General Information

• Forum: Hope Medical Institute (HMI) Forum
• Album: Hope Medical Institute (HMI) Album
• University Locations: Poland
• Admissions Office: Newport News, Virginia
• USA Clinical Rotations: Yes
• Universities Founded: 1940's
• Time required for MD: 8 and 12 semesters
• Student Loans: Federal Stafford & Private Loans
• Email: Email Hope Medical Institute (HMI)
• Survey: Hope Medical Institute (HMI) Review

A Brief History of the Poland by The World Factbook 2007

Poland is an ancient nation that was conceived near the middle of the 10th century. Its golden age occurred in the 16th century. During the following century, the strengthening of the gentry and internal disorders weakened the nation. In a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland amongst themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war, but its government was comparatively tolerant and progressive. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and the presidency. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe, but Poland still faces the lingering challenges of high unemployment, underdeveloped and dilapidated infrastructure, and a poor rural underclass. Solidarity suffered a major defeat in the 2001 parliamentary elections when it failed to elect a single deputy to the lower house of Parliament, and the new leaders of the Solidarity Trade Union subsequently pledged to reduce the Trade Union's political role. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. With its transformation to a democratic, market-oriented country largely completed, Poland is an increasingly active member of Euro-Atlantic organizations. Read More...

President's Welcome

Welcome to the Hope Medical Institute, known to us as HMI. We invite you to experience the challenging and rewarding opportunities we have to offer.

We hope that our web site provides you with all the information you will need to learn more about our programs and services. Remember that behind every page are trained professionals eager to answer your questions. If you have questions that are not answered through our site, or you cannot find what you need, please contact us directly.

Thank you for visiting us on the web.

Sincerely,
Mahendra Patel

About HMI

Hope Medical Institute is an international institute maintaining affiliations and cooperative working relationships with schools of medicine throughout the world. These institutions are among the world’s finest and best known medical universities with many years of history and tradition. During their long years of service, they have trained thousands of international students. They offer programs which are accredited and lead to licensing to practice medicine in the United States and Canada. All are recognized and listed by the World Health Organization (WHO), fully accredited and participate in guaranteed student loan programs managed and monitored by the US Department of Education. The courses are taught in the English language in a cordial environment. The tradition of HMI's affiliated institutions is to have small classes providing the personalized education and training needed to prepare students to become good physicians.

Since its inception, Hope Medical Institute has been a beacon of hope for many students - and their concerned parents-who hold the lifelong dream of getting a strong and well-balanced education in the extremely competitive field of medicine. For many others as well, Hope Medical Institute will always remain the best opportunity for becoming good physicians.

HMI was founded by parents-and is supported by hundreds of parents-many of whom also happen to be scientists, prominent physicians, and business executives frustrated about gaining admission to medical school for their sons and daughters. They learned quickly how difficult it is to obtain admission to a reputable medical school in the United States and also how difficult resettling, transferring, and getting licenses in the US can be for students who have studied medicine abroad. Hope Medical Institute was created to assist students and their parents to overcome these problems and obstacles. HMI has developed strong relationships with medical institutions that are able to accept and train students in a proper manner, ensuring that they become excellent, well trained physicians, and that passing the board exams and getting licensed will be easy tasks.

Why HMI?

There are many excellent reasons why the schools affiliated with Hope Medical Institute produce world-class physicians to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s world. Here you will find more than a dozen of them:

• Programs to meet the needs of High School and College Graduates.
• HMI represents and partners with well-established and prestigious institutions of higher learning with rich European traditions.
• Recognition by American Medical Licensing Boards.
• Recognized by the prestigious California, New York and many other State Medical Boards. (The State of New York has more than 40% of all available residency positions in US.)
• Programs recognized by the World Health Organization, the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA) and the US Department of Education (USDOE).
• Eligibility for licensing in numerous countries, including the USA, Canada, and Europe.
• Opportunity for clinical training and residencies in the US for qualified students.
• European Medical Universities established and well recognized for over a half century.
• Abundant research opportunities are available in these prestigious institutions.
• Low total cost of attendance compared to American and Caribbean universities.
• Financial Aid available to qualified students for the full cost of attendance through government-sponsored and privately sponsored loans. The medical schools and programs are approved by the US Government through the US Department of Education.
• Safety: European campuses are safer than many colleges in the US.
• Trained HMI staff on site on campuses and in the US to assist students with academic, cultural, and social adjustments. HMI meets and exceeds student and parent expectations for service before matriculation, during the educational process, and after graduation.
• Small, personalized classes ensure every student has the opportunity to obtain a strong medical education.
• All classes taught in English.
• English language curriculum comparable to major American medical schools.
• An excellent opportunity for hands-on participation for extensive training and experience building.
• Unique learning experience on an international level in world-class settings.
• American fast food and multicultural foods available near campuses.
• Opportunity for European experience–the chance to enjoy the culture and beauty of Europe while studying.
• Far better living and hygienic conditions in Europe than in many developing nations such as those in the Caribbean, the Middle East or Far East.
• Matriculation and Graduation Ceremonies are held in the US to ensure family members may attend
• Extensive alumni base practicing all across the U.S.A. and throughout the world.

Programs

Academic Programs to meet everyone's needs...

The European medical schools affiliated with Hope Medical Institute offer five distinct English language M.D. Programs and advanced standing for qualified students wishing to transfer from accredited and recognized medical schools. After some study abroad, students are qualified for transfer with advanced standing to American and Canadian medical schools. They also qualify to take the USMLE Step 1 & Step II board examinations and, in most cases, qualify to apply for federally funded grants and loans.

CATALOG

Questions about the catalog?
e-mail for more information.

Campus Life

Campus life at our affiliated medical universities in Poland offers many choice activities. Though a large amount of time has to be devoted to study, there are opportunities for socializing, travel, and other experiences that broaden the horizons of our students.

Because of its close ties to America and Canada, Poland offers most of the amenities to which students from North America are accustomed. Similarities between North American and Polish lifestyles make it very easy for newcomers to become adjusted to their environment in Poland. Hygienic conditions are similar to those in the USA in many respects. Water from the tap is good drinking water. The country's high standards mean that there is no danger of disease caused by contaminated food and water.

Food from various countries is available in Poland. Chances are very high that you will find your favorite juice, ice cream, candy, fruits, and other foods in Poland. Food processing, packaging, preparation, and marketing methods are very much like those in the US, UK, and Germany. There are supermarkets just like those in the States and also big chain department stores similar to Kmart and Wal-Mart. You can probably find your favorite brands of music CDs and electronic items, as well as small and large appliances at prices comparable to those in the USA. Because Europe has a different power voltage, most appliances work OD 220 volts rather than the 110 voltages in the USA.

American, Greek, Middle Eastern, Oriental, Mexican, Scandinavian, and Indian restaurants are located in almost all big and mid-size cities in Poland. Indian restaurants in Poland can match and at times exceed the quality and taste of the good Indian restaurants in America. Chinese and Italian food is very popular. Numerous fast-food restaurants such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, and Burger King are easy to find in Polish cities. On campus, our students have many choices for meals. Since there are abundant food supplies available, many of our students choose to cook in their rooms or apartments, preparing their favorite dishes when they have time to do so.

Many American missionaries are in Poland. Poland offers an extensive choice of religious denominations, and many of our students go to church.

Laptops and cell phones are gaining popularity and becoming very common among our student population. American movies are available on local TV channels and through satellite. Almost all cities, large and small, carry American movies. MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and other credit cards are widely accepted as a form of payment, and ATM machines are all over town.

Private taxis are readily available, and public transportation is very inexpensive and efficient. Trains are very comfortable for long journeys and are reasonable in cost, enabling people to travel to almost any part of the country. Students have the privilege of discounted tickets for air and ground transportation. Marriott, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Radisson, Sheraton, and European chains of hotels are found throughout Poland.

Financial Aid

The HMI Financial Aid Department assists entering students in applying to government (federal) and private loan programs. HMI and the University will also assist students in applying for any external scholarships for which they may be eligible.

• U.S. Financial aid is available to all eligible students (Federal & Private).
• Typically, students finance the cost of their medical school education by combining family resources, student loans from the government, other agencies, and private sources.
• Approximately 85% of HMI affiliated students apply for and receive financial assistance.
• Students applying for financial assistance must submit the applications and supporting materials described in the "Ways & Means" booklet by the deadlines indicated to receive funds for the start of an academic year. All applications are available from the Hope Medical Institute.

The main Financial Aid Office staff is located at the University campus and provides electronic application and certification of the governmental and private loan products. Entering students can work efficiently with the HMI staff in preparing for matriculation.

Money & Financial Obligations

There are many domestic and foreign banks in Poland. Credit cards are widely accepted by department stores and other commercial institutions. The zloty is the Polish currency and its exchange rate is one US dollar to 2.1811 zlotys.

All tuition and other University charges must be paid before a student is permitted to be registered for classes. However, students waiting for the delivery of student loans may provisionally register for classes in accordance with the procedures. Responsibility of payment of tuition and all other university charges is solely that of the student.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start my clinical rotations immediately after completing my basic sciences in Poland?
Once the application process has been completed and processed, we anticipate that you will be able to begin four to eight weeks from that date.

Do I have to pass the USMLE?
After successful completion of your basic medical sciences from Poland and the successful completion of the USMLE Step 1 examination, you will be eligible to start clinical rotations four to eight weeks after your application has been processed and based on availability.

Can I start before sitting for my Step 1?
No.

Which States can I do my clinical rotations in?
New York, Illinois, Louisiana, Canada, etc... (please contact us for other locations)

Am I allowed to do clinicals at any other hospital that’s not affiliated?
Yes, you are allowed to do up to 12 weeks at a non-affiliated hospital.

When do rotations start?
Clinical rotations can begin four to eight weeks after your application is complete based on availablilty.

What will be the cost of my clinical rotations?
The current cost per week for clinical rotations in the United States is $849 per week which includes the malpractice insurance. Please contact our Clinical Coordinator for updates.

Would HMI help me to locate housing?
Yes, we are able to provide some assistance regarding information on locating housing in the areas where we provide clerkships/rotations. Please contact the Clinical Coordinator for further information.

How do I apply for the USMLE?
Please contact ECFMG 215-386-5900 or visit their website at www.ecfmg.org.

When can I apply for my loans?
You can contact our Financial Aid Department at 757-873-3333 for further information on applying for federal and private student loans.

HMI STUDENT SERVICES

HMI Officers and Directors are acutely aware of the anxiety students, their parents, and families may experience when the decision to study in another country is reached. This awareness, coupled with a strong sense of responsibility for the well-being of students, inspired the development of a structured program of orientation, long-term assistance, and oversight for HMI students on the European campuses. Staff members and representatives are available for guidance and assistance from the student's first contact with HMI throughout the entire educational experience and beyond.

Ensuring a solid world-class education and a safe and secure living environment is of paramount concern to HMI. While US staff often accompany student groups to Europe, HMI representatives always meet the students and families at the European airport with food and beverages and accompany them on buses to the campuses. The next morning, after an early breakfast is provided, the first day of the week-long HMI Orientation begins. This intensive week introduces new students to one another, advanced students, the faculty and deans, campuses, dorms, embassy personnel, local police, and the wonders of the European city where they will live and study for the duration of their medical studies. The Orientation ensures the students are prepared to move around the campus, city, and country in safety and comfort. Standing ready to assist students in all areas of college life from academic issues to purchasing goods and services and navigating the transit systems, HMI representatives are permanently located on site – with offices usually within the dorm - on every European campus where HMI students are studying.

Medical Insurance

The Medical University of Silesia and the Medical University of Lublin provide students with medical insurance that covers emergency health problems, accidents and hospitalization. It doesn't cover private visits, dental care and chronic diseases treatment. If students have any questions regarding the medical insurance, they are to contact a local HMI representative. They will be notified when they can collect their Medical Insurance Certificates at the Dean's office.

HMI Orientation Week provides important information about the students' new study and living environment and includes:

• Pick up from the airport with food and drink
• Accommodations in dorms
• Calls home to parents or family if they arrived alone
• Dividing into groups
• Cell phone shopping and other necessary purchases
• Shopping trips and excursions to restaurants
• Registration at the Dean's office
• School orientation
• City orientation tour
• Assistance with payments (dorms, school)
• Trip to Krakow
• and much more...............

Working cooperatively with European universities, students, and families, Hope Medical Institute brings a unique, unmatched opportunity right to the US student's doorstep. The staff members in the US and on the campuses in Europe are always available on site to assist and ensure the safety and well-being of students from the their first contact to HMI, throughout their entire educational experience and beyond.

Hope Medical Institute serves as the official US Administrative and Admissions Offices for the Medical University of Silesia and the Medical University of Lublin located in Poland.

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