Attending medical school is a dream for many students across the world. However, medicine is also one of the most challenging and competitive fields to enter, primarily because medical schools have limited seats against a pool of applicants. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), applications to medical schools increased by 17.8% in the 2021-2022 school year. Most aspiring medical students who would like to become a doctor pursue an MD program. The term MD derives from the Latin word “Medicinae Doctor,” which means Doctor of Medicine.

The challenges of becoming a doctor start long before starting medical school. Pursuing an MD program in major cities in the United States and Canada is becoming more challenging than ever, which is why Caribbean medical schools are so popular among prospective medical students from all over the world. Graduates from Caribbean medical schools have the opportunity to improve the health and lives of others by becoming a doctor. If you are looking for a medical school, here are five things you should know before choosing a Caribbean medical school to study medicine.

1. Accreditation

Caribbean medical schools that are fully recognized and accredited offer education are on par with medical schools in the U.S. and Canada. Therefore, accreditation is important in determining that the Caribbean medical school has met the medical program standards that lead to a medical degree. Caribbean medical schools hold accreditation from well-established accreditation bodies.

2. Residency Match

It is generally known to prospective Caribbean medical students that the medical schools in the Caribbean have a high percentage of students who receive residency matches. The top-tier Caribbean medical schools have a 94% residency match rate. These rates are comparable to the residency rates of top medical schools in the U.S.

3. USMLE Pass Rate

The United States Medical Licensing Examination is popularly known as USMLE. USMLE is a three-step standardized examination that Caribbean medical school graduates must pass in order to practice medicine in the United States. Many students are unaware that Caribbean medical schools offer a system-based curriculum that aligns with the USMLE requirements. Therefore, Caribbean medical schools prepare students for the USMLE exam right from the initial years, often leading to a 100% USMLE step 1 pass rate.

4. Available opportunities and student support

Medical schools always include modules where you can gain clinical exposure and research experience. Students will also receive support and be provided with multiple opportunities to grow as a medical professional. It may be a surprise to some that Caribbean medical schools can set students up for a lucrative career as practicing doctors.

5. Affiliated Hospitals

The most important aspect of medical school is clinical training, and Caribbean medical schools have strong ties with ACGME-approved teaching hospitals across the U.S. and affiliated universities in Canada. Fourth-year medical students often get the opportunity to complete core clinical rotations at approved teaching sites enhancing the learning experience.

Now you know these five things about Caribbean medical schools that make them an ideal destination for pursuing an MD program, they should help you to start your journey towards becoming a well-trained and qualified doctor.