General Information

• Forum: International American University Forum
• Location: St. Lucia
• Year Founded: 2004
• Basic Science Tuition: $5,000 per semester
• Clinical Science Tuition: $9,000 per semester
• Loans: Private
• Email: Email IAU
• Website: IAU Website
• Album: IAU Album
• Bookstore: IAU Books
• Survey: IAU Review

A Brief History of St. Lucia by The World Factbook

The island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries, was contested between England and France throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally ceded to the UK in 1814. Even after the abolition of slavery on its plantations in 1834, Saint Lucia remained an agricultural island, dedicated to producing tropical commodity crops. Self-government was granted in 1967 and independence in 1979. Read More...

About Us

Founded in 2002, International American University College of Medicine (IAUCOM) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Islands, in the southern district (Vieux Fort) of St. Lucia, West Indies (W.I.). The University is chartered and authorized by the Government of St Lucia to confer various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees including the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. IAU offers a state of the art curriculum in medical education, using the most current technology and teaching methods based on the US model and delivered by an expert faculty team. Every medical school has unique characteristics, a distinctive personality and goals for the future. The mission of International American University College of Medicine is to provide quality medical education to those who are capable and highly motivated to pursue a medical career. Through numerous collaborations with health care delivery organizations, academic medical institutions, and other key stakeholders, IAU has played a major role in the development of health and education infrastructure in St Lucia and has provided training and education for hundreds of health care professionals and students around the world.

The IAU team brings together a diversity of knowledge and experience touching every corner of health care and education. The senior leadership group includes members of the US and Canadian medical education and healthcare delivery system. Full-time staff includes experienced professionals from the fields of medicine, education, research, medical planning, health information technology, business strategy development, and leadership and management. Our services and programs continue to draw upon the expertise of faculty and staff across the Medical School, and at all of the Medical School’s affiliated teaching hospitals and institutes.

MD Program
The four-year medical degree program is designed to produce physicians who qualify for licensure in St. Lucia as well as in the United States and Canada. The MD program comprises of two years of basic science at the St Lucia campus and two years of clinical science at US teaching Hospitals. IAU also offers a 2 year premedical program in association with Texas A&M Commerce. Students are eligible to participate in clinical clerkship programs approved by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in teaching hospitals throughout the United States. IAU is approved by Education Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), USA and Listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED). IAU is also approved by WHO and listed in the current WHO World Directory of Medical Schools maintained by the University of Copenhagen. Students of IAUCOM can appear for the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) and other Licensing examinations such as the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examinations (MCCQE) and the United Kingdom's Professional and Linguistic assessments Board Test (PLAB).

IAU has put together a well-integrated course structure to better achieve integration among the subjects of study in the Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences. Moreover, the University has successfully reduced the lecture hours in lieu of small-group case-based teaching with the early introduction of clinical material to promote student interest and retention of learned material. Introduction of case-based learning in all semesters enables the students to learn the practical application of Basic Sciences to patient care in a clinical setting.

The Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program is designed to foster excellence in future leaders in the field of medicine. Special emphasis is placed on self-directed learning methods to achieve competent and compassionate team-based health care. Experienced faculty and aggressive educational leadership help students become outstanding medical practitioners. Throughout their course of study, students under the direct supervision of qualified physicians work with the Ministry of Health and primary healthcare professionals of St Lucia to provide health services to the people of the island. The University has also embarked on research programs to keep up the inquisitive mood of the academic institution. The medical college is also looking forward to institute research and evaluation of the curricular aspects of medical education through out the world with a hope of finding new ways of imparting information more effectively.

IAU Advantage

Due to the limited number of seats available in US and Canadian institutions only one in four applicants are actually admitted from almost 200,000 submissions. International American University College of Medicine, founded in 2004, exists to provide these qualified applicants a means of achieving their dream of becoming a physician. Furthermore, it is of note that approximately 25% of US medical residents are not graduates from US medical schools.

At IAU we are aware that there are many Caribbean medical schools from which to choose from. As educators we encourage you to make a sound decision and commit ourselves to providing you a superb path towards medical licensure.

• A Progressive Curriculum - Our state of the art curriculum, centers on problem-oriented, case-based teaching methods, allowing students to take an active role in the learning process.
• U.S. University Affiliation - Our affiliation with Texas A&M Commerce allows students the opportunity to complete their premedical requirements in as little as 2 years at the Commerce Campus, located about one hour from Dallas.
• Low Student/Faculty Ratio - Maintaining a low student: faculty ratio is fundamental to our teaching method. You will never be just another number at IAU.
• Early Patient Exposure - IAU students begin interacting with patients as early as their 1st semester. This exposure to the clinical setting continues throughout subsequent semesters through supervised activities at local clinics.
• Shelf Exams - These exams, given at the end of each course in the basic sciences, help prepare our students for Step 1 of the USMLE.
• Fifth Semester in the U.S - Carried out in a US hospital, this portion of our program allows students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the US medical system and interact with other health professionals before clerkships, establishing the groundwork for successful completion of Clinical Sciences.
• USMLE Board Review - Integrated into the curriculum, this review ensures that our students are well prepared for Step 1 of the USMLE.

Mission & Goals

Mission
Train future physicians to contribute positively through their selfless and humble actions, emphasizing strong medical ethics and appreciating human worth and dignity

Goals

• Be a leader in medical education through innovative teaching methods and extensive community outreach
• Nurture an environment of intellectual curiosity
• Teach students how to effectively communicate their knowledge to both academia and the general public
• Extend our educational reach to countries and territories which lack medical educational facilities.

Credentials

As an IAU student, you are guaranteed that we satisfy each of the various "levels" of credentialing necessary for US & Canadian Licensure.

IAU is recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). This grants you the right to take all three steps of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), which must be passed to become a practicing physician in the U.S.

IAU is listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED). This is an accurate and up-to-date compilation of international medical schools recognized by the appropriate government agency in the medical schools respective country. Recognition by the ECFMG depends directly on whether or not the school is listed in this directory. IAU is also listed in the Avicenna Directories which will be successor to WHO's World Directory of Medical Schools.

Academics

A Progessive Curriculum
In many medical schools students are exposed solely to classroom- based didactics during the duration of their basic science coursework. After approximatly two years they are then required to apply their knowledge to actual cases.

At International American University College of Medicine, similar to many of the best medical schools in the United States, we take a more progressive approach to medical education in that our students are immediately exposed to a case-based, problem-oriented curriculum ("problem based learning", or PBL), which places far more emphasis on learning that is active (researching, discussing) rather than passive (sitting, memorizing). Our curriculum helps build the student’s confidence in their own presentation skills which must be honed by the time they are presenting their cases to a room full of medical doctors.

Case Studies
Beginning with the first week of class, students are presented with a specific case and are required to present and discuss this case the following week. With each case comes a plethora of questions compiled by various faculty members. The student group is required to prepare an oral presentation which addresses each of these questions. The background required to effectively “solve” each case will depend on the specific case discussed during that week. The depth and difficulty of the cases will increase as the students progress towards their final semester in St. Lucia. In addition to case studies, students also participate extensively in local clinics and in the local St. Lucian hospital, St. Jude.

Curriculum Overview

Medical Schools are constantly improving their programs to keep up with the changes in Medical Education in United States and Canada. US national standards for Medical School curriculum have begun to reflect the need for an integrative approach to basic sciences and the importance of early introduction of clinical cases. Our College is adapting and improving the Medical program to reflect these aspects as well.

Basic Sciences Program
The Basic Sciences Program is currently offered in five semesters – the first four semesters at the St. Lucia Campus and the fifth semester in the US. Basic Science students prepare team presentations of cases compiled by the faculty. They are required to identify relevant objectives of the case, and give short presentations based on the assigned objectives. The depth and difficulty will increase as the student progress through the basic sciences program.

Students are also exposed to patient care through local Primary Care Clinics from first Semester. They are trained to learn the history taking, vital signs monitoring, and diagnosis process through these clinics.

Clinical Science
Study in the Clinical Science Division encompasses the sixth through tenth semesters. While rotating through various medical specialties in cooperating teaching hospitals or other approved health care facilities, students are under the guidance of clinical faculty, and under the general supervision of IAU Dean of Clinical Sciences.

Current Clinical Sites
International American University College of Medicine currently has contracts with the following hospitals (all have ACGME-approved programs), where most of our clinical students are currently doing their rotations:

• Jackson Park Hospital (Chicago, IL)
• Harbor Hospital (Baltimore, MD)
• Baton Rouge General Medical Center (Baton Rouge, LA)
• DeKalb Medical Center (Atlanta, GA)
• Southern Regional Hospital (Atlanta, GA)

Academic Calender

Residency & Licensure

OBTAINING A RESIDENCY POSITION
Residency programs begin on July 1 of every year. In order to be eligible, students must have the following before May 31: passing scores on USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS; diploma from International American University; and an ECFMG Certificate. The application process is complex, and deadlines are critical. Most residency programs accept applications from July to December for entry to the following July. Therefore, students must call or write to all the programs that they have an interest in, and obtain applications as early as possible. Interviews are generally conducted from September to January; if invited, students should definitely attend. 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 called the "green book") from any medical library or bookstore. This book lists the programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). It can also be purchased directly from the American Medical Association.

MATCH PROGRAM
The National Residency Match Program (NRMP) is a universal placement service in which most programs and applicants participate. It greatly optimizes the chances of getting a residency position. Applications are available from July to September for entry to the following July, and the deadline for receipt of the application is October. Applications can be obtained from NRMP's website. In order to be eligible to participate in the NRMP, students must have passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK and CS, by December of the year prior to which they wish to enter residency training. Additionally, they must be scheduled to graduate medical school on or before May 31. After applying to the NRMP, students must apply to each residency program in which they are interested, and go for interviews. In February, students must submit a "rank order list" to the NRMP. This is basically a list of the programs interviewed at in the order of most desirable to least desirable. Simultaneously, all the residency programs submit their rank order lists of the candidates they interviewed from their most desirable to least desirable. Subsequently, a computerized matching process begins, with results released in March. If a student matches at a specific program, it is a legally binding contract and he/she must begin the residency that July. If a student fails to match, or is not eligible to enter the NRMP, he/she can still apply to residency programs and hope to obtain a position "outside the match." Simultaneously with the NRMP results released in March, a publication listing of all unfilled residency positions is sent to all those who participated the NRMP, but did not match.

TRANSCRIPTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
All residency programs require a medical school transcript, an MSPE or Medical Student Performance Evaluation (formerly known as the Dean's Letter), and three letters of recommendation, as part of the application process. Most programs indicate that the transcript and MSPE must be official (sent directly from the school) and that the letters of recommendation must be confidential (sent directly from the persons writing them). For some programs, however, it may be possible to send unofficial copies of the transcript and letters directly with the application, and then have official/confidential originals sent only if the student is invited for an interview. Students should verify this issue with each program, before sending the application.

The MSPE is written by the Chief Academic Officer of International American University College of Medicine. It contains information about the student’s academic performance and excerpts from clinical evaluations in the student's file. Students should request basic and clinical science faculty to write letters of recommendation on their behalf, and send them directly to the Dallas office. Students will be required to make a request in writing to the Registrar's office for their MSPE. The students are required to include a curriculum vitae and personal statement to be sent along with each written request.

USMLE
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) has three parts leading to licensure. The USMLE Step 1 is taken immediately after the completion of the fifth Semester. Clerkship opportunities are available only to students who have passed Step 1 of the USMLE. A student who has successfully completed Semesters 1 through 4 and who has passed USMLE Step 1 is eligible to be certified to take the USMLE Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS (Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Skills) provided that the student has completed a minimum of 48 weeks of clinical training including Internal Medicine. The student must also be within 12 months of graduation. International medical graduates (IMGs) who are certified by ECFMG or pursuing ECFMG Certification should be familiar with these regulations. Detailed information is available on the USMLE website. Students must pass Step 2 CK & CS in a maximum of three trials, and within two calendar years of becoming eligible, in order to receive the Doctor of Medicine degree from International American University College of Medicine. USMLE Step 3, the final step for licensure, is taken after graduation or during (or at the conclusion) of residency training (except for non-residents of the U.S. who must pass Step 3 to be eligible for a certificate from the ECFMG).

Graduation
To be eligible for graduation all students must: successfully complete all required coursework; pass USMLE Step 1 in three or fewer attempts; pass USMLE Step 2 CS and CK in three or fewer attempts; meet all financial obligations of the medical college; and have all required administrative documentation on file in the U.S. Office by the first week in April. The commencement exercises will be held each year in mid-April in Dallas, Texas. Please contact us for the Graduation Application Form.

ECFMG Certification
The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is an agency that validates the education of all foreign medical graduates and issues certification. The ECFMG certificate is required to enter residency and to obtain licensure. To obtain this certificate a student must have a valid medical school diploma and have passed USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 (CS and CK). More information can be obtained by visiting the ECFMG website and by reading their most recent bulletin.

Licensure
Licensure to practice medicine is governed by each individual state, and each state has its own specific requirements. In order to better understand the requirements of the state(s) in which students intend to practice, they should call or write the state licensing board and request an application for medical licensure. A list of state licensing boards can be found by visiting the website of the Federation of State Medical Boards. Currently, all states require a diploma, an ECFMG certificate, and passing scores for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS, and Step 3. Additionally, all states require completion of some residency training, with the number of years varying from state to state. Students should be aware that many states have requirements beyond the evaluation of their medical school experience. They are therefore urged to make very specific inquiries of those states where they might have an interest in practicing.

Scholarships & Loans

Student Loans

Students are eligible to apply for private educational loans from private loan lenders. U.S. Citizens and permanent residents, as well as Canadian citizens, are eligible to apply . It is highly recommended to apply with a co-signer to qualify for these loans.

Canadian Citizens would also qualify for 'Student Line of Credit' from various financial institutions in Canada. Please contact the Dallas admissions office for more details.

IAU Grants & Scholarship Program

International American University College of Medicine offers a number of scholarship programs to recognize outstanding performance of applicants in various fields. Scholarships are granted as credits to basic sciences tuition and fees for semesters one to four. Scholarships are competitive and funds are very limited. Eligible students are encouraged to apply early in the semester. Applicants may download the respective scholarship application forms and submit them along with your admission application material to the US Office of Admissions at Dallas, TX.

All applicants (except Admission Committee Scholarships) must submit an application for scholarship, outlining their academic successes and challenges, community service, and professional achievements and recognitions. Applicants may submit an essay accompanied by supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, certificates, awards and proof of eligibility as necessary. The Office of Admissions must receive all applications and supporting documentation at least thirty days prior to the start of classes. Please note that there is no guarantee of a scholarship and the number of scholarships awarded per semester may vary. All Scholarship decisions are final and are not open to appeal. Questions regarding the scholarship application process must be directed to the Asst. Director of Admissions. Please address all scholarship applications and materials to The Office of Admissions, 5999 Summerside Dr Ste 220 Dallas TX 75252. Scholarships are automatically renewed as long as the student maintains passing grades in each course undertaken.

Outstanding Medical School Student Scholarship - Extremely competitive and limited scholarships are awarded to students, who have demonstrated strong personal qualities of citizenship, dedication to the community or public service, and academic excellence. This scholarship covers upto 50% of the tuition for basic science course work in the MD degree program. Applicants, ideally, will possess a minimum of an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher in their undergraduate and graduate fields of studies and exhibit strong academic, social and personal leadership qualities.
Contact us for the OMSSS Application

Academic Scholarship - Each semester IAU awards scholarships to fresh applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence and are pursuant of the MD Program. Applicants who have an undergraduate GPA over 3.0 will be considered for this scholarship. The maximum award may not exceed 75% of the Basic Science tuition fees. Passing Grades must be maintained to continue benefits of the awarded scholarship. A failing grade in any class will cancel the scholarship in the next semester.
Contact us for the Academic Scholarship Application

US Military Veterans Grant - Veterans of the US Army, Navy and Air Force are eligible to apply for this Grant that covers upto 20% of the Basic Sciences Tuition Fees. This scholarship will be awarded to a limited number of U.S. military veterans, who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty, either currently or with an Honorable Discharge. All awardees must prove eligibility with official records and meet all Admissions requirements of the IAU College of Medicine. Passing Grades must be maintained to continue benefits of the awarded scholarship. A failing grade in any course will cancel the scholarship in the next semester.
Contact us for the UMVG Schoarship Application

Medical Professional Scholarship Program - A scholarship of upto 20% of the Basic Science semester tuition will be awarded to Certified EMT’s or Paramedics, LVNs, RNs and similar licensed medical professionals who wish to pursue higher education with IAU College of medicine. Proof of current certification and licensure along with other admissions requirements must be submitted to the Scholarship Committee. In order to maintain continued eligibility for this Scholarship Program, students must maintain passing grades in all courses.
Contact us for the MPSP Application

Saint Lucian Scholarship Program - The International American University College of Medicine provides 100% of tuition for all four semesters of basic sciences education to the qualifying St Lucian citizens. The Scholarship does not include room, board, transportation or educational supplies. In order to maintain continued eligibility for this Scholarship Program, the student must maintain passing grades in all classes. The recipients are intended to practice medicine in St. Lucia. IAU does not guarantee clinical placement in the United States and applicants are subject to all US Immigration laws if they wish to do their Clinical Rotations in the USA.
Contact us for the SSP Application

Caribbean Medical Scholarship Program - The International American University College of Medicine provides upto 20% of tuition for all four semesters of basic sciences education to applicants who are citizens of the Caribbean. In order to maintain continued eligibility for the scholarship program, the student must maintain at least passing grades in all prior classes. IAU does not guarantee clinical placements in the United States and Caribbean Nationals are subject to US Immigration laws if they wish to do their Clinical Rotations in the United States.
Contact us for the CMSP Application

Admissions

Admission Process
International American University College of Medicine is on a trimester system (three semesters per year) for the Four-Year M.D. Program with intakes in September, January, and May (see the academic calendar for specific dates). Students may apply for admission to the program at any time throughout the year. Students are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible.

Within two weeks after the completed application is received, an admissions counselor will schedule an interview to be done either over the telephone or personally in our Dallas, Texas office. Applicants are advised that being granted an interview is not a guarantee of acceptance.

The purpose of the interview is to evaluate the applicant regarding his or her:

• Intellectual and academic ability
• Communication skills, both verbal and written
• Knowledge of the medical field
• Hobbies, special talents, volunteer experience
• Personal qualities, character and motivation
• Willingness to be a team player
• Compassion, empathy and ability to deal with everyday issues
• The interview also allows the student to ask pertinent questions and to introduce any special circumstances that should be considered.

Following the Admissions Committee interview, the student will be notified of their admission status within two weeks. After receipt of the acceptance letter, the student is required to acknowledge their intention within 30 days by returning the acceptance response form included with their acceptance letter or by any other mode of communication to the Dallas Admissions Office. If accepting the admission, students must mail the seat deposit to our Admissions Office before the due date. This deposit will be credited towards the first semester tuition fees when the student matriculates. The deposit will not be refunded if the student rescinds his or her acceptance.

Application TimeLine

• The College accepts students on a rolling basis, and currently there are 3 intake sessions per year, in September, January, and May.

Students can choose which session they would like to enter the University, and are encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure admission during the period of their choice. The time necessary to obtain official transcripts, test scores and letters of recommendation should be taken into consideration.

• Within approximately 2 weeks of receiving a complete application, candidates who meet the criteria for admission will be scheduled for an interview.

The personal interview provides an assessment of the applicant's maturity, adaptability, ability to handle stress, aptitude, background, and above all the motivation to study medicine. Work history and professional or volunteer experiences also provide further evidence of the student’s motivation.

• Following the Admissions Committee interview, the student will be notified of their admission status in wiring at the earliest possible date. After receipt of the acceptance letter, the student is required to acknowledge their intention within 30 days to the Dallas Admissions Office

Acceptance
Acceptance into our program is granted by the Admissions Committee with the assumption that

• all pending coursework is completed prior to registration
• all statements and documentation submitted by the applicant are true and correct.

It is the responsibility of the student to provide all necessary paperwork in original form for the application process by following the checklist on the IAU application form

All necessary documentation must be a part of the student’s file prior to registration and orientation.

International American University reserves the right at any time to nullify a candidate’s acceptance, dismiss a student, or void a diploma if it is subsequently discovered that false or inaccurate information was submitted.

Would like to inquiry more? Email IAU now