Thread: Canadian student in 2nd year university applying to 3rd year

Hi,

I am a canadian student going to Queens University (2nd year) in Canada and applying to St.Georges third year premed program. I have done a lot of research on my different foreign medical school options and have tentively decided on this one as I am sure I would like to practice medicine in the states (and would like to do my clinicals there - although also seriously considering Australia). Anyway, I know this question comes up all the time but I was wondering how hard it is to get an ER residency in the states as a CANADIAN out of St.Georges. I see that a lot of St.Georges students have done it (I have consulted the residency placement list for 2002 and 2003) but the list doesn't tell me much about my chances. I don't know what % of students applying for ER got it (ie. maybe every single student out of St.G applied for ER and only these students got it). Does anyone know how I could get some good stats on this issue or know anyone from St.G's that I could consult who got ER? Does anyone know what "its a tough residency to get" means exactly, and whether I will have to go to extroadonary lenghts to get ER like some IMG's who have gone to get radiology? All of these questions are assuming that I will do well on the UCLME's and the boards.

I have one other quick question. One of my friends who is a doctor in the states (he's 45) told me that there is an internship year (maybe it is called something else now) before residency. Why have I not heard anyone talk about this year before? What is it? Is it optional? Does it improve your chances of getting ER significantly? Does everyone do it? If I weren't to get ER and did pretty good on my board/UCLME's would I be guaranteed Peds or IM at a US hospital as a back up?

Thank you

Are you sure you want to become an Emergency Room doctor? I think after one clinical rotation you might change your mind. For some reason (I think its the TV show) ER residency programs are quite competitive. I know someone who is an ER resident and you should see the look on his face.

My desire to be an ER physician has nothing to do with a TV show. I have job shadowed three ER physicians (and many other types) for full days at a time and the ER position interested me the most. This is an informed decision that I have put a lot of thought into. Could you be a little more specific about your friends situation. Is she an IMG and did she find it difficult to get the ER position or was she offered many positions from various hospitals? Thank you for your response.

Michael

they have 1-2-3 programs or 2-3-4... meaning you apply for pgy II after doing an internship of one year of your choice. So there's different program set ups.... apparently they're equally supported afterwards... and I think I'll be taking a stab at the Canadian going for EM in the US. So if all's well I think I'll have some info for you in a year... how's that for delayed satisfaction..
Geoff

Just out of curiosity, what made you decide to do premedical coursework at St. George's? I can think of no reason why anybody who isn't from the Caribbean would want to subject themselves to this. Reasons against:

1. Money- Sancti Georgi is not a cheap place to go to school
2. Flexibility- if you finish up your degree in the US or Canada, you can at least try to get into a North American medical school
3. Grenada- while I appreciate the opportunity the school has given to me, I'm pretty sure that I would jump in front of a reggae bus if I had to spend any more time there than was absolutely necessary.

Unless there's an incredibly compelling reason I'm missing, I think that you should seriously reconsider this course of action.

-A

Andrew,

I find it unfortunate that your time here has not been a good one. Just so you know, the island extends beyond True Blue and Grand Anse. While you see going to school here as a 'Sentencing' of sorts, many people would/do see it as an opportunity to experience something new, exciting and different. Not only does this school embrace a different way of teaching (rather than some of the stuck up schools back in Canada (where I happen to be from)) where the students are actually encouraged to interact with the professors (gotta love Dr. Papparo, 8 nights out of 7 in the histo lab, and Dr. Rao, the DEAN actually sits in on our anatomy lectures), but students also get to experience somewhat of a different culture, or a different way of life.
So not only is going to medical school here 'getting an education' it's also 'an experience'.
I have been here for over a year now. I wouldn't say that I'd like to spend the rest of my life here, but certainly it's a different kind of life. No McDonalds for example. I hate when the professors use the fast food examples in class. Man would I love a McFry about now.
You gotta love the climate.

Okay, I'm done.
Andrew, no offense intended bro.

Matthew M. M.PH (Grenada)
Procrastinator extraordinaire

i I am reading answer correctly, i don thtink he's saying he isn't valuing his time with sgu or grenada but that the premed thing isn't the wisest choice and to be honest, I think i agree.

That's why I suck on tests. I should read all of the information. anyways, I don't think premed is that bad. I've got a premed dude in my lab group for Anatomy and he is very well prepared for the courses.

Matthew M.

I think the premed's a good option for those coming from different educational systems to spruce them up for the medical program. I know a few who came from Zimbabwe that did their prerequisites there too...and enjoyed the experience...they were young when they started....and I think it worked out for them. Speaking from a NA perspective...I think I'd go with Steph...you want to keep your doors open. Two years in the islands is plenty for a cultural experience.... I think career wise it might be wiser to stay closer to larger educational institutions and the LCME.
geoff

Michael,

I have to agree with Steph to. I also loved my time in Grenada, and St. Vincent is even better. Even if spending time in the islands and the "experience" is your thing it probably isnt the wisest choice (career wise).

Transferring from a top school like Queens to a premed program at SGU just doesnt seem to make sense. I believe that anyone in the future who reads your CV would certainly think it strange that anyone would give up time (without graduating) at a great school to attend SGU. I fully encourage anyone to go to SGU for med school (I did), the teachers are great and the curriculum is excellent.....you will be well prepared, but I think doing undergrad there when you are already at a great school will look strange.

Bottom line is that it provides you with no advantage and maybe even puts you at a disadvantage in the future. It also takes away any chance of you getting into a US/Canadian school in the future as someone else already mentioned.

Good luck
ceecee