Overview

The United States is currently facing a shortage of doctors, with projections from the US Medical Schools Association indicating a need for nearly 100,000 more physicians by 2033. International students aspiring to enroll directly in mainland US medical schools often encounter a series of rejection letters.

In 2016, Indian students, who were initially considering the United States for their medical education, found it increasingly challenging to secure admission to US medical schools. This difficulty prompted them to explore alternative pathways, leading to a surge in the popularity of pursuing MBBS in the Caribbean. While Caribbean medical schools appear to be an attractive alternative to US institutions, they pose various challenges.

Reasons to Pursue Medical Studies in the Caribbean

Opting for medical education in the Caribbean presents a compelling opportunity for those seeking international exposure and a pathway into the US healthcare system.
Here are several advantages associated with studying medicine in the Caribbean:

1. Flexible Intake Options: Caribbean medical schools often offer rolling admissions, providing multiple entry points for aspiring medical students.
2. No Entrance Exam Requirement: Unlike many counterparts in the US, Caribbean medical schools typically do not mandate standardized test scores such as the MCAT, UCAT, or BMAT for admission.
3. Accelerated Program Duration: International students, including those from India, can commence their medical journey directly after completing 10+2. The Caribbean offers a shorter, combined 5-year BS/MD program that encompasses both Caribbean and US components. Following this, students can progress to their residency program in the US.
4. Cost-Effective MD Programs: The cost of obtaining a medical degree (MD) in the Caribbean is generally more affordable compared to the United States. Private medical schools in the US can cost around 3.5 million USD, making them financially challenging for many.
5. Scholarship Opportunities: Caribbean medical schools often provide scholarship opportunities to assist students in need of financial support to successfully complete their medical programs.

   Admission Criteria for Caribbean Medical Schools

   The admission criteria for Caribbean medical schools are generally more flexible compared to medical programs in the United States. While these institutions typically request similar application components as those in the US and Canada, they set lower minimum score requirements for GPA.

   Common requirements for Caribbean medical schools include:

   1. Completion of an undergraduate or Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology.
   2. Minimum GPA of 3.0.
   3. Submission of two Letters of Recommendation (LoR).
   4. Personal statement.
   5. Successful completion of a personal interview.
   6. MCAT/UKCAT/GAMSAT or other standardized test scores.
   7. English language proficiency score (Minimum 7 overall, Minimum 6.5 in each section).

   It’s worth noting that only top-ranked medical schools in the Caribbean typically insist on these stringent requirements.

   Distinguished Medical Schools in the Caribbean

   Among the 31 medical schools in the Caribbean islands, only a select few are renowned for their high-quality education.
   The following institutions are considered among the best in the Caribbean for medical studies:

   1. American University of Antigua College of Medicine in Antigua (AUA)
   2. SABA University in Saba
   3. St. George’s University in Grenada (SGU)
   4. Ross University, Barbados
   5. American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, St. Maarten (AUC)
   6. American University of Antigua (AUA)
      Expenses Associated with Medical Education in Caribbean Medical Schools

      Pursuing a medical degree incurs substantial costs. The average expenses for public medical schools in the United States reached around $250,000, while private medical schools escalated to approximately $330,000. Notably, the tuition fees at leading Caribbean medical schools can rival those of their counterparts in the United States. For Indian students, the cost of studying MBBS in the Caribbean is estimated to be in the range of 1 crore to 3 crores INR for the entire course.

      Residency Placement in the US After Completing MBBS in the Caribbean

      Closely tied to the affiliated hospitals is the success rate in residency placement. According to the National Resident Matching Program, in 2023, 58% of international medical school graduates secured PGY-1 (postgraduate year one) positions, marking the highest match rate in nearly three decades.

      Subjects in the Medicine Program in the Caribbean

      The Pre-Medical Program is designed to equip students with a strong foundational background necessary to navigate the challenging coursework within the BS course. Extending over three trimesters, each lasting 16 weeks, this program caters to high school graduates or college students with fewer than 90 credit hours.

      This three-trimester program allows entry in each trimester, subject to academic qualifications.  Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, English, and Mathematics. These courses are in line with the overall objectives of a pre-professional education.