Studying Medicine in the Caribbean for U.S. Students
Explore the benefits for United States students of joining our rigorous learning environment and supportive community.
Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM) is proud to empower the next generation of practicing medical doctors from the United States.
If you are a U.S. student who is currently considering medical schools in the Caribbean, read on to discover all the ways that we can help you succeed academically, personally and professionally.
Why Choose the Caribbean for Your Medical Studies?
Accessible Tuition and Fees
SUSOM believes that the world needs more doctors. That is why we are committed to offering a comprehensive medical education that is financially accessible for students from across the United States.
Our Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, delivered over four years (10 semesters), is notably cost-effective, and support with tuition and fees is available for eligible U.S. students via both SUSOM scholarships and government financial aid.
Accelerated Admissions Cycle with Multiple Intakes Per Year
SUSOM operates a rolling admissions cycle, meaning you can apply throughout the year and enroll shortly thereafter. Accepted MD program participants can begin in January, May or September each year. This reduces your wait times before getting started on the road to medical school and residency success.
Applications are considered holistically, meaning we want to know as much about you, the person, as we do about your academic achievements. Be sure to have your personal statement and letters of recommendation highlight what makes you a great fit for medical school.
Individualized Support
At SUSOM, our dedicated faculty and extensive support services help ensure that students receive all the academic and personal guidance they may need to succeed. From your first day on campus through clinical rotations, our team of educators and administrators will be there to help you achieve your goals.
U.S.-Style Curriculum Taught in English
Our 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.
Aligned with leading U.S. medical schools, our MD program encompasses classroom and lab-based studies on our Basic Sciences campus (semesters 1-5), and Clinical Medicine rotation opportunities in the United States (semesters 6-10). Successful students take the USMLE Step 1 after Basic Sciences and the USMLE Step 2 CK after Clinical Medicine. Step 3 occurs during residency in the U.S.
English is the language of instruction at SUSOM, and applicants must be prepared to understand the curriculum and be able to communicate effectively. English is also a primary language on Saba, and is widely used throughout the region – another great reason for U.S. students to study medicine in the Caribbean.
Interested in Learning More?
Contact our expert admissions team to ask any questions you may have and gain valuable guidance.
Why Saba University School of Medicine?
Internationally Accredited
Importantly for students who wish to practice as physicians in the United States, Saba University School of Medicine is an internationally accredited Caribbean medical school. Our MD program is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), which is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME). SUSOM is the only medical school in the Caribbean to meet the rigorous standards of European accreditation.
We are also one of the few Caribbean 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 clerkship opportunities in their respective states, and other states rely on these approvals for the purposes of licensure.
Strong USMLE Pass Rates
SUSOM is committed to helping our students achieve success on the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK. Exam preparation is integrated throughout the curriculum, and there are a variety of Student Support Services available to help with study strategies, managing exam stress and more.
In 2024, our MD program students achieved 98% USMLE Step 11 and Step 2 CK2 first-time pass rates.
Residency Placement Success
We know that achieving a residency placement and going on to practice is your ultimate goal. That’s why we are proud to share that SUSOM graduates have achieved a 97% Three-Year Residency Placement Rate!3
Our residency placements are secured at medical learning centers and teaching hospitals across the United States, and specialties range from Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine to competitive placements such as Radiation Oncology and Pathology.
Clinical Rotations in the United States
The SUSOM MD program features five semesters of Clinical Medicine rotations at affiliated teaching hospitals, clinics and medical centers in the United States. This period includes 42 weeks of core rotations and 30 weeks of elective rotations (elective opportunities are also available in Canada). Core rotations include:
- Internal Medicine – 12 Weeks
- Surgery – 12 Weeks
- OB/GYN – 6 Weeks
- Pediatrics – 6 Weeks
- Psychiatry – 6 Weeks
Explore our hospital affiliations to learn where you can undertake rotations in the U.S.
98%
USMLE Step1 First-Time
Pass Rate (2024)1
98%
USMLE Step 2 CK First-Time
Pass Rate (2024)2
97%
Three-Year Residency
Placement Rate3
NVAO
Accreditation
Medical School Programs
Explore our Caribbean MD program and pre-medical programs for aspiring U.S. physicians.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
3,500+ MD program graduates have experienced our rigorous education and hands-on training. Alumni practice in the U.S., Canada and internationally.
- Four years (10 semesters) of full-time, in-person instruction and training.
- Basic Sciences (semesters 1-5) on the island of Saba.
- Clinical Medicine rotations (semesters 6-10) in the U.S. (core and electives) and Canada (select electives).
Pre-Med Master’s
Experience an accelerated medical education program for career changers with an undergraduate-level degree and some foundational science coursework.
- 8 months (2 semesters) of full-time studies, or part-time over a longer timeline.
- In-person or online attendance options.
- Delivered through Medical University of the Americas (our fellow GUS Med & Vet institution).
Gateway Medical
Prepare for the MD program with the Gateway Medical Program, a preparatory course for students who have received conditional MD program acceptance.
- Choose between 15 weeks of full-time studies or 30 weeks of part-time studies, whichever works best for you.
- In-person or online attendance options.
- Delivered through Medical University of the Americas (our fellow GUS Med & Vet institution).
Admissions Process for U.S Students
Submit Your Application
Aspiring physicians are encouraged to explore our Caribbean medical school admissions process by first reading our application requirements. Important to know, you are able to submit an incomplete application and upload missing documents (such as official transcripts) as they become available. This helps accelerate the evaluation process and gets you a decision sooner.
Beneficially, you can apply via our portal or by submitting a verified copy of your AMCAS, AACOMAS or TMDSAS application via our common app form.
Required Support Documents
Please note, all support documents must be received before an official offer can be tendered. As part of the application process, successful applicants will also need to complete an admissions interview.
- MCAT scores
- Official transcript(s)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statement
When sourcing your letters of recommendation, it is highly recommended that at least one letter come from a professional acquaintance and the other be academic related. It is also advised that the letters come from contacts who can speak knowledgeably about your abilities and performance.
Your personal statement should highlight what makes you a good fit for medical school and a career as a physician in under 500 words. Highlight your passion for care, what inspires you, your soft skills, why you chose SUSOM and what you hope to accomplish in medicine.
Admissions Support
Our admissions team is ready to support you throughout your application journey. They can provide advice and guidance regarding your submission, financial aid, securing a student visa, island housing, travel plans, interview prep, and so much more!
Contact them to get started: admissions@saba.edu.
Life in the Caribbean
Maintaining Balance Between Studies and Well-being
SUSOM is committed to supporting the health and wellness of our students. While medical school certainly requires hard work, dedication and extended periods of focus, it is also essential to prioritize personal well-being.
To help ensure this is possible, we offer access to student services like the Stay Healthy at School Program, which supports mental health, and counseling that can help with a range of personal and academic challenges. We always encourage our students to reach out for help with any issue – you are not alone here.
Activities and Exploration
The island of Saba, sometimes called the “Unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean, is a renowned site for divers, tropical hikers and adventurers. When they are taking some well-earned time away from their studies, students are able to explore underwater reefs in the Saba Marine Park, explore the beauty of Mt. Scenery, and experience the local community that mixes both Caribbean and Dutch influences.
If you are looking for a medical school experience that combines impactful education with memories that last a lifetime, SUSOM is the place for you!
Vibrant Student Community
Our student body forms a notably supportive and close-knit community. Students actively engage in a variety of clubs and associations that allow them to increase their medical knowledge, explore their passions and have some fun. They also participate in island enhancement events that support the local community and ecology. Attending SUSOM is a great way to develop a successful career, make lasting friendships and positively impact the world around you.
Living on Saba
At SUSOM, we encourage new students to stay in our Hillside Dorms during their first semester. This allows them to more easily connect with classmates, become familiar with the school and form study groups.
After their first semester, students usually move into the apartments, private rooms, houses and single rooms that are available for rent throughout the island. Fully-furnished rentals often include linens, towels, fans and utilities. Some apartments cater specifically to students and can provide maid service.
Contact our Housing Coordinator for more information about dormitory and off-campus options: housing@saba.edu.
Alumni Success
Watch our testimonial videos to learn about the experiences of U.S. alumni, including insights about the school, learning environment, island life and more:
FAQs About Medical School in the Caribbean
Yes, SUSOM is authorized to participate in U.S. Title IV federal student aid programs, meaning U.S. students in the MD program are eligible to apply for government loans. SUSOM also provides academic merit scholarships and the Opportunity Grant for eligible MD program participants.
Yes, MD program students at Saba University School of Medicine undertake rotations in the United States. Core rotations (42 weeks) are offered entirely in the U.S., and elective rotation opportunities (30 weeks) are available in the U.S. and Canada.
There are a variety of reasons why U.S. students choose Caribbean medical schools, including more access to MD programs, affordable costs, North American rotations, and demonstrable pathways to residency and practice in the U.S.
At SUSOM, our MD program curriculum has been crafted by U.S.-trained faculty and is aligned with leading U.S. medical schools. It encompasses classroom and lab-based studies on our Basic Sciences campus (semesters 1-5), and Clinical Medicine rotation opportunities in the United States (semesters 6-10).
Ready to Start Your Medical School Journey?
Start your journey to becoming a practicing medical doctor today. Apply to Saba University School of Medicine and study medicine in the Caribbean, with a clear path back to the U.S.
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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 Sciences 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.