I am confused as to what to choose. In a couple of months’ time I will be a licensed doctor. My home country does not appreciate knowledge and so doctors are not paid for being paid well. A majority of my class is planning on leaving the country and the plans are really confusing. About 40% want to migrate the United States while another 40% want to migrate to the UK. The remaining twenty percent are contemplating between Australia, Canada, Spain and some of them want to just stay in the country. I am so stuck between the US and the UK.
Going to the US requires a lot as regards money and knowledge same thing when travelling to the UK. The United state medical licensing exam (USMLE) is more expensive than the UK licensing exam. I am not from a rich background and this is a major hurdle for me. This will require me saving up almost all my internship salary for the sole aim of this quest. PLAB which is the UK licensing exam is a lot cheaper, this would probably cost me my 3 months’ salary.
In terms of the exam, USMLE is way harder than PLAB. It requires a lot of reading and hard work (I am not scared of working hard). PLAB is easier. USMLE has about 4 exams although you need to pass 3 first before you could apply for a space. PLAB has three exams (two medical and one language) and application process is a little bit easier. However, when you pass USMLE, you are getting into residency. Passing PLAB makes you a general practitioner.
I also heard that you could pass with a pretty decent score in the USMLE and you won’t get matched. I heard with PLAB that matching is almost immediately. I don’t know how true this is but this is all I have been hearing so far.
Please if you have any suggestions that could help please drop a comment. Thankj you for reading my blog.
Both options are not bad. I wish you all the best but the US should be more promising. Cheers!
My fear is racism and i think the US is a developed Nigeria. I mean the police can kill you and nothing will happen.. This can happen in Nigeria too
Things are pretty exaggerated, not as bad as you think.
It seems like a tough decision. I suppose you need to do what is the more cost effective of the options, and to feel comfortable with the country that you call home. This may not be an option, however have you considered military service, as a doctor or medic, in either of those countries as a cheaper option to pass your medical exam there? To be honest, I'm not sure if that is even an option although it may be a good way to gain the certificate/accreditation that you require whilst also going right into a hob and getting paid at the same time. It is just a thought and maybe worth investigating. All the best for the weekend.
Thank you for the suggestion