Careers Service University College Cork Ireland May 2009 U.S. Medical Education: Where Do International Students Fit In?

Key Topics U.S. Medical Education Residency Programs in the U.S. Alternatives to Medical School

Acronym Decoder MD –Medicinae Doctor (in Latin), which translates to “Teacher of Medicine”. MCAT – Medical College Admissions Test NRMP –National Residency Matching Program AAMC –American Association of Medical Colleges

Usual Path for U.S. Students Bachelor’s Degree Medical School (4 years) Medical Residency in the U.S. (3-7 years)

Usual Path for International Students Medical Education in Home Country Medical Residency in the U.S.

Medical School The standard U.S. medical school curriculum: Four years Pre-Requisite for admission: Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution Standardized Test Requirement: MCAT exam scores

U.S. Residency Programs Duration of Residency: Varies from 3-7 years, depending on the specialty Popular medical specialties in the US: Dermatology, orthopedic surgery, and urology

Applying to Residency Programs: Five Steps Step 1: Complete the ECFMG Application Step 2: Take the United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLE): Medical Sciences Clinical Knowledge Clinical Skills Exams

Applying to Residency Programs: Five Steps Step 3: Apply to Residency Programs Step 4: Match with a Program Step 5: Obtain a Visa

Alternatives Consider an MD/PhD program Consider an accelerated Post Baccalaureate premedical program Apply to be a Physician’s Assistant (PA)

More information Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) – Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) – National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) –

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Question 1: True or False: A student can enroll in a medical school program in the U.S. after earning an undergraduate degree in Ireland.

False In order to gain admittance to a U.S. medical school, a student must have a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. university or college. Answer 1:

Question 2: True or False: Most international students studying medicine in the U.S. are enrolled in medical school.

False More international students are enrolled in residency programs than in medical school. Answer 2:

Question 3: True or False: “I majored in comparative literature as an undergraduate, and took only one or two science classes. Therefore, I have no chance of pursuing any form of medical education in the U.S.”

False While it will be difficult to get caught up, it’s possible to enroll in a post- baccalaureate pre-medical program in the U.S. to fulfill science requirements, and consider later applying to medical school or residency, either in the U.S. or in the home country. Medical schools appreciate candidates with diverse educational backgrounds. Answer 3:

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