The websites of a few US pathology programs (residencies) have Poznan's pathology department linked right along with path departments of some major US schools. I'm not trying to say that this equates to "named brand" status for Poznan grads, but it is an encouraging sign of American recognition (of that specialty at least).

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Did I say that out loud?

Poznan is the oldest program in Poland training prospective American physicians. I graduated from PUMS (or KMU as we got to know and love it) a few years ago; had a very good experience. One of the fourth year semesters can be done in the States, which is invaluable experience - I don't know whether other schools in Poland offer that. I agree with someone above - ultimately it's up to you and not so much the school, but I've been hearing more about Poznan lately, as more and more graduates join the ranks of practicing American doctors. I recommend the school!

There definitely is no entrance exam for the 4 year program at Jag, and I'm pretty sure there isn't one for the 6 year program either as long as you're not from Norway (Norwegian students apply to the school through a separate stream). Check with the office if you're interested in the 6 year program.

MCAT is required for American 4 year program applicants only (ie. not required for Canadians etc).

The school allows you to do up to 1 year of away rotations (including in the US if you desire).

I expect Warsaw tolerates HMI because it's a quick, proven route to getting bums in seats, and it meshed better with their goals then investing in developing an internal recruitment program.

Wherever you choose to go, you'll be there for 4 to 6 years. Don't forget to consider what the city has to offer, not just the school.

Yes, if you're a student in Poznan, it is up to you to arrange 4th year electives in the US. It requires some research, but you can talk to 4th year students who just returned from the States to see where they went and what their impressions were. The Dean's Office also keeps a record of all US (and European) teaching institutions/hospitals where students rotated. Many hospitals offer these for free (or nominal fee), but you have to cover living expenses and that can add up. I highly recommend Baylor University in Houston, Texas. Also, a word of advice: start looking early (in the beginning of the third year) and complete your rotations in the first semester of the fourth year, so that you can get the LOR's.

Ilona -

Nice to see some PUMS (KMU) grads on here! Where are you doing residency and in what specialty? Also, did you do electives in the U.S., and if so, where? I'm guessing Baylor from your posting.

Just so you know the school is now letting students in the 4-year program do the entire 4th year of electives abroad, which is a major step for us but also a bit problematic since the rotations are currently self-arranged. If you have some time, feel free to share your elective clinical experiences and how PUMS did or didn't prepare you for them.

Thanks,

mutig25

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Class of 2008, 4yr MD
Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Poznan, Poland

Student Website: www.poznanmedicine.org

University Website: www.ump.edu.pl

NY Admissions Office Website: www.mdprogram.com

"Dispel from your mind the thought that an understanding of the human body in every aspect of its structure can be given in words..."

- Leonardo da Vinci

I think I may have mispoke about Warsaw being HMI affiliated. I know that when I was looking at the school over a year ago you did have to apply through an agent (perhaps not HMI). However, now when I look at their site, I'm not seeing any mention of an agent other than for Asian and Skandinavian students.

Maybe I'm not reading the site carefully enough. Does anyone know for sure if you have to apply through an agent, and if so which one, to attend Warsaw? Just curious..

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Class of 2008, 4yr MD
Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Poznan, Poland

Student Website: www.poznanmedicine.org

University Website: www.ump.edu.pl

NY Admissions Office Website: www.mdprogram.com

"Dispel from your mind the thought that an understanding of the human body in every aspect of its structure can be given in words..."

- Leonardo da Vinci

Judging by the websites of most Polish schools - one doesn't need to apply through agents but one can do it directly.

Thanks for the update. I am not convinced that you actually need a whole year back in the States. Despite some inadequacies, the fourth year electives we did in Poznan were a valuable teaching experience - short, thorough and provided a broad range of specialties. I did electives at Baylor, University of Chicago and University of Louiville, KY. I thought Baylor was highest quality and it has a great medical center, everything on site, including dorms. You can easily do all 4 months (or whatever length) there, unless there are some restrictions imposed by Baylor that I am not aware of.
I am currently Chief Resident in Internal Medicine at a hospital in Washington, DC.

HMI lists Warsaw as an affiliate, though the link to the school is broken.

You seem to be correct, as Warsaw's website does not mention HMI. Also, interestingly, they charge tuition in Euro even for the four year program. That's a potential downside for North Americans, as students then assume the Dollar/Euro currency risk.

That may be the case in IM, but I'm not certain that pertains to all specialties.