I was just wondering what type of risk anyone thinks would be associated with a school with Dr. Ross backing and operating. Would you take into account his track record and be confident about applying or would you rather just give the school a few years to blossom?

I'm just curious how people actually view this school opening and what it means for other schools that are not as "shiny" thus far.

Cheers

I am applying today after receiving a call from an admissions advisor. She talked to me for over half an hour and answered all my questions. I also called to the office in New York and asked questions about financial aid.

The Medical School is located on the pre-existing campus of the International School of Nursing (started by Dr. Ross).

You can learn about the campus by visiting Nursing School / Nursing University: International University of Nursing, St. Kitts

Hope this helps

I think I'll give them call myself since I have loads of questions. I'm just nervous about going to a school and then having the thoughts of a school such as CMU in my head. I'm still here in Canada so I guess all is hearsay on VMD right now.

Thanks for the quick reply.

There are a number of risks.

1. Business failure
New businesses have a higher failure rate than established ones and medical schools are no different. While carib med schools have had a pretty good success rate competition is increasing. Many people believe that competition is going to get more intense with the expansion of US med schools, opening of new DO schools in addition to the rapid expansion of carib schools. Thus, things are likely to be tough for new schools. You don't want to attend a school that is likely to close in a few years.


2. Bumpy ride
Even if your new school doesn't close, the quality of education is not likely to be as good as what you will experience at an established school. In addition, you are likely to have more problems arranging clinicals.

3. Limited opportunities
As an IMG your opportunities will be limited relative to US grads. Why make things even harder by attending a school that no one has heard of? You will be eligible for licensure in fewer states than someone who attended an established school. It may be easy to shrug that off now by saying "I don't want to practice in state X anyway"; however, the time may come when you would be thankful to have the opportunity. The point is, don't make this harder than it already is.

the risk is very high and this school should not be considered as and option for your medical education.

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I'm like Internationally-known

Hey,

Thanks for the input and I was thinking of a backup to the big 4 so I'd thought I'd ask. Would you consider SJSM as questionable as well or would you give say a better option after the 4 to AUA or SMU?

I think a backup school is a good idea.

I am also applying to AUC for these reasons:

1) Good clinical sites - plus licensed in all 50 states (including CA)
2) Small class size compared to Ross and SGU
3) You are eligable to fill out the FAFSA and get US financial aid
4) I have a wife and AUC has a very well developed spouse's organization

UMHS seems like an amazing school, based on the quality I've seen, both from UMHS' website and the website of IUON. For these reasons, I am applying for May 2008.

Unfortunately, I will be very skeptical about UMHS until a) they get better financial aid options & b)they get approved clinical sites.

Unlike many on this forum, I am more willing to trust UMHS based on Dr. Ross' track record.