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Time Business News
2 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Top Medical Courses & Destinations for Indian Students
Are you exploring options to study abroad after 12th medical? With intense competition and limited seats in Indian medical colleges, thousands of Indian students are now choosing to pursue medical courses in abroad destinations such as the USA, UK, Australia and Europe. This blog covers the best medical courses after 12th in abroad, top countries, eligibility criteria and how MBBS abroad consultants in Ahmedabad, along with US and UK medical education consultancy services, can guide your career path. Pursuing medical abroad after 12th provides numerous advantages: Global recognition from medical councils like NMC, ECFMG, WHO and GMC (UK) Cost-effective MBBS options in countries like Russia, Georgia and the Philippines Access to modern infrastructure and clinical exposure NEET qualification is sufficient in many destinations no extra entrance exams Medical education in the USA follows a different structure: In the USA, medical degrees are postgraduate (MD) programs After 12th, students need to complete a 4-year pre-med program They must clear the MCAT exam to get into a medical school Popular pre-med undergraduate majors: Biology Chemistry Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience While the route is longer, US-trained doctors are globally respected. A professional US medical education consultancy can help streamline this path by assisting with university selection, MCAT prep, visa support and scholarships. Medical courses after 12th in Australia offer direct entry into prestigious universities: Bachelor of Physiotherapy MBBS or Bachelor of Medical Science Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) Bachelor of Nursing Eligibility: Class 12 (with PCB stream) English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) Some universities require UCAT ANZ or ISAT Australian degrees are widely accepted in the UK, India and Southeast Asia. Australia medical education consultancy can help you apply to top medical universities in Australia with clarity on entrance tests, timelines and visa formalities. The UK is a globally trusted destination for medical education: Direct-entry programs such as MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) are available Duration: Typically 5–6 years including foundation training Recognized by General Medical Council (GMC) and NMC Entry Requirements: Class 12 with PCB UKCAT (UCAT) or BMAT entrance exams IELTS/TOEFL for English proficiency A dedicated UK medical education consultancy can help students understand UK university guidelines, clinical internship structures and the PLAB licensing exam required for practice. Besides the USA, UK and Australia, students can explore options in: MBBS in Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and the Philippines BSc Nursing in Canada, Ireland and New Zealand Pharmacy, Biotechnology and Veterinary Medicine in Europe These courses are both affordable and career-oriented, often without the cutthroat competition found in Indian entrance systems. Pursuing an MBBS degree abroad can be a complex journey, especially for students unfamiliar with international education systems. Trusted MBBS abroad consultants in Ahmedabad play a crucial role in simplifying this process and ensuring a smooth transition to your dream medical school. Firstly, these Overseas Education Consultant help students choose the right universities that are recognized by the NMC (National Medical Commission) and the WHO. This ensures that the medical degree earned abroad is valid and accepted in India and internationally, allowing students to practice medicine without hurdles upon their return. The best education consultants in Ahmedabad provide end-to-end support throughout the entire application process. From preparing and submitting the university application to managing necessary documentation such as transcripts, recommendation letters and passport details, they handle every detail meticulously. They also assist with the visa filing process and sop assistance , helping students navigate the often complicated visa requirements and paperwork efficiently. Preparing for mandatory exams like and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) and English proficiency tests like IELTS ,TOEFL and can be daunting. Consultants offer guidance and resources to help students meet these requirements confidently. Cost is another significant factor. These experts provide detailed cost comparisons for different universities and countries, helping students and their families make informed financial decisions. They also assist with practical aspects such as accommodation arrangements and travel planning, reducing stress and saving time. For specialized destinations like the USA and UK, dedicated education consultants in Ahmedabad offer country-specific guidance. They help students navigate unique admission requirements, entrance exams such as the MCAT or UKCAT and licensing procedures. This personalized support greatly enhances a student's chances of success and smooth transition abroad. Overall, MBBS abroad consultants in Ahmedabad act as knowledgeable mentors, simplifying a complex process and enabling students to pursue quality medical education overseas confidently. Studying medical courses after 12th in the USA, UK, Australia, or other countries offers excellent global opportunities. With expert guidance from MBBS abroad consultants in Ahmedabad, along with professional support from US and UK medical education consultancy services, your dream of becoming a globally recognized medical professional is well within reach. Need step-by-step support to study medicine abroad after 12th? Contact trusted MBBS abroad consultants in Ahmedabad and get connected to experienced US and UK medical education consultancy teams today! Name: Medibridge Education Consultants Phone NO: +91 98790 26668 Email: info@ Website: Address:7B, 7th Floor, Suryarath Complex,B/H. White House, 1st Lane Panchvati,Off. CG Road,Gulbai Tekra Road Ahmedabad (380006), Gujarat 1. Which country is best for medical study after 12th? Ans:Top countries include the USA, UK, Australia, Russia and the Philippines. These offer quality education, global recognition and clinical exposure. 2. Which course is best after 12 abroad? ANs:MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing and Biomedical Sciences are among the best medical courses abroad after 12th, offering strong career prospects. 3. How can I study medical abroad after 12th? Ans:Qualify NEET, choose an NMC-approved university, apply with required documents (12th marks, IELTS/TOEFL) and secure a student visa with guidance from trusted abroad education consultants. 4. Which medical course is best to study abroad? Ans:MBBS is the most popular medical course abroad due to global recognition and career scope. Alternatives include BDS, Nursing and Physiotherapy, depending on your interest. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
UCLA med school accused of discriminating against white, Asian applicants
[Source] A federal lawsuit filed against UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine claims that the institution continues to consider race in its admissions process, illegally discriminating against white and Asian applicants and violating the Supreme Court's 2023 ban on affirmative action in higher education. The allegations The class action suit, which was filed on May 8 and first reported by the Washington Free Beacon, was brought by Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) — the nonprofit that successfully challenged Harvard's affirmative action program — along with Do No Harm and Kelly Mahoney, a white woman applicant who scored in the 96th percentile on the MCAT but was rejected. The complaint alleges that under Associate Dean for Admissions Jennifer Lucero — who became dean in 2020 — the school uses 'holistic' review processes to determine applicants' race through essays and interviews, then uses that information to make admission decisions. Citing multiple whistleblowers, the suit claims that Lucero 'berates and belittles committee members who raise concerns about admitting minority students because of their race despite low GPAs and MCAT scores.' In one alleged 2021 meeting, Lucero allegedly said that the candidate's scores should not matter 'because we need people like this in the medical school,' referencing high mortality rates among African American women as justification for prioritizing Black applicants. Trending on NextShark: The big picture The suit argues its case with numbers. While white and Asian students typically comprised around 73% of the medical school's applicants between 2020 and 2023, their percentage among matriculants dropped from 65.7% in 2020 to 53.7% in 2023, as per the complaint. Black students made up 14.29% of matriculants in 2023 despite being only 7.86% of applicants, while Asian applicants constituted 40.79% of the pool but only 29.71% of matriculants. The legal challenge represents the latest test of the Supreme Court's 2023 SFFA v. Harvard decision, which ruled race-based admissions unconstitutional. It also comes amid broader scrutiny of UCLA by the Trump administration: the Department of Health and Human Services launched an investigation into its medical school in March for potential race-based discrimination, while the Department of Justice announced that it would examine UCLA and other UC campuses for 'illegal DEI policies.' Additionally, UCLA is one of 60 universities under Department of Education investigation for anti-Semitic harassment following campus protests. Trending on NextShark: This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Letters: Illinois must keep its promise and maintain evidence-based funding for schools
Illinois made a promise to its children in 2017 — a promise that every student, no matter their ZIP code, deserves a fully funded public education. Lawmakers kept that promise by passing the evidence-based funding (EBF) formula. Since then, students are doing better. Schools are stronger. Communities are more stable. Now, that progress is at risk. Before EBF, more than 160 school districts in Illinois were operating with less than 60% of the resources they needed. That meant outdated textbooks, overcrowded classrooms and not enough counselors, nurses or special education services. Today, just one district remains below that 60% mark. The average adequacy level in underfunded districts has climbed from 67% to 77%. That's not just a number — that's more teachers in classrooms, more help for struggling students and more opportunities for success. Take the small district that was finally able to hire a full-time social worker. Or the growing high schools that now offer dual-credit programs, saving students thousands in college tuition. In Chicago and beyond, pre-K classrooms have expanded, graduation rates have risen and students are recovering from the deep impacts of COVID-19 faster than in many other states. None of this happened by accident. It happened because the Illinois General Assembly made a long-term commitment to invest in public education: $300 million in new state dollars each year, targeted to the districts that need them most. The plan also included reimbursements for special education and transportation, plus a Property Tax Relief Grant fund to help ease the pressure on local taxpayers. This wasn't a one-year fix. It was a deliberate, bipartisan effort to repair decades of inequity — and it's working. But seven years in, some are questioning whether we can keep going. The economy is uncertain. Federal COVID-19 relief funds have disappeared, and other federal funds are in jeopardy. Districts have seen reimbursements for non-negotiable mandated categorical (MCAT) costs erode. And inflation is hitting families and school budgets alike. That's exactly why now is the wrong time to pull back on EBF or MCATs. Our schools need steady support to keep moving forward, not to start slipping back. EBF isn't just good policy. It's also one of the most effective education investments Illinois has made in a generation. Lawmakers deserve credit for enacting it — and for holding the line through tough years. Now we're calling on them to stay the course. Let's keep our promise to Illinois' nearly 2 million public school students. Let's keep building on the progress we've made. And let's send a clear message: In Illinois, we don't shortchange the future.A bill, HB 1234, that is pending in the Illinois Senate proposes putting the secretary of state's office in charge of studying the fairness of underwriting factors used in auto insurance pricing — specifically, credit scores, ZIP codes and age. While the insurance industry is not opposed to a study, the way this legislation is structured raises serious concerns. Rather than forming an independent task force to conduct an impartial review, the measure would place full control of the study in the hands of the secretary of state's office, which wants to eliminate these very factors. This arrangement is akin to putting the wolf in charge of the hen house — the conclusion seems predetermined. The secretary of state's office has no insurance expertise, and it does not possess the technical knowledge needed to accurately assess and evaluate the factors that contribute to pricing in the auto insurance market. The fact is this: No one wants to pay more for insurance than they should. And that's why insurers use a wide range of driving and nondriving factors to ensure that no single variable has a disproportionate impact on an individual's premium. When insurers can accurately price policies, consumers benefit with lower rates overall, more choices for coverage, and greater market and price stability. Misguided legislation can have direct financial consequences for residents. For example, the state of Washington serves as a cautionary tale: After banning credit-based insurance scoring in 2021, over 60% of Washington drivers saw increased premiums. Given the secretary of state's established opposition to certain underwriting factors, handing over control of this study raises significant concerns about impartiality. A more credible approach would be to entrust an independent body, such as the University of Illinois Office of Risk Management & Insurance Research, with conducting a truly objective analysis. By having the University of Illinois conduct the study, policymakers could ensure that Illinoisans receive unbiased findings and avoid unintended consequences that may increase costs for consumers.I am writing to express my concerns about the safety issues faced by thousands of public transportation operators like me. I'm a proud member of ATU 241 and have been a CTA bus driver for seven years on routes such as King Drive and Cottage Grove on the South Side. These routes are crucial lifelines for the community. Every day, I transport children to schools such as Simeon Career Academy and Phillips Academy High School and adults to work or medical appointments. My work supports people like Mary, a wheelchair user I regularly take to the University of Chicago Medical Center. She relies on me to get her there safely. Many others depend on the CTA for their daily needs. If we fail to pass a bill soon, people like Mary and the communities I serve will be adversely affected, impacting all of Illinois. However, growing safety challenges overshadow my responsibilities. Transit workers face physical attacks and threats. Bus drivers operate their routes without any other staff. Despite having a panic button in my bus, I often resort to prayer for reassurance, which is unsustainable. Our community deserves safe public transport, free from fear. Incidents of attacks on workers and riders make headlines, yet effective safety improvements are lacking. If we are to retain a quality workforce that can serve the ridership demands, it is imperative that any legislative reform must also address safety. I urge state legislators to prioritize funding for the United We Move legislation to enhance security and support for drivers. Our goal is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone relying on public transportation. Improving bus safety is not just a priority — it's also essential. By working together, we can ensure every journey is safe for our community members. Both public transit operators and passengers are desperately relying on this immediate Leslie S. Richards' op-ed 'Philadelphia's transit faces deep cuts. Chicago can still avoid this fate.' (May 21), she makes a clear case that Chicago needs to act now in order to avoid drastic and ultimately costly reductions in service. I accept that. Too many people need reliable and continuous rail and bus service, and it would be awful for a city the size of Chicago not to have suitable mass transit. But what continues to infuriate me is how and why Chicago is in this mess in the first place. Sure, the pandemic impacted ridership significantly, but everyone knew ridership would continue to be slow to come back, and we certainly knew when federal dollars would dry up. Many of the structural problems facing mass transit in Chicago existed well before the pandemic and could have been addressed years ago, before the current crisis. Chicago's transit system got stuck with an old funding model that couldn't keep up with rising costs. Leaders should've taxed more services, such as streaming, to raise steady money. They also missed chances to keep riders on board with improved safety and better service. Merging agencies and setting aside a rainy-day fund would've helped too. Instead, the city leaned on temporary federal cash, and now that that's gone, we're facing this huge gap. This is typical of our city: Don't address the problem initially and then simply wait for the crisis in order to attempt to fix it. Poor leadership all around. And the city and state taxpayers will bear the cost of any fix — and does anyone really think our government is capable of doing that effectively?
Hans India
4 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Essential insights for medical aspirants preparing for competitive exams
Cracking a competitive medical entrance exam is no small feat. With lakhs of aspirants vying for limited seats across India and the globe, students need a well-rounded strategy that goes beyond books and coaching. Whether you're preparing for NEET in India, MCAT in the US, or other international exams, understanding the nuances of each system is key to success. Here's a practical guide to help students prepare effectively and holistically. Understand the exam format and syllabus One of the first steps in your preparation journey is understanding the specific format and syllabus of the exam you're targeting. • NEET (India) tests your grasp of NCERT-based content in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, with an emphasis on accuracy and speed. It is a pen-and-paper test with a highly competitive ranking system. • MCAT (US), on the other hand, is a computer-based standardized test that not only tests content in science subjects but also critical analysis and reasoning skills. It places greater emphasis on comprehension, application, and integrated understanding. • BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test): Used by medical schools in the UK. BMAT assesses scientific knowledge, problem-solving ability, critical thinking, and includes a written essay. It emphasizes logical reasoning and clear written communication, making it quite different from content-heavy exams like NEET. NEET primarily tests subject-matter knowledge, while BMAT assesses aptitude, critical thinking, and written expression. • GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test): Accepted in Australia, the UK, and Ireland for graduate-entry medicine, GAMSAT tests reasoning in humanities, written communication, and science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). It focuses more on critical thinking and interpretation skills than rote learning, and is designed for students with strong analytical and comprehension abilities. Tailoring your preparation to the exam's format and question types is essential. Consider enrolling in targeted courses or using region-specific materials. Build a strong foundation in core subjects Mastering Biology, Chemistry, and Physics is non-negotiable. However, rote learning is no longer sufficient. Competitive exams today demand: • Deep conceptual clarity: Understand the 'why' behind every concept. • Application of knowledge: Practice solving real-world problems using your theoretical understanding. • Consistent practice: Regular practice through topic-wise questions and chapter-end problems is critical. Students often overlook Physics or struggle with Organic Chemistry. Make time to strengthen your weaker areas early in your preparation cycle. Time management, mock tests & revision A student's biggest asset during preparation is time. Learning to manage it effectively can be a game-changer: • Create a study plan with daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Allocate more time to difficult subjects. • Take mock tests regularly. They simulate the real exam environment and help improve speed, accuracy, and stamina. • Revision is crucial. Set aside at least two months before the exam for full-length revisions. Use tools like flashcards, short notes, and concept maps. Mock tests and practising old papers also help in identifying weak areas, guiding your efforts in a more focused manner. Take care of your mental health Competitive exam prep can take a toll on your well-being. Stay connected with loved ones, take regular breaks, and include light exercise or mindfulness in your routine. If stress feels overwhelming, seek help, many student-friendly mental health resources are available. A calm mind is as vital as a strong study plan. Evaluate parallel options – India and abroad Many students prepare for NEET while also considering international options like studying medicine in the US, UK, or Caribbean. • Keep your options open: If you don't get a top NEET rank, all is not lost. Countries like the US (via MCAT), or medical schools in the Caribbean, offer globally recognized pathways. • Research thoroughly: Understand the admission process, timelines, cost, and post-graduation pathways like licensing exams (e.g., USMLE in the US). • Prepare for dual goals if possible. For example, if you're also aiming for the US, consider preparing for MCAT-style questions or taking English proficiency tests early on. Success in medical entrance exams is not just about intelligence; it's about planning, discipline, and resilience. Prepare smart, take care of your mental health, and stay informed about all possible avenues, whether in India or abroad. Your dream of becoming a doctor is achievable, provided you're strategic and determined in your efforts. (The author is Country Head India & South East Asia Manipal's American University of Antigua College of Medicine)
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump attack on Harvard to block international students raises fears at California campuses
A multifront assault by the Trump administration against the nation's oldest university intensified on Friday when Harvard sued to block the government from barring international student enrollment, and a judge issued an immediate order to halt the ban. The rapid-fire legal action is the latest in Trump administration attacks against the university as it claims Harvard failed to adhere to its demands to combat antisemitism. But the whiplash felt by Harvard international students is reverberating far beyond Cambridge, Mass., as university leaders and foreign students across the United States and California watch with growing alarm over how federal actions will affect the nation's 1.1-million foreign student population — 6% of American higher education enrollment. Campuses have been on alert since last month, when the Homeland Security and State departments canceled thousands of enrollment certifications and visas at dozens of U.S. colleges, including UCLA, for individuals who often had minor infractions such as traffic tickets. The government, seeing losses in court, later reversed those cancellations and was further blocked from undertaking them when an Oakland-based federal judge issued an injunction Thursday. "The current mindset of the international community is uncertainty," said Syed Tamim Ahmad, a junior at UCLA who is from India and recently completed his term as the student government's international student representative. Read more: Staring down harsh Trump funding cuts, UC and CSU get some relief in Newsom budget plan Ahmad, who recently took the MCAT and plans to apply to medical school, said he was reconsidering whether continuing his studies in the United States is a safe option. "We do not know what to expect or what to come next," he said. "Every student saw what happened at Harvard and was absolutely shocked. We wonder, what if it happens at UCLA or any other university?" UCLA senior Adam Tfayli, a dual U.S.-Lebanese citizen who grew up in Beirut, had a different view. "My friends at Harvard are very concerned right now," said Tfayli, who finished his term this week as the Undergraduate Student Assn. Council President. "At UCLA, it's tense just because it has been on college campuses for months under this administration, but doesn't feel as bad as it did when people's visas were being revoked last month." In a statement, UCLA Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications Mary Osako said that "international Bruins are an essential part of our community." "We recognize that recent developments at other universities have created a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety, and we remain committed to supporting all Bruins' ability to work, learn, teach and thrive here at UCLA," Osako said. USC, home to 17,000 international students — the most of any California school — declined to respond to events at Harvard, and pointed The Times to statements on its Office of International Services website about foreign students. "New restrictions could be implemented with little notice. The decision to travel internationally should be made carefully," said a letter this month. Like at Harvard, government officials have also scrutinized USC for its enrollment of Chinese students, who they have suggested may be a security threat — an accusation that also arose at California colleges during the first Trump administration. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who has accused Harvard of failing to protect Jewish students amid pro-Palestinian protests, accused the university on Thursday of "coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus." In March, a House commitee wrote to USC to request data on Chinese nationals and their "involvement in federally funded research and the security of sensitive technologies developed on campus." USC said in a statement Friday that it is "cooperating with the select committee's inquiries and are following all applicable privacy laws and other legal protections." Speaking on Fox News on Thursday, Noem said the actions against Harvard were a "warning" to universities nationwide. "This should be a warning to every other university to get your act together," she said. "Get your act together." The case amplifies an increasingly existential fight for Harvard, one of the nation's most prestigious institutions of higher education. The Trump administration has launched multiple investigations into the university, moved to freeze nearly $3 billion in federal funding and pushed to end its tax-exempt status. Taken together, the federal actions raise fundamental questions over Harvard's ability to sustain its international standards. Harvard alleged in its suit Friday that the Trump administration's moves mark 'the latest act by the government in clear retaliation for Harvard exercising its First Amendment rights to reject the government's demands to control Harvard's governance, curriculum, and the 'ideology' of its faculty and students.' The administration's "pernicious" actions, Harvard alleged, would prevent some of the world's greatest minds from pursuing research and degrees at the university. Already, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has offered "unconditional" acceptance of international students forced to depart the Boston area due to Trump's policies. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs, appointed by former President Obama, granted an immediate restraining order, agreeing with Harvard's argument that the Trump directive would cause 'immediate and irreparable harm' to the institution. Read more: Apple is back in Trump's crosshairs over where iPhones are made In a statement to The Times, Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, dismissed the judicial injunction out of Massachusetts. 'The American people elected President Trump — not random local judges with their own liberal agenda — to run the country," Jackson said. "These unelected judges have no right to stop the Trump administration from exercising their rightful control over immigration policy and national security policy.' The Trump administration's assault on higher education has not focused solely on Harvard, but on much of the Ivy League and other elite campuses, including Columbia University, several UC campuses, USC and Stanford. Columbia and UCLA in particular became a focal point last year when protests against Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza roiled campuses. A Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism established by Trump sent Harvard a letter last month demanding the university police ideology on campus and expel students it deems are "anti-American."Harvard has sued over those demands, as well, calling them a violation of free speech. Discussing the legal fight with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump noted that "billions of dollars have been paid to Harvard." "How ridiculous is that?" he asked. "Harvard's going to have to change its ways." The same task force has also similarly singled out UCLA, USC and UC Berkeley. While the campuses have been subject to hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grant cancellations that have affected a wide swath of American academia, they have not seen the targeted federal funding clawbacks that took place at Harvard and Columbia. Still, the California universities — anticipating less federal support overall — have recently instituted hiring freezes and budget cuts. They've also vowed to address campus antisemitism allegations and faced criticism that they have given unequal treatment to allegations of bias against Muslim and Arab American student activists. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
