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UK vs. US Medical Training
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Some key players and acronyms to know first:​
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UK Medical Training
After graduating from Medical School the graduate medical training looks as follows:
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Foundation Year 1 --> Foundation Year 2 --> Core Training 1-3 --> Specialty Training --> Subpecialty Training
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It is important to note that it is not necessary to complete all these years or do them in succession (for example, some choose to take gap or research year(s) at any point during their training). This is just to provide you with the full picture. Some possible variations:
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You could do FY1 as a part-time position for any reason (e.g. caring for a loved one, raising kids, pursuing a post-graduate degree, research, etc)
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Some people elect to do an FY3 in order to strengthen their application for Core Training.
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Some elect to take a research year after FY2 to strengthen their application for Core Training.
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There are many entryways to the UK system depending on your starting point. Here are some of them:
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British Medical School --> F1
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Non-British Medical School --> F1
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Non-British Medical School --> F2
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Residency outside of the UK --> Specialty Training
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US Medical Training
After graduating from Medical School the US graduate medical training looks as follows:
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Residency --> Fellowship --> Sub-specialty
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It is important to note that it is not necessary to complete all these years or do them in succession. This is just to provide you with the full picture.
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In this case, the entryways to the US Medical Training path are simpler to understand:
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American Medical Graduate --> Residency
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International Medical Graduate --> Residency
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Residency outside of the US --> Fellowship
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Comparing the two
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As you can see the biggest difference is the presence of the Foundation Years 1 and 2 in the UK system.
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In conclusion, both systems have their general pros and cons and then their individual pros and cons that are unique to each applicant. So it is always important to make note of them and the factors that could influence your decision and weigh what are you willing to sacrifice for what without letting external perceptions influence your decision. At the end of the day what will matter the most is being in a place where you feel happy and from there you will be able to flourish as a doctor and as a person.