An IMG at McMaster?!

**shiu** · 20-12-2007, 10:45 AM

Hi! Does anyone know if a persone already doctor but from an europian medical school, has any chance of getting in McMaster, having the GPA between B+ and A-? thanks!

**Scottish Chap** · 21-12-2007, 04:17 AM

Originally Posted by shiu

Hi! Does anyone know if a persone already doctor but from an europian medical school, has any chance of getting in McMaster, having the GPA between B+ and A-? thanks!

Traditionally, McMaster held 10 places for international students and they were one of the few medical schools to allow foreign MDs to enter their programme. However, a few years ago, they got rid of the 10 place quota for international applicants, and they only look at those applicants after Canadian applicants. I know this because the year I applied they sent me a letter (after cashing my $300 cheque) to say that "international applicants are on hold". This was the end of those places. McMaster has not admitted international students in the last three years and, to my knowledge, they are not even interviewing any. However, according to their website, McMaster will still take your application and fee. They are quite clear about that.

I was able to secure an interview at the University of Toronto Medical School as an international applicant. Toronto reserves 7 places for international applicants. I would check and see if they will allow foreign medical graduates to apply. Good luck.

**shiu** · 21-12-2007, 04:59 AM

Hi scottish chap! thanks for your answer. actually I hold the status of PR and by the end of next year I should become citizen. so I don't believe they will consider me as an international. I was wandering if the fact that I already have a medical degree, might make them think, why should I go back to school! Should I consider my degree a good or a bad thing in the case that I'll apply?
Also another question, where can I found more info about how the medical school functions at least in the first year, the curriculum, the exams, the hours spend in class in a week, the role of proffessor (heard about PBL), things like this. I appreciate any info or help. thanks and take care!

**Scottish Chap** · 21-12-2007, 05:41 AM

Originally Posted by shiu

Hi scottish chap! thanks for your answer. actually I hold the status of PR and by the end of next year I should become citizen. so I don't believe they will consider me as an international. I was wandering if the fact that I already have a medical degree, might make them think, why should I go back to school! Should I consider my degree a good or a bad thing in the case that I'll apply?
Also another question, where can I found more info about how the medical school functions at least in the first year, the curriculum, the exams, the hours spend in class in a week, the role of proffessor (heard about PBL), things like this. I appreciate any info or help. thanks and take care!

McMaster's website has a decent description of the PBL curriculum. Also, go to www.pubmed.com and type in McMaster and medical school and PBL.....that should get you some of the studies on their success. With hindsight, McMaster did me a favour by not granting an interview. I'm now a third-year medical student and I *hated* the token amount of PBL we had in first year. I can't imagine an entire med school experience of that.

If you look at the profile of McMaster's intake over the last three years (again, their website if you look hard enough), you'll see that they have admitted MDs, PhDs, and those with the DVM and DDS degree. Bottom line: it's your money. Have you considered taking the MCQEE board exam or the USMLEs in the U.S.? It seems that starting an entire medical degree again would be a VERY expensive endeavor, and you're most definitely taking steps backward rather than progressing to the next level.