In many medical schools students are exposed solely to classroom- based didactics during the duration of their basic science coursework. After approximatly two years they are then required to apply their knowledge to actual cases.
At International American University College of Medicine, similar to many of the best medical schools in the United States, we take a more progressive approach to medical education in that our students are immediately exposed to a case-based, problem-oriented curriculum ("problem based learning", or PBL), which places far more emphasis on learning that is active (researching, discussing) rather than passive (sitting, memorizing). Our curriculum helps build the student’s confidence in their own presentation skills which must be honed by the time they are presenting their cases to a room full of medical doctors.
Students are presented with a specific case and are required to present and discuss this case during the course of the semester. With each case comes a plethora of questions compiled by various faculty members. The student group is required to prepare an oral presentation which addresses each of these questions. The background required to effectively “solve” each case will depend on the specific case discussed during that week. The depth and difficulty of the cases will increase as the students progress towards their final semester in St. Lucia. In addition to case studies, students also participate extensively in local clinics and in the local St. Lucian hospital, St. Jude.
The first four semesters of the Basic Sciences are carried out on in St. Lucia; the fifth, or “bridge” semester, is done back in the United States. No student can begin their clinical clerkships until Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination is successfully completed.
| Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Bio Chemistry
Microscopic Anatomy
Doctor - Patient - Society
Case Study |
Gross Anatomy
Physiology
Case Study |
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| Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
Pathology - I
Microbiology & Immunology
Doctoring I
Case Study |
Pathology - II
Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Doctoring II
Case Study |
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| Semester 5 |
Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) – 7 Weeks
ICM starts with one week orientation; certification on CPR, AED and Emergency Care, during the remaining six weeks students are given on CORE Rotation subjects (1 week each), Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Ob/Gyn, Family Medicine.
USMLE Review Course – 9 Weeks |
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