your videos are no bull**** straight to the point .Of course it is going to hurt some fragile egos....keep it up doc

Med school is a black hole ( it sucks energy happiness time money )

If there are others who needs the same perspective from a different person, I’ll give mine. I’m also a Caribbean student and everything Dr. Parker said is true about the type of students. I can’t speak about the statistics. If the US schools don’t give you the chance, Caribbean schools will. Medical school is a business down in the Caribbean. Although I can’t comment on the statistics and maybe things are different now from Dr. Parker went, but now most of the Caribbean students who do get a residency end up with a family medicine residency. You need to bust your ass down here. Level 100% crunch time every single day, because most of these programs are accelerated compared to the US route. Like I said, it’s a business and the faster they get you out, the faster they get more people in and make more money. They’ll try and break you down here, make the exams more difficult than they should be so that you fail to reduce the graduating class size and make you pay more to retake the class. Like Dr. Parker said, if you want it, you have to REALLY want it. Don’t do it otherwise, because do you really want to sacrifice a ton of money, time away from home, and face the truth that yes, US students will be favored over you? Get yourself situated and come to terms with yourself if you really want to do this or not. Because the sheer amount of stress of trying to ace every exam (or even just pass) is not worth it if you just “sort of want to do it.” PS: I commend you Dr. Parker for pulling straight A’s on your med school exams. I wish I could do that lol. Now if you’ll excuse me, study break is over and I have to go study biochem, genetics, histology, and immunology.

A lot of people in my class were in medical school because their parents told them too.. and those students complained the most, struggled the most and a lot dropped out, or just skimmed by and are hating life and complain to everyone about it... its sad..

Why do doctors complain about you making videos 😅 You're not doing anything bad.. Actually quite the contrary.. I get really motivated by watching your videos! And besides that you really make me laugh! Keep on doing what you're doing, dr. Buck!

53% of foreign grads get a residency in the US as compared with 93% of American grads... it is on the webpage for the national residency matching program.

Dr. Parker, please don't stop making these. Haters gonna hate, but these videos are literal goldmines of comedy and information between my study breaks at the library.

Hi! First time viewer here :) (1st year SGU student) Thank you for being direct, and not sugar coating the topic. Every once in a while I get discouraged, and lose stamina. So like you said, it's important to remind ourselves why we are learning medicine. I definitely want to have a positive impact on people's lives, and I think reminding myself of that will help me get back on the studying grind. To be honest I've been lounging around for the past hour, really not wanting to study. I am glad I saw this video in my suggestions. Thank you!

This is the kind of advice that everyone needs to hear about Medicine. If you are not this type of a person, go do something else!! No BS here.

Well in India only 0.08% of graduates get into residency so I will take 50% anytime

I for one applaud your honest and straightforward approach to all the subjects in your videos. You’re right about a lot of people doing things for the wrong reasons. There’s a girl in my surgical tech class who is only there because her father said she should do it. Now, she did well enough on the entrance exam and stuff, obviously, but can she keep that motivation? Me? I’m the obsessed one who has been studying for months even though the surgical tech specific classes don’t start till January.

I totally agree with your point, there are a lot of IMG students who are there for the wrong reasons. Their motivation is usually not strong enough to get them through medschool and get through the USMLE exams. This static is for those who do get through and apply for residency. It is put out by the NRMP each year. The overall trend is in favour of IMGs as more programs are becoming open to the concept of international students. We do bring a unique perspective and a whole other set of experiences as compared to US grads. However this is for the students who have gotten through and applied for residency. I imagine if we were to gather all the students who enter Caribbean medical schools and end up matching the percentage will be a lot lower. P.s. Below I have copied the stats from the 2018 Match - 57.1 percent of U.S. IMGs matched to PGY-1 positions. - 56.1 percent of non-U.S. citizen IMGs matched to PGY-1 positions.

You the man Dr. Parker! I already respected you a lot for being a good and caring guy after the ball buster of Gen Surg. residency...but your attitude towards being at a Caribbean med school shows a lot about you :)

You're part of the Caribbean brotherhood too!!! We just have to work harder and score 20-30 points higher on our boards than our US grad counterparts. Then maybe we can get gen surg like you, or anesthesia, otherwise surgical subspecialties are off the table.

Tip: When you edit the audio there are plugins to reduce outside car rolling sound. Search for x-noise or z-noise

Love the honesty in the video, esp the ending. Similar situation in European medical schools, although here there is a lot of us going straight from undergrad or high school without attempting to get into a Canadian or US medical school. At the end of the day, I feel like its the same underlying reasons for not getting into a residency... Keep up the great vids.. Subscribed :)

Eating cereal and watching this 60 min before a midterm (final year med student) - helps me chillax

Being a St. George’s grad, Caribbean med schools are easier to get into. But if you are not willing to work hard, you will not get through and you will not get a residency. I say this as someone who went to one of the better schools. St. George’s will provide you with a good education and there are resources available to help you if needed (tutoring, review sessions, option to decel, etc…). But it is not for you if you think you are just going to hang out on the beach all day and coast by in your studies. Only the ones who are self-motivated and work their a$$es off will make it through and match into a residency. And if you come from a Caribbean school, you’d better be ready to shine on your residency application. That means getting better scores than US grads on USMLE, getting good evaluations in clinical rotations, and getting great letters of recommendation. And all this just to have a shot at one of the primary care residencies. You can get more competitive residencies like surgery, emergency medicine, OB/Gyn, anaesthesia, etc…, but your applications must be stellar to have a shot at one of those. I know one guy in my class who got ophtho, but he was top of the class.

Keep the videos coming!!! Obviously other doctors are going to give you shit about it but you just continue to keep it real, it's the one thing that shows that doctors can also have great charisma and a rock solid attitude :D

keep up the good work doc

I don't want to study medicine so what am I doing here watching your videos? haha well... I find your videos to inspire me for my goals.

I love your videos they are so informative and straight to the point they definitely are helping me decide on my career path in medicine Thanks Doc

Anyone else noticed Dr. parker has a red thread on his right wrist...

Hey Dr. Parker! I really enjoy your videos, keep them coming! I’m an American Ross student studying for step. Also I had some thoughts on this statistic. The stat covers IMGs not only Carib students. I think that the 50% who don’t match may largely comprise of students who are not Americans. This is because the non American students have to take a TOEFL English exam and they also need special visa sponsorships from the residency. I think this is too much too expect from residency programs.

Wow thanks!! I really appreciate you teaching the different aspects of medicine to your viewers.

Why is he focused on Carribean schools? There are other IMGs too? Do they not even have 50% chance?

I'm considering going to Med School for surgery and I'm devouring all your videos and I appreciate them. Just thought I'd let you know!

I love these type of videos! Can you make an in depth video on impressing your team during your last two years of med school so that they thought highly of you and gave you great recommendations?

Thanks for motivating us ! Appreciate it sincerely and I’m sure many others can relate

Dont you fucking stop making videos! I fucking love you! Ive learned so much! And its all brutally honest info, realest shit

does your car drive itself or something

Greta video as always. I think you’d get way more views if you made more IMG related videos because of the large demographic and how common it is to look for info on YT these days. Good stuff man.

Your videos are great. Please don’t stop making them

Who makes the thumbnails for your videos? Give him a raise for this one 😂

Can you also do a review on how you studied for step 1? as an IMG? Any material you recommend etc?

How cool you're a painter!!!! I'm a singer and I even made an album but I just can't shake this love of medicine. I'll always love singing and hope to create more music in the future on the side but I just know in my soul that this is something that I gotta, something that I will do for myself.

Awaiting the return of Dr. Buck Parker :). These videos are dope!

100% on point. Great job, Buck.

Hey, I just want to let you know that your videos are just awesome. Especially on youtube, there isn't much good quality medicine related content. As someone who knows what they want to do, like I know that I want to go to med school and become a surgeon, your input in really interesting. You talk a lot about the conventions that aren't really talked about actively. Thank you.

wow thanks for this - didn't expect this when i clicked on your video but it really did a lot for me, thank you

Thank you so much for your sharing Dr.Parker. That is very helpful for me as an IMG. Thank you!

FYI : USLME upped the passing score, so I'm assuming baseline residency scores will do the same.

True true. Doc, can you go over a few of the technical reasons as well, like low USMLE score, poor interviewing skills, etc. I have a few friends in this boat. One spent ten grand on applications, flights and hotels last year trying to match, to no avail. His USMLE score wasn’t high. He finished school on time and cleared USMLE first attempt and still totally screwed. Carribean student. Canadian citizen. Another one in a similar boat, a year trying to match. Lower score. US citizen. No luck. A lot of people in that boat, all wondering where they went wrong and what they can do now to break through the barrier.

The reason they make fun of the videos is just jealousy. For everyone else including me, they are super helpful and informative!!! They totally make my day better and help me be a better premed student in my second year of college! You have a really genuine, fun perspective so thanks for being you, Buck!! I've learned a LOT from your channel so far and I'm sure so many others will too.

I think a part of the problem is this: there are a ton of open spots for IMGs if you look at the total number of federally funded residency spots after ALL US students match. Unfortunately, there are a lot of IMGs applying compared to the remaining spots. Programs have a lot of freedom in being selective, even if they might perceive themselves to be a less “competitive” program (viz. small rural IM or FM program). IMGs don’t have the benefit that most US students often have: geographic ties. Residencies like people who want to stay in the area: it builds the program, and it helps continue the program (think funding and future preceptors/residency-friendly rotations). A lot of those people did auditions at those sites; those programs know what they’re getting themselves into. I know that Caribbean schools have the benefit, but they’re over represented at their sponsor sites. That makes it even harder for IMGs who are only names on a paper. Think about it: why would a program weigh that student more than any other? Why would a program give the benefit of the doubt to an IMG who failed their boards once or twice? IMGs need to, at the very least, have not failed any boards, and ideally have some sort of perception of being wholistic (volunteer experience, a great personal history, etc.). If you’re an IMG, put in the time to pass the boards on the first try, and invest your time by auditioning in smaller, more rural programs if you want a better chance at getting into a spot

I love the vids, awesome and very helpful! You keep it real and we all appreciate it :)

i love your videos doc, no shit just the real talk

I love your videos. You keep it 💯. But you also keep me very motivated!!

summary: think like a medical badass

You're awesome!! Can't thank you enough for your videos, its helping me a lot!

Hey doc you are motivational haha. Keep it up it’s getting me through Med school 🤙🏽

Bro these videos are great.

Really appreciate your videos, thanks for your insight!

I am a doctor and I love your videos they are great, you’re telling the real truth...

There is a lot of common sense in this which is why I like to listen to these talks as I am constantly debating weather I should do the career change that I have always wanted to do because it has been a dream of mine since I was a kid to be a Doctor. But the only thing going through my mind now is, why would people hate this guy and his videos? These are good videos to listen to!

If you have no relatives or family willing to give you free accommodation,and board and help you get a visa, dont even dream of going to the US , to take the exams. You need info, support, money from overseas. But I did not receive any offer from relatives; what I received were, gloating and humiliating from aunts, aunt-in-laws.

Love your honesty! Great video!

Very helpful and timely too

Your videos are awesome! I’m debating whether or not to go to medical school (well attempt it). I recently graduated with my bachelors and I’m trying to figure out what my next step is. Your videos are a great insight. Thank you!

Thanks for your videos!!!

Man, you should post a painting video! Also, the match rate of SGU and AUC seem to be higher than 50%.

I know many people and by many it’s around 16 people personally who went to Caribbean and failed the exam 2 times and still ended up being a doctor in US. I would say it’s more a chance who is the interviewer who is sitting across you rather then the hustle of Caribbean. Now they go to work and complain about night shifts and too much work so they get home and play playstations 😂 what a life

You mentioned some physicians are critical of your channel. Without going into too much detail, can you talk about some of the general criticisms some may have with your videos. I personally can't find anything wrong with them and I'm curious as to why someone would object. It certainly can't be the candor. Those are the best parts:) Thanks!

Doc....there are many factors that influence why a foreign medical graduate couldnt get into residency in the United states. No. 1 number of years from graduation and when you finished taking all your steps. No. 2 step 1 and step 2 scores. No. 3 number of repetitions on each step. No.4 any us clinical experience( externship) or any publication/research to fill in the gaps. No. 5 being a us citizen or green card can give a slight advantage over foreign nationals despite having lower scores. No. 6. LoR's. No. 7 statement. No. 8 having someone inside the hospital that can pull you in(maybe a husband). No. 9 what medical school you went to( it might play a minor role in some states like for 3xamole California medical board do no recognize some carribean schools, Texas is also picky). A student who really puts in a lot of time and resources into usmle exams is not dumb...the success depends on many factors...there were many who despite having passed their steps couldnt make it because of external factors and there are some miraculous stores of people who stuck in there for long time and finally made it after 20+ years after graduation.. and we have to accept the fact that it's become a bottle neck now..the usmle exams have become tough to pass and takes a certain strategy and prep for passing and scoring high, and also not to forget that the US federal.government has stopped funding the teaching/residency hospitals in 1996...the hospitals have to come up with their own budget to sponsor residency programs and churn out physicians year after year. So those who are getting into med schools in the US or anywhere else...if they want to get the most covered residency in US keep in mind all the points I mentioned above right from the beginning of their med school.

Your videos are good, please keep them I love them

Love your videos dude. All of em.

you're the man! love all of your videos

Thank You Dr.Buck

You're the man. Thank you for this video.

Kep up the vids doc! #TeamCarib

Excellent video, thanks for sharing, much appreciated : )

love the videos please keep making them

3rd reason is that some schools do NOT require an undergraduate, which saves 4 years of your life. Truly worth it even though there is more hustle

just found your channel and it's great, I love your cut and dry answers. I was wondering, to be able to do general and trauma, did you have to do a fellowship after your gen surg residency? How do most surgeons become able/certified to do both general and trauma? Thanks in advance!

all I could think watching this was "hands on the wheel bro"

Keep put the good work. Thanks for sharing

Wow. The generalization that anyone that went to carribean schools didn't get accepted to med schools in the US. I didn't bother going cause I had to worry about VISA and thinking about the loans I was going to have to take to pay for tuition. Spartan is quite affordable compared to most schools I've checked about.

Still didn't hit the nail on the head with this video. The statistic is based on all IMGs, INCLUDING those who have graduated. So a result, the graduated medical students bring down the percentage of matching from those who are MS-4 applying. Your chances are still worse as an IMG regardless, but the percentage matching is definitely higher as a senior med student.

Do you ever catch yourself talking to yourself in the car when the camera isn't rolling?

Your videos rock and I would hope to have a supervising physician as cool as you!

Can you do a video on importance of research? Do you feel that research, letters, etc can help you overcome average step scores if you are in top 40 Medical school for competitive residences such as optho? Jw your opinion on this? Your videos are 👍🏼 btw!

I appreciate your videos! Thank you.

I just marathoned your videos Dr, thank you very much. I am an IMG as well. I’m about to take Step 1 this coming May, and nervous af. I want to be a neurosurgeon someday.

It’s just 60-70% reported on the NRMP annual report

Could you make a in-depth video on studying? I'm getting by with good grades with cramming but I know it's not going to work in the future. Great vids btw. Thanks

50% acceptance rate is higher than Brazilian residencies acceptance for brazillians

So your decision making thought process for going through medical school and residency was just that you want to become a surgeon? what motivated you to want to become a surgeon in the first place? Also what's your opinion on the fact that there are a lot of goodhearted people who go into the medical profession on the provider side, but these days with insurance companies being such a PITA, don't we need equally good-hearted and hard-working people on the business side?

You're freaking awesome, i like the no bullshit attitude

Your videos are inspiring, informative and entertaining all at the same time. Ofcourse there are going to be people who don't like it, but that's the thing about YT, if you don't like a particular channel, you can... Idk, not watch it? Anyway, thanks for the upload.

Wow. Thanks for this. I’ve gotten my shit together as a mature student, but my earlier transcript is just shady. I was losing hope but I feel confident that a Caribbean school could be a good match for me if I don’t get into any US schools.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and videos with us! Much appreciated! I had a few questions: A.What kind of car are you driving? :) It looks very aerodynamic, but that could be the camera lens you're using. B. Is the stat of 40-50% only IMGs that studied at a Caribbean med school or does it include graduates of Australian, European and other me schools that are trying to get a US residency spot? C. Do you know if its becoming harder for Canadians who studied at a Caribbean med school but want to do their residency in the States? By this I mean getting a visa like H1B or J1 visa to do the training?

Thanks for motivating us! Loved your advice! What do you recommend for study motivation for being consistent on a daily basis? Even when someone know what he wants to be, we humans we have our up and downs, I am curious about your comments how you approach it.

What about if you attend a medical school in the UK?

HAHA, I just cant keep a straight face when Buck cusses :')

Great video! Thanks!

thanks for all the insight!

You're appreciated!! I'm interviewing tomorrow at a medical school and your videos keep me well-informed.

Your videos are great and for some people your information maybe stupid, but for other people it’s beneficial. Thank you for sharing and taking the time to make videos. You can’t please everyone. I actually learned that the hard way. It’s sad how many people spend most of their lives trying to impress other people who actually don’t give a fuck. I remember when I watched your first video I commented that you were bad spoken, but I liked you because you were you. It’s hard to please everyone, so eventually I said screw everyone. You are not a selfish person and you care, therefore you want to deliver information. I don’t believe you are doing these videos for money 🧐 When I was an undergrad I would say that less than half of the students chose medicine for passion. The rest chose it for money or their parents push them. That’s the reason why I believe that it’s hard to find good doctors that know their stuff well and that at the same time are kind, caring and considerate of their patients. I totally agree if you are going to endure this hard profession do it for the right reasons. You live one time so use your time wisely and you will be a happier person 😁.

Please don't let go of the steering wheel ! Loved your videos..they're hilarious! And very useful

Warning: This may change after STEP 1 P/F