Should you apply to a Caribbean medical school?

Getting admission into a medical school is a highly coveted goal for many students, but often a deterrent for prospective students is the stringent application process, coupled with high competition. This is particularly true across North America. In the U.S., several medical schools reported up to a 25% increase in applications by the end of 2020, whereas in Canada, there are only 17 medical schools, with some schools receiving up to 1000 applications for a mere 100 spots. For this reason, many prospective medical students debate whether applying for an international medical school is a good alternative. Here are some reasons why applying for a medical school in the Caribbean, like the American University of Barbados (AUB), School of Medicine, may be the answer you are looking for:

1.    Many Caribbean medical schools, like AUB, School of Medicine, follow an American medical curriculum to ensure that their students’ training is in line with American medical school standards. In addition, many Caribbean medical schools like AUB, School of Medicine are also accredited, which means that the school goes through a rigorous evaluation process in order to demonstrate that they offer a high-quality education while adhering to acceptable standards of ethics and patient safety. 

2.    Attending a Caribbean medical school that is accredited allows for a smooth transition into practicing in the U.S. or Canada. Because AUB, School of Medicine is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), and because it is recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools, students of this medical school are eligible to write medical licensing exams, like USMLE, which will allow them to eventually apply for medical residencies in the U.S. Thus, some Caribbean medical schools provide that bridge, allowing you to study in an international medical school and while giving you a competitive advantage when transitioning into the U.S.

3.    Caribbean medical schools attract students from around the world, boasting a diverse pool of both staff and students. Receiving an education in an international medical school, where you have the opportunity to meet professionals and students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and languages, only serves to enhance your skillset by providing you with a more holistic education experience based on professionalism and humanism, while also simultaneously shaping you to be sensitive to the nuances of interacting with diverse cultures. This is an unparalleled experience that will allow you to make a meaningful impact as a future physician serving culturally diverse patients. 

4.    Rolling admission is an attractive feature of many Caribbean medical schools like AUB, School of Medicine. This means that there are no strict deadlines to which you must adhere to submit your application. This is a huge advantage in allowing prospective students to prepare for their application at their own pace while putting their best foot forward, applying whenever they are ready and completely satisfied. AUB, School of Medicine has a rolling admission policy with start dates in January, May, and September upon acceptance. 

5.    Completing medical school in the Caribbean is an affordable option in comparison to schools across the United States and Canada. In the U.S., the median cost of four years of medical school is over US $250,000 for public schools, and almost US $350,000 for private schools. In comparison, the cost of studying in the Caribbean, such as at the AUB, School of Medicine, is just over US $40,000 for a five-year program. In addition, the AUB, School of Medicine offers financial aid for Canadian students and accepts student loads issued through the government of Canada. It also offers scholarships for international students based on academic performance. 

6.    Some Caribbean medical schools offer pre-medical programs that allow students to apply for a medical school straight out of high school. Students who have graduated from high school (completing their 12th grade) can accelerate their education by completing an MD program through AUB, School of Medicine, in only 5 and a half years.