Caribbean Med Student Speaks the TRUTH on Caribbean Medical Schools! | Should YOU Attend?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ม.ค. 2020
- Stephanie is a 3rd year medical student at St. George's University (SGU) in the Caribbean and is currently doing her clinical rotations in the US. She is providing insight about Caribbean medical schools and if this may be the right choice for you.
Find her on instagram here: / dr_dancequeen
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I'm Precious, a 4th year medical student documenting my experience through this crazy journey. Along the way, I hope to provide advice to pre-med and med students and motivation to any student pursing a career in the medical field.
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I’ve never asked a doctor where they went to med school. I just want to know if they can fix me 😂
😂😂😂
Exactly! I mean I ask now because I was looking for insight into what school I should apply to, but other than that it doesnt matter!
I’m a IMG the cost is outrageous but I saw patients from Day1 which made me a better doctor. Studied in Mexico so I had to read speak and write Spanish. I completed my clinical in Atlanta. My school was not a Caribbean school. I completed my specialty at Drexel College of Medicine In Philadelphia Pennsylvania. I did Pathology. Glad I did and I’m American by the way.
The stigma around where you study for med school as a foreigner is huge! Loved both your perspective on this...different journeys but both pursuing the same goal. Remember there are doctors in all parts of the world...where you study shouldn’t become a limitation. At the end of the day once you’re in med school the material taught is the same. You either grind or you’re out!
True Nanu the books are the same..you just have to read
I agree girl. I wish others would understand. But the haters gonna hate hate hate.
Amen
I know some great doctors and even surgeons who went to the Caribbean. Great video!
I see you everywhere man, you're always so positive and nice. I hope your channel grows!
sowtf thank you so much!
Same one of my mentors went to Caribbean school and he is a director over his medical department. It’s what you make of it .
Awesome video, ladies!! Thanks for sharing that perspective, Stephanie! Very candid!!
PLEASE TAKE 2 MINUTES TO READ THIS IF YOU'RE CONSIDERING A CARRIBEAN MED SCHOOL, FOR CHRIST'S SAKE: Attending physician here, part of the cycling admissions committee for our IM residency program at an academic institution. I feel really compelled to comment on this video, which I don't do often, to hopefully convince someone watching to beef up their application and apply to MD or DO programs before going to a Carribean school:
The rates that Carribean schools tout when it comes to placement and USMLE scores are skewed in the direction of students who are actually allowed to take the exam after meeting certain qualifications and hoops that are not present in US medical schools. The attrition rate is also horrendous, even for the "top 4" schools like SGU or Ross. This can not only destroy you mentally but physically - being removed from your support system should NOT be underrated. Many PDs (program directors for residencies) like my colleagues know this, so the unfortunate truth is that Caribbean students automatically get filtered out - this is something that has been increasing since about 2012 when I first started on the board. Not only is this true for competitive residencies, but also for less competitive specialties like IM/family at academic institutions or in favorable cities. To make this worse, you'll need to score 15-20 points higher on the average accepted resident's STEP score (both 1 and 2ck) if they're even considering you from other aspects of your application - ridiculous and also extremely challenging to do. It breaks my heart every time I see our program not even consider qualified students from these schools just because of their path to medicine. This is predicted to get even worse for Carribean grads once the DO/MD merger occurs next year.
There's a reason though - we know that the quality of both clinical and pre-clinical education is not up to par with US-educated students. For example, many US medical schools rotate their students through a wards-based hospital system, which teaches medical students how to function as an intern resident; how to present patients, round with residents, see different pathologies, function within academic centers, learn electronic medical records, ect.. This eliminates some of the steepness of the learning curve that comes along with residency. Many Carrib grades rotate at preceptor-based sites instead, which is when you get paired with a specific doctor. Beware - these schools will brag about this as a positive since you have the potential to do more than wards-based. However, that rarely happens; preceptors arent trained and standardized to teach students like their wards-based counterparts, and many of these experiences just turn into glorified shadowing shifts with the students taking a passive, instead of active, role. PEOPLE WHO RUN RESIDENCIES KNOW THIS. These are some of the reasons why Carrib grads typically get undesirable residencies or match in the SOAP process.
The success stories you typically hear are Carrib grads that graduated in the late 90's - early 00's, when the stigma was not as bad as it is today. One of our attendings, an IMG grad, is actually connected to a support group to help Carrib grads who have not matched after several years be linked up to some corporate jobs to help start paying off their mountainous debt. This is not a small, anecdotal operation either - they've helped nearly 2k grads since 2016. The students who match typically match in the SOAP process (which occurs after the normal match - it's another process that pairs up people who were not chosen by any programs to programs that are empty because no students ranked them. As you could imagine, these residencies are lackluster will severely affect your prospects as an attending unless you are well connected). THESE SCHOOLS DO NOT TELL YOU THESE THINGS - THE STUDENTS WHO MATCH REALLY WELL HAVE PERSONAL CONNECTIONS IN ORDER TO BYPASS THESE FILTERS.
My institution will never take an IMG grad, and I think that's terrible. You need to be an absolute superstar in these schools, which, let's be honest, is very hard to achieve in medical school with incredible students. DO NOT BANK ON THIS PATH. PLEASE LISTEN TO SOMEONE WHO CHOOSES RESIDENTS INSTEAD OF SOMEONE WHO IS REMOVED FROM THIS PROCESS. YOU'VE WORKED TOO HARD TO HAVE YOUR SCHOOL WORK AGAINST YOU. PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION. WAIT A YEAR OR TWO. APPLY AMERICAN, STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS ROUTE. DO NOT GAMBLE YOUR FUTURE BECAUSE OF IMPATIENCE.
Thanks for your honest (insider) information. It is VERY IMPORTANT to keep all the information before making such a huge decision. Having said this, I'm starting to feel that as a VERY nontraditional student, my options are quickly narrowing, so I do feel that urgency to just get started 😅.
Alex S would you recommend applying to MD/DO schools even if you will not be able to obtain a committee letter from your undergrad institution?
Alex S this was extremely helpful
@@christianendbrinda6297
I applied to MD school's without my undergrads committee letter and already have a few acceptances. So I do not think committee letters are absolutely necessary. Furthermore, MSAR gives you specific information on each medical school and some medical schools prefer committee letters while others are indifferent about it.
Alex S thank you for providing some insight on this topic. It’s important for students to make informed decisions.
Thank you both so much for this video. It is very helpful as a non traditional student searching for the path forward this alleviates certain perceptions.
This is probably the MOST informative take on caribbean schools seen. Thanks
Thank you for the amazing interview! Everyone's path to medicine is different but it all leads to being a practicing physician.
I'm an Internal Medicine resident who went the Caribbean route, my perspective is a bit different as I'm not American so 1. I don't have loans 2. There was no US MD/DO option for me. Like Alex S said, it's a lot harder to match especially if you need a visa like I did. I didn't even go to one of the "big 3", I'd say my school was more low tier, BUT I did work really hard and stayed focused. I scored >260 on step 1 and 2 CK which of course played a huge part in me matching because that's all I had going for me. I finish residency soon. My overall take home is that its a huge gamble and you should know what you are up against before you get in.
so you had an advantage because you were not american. Americans who go to these schools are typically inferior with low grades and mcat scores that MD and DO schools rejected them. Thus, they go to the caribbean.
@@JM-gy1ev I also had the disadvantage of needing a program to sponsor my visa which limited my options for specialties and programs. It's rough for everyone.
@@fejiroprec That's amazing. I'll probably be going the caribean route soon. Your step scores are impressive. That's the score range I'm aiming at. How do I contact you? I just want to know the resources you used and advice on how you prepared yourself. If that's ok with you.
What resources did you use to prepare for the exams
How man times did you not match? And what specialty did you match?
Thank you because talking with Caribbean students gives such a different (and real) view than what you see on SDN or other blogs.
Such a wonderful interview!!! Thank you ladies for providing perspective on this topic. 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️
Very informative ladies! Both perspectives were awesome. ❤️
I am also a student at SGU!!Everything she said was spot on!Great discussion and video🙌🏽
Amazing amazing advice!!! Im at that point rn where i need to get out of my head.. it’s unfortunate that people who are brilliant and passionate fall thru the cracks when applying to US schools.. and not everyone wants to take that gamble of applying cycle after cycle when time is ticking. thank u so much for the great video!!!
You can't know hoe helpful this was, thank you! I need to take so many courses before going into the medical school and I am so SCARED on the residency process, but I guess we will be alright, keeping fingers crossed !
Best of luck to you on this journey!
Thank you for this video! It very informative & helpful! 🙌🏾
In general good information were shared thank you. I started following your channel a while ago and I learned a lot. Good luck
Thank you ladies for this great information!
As a Caribbean Medical Student who's been following you for a while I love love this video! Not all of our paths are the same and that is the beauty of medicine. I appreciate the perspective, do your research it can be done and has been done.
AMAZING VIDEO........ THIS DEFINITELY CALMED MY NERVES.
Thanks so much for this info! This video was super helpful.
I am soooooooooooo excited you decided to do this topic. Your guess is attending the school I'm interested in. Thank you sooooo much!!!!!
As a medical consumer that investigates the educational backgrounds of my medical providers, thank you for this information. I understand so much better now. Information is power. Thank you emergent Drs. Stephanie and Precious.
hope_revjfg Smith thanks for watching!
You are doing great job by pushing thoughts being student in a Caribbean medical school.
Thank you so much for this video! I’m taking my MCAT next spring.
Hannah Bush good luck!
Good luck Hannah Bush. I am planning/scheduling to take mine May 9th
Thank you for this video! There are US medical school graduates who don’t match as well so let’s stop stigmatizing Caribbean schools . Let’s talk about all the possible outcomes. People can be so close minded and think there is only one way to reach their dreams. It’s an opportunity and it is up to the student to decide their journey and execute with the opportunity they are given. This young lady spoke well. We wish you the best!
Time Peace THANK YOU!! This is the exact reason why we did the video to inform students first hand that you have options! Things I didn’t know before I applied! I appreciate your compliment and you optimism! ❤️❤️ we need more people like you!
Great video as always and very informative
I’m so glad you made this video. I go to a Caribbean Medical school currently a 1st year and there is a lot of things that happened and were considered before I decided to go.
we woud love to hear your experience. Im in my junior year in nyc and plan to apply to SGU and Saba next year. taking mcat this june
Kerry H definitely don’t mind sharing just DM me on IG @_malikaachakur .
What Caribbean medical school are you attending?
Elroy Murray Ross University
I like to know about it if you don't mind.
Omg this is so exciting been wanting to go to St George’s too
Very informative!
As someone who just got accepted to a Caribbean medical school, thank you for this!
Bravo! Well-done ladies.
Great video. Very educational
I'm here to tell you the brutal reality.
1. Carribean schools are seen as inferior to MD/DO schools in all aspects if you are american.
2. You may graduate with a MD degree but it is a SHITSHOW to get into a residency because you are considered an international med grad aka IMG. Meaning if you mess up on Step 1/2, you are screwed. The requirements may actually be higher because you are considered an IMG. Many residency programs will throw your application in the trash when they filter for MD/DO AMG (american med grads) only.
This is true even for Family medicine.
I remember talking to US - IMGs from the big 4 carribean school, who only got 3 family medicine interviews, despite having high step scores than a US MD/DO grad because of their IMG status.
I also know that no one go to the carribean by choice. My friend is currently there, because she couldn't do well on the MCAT and had a 3.0 GPA. If she is barely passing the classes in greneda, and if she doesn't do well on her step exams, I know her getting into any decent residency is NOT happening.
There are not enough spots for everyone in the carribean to go to resdiency in america and it may take several attempts unless your step scores are high.
never go to a carribean school by choice. Always attempt to go to an American MD or DO school if possible if you are american.
You think getting into md school is the hard part, but I've seen carribean grads fail 2/3 times applying for residency. Without residency, you cannot practice medicine.
so know this before going to the carribean.
Also, these schools are catered for foreigners to get into american residency and a cash cow. As an american going to these schools, you are seen as someone who was not good enough for an american MD / DO school, compared to a non-us person using the school to increase chances at getting into an american residency program to make more money.
Residency is getting harder and harder each year with more IMGs applying by the boatload,
You may have the MD degree, but the real goal is getting a residency program.
Just know that if you want to do ENT, Derm, Ortho, Optho, Uro, or anything competitive. You cannot if you go to the carribean. It's almost impossible to beat out AMGs with those high stats.
These schools are easy to get in because you are paying for an MD degree. Not to mention, if you are black in america, med schools already lower the standards here compared to an asian.
Good luck because this path cost way more and is way harder than going to an AMG.
As a doctor, this is my personal opinion over what i've seen behind the scenes. I went to an american med school, minority, high gpa, with average mcat, and got a masters degree to make myself more competitive.
You indirectly said it. You cannot be a below average candidate and take a gamble to go abroad for medicine. It will not end well more often than not.
It's better to get a masters and then get into an american medical school MD or DO, than risk the Caribbean.
IN my med school, students failed out every year for not performing. You can just repeat classes in the caribbean and not fail out, at least at my friend's school
Smart non americans end up at those schools and the grading system is different. there are 2,000 maybe i your class. You get rich kids wanting an MD going there - cuz they essentially are paying for one.
And if you are black or hispanic, american MD schools do lower the standards making it easier for you to get in over an asian or white person. TO bring in diversity. Thus, black s are competing against blacks when entering med school so an mcat of 27 and GPA of 3.5 means you will get in. Asians compete against asians who score higher on average and thus the average is higher.
I'm not talking about ivy league med schools but just local ones in your own state.
So when my friend had a 3.0 gpa with mcat of 24, and failed to get into med school without trying for DO, school, I'm not surprised right now she is struggling in the caribbean going 350k in debt. I support her but I keep telling her do not fail step 1 or 2 or you won't get a good residency program. She is alrady repeating a semester and this stupid school keeps giving her FALSE HOPE ABOUT RESIDENCY when they know damn well what american residencies think about US-IMGs are the caribbean schools.
There are still US medical graduates who attend schools in USA who don’t match so stop discouraging people. It’s their dream and their journey. Let people figure it out. Your education is your responsibility to get the scores you need. Caribbean medical schools give an opportunity and they make great doctors who can work any where in the world if they prepare themself , score well and get into residency. - future medical student 2021! #Boom 💥
@@timepeace5908 ikr its not like your becoming a doctor for the fame or money, if u actually don't care about those things what's the problem with going overseas? If u actually want to help others and get a good education anyway's you will study and thrive no matter where u go.
Loved the video!! I was just wondering if the cost in the same like tuition and living?
ProffesorToydul unsure about tuition, you would need to look up individual school rates and compare. For housing, she told me that it was expensive in Grenada.
I have also heard that debt may be higher after graduating from a Caribbean school, but I don’t have any numbers to support this.
I went to St Georges University in 1986 (Invasion) and even then the school allowed me to become a MD and enjoying a fulfilling Career! I will always be grateful to have had that opportunity!. Today graduate from Caribbean medical schools are getting good residencies and are respected member of the medical communities! Very nice You Tube Video!!! D
One more point as far as the last a question: The only thing that counts for most people is where you went last so people asks when you are applying for residency you say St George a Caribbean school but after that when you are applying for a fellowship what counts is where you were last, ie.your internship and when you apply for a job they ask where you did your fellowship!. So no worries!!
Thanks for sharing
Good stuff in this video. I would have to caution everyone watching this, about the statement at 30:40. Close to 1000 out of over 1500 isn't great, and look at the specialty breakdown, you'll scroll forever and see FM, IM, Peds, EM, Pysch (2021, 932/1121 US matched from SGU.) If these are what you want to do then GO FOR IT, there's no question that we need FM docs like mad. But if you're trying to be involved in the most/more competitive specialties... it's possible but it's not that probable at SGU. (In 2021, Neuro 16, ORTHO 1, Urology 1, Vascular 1, Plastics 1)
I still have say that the advice about Caribbean schools hasn't changed; If you are a US citizen wanting a US residency, only apply for/go to a Caribbean med school if you need a second chance. You really need to exhaust all your options with US med schools least 2-3 times before you go to a Caribbean med school.
Retake that MCAT, take post-grad sciences, get A's, get clinical experience via volunteering or a job in medicine. Then reapply to US Schools.
It's not about feelings, it's all about facts and stats. The data clearly shows that you WILL have an easier time just getting a residency over IMGs, full stop. But it also shows that you will have an easier time of getting the actual specialty you want if you attend a US med school.
If you NEED to go to a Caribbean school to live out your dream, you better go freaking do it.
BUT you better be ready to work your ass off, if you see the beach more than 4 times per semester you are slacking (highly subjective of course and sincerely, if you think you will have time to just lounge on the beach, you aren't ready for med school.) With Step 1 P/F, you have to CRUSH Step 2 CK, and I mean you HAVE to get no lower than a 240 on CK.
Alsoooo, i want to know how the financial aid works- when you look at F/A for american schools there is a specific medical amount($41k-$47k/year) different from the $20,500/year for the unsub loans for grad school. I’m not seeing this number on any of the medical school websites. Can someone explain their F/A here for their respective IMG. A trend I’m seeing is the information can seem a little vague or generalized for these schools.
Loveedddd this
Thanks for the video I’m in secondary school in Grenada and was wondering how shy was like
I think it doesnt matter where you study because you chose if you just study for the exams or for the rest of your life! Nice vid!
That's definitely not true when it comes to applying to residency. Going to a Caribbean medical school makes things significantly harder when applying, not to even talk about passing STEP exams, getting necessary rotation sites and LORs. Anyone who says anything different is lying. If you can the choice of going to an MD program, go to an MD program. Then a DO program.... then maybe a Caribbean school, but really think deeply about it.
What she said lmao. I follow a guy on Instagram that went to one of the big three Caribbean and wanted to do orthopedics. That was 3 years ago. Dude hasn’t match OR found a job so he’s fucked. There is a girl on here that didn’t match and just got a job equal to a PA. It’s sad, I wouldn’t do Caribbean unless you are willing to take that risk of not getting a job. You have to settle for matching into EM,FM,IM. Those that do match
PhantomLink matching into EM is definitely not settling. & it’s actually one of the harder specialties for Caribbean’s to match into.
@@WhiteCoatChronicles I 100% agree. None of those fields are settling. if that's what you're passionate about, but coming from a Caribbean school and trying to get into those specialities most likely means you'd be going to a lower tier community program. Also, i've never heard of EM being a back up... people usually say FM, community IM, and sometimes Neurology
PhantomLink that’s not all true! That’s why you do your research! At Sgu people have placed in competitive specialities. But students who want to get in those specialities can reach out to the students that have placed and see how they made it. The students are very helpful so it’s what you choose to do with your time. But good luck on your endeavors! You will make it no matter what. ❤️
Great video!!!
I went to a Caribbean school myself. I am African and this advice is to my fellow Africans hoping to go to med school in the Caribbean. Do your research well, I personally would not recommend it.So what would I recommend and why?I would recommend trying the european schools-Poland,hungary,czech and so. Why? The modus operandi of caribbean medical schools is 2 years of basic science on the island and 2 years in the USA. We Africans need visas to rotate in the USA with denial rates up there plus you have to leave every 6 months or so and the cycle starts counting again,it is terribly expensive doing that.Many schools do not have a proper organized immigration unit and as an African on a visit visa in the USA for so long,it might become a problem during renewals. However, if you study in europe, you would have a valid residence permit in that country and if you wish for an american residency, these european schools have arrangements where you can do some rotations in the USA. I wish i knew all these while i studied, i would not have spent 6 years for a 4 year program due to visa and immigration hiccups.
Preach...I had to go to Canada every 6 months during rotations after step 1 because I couldn't afford to renew my student visa with Kaplan. If anyone wants to do this I'd recommend getting a student visa first to get you in the country. You can apply for a Canadian visa online while you're here
Hmm I never thought about this for Africans going to the Caribbean. I went to school in Europe and did some away rotation in the US on a b1/2 visa. There are plus and minuses to both side. It was easy to get the visa but very had to setup away rotations by yourself coming from an EU school...and that can make it hard to get a recommendation letter in the end if you end up not getting an away rotation.
For those considering both continents do your research well and ask ex-students of the schools you are considering for their experiences before you make your decision.
Wylie A ...I never knew ita possibke to get an away rotation if attending european schools ...Would u recommend a few that you know of ?
@@TGEstablished2004 when I was a student. UAB Birmingham, UNC chapel Hill, and Loyola Chicago offered away rotations to international students and I did some of mine in the first two. My classmate also did rotations in other programs. it is a tedious process but you have to go through each schools website to see if they take international student and what their requirements are. It all depends on the speciality rotation/letter of recommendation you are aiming for. If you are in a 6year MD program, start planning/ looking in your 3rd to 4th year and if you are in a 4year program start looking in your 2nd year. It is nearly impossible to get away rotations that will yield a letter of recommendation after you graduate.
I got accepted today from st. George
congrats!!
What was your MCAT score and GPa like if you don’t mind me asking
Congrats on your acceptance, however, idk if you are aware SGU has withdrawn from the CAAM-PH program which is what allows US students to sit for step 1 and step two. knowing that you just have got accepted you might not have the chance to take the exam which affects your residency. Please do further research pertaining your Caribbean school. this just happened. best of luck.
Im glad you did this interview in 2020. I transferred to school in nyc to finish undergrad fromo the midwest and plan to apply to med school next year. I have been looking at SGU and Saba, as they advertise alot here on campus. Thanks for info yall!
I am a current 4th sem student at Saba. Feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions.
@@abaln9794 How does the financial aid work for us, students? I am worried about having the ability to afford it, the info on the Caribbean school's websites can seem confusing on how much is covered by our traditional US-based loans from FAFSA. For those of us who may not have the credit to get private loans
@@kerryh2096 Financial aid should be more than enough to cover the cost of tution and living expenses on the island. That's one of the positive aspects of Saba.
There are some important points that I don’t get. What are the acceptable GPA and MCAT at SGU? Can they accept someone with BA honours in social sciences?
None of her answers are valid till she gets matched honestly. don’t go the IMG route unless you have 1.you have unlimited funds 2. If you want to work double . 3. You Are ready for a lot of rejection. 4. You Are ready to do everything yourself. All for profit schools have a high acceptance rate so the interview process is a joke all you really need is the 1000 usd that school will make you pay to “hold your seat” apart from a application fee. none of the numbers for profit schools are accurate. They claim high step scores but require students to pass a NBME to even take step one. Do not expect any competitive specialties because they are almost impossible for a IMG from the Caribbean. What you guys can do as premed students figure out how to study. Really that’s half the battle if you are lacking on your application gpa etc. look into extra curricular try to stand out. Focus on your MCAT. If you have to take a gap year to take a masters out to get accepted do it. It much better to get a masters and reapply then the IMG route. The IMG route is becoming less and less of a viable option because of all the changes being made in licensing and such. You will have to stick to the big 4 because they are the only ones that will honestly make the changes and still be caam hp accredited and that’s the only accreditation that matters for you to able to sit for the step. Don’t listen to the idiots that say otherwise you will be fucked and won’t be able to take the step because of the accreditation issues.
This. Dr. Jubbal, from med school insiders, recently released a video about SGU specifically after they invited him down there. It showed a lot of issues with Caribbean schools.
People need to realize that, even if the school was just being taught by “Caribbean “ professors it would still be a good school. I understand that you you are referring to transferring of your education and work in US
Lexus Smith exactly! We had some awesome Caribbean professors but I can only speak the truth about how SGU is set up! And majority of our professors are NOT Caribbean. No one is talking down on Caribbean’s! It’s all perspective, know that the truth is the truth and only those that may be closed minded will see otherwise and take it otherwise. But SGU is there for students that want to practice in US, UK, and Canada! Sorry if that upsets you, but it’s the truth.
Wow this was a huge relief to get all of this information. Currently, I scribe for an interventional cardiologist who happened to have graduated from SGU. She is brilliant and such a huge motivator. I have been doing research on schools and watching various reviews of the Caribbean schools and most of which are very negative and basically say that considering Step 1 is now pass/fail, IMG students will basically be stuck to family medicine for residency. My dream is to become a Cardiologist, but now I'm worried. My biggest fault is that I am not a traditional student. I finished my B.S. degree and am currently finishing my last two pre-reqs for medical school. I am sitting for my MCAT in July 2020. Thank you!
Kayleigh Roberts IMGs wont be stuck to family med. step 2 will become the new step 1. Good luck with the mcat
I was in one of the very first classes at St. George's. Graduated 1985. Our semester started with 150 students and by the end of the semester only 75 were left. People just couldn't take the culture shock: power and water only so many hours per day, strange culture, products not available, different foods, living 3 to a room in the Hooches at True Blue campus, studying by kerosene lantern, etc., etc. The US set up a separate exam for FMS's: the FMGEMS and would not let us sit for the NMBE's. I think everyone takes the same now but the prevailing opinion then was that the US schools didn't want to risk being shown up by FMS's on the exams, so the fix was not to let us sit for the same exam. They feared the prospect of having to admit that you could learn just as much in a little grass shack as you could in the Ivy covered halls of an American University. In the end it doesn't really matter much where you go to school or what tests you take. Neither of those (schools, tests) can teach or measure caring and compassion. I'll take a caring, compassionate doctor from a Caribbean school who goes the extra mile on a case over a pompous, flippant Harvard or Yale grad who is terse and abrupt so he can make his tee time any day of the week. Only by putting your heart and soul and really trying to do your best can you truly be a great doctor. If you can't do that it doesn't matter where you went to school or trained, does it.
Dr. Killeen, I wish you were in California, it would have been amazing to shadow you and hear your stories from back then. It takes a certain mental fortitude to be one of the first classes on the island, especially with the uphill battle you faced.
Its 2020, not 1985, the culture shock you speak of does not exist anymore. Water and electricity is not a problem at all. The campus is much better now, probably even better than most american schools, you are spreading misinformation based on your experience 35 years ago
@@muneerbhaiyat9777 In Dr. Killeen's defense, I did not misunderstand him. It was clear to me from his post that he was talking about his personal experience on the island in the early 1980s. No where in his post did I feel he was saying the current campus is like the campus back then. I did read a story that SGU students had to hide as there was a shoot to kill order by the military on the island. Bullets were flying into their dorm rooms, and they had to be evacuated by helicopters on the beach. Helicopters were being shot down, etc. If Dr. Killeen went through that (timeline does match), then I imagine his post was really DOWNPLAYING how intense it was on the island during his time there.
@Nosy Nose..PREACH!!!
I love the video. Please does SGU have a branch in the UK called Northumbria University?
Thanks for this video. Ive been debating on applying to carribean schools and every time i mention that i have interest in going to SGU, everybody has something negative to say about it. And they think u should apply to US schools until your hands fall off.
Jenny Cherenfant it’s a personal decision. There will always be something negative to say about the Caribbean. You just have to decide if you’re willing to apply multiple times to a US school
Hey Precious, do schools usually post how much time they give students to prepare for board exams or would it be better to email the program directors? Do they freely give that info to prospective students?
Hey! I'm not sure what's on the school's website. You should email the school directly. I see no reason why they can't openly provide that info to you!
@@WhiteCoatChroniclesOk, thanks! I'm currently in school and will be sure to also ask medical school reps when they come to visit.
Can I get some advice on physics on the Mcat? I learned nothing from my professor ..
Yass love the insight!
I fudged my first degree. Did well in my second degree which was nursing but not sure if that’s enough even after I take my pre reqs. I haven’t considered Caribbean bc of the stigma and I’m a single parent. I can’t see taking her that far.
Good luck with journey ! You’re gonna become amazing doctors !
Sierra Stewart very tough decision to make when you have a child. Good luck on your journey as well!
My son is gonna go to caribean medical school , we live in New Jersey, but he has doubts... someone tell him he can not find job here in USA.... pleasee can someone advise me?thanks
What about applying for residencies...... Do they do residencies in the US or the Caribbean?.
I also attend SGU and I know for our med school specifically we have the option of doing residencies in US, Canada and in Grenada (SGU is in Grenada btw)
Residency is done in the US typically. Like she mentioned, over 95% of the students are American, so they come back to the US for residency.
White Coat Chronicles What about Canadians ?
Yes yes yes that's in my little island Grenada. Best Med school in the Caribbean lol.
I applied to St. George's. I interviewed with one of your doctors in New Jersey. They never got back to me. I should have applied to other school. I would have gotten my MD by now. I am now a DPM. I wish I did MD
Live your dream. Go!
I'm from Nigeria actually, but yeesh Medical school is super expensive in the US, I got into Howard for BS/MD but ended up going to AUSOM In Curacao since it was a cheaper option. After 2 years in Curacao, I'll be going for my clinical rotation years in the US. It's a dream come true( and I never got an undergrad degree first ). I don't mind sharing how I got in, if this inspires someone to check out MD at AUSOM in Curacao 😊
Hello, please can you give me more information on how you got in. I have my worries
Hi, I'm a Nigerian
How did you get into Howard US/MD program?
I didn't know that was open to Internationals
I know this will be random, but Stephanie’s hair reminds me of Betty Boop. 😻 Great informative video!
where is her insta and the IMG chart.... whenever you can upload please!
xoxofitchy I just updated it!
Okay the way you stressed that "they aren't ran by caribbean people" as if caribbean people are not humanbeings? Like I'm confused, like only Americans and Europeans (as you stressed) are brilliant enough to establish a good medical school? Damn considering you're black too? Smh ok then.
Mary Christina wowww! Of course you would take it that way. But good luck with your future endeavors. For those that know what this video is for and who it is for didn’t take it that way. It seems you may have personal issues towards this journey. But change your perspective love! I promise you, everyone who does well in medical school, NO MATTER WHERE, will become a doctor! Much love. Once again, this is for ALL THOSE PURSUING TO PRACTICE IN THE US, not the Caribbean! Thanks for watching!
Stephanie Okeke I think you may have also missed her point. It’s the way in which the young lady is assuring ppl that SGU isn’t being run by Caribbean professors, but instead US & European folks, which can cause some people to imply that she’s saying there’s something wrong with being taught by professors from the Caribbean.
However I wouldn’t go so far to say that the presenter was implying that they were subhuman...
Symone Reid HI! I am the young lady in the video and I know Exactly what I’m saying. SGU is NOT RAN by Caribbean’s! I’m sorry if that hurts peoples feelings but it isn’t. I attend the school so therefore I know. If she took it that way then she has her own personal issues she is dealing with and I can’t change that. We had some professors that are Caribbean however it is not ran by them and we DID have professors, deans, etc from the US AND UK! So I don’t understand the issue? No one is coming for Caribbean’s, lol, I’m Nigerian myself. But for those who knows what this video is for, understands what I’m saying and I’m clearing things up. Sgu is an offshore Medical school, targeted for those who would like to practice in the US, UK and Canada! Of course we have some Caribbean students but our school office is based in New York and MAJORITY OF THE SCHOOL are from US and Canada! So NO ONE IS SPEAKING BAD or down on any type of people. I’m just painting the picture of what the school is and I’m not apologizing for that because that is fact. Sorry if that hurt anyone’s feelings, but facts are facts! But like I said, I wish any and everyone luck with their future endeavors because DOCTORS ARE NEEDED EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD! thanks for watching! 🥰❤️
Stephanie Okeke lol wait so everyone who agrees with her post has “personal issues they are dealing with”? Whyyyy??
Couldn’t it simply be that something you said was taken the wrong way by others who listened to you speak? Idk I’m just sayin girl, it did sound strange, and yet I know that folks from the Caribbean are wicked intelligent.
But hey, I guess finding fault with a statement these days gets you depicted as a person who has personal issues. Lol.
I genuinely wish you the best though. It is great to see a sista in medicine.
I understand why you took it that way because she addressed the "stigma" of Caribbean schools then stressed, "it's not ran by Caribbeans" as if that's the reason there is a "stigma" in the first place...which is not always the case. For example, some students from UWI in Jamaica (ran by Caribbeans and the curriculum is not like the USA) that choose to take the USMLE they do very well & get residencies in the USA. So if she was just trying to make the point of "this is a USA- based medical school in the Caribbean" then she should've left the "stigma" out of her explanation.
Another option if you want to escape the toxic medical culture of the US is med school in Europe. You can still apply for US residencies if you take the USMLE. Same level of difficulty to get accepted for US residency as in a a Caribbean school, but with the added benefit of being allowed to practice in the EU.
That not true it is very hard for a Russia student to match in a USA residency which is why most people avoid it
thank you
I have a few questions. Do you want to be an obgyn and if so do you need a bachelor’s degree to get into medical school, do you need pre med or do you need both. If it’s both, then how long would it take for the bachelor’s, the pre med and medical school. I have searched this up multiple times and each time I just get more and more confused!! Help....
simi alter in the US, medical school is 4 years. To apply, you need a bachelors degree. Pre Med just means you’re applying to med school, it’s not a separate course from obtaining your bachelors. Bachelors is 4 years. So you can obtain any bachelors degree, while saying you’re “pre Med” (pre med isn’t a degree”) - just lets people know you’re applying to med school. I hope that makes sense!
@@WhiteCoatChronicles yes thank you that makes so much more sense
I thank you both...there aren’t enough videos on this subject. I’m currently an undergrad at Georgia State. My major is radiology. I’m really considering moving to Jamaica so I’ve been considering completing my degree there. I’m having a hard time finding information, but it’s comforting to know that it can be done. I do not plan on moving back to the states either so ultimately this is why I’m going.
Apply to UWI mona
I enjoy your channel and have been following you for years but I don’t think this video is fair to your viewers
1. As a minority in the US there is absolutely no reason why you should go to a Caribbean school. A lot of med schools in the US are begging to admit minorities with decent grades. If your MCAT is above 498, GPA is above 3.2 and you have other extracurricular activities like volunteering, leadership, research, you have a fair chance of getting into a state school.
2. Everyone I know that went to the Caribbean either did not get into a residency program or are in primary care. The exceptions are few are far between. If you are interested in a specialty, don’t even think of a Caribbean school as an option
3. It’s extremely expensive. Try for your state school and pay a quarter of the cost of a Caribbean school. As a primary care doctor, it will take you forever to pay it off.
4. The education there cannot be compared to a US school. You are mostly on your own and have to figure out how to pass exams and step exams
Let me address each of your points
1. Do you know how many minority students get rejected EACH year? Please tell this to the minority student who applied to medical school 5 straight cycles with no acceptance. Being a minority is not a golden ticket to getting an acceptance into medical school, so please do not spread that false narrative. If anything the road is tougher due to a lack of mentors, resources, and finances.
2. Please look at the charting outcomes to see the facts on the match rates. This is also school dependent. Like mentioned in the video, not all Caribbean medical schools are created equal. SGU has a track record of producing the highest number of students who match into US residencies. Yes, it is a way tougher road to match as a Carib student. The match rate is significantly lower than US medical graduates. Yes, if you are looking to go into a ultra competitive specialty, then Carib is probably not the best route to go. This is why people must make informed decisions before choosing their school.
3. The expense. We mentioned multiple times that the Caribbean route is likely a student's last option for medical school after other avenues of US acceptance has been exhausted. "Try your state school" - Of course students need to try for US schools before they go the Caribbean route.
4. "Your are mostly on your own and have to figure out how to pas exams" - I just provided an example from an SGU student who has been given tremendous support by her school and did well on Step 1. Again, you must know what you're getting into. There are sooo many Caribbean schools out there, some are great and some are horrible. Research must be done on what is the best choice for that particular student.
What part of the video is not fair to viewers? We presented another viable option for medical school and provided a Caribbean medical student's perspective. This is not an all inclusive video and was not meant to be. People must also do research on their own and not take this video as a stand alone view point on Caribbean medical schools.
The minority students that didn’t get accepted didn’t apply broadly. They only applied to like five schools got interviews and bombed the interviews.
I most definitely agree that we shouldn’t be mediocre but she’s right. I know Plenty of minority that got in with low gpa low mcat. You’ll have a better chance applying to every school and see who takes you. She is right about the Caribbean schools tho. I checked that stats online and most of the students match into non speciality fields. That’s not good at all. It’s like you take that or have no job at all. The ones that go into surgery are rare so it’s a huge gamble that’s not worth it. It’s not worth it at all just to say you have an md
White Coat Chronicles I will respond briefly to each point
1. Minorities need to be encouraged to improve their application (such as retake MCAT, post bacc, more volunteering hours, research year etc) NOT go to Caribbean after being rejected with less than 3 tries. This process requires patience.
2. Match rate of Caribbean schools are deceptive. It does not account for all the students that were denied the opportunity to take step 1 because they did not meet the cut off mark of the NBME required by the school.
3. Point made.
4. I believe she admitted that her school was student run for the most part. Most other Caribbean students I know also admit to not going to class or school support and UFABing their way through med school to pass step 1.
I thought it was not fair because you normalize the idea of going to Caribbean schools by saying it was a good choice. Good for your friend that she was successful but way too many are not unfortunately.
@@lilrabbitcuz Not everyone wants to do surgery. I am interested in IM for example...
Beauty Psycho cardiology isn’t surgery. Endocrinology isn’t. I’m pretty sure you won’t match if you went to a Caribbean. Doesn’t have to be surgery. Idk I’m starting to see a trend in students that don’t want much out of life no offense being okay with going into these fields. I just met a Latina today that went to a Hispanic medical school where you don’t need undergrad you just go straight to medical school.
She’s working as a lead scribe but has her MD. She graduated but is just now taking her step 1. I literally wouldn’t want her as a surgeon regardless of how smart she is now. Just sounds like a cookie cutter way out.
Can I merge from being a RN(BSN) to medical school?
Yes. Just make sure you I have the required prerequisites to apply
Do the Caribbean medical schools admit African students
My residency class is typically 50% DOs but we haven’t taken an IMG in many years.
J Park yep, so programs don’t take any IMGs at all, and some programs are very IMG friendly
I love SGU as a school. That's where i intend to go to medical school after undergraduate but something i really want to is,when and how did you go about preparing for med school and what did you do to build your student resume for medical school?
ShaniaLeann checkout my vid called “how to get into Med school”
@@WhiteCoatChronicles thank you i will
Don’t let the people on here deter you from a Caribbean school like sgu. Go look at their residency matches they Matched over 1100 students in residency in 2020! This is absolutely insane and even one in Ortho and 70 in surgery. While it’s true if you want derm a us program would be an easier route to go there you can certainly earn solid residencies. Looks like they match in the 90% range. So my thought process is all I have to do is be average in medical school and I will match and that’s something I can feel good about.
I disagree that ALL go Carrib is not their 1st choice..js
Hi. I'm Nigerian. Do you need a VISA before applying?
Visa before applying to a school in the US? I believe you would apply first, and once accepted, work on getting your visa.
Nearly everything you mentioned in this video is what my experience was like applying to medical school. A lot of research went into deciding which medical school was going to be the best fit for me. And I am so happy with the choice I made. Currently a 1st-year med student at a Caribbean medical school.
Please which school are you in
@@oguekejudith Ross University School of Medicine
@@RoyallyPrincess let's connect. I want to learn more.
Does SGU have clinicals rotation in Georgia?
Not anymore. There use to be clinicals in Atlanta, but the contract recently ended
will a Caribbean graduate be able to match to a top residency program like dermatology or plastic?
possible but highly unlikely, if you really want plastics or derm you need to aim for American MD for the best chance at matching
Neuron Cell I agree
I'm at a current student at a top 10 med school and there is a first year urology resident who graduated from a top 4 Carribbean med school-- so it's possible! But the ultra-competitive specialties do have a bias against IMG's and even some DO's, whether they want to admit it or not.
If Caribbean schools are “just American Schools located in the Caribbean” why is the tuition 2-3x higher on avg??😳
Quality medical education comes at a price. The upfront expense for creating private, autonomous, FOR PROFIT, reputable medical schools, and maintaining them, is enormous; plus these institutions haven't been around long enough to generate strong endowments which could significantly help ease some, or all, of the financial cost of attendance.
They are not referring to actual Caribbean schools such as UWI, they are referring to American schools that operate or have a branch in the Caribbean. Hope this makes sense
Any update on her journey?
She’s a 4th year currently applying to internal medicine and having success during the interview season.
❤️❤️❤️
All due respect but why your guest actually giggled and said “there are not many Caribbean students in the school, rest are from Europe and all over the world.” I don’t see what will be wrong if the majority of the students WERE from Caribbean?
Anyone who thinks they have what it takes to be a doctor however want to avoid the mcat = you’re not going to be a doctor. We call those nurses/NP’s/PA’s lol. The Mcat will tell you if you have what it takes to be a dr or not. If you can’t score a minimum of 506 = go to nursing school. I truly feel for her. She seems like a nice kind hearted young woman. Any “med school” that doesn’t require an mcat = run away as fast as you can
No need to feel for her. She’s in her final year of residency and will be an Attending physician in 3 short months :)
@@WhiteCoatChronicles highly doubt that lol . And if true, then send them to the low income areas/county hospitals
Great discussion, ladies. Your knowledge and insights are on point, and viewers would do well to heed what you've stated.
But there's also the elephant in the room -- students in Caribbean medical programs graduate with a debt close to $350,000.00, so, is becoming an M.D. worth the time and expense? If one has to become a doctor, as she always wanted to be one, and U.S. medical schools beg to differ...lol, Caribbean institutions are an option but, as the brilliant women here note, you have to spend the time and effort to understand the system and what you're getting into. Eyes wide-open is key.
Kevin Boone yep, research is important. A lot of private schools in the US also cost similar
Can i email, you about questions of sgu?
amandine coupet her instagram is in the description box. You can send her a message there
My girl Stephanie....
It'sJustNumi my love!!!! ❤️
I was wondering if you knew each other, JustNumi, I follow you too! Nice♥️!
@@SivaS-qb2xj yes...and thank u for the follow
I loveddd the video ! I currently attend AUA medical school and mannnn it is a journey! lol.
What do you mean? 😫
Please send me your info so I can reach out to you. We are travelling the same path
jay Jay yes it’s a lot ! Lol from the island to school it really makes sure this the career you REALLY REALLY want! Lol
It's what I really want. I know med school is hard anywhere but AUA gave me a good feeling, now to hear this I just don't know.
I was thinking of attending this school omg Can you dm me on insta @arleeismyname and tell me more
These videos only showcase those who match. It seems as if it's an infomercial. I'd like to see videos on the thousands who didn't match.
Great video but --
Try for allopathic MD school in America soil at least #twice first ‼️❗️ ➡️ then try DO at least #twice Nd maybe MD school again and last Caribbean
OShawna23 to each their own, but I’m not applying to med school for 4 straight years before I consider the Caribbean.
White Coat Chronicles -I was over exaggerating a little to get my point across but you said it best to eachs own ☺️
@@WhiteCoatChronicles THANK YOU!!!!!! NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT !! 4 YEARS???? PSSHHH
I would honestly consider 4 years of applying than going Caribbean. Going to a Caribbean school is high risk
The average GPA for SGU is 3.3 and MCAT of 498. It's not the fact that it has more spots
Caribbean medical school is what you make it..if you wanna screw around they'll let you bc at the end of the day you have to carry yourself! one thing i will say is i dont know people who only apply to caribbean schools..i mean at the end of the day after you leave caribbean med school you will still have an MD
I study in the carribean and i regret it, i wish i did my research
What happened
Sorry to hear that. Can you share what happened? It can be valuable insight to students who are considering it
@@WhiteCoatChronicles For me, i went for one of the cheap medical schools which care more about your money than your medical dream. When you are done with basic sciences, you are basically on your own. If you are going to do rotations in the US, many attimes you have to be the one to find the hospital and the doctor you will work with. you dont have the luxury of having reps, you cant even do your rotations everywhere. etc. If i am to start med school all over again i most likely will do it in the States even thoigh its more expensive. My advice is that if you are not going to the big medical schools in the carribean, then please dont come because the rest are all the same.
@@Seansyy62 If you are not going to the big med schools, i wont advice anybody to come to the carribean, its not worth it.
Susan Gift so sorry to hear that happened to you. I agree, if someone is considering the Caribbean, it should be one of the big 4
Lol. Its not easier to get in to a Caribbean school? This is called delusion.
❤️🌹
Both of yo cutie!
Please don’t take the chance at Caribbean guys, just go DO
TheBibirules what’s your experience with this topic? Can you provide some insight?
@@WhiteCoatChronicles Not me but my uncle. He went to Ross where they were failed out so many students not even offering help leaving them with lifelong crippling debt.They skew their data to make it look like a high number of their students match
Since I am on the premed route as well, I've been researching more on medical schools. Caribbean is just for profit, they don't care about their students.
TheBibirules did your uncle make it through and match into a residency?
@@WhiteCoatChronicles Narrowly but yes lol he practices family medicine now.
This is a terrible misconception that won't die for some reason. Most DO schools have been just as competitive as MD schools for quite some time, as they ended grade replacement a few years ago in the application process.
😂🎉😊
speaking to fourth years who just went through the residency application cycle, it is very competitive. And now that DO's are in the picture, it just makes everything harder for the caribbean grad. It better to be patient and delay applying to AMCAS then to rush and go to caribbean. Things change so quickly in medicine and once you matriculate you need to finish. Its 4 years of your life, and you should spend it at a school whose reputation won't have you questioning whether or not you'll be accepted to a residency, especially something as "easy" as IM/FM/peds. Its very sad
I agree, even for family medicine residency, Us-IMGs at carribean schools are NOT getting even "Easy" residency programs with programs wanting "AMG DOs or MDs".
I know so many MS4 that regret going to a carribean school because they failed to get into an easy residency program despite spending 4k alone on applications for 200 programs.
Being a carribean grad as an american is a huge disadvantage.
DO schools are not that hard to get into compared to MD schools, but better to try 2x to get into an american school, than use inferior mcat/gpa and go to carribean.
Residency is 100x more important than where you do med school.
my friend is in the carribean and she is freaking out over not going to DO school, and worried about failing to get a residency when I told her to go to DO school, if MD school was too hard.
SHe is also paying 300k for carribean school education.
J M 300k for Caribbean?! Hate to hear it smh. I pay less than that for an MD school! Now that DOs can apply for MD residencies everything is more competitive for everyone. It’s really sucks