Question
QUESTION: Hello Dr Gerald Anzalone: I have a Master of Science in Exercise Science. I have many years of academic and clinical research experience. I have been accepted to Sint Eustatius Medical School and also to Life Chiropractic University; I choose Medical School. I am interested in Functional Medicine and Functional Neurology. Can you share your experience at Sint Eustatius Medical School with respect to level of teaching received, preparation for USMLE 1, sites for Rotations, any positives or negatives worth knowing?

Thanks
Andrew

ANSWER: Andrew,

Thanks for your question. I commend your decision to pursue a medical school education and career. I believe you chose wisely.

In a nutshell, if you want to be an M.D., then St. Eustatius will be a means toward that end. Life on the island is not perfect, and neither is the education. However, if you persevere through it, you will be able to attain your goal in the end.

My advice is simple: get through your classes first, then prepare for Step 1, and then deal with your rotations after Step 1. Each of these steps is a milestone in and of itself. Focus on the immediate priorities and worry about the rest later.

Good luck!

P.S. The best restaurant on the island is Kings Well.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  Dr Gerald Anzalone, thank you for your response. I am asking these questions to confirm that the school is legitimate, that they can secure rotations and prepare students to become doctors in the US.

I have a friend who just sold his Chiropractic business and will be starting at Eustatia next week.

Answer
Yes, the school is legitimate and is accredited by the ECFMG. You can sit for Step 1, and you can obtain clinical rotations in the U.S.

Best of luck to you!

P.S. - For details on the in's and out's of island life, which is not nearly as glamorous as it sounds, check out the St. Eustatius forum on Value M.D.

In my opinion, the absolute must-have's are:

- A set of Kaplan board review books or the BRS/ Rapid Review series for each subject, which can be a great supplement for studying for exams and supplementing lecture notes.

- Sunblock and a hat. The tropical sun is brutal.

- A really good pair of hiking shoes. The island terrain is rough. If you like to hike, there are lots of worthwhile places to go. This kept me sane when I was on the island.

- Metronidazole in case you get an intestinal parasitic infection, and a good stock of any Rx meds that you might need.

- A small mag-light with plenty of batteries. Hurricanes and storms can knock out power frequently, and even in clear weather, you can lose power spontaneously. Most of the roads aren't illuminated by street lights outside of the main town area.

- An external hard drive to back up your computer, and possibly a little net-book to supplement your notebook. It is not uncommon for the humidity and electrical current fluctuations to fry laptops at the worst possible time. This happened to me twice.

- A collection of movies to watch on your computer. There isn't anything to do on the island. In your spare time, you will wish you had these if you don't have them.

- Your favorite creature comfort (coffee, tea, etc.). Food resources are extremely limited.

Bear in mind that it is very expensive to have anything shipped to to to the island, and it will take at least a month to get to the Netherlands-Antilles from the U.S. Plus, you have to pay to pick up whatever parcel is sent to you from abroad. And the post-office doesn't deliver. You have to walk to the post office and pay for your package in person.