The education required to become a doctor varies by country. When evaluating schools, the most important factor to consider is whether the education received will allow one to obtain licensure in the country in which one wishes to work. In some cases, it is relatively simple to study abroad and then practice medicine in the United States. At other times, the requirements for becoming a doctor may not be stringent enough, as measured by either US or international standards.
In the United Kingdom, for example, medical studies begin immediately after completing high school, or the baccalaureate, the equivalent of high school. Students must have excellent grades and pass a test similar to the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) in the United States. This exam assesses general science knowledge in order to identify students who are most likely to become successful doctors.
The UK program lasts five to eight years, and additional specialization may result in even more time spent in school. The program is comparable to those in the United States, and there are few requirements for a UK medical doctor seeking licensure in the United States. Some people may prefer studying in the United Kingdom because, if they only want to be a general practitioner, they can do so in a shorter amount of time than in the United States, where most medical schools require a seven-year minimum education. However, medical schools in the United Kingdom are extremely competitive, and it is extremely difficult to gain admission without putting in exceptional effort in high school.
Although most European medical schools follow the same curriculum as those in the United Kingdom, not all schools are considered equally acceptable for licensure in the United States. If you want to go to medical school in another country, make sure the school is accredited by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). If a school does not have this certification, it may be very difficult to obtain licensure in the United States.
Schools in the Caribbean and Mexico are generally run in the same way as those in the United States. Prior to admission, they require a four-year undergraduate degree. Some medical schools in Mexico do not require students to speak Spanish. For a doctor, however, learning Spanish can be beneficial.
Fluency in a foreign language is usually required if one wishes to practice in a country where that language is spoken. This may not always be the case in countries with a scarcity of doctors and no medical schools to educate them. Fluency in the country’s language or languages may not be required of a doctor working in developing countries.
Additionally, there may be language requirements prior to becoming a doctor if one attended medical school in a country other than the United States and plans to practice in an English-speaking country. Being a doctor necessitates a thorough understanding of medical terminology, and if these terms are lost in translation, mistakes can occur. As a result, it is prudent to be conversant in the language of the country where one intends to practice.