Becoming a doctor is a time-consuming and lengthy process that requires years of hard work and patience, but the efforts and dedication are worth the results. A career as a doctor is a rewarding and satisfying experience. The journey to becoming a licensed doctor starts with applying to medical schools. Most prospective students aspiring to become doctors opt for a Doctor of Medicine (MD program). However, getting accepted to a medical school in a large international cities can be difficult and grueling with the rising competition. With the acceptance rates standing at 43%, as revealed by AAMC, many students face rejection. In these situations, students are opting for the best Caribbean medical schools to fulfill their dreams of becoming well-trained and qualified doctors.

The Caribbean can be an ideal destination for medical education, with some well-accredited and recognized medical schools to choose from. Studying medicine in the Caribbean can offer the most rigorous experience. Caribbean islands have approximately 50 operating medical schools, and students need to know these things before applying to a medical school in the Caribbean.

Admission requirements

The admission requirement and eligibility to apply to Caribbean medical schools are straightforward. Some of the most common requirements for applying to a Caribbean medical school include proof of your MCAT score, GPA score, pre-requisite coursework, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of English proficiency.

Student-teacher ratio

One of the best things about studying at a Caribbean medical school is the small class sizes. The student-teacher ratio of Caribbean medical schools is generally kept low to enhance one-on-one interaction, leading to a better understanding of highly technical medical studies. With a 7:1 ratio, students are better assisted by the faculty. This focused attention has also resulted in a consistently strong performance in the USMLE step one.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the MD program at top-tier Caribbean medical schools is at par with that followed in the medical schools based in the U.S. and Canada. The system-based curriculum is integrated through basic and clinical sciences, allowing students to build a comprehensive knowledge of the human body in health and disease. The Basic Sciences program covers theoretical concepts and in-house practical training, and the Clinical Medicine program includes 72 weeks of core and elective rotations in affiliated hospitals.

Accreditation and global recognition

If you are looking forward to choosing the best medical school, you must look for the list of accreditation, approvals, and licenses from international bodies to ensure that the medical degree will allow you to become a doctor in the USA, Canada, and other parts of the world. A Caribbean medical school is right if it holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission on Medical Colleges of Medicine (AAMC). To select the right medical school for you, look for the schools recognized by the medical board of education in the country you aim to work.

Clinical rotations

Clinical rotations are an integral part of the MD program, allowing students to experience hands-on clinical training. The best Caribbean medical schools have close ties with ACGME-approved teaching hospitals for premier clinical training at top teaching hospitals across the U.S. and recognized universities in Canada.

USMLE pass rate

The performance of medical schools in the USMLE largely determines the quality of education you will likely experience. Passing the USMLE step 1 on the first attempt allows students to transition to clinical rotations smoothly. Moreover, a higher score in Step 1 of the USMLE significantly contributes to securing the desired residency. Interestingly, the best Caribbean medical school has a 97% USMLE pass rate, primarily because the MD program curriculum is discipline-based, coupled with USMLE preparations throughout the program.

If you have what it takes to become a doctor, look for the best medical schools to start your journey towards securing your career in medicine.