I think the probability of my attendance of UAG is very high at this point. As always, I begin to question things more as I plot out my path towards becoming a doctor at the UAG. Unless I can somehow make the money (very unlikely) needed to apply and move down to Guadalajara this summer, I will be applying for a January spot. I would do the 6 year program.

A few questions:

1) Do the clinical rotations at UAG prepare you for USMLE Step 2 (CK and CS)? Are there shelf exams after each rotation with the type of questions that one would see on Step 2 CK?

2) Are there differences between what a Step 2 CS examiner is looking for during a test and what med students at UAG are taught by faculty? This would mean that the UAG examinee would have to adjust his procedure for assessing a patient in order to conform to US standards and pass the test.

3) Are 6 year track students given the opportunity to return to the US to take the USMLE Step 2's before they begin the internado year?

3) I remember reading on here that most program directors of US residencies are looking for at least a year of clinical experience in a US hospital before residency. After becoming ECFMG certified, is it possible to become a paid intern (rather than paying tuition, ie fifth pathway) at a US hospital for a year and then enter the match? If that isn't possible, how does one gain that experience?

4) If you have completed the 6 year program, plan to, or believe you are well-informed, can you offer any insight?

I appreciate any input you give me as it will help me decide which is my best course of action.

You ask some good questions. I am still at the UAG, so I cannot answer most of them for you yet.

The UAG will have classes that include ethics and things related to medicine in the USA. However, in real Mexican clinical settings, there is more emphisis on helping the patient rather than covering your mule like in the USA. Mexico is an ideal place to learn clinical skills. Then when you get back to US to take the step 2, just remember that hospitals are run by lawyers, and not doctors, and you will be fine. (i.e. what you learned about ethics in lower semesters here).

As for shelf exams, there are none in clinical settings here.

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"You do not truly understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother." Albert Einstein

Have you checked this out.

Fifth Pathway Program - HISTORY -

[quote=salto_jorge;789083]Have you checked this out.

isn't the 5th pathway scheduled for destruction in the next couple years?

i used to feel the same about going to UAG this summer, but then i found out that the 5th pathway is being closed. besides the kick-assness of mexico, what are the reasons you chose uag over other schools?

i am leaning more toward sgu now, but my heart still lies in gdl

if the 5th pathway gets closed, all us students would have to do an unpaid intern year in mexico, correct? also, does this total to 6 years in mexico.

i seem to get more confused the more i read random threads...

[quote=acgtacgtacgt;788694]You ask some good questions. I am still at the UAG, so I cannot answer most of them for you yet.

The UAG will have classes that include ethics and things related to medicine in the USA. However, in real Mexican clinical settings, there is more emphisis on helping the patient rather than covering your mule like in the USA. Mexico is an ideal place to learn clinical skills. Then when you get back to US to take the step 2, just remember that hospitals are run by lawyers, and not doctors, and you will be fine. (i.e. what you learned about ethics in lower semesters here)

UAG when it comes to raw medicine has more to offer than any caribbean school. Time is of essence for some students so it really depends on what you want. It is still cheaper than most 50 states caribbean schools which are pretty much the only ones to consider if you care about california and NY. Good luck

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From one of the speakers during Orientation, "There is nothing wrong with Mexico; it is JUST different"

This is what I would like to do to the "burros" of Megacable....

yes information is not as clear as water. We are all confused so dont feel bad. Hopefully things will get better and reliable information will be available soon. Just please, have a sit, otherwise you will get very tired. We have been waiting for a while so relax and enjoy the show.

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From one of the speakers during Orientation, "There is nothing wrong with Mexico; it is JUST different"

This is what I would like to do to the "burros" of Megacable....

could you give me an example of what you mean by raw medicine?

UAG is not as expensive as some of the carrb schools per semester, I think SGU is over 15,000$ a semester in just tuition, however, if u add up all the extra time and tuition u pay at UAG the cost is prob just as high as some of the more expensive carrb schools