Time to be Poetic

Why Medicine?
Because it keeps my interest

Why a Physician?
I enjoy making decisions and investigating problems
I enjoy advising people about their health as a "Partner" in health

Has it paid off?
Ask me after third or fourth year of Residency

Would I do it again?
That at times is a tough one, but the answer is always YES.

Was Medical School hard?
YES, but anything worth doing is.

How long did it take you?
For me my journey had many problems and it took a total of 6 years (Yes 6 years)
Most it will take 4 to 5 years depending on many factors.

Since you went to a Caribbean School was it easier?
No it was not easier, it was a lot harder, I will briefly explain:

1. Easy to get accepted

2. 3 semesters a year so a 1.5 to 2 year Basic science program due to 4 to 5 semesters, I went for 4 semesters but my school and most others have 5 semesters.

3. Clinical science is 2 years and it was a nightmare with my first school, some were counted and others were not, questionable if they were green book, I transferred to another school (Aureus ) and my clinicals were great and all green or blue book. I redid my cores with Aureus ( this cost me an extra year in medical school).

4. USMLE, so many ask "Did the school prepare you for the USMLE?" No they did not, in fact few of the schools prepare one for such a strange test, its almost like a Medical IQ test then a real test of knowledge. The way I finally learned how to slay the USMLE was
Kaplan course review
and Questions, Questions and then more Questions I learned how to answer the questions with the knowledge I had and how to read the questions properly, Medical school cannot prepare you for this, they give you the material and you acquire the knowledge but you must learn how to navigate the test and choose the correct answers, online Q banks are the most important part in this.

5. Knowing the above, many students can pass basic science, but it means little until you pass step 1, the hardest of the three tests ( step 2 is two parts CS and CK). Currently about 30 to 40% depending on school, cannot pass the USMLE step one, this is not the school's fault, this is why I tell people go to medical school if you understand its YOU. You are responsible to learn the information and how to succeed, the school gives you the opportunity.

6. Only 50 to 60% of FMG grads will get a residency the first year in the match.




So would I do it again?

Of course, but I may have done things differently knowing what I know now so

YOU BENEFIT