Caribbean Medical Schools: A Guide to Medical Education in the Caribbean

Explore benefits and opportunities for those studying Basic Science on the island of Saba.

For aspiring physicians who are considering Caribbean medical schools for their Doctor of Medicine (MD) program training, there are many important and exciting elements to consider in advance of choosing the right learning environment and educational pathway.

As an example, if you plan to study in the Caribbean but hope to train and practice in North America, it is important to explore whether a school offers clinical rotation opportunities in the United States and Canada, how students perform on the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK licensing exams, and if graduates earn residency placements in their desired locales and specialties. 

With so much to consider, the following guide was developed to provide an overview of Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM) offerings and facilitate the efforts of future medical doctors who are considering Caribbean medical schools – read on to explore our accredited MD program, student outcomes, support services and so much more!

Why Choose a Medical School in the Caribbean?

Founded in 1992, Saba University School of Medicine has delivered rigorous medical education and early hands-on training for 3,500+ MD program graduates – SUSOM physicians have then gone on to practice in the U.S., Canada and internationally.

The 4-year MD program features five semesters of classroom and lab-based Basic Science learning on our Saba campus, followed by five semesters of Clinical Medicine rotations at affiliated teaching hospitals, clinics and medical centers in the U.S., and select elective rotation sites in Canada.

Crucially, MD program participants achieve strong USMLE first-time pass rates and residency placement rates, demonstrating our commitment to preparing students for both academic and career success.

What to Look for in a Caribbean Medical School

When considering a Caribbean medical school, aspiring students should always look into the following certifications, deliverables and outcomes, to ensure that the institution can help them achieve their career practice goals.

Accreditation and Recognition

Saba University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), which is recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education. 

The standards set by NVAO have been determined to be 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.

SUSOM is the only medical school in the Caribbean to meet the rigorous standards of European accreditation.

Curriculum and Learning Environment

The 4-year MD program is delivered over 10 semesters, the first five of which cover the Basic Science curriculum. This portion of your medical school studies will occur on the Caribbean island of Saba, which is an ideal location to take full advantage of your education.

Located 28 miles southwest of St. Maarten, Saba is small, peaceful and safe, ensuring that students can focus without undue distractions over the course of two years on the island. Importantly as well, our campus community is diverse and welcoming, and students often reflect fondly on the meaningful friendships and lasting memories they make on our wonderful island.

USMLE First-Time Pass Rates and Student Outcomes

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a series of three tests that aspiring U.S. physicians must complete successfully before they can earn a license to practice independently. Step 1 is completed after Basic Science, Step 2 CK after Clinical Medicine and Step 3 during residency (after medical school graduation).

At SUSOM, preparing students to achieve success on Steps 1 and 2 is built into the curriculum, with the ultimate goal of helping students earn strong first-time pass rates and go on to develop successful careers as practicing physicians. Beneficially, our comprehensive preparation for the USMLE also effectively prepares Canadians for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE).

Student Support and Academic Resources 

At SUSOM, our faculty and staff teams are dedicated to providing meaningful support that helps students succeed. Faculty are regularly accessible during scheduled office hours, and are often willing to meet outside of these times to accommodate busy academic schedules. Our extensive support services also provide help with a variety of learning and personal challenges – MD program participants benefit from access to faculty advisors, teaching assistants, academic coaching, student counseling, mental health support and the Learning Center. 

Clinical Training Opportunities

Starting early-on in Basic Science, hands-on learning and training is prioritized. Students regularly engage in labs, including the gross anatomy lab with real human cadavers, and experience further training during skills enhancement seminars and medical club events.

Then, once they successfully progress into Clinical Medicine, 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, where they work directly with patients while being trained by experts in their respective fields.

Saba University School of Medicine has affiliations with ACGME-approved teaching hospitals in the following U.S. states (and districts): 

• California
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Missouri
• New York
• Ohio
• Virginia

Residency Advising and Match Support

As part of our commitment to delivering consistent and impactful support, SUSOM MD program participants can expect to receive meaningful guidance throughout the entirety of the residency preparation, application and placement process. 

Faculty and staff can help students build their applications, prepare for interviews and rank their preferred programs. Career advising programs, like the Road to Residency and Specialty Spotlight Series, are also available to help students successfully navigate their residency journeys. 

What Is It Like to Study at a Caribbean Medical School? 

There are a wide variety of potential experiences, settings and learning environments available at medical schools located in the Caribbean. To determine if an individual institution is right for you, be sure to consider the following topics and offerings.

Academic Life in the Caribbean Islands

While living in the Caribbean during Basic Science will certainly be a unique and memorable experience, full of opportunities to enjoy tropical activities like swimming, hiking and diving, your top priority should always remain your academic endeavours. 

Students in the SUSOM MD program benefit greatly from the serene and peaceful island environment while undertaking full-time studies on our Basic Science campus. Facilities include modern classrooms, laboratories, a medical library, administrative offices, faculty offices, a fitness center and other student support services. 

All classrooms are air-conditioned and equipped with state-of-the-art teaching aids (LCD projectors, flat-screen displays, multimedia capability, video microscope cameras, etc.) to facilitate the learning process. Wireless internet is available throughout our campus spaces.

Student Culture and Campus Clubs

The SUSOM student community is diverse, welcoming and passionate about pursuing careers as practicing medical doctors. New students quickly feel at home and ready to delve into their medical education.

To help them explore their medical and personal interests, there are a variety of clubs and organizations that students can join. Participation is a great way to make new friends, further develop skills and contribute to the campus community. 

Living on an Island While Attending Medical School

The island of Saba features a land area of five square miles and has a total population of approximately 2,000 residents. Tourists frequently visit for its world-renowned diving (Saba National Marine Park), hiking on Mt. Scenery and unique Dutch-Caribbean lifestyle. It is the perfect place to focus on your Basic Science studies, while also enjoying tropical activities and local attractions when it’s time to unwind. 

New students are encouraged to live on campus during their first semester, in the Hillside Dorms, to more easily acclimate to the demands of medical school and meet their peers. Upper-semester students can choose from many different off-campus housing options, including apartments, private rooms, houses and single rooms. 

How to Choose the Right Caribbean Medical School for Your Goals

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing a Caribbean medical school. Most importantly is whether the school can help you achieve your goals of practicing medicine as a physician in the U.S. and Canada, which can be determined by exploring student outcomes.  

After that, here are the key determinants that should guide your decision:

• Accreditation and U.S. state approvals
• Clinical rotation opportunities in North America
• USMLE and residency placement rates
• Tuition and administrative fee costs
• Accessibility of grants and scholarships
• Financial aid availability
• Student support services

How to Apply to Caribbean Medical Schools

If you would like to join our community of success, kickstart your medical school journey by applying today – to facilitate and accelerate your journey, we offer three start dates each year, in January, May and September!

Be sure to explore our Caribbean medical school requirements for a successful application, including prerequisite courses and support documents, and then apply through our portal or by submitting a verified pdf copy of your AMCAS/AACOMAS/TMDSAS/OMSAS app. 

Why Choose Saba University School of Medicine?

The SUSOM MD program curriculum has been crafted by U.S.-trained faculty, and provides a foundation for success in USMLE examinations, clinical rotations, residency placements and beyond. Our alumni have gone on to practice in the U.S., Canada and other international locations.

We proudly offer grants and scholarships, government financial aid for eligible students, and one of the most affordable MD programs among the select Caribbean schools approved to participate in U.S. federal student loan programs. This helps students from around the world manage the cost of Caribbean medical schools and pursue careers as practicing physicians. 

As you consider your options, please be sure to contact us with any questions or meet our admissions team and an upcoming event!

Alumni Testimonials

FAQs About Caribbean Medical Schools

Request More Information