Hello everybody,

Recently I am studying here in the Dominican Republic. I've read alot of posts about US preparation and Step 1/2/3 so on and so forth. What I am interested in is what other options are there, country wise? I do not know if I am really interested in going back to the US and have been trying to scout other countries to practice in. I know that alot of Dominicans finish their M.D.'s here and then move onto Europe (Italy, Spain, etc...). I want to know:

1) How, what is required to go onto a country other than a US.
2) Where can I find a list of countries that would accept medical schools from the D.R.
3) What are my best options, other than the US? Preferably English-speaking. (Who knows maybe Ireland, I hear their economy is booming.)

I'm still considering the U.S, based on the fact that soon with the baby-boomers aging/retiring they will need more doctors. Though I am hesitant because I see the US medical system becoming socialized somewhat like Canada's and prefer not to touch anything remotely like that, even with a long stick.

Basically, any pros-cons facts that somebody can feed me on any other country would be appreciated. Just trying to figure out what puddle I want to jump into next after my adventure in La Republica. Thanks.

The only thing I know about Spain is that you need to pass a group of exams call MIR
meaning Medico Interno Residente.

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i researched this issue and the only obstacle is obtaining the appropriate immigration documents. Many european countries like italy france germany etc require jobs be filled by their own citizens first and can only be filled by foreign nationals if no citizen of that country is available or willing to fill the job. Recently the UK has even issued a policy statement on the GMC web site that they will no longer accept non citizens for grad med training.Most nations accept the education of dominican medical schools but require passing a national lic exam citizenship and fluency in the language.The exceptions might b teaching or research positions.

Reports are that the Irish economic boom is receding, or at least losing pace somewhat.

If 'somewhat socialized' medicine is an issue, you may have to avoid... most of the developed world. Perhaps you could offer services as a private-pay premium, almost-U.S.-trained doctor to expatriates and the wealthy in developing countries.

whatever offshore school you attend is listed with ECFMG. Also make sure that their program is accepted in the states you want (california sometimes certifies the native language program but not its english version). I also recommend reading about schools in the Philippines - but read carefully, there are proponents (me) and opponents (adam) of this direction...

why are you not interested in practicing in the USA?

do you realize the bill you will have at the end of a medical education?

do you realize that no other country except the USA will pay you
enough to pay back loans and survive?
The opportunities for physicians in the USA absolutely surpass that of any other country as far as remuneration.

( if you are independantly wealthy or not paying high tuition fees please move on to another thread)

I am not condoning the US medical system but when the bills start rolling in you really want to be earning money in the USA ( especially with a license so you can moonlite ). I worked in 4 different hospitals moonliting in my last year of residency and earned close to 6 figures. NO other country will pay you this. Im sorry to focus on $$$$$ but thats the horrible
fact of life you cannot escape.

There are an overabundance of physicians in Asia and Europe. There are doctors in Eastern Europe who drive milk trucks. You will not be offered jobs in Europe.
You would have to have a specialty ( like micro surgery or psychiatry)
to be offered a job in England Australia New Zealand Ireland. I have been offered work in all these countries but that is after BOARD CERTIFICATION
and several years in my specialty. If you are paying big bucks to get the MD think about how you are going to pay the bucks back. Again if money is not the issue here and you have the Mother Theresa syndrome,
then go to any third world country after you pass your US Medical licensure exams ( if you are an american ) because i know that you cannot practice in most nations unless you are qualified to practice in the USA.
Doctors are not that highly regarded in the rest of the world as they are in the USA. Doctors in the DR are truly a dime a dozen unless they leave the DR and get further education. My friend a fantastic surgeon earns horrible money in the DR. He is disgusted and has been studying 10 years for the USMLES.
so plan to make it back to the USA but you do not have to practice there.Just take all the exams as if you are planning to stay in the USA.
Without the exams you are really and truly worthless to most foreign nations. Thus there is no easy way out. Think! who really created the formation of all these caribbean medical schools. US ( rich kids )!