Canadians going to TCD!!

[becks_nfld]

I was just wondering if anyone was accepted and going to TCD? Wanted to know where people are from, what they've been doing, what they want to do, etc. I've decided to accept the offer, as North America isn't looking too good.

 

I was also wondering if anyone was having trouble getting the loans/lines of credit they need? I've been to RBC and CIBC but still haven't committed to either plan.

 

My info:

Living in St. John's, NL

Finishing up MSc in Biology in developmental biology

Planning to go into Ob/Gyn

[mtb2011]

I was just wondering if anyone was accepted and going to TCD? Wanted to know where people are from, what they've been doing, what they want to do, etc. I've decided to accept the offer, as North America isn't looking too good.

 

I was also wondering if anyone was having trouble getting the loans/lines of credit they need? I've been to RBC and CIBC but still haven't committed to either plan.

 

My info:

Living in St. John's, NL

Finishing up MSc in Biology in developmental biology

Planning to go into Ob/Gyn

 

congrats becks_nfld do u mind sharing your stats?

[becks_nfld]

congrats becks_nfld do u mind sharing your stats?

 

Sure. MCAT and GPA right?

MCAT: 27Q

GPA: last two years: 4.0

under grad: 3.61

 

TCD is my top choice actually, though Canadian schools would be wonderfully cheaper. How about yourself? Are you going/already attending TCD?

[mtb2011]

Sure. MCAT and GPA right?

MCAT: 27Q

GPA: last two years: 4.0

under grad: 3.61

 

TCD is my top choice actually, though Canadian schools would be wonderfully cheaper. How about yourself? Are you going/already attending TCD?

 

3.4 cgpa. 3.91 for last 2 yrs. M.sc. 27R.

No I didn't get in yet. I'm thinking my app is on reserve as I applied really late. Trinity would be a wonderful place. I think its my 2nd choice though because its a 5 year program. But right now ill take anything obgyn is pretty competitive...

[becks_nfld]

3.4 cgpa. 3.91 for last 2 yrs. M.sc. 27R.

No I didn't get in yet. I'm thinking my app is on reserve as I applied really late. Trinity would be a wonderful place. I think its my 2nd choice though because its a 5 year program. But right now ill take anything obgyn is pretty competitive...

 

 

That it is! But I'm totally up for it; I've been working towards Ob/Gyn for 7 years, 10 years, if you include senior year, high school and first year uni.

 

Deadly writing score btw! I didn't know you could apply late. Is that the 15th March deadline I've read a couple times? May I ask what your first choice is?

 

After receiving the package, I'm not sure the program is 5 years for Canadians. The way the letter makes it sound is that the fifth year is the 'intern' year, which is optional for those returning to Canada or going to the US. I'm going to call the school Monday just to be sure, but that's the way the ATP makes it sound. Kinda hoping for the 4-yr option.

[mtb2011]

That it is! But I'm totally up for it; I've been working towards Ob/Gyn for 7 years, 10 years, if you include senior year, high school and first year uni.

 

Deadly writing score btw! I didn't know you could apply late. Is that the 15th March deadline I've read a couple times? May I ask what your first choice is?

 

After receiving the package, I'm not sure the program is 5 years for Canadians. The way the letter makes it sound is that the fifth year is the 'intern' year, which is optional for those returning to Canada or going to the US. I'm going to call the school Monday just to be sure, but that's the way the ATP makes it sound. Kinda hoping for the 4-yr option.

 

Thanks I assume u mean abp. Not atp . Do u mind if I ask what uve been doing to prepare for obgyn? UCD is my first choice, but only because I thought trinity was a 5 year program. It would be great if you could find that out. If it is only 4 years like you speculated, then there is absolutely no competition between trinity and ucd. Trinity is a wicket school, and 4 years at 31 thousand euros will make it much cheaper than ucd. So if you are right, does that mean trinity gurantees an intern position in case people don't match in canada or america on their first tries?

[Handsome88]

Thanks I assume u mean abp. Not atp . Do u mind if I ask what uve been doing to prepare for obgyn? UCD is my first choice, but only because I thought trinity was a 5 year program. It would be great if you could find that out. If it is only 4 years like you speculated, then there is absolutely no competition between trinity and ucd. Trinity is a wicket school, and 4 years at 31 thousand euros will make it much cheaper than ucd. So if you are right, does that mean trinity gurantees an intern position in case people don't match in canada or america on their first tries?

 

No. it doesnt secure canadians an intern year .

please let me know what they tell you about whether its 4 or 5 years for us!! If its 4 years Im soooo paying that deposit.

[becks_nfld]

Thanks I assume u mean abp. Not atp . Do u mind if I ask what uve been doing to prepare for obgyn? UCD is my first choice, but only because I thought trinity was a 5 year program. It would be great if you could find that out. If it is only 4 years like you speculated, then there is absolutely no competition between trinity and ucd. Trinity is a wicket school, and 4 years at 31 thousand euros will make it much cheaper than ucd. So if you are right, does that mean trinity gurantees an intern position in case people don't match in canada or america on their first tries?

 

 

No. it doesnt secure canadians an intern year .

please let me know what they tell you about whether its 4 or 5 years for us!! If its 4 years Im soooo paying that deposit.

 

Hahahaha! I'm in the middle of writing thesis things... I totally meant ABP.

 

In prep for Ob/Gyn, I've mostly kept up with women's health issues, made easier by my volunteer work at Planned Parenthood. There's not too much you can do to prep until you get into med school. Not that many avenues open to non-medical students. Volunteering is as close as I get, talking with doctors and specialists alike.

 

I will definitely let everyone know about the 4 or 5 year answer. I'm REALLY hoping for the 4-year as well, because obviously it is cheaper that way, and then I'm not stuck in Ireland for that 'intern' year without an internship. Having an internship in Ireland may also make it harder to get a residency in Canada... some provinces won't let MGs, CMG or IMG, with previous clinical experience enter the 1st round of matching.

[Jocks]

Hahahaha! I'm in the middle of writing thesis things... I totally meant ABP.

 

In prep for Ob/Gyn, I've mostly kept up with women's health issues, made easier by my volunteer work at Planned Parenthood. There's not too much you can do to prep until you get into med school. Not that many avenues open to non-medical students. Volunteering is as close as I get, talking with doctors and specialists alike.

 

I will definitely let everyone know about the 4 or 5 year answer. I'm REALLY hoping for the 4-year as well, because obviously it is cheaper that way, and then I'm not stuck in Ireland for that 'intern' year without an internship. Having an internship in Ireland may also make it harder to get a residency in Canada... some provinces won't let MGs, CMG or IMG, with previous clinical experience enter the 1st round of matching.

 

Hey Guys,

 

A few things:

 

Trinity is definitely a 5 year program. Intern year is done after graduation, and is essentially the first year of post-graduate training. It is not considered part of the medical school course. After your 5-year medical degree, you can choose to either stay on for an intern year, or try to apply for the match back home. The only schools with 4 year programs are UCD, RCSI, and Limerick. Don't be too put out though, the tuition for the 4 year program is waaaay higher!

 

Also, every single province will let you match having done post-graduate training in Ireland. Some people stay for intern year, some do an sho scheme, others go straight back.

 

Make sure to check out the SDN forums as well, they ireland threads contain a wealth of info. You can also visit http://www.cimsa.ie.

 

Jocks

[becks_nfld]

Hey Guys,

 

A few things:

 

Trinity is definitely a 5 year program. Intern year is done after graduation, and is essentially the first year of post-graduate training. It is not considered part of the medical school course. After your 5-year medical degree, you can choose to either stay on for an intern year, or try to apply for the match back home. The only schools with 4 year programs are UCD, RCSI, and Limerick. Don't be too put out though, the tuition for the 4 year program is waaaay higher!

 

Also, every single province will let you match having done post-graduate training in Ireland. Some people stay for intern year, some do an sho scheme, others go straight back.

 

Make sure to check out the SDN forums as well, they ireland threads contain a wealth of info. You can also visit http://www.cimsa.ie.

 

Jocks

 

Hi Jocks! Are you attending an Irish school now? If so, may I ask which one, what year and what things are like?

[mtb2011]

Hey Guys,

 

A few things:

 

Trinity is definitely a 5 year program. Intern year is done after graduation, and is essentially the first year of post-graduate training. It is not considered part of the medical school course. After your 5-year medical degree, you can choose to either stay on for an intern year, or try to apply for the match back home. The only schools with 4 year programs are UCD, RCSI, and Limerick. Don't be too put out though, the tuition for the 4 year program is waaaay higher!

 

Also, every single province will let you match having done post-graduate training in Ireland. Some people stay for intern year, some do an sho scheme, others go straight back.

 

Make sure to check out the SDN forums as well, they ireland threads contain a wealth of info. You can also visit http://www.cimsa.ie.

 

Jocks

 

damn it. there goes our brilliant plan becks_nfld

[becks_nfld]

Yep. I just received an email back. It is a 5-year programme. BAH! Well, I'm still going because TCD is a world-renowned school, the programme is fantastic and hey, it's Dublin!

 

I am going to call ABP some time today though, just so they can clear it up because it is awfully misleading.

[Jocks]

Hi Jocks! Are you attending an Irish school now? If so, may I ask which one, what year and what things are like?

 

Hi Becks,

 

Don't worry, I'm not a random pre-med talking out of his/her ass. I'm at UCD, and I just entered final year. I lived with friends of mine who are Trinity meds for most of the year, so I'm familiar with their curriculum.

 

Things are great here. The pre-clinical education is top-notch. The clinical education is also very good. The only thing we lag behind canadian med students is with procedural stuff (lines, bloods, etc.) and patient management (paperwork). Administration can be a nightmare though (efficiency is not the country's claim to fame).

 

Jocks

[UofO]

I was just wondering if anyone was accepted and going to TCD? Wanted to know where people are from, what they've been doing, what they want to do, etc. I've decided to accept the offer, as North America isn't looking too good.

 

I was also wondering if anyone was having trouble getting the loans/lines of credit they need? I've been to RBC and CIBC but still haven't committed to either plan.

 

My info:

Living in St. John's, NL

Finishing up MSc in Biology in developmental biology

Planning to go into Ob/Gyn

 

Hey becks,

 

I just paid my deposit today for TCD so i'll probably see you there! I'm from Ottawa and just finishing my BSc at the University of Ottawa. Don't really know what I'm planning to do afterward yet, something I plan to determine along the journey.

 

EDIT: Going to RBC this afternoon to discuss loans. I'm hoping to get more there than what I could at TD. We'll see I guess.

[Canada eh]

Facebook group for TCD class of 2015:

 

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108605682504597&ref=ts

[becks_nfld]

Facebook group for TCD class of 2015:

 

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108605682504597&ref=ts

 

Already there!

 

Hi Becks,

 

Don't worry, I'm not a random pre-med talking out of his/her ass. I'm at UCD, and I just entered final year. I lived with friends of mine who are Trinity meds for most of the year, so I'm familiar with their curriculum.

 

Things are great here. The pre-clinical education is top-notch. The clinical education is also very good. The only thing we lag behind canadian med students is with procedural stuff (lines, bloods, etc.) and patient management (paperwork). Administration can be a nightmare though (efficiency is not the country's claim to fame).

 

Jocks

 

Never thought you were a random premed... you sounded like you knew the ropes, so I figured your were already over there. Thanks for the info btw. It's good to know some of the ins and outs. Is the reason for lagging behind in procedural things because of a lack of patient contact or simply a hole in the programme?

I hear you about administrative difficulties. I don't have much experience with schools there (obviously), but my friends and I were over for holidays last year and things never ran smooth. Wonderful trip though. It's beautiful there.

[uoft10]

Hey - thanks TCD students for helping out with this decision-making process! Your advice is much appreciated. Has anyone heard anything about NUI Galway (for the 5 year programme)? What were the stats wrt how many applicants there were and how many admitted. I got accepted and as well am leaning toward declining the offer. I only applied once to Ottawa u and NOSM with a 3.53 gpa and then somewhere along the line decided med wasn't for me and gave up the thought of re-applying. I'm currently doing a Master's degree and am suddenly (with some apprehension) reconsidering med as a life choice. Can anyone offer any insight on Galway? Also, how do Irish grads typically do on the MLCC and MCCQE exams?

 

Any advice/insight would be great. Cheers.

[Hullabaloo]

I was just wondering if anyone was accepted and going to TCD? Wanted to know where people are from, what they've been doing, what they want to do, etc. I've decided to accept the offer, as North America isn't looking too good.

 

I was also wondering if anyone was having trouble getting the loans/lines of credit they need? I've been to RBC and CIBC but still haven't committed to either plan.

 

My info:

Living in St. John's, NL

Finishing up MSc in Biology in developmental biology

Planning to go into Ob/Gyn

 

 

Hi Becks!

 

I just had a quick question, since you're already in. I have already browsed through the site and read the admission requirements and what not, but I just need it to be more clarified. What exactly are they looking for in terms of GPA and subject pre-reqs? Do they look at or consider your last 2 years or best years? Or they look at the cGPA?

And from what I read, is it true that they do not require MCATs at all? It would really be helpful if you answered these questions for me, as you are a fellow Canadian.

 

Thanks,

Mike

[becks_nfld]

Hi Becks!

 

I just had a quick question, since you're already in. I have already browsed through the site and read the admission requirements and what not, but I just need it to be more clarified. What exactly are they looking for in terms of GPA and subject pre-reqs? Do they look at or consider your last 2 years or best years? Or they look at the cGPA?

And from what I read, is it true that they do not require MCATs at all? It would really be helpful if you answered these questions for me, as you are a fellow Canadian.

 

Thanks,

Mike

 

Hi Mike. It's been so long since I applied (and yet not really) that I had to go back to my folders with my Ireland applications.

They do ask for your MCAT marks, and also if you're planning to take the test again. I don't know how much they factor those marks into whether you're interviewed or accepted, but there is a place on the application to Atlantic Bridge Program and you do need to send an official report of your score to ABP.

As to other marks and pre-reqs... they look at your cGPA, but I think you should refer to the individual school websites for their entrance requirements, as each school is somewhat different in that regard.

The big part of the ABP application is the essay, which can only be TWO pages long. They won't look at any additional pages. However, there aren't any margin requirements, so if you have two pages and a couple of lines on the third, see if you can decrease the margin a bit. Another important part is how you plan to finance your education. Don't just write a few general sentences - actually go to banks and establish exactly how you can finance your education: saving money from work, government student loans and bank loans are the top three. I also included a page of my research/technical experience to go with my CV.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your applications!

[national]

Sure. MCAT and GPA right?

MCAT: 27Q

GPA: last two years: 4.0

under grad: 3.61

 

TCD is my top choice actually, though Canadian schools would be wonderfully cheaper. How about yourself? Are you going/already attending TCD?

 

Hey there - just out of curiosity, why is TCD your first choice? Your stats are good enough for Memorial, and as you noted, it would be far less expensive, shorter, and much easier for you to match to Obs (which is a competitive specialty)

 

Not knocking trinity, i know lots of people who went and got a great education. I'm just curious.

[becks_nfld]

Hey there - just out of curiosity, why is TCD your first choice? Your stats are good enough for Memorial, and as you noted, it would be far less expensive, shorter, and much easier for you to match to Obs (which is a competitive specialty)

 

Not knocking trinity, i know lots of people who went and got a great education. I'm just curious.

 

Mostly because MUN didn't offer me a spot. If they had, I would being going there, and the same for any other schools in Canada. But I guess this year was especially competitive in North America. Having said all that, Trinity is a top school and it was wonderful to be offered a spot. I still can't believe that I'm going.

[seeking1]

Anyone know anything about coming back to do residency in Canada after doing the MD program in Ireland?

[nosuperman]

Anyone know anything about coming back to do residency in Canada after doing the MD program in Ireland?

 

The same as coming back from most other IMG hot-spots... what specifically were you wondering?

[seeking1]

I'm thinking about going there, doing MD training, then coming back for residency in family med/community health. I've come to the understanding from someone that its relatively easy to come back to Canada for that particular residency after doing IMG training, compared to all other specialties. Does anyone have any info at all on that situation?

[Mashmetoo]

I'm thinking about going there, doing MD training, then coming back for residency in family med/community health. I've come to the understanding from someone that its relatively easy to come back to Canada for that particular residency after doing IMG training, compared to all other specialties. Does anyone have any info at all on that situation?

 

MD and Ireland, those 2 words shouldn't even be in the same sentence You do realize that Ireland only offers the MBBS degree right? There is no MD medical degree (although they do have PhD level medical research degree that they call a "MD"). But for what you want to do, they only offer the MBBS - not a MD degree. As for coming back, it's "supposedly" pretty easy to come back to train in family medicine, and I've heard this only from some guy in a single Irish school, can't say it's the same for all of them. Either way, if you look at the published data on Carms, Caper, the number of Canadians coming back to Canada for residency from Ireland is on par with Australia, which really isn't impressive at all (like 26 a year, out of 35 - 40 applicants). Nothing is really "easy" with any IMG route, only different shades of "hard". My suggestion? - try a US school.