Begin your journey towards becoming a global doctor at Commonwealth University College of Medicine (CUCOM) — a recognized Caribbean medical school providing high-quality education, diverse clinical training, and a clear pathway to licensure and residency in the U.S.
Our 4-Year MD program is designed specifically for international students who have completed the required premedical coursework or hold an undergraduate degree in Science. The program focuses on rigorous academic instruction, early clinical exposure, and exam-readiness for international licensure pathways including the USMLE / UK PLAB.
4 Years
Streamlined program
2+2 Model
Basic + Clinical Science
USMLE Prep
Step 1 & Step 2 pathway
Designed for international students with premedical coursework or a science undergraduate degree.
Phase 1: Basic Science
2 years • 6 semesters • Saint Lucia campus
USMLE Step 1 Preparation
Integrated in 6th semester
Phase 2: Clinical Science
2 years • 6 semesters • Teaching hospitals (U.S./U.K./Caribbean)
USMLE Step 2 + Graduation
Licensure pathways & residency readiness
The CUCOM 4-Year MD program is a streamlined, two-phase medical degree tailored to qualified international students, comprising:
6 semesters on our safe and serene Saint Lucia campus.
6 semesters in affiliated teaching hospitals in Saint Lucia, U.S., U.K., Caribbean & other locations.
USMLE- Integrated curriculum to do free PG in USA
Aligned with global medical standards and licensure exams (e.g., USMLE).
Focused, research-based instruction over two years in small classroom settings.
Core and elective rotations across multiple healthcare systems and specialties.
Structured preparation throughout the program for successful Step 1 and Step 2 outcomes.
Experience life and learning in the peaceful, English-speaking island of Saint Lucia.
Eligible to pursue residencies and practice in the U.S., Canada & other regions (subject to requirements).
Delivered on CUCOM’s Saint Lucia campus, this phase focuses on the foundational and preclinical medical Science that build the knowledge base for clinical medicine.
Each semester is 4 months long:
| Semester | Course / Block | Duration (weeks) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Fundamental Concepts | 7 | 12 |
| Musculoskeletal System | 8 | 13 | |
| Holistic Health I | 15 | 3 | |
| Healthcare Quality I | 15 | CR | |
| Second Semester | Nutrition and Metabolism | 4 | 4 |
| Nervous System | 11 | 16 | |
| Holistic Health II | 15 | 3 | |
| Healthcare Quality II | 15 | CR | |
| Third Semester | Respiratory System | 7 | 10 |
| Gastrointestinal System | 8 | 12 | |
| Holistic Health III | 15 | 4 | |
| Healthcare Quality III | 15 | CR | |
| Fourth Semester | Cardiovascular System | 9 | 14 |
| Hematopoietic System | 6 | 8 | |
| Holistic Health IV | 15 | 4 | |
| Healthcare Quality IV | 15 | CR | |
| Fifth Semester | Renal and Metabolic System | 4 | 6 |
| Endocrine and Reproductive System | 8 | 12 | |
| Infectious Diseases | 3 | 5 | |
| Holistic Health V | 15 | 4 | |
| Sixth Semester | Integrated Basic Science in Clinical Practice / USMLE Step 1 Preparation | 15 | 18 |
Students engage in intensive board exam preparation to master core concepts and clinical applications for the USMLE Step 1 in the 6th semester of basic Science.
Students transition to hands-on learning in clinical environments. Clinical rotations are completed in affiliated hospitals across the U.S., U.K., and Caribbean, covering core and elective specialties.
Each semester is 3 months long:
| S.No | Name of the Rotations | No. of Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| CORE ROTATIONS | ||
| 1 | Internal Medicine (Core) | 12 weeks |
| 2 | Surgery (Core) | 8 weeks |
| 3 | Family Medicine (Core) | 6 weeks |
| 4 | Psychiatry (Core) | 6 weeks |
| 5 | Obstetrics & Gynecology (Core) | 6 weeks |
| 6 | Pediatrics (Core) | 6 weeks |
| Total Weeks for Core Rotations | 44 weeks | |
| SAMPLE ELECTIVE ROTATIONS | ||
| 1 | Neurology | 4 weeks |
| 2 | Cardiology | 4 weeks |
| 3 | Infectious Disease | 4 weeks |
| 4 | Orthopedics | 4 weeks |
| 5 | Ophthalmology | 4 weeks |
| 6 | Anesthesiology | 4 weeks |
| 7 | Radiology | 4 weeks |
| Total Weeks for Elective Rotations | 28 weeks | |
| Optional – Observership | No limits | |
| Observership information not covered in transcript | ||
Includes preparation and final evaluation through USMLE Step 2, assessing clinical decision-making and patient care readiness.
Upon completing both phases and required board exams, students are awarded the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
Whether your goal is to practice medicine in North America, the Caribbean, or elsewhere, CUCOM offers the academic quality, clinical training, and international recognition to support your journey.