| University of Medicine and Health Sciences | |
|---|---|
| Established | 2008 |
| Type | Medical School |
| Academic staff | 60 (on main campus) |
| Students | Fall/Spring (100-150), May (60-70) |
| Location | Basseterre, St.Kitts, New York, New York |
| Website | University of Medicine and Health Sciences |
The University of Medicine and Health Sciences, often referred to as UMHS is a for-profit university founded and funded by 90 year-old Dr. Robert Ross), the founder and former owner of Ross University, offering a traditional U. S. patterned program in medicine. On the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, a conventional 4-semester basic science curriculum is offered. Students then move to the U. S. for a 5th semester of advanced introductory clinical medicine and USMLE Step I test preparation. After passing this exam, they proceed to clinical training at major medical centers in the U. S. The entire 4-year program can usually be completed in a little over three calendar years.
UMHS opened its doors in May 2008 on its campus in Camps, west of the city of Basseterre.
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The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has granted the University of Medicine and Health Sciences of St. Kitts the authority to confer on graduates who have successfully completed the University’s prescribed course of matriculation, the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The charter granting the right to confer these degrees was signed on August 24, 2007.[1]
UMHS is listed in the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) International Medical Education Directory (IMED) [2]
At the present time, the administration of UMHS is actively pursuing accreditation in Florida and New York to permit its students to have unrestricted access to clinical training programs in both of those states. This does not, however, mean that graduates of UMHS will be restricted in any way from licensure in these (and other) states, provided that they fulfill the normal requirements for any IMG (International Medical Graduates) as accepted by the individual states.
I. Basic Science
| Semester I | Semester II | Semester III | Semester IV | Semester V | Semester VI-X (Core Rotations: 48 weeks) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy, 10 credits | Physiology, 9 credits | Pathology I, 5 credits | Pathology II, 5 credits | Introduction to Clinical Medicine II, 7 credits | Internal Medicine, 12 weeks | |
| Histology, 5 credits | Biochemistry, 5 credits | Neuroscience/Neuroanatomy, 5 credits | Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 5 credits | Biological Basis of Clinical Medicine, 4 credits | Surgery, 12 weeks | |
| Cell and Molecular Biology, 5 credits | Genetics, 3 credits | Immunology and Microbiology, 5 credits | Biostatistics and Epidemiology, 3 credits | USMLE STEP 1, Taken after completion of semester five | Pediatrics, 6 weeks | |
| Embryology, 3 credits | Behavioral Science, 5 credits | Introduction to Clinical Medicine, 5 credits | Obstetrics and Gynecology, 6 weeks | |||
| Medical Ethics, 2 credits | Psychiatry, 6 weeks | |||||
| Family Practice, 6 weeks | ||||||
| Electives (30 weeks) | ||||||
| USMLE STEP 2, Taken after students complete the core rotations |
The Basic Science courses, semesters 1-4, take place at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences St. Kitts campus. Our Basic Science Program faculty are highly credentialed and recruited primarily from the United States. They are focused on the success of each student. A traditional medical school curriculum is taught that compares with U.S. medical schools. The curriculum utilizes problem-based learning, with an emphasis on clinical correlations. A thorough knowledge of the basic biomedical sciences is emphasized, and students are introduced to history taking, physical exam skills, and problem solving techniques.
A compelling differentiator at UMHS is the students’ access to a variety of clinical settings. Not only are students involved at community health centers, local hospitals, and with professional patients, UMHS offers its students a virtual hospital ward on the campus. Students will work with computerized human simulators in a 24 bed hospital ward setting to integrate their Basic Science Program in a clinically relevant manner.
During the Basic Science Program at UMHS, students take comprehensive block examinations at various points throughout each semester.[7]
Curriculum as of May 2009 [8]
II. Clinical Science
The Clinical Science Program is designed to give students a broad spectrum of medical practice, training in clinical skills, and patient contact. The program consists of fifth semester, and core and elective rotations that are completed at U.S. teaching hospitals affiliated with the University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
UMHS students complete their fifth semester studies at the UMHS campus in Portland, Maine. The fifth semester consists of the following required courses, Introduction to Clinical Medicine II and Biological Basis of Clinical Medicine.
The UMHS facilities in Portland, Maine include the latest in simulation and technology resources. Virtual clinics utilizing human simulators are a regular student experience.
All student clinical experiences will be conducted by a team of experienced Maine physicians, many of whom have decades of both medical practice and teaching experience. Students will be assigned to physicians in actual patient care settings at several hospitals, clinics, and office health centers in and around Portland. The opportunity to work beside renowned Maine physicians is designed to build student clinical capabilities, increase student confidence, and enhance student performance on United States Licensing Examinations (USMLE).
Fifth semester students will have an opportunity to enjoy all that Portland, Maine has to offer, including succulent lobster, beautiful lighthouses, and scenic views. Portland offers all the amenities of a city such as museums, parks, and great shopping. Maine offers the mountains for skiing and hiking, rivers for canoeing, and of course, the incredible ocean coastline.
After passing Step I of the USMLE, students will be placed in clinical rotations at one or more affiliated teaching hospitals throughout the United States. This occurs under the guidance of clinical faculty, and under the supervision of the Dean of Clinical Sciences.
These clinical clerkships include 48 weeks of mandatory course clinical rotations, as well as 34 weeks of elective clinical rotations. The core rotations represent the primary areas of medical practice and the elective rotations provide students with an understanding of the various specialties in medicine.
UMHS has established affiliations with a number of teaching hospitals in New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, and Puerto Rico. In addition, they are continuing to expand the core clinical affiliations, and are in negotiations with a significant number of teaching hospitals in a variety of states including, but not limited to Kentucky, Ohio, and Louisiana.[9]
III. Residency Residency programs begin July 1 of each year. In order to be eligible, students must have the following prior to May 31:
The best way to become familiar with programs and their addresses is to obtain a copy of the American Medical Association (AMA) Graduate Medical Education Directory, also known as the “green book”, from any medical library or bookstore. This book lists the programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)[10].
IV. Licensure
United States Licensing Examinations (USMLE) Three tests comprise the USMLE, and they assess a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles as well as to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care.
USMLE Step 1 (taken prior to semester 6 at UMHS) Assesses whether medical school students understand and can apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine.
USMLE Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS (taken prior to graduation from UMHS) Assesses whether medical school students can apply medical knowledge, skills and understanding of clinical science essential for provision of patient care under supervision.
USMLE Step 3 (taken prior to completion of residency training) Assesses whether medical school graduates can apply medical knowledge, skills and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine [1].
ECFMG Certification
In addition to taking the United States Medical Licensing Examinations, students graduating from international medical schools must be certified by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). This certification is required for residency and licensure[11].
Tuition Charges:
Note: Tuition fees may be subject to change without notice. Tuition will be prorated for students that are less than full time at a rate of $650.00 per credit.
Student Government Association (SGA)
The SGA represents all UMHS students in student affairs and administrative matters. All students are SGA members, and dues are collected each semester as part of UMHS tuition and fees. Students elect SGA officers to represent them.
American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
AMSA is a student-governed national organization that is committed to representing the concerns of physicians in training. AMSA is committed to improving medical training and the nation's health.
Religious and cultural organizations
Religious and cultural organizations are welcomed at UMHS. Their purpose is to support the diverse spiritual needs of the UMHS student body and to promote cultural growth experiences. Organizations may also be sports or recreation focused such as intramural teams. These experiences demonstrate diversity while also bringing a cohesive set of experiences that will provide life long benefits to students.