Getting into medical school is anything but easy. Every aspiring physician spends a considerable amount of time acquiring relevant experience, completing medical school prerequisites, obtaining letters of recommendation, and filling out applications. And that doesn’t even cover how much effort goes into studying for the MCAT and maintaining a strong GPA.

It’s no wonder getting into medical school has become such a challenge. These days, the number of applicants is far outpacing the number of seats available in Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs. This means you could be perfectly qualified and still find yourself without an acceptance letter—unless you look into alternative options.

One alternative pathway to studying medicine is attending an international medical school like St. George’s University (SGU).  SGU offers a modern campus, robust student support services, and a strong reputation for residency placement success.

Even with that in mind, you may still be wondering whether you should study medicine in the Caribbean. It’s understandable to have some concerns about attending medical school in such an unfamiliar place—but it might be a better option than you realize. Join us as we explore what past SGU graduates have to say about the experience.

6 things to know when considering a Caribbean medical school

To truly understand what it’s like to study in the Caribbean, it’s helpful to hear from former students who have walked that path before you. See if their perspectives can help you decide whether a Caribbean medical school could be a good fit for you.

1. Some Caribbean med schools are head and shoulders above the rest

It’s easy to lump all Caribbean medical schools together. But the truth is that not all international programs offer the same quality of education. The program at SGU, for example, was thoughtfully developed to provide the training and tools needed for medical students to succeed.

Dr. Casie Wiley, SGU grad and family medicine resident physician at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, was fortunate enough to discover this when comparing institutions.

“Not all Caribbean schools are created equal,” she says. While researching her options both stateside and overseas, she felt SGU offered a unique curriculum and teaching environment.

When comparing programs, it’s important to review a medical school’s accreditation to understand that a university has taken the steps to ensure its students will have the same opportunities for residencies in the United States as other schools.

2. Most of the warnings you’ve heard are unfounded

You may have heard some unflattering opinions about Caribbean medical schools, but many of those stances are based on misinformation. Dr. Elizabeth McKinnon, SGU grad and forensic pathology fellow at the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, says a lot of people in her life were skeptical of her decision to attend a Caribbean school and suggested that living there could be dangerous.

“My family flooded me with false diatribes about how traveling outside the US was unsafe,” she recalls. “This worried me that I would find peril in unfamiliar places.”

These concerns faded once she started medical school at SGU. She quickly learned that the island of Grenada is safe. In fact, the US Department of State gave Grenada a level-one ranking—which means it’s among the safest places you can visit.

Dr. McKinnon also mentions it was a great learning environment. “By the first week of school, attending SGU felt like the scholastic journey I had foreseen for myself and my career,” she reflects.

3. Studying abroad can benefit your ability to learn

Medical school is a challenging time for aspiring physicians. You need to commit to a rigorous study schedule if you want to be successful. And that often means limiting family visits and social events.

Studying medicine in the Caribbean can actually be an advantage in this department. “Being far from family and friends back home was hard sometimes, but being in Grenada really helped me avoid being distracted,” Dr. Wiley offers.

By traveling far from home for medical school, there will undoubtedly be times when you miss your friends and family. But it’s also helpful to consider that you’ll only be away for a few years. Most SGU students spend their final two years of medical school completing clinical rotations in the US. Dr. McKinnon found comfort in that knowledge. “In difficult times, I could lean on the thought of being able to advance my schooling at home,” she says.

4. Med students readily support one another

Trying to gain acceptance to medical school often feels like a fierce competition. Everyone is vying for the same limited number of spots, so many SGU students are surprised by the supportive environment they encounter. There are plenty of resources built right into the program, and students genuinely want their peers to succeed.

“Now that I’m in residency, I’ve heard about people’s experiences at numerous US med schools, and so many people talk about their fellow students being super competitive and cut-throat,” Dr. Wiley says. “In my experience at SGU, I found that everyone wanted everyone else to succeed.”

And classmates aren’t just temporary study buddies. Making lifelong friends seems to be a shared experience among SGU students. “I made so many wonderful friends,” Dr. McKinnon reflects. “They’ve all gone on to become successful physicians, entrepreneurs, and members of their respective communities.”

5. Outcomes are better than you might expect

Graduating from medical school doesn’t mean much if you don’t match for a residency. Without completing your postgraduate training, you can’t obtain your medical license.

Some students assume they’ll have fewer residency placement opportunities if they study medicine in the Caribbean. Think again. Dr. Wiley notes that her United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scores were higher than the average US grads, and she’s currently in residency.

Critics have falsely posed that international medical graduates are only capable of matching for primary care fields. However, Dr. McKinnon, for example, completed a competitive pathology residency.

“If you’re curious, you should check out SGU’s residency listings,” Dr. Wiley says.

6. Trust your own instincts

Having trusted mentors can be a huge help when making any major life decision. That’s certainly true when trying to determine whether you should study medicine in the Caribbean. Just don’t lose sight of the fact that it’s ultimately your future.

“You must make the decision based on whether it is best for you, not what is best for your family, pre-medical advisor, or peers,” Dr. McKinnon says. She also advises anyone considering SGU to speak with a current student or graduate. “They have the best insight on whether attending SGU is for you,” she adds.

Find success studying at a Caribbean medical school

Regardless of where you attend medical school, the path to becoming a physician will be challenging. But if students choose a program that offers ample support resources, they’ll be able to navigate through any obstacles thrown their way.

These SGU grads chose to study medicine in the Caribbean and ultimately achieved their goals. If you’re willing to put in the work, you could pursue a similar path.

To learn more about what you can expect as a medical student at SGU, visit our article “10 Surprising Facts About the SGU School of Medicine.”

Are you considering St. George’s University Medical School? If you’d like to know more, you can reach out to some graduates or current students. They’re happy to tell you what their experiences were like.

If you feel like SGU could be the right medical school for you, take the next step. Continue your research by visiting our request information page.