Choosing the Right Medical School in the Caribbean
Discover the key questions that aspiring medical students should keep in mind.
For aspiring physicians who are looking for the right international 4-year MD program, with pathways to residency and practice in the U.S. and Canada, there are select Caribbean medical schools that offer opportunities to achieve your academic and career development goals.
The right medical school will offer a comprehensive Basic Science education, helping attendees develop the scientific knowledge and skills required to succeed as future medical doctors, and offer clinical rotations opportunities at teaching hospitals in North America, where students gain essential patient care experiences and make connections with current practitioners.
Additionally, the right Caribbean school should ideally offer accessible costs, financial support opportunities, varied student services and dedicated faculty, which all work together to enhance the learning experience and foster residency placement success for MD program participants.
If this sounds like the experience you are pursuing, our blog will outline some key questions that you should ask as you consider your Caribbean medical school options. Read on to learn more!
Is the Caribbean Medical School Accredited?
When choosing the right medical school, you should check its list of approvals, accreditations and licenses from international bodies, to determine if graduates can pursue careers as physicians in the United States and Canada. It is important to select a medical school that is recognized by the medical education boards of locations where you aim to work.
Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM) is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), which is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME). The standards set by NVAO have been acknowledged as comparable to those utilized in accrediting medical schools in the United States by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA). Notably, SUSOM is the only medical school in the Caribbean to meet the rigorous standards of European accreditation.
SUSOM is also one of the few international medical schools with approvals in the key U.S. states of New York, California and Florida. These states mandate regular institutional reviews and approvals prior to granting access to rotation opportunities in their respective states and other states rely on these approvals for the purposes of licensure.
What Are the Tuition Costs and Financial Aid Options?
Attending medical school can be expensive and choosing a medical school that meets your financial needs is essential, whether you’re considering schools in the Caribbean or elsewhere. Before applying, look closely at tuition, associated fees and available scholarships, and determine if you can manage the costs over 10 semesters. Crucially when considering international medical schools, it is also important to determine whether MD program attendees are eligible for government financial aid (student loans) from their country of residence.
Beneficially, at Saba University School of Medicine, MD program participants from the U.S. and Canada are eligible for government financial aid. Eligible U.S. students enrolled in the 4-year MD program benefit from U.S. Title IV financial aid availability from the Department of Education. In fact, SUSOM is one of only seven Caribbean medical schools where eligible MD program students can benefit from U.S. federal student aid. Similarly, eligible Canadian MD program students can apply for student loans through the relevant government program in their province of residence. For example, Ontario residents can apply for funds through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
What Is the Curriculum Structure?
Although many international medical schools, including those in the Caribbean, cover similar materials, there can be differences in the structure of the MD program curriculum. Therefore, while preparing to select a Caribbean medical school, you should consider those that match your priorities and learning style. Ultimately however, the most important aspect is that the MD curriculum mirrors programs from the U.S. and Canada, so you are best prepared for North American residency and practice.
At SUSOM, the 4-year MD program curriculum was developed by U.S.-trained faculty and provides a foundation for success in USMLE examinations, clinical rotations, residency placements and beyond. Aligned with leading U.S. medical schools, the 10-semester curriculum encompasses classroom and lab-based studies on our Basic Science campus (on the island of Saba) and Clinical Medicine rotation opportunities in North America (over 72 weeks).
What Are the USMLE First-Time Pass Rates for Steps 1 and 2?
The answer to this question helps indicate the quality of education you may be likely to receive. The USMLE has three examinations, called “Steps,” which are taken at different points in a future physician’s education and training journey. Examinees who pass each Step of the USMLE demonstrate that they understand and can apply key knowledge, concepts and skills needed to become licensed medical doctors in the United States.
At SUSOM, eligible students take the USMLE Step 1 after Basic Science and the USMLE Step 2 CK after Clinical Medicine. Success on these licensing examinations is required in order to progress successfully through the MD program. The USMLE Step 1 exam assesses your understanding of and ability to apply important Basic Science concepts, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease and modes of treatment. Step 2 CK assesses an examinee’s grasp of clinical science, which is essential for the provision of real-world patient care.
Students in the SUSOM MD program have achieved the following results:
- 98% USMLE Step 1 first-time pass rate in 2024.1
- 98% USMLE Step 2 CK first-time pass rate in 2024.2
Success on the USMLE Step exams demonstrates the student’s grasp of the material and ability to apply it in practice. USMLE outcomes influence a student’s ability to progress through medical school and to secure their desired residency placement after graduation. If a Caribbean medical school that you are considering does not foster positive student outcomes on the USMLE tests, it is important to consider how this might impact your own journey to practice.
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Are There Clinical Rotation Opportunities in the U.S. and Canada?
When choosing a Caribbean medical school, evaluate the clinical rotation opportunities and hospital partnerships available. Clinical rotations provide hands-on experience in real healthcare settings, where you’ll apply theoretical knowledge from your Basic Science training. Ideally, this experience will occur at teaching hospitals in the U.S. and Canada, where students can learn the skills they need to practice in North America and make connections that will facilitate their efforts to secure a residency placement.
In the SUSOM MD program, students undertake clinical rotations at associated teaching hospitals, clinics and medical centers in the U.S. (including ACGME-approved locations) and at select elective rotation sites in Canada. This occurs over five semesters (72 weeks). Learn more about our rotations and affiliations.
What Is the Residency Placement Rate?
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right medical school in the Caribbean is understanding the institution’s residency placement rates. This figure indicates the percentage of graduates who successfully secure residency positions after graduation, a critical step toward becoming a licensed physician in the United States and Canada. High residency placement rates demonstrate that a medical school adequately prepares students for the competitive residency application process.
Saba University School of Medicine has a strong track record of graduate success, with students matching into residency programs across the United States and Canada, in a range of medical specialties. Excitingly, our MD program students have achieved the following residency placement rate:
- 97% Three-Year Residency Placement Rate.3
This highlights SUSOM’s sustained commitment to effectively educating MD program students and supporting them through the residency preparation process. In our rigorous learning environment, students are well-prepared to achieve their academic, residency and long-term career goals.
What Student Support Services Are Available?
When preparing for Caribbean medical school admissions, consider the campus facilities and student support services that will contribute to your success during your medical education journey.
At Saba University School of Medicine, faculty regularly hold accessible office hours, often maintain an “open door” policy for consultations and provide contact information so students can reach them outside of scheduled meeting times. This flexibility helps ensure that SUSOM students receive personalized support and guidance throughout the Basic Science program on campus.
In addition, students receive individualized support through a range of Student Services. The Learning Center provides active learning strategies, note taking advice, exam preparation guidance, time management support and much more. Career advising services deliver programs like the Road to Residency and Specialty Spotlight Series. Personal support is widely available, such as wellness initiatives and mental health counseling. All this in addition to regular access to faculty advisors, teaching assistants and academic coaching, as needed.
Finally, the picturesque Caribbean island of Saba provides an ideal Basic Science learning environment, offering peace and quiet when it’s time to learn, and enjoyable outdoor activities, such as tropical hiking and scuba-diving, when it’s time to unwind. SUSOM students experience the joys of Caribbean living and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Join Saba University School of Medicine!
If you are considering Caribbean medical school options, SUSOM stands out for its student success metrics, pathways to residency and practice in North America, financial support offerings, unique Basic Science living experience on Saba, shared commitment to individualized support, and so much more.
Founded in 1992, our school has delivered rigorous medical education and training for 3,500+ MD program graduates. SUSOM physicians practice in the U.S., Canada and internationally. If you would like to join their ranks, learn more about how to apply today!
Then check out where a SUSOM MD program education can take you by viewing this recap video from our 2025 commencement ceremony:
Finally, contact us if you have any questions or visit our upcoming events page for an opportunity to meet with the admissions team and practicing alumni.
FAQs about Medical School in the Caribbean
When choosing a Caribbean med school, evaluate available student support services, including mental health counselling, academic advising, career guidance and residency preparation resources. Financial aid offices, housing assistance and international student services are also important for students relocating to study medicine in the Caribbean.
When students can easily connect with professors for clarification or guidance, they typically demonstrate better understanding of complex medical concepts and improved performance on licensing examinations. Accessible faculty create learning environments that support academic success.
USMLE pass rates are critical when selecting a Caribbean medical school. Strong first-time pass rates indicate effective curriculum preparation for licensing examinations that are mandatory for practicing medicine in the United States. Strong USMLE performance facilitates progression through medical training and enhances competitiveness in residency applications.
Yes, SUSOM provides comprehensive USMLE preparation that is integrated throughout its curriculum. This integrated approach helps ensure that students build a strong foundation in basic sciences, while also developing clinical reasoning skills that are tested on USMLE examinations.
1. First-time pass rate defined as total number of students passing the USMLE Step 1 on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 1 for the first time in calendar year 2024. In order to sit for the USMLE Step 1 exam, the student must successfully complete the Basic Science curriculum and such other prerequisites as the school may establish at its discretion.
2. First-time pass rate defined as total number of students passing the USMLE Step 2 CK on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 2 CK for the first time in calendar year 2024. In order to sit for the USMLE Step 2 CK exam, the student must successfully complete the Clinical Medicine curriculum and such other prerequisites as the school may establish at its discretion.
3. 97% Three-Year Residency Placement Rate is the percent of students attaining a residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 who were active applicants in the NRMP match or attained a residency outside the NRMP match.
For Prospective Students
SUSOM is committed to supporting prospective students throughout the admissions process. Please click the following links for detailed information about each topic: