Did you know that in 2020, one quarter of all physicians in the United States were graduates of international medical schools? If this seems surprising, consider that medical schools in the United States are notoriously difficult to get into, and international medical schools can produce doctors just as well educated and qualified as their domestic counterparts. Interestingly, a recent study found that patients treated by international graduates had lower mortality rates than those treated by US medical school graduates, and that graduates of international medical schools had been exposed to more patients with chronic illnesses, so their knowledge base was broader. Here, we list six benefits of attending an international medical school, and why this may be the right path for you.
 
•    International medical schools offer greater flexibility for applicants. Because they often have rolling admissions, the deadlines for applying to international medical schools are not as strict as most medical schools in the United States. They also tend to have broader entrance requirements, with higher acceptance rates than US medical schools. What’s more, international medical schools typically have lower tuition rates than those in the United States, while offering the same level of education. Many international schools also offer rotation options in the United States, so that you can have real-life medical experience within the US while still having the school you attend as your base of operations. 

•    Students at international medical schools experience a wider array of health concerns. Other parts of the world have exposure to more varied illnesses than we experience in the United States. Students who study at an international medical school or volunteer on medical missions are likely to encounter conditions they would not have seen at a US medical school, thus broadening their experience, and giving them a wider range of knowledge.

•    Studying at an international medical school allows you to get an up-close look at different ways of practicing medicine. Health care systems vary greatly across the globe, and studying outside of your home country will give you insight into different systems’ advantages and disadvantages. This can help open your mind to different possibilities and give you problem solving skills that will make you a valuable asset to any medical team.

•    Living outside of the United States offers you some perspective on your own country’s culture. Your lifestyle will undoubtedly be different when you move to another part of the world to study medicine, and this can help you to appreciate things you may have taken for granted, like access to hot water and transportation. You will gain a broader world view, and this can help you develop into a better doctor. 

•    Studying abroad can make a person more resilient. Just by deciding to matriculate at an international medical school, you are demonstrating the ability to think outside the box and explore alternate possibilities for achieving your dreams. You may find that a degree from an international medical school opens doors for you and increases your opportunities to practice medicine in many competitive specialties. 

•    Immersing yourself in a different culture is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You will learn from your fellow students and the people in your community, and gain exposure to different religious and belief systems. This experience with different points of view can be not only a rewarding experience, but also a real opportunity for personal growth. Learning to respect and appreciate people who have a different worldview than yours can help you to become a more open-minded person and a more compassionate doctor.
 
When you’re looking for a medical school with a deep-rooted tradition of quality, look into Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara. The first medical school in Latin America to offer a US-style curriculum, we are committed to cultivating future physicians who have the skills and abilities necessary to meet the challenges of personal and community health. With the best facilities in Guadalajara, state-of-the-art laboratories, and a close working relationship with many of the hospitals in the city, we are able to provide an excellent educational experience for our students both on campus and in the field. With the goal of preparing graduates for careers as physicians where they can provide individuals, families, and communities with outstanding preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic services, our medical school offers a curriculum of excellence. We prepare our students to heal and serve their community, and we encourage them to strive for innovation, academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to society. For more information about our college of medicine, call 833-220-7645 or contact us through our website.