Saint Matthew’s University (SMU), a prominent medical university located in the Caribbean, has a unique history and a reputation for providing exceptional education in both human and veterinary medicine. Located on the scenic island of Grand Cayman, SMU comprises two major schools: the School of Medicine and the University School of Veterinary Medicine. The university’s commitment to academic excellence and clinical training has made it a respected institution among the seven Caribbean medical schools approved to provide education that meets international standards.
This article provides an in-depth exploration of SMU’s history, its educational programs, and the opportunities available to students, especially those seeking medical or veterinary careers in the United States.
Saint Matthew’s University was founded in Belize in 1997 by Dr. Michael Harris. Initially a small medical school, SMU expanded over time, growing in both size and prestige. In 2002, the school moved to the Cayman Islands, where it established its permanent home on Grand Cayman. The university’s strategic relocation allowed it to grow its student base, taking advantage of the island’s modern infrastructure, peaceful environment, and proximity to the United States. This move also facilitated SMU’s partnerships with hospitals and clinics in the region, enhancing the clinical training opportunities for its students.
In 2003, SMU’s leadership experienced a change when Michael Harris was named the interim president of the institution. Under his guidance, the university continued to grow and solidify its place in the Caribbean medical school ecosystem. By 2003, the medical university gained full accreditation from the Accreditation Commission of Colleges of Medicine, further cementing its reputation for high standards of medical education. Additionally, SMU is listed in the FAIMER Directory of Organizations, a global resource for accredited medical schools.
The university is owned by R3 Education, a company that manages a portfolio of medical schools in the Caribbean. This ownership, which includes investment from Connecticut-based Equinox Capital and Chicago-based Prairie Capital, has allowed SMU to maintain robust financial backing and continue its development.
SMU offers two primary educational tracks: the MD Program and the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program. Each program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and clinical experience needed to succeed in their respective fields.
The MD Program at SMU spans four years, with the first part focusing on pre-clinical studies. The pre-clinical phase takes place on the university’s Grand Cayman campus, where students receive a solid foundation in basic medical sciences. SMU’s School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Colleges of Medicine and approved by the Cayman Islands government. Since 2001, the school has maintained continuous accreditation, with the latest extension valid until June 30. The program allows students to qualify for clinical rotations in both the Cayman Islands and the United States, where they gain hands-on experience in hospitals and medical facilities. Students are also allowed to complete more than 12 weeks of clinical clerkships, approved by the New York State Education Department and the Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation.
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program at SMU’s School of Veterinary Medicine is equally prestigious. This program provides students with the education and clinical skills necessary to practice veterinary medicine within the United States and other countries. The DVM program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, with students gaining exposure to a variety of animals and veterinary practices during their time in the Cayman Islands. Like the MD Program, the veterinary school’s curriculum includes pre-clinical studies, which are conducted on Grand Cayman, and clinical rotations in various locations.
Students enrolled in SMU’s veterinary program, particularly those from non-AVMA-accredited schools, benefit from the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) program, which assesses the overall knowledge of veterinary students and ensures they have sufficient knowledge to practice veterinary medicine within the United States. The ECFVG program includes four steps, culminating in students taking the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), which qualifies them to practice veterinary medicine in all 50 states.
A significant aspect of SMU’s appeal is its strong emphasis on clinical training and rotations. Both the medical and veterinary programs at SMU offer robust clinical shadowing and training opportunities, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
For MD students, clinical rotations are an integral part of the curriculum, providing hands-on experience in various specialties such as surgery, pediatrics, and internal medicine. Students can complete these rotations in a variety of locations, including hospitals in the United States, the Cayman Islands, and other countries. These rotations are vital for helping students develop their practical skills and prepare for licensing exams, such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Veterinary students at SMU also benefit from a comprehensive clinical training program. They gain practical experience with animals in a variety of settings, including clinics and veterinary hospitals on the island. Additionally, SMU has agreements with veterinary institutions in the United States, allowing students to complete their clinical training in North America. This hands-on experience is crucial for students planning to take the NAVLE and pursue a career in veterinary medicine within the United States.
One of the key factors that makes Saint Matthew’s University stand out among other Caribbean medical schools is its accreditation and approval status. Since 2001, the medical school has been accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Colleges of Medicine, an agency listed in the FAIMER Directory of Organizations. This accreditation ensures that SMU meets the same rigorous standards as medical schools in the United States.
The university’s School of Medicine is also licensed and approved by several important bodies, including the Cayman Islands government, the New York State Education Department, and the Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation. These approvals allow SMU students to participate in clinical clerkships in various locations, including New York and other U.S. states, giving them the opportunity to gain invaluable clinical experience during their studies.
Moreover, the DVM program at SMU’s School of Veterinary Medicine is recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG), which ensures that veterinary students from non-AVMA-accredited schools have sufficient knowledge to practice veterinary medicine within the United States. The school’s inclusion in the federal direct student loan program also makes it an attractive option for students seeking financial aid.
Saint Matthew’s University is located on the beautiful island of Grand Cayman, providing students with a serene and peaceful environment for their studies. The island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it an ideal location for students seeking both academic rigor and a high quality of life.
The university’s residence hall is located near the main campus, offering convenient accommodation for students. This residence hall is a hub of student life, where medical and veterinary students can interact and build a strong sense of community. The campus also features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries, all designed to support the rigorous academic programs offered by SMU.
In addition to the academic facilities, students can take advantage of the island’s outdoor recreational activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and exploring the pristine beaches of Grand Cayman. These activities provide a much-needed balance to the intense medical and veterinary studies that students undertake.
Saint Matthew’s University offers a comprehensive education in both medicine and veterinary medicine, making it a top choice for students looking to pursue careers in these fields. Its location in the Cayman Islands, combined with its strong clinical training programs, accredited curricula, and dedicated faculty, make SMU a standout institution in the Caribbean.
Whether aspiring to become a doctor or a veterinarian, students at SMU gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in their careers. From the rigorous MD program to the innovative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, SMU prepares its students to practice medicine and veterinary medicine within the United States and beyond.