Supposed CA Approval for Enlgish Language Medical Program

[Tipton]

As an expatriate Californian who has spent considerable time researching this issue, I want to encourage more than a modicum of skepticism with claims of California approval for any English language program attached to / added to / or affiliated with a National Medical School.

Yesterday I noticed a post claiming this English Language Medical Program has recently received approval by the Medical Board of California. This may be true. But I can find nothing either on their own site (link above), the home medical school site here or the Medical Board of California site of CA approved Medical Schools listing this program as gaining California approval. The National Medical Program(couldn't find a direct link: my Polish is only slightly better than my grasp of tax accountancy) IS approved. But this caveat about the list of approved schools:

"Warning: Some recognized medical schools that teach in their native language are opening English language medical school programs. The English language programs are not recognized unless specifically stated, e.g., "University of Pecs Faculty Medicine" and "Pecs University Medical School English Program (6-year English Program)." The English language programs must apply for recognition and receive approval from the Medical Board of California for the education received from the English language program to be eligible to qualify an applicant for licensure requirements in California."

...indicates that, without futher documentation or separate announcement of approval (probably including a Site Visit report) by the Medical Board of California, an English language program attached to a National Medical School is NOT approved. Its approval will be determined by the same criteria as Caribbean schools.

Please also recognize that CA approval should not be the only factor used when considering a Medical program. I know many Medical students from CA who chose schools not on CA list for various reasons. The program I mentioned above may very well be excellent. If however medical licensure in California is a main priority for you, you should not attend one of these programs.

And yes please contact PP at (916) 263-2382 for futher clarification.

[kemper6036]

Originally Posted by Tipton

Please also recognize that CA approval should not be the only factor used when considering a Medical program.

maybe not, but if someone like me (and you) who is from CA would like the chance to come back home, you have negated that opportunity by going to a school not approved by the CA state medical board.

also, whether fair or not, other states use the CA approved list, so it's kind of like acceptance of the school.

[Tipton]

I couldn't agree more...no one should put much faith into possible future approval. The only real indication would be the other State approval processes: NY, TX...etc.