Michigan Native Eric Fine Welcomes a Global Experience that Starts in the UK Growing up in Michigan, Eric A. Fine dreamed of becoming a doctor. To make those dreams come true, he is pursuing a degree from St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. But, he started his path with a year of classes at the Northumbria University campus in Newcastle, England, as part of the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program. Here, Eric studies under SGU's course directors before going to complete his Basic Sciences years in Grenada and subsequent clinical training in the United States and/or the United Kingdom. The opportunity to spend one full year of study in the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program is an experience of a lifetime for Eric. The program is named for the late Vice Chancellor of St. George's University who was a passionate force for the pursuit of true internationalism in education. The year spent in Newcastle is the same excellent program given in Grenada and, in addition, students have the experience of being immersed in the UK urban culture for a year. "I believe that living in England will help enhance my international education, especially living under an alternative medical system, NHS (UK's National Health Service)," Eric says. "I chose the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program at St. George's University because it is rooted in the global education of medicine, not just American medicine," Eric says. "St. George's is a well-respected international medical school. I wanted to go to a school where I would get a great medical education, live abroad to get a better understanding of other medical systems, and still be able to practice in the States." Eric, who has always known he would become a doctor, officially decided two years ago to become a surgeon when he was invited to "shadow" in a reconstructive plastic surgery operation. "Nothing is more satisfying than working with people and being the person who can help them when they are most vulnerable," he says. "The first day I went into surgery and scrubbed in I was hooked." From Michigan State to St. George's Eric came to the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program after completing his premedical graduate studies at Michigan State University. "My undergraduate and graduate work was very different from my medical school education. I am in a different country, living under different rules," he says. The University's mission to provide an international education has drawn faculty and students from more than 136 countries, creating an intellectually and culturally stimulating environment. It has over 6,800 graduates practicing medicine around the world; its graduates have practiced medicine in more than 35 countries. "The best parts of the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program are the small class sizes and great professors, who are hired solely to teach and not for research. They are always available to help the students understand the material," says Eric. "They push each student to his or her full potential." When asked about his experience at St. George's University, Eric states, "I am starting my new life as a medical student; living in Europe, going to medical school, meeting a new group of people. We all want the chance to be quality doctors." For more information on St. George's University School of Medicine, visit www.sgu.edu.

When a medical school is described as foreign, it simply means that it's located outside of the U.S, and the language of instruction is usually the langauge of the home country. It's the international distinction that will mean something to you because at most international medical schools, the language of instruction is English.

So why would you consider attending an international medical school? International medical schools provide an alternative to nontraditional students and those who might not be eligible for admission to a U.S. medical school. Admissions requirements are a bit different from those found at U.S. schools.

For example, some international medical schools won't require you to submit MCAT scores when they're considering you for admission, though you'll have to submit them before you're allowed to enroll. They mainly serve American students and those from other English-speaking countries, although students whose first language isn't English are certainly eligible for admission. They will be required to take and achieve a certain score on the TOEFL.

Traditionally, most U.S. students who choose to attend international medical schools go to those located in Mexico and the Caribbean, many of which are a stone's throw away from white sand beaches. And though a degree from an international school might not carry the same prestige as one from some American medical schools, they train you to accomplish the exact same task that any U.S. medical school prepares you for: taking and passing the USMLE.

Remember, a licensed doctor is a licensed doctor is a licensed doctor.

One thing you should consider, however, is that competition for a residency match may be tougher. Be sure to discuss participation in the National Resident Match Program, (NRMP Match), with your pre-medical advisor or the admissions office of the foreign medical schools you are interested in.

As a foreign medical school student, you will need to participate in the NRMP Match as an Independent Applicant. This has certain requirements. For more information, visit the NRMP website.