If you have the self discipline and focus to study in paradise, medical schools in the Caribbean Islands are a possible alternative to medical schools within the continental U.S.
The Benefits of Studying Medicine in the Caribbean
It wouldn’t take twisting the arm of most potential med school students to convince them to study in the Caribbean, but the primary benefits are as follows:
*Studying in a Caribbean medical school allows you to leave the U.S. to study, generally, without having to learn a foreign language.
*Quality education at a public or private medical school that qualifies you to be an MD.
*There are 154 medical schools in the continental U.S. with approximately 17,000 openings each year. Competing with around 50,000 applicants may encourage you to apply to a Caribbean medical school.
*Cost of medical school can be less expensive in the Caribbean.
*Plenty of recreation in your free time.
Of course the benefits are easy to spot, but as a potential medical student it is important to be sure that you enroll in and attend a medical school of high quality that is fully accredited.
Concerns about Caribbean medical schools should not stop you from shopping around, but should encourage you to proceed with caution and find out the experiences of others before enrolling in medical school in the Caribbean Islands.
Be advised that the AMA neither supports nor opposes offshore medical schools. Check with the medical school you are planning to attend to ensure they have proper accreditation.
The following medical schools in the Caribbean Islands are three of the top options for medical school in the Caribbean.
Medical Schools in the Caribbean: Ross University School of Medicine – Dominica, West Indies
Ross University School of Medicine was established over thirty years ago, since then, they have graduated thousands of MDs who have gone on to successful careers in the United States. Graduates of Ross report passing U.S. licensing exams and obtaining medical residencies successfully.
Ross recruits top professionals in instruction and research to lead prospective medical students in learning. According to their mission statement, Ross seeks to graduate effective and skillful physicians with values that support their commitment to help their fellow man.
An encouraging observation about Ross University Medical School is that their program continues to expand. Ross has established clinical education centers in Miami, FL and Saginaw, MI. Just this year a new clinical education center was opened in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Administrative Offices Contact Info:
Ross University
630 US Highway 1
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
732.509.4600
Ross University School of Medicine
PO Box 266
Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies
Medical Schools in the Caribbean: St. Georges Medical School – Grenada, West Indies
You shouldn’t panic or look the other way when you see the location of St. Georges Medical School. Living in Grenada is just as safe as living in most suburban areas anywhere in the world. If the media has tainted your feelings about Grenada, remember, that they only bad reports make good news. It’s the same in the United States. Don’t let former prejudices keep you from exploring the opportunities at St. Georges Medical School in the Bahamas.
St. Georges is a reputable medical school that works in conjunction with the United States and Great Britain to ensure graduates meet all medical requirements to become an M.D. St. Georges School of Medicine residency programs are approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or their British equivalents. The school also has additional accreditations and approvals.
One caveat to education at St. Georges Medical School is that the final two years of education are completed at hospitals and Clinical Centers in the United States or Great Britain.
St. Georges Medical School Office of Admission
c/o The North American Correspondent
University Support Services, LLC
One East Main Street
Bay Shore, NY 11706-8399
US/Canada Toll-Free: 1 (800) 899-6337 ext. 280
Or
St. George’s University
University Centre
Grenada, West Indies
Medical Schools in the Caribbean: American University of the Caribbean at St. Maarten
American University of the Caribbean expects excellent in their students’ education, patient care, and community. AUC accepts only highly qualified students they feel can make successfully complete the rigorous coursework, which is modeled after continental U.S. medical schools.
American University of the Caribbean is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Colleges of Medicine (ACCM). Students of the University are eligible to sit for the USMLE and become active members of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA).
Graduates of AUC have successfully obtained licensure and residency in the United States.
Administrative Offices Contact Info:
Medical Education Administrative Services (MEAS)
901 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite 700
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Telephone: 305.446.0600
Fax: 305.444.6791
Toll-Free: 866.DR2B.AUC (866- 372-2282)
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Basic Medical Science Campus
1 University Drive at Jordan Road
Cupecoy, St. Maarten, N.A.
Sources:
The AMA and Offshore Medical Schools
Studying in the Caribbean
Turned Down for Medical School? Some Good Ones Await Offshore
Value MD
