The need is great. The opportunity is now.
During the worst global pandemic in more than 100 years, it was recently reported that the number of medical school applicants in the United States is up 18% compared to a year ago. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the sharp increase may be attributed to the inspiring examples of medical workers and public health figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Said one medical school applicant, “Everyone feels some sort of responsibility. There’s definitely a call to arms thinking that, if there’s another pandemic, it’ll be up to us.”
To all aspiring medical students who feel this responsibility, it is indeed up to you. Nevertheless, for many students, medical school education is an uphill battle.
Consider these realities:
- In the US, one out of every two medical school applicants will not be accepted this year. At the top schools, the numbers are staggering. For example, Stanford University School of Medicine reports a 50% jump in the number of applications, with 11,000 applicants for only 90 seats. Likewise, Boston University School of Medicine says applications are up 27%, with 12,024 students competing for just 110 seats.
- According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average debt after medical school is nearly $250,000.
- The United States is facing a critical shortage of doctors. Estimates of the shortage range from 55,000 to 139,000 physicians by 2033. Nearly one-third of all doctors in practice today will reach retirement age over the next ten years.
During this global pandemic, many aspiring medical students understand the responsibility to do their part. They understand the need for an ever-increasing number of highly trained, motivated healers of the future. However, for many, the standards for admission to the top schools are impossibly high — and the financial burden even higher.
That is the reality. And that is why more and more students are considering a high-quality medical education in the Caribbean, where students find excellent schools willing to give them a chance at achieving their dream.
If you are one of today’s aspiring medical students who feel responsible for doing your part, apply today. The need is great. The opportunity is now.
