In your journey to becoming a doctor, securing a residency is the essential step that decides your future. Therefore, choosing the university that gives you the highest chance of matching is of utmost importance. When researching the best medical school, you will find many fancy colleges and universities promising an excellent learning experience. Admittedly, pursuing medicine from a fancy medical school just brings snob value until it provides the highest match rate.
In order to succeed in the medical realm, you need to attend a medical school that promises your holistic development at the best monetary value. After doing in-depth research, we have discovered some of the best medical schools in the Caribbean with a better return on investment. Before deciding on a medical school, read on to find the factors you need to consider for securing a seat in the best medical university.
How to choose the best Caribbean medical school?
Here is the list of factors you need to consider when choosing the best medical school in the Caribbean that boosts your employability:
1. Accreditation
Unfortunately, Caribbean medical schools vary dramatically in education quality. In fact, you will also find many alumni asserting that Caribbean medical schools just focus on profit-making. But trust me, all medical schools in the Caribbean are not in the same boat. Frankly, several top-tier Caribbean medical schools have accreditation from the WFME recognized accrediting bodies. Attending a fully accredited medical school provides you with equal privileges as students in the US or Canadian medical schools.
2. Class size
Another critical factor in evaluating the effectiveness of a medical school is its class size. Class size in medical schools ensures quality education. Thus, considering class size holds equal importance in selecting a medical school. Surprisingly, some leading medical schools in the Caribbean believe that small class sizes with significant student-faculty interaction are fundamental to the student experience. Thus, they have a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio to provide students with ongoing support throughout the course.
3. Curriculum
It may surprise you, but top-tier medical schools in the Caribbean have the curriculum in-line with the USA curriculum. As these top Caribbean medical schools have recognition from the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM), and the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), the course curriculum are similar to the USA ones. So, you can enjoy excellent education quality at tuition fees relatively lower than in the USA.
4. USMLE pass rate
As the main aim of pursuing a medical course is securing residency, it is critical to consider the USMLE pass rate of the university. Please note that taking the USMLE is mandatory for all the International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to practice medicine in the USA. Speaking statistically, top-tier Caribbean medical schools follow the USMLE curriculum-based teaching to prepare ambitious students for the US medical licensure examination.
Luckily, accredited and fully credentialed medical schools in the Caribbean also provide scholarships to eligible students to help them pursue their dreams. Before applying to medical school, explore well to make a sound decision for a rewarding future.
