Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program
A Premier Medical Education with Global Opportunities
The American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUACOM) offers an accredited, world-class education that is accessible to all aspiring physicians, particularly those driven to advance the field of medicine. Our Doctor of Medicine program, modeled on the U.S. medical education system, is learner-centric, equipping students with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills.
With a focus on active learning and hands-on experiences, AUACOM provides diverse clinical rotation opportunities in top hospitals across the U.S. and beyond. Our supportive learning environment, dedicated faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities ensure students are fully prepared to excel in the world’s leading healthcare systems.
Highlights
Accredited & Recognized
AUACOM is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions, with medical education standards recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This recognition makes our students eligible for U.S. Title IV loans. Additionally, we’re approved by several key U.S. states, ensuring robust academic standards and licensure eligibility.
Student Placement Success
AUACOM has successfully placed 98% of its graduates into competitive residencies within the field of medicine*. This includes securing over 3,600 residencies in nearly all 50 U.S. states, within highly competitive specialties such as surgery, radiology, and emergency medicine. This success underscores the comprehensive training and robust support services we provide to our students.
*First-time residency attainment rate is the percent of students attaining a 2024-25 residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2023-24 who were active applicants in the 2024 NRMP match.
Tuition & Financial Aid
AUACOM offers one of the most affordable tuition rates among medical schools, making quality education accessible to a broader range of students. Our students are eligible for U.S. Department of Education loans, and we offer over 20 scholarships and grants to further support students.
A World-Class Curriculum
AUACOM’s curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, crucial for a successful medical career. The program emphasizes active, group-centric learning and features state-of-the-art simulated learning centers with advanced training simulators. Students develop clinical skills in simulated ward environments and receive essential life support training. In the third and fourth years, students engage in hands-on clinical rotations across affiliated hospitals, gaining real-world experience in various medical specialties. Our cutting-edge anatomy labs, equipped with advanced tools, provide a solid foundation in anatomy, complemented by live rotations that solidify students’ readiness for medical practice. AUA is also the only regional university with a medical college that offers a unique collaboration with a U.S. university medical school—Florida International University (FIU). This landmark partnership agreement provides an opportunity for AUA students to complete their clinical training at clinical sites affiliated with a U.S. medical school.
Pre-Clinical Sciences Experience
Our preclinical studies program is where foundational medical knowledge meets hands-on learning. Our curriculum prepares students for clinical excellence through immersive, active learning experiences and state-of-the-art facilities.
Clinical Sciences Experience
Our clinical science program is where students transition from classroom learning to real-world medical practice. Engage in diverse clinical rotations across affiliated hospitals, gaining hands-on experience in various specialties.
Student Support
Alumni Success
University Partnerships
Campus Life
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Learn how AUACOM’s Doctor of Medicine program can help you achieve your dreams in the medical field. Whether you have questions about our curriculum, admissions process, or financial aid options, our admissions team is here to assist you. Speak with an admissions representative today to learn more about how AUACOM can be the right fit for your medical education journey.
Program Overview
Welcome to the American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA), an institution meticulously crafted with the revered U.S. medical educational model at its core. AUA offers a comprehensive MD degree program that not only meets but also sets the highest standards in medical education. Our curriculum is thoughtfully divided into two pivotal phases: preclinical sciences and clinical sciences, each designed to provide a robust foundation for your medical career.
At AUA, we don’t just adhere to standards—we set them. Choose our MD program for a transformative medical education experience that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. Our commitment to excellence and personalized learning sets the stage for each student to embark on a journey of academic and professional success.
Program Benefits
At AUA, we understand that a successful medical career requires more than just theoretical knowledge. It demands the practical application of this knowledge in real-world scenarios. That’s why our program is designed to equip students with both. Key benefits of our program include:
Active learning in groups
The AUA curriculum emphasizes a group-centric active learning approach from the outset. Students collaborate in dedicated groups, with each consisting of an optimal number of participants to facilitate effective learning and interaction. These groups form the core of our academic community, providing consistent support and collaboration throughout the semester.
Learners are also equipped with essential digital tools for navigating their educational activities. Guided by our experienced faculty facilitators, students engage in a mutually supportive network that upholds rigorous academic standards and fosters a collective learning experience.
Simulated learning center
Our simulated learning center is equipped with advanced training simulators including SimMan 3G®, SimBaby™, Harvey®, and Noelle®. These high-fidelity simulators present interactive clinical scenarios that allow students to hone their medical knowledge in practical settings. We emphasize the application of clinical skills through both individual practice and active learning group sessions, which supports students’ seamless progression into clinical rotations.
Clinical skills development
AUA goes beyond traditional classrooms with the Osler and Crumpler Suites. These simulated ward environments allow students hands-on experience with standardized patients, refining bedside manner, history taking, and diagnostic skills.
Additionally, the American Heart Association™ International Training Center, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, equips students with essential basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) skills, preparing them for critical healthcare situations.
Cutting-edge anatomy labs
AUA’s anatomy labs have advanced tools, including 3D V.H. dissector computer stations, plastinated specimens, and HD audiovisual systems. These labs provide a solid foundation in anatomy, with access to Adams Atlas, prerecorded prosected demos, and X-rays, CT, and MRI sections.
Comprehensive library resources
Our library at AUA is not just a study space—it’s a vibrant learning environment accommodating up to 800 students. It’s thoughtfully designed with quiet zones for focused study and rooms perfect for group collaboration. And no matter where you are on campus, you’ll stay connected with our campus-wide Wi-Fi.
Inside the library, you’ll find everything you need: desktop computers, printers, a diverse range of textbooks, and extensive online resources like biomedical eBooks, databases, and e-journals. Plus, with 24/7 access to essential digital tools such as ClinicalKey, AccessMedicine, and UpToDate, you’re always just a click away from the latest medical information.
Preclinical Sciences
Preclinical sciences, as one of the components of our medical school program, boasts a distinctive and cutting-edge curriculum known as “Curriculum Next,” designed in alignment with recent advancements in U.S. medical education. This curriculum takes an organ-system-based approach, covering discipline-based sciences and disease-based pathologies.
In the first year, the focus is on understanding each organ system’s normal structures and functions, encompassing anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and more. Transitioning to the second year, students delve into disease-based pathologies.
A unique aspect of AUA’s approach is the Basic Science Integration Semester (BSIS), a 15-week semester reinforcing and integrating the knowledge acquired in the preclinical sciences. This culminates in the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE), providing a holistic evaluation.
AUA adopts a pass/fail grading system, emphasizing collaborative learning over competition. Curriculum Next is not just a curriculum but a dynamic strategy that cultivates critical thinking, collaboration, and a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences, equipping students for success in their medical careers.
Explore the Preclinical Sciences component of AUA’s curriculum.
Clinical Sciences
In the pivotal third and fourth years at AUA, students embark on an immersive journey through clinical sciences. Within the walls of teaching hospitals, they work closely with expert medical professionals, gaining invaluable firsthand experience in patient care.
Clinical education at AUA, spanning 84 weeks, is divided into core and elective rotations. The journey begins with an 8-week Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine rotation (FM1/IM1), focusing on physical examinations, patient interactions, and preparation for subsequent rotations.
Core rotations last for 44 weeks and form the basis of clinical education. They cover internal medicine, surgery, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry. These rotations blend in-hospital patient care with outpatient experiences, promoting clinical competence.
Elective rotations last 32 weeks, allowing students the flexibility to delve into a variety of medical specialties and subspecialties, as well as engage in academic research. AUA offers a diverse selection of electives, which generally last four weeks each, including adult pain management, anesthesiology, cardiology, critical care, dermatology, general surgery, gerontology, and more.
This selection allows students to explore and experience different medical fields, enhancing their clinical skills in diverse settings. These elective rotations are not just about gaining experience; they play a crucial role in helping students shape their medical career paths. The exposure and insights gained during this period are invaluable in guiding students to make well-informed decisions about their specialty interests and residency applications.
Learn more about the Clinical Sciences.
Pre-Med Program
AUA College of Arts and Science (AUACAS)offers a comprehensive pre-med program that provides qualified students with a unique opportunity to complete 60 undergraduate school credits in just two years. This program includes all prerequisites required to enter medical school, making it an ideal pathway for students aiming to pursue a medical education. Additionally, AUACAS’s pre-med program serves as a golden opportunity for those lacking specific prerequisites for medical school admission.
Unlike many medical schools in Canada and the U.S., AUA does not consider MCAT scores when making a decision about whether to accept or deny an applicant. However, MCAT scores become a requirement for matriculation into the medical program. This approach complies with U.S. government regulations, assuring applicants that average MCAT scores do not influence admissions decisions, thus maintaining fairness and transparency in the admission process.
International students can also benefit from such a program. AUA has an articulation agreement with AUACAS. Qualified students who complete premedical coursework at AUACAS are guaranteed acceptance into AUA College of Medicine, providing a seamless transition for aspiring medical professionals.
Choosing the Caribbean MD program at AUA through the pre-med program at AUACAS is not just an efficient and guaranteed pathway; it represents a comprehensive and supportive approach for those aspiring to embark on a rewarding medical career.
Admission Requirements
The American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUACOM) takes a holistic approach when selecting students for admission. The aim is to identify candidates who show promise not just in their academic endeavors but also in their potential to become compassionate and skilled physicians.
While standardized test scores like the MCAT provide valuable information, they are but one factor in our comprehensive review process. We seek students with a demonstrated commitment to medicine and service, evidenced by perseverance, community engagement, and a passion for science and health. By considering the diverse talents and backgrounds of our applicants, AUA aims to foster a dynamic and inclusive community of future healthcare leaders.
Other important components of our admission process include:
- Recommended Coursework: Prospective students should have completed courses like General Biology I and II, General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, Physics I, and English I, and Mathematics (Calculus or Statistics). A minimum of 90 college credit hours is required for admission.
- Updated Resume/CV: This should detail your educational background, degrees earned, professional experiences, licenses or certifications, awards, recognitions, and any other relevant achievements.
- Official Transcripts: Prospective students need to provide transcripts from all attended undergraduate, graduate, medical, and professional schools.
- Personal Statement: A written statement outlining your motivation for pursuing a career in medicine.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least one letter should be from a science professor who is familiar with the applicant’s academic capabilities.
For international applicants, a pre-medical curriculum equivalent to that in the U.S. is required. Additionally, all documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.
Career Track
Graduating from AUA’s MD program marks the beginning of an exciting career journey in medicine. Our program is designed to provide a thorough understanding of medical sciences and to hone clinical skills through a demanding curriculum enriched with practical experiences. Let’s explore the potential career paths available to graduates of AUA’s MD program:
Clinical practice
Graduates of AUA are thoroughly prepared to step into the world of clinical practice as skilled physicians. With a strong foundation in clinical knowledge and practical skills, they are ready to make significant contributions in various medical arenas, from primary care to specialized disciplines.
A distinguishing trait of our graduates is their dedication to combining evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. This blend of scientific rigor and empathy is a testament to the high-quality medical education they receive at AUA, setting them up for successful and impactful careers in healthcare.
Academic and research roles
AUA graduates also have the opportunity to venture into the realms of academia and research. In these roles, they contribute significantly to medical education and the advancement of healthcare. They can find fulfilling careers in universities, research institutes, and medical schools, where they have the chance to mentor up-and-coming physicians, engage in groundbreaking research, and add valuable insights to medical literature.
Global health opportunities
Thanks to the curriculum that embraces a global perspective, AUA graduates are well-positioned to explore opportunities in global health. This may involve participating in international medical missions, contributing to healthcare initiatives in underserved regions, or collaborating with local partners/organizations.
Additionally, our partnership with FIU’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine through the Global Health Track certificate program allows our graduates to gain specialized knowledge and skills to effectively address health disparities and drive change in international medical and public health landscapes.
Leadership in healthcare administration
Many of our AUA graduates opt for careers in healthcare administration, stepping into leadership positions within hospitals, healthcare organizations, and public health agencies. With their comprehensive medical training, they are uniquely equipped to navigate the intricacies of both clinical care and healthcare management. This dual understanding enables them to make informed decisions that positively impact both patient care and the operational efficiency of healthcare systems.
Tuition and Financial Aid
At AUA, we understand the significance of investing in medical education and are committed to helping you navigate this journey. Here’s a clear outline of our tuition fees, along with the financial aid options available:
- Tuition for each preclinical science phase: $24,500
- Tuition for each clinical science phase: $32,000
- Tuition for the BSIS: $20,000
The American University of Antigua is committed to supporting students in their pursuit of medical education. AUA is approved by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to participate in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, the largest student loan program in the U.S. This program offers eligible students access to Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans.
Beyond federal loans, AUA provides a range of scholarships and grants. With over 18 options, our scholarships cater to various needs, including merit-based, need-based, or criteria-specific financial assistance.
Some prominent scholarships available include the Provost Scholarship ($100,000), Dean’s Achievement Scholarship ($80,000), High Achievers Scholarship ($90,000), and many more. Additionally, culture and service awards are available to further recognize and celebrate the diverse contributions and commitment to service among AUA students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the structure of AUA’s MD program?
The MD program at AUA is divided into two main phases: preclinical sciences and clinical sciences. The preclinical phase focuses on foundational medical knowledge through an organ-system-based curriculum. In contrast, the clinical phase involves hands-on patient care experience through core and elective rotations in teaching hospitals.
How does AUA support active learning?
AUA emphasizes group-centric active learning, where students collaborate in small groups under the guidance of experienced faculty facilitators. This approach fosters a supportive academic community, enhances learning through peer interaction, and is supplemented with essential digital tools for educational activities.
What are the benefits of the simulated learning center at AUA?
These simulators provide interactive clinical scenarios that help students practice and refine their medical skills in a realistic yet controlled environment, preparing them for real-life clinical rotations.
What financial aid options are available at AUA?
AUA participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, offering Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans to eligible students. Additionally, AUA provides various scholarships and grants, including merit-based, need-based, and criteria-specific financial assistance, with awards such as the Provost Scholarship, Dean’s Achievement Scholarship, and High Achievers Scholarship.
What opportunities are available for AUA graduates?
Graduates of AUA have diverse career paths available, including clinical practice, academic and research roles, global health opportunities, and leadership positions in healthcare administration. The comprehensive education and practical experience provided by AUA equip graduates to excel in various medical and healthcare settings.
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