For Steph

[kernb]

Steph--why are you constantly saying that you won't have the same opportunities by going to SGU? What do you specifically mean? You got a residency at one of the best places in a most competitive field, so how is that the case? I've only applied to US schools once, so do you think I should reapply? It would take me at least four years before I could get into a US school, but I'm pretty sure that I could, not that there are any guarantees. I mean, do I start Med School in four years, or do I graduate Med School in four years (I've really thought about that four year thing, it seriously is the earliest I could get into a US school, taking into account the things I'd have to do to improve my application). I'd really like to hear peoples opinions and what everyone thinks, especially Steph. Thanks, as always, for all your advice.

[geoff]

Well...for starters...in four years...you'd have an MD ideally via the caribbean...and be chosing a field...and instead of starting 4 more in 2008...years of formal education...you could be making just under 4K per month. heck you could go do a residency...and then apply to a different one...as a licensed doc... . So you'd be equating you're chances in a specific field...as a foreign grad with a board license in one field applying for a residency vs a 'possible' US grad applying for the same field..which is more likely for success?...can you afford the extra four years of school...how set are you on a US school...can you move ..ie family..kids...do you want to go to an island school....do you think you can work effectively...blah blah blah.. My godfather said to me on my second set of applications to NA schools...after now probably two years + of getting my grades up...."just get on with it Geoff"...and I did.... There are a few very young graduates of SGU out there...and quite frankly I'm jealous....28/29 and attendings...that's a lot of dough for a great age...... with great future options... just a thought...but think it thru a bit. Take er easy,
Geoff

[Nimitt]

Steph is an exception to the rule. Yes she got a great position at a great place. But she is talking about the average not the exceptions. On the average SGU does farely well. But when you compare any FMG to a US grad even if the FMG is an US IMG they still dont get the competitive residency or place. Of course there are the exceptions. If a PD had to choose between 2 students both with equal scores and CV's who do you think they are going to choose a FMG or US grad? There are programs that just dont want any FMG because supposedly the more FMGs you have in your program the weaker it is considered. This is coming straight from an attending (and assoc. PD). So unless you blow the US grad out of the water by your scores and personality the likelihood of you getting a competitive residency or program is slim, not impossible it has been done and I am seeing it more and more with our grads.
A perfect example a few of our grads are now attendings and higher beings at hospitals that wont interview FMGs even SGU in their department yet they hired a IMG as an attending. Does that make sense?

Nimitt
4th year
SGU SOM

[Nimitt]

Even though you are "different" we still love you steph!!!! :lol:

Nimitt
4th year
SGU SOM

[stephew]

Steph--why are you constantly saying that you won't have the same opportunities by going to SGU? What do you specifically mean? You got a residency at one of the best places in a most competitive field, so how is that the case? I've only applied to US schools once, so do you think I should reapply? It would take me at least four years before I could get into a US school, but I'm pretty sure that I could, not that there are any guarantees. I mean, do I start Med School in four years, or do I graduate Med School in four years (I've really thought about that four year thing, it seriously is the earliest I could get into a US school, taking into account the things I'd have to do to improve my application). I'd really like to hear peoples opinions and what everyone thinks, especially Steph. Thanks, as always, for all your advice.
The bottom line is that you will never get the same opportunities as a foreign grad. I was very fortunate. And one good situation begot another. but its the exception, not the rule, and had I counted on this, Id be pretty stupid. When yu say you could get a US spot in four years, I dont know really what you mean. I cant really advise you on what to do. All I can say is that that if you really aren't a good candidate for a us school in a reasonsble peroid of time, sgu is a great alternative. but its is an alternative. if you cant live without being a neurosurgeon, dermatologist, radonc doc or perhaps a radiologist, you should reconsider. if you can live with having aless competitive residency (but are happy maybe trying-and maybe not getting-a more competyitive one) then its great.
All the best to you.
S

[kernb]

I have no interest in rad/onc, derm, or neurosurgery. I'm mainly interested in emergency med, or perhaps general surgery, and SGU grads seem fine getting those positions, many of which at the med school i've worked at the past year (Albany Med). Certainly if I'd planned earlier I could get into a US school in less than four or so years, but at the time I allready thought I'd get in, but haven't. So now it's too late, and it would take much longer. Would you advise waiting several years to start, or to start now, considering what I want to do? Thanks,

[Nimitt]

If you want EM or surgery and you are satisfied with what SGU produces and you feel like you really have exhausted your US avenue then why not apply to SGU, why wait? By the time you wait and reapply you can be back in the states beginning your residency.

Nimitt
4th year
SGU SOM

[stephew]

I have no interest in rad/onc, derm, or neurosurgery. I'm mainly interested in emergency med, or perhaps general surgery, and SGU grads seem fine getting those positions, many of which at the med school i've worked at the past year (Albany Med). Certainly if I'd planned earlier I could get into a US school in less than four or so years, but at the time I allready thought I'd get in, but haven't. So now it's too late, and it would take much longer. Would you advise waiting several years to start, or to start now, considering what I want to do? Thanks,ER, and moreso surgery are (right now) viable from sgu. BUT you still must be a strong student. That much is up to you. Good luck.
And yes nIm, my Mom and Dad always told me I was special!
Steph