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Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM), a well-known institution in the Caribbean, provides rigorous medical education and is a pathway for many aspiring physicians. Founded in 1978, Ross Med, as it is often called, offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, with a medical education tailored to produce highly qualified graduates ready to serve in the United States, Canada, and globally.
The school’s primary campus is located in Barbados, having moved from Dominica after Hurricane Maria in 2017. RUSM is part of Adtalem Global Education, a large educational organization that offers various programs in the health professions. Ross University School of Medicine’s mission is to prepare dedicated students for rewarding careers in medicine, with a focus on providing opportunities for early hands-on experience and global health perspectives.
Accreditation is a critical factor for any medical school, and RUSM’s status reflects its commitment to upholding high standards of medical education. The school is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), which is recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). This accreditation allows RUSM medical graduates to pursue licensure in the U.S. and Canada.
Additionally, the medical school holds approval from the United States Department of Education, making it eligible for federal student loans. This support is crucial for students who require financial aid to complete their medical education. The Commission for Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (CFMEA) also lists Ross Med as one of the accredited foreign medical schools, further strengthening its credentials for training future physicians.
In terms of clinical rotations, RUSM partners with several teaching hospitals in the U.S., which are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), ensuring that students receive high-quality hands-on training during their clinical years. These accreditations provide a strong foundation for the school’s MD program and give its graduates the tools they need to successfully navigate the U.S. and Canadian medical systems.
RUSM offers a structured and rigorous MD program that includes both basic sciences and clinical sciences. The program spans approximately four years, with the first two years (the medical sciences portion) taking place on the Barbados campus. This portion of the curriculum uses a systems-based approach to teaching the medical sciences, integrating foundational knowledge with clinical applications.
The medical sciences curriculum at RUSM is designed to prepare students for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1. This exam is a critical component of the medical licensing process in the U.S. and Canada. The school’s curriculum emphasizes preparing students for both Step 1 and Step 2 of the USMLE, with significant support to ensure that students meet or exceed the national average.
The clinical sciences portion of the MD program consists of core rotations and elective rotations. Students must successfully complete 48 weeks of core clinical rotations, which include internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, and family medicine. Additionally, 42 weeks of electives allow students to tailor their education to specific areas of interest and gain more specialized hands-on experience. These clinical rotations take place in affiliated teaching hospitals in the U.S. and Canada, providing students with a global health perspective and preparing them for residency programs.
The application process for Ross University School of Medicine is competitive, but it provides opportunities for students with a wide range of academic backgrounds. To apply, students must have completed undergraduate studies, typically with a strong foundation in the sciences. While RUSM does not set a minimum GPA, successful applicants generally have an average GPA of 3.2 and a solid performance in courses like biology, chemistry, and physics.
In addition to academic credentials, applicants are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). While there is no specific cutoff for MCAT scores, the average score of accepted students hovers around 500. The admissions committee looks at MCAT scores in the context of the entire application, including letters of recommendation, personal statements, and interviews.
RUSM has an acceptance rate that reflects its commitment to enrolling students who are determined to make a difference in medicine. The school values dedication, resilience, and the ability to thrive in a rigorous medical education environment. Applicants who are driven and have a strong desire to become physicians are encouraged to apply, and the school’s admissions team works closely with applicants to guide them through the process.
One of the key factors that prospective medical students consider when choosing a school is its residency match rate. RUSM has a strong track record of placing its graduates in competitive residency programs across the U.S. and Canada. Over the past few years, RUSM graduates have matched into a variety of specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry, as well as more specialized fields like anesthesiology and radiology.
The residency placement process is supported by RUSM’s dedicated staff, who help students prepare for interviews, complete residency applications, and navigate the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Graduates are eligible to participate in the NRMP after successfully completing the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) exams.
Additionally, RUSM offers opportunities for medical students to gain early hands-on experience through clerkships and electives during their clinical years. These experiences help students develop the skills and knowledge required for successful residency training and future careers as physicians.
Attending medical school is a significant financial investment, and Ross University School of Medicine recognizes the importance of providing financial support to its students. RUSM offers a variety of financial aid options, including student loans and scholarships, to help offset the cost of medical school tuition.
The school participates in the U.S. federal loan program, allowing eligible students to apply for federal student loans. This can be a crucial source of funding for students who need assistance covering the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses. Additionally, RUSM offers scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria. These scholarships help alleviate the financial burden of medical education and support students who demonstrate exceptional promise in the field of medicine.
Students who attend RUSM also benefit from the school’s flexible payment plans and financial counseling services. The financial aid office works closely with students to ensure that they have access to the resources they need to complete their education without undue financial strain.
Ross University School of Medicine offers a robust medical education program for students determined to make an undeniable impact in the world of healthcare. With its location in Barbados, accreditation by CAAM-HP, and partnerships with U.S. hospitals, RUSM provides an education with opportunities for early hands-on experience in medical sciences and clinical settings. Students receive the rigorous medical education necessary to pass the USMLE, gain residency placements, and ultimately become physicians.
Attending medical school in the Caribbean provides unique challenges and opportunities, and RUSM stands out for its dedication to its students’ success. From a well-structured MD curriculum to extensive financial aid options, Ross Med prepares its graduates to excel in medical careers in the United States, Canada, and beyond.
For those considering a career in medicine and evaluating Caribbean medical schools, Ross University School of Medicine offers a well-accredited, globally recognized program that provides the education, clinical experience, and support needed to succeed in the field of medicine. The school remains a strong option for dedicated students who are ready to take on the challenges of medical school and beyond.