Caribbean MD — what you should know (2025)
Caribbean medical schools can be a practical route to an MD for driven applicants who want small-class teaching, multiple intakes, and access to clinical rotations in the US/UK. Success depends on choosing the right school, preparing early, and understanding accreditation and licensing pathways.
Quick facts
- Instruction is in English at most schools
- Intakes: typically Jan/May/Aug (varies by campus)
- Curriculum: ~5 semesters basic sciences + ~6 semesters clinical rotations
- Rotations: US and UK teaching hospitals (availability depends on school agreements)
Accreditation, eligibility, and licensing
- Accreditation: Prefer schools evaluated by recognized bodies (e.g., CAAM-HP, ACCM). Accreditation impacts quality assurance and hospital affiliations.
- ECFMG/USMLE: Graduates must meet Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) requirements to take USMLE and apply for US residency. Confirm your school is listed and eligible for the graduation year you’re targeting.
- Country of practice: Plan for where you intend to practice (US/UK/Canada/Caribbean) and check any additional exams, postgraduate training requirements, or timelines.
Action: shortlist only schools with clear accreditation disclosures and published hospital affiliation lists for rotations.
Admissions — realistic profile
While each school publishes its prerequisites, these are common baselines:
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with strong performance in Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics
- MCAT: competitive scores vary; earlier testing helps with seat selection
- 2–3 recommendations (academics/physicians)
- Personal statement and CV
- English proficiency (if applicable)
Holistic review matters. A well-crafted personal statement, shadowing/volunteering, and evidence of resilience often influence decisions.
Curriculum and clinicals
- Basic sciences (pre‑clinical) — Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology; small‑group labs and integrated exams.
- Clinical rotations — Core: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Psychiatry, Family Medicine; Electives by interest. Locations depend on the school’s hospital network (US states, UK sites, Caribbean hospitals).
Ask for a current list of core/elective sites, typical wait times, and whether the school coordinates scheduling or students self‑arrange.
USMLE strategy (high level)
- Map your exam windows backward from graduation/residency cycle
- Build spaced‑repetition habits from semester 1; use NBME-style assessments
- Take a baseline self‑assessment before scheduling Step exams
- Protect a dedicated study period with minimal rotation conflicts
Cost & financing (indicative)
Tuition and fees vary widely. Create a full budget that includes:
- Tuition/fees (by semester)
- Housing and local transport (campus and clinical cities)
- Health insurance, exam fees (USMLE), credentialing
- Flights and visa costs
Funding options: institutional scholarships, payment plans, external/private loans (country‑specific), family funding. Track all deadlines in a sheet.
Choosing a school — checklist
- Accreditation body and current status
- US/UK hospital affiliations (core + elective) and scheduling support
- USMLE performance support (tutoring/coaching, dedicated time)
- Student services: visas, housing, wellness
- Total program cost and scholarship policy
- Graduate outcomes: residency match advising, alumni network
Pros and considerations
Pros
- Multiple entry points per year
- English‑medium instruction
- Rotations exposure across cities and systems
Considerations
- Competitive residency specialties require strong exam and clinical performance
- Rotation logistics can involve travel/housing planning
- Financing needs early planning and documentation
Application timeline (example)
- 10–12 months out: school research, transcripts, MCAT scheduling
- 8–10 months: applications, recommendations, statement
- 6–8 months: interviews, provisional seat offers
- 3–5 months: deposit, visa prep, housing
- 1–2 months: travel, onboarding modules
Document kit: passport, transcripts, evaluations, recommendations, immunizations, police clearance (if required), financial statements.
Next steps
- Shortlist programs that fit your profile and budget
- Request current rotation site lists and accreditation letters
- Set a USMLE study calendar from day one
Need a second opinion on your plan? Contact us — we’ll build you a realistic pathway and timeline (free for students).