General Medicine in Caribbean
This section will address how to select which program you should attend.
MOTIVATIONS FOR DEGREE
Medicine is an extremely challenging career, but one that can be equally as rewarding. Students who go into a medical career halfheartedly often do not end up prospering or surviving either in university or during their careers. It is extremely important that you yourself want to pursue this degree before you decide to apply and you are completely sure of it.
Caribbean Medical Schools are often regarded as “safety schools” for candidates who are applying to Medical School in the USA or Canada, because you can still get a job as a physician in the USA after completing your degree from one of these schools. In this way, Caribbean schools have their pros and cons which you must consider before seriously thinking of applying to one.
Many students apply to Caribbean schools because of the high acceptance rates, and by comparison Canadian and US Medical Schools are extremely difficult to get into. It is important to consider however, that dropout rates are higher in Caribbean schools, and graduation rates also lower. This is because although students find it easy to get accepted, they are not able to cope with the intensity of the studies. Secondly, residency options are limited and there is no guarantee that you will become a doctor in North America even after getting a degree. Class sizes are also typically much larger, so if these are not factors you are comfortable with, you should rethink any decisions on applying.
You will have to ultimately weigh these cons with the positives: that it is easier to get into these schools, you can be offered clinical rotations in the US during your 3rd and 4th years of study, and admissions are rolling. There are a lot of success stories that come out of Caribbean medical schools too, but they require as much hard work as you would have to put in to our studies at a US/Canada school, so thinking of the Caribbean as an “easier” track is not entirely correct.
TYPES OF DEGREE
When applying to a Caribbean Medical School, you can apply for a Doctor of Medicine i.e. an MD. It is typically 4 years in length. If you apply straight from high school, you may only be eligible for 5 or 6 year MD programs that are offered in certain schools. Mostly however, you do need to complete a pre medical Bachelor’s degree.
UNIVERSITY SELECTION
How to select the best option for yourself among Caribbean Medical Schools:
There are a number of very important questions you should consider before choosing which schools to apply to:
- How well have their graduates done on the USMLE? — Since this is the first step in getting a job in the USA, you need to make sure the school will prepare you adequately for the test.
- Can you do clinical rotations in the USA during your studies? — These rotations give you a lot of experience, and missing out on them could set you back in the future. Look at the affiliated hospital network of the university and see what the quality is like there.
- What sort of placements have the graduates of the school gotten (in US or Canadian residency programs)? — Have they been successful in securing residencies? Have they been successful in the specialization you want to go into?
- What is the average GPA of a student accepted into this school? — Most medical schools in the USA will expect you to have at least a GPA between 3.6-3.7 to get admitted into medical school. If the school you are applying to has an abnormally low standard (such as 2.5-2.7), then you should reconsider. Similarly, the average MCAT scores can be an indicator too. Look for average schools around 500.
- What are the drop-out rates? What are the graduation rates? — If drop-out rates are high or graduation rates are low, then it may not be a good idea to apply to such a school.
- What sort of facilities do they have? — Not only should you look at medical facilities, you should consider what sort of quality of life you will have there in general. Do they have on-campus housing and what is it like? What are the classrooms like, and are class sizes large? Try to speak to previous students about this or visiting campus (if possible) to get the most objective information.
- Do they have student support services? — Medicine is an extremely challenging field, and many students are known to have struggled and dropped out from Caribbean schools. Try to apply to schools that have departments that cater to the mental health and well-being of students.
According to Edward Chang (UCLA Graduate and University of Washington resident), the four schools to consider that should be on the top of your list are:
- St. George’s University School of Medicine
- Ross University School of Medicine
- Saba University School of Medicine
- American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
According to him, and a number of other sources, these schools will best equip you for US residency, and have the strongest reputations in producing the best doctors.
ALLIED FIELDS
If you are interested in a Doctor of Medicine, you might also like::
- Nursing
- Veterinary Sciences
- Public Health
ACTION-STEPS/RESOURCES
- No. of Universities to Apply: 4-5
Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on program selection (under the tab of ‘selection’).
A lot of our tips talk about how you can strengthen your application, but you can build a stronger application when you’ve done the things this program values in the years prior to the application. The application itself is the communication part (in which you communicate what you’ve done to the admission committee); but this section gives guidance on the substance part (what you can actually do before you apply). In this section we talk about what you can do in the years leading up to applying that can make you an ideal candidate. Supplement the following tips with general tips (under the tab of ‘Pre-Application’) to become a competitive applicant.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Degree Requirement:
Students interested in applying for Medicine in the Caribbean should ideally have a Bachelor’s degree with a strong Science background. Most schools do not require you to have a specific degree, but require you to have completed certain courses during your undergraduate degree (see CourseWork and Transcripts section below).
CourseWork and Transcripts:
You are generally required to have completed the following courses before applying for an MD:
- One year of Biology with labs. Some universities will accept Zoology instead of Biology
- One year of Inorganic or General Chemistry with labs
- One year of Organic Chemistry with labs. Some universities will accept Biochemistry instead
- Physics with labs. Some universities will ask for one semester (half a year) while some will ask for two semesters (one year).
- Half a year of Mathematics, usually calculus or statistics preferred.
- English. Some universities will ask for one semester (half a year) while some will ask for two semesters (one year).
- Some universities may also ask you to have a background in humanities, social sciences or physical sciences, and computer skills in your courses.
- Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on transcripts (under the tab of ‘transcripts’).
GPA Requirement:
A competitive GPA for higher ranked Caribbean medical schools is 3.2 and upwards. If your GPA is lower than this, make sure you have the best possible grades in the prerequisite courses mentioned above to have a better chance at admission.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
This is not a requirement, but any medical research experience that can be linked to your application can make it stronger. Here is some great advice on how you can get some research under your belt. Note that this advice is applicable to you if you have some sort of research lab opportunity available in an institution near you.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Professional work experience is almost never a strict requirement for applying, but is highly encouraged. Try to do an internship at a hospital, or gain experience anywhere that requires you to be involved in primary care (nursing home, hospice, pharmacies). Other relevant work experience includes any people-based position where you have to provide a service or help others.
It is useful to talk to your local General Practitioner to figure out what professional opportunities are available to you in the area. Look up the hospitals in your area as well as they will usually have internship opportunities available on their websites.
Note that some universities, such as Saba University, do require you to have taken part in some sort of relevant work experience; it is not merely an option.
- Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on building a resume (under the tab of ‘Resume/CV’).
VOLUNTEER WORK
Even though voluntary work is typically not a strict requirement, it is highly encouraged that you have completed some form of it before sending in your application. This is firstly because admissions committees want to see your drive and passion for serving people, and because a considerable amount of applicants will have done voluntary work. If this is missing from your application, you could set yourself back considerably.
You have a lot of opportunities to volunteer in a country like Pakistan. You can do so at any hospital, clinic, or non-profit organization.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
A lot of universities will look at your extracurriculars as part of the admission process. Getting involved with Science societies in your institution could help your application, so try to actively find these opportunities. If you school does not have these sorts of clubs, you should still try to take part in extracurricular activities that you can relate to why you are a good fit for further study and this type of program. If anything, having some extracurriculars under your belt can show the committee that you are good at multitasking and having many responsibilities at once — this is one of the qualities that they look for.
This section provides an overview of general guidelines pertaining to the application process. It also delineates the key components of the application process.
GENERAL ADVICE
Refer to the Program Selection Section for further information.
COMPONENTS
| Component | Is this component required? | How important is this component (in the overall review of the application for admission)? |
| Standardized tests or entry exams | MCAT: sometimes required, always recommended UKCAT: recommended TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent required | Important |
| Transcripts (past academic records) | Required | Very important |
| Letters of recommendation | 2-3 required | Important |
| Personal Statement | Required | Very important |
| Resume or CV | Not required by recommended | Important |
| Interviews | Often take place | Very important if they take place |
- At this point, if you are seriously considering graduate school, begin your search by reading this guide and by searching the websites from the following links:
Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on overview (under the tab of ‘overview’).
Pakistani applicants suffer most because of inadequate information — or wrong information — about essays and personal statements. This section will address those inadequacies specifically in relation to applying for this program. Supplement the following field-specific tips with general tips (under the tab of ‘essay’) to craft a stellar personal statement.
BASIC INFORMATION
You will be required to write and send in at least one personal statement in your application. Each university can have different guidelines and requirements on what you have to address in your statement, what format it needs to be in and what the word limit needs to be, so make sure you read these guidelines with care.
ACTION-STEPS/ RESOURCES
- It is recommended writing your own statement, and not using some pre-prepared format. Just give yourself enough time to do it.
TIPS ON GOOD AND BAD STATEMENTS
What is essential in the statement:
- Why you are choosing a career in medicine
- Why you would be an asset to the university you are applying to
- Any significant activities or accomplishments, personal interests, unique aspects of your pre-medical preparation and any additional information that would help the Admissions Committee in the evaluation of your application
What are some elements of exceptional statements:
- Talk about personal qualities that you have or that you have acquired through your experiences. Things such as teamwork, communication, empathy, and what you think the realities of being a doctor are (and how you can deal with these realities), are all extremely important.
- When you’re trying to explain how you’re suitable, don’t just list a number of qualities or traits that you have. Try to refer to instances where you have shown these qualities — basically, try to show and not tell.
- Some qualities that universities look for are:
- commitment to learning
- strong academic potential
- intellectual curiosity
- responsibility
- good ethics and morals
- commitment to service
- interest in health care
- compassion
- competency
- flexibility
- perceptiveness,
- empathy
- strong communication skills
- Sense of community responsibility
What are bad statements/ what things to avoid:
- Bad spelling and grammar. Make sure to have someone else read your statement and point out any mistakes you have made, or put it through a rigorous spell/grammar check. These sorts of errors can give the university an unfavorable impression.
- Do not lie, or refer to something that you cannot back up later. For example, don’t talk about a book or research paper unless you have read it and know it inside and out! If you get called for an interview, you could be put on the spot and asked about anything that you have written down and your interviewer will be able to tell that you were dishonest.
This section will cover the basics about recommendation letters, which are one of the most important parts of the application process. Supplement the following field-specific tips with general tips (under the tab of ‘recommendations’) to ensure you have strong letters of recommendation.
BASIC INFORMATION
You will be asked to provide 2-3 recommendation letters. Often, one of the recommendations has to be from an academic professor who has taught you, and another has to be a professional letter. Some universities will require your recommender to make sure that you letter of recommendation is sent on a document with an official letterhead. Make sure you read these sorts of requirements before deciding to ask for recommendation letters.
You will be given guidelines on how to have these recommendations submitted in your applications. You may have to provide detailed contact information of your recommenders in order to have them submit a letter on your behalf.
TIPS ON GOOD AND BAD LETTERS
What is essential in the LoRs:
- A description of your academic abilities that make you suitable for a Medical program. This part needs to speak to how you have academic potential for higher education, since Medical programs are extremely rigorous.
- A reinforcement and confirmation of the personal statement written by the student. Basically, the referee should confirm that your passion for Medicine is genuine without repeating things that you have said in your statement.
- In case you have low grades or one of a part of your application is weak, this is where the referee should talk about it and justify why that is so, as well as why you should still be considered despite it.
What are some elements of exceptional LoRs:
- The referee should know how difficult it is to study and practice Medicine. If they are already experienced in Medicine, they should be able to comment on how you are suited for a career and study path as difficult as this one.
- Speaking about exceptional qualities you have that are required in a Medical career. According to Saba university these are: strong academic potential, commitment to learning, intellectual curiosity, responsibility, good ethics and morals, commitment to service, and interest in health care.
What are bad LoRs/ what things to avoid
- Duplicating the student’s personal statement and repeating the same things without adding any personal comments or elaboration.
- Not having the right tone. The reference needs to be an objective and analytical appraisal; it should not be too personal or emotional.
This section will cover everything else related to the application process; including transcripts, interviews, resumes, and standardized tests.
INTERVIEWS
Basic Information:
After you have sent in your application, and if you have been shortlisted by the universities you have applied to, you will usually be invited for an interview. Some universities may consider that you are an international student in Pakistan, and agree to interview you over Skype or in a country near you (sometimes interviews are even held in Pakistan). Some universities will expect you to travel to the Caribbean to attend the interview. Universities prefer if you go to the Caribbean for the interview, but if you tell them that it is very difficult for you to travel (due to visa problems or financial restrictions for example), they will most likely try to accommodate you and it will not affect your admission.
The interview can be taken in either the traditional format, or the MMI format (multiple mini interviews). The latter is more popularly used at the moment. Here is a guide on what exactly an MMI interview is and how you can go about tackling it.
Resources:
- Make sure to look at this resource if your school takes the interview in MMI format.
Interview Tips:
- Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on preparing for interviews (under the tab of ‘interview’).
STANDARDIZED TESTS
Basic Information:
Most schools will not require you to do a standardized medical test, but doing at least one is highly recommended in all circumstances. The most commonly accepted medical test for the Caribbean is the MCAT. Some universities may also recommend you to do the UKCAT. Your priority should be to do the MCAT and obtain a decent score, as this will increase your chances of admission.
MCAT
The MCAT is a multiple choice computerized exam that tests your basic knowledge of scientific concepts, your critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills.
UKCAT/UCAT
The UKCAT is a computerized test that tests your medical aptitude through five different sections. In the UKCAT, the average score in sections is around 600. If you get above a 700, it is considered a very good score.
English Language Proficiency
To prove your English language proficiency, you will have to do the IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent. Score requirements vary from university to university. Make sure to check your specific university’s requirements.
Resources:
- This is an excellent guide on tackling the MCAT. Make sure to go through all the sections and pages of this resource.
- This is an excellent guide on tackling the UKCAT. Make sure to go through all the sections and pages of this resource. Also look at this source.
Test Tips:
- Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on preparing for standardized tests (under the tab of ‘tests’).
FINAL COMMENTS ON APPLICATIONS
- Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on final comments on applications (under the tab of ‘overview’).
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The following sources were consulted in developing this tip-sheet and we encourage you to consult these sources for additional information and guidance on your application.
- Pros and Cons of Caribbean Medical School by Edward Chang
- Should I Go To Caribbean Medical School? By Edward Chang
- Should I Apply to Caribbean Medical Schools? By Amit Pandey
Furthermore, the following sources were also consulted in developing this tip-sheet: Prospective Doctor (1) (2), The Medic Portal, Ross University, St George’s University (1) (2), Saba University (1) (2), American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Caribbean Medical Schools, Trinity School of Medicine, University of Medicine and Health Science Blog (1) (2) (3), Caribbean Medicine
Good luck!