A Brief History of the Netherlands Antilles by The World Factbook 2007

Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, the island of Curacao was hard hit by the abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the construction of oil refineries to service the newly discovered Venezuelan oil fields. The island of Saint Martin is shared with France; its southern portion is named Sint Maarten and is part of the Netherlands Antilles; its northern portion is called Saint-Martin and is part of Guadeloupe (France). Read More

About our University

Caribbean Medical University was founded in 2007 by a Foundation registered on the island of Curacao, supported by the Government of Netherlands Antilles. A major incentive to create the project was to effectively improve medical education standards, compared to other low budget Caribbean medical schools, which lack of investments and improvements.

Based on the founders extensive experience gathered while being employed by medical schools, we draw a conclusion that there was still room for a professional medical institution, that would conduct its operations in more ethical manner, reinvest its profit into campus expansion and infrastructure improvements, motivate students as well as faculty staff to identify themselves with the organization and be proud of its growth and reputation.

University's Profile:

History of Caribbean Medical University CMU

In the beginning of 2007 Caribbean Medical University Foundation with support of the Government of Curacao and the Central Government of Netherlands Antilles began a new way of educational standards by establishing a medical school on the island of Curacao. The school's charter was issued on April 7th and the first Basic Science class started in May. The dream of creating professionally managed and operated institution became reality.

Even though the CMU's history just started, we are confident that by following modern teaching guidelines, the university will earn a worldwide reputation as a leading international center for medical education. The reputation for academic excellence and innovative approach to medical training continues to attract students from across the world and distinguished faculty from the most prestigious medical institutions.

Among the faculty members, first appointed by the University was John Smith, MD., MBBS., who joined as a Dean of Basic Science and played key role in founding the school and recruit highly qualified teaching staff and personnel. Now, In addition to his academic duties, Dr. Smith serves as a Chief Academic Officer and is responsible for overall quality of education offered on our main campus.

Other firsts team members for the University include Jay K. Altkorn, MD., FACS, the first Dean of Clinical Science, whose great experience and outstanding personality assures the best Clinical Clerkship Training and Residency Placement.

CMU Campus and Facilities

The first two academic years (4/5 semesters of Medical Sciences) are taught on the island of Curacao on a modern medical campus situated in the capital of the island, Willemstad. Renovated in 2002, a US standard, A-class, WTC 20,000 square meter complex featuring 400-seat auditorium, 19 classrooms, university offices, computer lab, library, fitness center, swimming pool, student lounge, 2 restaurants, on-site bank, 300-room guest hotel and 500-car parking lot. It's been designed to provide an outstanding teaching environment for up to 2000 students; The facilities promote teaching and learning, as well as encourage an overall living experience for students.

Curacao Main Campus

The campus is located in Willemstad, the capital of Curacao and is the 3rd largest facility among Caribbean medical schools. It's close to downtown, within a walking distance of all city amenities and transportation. Most of shopping malls and the fast food chains are nearby. The life style is quite similar to North America with all familiar eating's and shopping outlets.

Comprehensive study is promoted to students by providing them with contemporary lecture halls enhanced with audio/visual technology, fully equipped anatomical dissection laboratories, clinical patient examination rooms, an extensive library with an up-to-date student computer center. A convenient cafeteria is available as well as numerous common areas designed for student study and relaxation.

The medical campus includes an atrium, courtyard, and beautiful landscaping. All buildings are air-conditioned, equipped with a high speed wired and wireless internet connection, while external structures are accommodated with breezeways and shaded areas.

Dormitories

We are proud to be among only few Caribbean Medical Schools that provide students with on-site student dormitories. There are 40 unites within 15 minutes walking distance from the campus, available to students at a very competitive monthly rate.

The rate includes room, wired and wireless Internet connection, Direct TV, water, electricity, A/C, microwave, stove, small microwave and monthly cleaning. By the end of 2007 there will be additional 60 rooms constructed next to the current facilities.

All rooms are also equipped with student desk and feature wireless phone that allows making free calls to U.S. and Canada with no monthly fee so students can always stay connected with their families and friends.

On-Campus Hotel

Clarion Hotel & Suites is attached to the main campus building and serves as a place to live for our faculty members, administration and visiting professors as well as short time stay of students, their families and guests. There are 300 single and double apartments available at a very competitive rate.

The hotel has its own beach, business center, and convention space. Main features include Complimentary Continental Breakfast, Fitness Room, Restaurant, Handicap Accessible, Guest Laundromat, Outdoor Pool, Interior Room Access, Direct TV and High Speed Internet Access

U.S. Facilities

Students in the Clinical Science Program spend the final two years of their medical education at hospitals and training centers in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Our Clinical Department constantly works hard to get affiliation with preceptors and hospitals from the other states.

CMU Academics Overview

A solid foundation in Basic Medical Sciences is essential for the development of strong clinical skills. At Caribbean Medical University, a carefully designed Basic Science curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully progress through the clinical phase of medical education.

The basic science faculty on Curacao is an exceptional group of professors and scholars who are dedicated to teaching and who spend a great deal of time with the students. The final phase of the Basic Science education involves preparation for the first part of the United States Medical Licensing Examination.

The opportunities for clinical education are many and varied. Caribbean Medical University has clinical sites in the United States and Canada. All sites offer the same basic clinical education even though there may be local differences due to the venue. Once core rotations in Medicine, Family Practice, Ob/Gyn, Pediatrics, Psychiatry and Surgery are complete, students have the opportunity to take elective rotations in a wide array of clinical disciplines.

PROGRAMS

Caribbean Medical University based on its accreditation of the main campus on Curacao, is allowed to offer the following two academic programs:

• 4-semester Premedical Program (Premed)
• 10-semester Medical Program (MD)

Rolling admission begins January, May, and September with semesters of approximately 16 weeks each.

Premed Curriculum is comprised of 4 semesters taught on Curacao and upon its completion students automatically enter into MD program.

MD Curriculum is comprised of 10 semesters: 4 semesters of Basic Medical Sciences taught on Curacao and 6 semesters of Clinical Medical Sciences taught at affiliated hospitals and approved training centers in the U.S.

CMU graduates participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and are eligible for U.S. residency.

Premedical Program The Premedical Program is designed for high school graduates or those with less than 90 college credit hours. It provides students with the firm foundation needed to be accepted into MD Program.

Medical Program The MD Program requires a Baccalaureate degree or at least 90 credit hours of undergraduate education from an accredited institution. It leads to the degree of Medical Doctor (M.D.)

Students from other medical schools generally admitted into one of the Premed or MD semesters, depending upon their academic qualifications. Evaluation of prior educational background will determine eligibility and appropriate placement within the Premed/MD program. Applications for transfer/advanced standing are evaluated on a case by case basis by the Director of Admissions.

PREMEDICAL PROGRAM (PREMED)

The Premedical Program is designed to provide students with the strong foundation needed to handle the rigorous course of study they will experiance in the MD Program. Premed consists of 4 semesters (16 weeks each) and has been designed for highschool graduates or colege students with less than 90 credit hours, who seek admission to a medical school and dont meet the MD Program requirements.

This four-semester program can be entered at each year depending upon academic qualifications. It offers undergraduate sciences and laboratories, as well as post highschool level of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Ethics and Psychology. Those courses contribute to the overall goals of a pre-professional education and much of the final semester of the premedical program is taught by the medical school faculty members.

Promotion into the Medical Sciences Program

Students must achieve a ‘B’ average to maintain satisfactory academic progress. To be eligible for promotion into the medical sciences, a student must successfully complete the Fourth Premedical Semester with at least 3.2 GPA and pass the Premedical Science Post Examination (PSPE).

MEDICAL PROGRAM (MD)

The majority of students enter with a baccalaureate degree, required premedical sciences, and scores from the Medical College Admission Test, directly into the MD Program. These students generally complete the requirements for the MD degree after 10 semesters of successful academic progress. Students receive preparation for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) through the Basic Science curriculum, review courses, simulated USMLE exams, and taking all course examinations in USMLE format.

Caribbean Medical University's curriculum is comprises of 10 semesters: (4) semesters of Basic Medical Sciences taught at the Curacao campus, and (6) semesters of Clinical Medical Sciences taught at affiliated hospitals and clinical centers in the United States.

Basic Medical Sciences

During semesters 1-4, students concentrate on studying Basic Medical Sciences for 16 months. CMU administers both subject and comprehensive review exams intended to provide students with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the medical board examinations.

While they are not counted toward a student's academic grade, they are used to assess his or her readiness to be certified to take the medical board examinations.

The Basic Science semesters follow the new paradigm in medical education. All of the traditional didactic classroom and lab work is conducted in modern facilities, and clinical experiences begin in the first semester at three hospitals located on Curacao

Clinical Medical Sciences

The 5th semester is taught at the Chicago Clinical Training Center. It is the first semester that is devoted primarily to USMLE exam and the Clinical Sciences. The semester acts as a bridge between the Basic Science curriculum and the Clinical Science curriculum.

The fifth semester course "Biological Basis of Clinical Medicine" encompasses a fifteen-week board examination review course.

After completing the 5th semester, students are required to take the USMLE Step 1. Upon successfully passing the exam, students proceed to clinical medical sciences in which clinical rotations are focused.

Students receive preparation for the USMLE via the Basic Science curriculum, Kaplan review courses, which last 16 weeks, an electronic final exam of seven hours simulating the actual USMLE, and course examinations that have been written in USMLE format.

During semesters 6-10, students experience clerkships focused on clinical medical sciences for 80 weeks. Clerkships consist of Clinical Core Rotations and Clinical Elective Rotations at approximately 30 clinical sites. Sites in the U.S. offer residency programs approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or are affiliated with a medical school.

After completing core clerkship rotations students are eligible to take the USMLE Step 2. Upon successfully passing the exam, students proceed to a residency program. Most students take Step 2 before graduation in order that they are ECFMG certified and then apply for a residency.

NOTE: CMU reserves the right to change the curriculum at any time to further improve the standards of medical education, without prior notice. CMU may schedule classes or examinations on any day of the week.