One of the many choices you’ll have to make when you apply to medical school is whether you would like to attend medical school in the United States or at an international medical school. This alternative may be especially attractive if your priority is to begin medical school as soon as possible, rather than taking an additional year or more to make your application more competitive or take the new 2015 MCAT. International schools can be especially attractive if you’re reapplying to medical school. Carefully researching the schools you are considering is essential, so here are some areas to focus on as you explore the array of medical schools open to U.S. applicants abroad: 1. Licensure requirements In order to practice medicine in the U.S., you must complete at least one year of a residency program in the U.S. In order to do so, graduates of international medical schools must first obtain certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) in addition to passing the first two parts of the United States Medical Licensure Exam (USMLE). To be eligible for ECFMG certification, the medical graduate must have received his or her degree at a school listed in either the International Medical Education Directory or the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research. In addition, check with your state medical board about its policies regarding international medical graduates. 2. Graduation rate The graduation rates at international schools are much more variable than for U.S. allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (D.O.) schools. Find out the school’s graduation rate as well as what resources are offered to students who are struggling either academically or personally. Adjusting to living in a foreign country in addition to the usual stresses of medical school can make it more difficult for students to stick it out until graduation. 3. Location of Clerkships At some international schools, students spend all four (or more) years in the country where the school is located. For others, particularly those located in the Caribbean, students may need only to spend the preclinical years at the school, which can mean as little as 18 months living outside of the U.S. The clinical years are then spent doing rotations at U.S. hospitals with which the school has an agreement. If you are interested in rotating in your home state, then make sure that the school you plan to attend is approved in that state and has agreements with some hospitals there. 4. Obtaining a Residency/USMLE Pass Rates Since you must pass the first two parts of the USMLE in order to participate a residency program in the U.S, it is important to find out the school’s pass rate when you are looking at international medical schools. You will need to pass all three parts in order to obtain your medical license. In addition, ask what percentage of the school’s graduates, who are from the U.S., match into a U.S. residency program, and which programs they are attending. If you are considering a very competitive specialty, then it is crucial to find out if the school has been successful in having its graduates match into these areas. Also, ask to speak with an alumnus of the school who is practicing medicine in the U.S.to gain some firsthand insight into the school. As an applicant to international schools, you will need to do plenty of investigating and question asking in order to determine which schools will allow you to achieve your goals. You need to also consider if you are suited to living in another country for an extended period. For some students, living abroad is a welcome adventure, and for others, an exercise in homesickness. However, if this route looks like a good fit for you, then, with careful research and preparation, an international medical school may be the avenue to obtaining your M.D. and joining the ranks of practicing physicians. Source
