>>> Re: Glen Beck

It's interesting that in Panama, which actually is considered an up-and-coming 3rd world country, a full 92% of the population make less than $2000.00. Doctors make between $25000 to $50000 a year.

>>> Then they can come to the U.S. with no inhibitions to pursuing residencies and fellowships, whereas many of us here are already so debt-heavy we have to start earning right away.

No XBox??? Should we pitch in and buy you one? <G> Actually, that's not true about the "no inhibitions."

I just finished helping a Cuban doc last year get into an internship up in Illinois. He had to take his ECFMG 3 times, not because he didn't pass it in the first 2 times, but because he needed to score in the top 5% in order to secure an interview for admission! In my state of Virginia, there are now laws that severely restrict that chances of an FMG in obtaining a license to work after doing 3 years of residency and passing all licensure examinations. On the other hand, they now have opened up a 5th medical school in my state, making it easier than ever to get in. Most Virginia medical schools are really cheap- I remember paying $12000 almost 30 years ago which included both tuition and room & board at VCU. At the newest medical school (actually an osteopathic school), in Virginia Tech, most likely the tuition will cost about $7000 a year.

Some countries like Cuba have accelerated programs lasting only 6 years for both college and medical school, and it's all FREE for EVERYBODY. The only problem is that politically, you probably won't be able to work in the USA with a Fidel Castro approved degree. In Panama, where my in-laws live, it's very difficult getting into medical school since there are so few spots available. On top of that, you then have to work 1 residency year in the jungle!

To sum it all up: I keep telling my son to go to VETERINARY school at VA TECH. It's all cash up front, no Medicare, no United Healthcare, and no abuse!

Scot- your site is still down... I just finished upgrading my site with HIT political stuff, BTW (http://www.msofficeemrproject.com/Page3.htm ) Check out the HIMSS whistleblowers column that I will be putting out this month!

Al

Last edited by alborg; 12/21/2009 11:36 PM.