Clinical rotations refer to the time in medical education when students work under the supervision of licensed physicians and healthcare professionals in hospitals or clinical settings. During this time, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge gained in the classroom and develop clinical skills through hands-on experience with patients.
In Caribbean medical schools, clinical rotations usually begin in the third year of the course. These rotations typically last 72 weeks, depending on the school’s curriculum and the program’s requirements. The 72 weeks of physician-supervised clinical rotations comprise 42 weeks of core rotations and 30 weeks of elective clinical rotations. During this period, students will rotate through different clinical specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, etc.
Caribbean medical schools offer unique opportunities for students to participate in clinical rotations in various clinical settings. Top-ranked medical schools on the island have an extensive clinical program in partnership with ACGME-approved teaching hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. Students may work in a hospital or clinic in the Caribbean, the U.S., or Canada, exposing them to different healthcare systems and patient populations.
How clinical rotations work in Caribbean medical schools
During clinical rotations, medical students are typically assigned to work with a team of healthcare professionals, including attending physicians, residents, and other medical students. They will work with patients directly, performing physical exams, taking medical histories, and assisting with procedures. Students will also attend lectures and participate in discussions and case presentations to further their learning.
Here is a breakdown of the third-year and fourth-year clinical rotations program’s syllabus:
| Third-year clinical rotations | Fourth-year clinical rotations
(highly recommended electives) |
| Internal medicine (12 weeks) | Cardiology |
| Surgery (12 weeks) | Primary care medicine |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology (12 weeks) | Dermatology |
| Pediatrics (6 weeks) | Pathology |
| Psychiatry (6 weeks) | Plastic Surgery |
Overall, clinical rotations are a critical component of medical education, providing students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop clinical skills under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals. Caribbean medical schools offer unique opportunities for students to participate in clinical rotations in a variety of settings, preparing them for successful careers in medicine.
Admission requirements for an MD program in the Caribbean
Getting into a top-tier Caribbean medical school is challenging due to stiff competition among aspirants. However, admission requirements for Caribbean medical schools are relatively more accessible than those in the U.S. and Canada. To enroll in an MD program in the Caribbean, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Required coursework for the MD program
Required coursework is a pre-medical curriculum that applicants must complete to advance their studies in medicine. This coursework is essential to develop a solid foundation to study a medical program.
- Other coursework
A broad general education is essential to developing a compassionate and caring approach to medicine. So, applicants must complete arts, social sciences, literature, and humanities courses.
- MCAT
The Medical Common Admission Test is recommended for all students, irrespective of their nationalities.
English proficiency
As most of the Caribbean medical school programs are taught in English, taking an official language test is essential to prove language proficiency.
So, start preparing to study at one of the top-tier Caribbean medical schools to become a competent and caring doctor. Explore more about the MD program in top Caribbean medical schools now!
