What options are available for me to continue my medical education after being dismissed from medical school?
I was recently dismissed from medical school for not passing the boards after the second attempt. Other than applying to an offshore med school or changing careers are there any other avenues I can use to take the boards again? Possibly continue my medical education? I have completed the first two years of medical school successfully, what are my options?
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February 8th, 2010 at 4:41 am
Well, one has to take exception to your statement that you completed the first two years of medical school successfully, as the Step 1 exam tests your knowledge of the basic sciences.
The USMLE does not place limitations on the number of times you can repeat a Step exam. Many states will not license you if you have failed several repeat attempts. You need to inquire with your state’s medical licensing board to see if trying again makes any sense.
I would think how badly you failed would influence your decision. If you missed by a few points, then that’s not uncommon. If you really blew it, then you should give serious thought about pursuing another career.
About the only option I can see for you is repeating the two years of Basic Sciences. Whether another US medical school will accept you is an unknown, to me. An offshore school is a good option for you, though. I wouldn’t discount that option, as it may be your only one. There are several good offshore schools and it’s likely they would accept you.