Yet Another Pre-med Situation

[jimmmmmy]

hey everyone, first off i just wanted to say that this forum community is extremely helpful.

so basically, im in my 3rd year getting my b.sc and writing the mcat this summer. my gpa is only 3.3, but i plan on getting really high on the MCAT. even still, i dont think my chances at canadian med schools are that great...

so i started looking for info. about international med schools on this forum (mainly UK and caribbean). the atlantic bridge program looks really attractive - 4 years at dublin, cork, or limerick, but costing 40000 euros/year = 60000 CAD/year is pretty scary and impossible.

ive read from other posts that caribbean schools are cheaper, but they mostly bridge to america, while a degree from a UK school would be recognized in canada (what i want to do).

what kind of options do i have if i want to finish as quickly as possible while ending up working in canada?

thanks guys!

[jimmmmmy]

thanks for getting rid of the spam haha

[axiomofchoice]

Both carib and uk schools let you practice in Canada. There's really no difference there. Some argue people who go to UCD etc have a better chance of matching back in Canada. I don't think there's a consensus on that issue. I personally think the price of those schools is outrageous. Tuition, living, loans, etc crazy money....
If your family is rich, go to Ireland. If not, Carib is probably more realistic.

[jimmmmmy]

my family definitely cannot afford the 40000 euros per year haha. i would go to the caribbean but my understanding is that they only do residency pairings with schools in the usa, and if i wanted to come back to canada, i would have to take extra courses/write extra tests? ...unless i can come straight back to canada from the caribbean, then that would be great!

[jameslynton]

Originally Posted by jimmmmmy

my family definitely cannot afford the 40000 euros per year haha. i would go to the caribbean but my understanding is that they only do residency pairings with schools in the usa, and if i wanted to come back to canada, i would have to take extra courses/write extra tests? ...unless i can come straight back to canada from the caribbean, then that would be great!

SGU, SABA and AUC have managed to get a few students each year into Canadian residences spots. Once you are finished with a US residence - You are welcome back there I have heard.

[Tipton]

The only "extra" thing our grad who is in Family Medicine at U of T did was MCCQE after passing the USMLEs.