English medical schools..

[pitman]

Off the above URL, here's the link directly to the med school rankings:

http://education.guardian.co.uk/high...0.html?start=0

I was surprised to see Oxford so high, and above Cambridge (at least compared to what I've heard from Brits), and shocked to see Edinburgh way down at 18, but the authors do claim the differentials are very small. Interesting how there are no 'reputation' or 'research' scores that you'd find in US rankings.

-pitman

[avs]

It is very interesting how these universities have been ranked. I think that on the whole (and this is a generalisation) that the univerisities who have the biggest research departments and the most recognised professors do not generally provide the best medical school teaching. I know for example that some of the London schools, also Oxford and to a lesser extent Cambridge will have some world famous specialists amongst their faculty but on the whole they will rarely be available for teaching and the department is fundamentally geared towards research rather than medical school teaching. I know where I studied there were a couple of people who were very significant within their specialities but they were generally not available and it was those who had easier schedules who were always present to give guidance and help. Thus on this premise it would be more advisable to go to a smaller medical school, which has less to do with high flying professors and you may get a better education.

I know that despite the rankings that Leicester despite being a good school would still be easier to get into than the varsity colleges and edinburgh, and they would look better on your C.v when you come to apply for posts. These rankings will change every year but some colleges have the benefit of tradition and with that recognition despite them not offering more than other schools. However your employer (and many are)may still be steeped in tradition.

So in any case get in where you can because it is very competitive and after that the onus is on you to learn rather than your teacher to teach you

[jguru2]

Originally Posted by islandFEVER

While we're on the subject of English schools, can someone tell me why Cambridge graduates have "(Cantab)" next to their name? From what I understand, graduates of other schools do not do this. For example, I sometimes see the following:

1) Joseph Smith, MBA (Cantab)
2) Joseph Smith (Cantab)

Is there a story to this or a meaning behind this? Or, is this just a Cambridge thing? Thanks.

short for Cambridge University in latin
-->Cantabrigiensis
From Cantabrigia which is latin for Cambridge