PREC 7-00    Qualification of Foreign Medical Studies as "Course of Study"      Citation: Vet. Aff. Op. Gen. Couns. Prec 7-00,  VAOPGCPREC 7-00, 2000

ISSUES:

(a) Is pursuit of a degree from a foreign school for a "Medical Doctor (M.D.)" program always to be considered as evidence of pursuit of "a program of education in a course of instruction beyond the baccalaureate degree level" for purposes of 10 U.S C. § 16131(c)(1), as provided for training received prior to November 29, 1993?

(b) If not, what are the guidelines for determining whether a program of education is to be considered undergraduate training or graduate training for purposes of that section?

CONCLUSION:

For purposes of 10 U.S.C. §16131(c)(1), a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree program will be considered to be a professional degree program offered at a level beyond the baccalaureate degree, except when the facts found demonstrate that the institution offering the program does not require that the candidate have been awarded a bachelor's degree to be admitted to the program.