My Resolution: Get Into Medical School!

What to expect at a Caribbean medical school!

Attending a Caribbean medical school is an excellent opportunity and can put you on the path of becoming an exceptional physician.

Be prepared to study hard; you won’t be lounging on the beach every day. You will most likely be traveling home at least once a year, so make sure the island is accessible. For instance, islands such as Antigua & Barbuda are major airport hubs, with direct flights to and from many international cities.

In recent years, more than 60 medical schools have been established within the Caribbean. Be sure to verify that the institution that you select is listed within the FAIMER International Medical Education Directory (IMED), in addition to the AVICENNA Directory for medicine. This recognition enables graduates of the university to complete requisite licensing examinations, such as the USMLE, MCCQE, PLAB, etc.

Because many schools are typically not research-based, the faculty is more dedicated to teaching, and the success of their students. On many campuses, the faculty lives on-campus and will make themselves available for questions or even study groups. Class sizes are also typically smaller allowing you to receive more individualized attention.

When you enroll at a Caribbean medical school, you will typically spend the first two years on-campus studying the basic sciences, followed by two years of clinical sciences at university affiliated teaching hospitals. It is important to find out what the school’s choices are for hospital rotations before even applying, because some schools, like the University of Health Sciences Antigua, have extensive teaching hospital networks within Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico, and even the U.K.

Want to learn more? The admissions department at the University of Health Sciences Antigua will help you take the first steps in your journey. Make your resolution a reality and get into medical school this year!