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INDIA: +91 080 41234927 | WHATSAPP: +91 6366 834954
INDIA: +91 080 41234927 | WHATSAPP: +91 6366 834954

So You Want to Study Medicine?

In the past few months, we have heard from an increasing number of you who are interested in studying medicine.  We LOVE to hear your dreams, and the areas of interest that you have are vast and varied!!  However, there have been many doubts about what it means to study medicine in the U.S., so we will take the opportunity here to explain the process a bit.
Studying medicine in the U.S. follows a completely different structure than medical programs in India.  Instead of jumping right into your medical studies, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree.  You can choose to pursue a pre-med major; this is an interdisciplinary course of study that generally includes several of the sciences and is the general track of study for those who intend to pursue medical school.  You can also choose to forgo the pre-med track and focus on your own science of interest.  Regardless of which track you choose, you are welcome – and encouraged – to pick up a second major or minor in a complementary subject or even another area of interest, such as history, a second language, art, or business.  Medical schools like to see well-rounded, interesting students apply!
If you want to go to medical school after completing your bachelor’s degree, you need to take the MCAT (most often during your 3rd year of university) and apply to medical schools during your final year of university.  Unfortunately, it is quite difficult for international students to gain admission to medical school in the U.S.  However, going to medical school in the U.S. isn’t impossible, and the holistic undergraduate program is of great value to you personally, academically, and professionally.  The variety of courses that you will be required to take along with the many practical experiences that you will have will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to become a competitive candidate for medical school as well as a competitive candidate for the professional world.
The links below will offer some further insight about pursuing medical school as an international student and include a list of medical schools and their policies regarding admitting non-U.S. citizens.
If you have more questions about what it  means to pursue a medical education in the U.S., please contact us at The IKC!
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Links to Medical School resources:
International Students and Medical Education: Options and Obstacles
http://www.naahp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=2564
Medical School Admission Policies Towards Non-US Citizens (includes admission policies of specific medical schools)
http://www.naahp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3312
How Do I Apply as an International Applicant?
https://www.aamc.org/students/aspiring/303912/applyasaninternationalapplicant.html
2012 Article from the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health (supports recruitment of international students to U.S. medical school and affirms their capabilities to exceed expectations in med school)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3368516/
3 Tips for International Students Applying to U.S. Medical Schools
http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/medical-school-admissions-doctor/2012/07/16/3-tips-for-international-students-applying-to-us-medical-schools
Match a Resident (if you do not attend medical school in the U.S., it is still possible and encouraged to pursue your residency there!)
http://www.matcharesident.com/?gclid=CIz-6IT9rKwCFQYBQAode1EfIQ
 

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