St. Georges University director lists gains of studying medicine abroad

The Director, International Admissions at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, Corrine Vish, has said one of the advantages Nigerians stand to gain by studying medicine abroad is that it will help them lay a strong foundation for a holistic medical career.

Vish noted in a statement that country profiles on the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) website reveals some differences and therefore, studying medicine abroad would help the students become familiar with treating a wide variety of diseases can help prepare students for future endeavours.

“Attending a medical school abroad can help students become more familiar with health concerns that may be significantly different from the ones they’re used to seeing,” she said.

Vish added: “There are four little known perks of attending an international medical school. In the ever-expanding landscape of global education, an increasing number of African students are venturing abroad, with over 24.2 percent of them opting to study medicine.

“Africa holds the greatest proportion in the world of students looking to study undergraduate degrees in Health Care and Medicine overseas. While the driving factors behind this trend are diverse, the often overlooked are the hidden advantages of attending international medical schools. Beyond the conventional academic considerations, these institutions offer distinctive benefits that can enrich the educational journey and lay a strong foundation for a holistic medical career.

She advised that there are significant variances even between the different healthcare systems in the world and “learning about them can be beneficial and enable students to get a unique insight into how different models of healthcare function, and their advantages and disadvantages.”

According to her, working and learning in different healthcare systems would give students a unique perspective on conventional challenges that practitioners face.

“Though individual schools can vary a bit, you must ensure each of your applications is on track to hit major deadlines. There is often more flexibility with international medical schools.

“Many have rolling admissions and different commencement dates. For example, SGU offers three start dates per year: January, April, and August. This allows potential students the flexibility to start their medical school program when it makes the most sense for them and each term offers different benefits. For African applicants from non-English speaking countries, it is important to remember that an English language test score, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) should be part of the application,” she advised prospective candidates.

Vish said: “Attending an international medical school provides students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become acquainted with different cultures. Some of this are due to experiences outside the classroom, but they also learn a lot about their classmates and the people in their surrounding community. Students develop respect for other cultures, religions, and beliefs by learning about different points of view.

“Students interested in pursuing a career in global health or just want to step outside their comfort zone, studying medicine abroad could be the perfect fit. The diverse learning environment, exposure to global healthcare practices, cultural immersion, and networking opportunities offer students a well-rounded education that extends far beyond the classroom.”

The SGU medical school director, in the statement added: “Choosing an international path for medical studies not only equips students with a comprehensive skill set but also shapes compassionate and culturally aware healthcare professionals ready to make a meaningful impact on a global scale.

“At St. George’s University, we are a center for academic excellence worldwide. With students and faculty drawn from more than 150 countries, SGU School of Medicine is accredited by the Grenada Medical and Dental Council which has been recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). The school offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree programme. Students can also enter the MD degree program from any education system around the world via the five-, six-, or seven-year tracks. SGU has a large network of 75+ affiliated hospitals and health centers in the US and UK, with the unique opportunity for students to begin their medical career in Grenada or the UK.”