Why Attend Medical School in Poland

In this video I explain why I'm attending medical school in Poland, rather than the US, and why you should consider it too!
Four reasons:
1. Save time: 2:01
2. Save money: 3:04
3. Proven residency matches: 4:37
4. Life and clinical experience: 5:18
PUMS website: pums.ump.edu.pl/

[@gloriazemingui]

Thank you so much for the information! I really appreciated how straight to the point you were with your explanations and they were also so clear. I subscribed to your channel, I will be following your channel closely. Keep at it! Clearly you were born to be a physician! ☺️

[@MAtoMD]

Thank you for the support and kind words!

[@a.k722]

Great vid. But isn’t the program 6 years? Not 4 years?

[@polishnorwegianandspanish9145]

I wanted to ask if there is an age limit to apply for Polish Medical School. I am interested in Psychiatry as I am a professional in clinical field and I would love to broad my experience. Also, it’s so nice that you mention Poznan’s Med School. I want to check out Toruń and Poland.

[@parkeld]

I'm in Poznan. Hoping you are progressing well. My son is interested in pathology, would enter 6 year program in 3 years. I'm still thinking this path is too good to be true to practice in US.

[@chanikaassavarittirong1993]

Exactly my reasons as well :)

[@zains2396]

Thank you for this video, well informative 😊😊

[@MAtoMD]

Glad to hear it :)

[@ondreiat6674]

Thank you for this information. I am in my mid 30's as well and medicine is my second career. I am currently in a Biomedical "Pre- Medical" track graduate program. I would love to have a global experience while studying medicine. What would you recommend as the first step in researching this process? Also, did you take the entrance exam at PUMS ?

[@MAtoMD]

Ondreia Thomas, congrats on deciding to switch careers! First I’d get in touch with admissions at PUMS. They should send you a link to prep for the entrance exam, which covers basic sciences (bio, chem, phys, o chem). That said, the entrance exam carries much less weight than your interview and MCAT (or equivalent). I mostly did MCAT prep and felt fine on the entrance exam.

[@ondreiat6674]

@@MAtoMD thank you! This was very informative. Best of luck on your journey!!

[@MAtoMD]

@Ondreia Thomas No problem! Best of luck with your studies too

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Mid 30s!?😃 That's awesome! I wish you the best of succes in your positive endeavors! I know folks in their 40s that attended med school. One sistah was 50 when she graduated! And SHE wanted to do surgery; the longest residency!😃

[@englishstudentunion]

Hello hello, we have created a group for anyone to ask questions to current students. I'd recommend checking it out. I hope it helps!😀 facebook.com/groups/PUMSapplicants/

[@saeedehsoleimani]

Hii I’m currently in high school want to apply for uni and come to poland next year, study medicine But I’m not really familiar with the system . I know that in USA you can major in anything you want as long as you take classes required for entering med school. My question is that is it the same in poland as well? And how many years it is? I would really appreciate if you could help me cuz I can’t find a lot of info across the web ❤️❤️❤️

[@eoinbrennan3949]

Hey man how are you getting on? Been a while since you last updated, just wondering how med school is going for you?

[@musicenthusiast19]

I LOVE this video! Thanks a lot! Also how can credits be transferred in this school?

[@poomratrasamikomen1074]

Your videos are extremely useful! I'm in the process of deciding where to go for med school. I want to know more about your experience in doing the rotation in Poland. Was it difficult to communicate with the patient?

[@MAtoMD]

Great question. Rotations occur in years 3 and 4, so I don’t have direct experience yet. But the ability to speak Polish would make a big difference in your local rotations. Our physicians do speak English, but our patients generally do not.

[@poomratrasamikomen1074]

@@MAtoMD thank you. My interview view with poznan is coming up in 2 weeks. any recommendation?

[@MAtoMD]

Poomrat Rasamikomen Yes, be ready to explain WHY you want to study medicine (I suggest you share specific stories; everyone wants to “help ppl”) and be humble. Also check out my video “Interviewing for a Polish Med School.” Lastly you can search for interview queries on this FB page: facebook.com/groups/PUMSapplicants/?ref=share

[@nazhere4927]

How about Lods?I've been told to look that up first. And could you make a separate video on different med schools in Poland and requirements for each (if is not the same) ? Is IELTS certification a necessity for the International students?

[@MAtoMD]

That's a great idea for a video! Unfortunately I don't know much about the other Polish programs. My guess is that IELTS is required universally. At PUMS, the IELTS minimum score for admissions is 6.5.

[@rithiksaxena3885]

Hi, I am glad that I was able to find such an informative video I am as well planning to apply to the MD program in Poland but my main concern is that do we need to know minor polish or be fluent enough in it for you like the clinical years where you are place in a hospital and have to interact with patients, please clarify my concern.

[@MAtoMD]

Rithik Saxena Hi, no Polish is necessary as all courses are taught in English. Our teaching doctors in clinical years also speak English, but our patients do not. To get the most from clinicals, we should learn some Polish during years one and two of the program

[@rithiksaxena3885]

@@MAtoMD Ohh cool I see, what do you think about the language in particular is it sort of okay to cope with plus "to get the most of it" does it mean that it's okay if we don't really understand polish and will the doctor translate what a patient said bc I am honestly really concerned abt the language part. Moreover, Thank You for the reply :)

[@MAtoMD]

Rithik Saxena Rithik Saxena Yes, it is OK to theoretically have no knowledge of polish language, as the doctors will translate. We also have the option to do 16 weeks of clinicals abroad in year 4, and I plan to spend this time in US hospitals, where I’ll probably apply for residency. That said, learning Polish would allow us to communicate directly with patients during the clinicals in local Polish hospitals, which make up the bulk of years 3 and 4 in the 4 year MD program.

[@rithiksaxena3885]

@@MAtoMD Alright thank you very much

[@MAtoMD]

Rithik Saxena No problem :)

[@decentoverseas840]

Do u know any university in Poland who deals with BDS for medical student actually my sister want to do BDS from Poland?

[@omeddlgren6765]

Thanks for your information. Bro do I have any chance to study pharmacy in poland if I graduated from medical laboratory scientist? Please answer me and thank you so much man

[@Julka017]

WHat is Your favourite song on the soundtrack of 'Tiger King'? How Joe Exotic has changed your view on your life and career?

[@MAtoMD]

1. "I saw a tiger," 2. I'm not sure that it has, as much as I adore mullets.

[@ismaeldelgado3843]

My question is about financial aid and getting student loans in Poland for US or foreign students to cover the whole 4years of tuition and insurance fees.

[@MAtoMD]

For American students, private loans are available here through Sallie Mae. I'm not sure about loans for students from other countries, but you can ask on our FB page for applicants: facebook.com/groups/PUMSapplicants/

[@azifahahmed4462]

Hey thanks for the informative video, I really enjoyed. I am Azi from Australia and I am interested studying the MD program either in Poland or in Czech Republic. I have a bachelor of nursing science, graduate diploma in Genetics and currently complementing my masters in genetics this year. Can you please reach out to help me. I have a lot questions regarding the admission process. Thanks heaps

[@MAtoMD]

Hey Azifah, thanks for the positive feedback! It sounds like you’ve got a great background for medical school. Here’s a link to the PUMS FB page for applicants, where you can get answers to your questions: facebook.com/groups/PUMSapplicants

[@mi_sou]

This informations were really helpfull 👍I want to apply to this university next year , so i wanna ask if there were any scholarships , and do i need polish language to apply ?

[@MAtoMD]

Miso미소- I’m not sure that PUMS offers scholarships, but Polish language is not necessary to apply. All courses are taught in English

[@kevinbem6304]

I am interested in completing an undergrad in Social Sciences. I currently work as a Paramedic in Ontario, Canada. I am interested in Social Sciences and believe it will be easier to obtain a high GPA. Would I be eligible to apply to medical school in Poland without physics etc.?

[@MAtoMD]

Kevin Bem Social Sciences is a good background for med school. For the 4-year MD program, you’d still need to take physics, bio, chem, and O chem, plus sit the MCAT. There is also a 6-year MD program here which includes those basic sciences.

[@rollandjonathan8085]

Nice hearing from you. Is there any scholarship offered?

[@MAtoMD]

Rolland Jonathan I’m not sure that scholarships are available. You might want to double check with admissions though. I use private loans to finance my study here

[@mbulleluciano9227]

Hi, please I need help to get into PUMS. I am Bsc. holder in Biomedical Sciences

[@Mae-nw6cv]

How do you check if your program has good residency matches?

[@MAtoMD]

Great question. The PUMS website used to have a list of residency matches for each year, but it appears to be under construction now. You might get a better answer on our FB page for applicants: facebook.com/groups/PUMSapplicants/

[@linettesantana4455]

Hey can you make a video about the 6 years MD program and the possibility of practicing in the U.S? Thank you

[@MAtoMD]

Hi Linette, matching into US residencies is a great topic and one I plan to speak on eventually. My classmate Shammy Benjamin recently posted a video about this. Unfortunately I don't have much experience with the 6 year MD program. That said, the application process will be similar to the 4 year (entrance exam and interview) but with fewer prereqs/requirements needed. I'd recommend getting in touch with admissions for more details.

[@englishstudentunion]

Hey, we have created a Facebook group for prospective students to ask any questions to current students. They will be able to answer any of your questions there. I hope it helps 😀 facebook.com/groups/PUMSapplicants/

[@alizafari3549]

hey man Do you know students are allowed to work in poland after graduation,moreover could you tell me how much a dentist makes in Poland? Thanks

[@MAtoMD]

Hey Ali, yes it is possible to stay in Poland or in other EU countries as a medical doctor. You'd need to learn Polish and/or the language of the country where you want to practice. Also you'd want to make some connections by shadowing physicians, which would help you secure a residency in your location of choice. As for dentistry, I'm really not sure. I'd recommend getting in touch with admissions. Best of luck!

[@LL-ic5oi]

You must do a practical year after graduation for which you need C1 in Polish language and write the polish state exam in polish/english. When you're done with these two things you can work in Poland as dentist or doctor. Salary is good compared to east Europe so you can definitely live a good life there but compared to Germany/UK it's lower

[@CUONGPHAM-lj1zf]

What do u think about the change of step 1 to P/ NP and how it affects IMG

[@MAtoMD]

Good question! I'll be taking Step 1 for a score this summer, but I think the 2022 change to P/NP will help IMGs. It will allow us to focus more on research/shadowing/extracurriculars during the basic science years. Currently I spend much of my free time preparing for Step 1 (which is quite different from my school's internal exams) and have done minimal research. With the change to P/NP, students should have more academic balance and be able to develop more competitive applications for residency. Ofc Step 2 will become the new Step 1, but we'll have three years to prep instead of two.

[@janeetashehzad7964]

Hi, thank you for this great information, I have been considering studying in Poland for a while. It's in my top 5 schools. I have heard Poland is very racist to ppl of colour, is that true? Do you maybe know someone that might have experienced or is it all just media talk?

[@MAtoMD]

Hey Janeeta, I wouldn’t say Poland is very racist but ofc it’s not perfect. Poznan (where I study) is a college town with many international students who seem to get on well. That said, during my two years here I have heard of a couple racial incidents. For a better perspective, you might check our FB page for applicants where current students respond to questions like yours. I think you’ll get a quick response: facebook.com/groups/PUMSapplicants/?ref=share

[@oyumergen]

I am a female Asian from Poland who decided to pursue medicine in the US because Poland is a racist country. I knew that with my skin color and gender, I wouldn't be able to become a chief or anything important. I think @MA to MD hasn't experienced anything like that because he is a white male.

[@lanatbe3075]

hi ,i am iranian and was medical student in ukraine,but after sanction my country iran by america ,the cost of dollar get expensive in my country and my sister and me had to left medical school and back to my country,,,, now i have a qoestion ,poland is good for study medicine and living or Czech Republic ? if you finish medicine can work to america?

[@MAtoMD]

I'm not sure about medical schools in the Czech Republic, but yes, you can work in the US with a degree from PUMS (and a few other Polish medical schools).

[@lanatbe3075]

@@MAtoMD thank u, i have another qoestion, you know how much fee tuition paramedic short course in poland?

[@noorayesha1170]

Which country have you decided

[@waleedghafoor7506]

So what is your view about education in china. Especially medical education. Currently am a international medical student in china studying medicine. Is there any chance to get US medical residency.

[@MAtoMD]

I'm not sure about medical education in China, but graduates of Chinese programs can certainly match into US residencies. Those who match tend to have high USMLE scores (especially Step 1 and 2) and some clinical experience (e.g. rotations or even a research year) in the US.

[@anonymouse6890]

How is Lublin? They allow 2 years clinicals in US.

[@MAtoMD]

Lublin sounds like a more secure choice in terms of matching to a US residency, given those two clinical years in the states. But tuition is also a bit higher (roughly double what we pay at PUMS). It’s a trade off for sure. At PUMS we arrange our own clinical electives at US hospitals

[@petyspath9047]

Hey! Thanks for the video! Please how can I get into your med school in polland?

[@MAtoMD]

Hey :) The application process is similar to most med schools (prereq science courses, MCAT, interview). Here's a link to the school website: pums.ump.edu.pl

[@petyspath9047]

@@MAtoMD ok thanks! :)

[@Solo.Gr8]

What are the requirements for medical PG in Poland for foreign doctors

[@MAtoMD]

I'm not sure what the requirements are if you wish to stay in Poland for residency training and/or employment as a physician. Here is a link to the PUMS Facebook page for applicants, where you may be able to get a better answer: facebook.com/groups/PUMSapplicants/

[@yellowplatypus2342]

do you speak polish? how do you understand what is being taught in your courses?

[@MAtoMD]

Not really, but the 4-year MD program is taught entirely in English :) We do have clinical rotations in Polish hospitals, but our professors are bilingual. Also we have a basic Polish language course which helps with daily conversation in Poland.

[@yellowplatypus2342]

@@MAtoMD oh boy. Best of luck getting a residency spot in the US. That is gonna be a struggle. In orthopedics of all of them, lord.

[@MAtoMD]

@@yellowplatypus2342 Thanks lol. I’m aiming for ophthalmology now, not as wild as ortho but still a tough match

[@lavaboy1565]

@@MAtoMD if in the case you aren’t able to match, are you still able to practice in Poland?

[@MAtoMD]

@@lavaboy1565 Yes, but you’d need to speak Polish quite well. The degree is recognized across Europe, so you could practice in a number of countries provided you speak the language

[@sadhaksafeer9941]

What's the name of the medical school you studied??

[@MAtoMD]

Sadhak Safeer Poznan University of Medical Sciences

[@tikamsinghrjpt]

Can you compare Gdansk and lviv(Ukraine) medical University? Lviv very cheaper than Gdansk, After that Why we should study Gdansk.

[@MAtoMD]

T. Singh, I’m not familiar with the programs in Gdansk and Lviv. From what I see online they offer 6-year programs, which may be cheaper, though also longer, than the 4-year MD in Poznan.

[@englishstudentunion]

Hello, feel free to ask any questions you may have to current students here. I hope it helps! facebook.com/groups/PUMSapplicants/

[@samma995]

Gdansk - Poland is in EU, so you have better access to Europe, also as a doctor.

[@nataliabies5465]

Are the classes all in English?

[@MAtoMD]

Natalia Bies Yes. Also, most clinical rotations are in Poland, but our physicians and profs all speak English

[@ylaalessandra8023]

MA to MD how would you describe your interactions with patients during clinical rotations? How’s the language barrier?

[@MAtoMD]

@@ylaalessandra8023 I'm beginning second year this month so I can't speak to rotations yet (they'll occur in years 3 and 4). That said, from my limited time in local hospitals, the language barrier is very real. Our teaching physicians all speak English, but our patients do not.

[@simsa9508]

Which University is best for MD there?

[@englishstudentunion]

In my opinion Poznan but I am a bit biased. Have a look @englishstudentunion on instagram to see current students. Hope this helps!

[@simsa9508]

@@englishstudentunion thnx a lot

[@oyumergen]

@@simsa9508 University of Warsaw or Jagiellonian University in Krakow.

[@MAtoMD]

Jagiellonian, based on what I've heard from students there

[@henoksbhat]

Do They have FAFSA loan?

[@MAtoMD]

Unfortunately not. I use private loans from Sallie Mae

[@emilyjason6159]

Am Stephanie from Nigeria interested in studying in ur school, is there anyway I can reach u so u can help me out

[@MAtoMD]

Sure, you can email me at [e-mail]. Also here is the FB page for PUMS applicants: facebook.com/groups/PUMSapplicants/

[@mauricedaou2027]

What school?

[@MAtoMD]

maurice daou I’m in the 4-year MD program at Poznan U of Medical Sciences

[@mauricedaou2027]

@@MAtoMD thank you

[@LMB222]

Orthopedics? That's pretty good in Poland.

[@thebeatles9]

I think he missed the part where EU medical schools are six years vs 4

[@zuluzero4659]

You look polish

[@MAtoMD]

Thanks! If only I could speak the language...

[@KatieSkoczen]

Any current polish med students here??

[@MAtoMD]

Katie Skoczen Yes. We have two programs, one in Polish and one in English. The English program has a few Polish Americans and many international students.

[@KatieSkoczen]

@@MAtoMD Nice! I am a second year at Jag in Krakow!

[@KatieSkoczen]

also in the English program

[@MAtoMD]

Katie Skoczen Cool, I’ve heard Jag is a good program. Are you in the 4 or 6 year MD?

[@KatieSkoczen]

@@MAtoMD 6! They terminated the 4 year program. What about you?

[@samuel.tatchim]

Can I have your email sir?

[@MustRiseAgain]

I have a question...you had a background in Arts then how are you eligible for medical sciences. You spoke something about GPA in science or something, what is that?