International Medical Schools-Why is Accreditation Important

Medicine is a very appealing profession for many reasons, from having the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment to being able to help others through their illnesses and live healthy lives. However, applying to medical schools can be a challenging process. If you live in the U.S. or Canada, admission to a medical school can be extremely competitive, as there are very limited spots and stringent admission criteria. For this reason, many prospective medical students prefer to complete their medical education abroad and study at international medical schools, such as those in the Caribbean, and then return to the U.S. or Canada to practice as physicians. If you choose this route, it is important to know the difference between accredited vs. non-accredited medical schools.

What does it mean for an international medical school to be accredited?

Accreditation is a voluntary peer evaluation process that international medical schools can choose to undergo in order to demonstrate their compliance with acceptable academic and medical standards. This ensures that students who graduate from that medical school are, indeed, qualified and competent to practice as doctors in North America. Accreditation allows international medical schools to maintain rigorous patient safety and ethical standards, and increases the quality of education that medical students receive.

It is essential to thoroughly research the international medical schools that you plan to apply for in advance in order to ensure that the one you choose for your medical education adheres to acceptable American and Canadian standards of practice.

Practicing in the U.S.

A Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)-accredited medical school is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and produces medical graduates that are eligible to complete residencies and ultimately practice medicine in the U.S. There are several Caribbean medical schools that are accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), such as the American University of Barbados (AUB), School of Medicine. CAAM-HP accredited schools meet LCME standards. Medical graduates of an LCME-accredited medical school are eligible to write the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), allowing them to obtain residencies and practice within the U.S.

Practicing in Canada

The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) is the organization that oversees the standardized assessment of medical graduates that intend to practice in Canada. In order to become a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), an international medical student must write the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Exam (MCCEE). As an international medical student, the advantage of studying at an accredited Caribbean medical school like the American University of Barbados (AUB), School of Medicine is that you are eligible to write the MCCEE as it is a recognized medical school by the Medical Council of Canada.

By choosing a Caribbean medical school like the AUB, School of Medicine – an international medical school that is accredited based on both U.S. and Canadian standards -- you are choosing to receive an excellent education that will shape you into a highly qualified physician. You open the doors to residencies across North America, which will pave the path for a successful future physician practicing in the U.S. or Canada.