A summary & "SABA's clinical sites: ACGME checklist

[Ferrarijp]

I have my interview with SABA tomorrow, so wish me luck! Enough with me; here is some information that I hope proves helpful:

From what I have gathered, most states will allow SABA graduates to obtain residencies. SABA graduates have trouble in the following states: “Arkansas, Illinois, North Carolina, Missouri, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Texas have special requirements. Colorado and New Mexico are also difficult states. You cannot do residency in California or Kansas.” The preceding was taken from the earlier post subject: State License Info for SABA

For the majority of the “trouble states” residencies can be obtained, but only if clinical rotations were done at ACGME (greenbook) approved programs or hospitals. Here again, it also gets tricky. Most of the states are different in their requirements. Some only require rotations to be completed at ACGME hospitals—hospitals that sponsor at least one ACGME accredited residency program. Other states want each core and/or elective rotation to be completed at an ACGME program which has a residency program in the same area as the rotation. For example, Pennsylvania wants you to complete your pediatric core rotation at a hospital that also sponsors an ACGME approved pediatric residency program… yikes.

I can not stress enough the variation between the two examples outlined above. The older post “State License Info SABA” gives a great summary of a few states, but check with each state on an individual basis for complete accuracy.

So what does this all mean to you…? To maximize the chance of obtaining a residency in any state (save CA and KS), do each particular rotation at a hospital which also sponsors that particular ACGME accredited residency program. The problem is you do not choose your core clinical sites; SABA does, as do most foreign medical schools.

So does SABA have rotations at ACGME accredited facilities? YES, but only seven of the twenty clinical rotation sites listed at SABA’s homepage have an ACGME accredited program.

The particulars are only concerning for those wanting to get residencies in “trouble states.” An ECFMG certification can take you a long way in regards to the rest of the states. Aside from that, the best and most common advice I have received is to “score well in your boards and network while doing your rotations.”

For those wanting to “maximize” I have been told SABA does give preferential treatment to their top clinical sites. The following stipulations are understandable: good grades, great board scores, and flexibility in travel.

Attached is a word document I put together that has Saba’s twenty publicized clinical sites matched with data from the ACGME (www.acgme.org). It states whether or not that clinical site is an ACGME approved hospital and what ACGME residency programs it sponsors if so.

I hope this helped. Like most reading this, I am trying to apply to a medical school. I am convinced SABA will help me in realizing my dream. It won't be easy, and certainly other foreign medical schools have more ACGME clinical sites to choose from, but SABA has enough. Also, I have a feeling that SABA's reputation for quality graduates will only increase, since the school has taken steps to improve itself. Lastly, a school can only take you so far, it is your desire that will determine the rest.

[Ferrarijp]

I was digging through my SABA application packet, when I found the clinical rotation list they included. In addition to the twenty sites posted at the school's website, this list from SABA has an additional sixteen. Consequently and accordingly, I have updated my earlier attachment, so check this one out if you had done so in the past.

[Ferrarijp]

I just finished my interview... Dr. ********* was one of the several on the other end of the phone. One thing I can add of relevance to the above topic is in regards to licensing in KS. The committee explained that KS is only but a couple of months away from allowing SABA students to receive licensure. According to them, KS would not allow licensure to physicians from any university established for less than 15 years.

Oh yeah, the interview went well... Let me know if you have questions.

[ResearchingGuy]

Nice work Ferrarijp!

Again, it's always good to see solid info back up assertions.

Please indulge me as I flip to the other side for a moment and tell you that I spoke with the North Carolina Medical Licensing Board last year by telephone and they told me they had "no problem" with Saba grads being licensed there. At the time there were four grads licensed in NC and one who had withdrawn their application. I called to find out if there were changes in the works that would preclude Saba grads being licensed there. The answer was "no". Again -- sorry to give you a completely unsubstantiable story, but I felt compelled to share .

BTW, I agree with your Green Book assessment. Do all your rotations at programs which have a residency in the same discipline.

Best of Luck!

[Las Vegas-AK]

any one from SGU?

[drj2b]

try the sgu forum, should be a few ppl there!

[amberf]

i am unable to view the attachment? help!!

[rdecastro]

It's 3 years old, guys....

[ducman]

I am closing as attachment is not available and information is old.