Need more info. on University of Health Sciences, Antigua

[doctor2B]

Does anyone have any idea about the University of Health Sciences, Antigua (http://www.uhsa.com) ? Their curriculum includes a certain amount of study for each module in Antigua, and then homework and assignments from your place of residence via Internet access. The school is WHO accredited, has been in existence for 20+ yrs., and at one point until 1996, had CA approval. I see a lot of MD's from the school (pl. look at the "Alumni" list on the schools website) and a few doctors in U.S. residency training programs (pl. look at the "Notice Board" on the website).

If anyone has any information about this school, then I would like to hear your constructive opinions, views, and information as I am seriously thinking about this school. Esp. helpful would be info. from current UHSA students and UHSA M.D. gradutes.

Thanks….

[doctor2B]

I sent out 12 e-mails from 3/6 to 3/11. Out of that 5 replied. I sent an e-mail to the admissions contact (uhsa@candw.ag and also fmcp@uhsa.edu.agon) on the UHSA website but did not get any reply.

From what I can gather from e-mails that I received, some students worked while doing their M.D. degree. Out of a 3 month semester, they took classes online, while approx. 1 month per. sem was spent on the Antigua campus. None of the e-mails answered my direct questions, but overall, said that the program was good and the school prepared for USMLE. Some directed me to the UHSA website for further info. I asked various questions such as "Can you work while doing the M.D. program; What was your opinion of UHSA?; is the program accepted by program directors and State licensure?; Does the school prepare for USMLE?; How do you go about getting clinical rotations? The school provides rotations in Ohio and Texas...is this true? Are they greenbook rotations? etc.

I verified the few M.D's (i.e.) that had info. on the Notice Board section of the UHSA website. Yes, they are in residency programs. Having said that, I think UHSA is just one of those programs that caters to disillusioned chiropractors, PA's, Nurses, and other health care workers who always wanted to be M.D's but don't wish to spend the time and effort going to a real school. Even though the sch. is WHO certified, and acceptable to ECFMG, I would recommend going to a real school with solid on-site classes and rotations. If you just want a M.D, I suppose it does not matter, but if you want to practice in the United States as a physician, then verify all info. (before joining UHSA). There is absolutely nothing wrong with going to a Foreign Medical School, but the "online" concept seems quite rediculous...and I would ask program directors and State Medical Boards before joining the school.

[doctor2B]

To be fair to UHSA, they do have a traditional 4 year M.D. program based with 2 yrs. (Basic Sciences) in Antigua, and then the latter 2 years (clinicals) in USA Hospitals, just like any of the other Caribbean schools.

Good Luck.... :P

[SantoB72]

Go to http://www.uhsa.ag/pstudent/nb/ website and also type in university of health science antigua school of medicine, as a search and you will have sites with graduates of UHSA who have obtained residency in US hospitals. yes, I agree the shool is best for a student in the medical profession already ie PA, NP, etc. But there is nothing wrong with on of the previously listed professions still wants to be an MD.

[The Republic]

Originally Posted by doctor2B

Does anyone have any idea about the University of Health Sciences, Antigua (http://www.uhsa.com) ? Their curriculum includes a certain amount of study for each module in Antigua, and then homework and assignments from your place of residence via Internet access. The school is WHO accredited, has been in existence for 20+ yrs., and at one point until 1996, had CA approval. I see a lot of MD's from the school (pl. look at the "Alumni" list on the schools website) and a few doctors in U.S. residency training programs (pl. look at the "Notice Board" on the website).

If anyone has any information about this school, then I would like to hear your constructive opinions, views, and information as I am seriously thinking about this school. Esp. helpful would be info. from current UHSA students and UHSA M.D. gradutes.

Thanks….

Please go to a reputable school. I do not want to get in any trouble by state medical boards because of the internet component of your medical education.

[SantoB72]

I have posted a web site showing graduates of the 3 year program who are in residency, there are others just do a search in web browser. But remember, the program is best for people who are medical professionals (PA, NP, etc) who have taken these classes already to some degree and do not need to have their hand held.
I am a student at UHSA and this is how I feel.

[nurse2md]

Originally Posted by SantoB72

I have posted a web site showing graduates of the 3 year program who are in residency, there are others just do a search in web browser. But remember, the program is best for people who are medical professionals (PA, NP, etc) who have taken these classes already to some degree and do not need to have their hand held.
I am a student at UHSA and this is how I feel.

Santo...what year are you currently in? What profession did you previously hold? Hope to be enrolled in Feb. '06.

[nyla2006]

My friend whom is in a DO program, is planning to get an MD at at UHSA as well.
He is planning to get licenced and practice and do residency with his DO degree, but just add the MD behind his name..
Can he do that?

[isa]

Your friend could also get an MD from another carib school.
Some carib school will only make a transfer student do anywhere from 1 year to a few months to graduate.
An MD from any other school might be more legitimate.

[nyla2006]

How does that work?
There are a lot of them out there...