Why You Should Study Medicine In The Caribbean

Why you should study medicine in the Caribbean - Med Student Guide by Commonwealth University
Why you should study medicine in the Caribbean – Med Student Guide by Commonwealth University

The struggle to find the perfect medical school congruent with your abilities and one that caters to your interest and specialization is enormous. Furthermore, you also need a university that helps you in gathering the best medical knowledge in regards to both theory and practicals. Today, when the world has become a global village, there are numerous places to study medicine worldwide. With so many options available, it can be daunting to select the right place and university to start your medical education. 

In recent years, Caribbean islands have become one of the most popular destinations for medical aspirants looking for global medical education and clinical experience. Home to about 80 well-recognized medical universities, Caribbean countries not only offer the best places to visit for scenic views but also to study medicine and become a world-class doctor. 

Why you should consider studying medicine in the Caribbean

In this article, you will learn about why studying medicine in the Caribbean can be a good option for you. While the final decision will be yours to make, being aware of your options will help you make a good choice. Let’s explore why you should consider studying medicine in the Caribbean:

Simplified admission process 

It’s no secret that getting into a medical school in the Caribbean is easier than in other nations like the USA and Canada. Despite being highly competitive and having all qualifications for getting admission, you might not get a medical seat in the US, Canada, India, and other similar countries just because of the scarcity of spots. 

Medical universities in the Caribbean have enough seats to accommodate eligible students and offer you a second chance to study medicine in a well-recognized medical college. 

For instance, at Commonwealth University College of Medicine (CUCOM), we offer a very simplified admission process for admission to our US-standard MD program with AI & Robotics. If you have passed your country-level qualifying test for medical education (like NEET for students from India), you can apply for direct admission, without going through any other exam.

Also, in Caribbean universities, admissions are open year-round. Every quarter, there is a new intake. That means you don’t have to wait another year to apply for admission. 

Affordable cost of studying medicine in the Caribbean 

“Education is a necessity and not a luxury” – Caribbean medical schools justify this statement. The cost of studying medicine in the Caribbean can be up to 80% lower in comparison to countries like the US and Canada. 

Though the exact cost to study medicine in the Caribbean will depend on the medical school you apply to, it will be far more affordable than what is charged in most developed countries.  

US-standard curriculum & international clinical training

Well-recognized medical universities in the Caribbean teach a US-standard curriculum in line with ECFMG and NBME practices followed by international clinical. For instance, at CUCOM, our 5-year BS-MD dual degree program is based on US medical education standards. In the basic sciences program, we train students via practical education in labs on the campus. In the final years, we offer clinical training opportunities in the USA (Washington DC, Chicago, and Atlanta) St. Lucia, Nigeria, and India. Our practical sessions and cross-border clinical training get our students global exposure in healthcare.

Students in the Anatomy Lab at CUCOM Saint Lucia Campus
Students in the Anatomy Lab at CUCOM Saint Lucia Campus.

USMLE preparation support 

Pursuing US-based medical programs naturally helps students studying medicine in the Caribbean to prepare for the United States Medical Licensing Examination. Besides, Caribbean universities also provide assistance and coaching facilities to prepare for USMLE. 

Cracking USMLE opens the gateway for you to do your medical practice not only in the United States but in any other country of your choice. 

Globally-accredited credentials

Besides being listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), the best Caribbean medical universities are also accredited by Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) and Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, US (ECFMG).

CUCOM listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
CUCOM listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)

A medical degree from these medical universities is globally recognized offering you the opportunity to build a career in healthcare anywhere in the world.  

Caribbean student lifestyle

Studying medicine is anything but easy! It gets hectic and stressful at times. Living in the Caribbean as a medical student helps you a lot with relaxing, making you feel calm and active, thanks to the tropical environment, lush-green areas, beautiful beaches, and all the recreational activities you get to do in the Caribbean. 

Saint Lucia, a Caribbean country and home to CUCOM Campus
Saint Lucia, a Caribbean country and home to CUCOM Campus.

Also, most Caribbean countries follow English for education making it easy for you to pursue your medical programs in a language already familiar to you. And all Caribbean countries being popular tourist destinations make your stay there safe, in the company of friendly people. The Caribbean lifestyle is always a nice addition to student life leading to holistic personality development. 

Medical education at CUCOM, Saint Lucia, Caribbean

CUCOM Campus view from outside
CUCOM Campus view from outside.

By now, you might have got a fair idea if the Caribbean is the right place for you to pursue your medical education. Commonwealth University College of Medicine is one of the Caribbean medical universities located in Saint Lucia, West Indies. At CUCOM, we offer year-round admissions to our 5-year MD program. And along with applications for new admissions, we also accept transfer medical students. If you would like to explore the opportunity to study medicine at CUCOM or get transferred to CUCOM, you can contact us to get a callback, get your eligibility checked, and also avail free counseling. 


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