Explain how foreign medical education programs for physicians are accredited.
How do foreign medical education programs for physicians compare to medical education programs in the United States?
How do the differences impact the quality and cost of health care in the United States?
Medical education programs for physicians
Full Answer Section
- Length of program: FME programs are typically shorter than US medical education programs. FME programs typically last four years, while US medical education programs typically last four years of undergraduate education plus four years of medical school.
- Curriculum: The curriculum of FME programs varies from country to country. However, FME programs typically focus on the basic sciences, clinical rotations, and practical skills. US medical education programs typically have a more integrated curriculum that includes the basic sciences, clinical rotations, and practical skills.
- Language of instruction: FME programs are typically taught in the language of the country where the program is located. US medical education programs are typically taught in English.
- Quality: There is some debate about whether FME programs produce doctors who are as qualified as doctors who graduate from US medical schools. However, a study by the Association of American Medical Colleges found that FME graduates who completed residency training in the United States performed as well as US medical school graduates on standardized tests.
- Cost: The cost of attending an FME program is typically lower than the cost of attending a US medical school. However, the cost of completing residency training in the United States can be high.
Sample Answer
Foreign Medical Education Programs for Physicians
Foreign medical education (FME) programs are medical schools located outside of the United States. These programs are accredited by a variety of organizations, including the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER).
The WFME is an international organization that sets standards for medical education programs around the world. FAIMER is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to medical schools and programs around the world.
Comparison of FME Programs to US Medical Education Programs
There are a number of differences between FME programs and US medical education programs. These differences include: