Yes, the Philippines can be considered a “golden gateway” for an MBBS graduate who wants to practice in US. The Philippines has several reputable medical schools that offer high-quality medical education. Pursuing an MBBS degree requires hard work, dedication, and a genuine interest in the field of medicine. If you are committed to your dream, you can achieve it with patience and persistence. If your dream is to become a doctor and pursue an MBBS degree in USA, it is better to choose a best Medical College in Philippines.

Cultural History

The Philippines was a colony of the United States from 1898 to 1946. During this period, the United States established political, economic, and cultural control over the Philippines, similar to how other European powers established colonies in other parts of the world. The two countries also share educational exchange programs, which contribute to their close relationship. The curriculum in Philippine medical schools follows the US model and is very similar to that of US medical schools, making USMLE preparation easier. Moreover, the curriculum in the Philippines is internationally recognized and is equivalent to the MBBS program in the USA. You will be well prepared to sit for the Board Examination in your home country or the USMLE.

MBBS in Philippines

There are many universities and colleges in the Philippines that offers MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) program. Pursuing an MBBS degree in the Philippines is accessible to a broader range of students. The main reason is the tuition fees which is low compared to many other countries. Philippines follows American medical education model and lasts for four years. The Philippines schools are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. 

The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical aspects of medicine.  The first two years focus on basic sciences whereas the last two years on clinical training in various medical specialties. Medical students gain practical experience in patient care to complete clinical rotations. Completing a research project is mandatory before graduation. This kind of high standard education model gives the students more practical knowledge which help them shine where ever they go. Institutions in Philippines had higher pass percentage than Ukraine, China, Russia, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan & Germany. High quality education attracts many students towards MBBS in Philippines.

To practice medicine in the USA, students need to clear USMLE exam. Since Philippines follows internationally recognized and American medical educational model it will be easier for students to easily clear the USMLE exam.

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

USMLE is a three-step examination in US which gives license to a doctor to practice medicine. The exam is administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB). USMLE assesses a physician’s ability to apply his knowledge, concepts, and principles learned in MBBS. Patient-centered skills that are important in health and disease are also assessed in USMLE exam.

USMLE exam pattern

In USMLE step 1 examination includes the knowledge assesses of basic medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. The step 2 has two parts, Clinical Knowledge exam and Clinical Skills exam. Medical student’s knowledge of clinical sciences is tested in Clinical knowledge exam. Medical student’s ability to communicate effectively with patients and perform basic clinical skills are assessed in Clinical Skills exam. This step1 and 2 can be taken while studying medicine. Since Philippines offers the American education model, Philippines students can easily clear both the steps with little hard work. The step 3 in USMLE exam is a two days exam taken after graduation. This exam covers topics such as patient care, medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and system-based practice. This exam is computer-based test that consists of multiple-choice questions and computer-based case simulations.

The mode of MBBS education in Philippines makes the MBBS graduate to clear USMLE. Candidates can crack all three steps of the exam easily and be eligible for medical license in the United States. Then they can go for residency training with a pay. After completing residency training, they can expect a salary that is commensurate with their specialty and experience. This all gets easily with Philippines Medical degree. Yeah, Philippines is a golden gateway to US.