemaker]

Hey Guys,

Just a notice that if your heading over to the UK for the Global Scholars Program. You can join the official "SGU Global Scholars Program" facebook group. There you will find a wealth of information, discussions, tips, and photos, all that have been posted by the previous classes, that will come in handy.

Please be sure to share this with everyone.

[breezemaker]

Hey Guys,

Just a notice that if your heading over to the UK for the Global Scholars Program. You can join the official "SGU Global Scholars Program" facebook group. There you will find a wealth of information, discussions, tips, and photos, all that have been posted by the previous classes, that will come in handy.

Please be sure to share this with everyone.

[medie123]

I remember reading (either on this site or sdn) that we could fly into london and take a train to newcastle for something like 15-20 GBP. Can someone who has done anything like this before tell me where I can get cheap train tickets (so far all i've come across is anywhere between 100-200 GBP). Or has anyone found cheap airfare directly to newcastle (the ticket diference i found between LHR and NCL is about $400 and with 3 people traveling that comes out to another $1200 which I believe could be better spend). So if anyone knows where i can get that 15-20 GBP train ticket i would LOVE to hear from you!

[Reilly]

I remember reading (either on this site or sdn) that we could fly into london and take a train to newcastle for something like 15-20 GBP. Can someone who has done anything like this before tell me where I can get cheap train tickets (so far all i've come across is anywhere between 100-200 GBP). Or has anyone found cheap airfare directly to newcastle (the ticket diference i found between LHR and NCL is about $400 and with 3 people traveling that comes out to another $1200 which I believe could be better spend). So if anyone knows where i can get that 15-20 GBP train ticket i would LOVE to hear from you!

Wish I could be more helpful, but I looked into taking a train and in one direction the price was more than I expected and in few days I looked at we would have had to transferred onto buses, so be careful that doesn't happen to you.

However, I booked a flight from Newcastle to London for like 35 pounds i believe (so like $70 one way for 1 ticket). Might have been due to booking 5 months in advances, but it shouldn't be $400, thats ridiculous. I used British Airways and the flight was in May.

[aust0042]

I remember reading (either on this site or sdn) that we could fly into london and take a train to newcastle for something like 15-20 GBP. Can someone who has done anything like this before tell me where I can get cheap train tickets (so far all i've come across is anywhere between 100-200 GBP). Or has anyone found cheap airfare directly to newcastle (the ticket diference i found between LHR and NCL is about $400 and with 3 people traveling that comes out to another $1200 which I believe could be better spend). So if anyone knows where i can get that 15-20 GBP train ticket i would LOVE to hear from you!

What airline and from where are you flying? I flew Northwest from the states and then used their partner KLM to fly directly into Newcastle.

[Sassafras]

Try Easy Jet, they have really cheap flights all around europe, I have found tickets from London to Paris on there for like 10 GBP. I have heard Ryan air is another good one.

[CANeh]

Try Easy Jet, they have really cheap flights all around europe, I have found tickets from London to Paris on there for like 10 GBP. I have heard Ryan air is another good one.

Also try King Cross (London) to Newcastle station via train.

Virgin Trains - buy cheap train tickets online, train times, UK rail travel information (http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/default.aspx)

(PS. The only problem with taking easy jet is they have a bag weight limit and if you are just moving there, you prob have a lot of bags).

The other option, if you are 2 or 3 people heading up to NCL you may wish to rent a car and venture driving on the opposite side of the road. It would be the cheapest way, but prob most dangerous.

[cavalletti]

The other option, if you are 2 or 3 people heading up to NCL you may wish to rent a car and venture driving on the opposite side of the road. It would be the cheapest way, but prob most dangerous.

Great warm-up exercise for driving in Grenada.

[BCgal]

Hey Guys,

I asked this question in the threads but it wasn't answered so I'll try here. How are the rooms at Kirkley? Is there much difference in bedroom size between 2, 3 or 4 bdrm apartments? Also, can the rooms be co-ed if we have a friend request? Thanks :)

[akebaje]

Hey Guys,

I asked this question in the threads but it wasn't answered so I'll try here. How are the rooms at Kirkley? Is there much difference in bedroom size between 2, 3 or 4 bdrm apartments? Also, can the rooms be co-ed if we have a friend request? Thanks :)

Am in Kirkley right now and the rooms are pretty good. The only problem I have is that 2 rooms are pretty big but the 3rd one is tiny in comparison. How manage?!? :rolleyes: (I'm supposedly in a 3 brd but made into 4 (+ common room) cos we are a pretty big set).

I doubt the rooms are co-ed but ur neighbours can be d opposite sex

Hope that answers your Q.

[DrBigzMD]

hey guys, ive already had my interview for the grenada jan 09 class and declined GSP due to cali issues...which states can gsp students do residency/work in, since cali and nj are not approved.

since i declined, if i call my counselor and let her know i'd like to be considered, would they still give me a chance for gsp? thanks.

[akebaje]

hey guys, ive already had my interview for the grenada jan 09 class and declined GSP due to cali issues...which states can gsp students do residency/work in, since cali and nj are not approved.

since i declined, if i call my counselor and let her know i'd like to be considered, would they still give me a chance for gsp? thanks.

Yeah, call and speak to your counselor.
Same thing here. Said no up until a week before I got accepted. Just called in and told her I had a "re-think" and I like the GSP idea. Got in.:D

As for cali/nj, I believe it's just cali and not nj. Dont quote me on that though.

[DrBigzMD]

thanks akebaje...did they make u write the 500 word essay for the GSP application? or do they not require that anymore?

[akebaje]

thanks akebaje...did they make u write the 500 word essay for the GSP application? or do they not require that anymore?
Yes, I did but funny thing was I got accepted before I sent it in.

[lost crow]

I have a quick question regarding housing in Grenada after the Global Scholar Program in the U.K. If I attend that program, will I be regarded as an upperclassman in Grenada for housing although I did not live in Grenada for the previous year? I'm guessing that I would and my opinion is that I should be but I'm unsure lol.