A Brief History of Dominica by The World Factbook

Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean. Read More...

About Ross University School of Medicine

Thank you for your interest in Ross University, one of the premier Caribbean medical schools. We understand that choosing a medical school is one of the most important decisions of your life. This website was designed to provide you with information about our educational program leading to an MD degree, descriptions of our facilities and curriculum, requirements for medical school, and answers to frequently asked questions.

A Proud History

Since 1978, we have been providing an outstanding medical education to prospective physicians. In fact, Ross University School of Medicine has proudly graduated over 8,500 physicians during its three decades of service who have come home to practice in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.

At Ross University School of Medicine, our mission is to prepare highly dedicated students to become effective, successful physicians. We do this by focusing on imparting the knowledge, skills, and values required for our students to establish a successful and satisfying career as a physician.

Commitment to Excellence

Students choose Ross because of our faculty, curriculum and technologically advanced campus, and because of our well-earned reputation for providing the education that enables our students to pass their US licensing exams and obtain excellent residencies.

These accomplishments are a testament to the quality of our Foundations of Medicine curriculum, dedicated faculty, and excellent facilities at our Dominica campus in the Caribbean. Such an effective learning environment provides a strong foundation for our students to successfully complete clinical rotations at US teaching hospitals affiliated with Ross University. In the past year, Ross University School of Medicine placed roughly 600 physicians in US residencies--more than any other medical school in the world. In addition, we are continually adding new teaching hospitals to our list of affiliates.

Medical School Faculty

Recruited from leading medical institutions around the world, the Ross University faculty has outstanding credentials in teaching and research. While members of the Ross faculty do conduct research, their primary responsibility is teaching--to maximize their availability to our students and provide them with the support needed to meet the extremely demanding requirements of the Ross curriculum. Our faculty is focused not only on their knowledge of the science of education, but also on learning new methods of teaching and new ways to reach our students. This results in a more successful education and leads to a better overall education for our students.

Medical School Graduates

Graduates of Ross University have gone into virtually every specialty of medicine, including transplant nephrology, invasive cardiology, plastic surgery, pulmonary medicine, neonatology, endocrinology, rheumatology, geriatric medicine, infectious diseases and hematology/oncology. The success of Ross alumni is a true testament to the rigor of our medical training as well as a testament to the character and attitude of our students.

To thrive as a profession, medicine needs many different kinds of people. There are more than 50 specialties and subspecialties. Many physicians go into private practice while others teach, do research, run screening programs, establish companies, edit journals and more.

In short, there's plenty of room for people who are passionate about medicine. At Ross University School of Medicine, we are committed to finding those students who have that passion. If that's you, we want to know more about you.

If you have any questions, please contact our office by phone (855-MDROSSU) or email (ross@valuemd.com). We look forward to the prospect of having you as a member of our student body.

Things To Consider

Are Ross graduates easily able to practice medicine in the US?

Ross University graduates are eligible to practice medicine in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico once they pass the requisite licensing examinations. Thousands of our graduates are licensed and practicing or in residency in the United States. Foreign citizens who do not have permanent residency in the United States can practice in the United States; however they must meet the various Immigration Law requirements.

What makes Ross better than other Caribbean medical schools?

Ross University is well established – having been in existence for over 30 years – and has strong resources to continue sustained growth and expansion. The campus in Dominica features a modern technologically advanced gross anatomy laboratory; classrooms and laboratories equipped with audio-visual technology; an expanded library and medical education computer room; and a Learning Resource Center.

Ross University is recognized and accredited by more organizations than many other Caribbean medical schools. We also have a larger affiliate program than most Caribbean medical schools, thus opening the doors to more opportunity when returning to the States.  And, our curriculum allows for a shorter time outside the US – bringing you closer to your residency training more quickly.

Thousands of Ross University graduates are practicing physicians or are in residency in the United States, practicing in virtually every area of medicine. 

How is Ross University accredited?

The United States Department of Education (USDE) has found the accreditation standards used by the Dominica Medical Board to evaluate Ross University School of Medicine to be comparable to those used by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) to evaluate accredited US medical schools.

The USDE has certified Ross University as an eligible institution for Title IV Federal Direct Student Loans. Students who qualify are eligible to receive US student loans in order to attend Ross University School of Medicine.

There are only four states in the US (California, Florida, New Jersey, and New York), that have a process to evaluate, accredit and approve an international medical school's academic program for the purpose of either licensing its graduates and/or clinical and residency training in those states. Ross University is one of only a few international medical schools that received state approvals from all four.

Why Ross?

When most medical schools are evaluating applicants, their first question is usually: “Will this applicant make it through?”

At Ross, we ask a different question. We ask, “What kind of physician will this person make?”

Because US medical schools receive far more applications from qualified candidates than they can possibly accept, they are forced to establish cutoffs based on MCAT scores and GPAs.

Requirements for Medical School

At Ross, our approach is to look at applicants holistically. Yes, we consider your MCAT score and final GPA. But our medical school admissions requirements take into account your overall academic performance. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a student? As a person? How passionate are you about becoming a doctor? How have you put that passion into practice? What kinds of experiences have you had that will make you a better doctor?

What's Your Passion?

To thrive as a profession, medicine needs many different kinds of people. There are some 50 specialties and subspecialties. Many doctors go into private practice.  Many teach, do research, run screening programs, establish companies, write computer programs, edit journals and more.

In short, there is plenty of room for people who are passionate about medicine. At Ross, we’re committed to finding those students who have that passion. If that’s you, we want to know more about you.

Our Mission…Your Dream

Medicine is a profession. It is also a business. But at its heart, it is a calling. Very few undergo the rigors of medical school and residency who are not driven by some inner calling to improve the well-being of others.

Medicine has become what it is today through the contributions of thousands of men and women who experienced that calling and acted on it. If you have it, we hope you too will act on it.

Are You Dedicated?

At our premier medical school in the Caribbean, our mission is “to prepare highly dedicated students to become effective, successful physicians.” The two key words in that statement are “successful” and “dedicated.”

We want you to become successful in medicine, however you define that for yourself—whether it’s caring for patients in a rural, underserved areas or pushing the frontiers of medical knowledge in a big city medical center. Only you can decide what’s right for you.

But whatever you choose, it will require dedication. Becoming a doctor involves mastering many different skills. None of them are intrinsically easy—few things in life that are worthwhile ever are.

Accomplishing Your Dream

That’s why the success of Ross University's mission—our ability to produce effective, successful physicians—depends on your dreams. Your dream of becoming a doctor is ultimately what will sustain you in the long, demanding road toward becoming an MD.

If you have the dream of becoming a physician, you can count on Ross University School of Medicine to help you do everything possible to make it come true.

A Reputation for Excellence

Ross University School of Medicine is committed to pushing the frontiers of medical education and providing our students with the foundation they need to pursue a successful career in medicine.

Here are just a few of the ways Ross maintains a reputation for excellence:

Curriculum: Ross University School of Medicine thoroughly grounds you with a rigorous Foundations of Medicine curriculum. In just four semesters (16 months) at our Caribbean campus you'll take the courses that will provide you with an essential foundation in developmental and microscopic anatomy, biochemistry, medical genetics, neuroscience, gross anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, behavioral sciences, and an introduction to clinical medicine.

Facilities: Learning is more effective and efficient when it's supported by the right technology. This is particularly true when it comes to educating doctors who must learn to make judgments based on skilled observation of visual clues. At Ross University School of Medicine, you'll have the benefit of exceptional teaching and laboratory facilities designed with extensive multi-media and simulation capabilities.

Faculty: Ultimately, what makes a medical school is the quality of its faculty. At Ross University School of Medicine, you'll benefit from a 70-person Foundations of Medicine faculty with impeccable credentials as physicians, teachers and researchers. Every member of the Ross University faculty holds an MD and/or PhD degree. Many are also board certified in their specialties.

Clinical Rotations: Ross University School of Medicine is proud to be affiliated with more than 70 teaching hospitals in the United States. This extensive network of affiliations makes it possible for our students to receive superior education while completing their clinical rotations in the US. Our roster of affiliated institutions includes some of the best known teaching hospitals in the country.

Residencies: Many of our graduates obtain residencies at the earliest available start dates and are well received by residency directors in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved hospitals throughout the United States.

Approvals: Some states (New Jersey, New York, California and Florida) require approval for international medical schools. Ross University School of Medicine is proud to be approved in each of these states. In addition, the Texas Medical Board has concluded that Ross University School of Medicine is substantially equivalent to Texas Medical Schools. Ross graduates can obtain their licenses in Texas.

College Partnerships

Ross University School of Medicine believes in building strong relationships with four-year colleges and universities, with the purpose of helping eligible students move seamlessly from their undergraduate studies to school.

Articulation Agreements
An articulation agreement is an official agreement between Ross University and four-year colleges and universities. Students who have completed their undergraduate junior year and have met the academic criteria established in the articulation agreement will be promised early acceptance at Ross University School of Medicine in the semester following their graduation.

To participate in the articulation agreement with Ross University School of Medicine, the undergraduate student must meet the following qualifications:

• Completion of a minimum 90 credit hours of undergraduate work, including the prerequisite requirements of Ross University School of Medicine
• An overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher in prerequisite courses required by Ross University
• No D or F grade in any prerequisite course required by Ross University School of Medicine
• A score of 24 or higher on the MCAT
• A positive recommendation after an in-person interview and submission of two letters of recommendation

Ross University School of Medicine has articulation agreements with the following institutions:

• Bay Path College
• Bloomfield College
• Delaware Valley College
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Mercy College
• Rowan University
• Seattle Pacific University
• University of Hartford

Dual Degree Program
A dual degree program is an official agreement between an undergraduate school and Ross University School of Medicine. With the dual degree program, any undergraduate junior who meets the set standards will be accepted the following year at Ross University School of Medicine. The undergraduate institution agrees to grant its baccalaureate degree to students who successfully complete the first two academic semesters at Ross University. The undergraduate institution will have the sole discretion to determine the field of study in which the baccalaureate degree is awarded. Ross University School of Medicine has dual degree agreements with:

• Fairleigh Richardinson University, Madison, NJ
• Gannon University
• Kings College

To be considered for the dual degree program with Ross University School of Medicine, the undergraduate students must have entered the undergraduate institution with the following qualifications:

• Fairleigh Richardinson University
• GPA of 3.4 or higher
• Class rank in the top 25 percent

Their undergraduate work must meet the following qualifications:

• Successful completion of requirements for three years of one of the undergraduate programs approved in writing in advance by Ross University (an "Approved Program")
• An undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher
• A GPA of 3.00 or higher in prerequisite courses required by Ross University (no F or D grade in any of them)
• A score of 24 or higher on the MCAT

Ross Graduates—A Record of Achievement

Since its founding in 1978, Ross University has awarded over 8,500 graduates with a Doctor of Medicine degree.

In the last year for which there is published data, more Ross University School of Medicine graduates obtained first year residency positions at U.S. teaching hospitals than graduates from any other medical school in the world, including U.S. medical schools. Those residency appointments have been in virtually every medical specialty and subspecialty.

The majority of Ross graduates already secure residencies prior to graduation – with some of the most prestigious teaching hospitals and leading medical centers in the U.S. welcoming Ross graduates.

A significant number of alumni have gone on to achieve positions as chief residents, earn academic posts at U.S. medical schools, become board certified specialists, and be recognized researchers and practitioners.

Welcome to School of Medicine Academics

You are coming to Ross University School of Medicine to study medicine. You want a commitment that you will be prepared in the best way possible to achieve your goal of becoming a doctor. More than that, you want a commitment that you will get the education that will enable you to pass your critical licensing exams, get the residency you are hoping for and fulfill the dream you have had for so long. Ross University can make that commitment.

A Strong Foundation

Under the guidance of a faculty that is committed to teaching, supported by an exceptional array of the latest laboratory and instructional facilities, you will get the education you need to succeed. And that’s just at the Dominica medical school campus, where you will spend your first four semesters (16 months.) After Dominica, you will spend a semester getting your introduction to clinical medicine at our location in Miami, and then you are on to your clinical rotations at the more than 70 teaching hospitals in the US that are affiliated with Ross University School of Medicine.

Commitment to Students

This unrelenting commitment to delivering a rigorous academic and clinical experience foundation is the reason why:

• Ross University School of Medicine has graduated more than 7,700 doctors.
• Ross University School of Medicine is one of the few international medical schools approved by the licensing boards in New York, New Jersey, California and Florida.
• Ross graduates have obtained residency appointments in virtually every medical specialty and subspecialty at leading teaching hospitals and medical centers across the US.
• Our graduates have told us that compared to other residents, they had a better range of clinical experience.
• Directors of residency programs have said “Send me more Ross graduates.”

School of Medicine Course of Study

The degree Doctor of Medicine is awarded upon the successful completion of the Basic Sciences curriculum, the Clinical Sciences curriculum, and the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), Steps 1 and 2. The entire MD program consists of 10, 15-week semesters (150 weeks).

Overview

Ross University School of Medicine offers a Basic Sciences curriculum designed to prepare students for licensure and practice in the US or Canada. All Foundations of Medicine coursework is offered on the School of Medicine campus (located at Portsmouth, in the Commonwealth of Dominica) and must be satisfactorily completed there.

The Foundations of Medicine segment, conducted in Dominica, consists of 60 credits of specifically prescribed coursework. There are four semesters of Foundations of Medicine classes, for a total of two academic years. All Foundations of Medicine coursework must be satisfactorily completed on the Portsmouth campus. Students are eligible for licensure in the United States as long as they do not deviate from these standards.

The Clinical Sciences curriculum, conducted in the US, consists of 90 weeks of clinical training. It begins with an introductory clinical segment of 12 weeks, the "Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine." This clinical experience is designed to build on the students' training in medical history and physical diagnostic skills, as well as the students' approach to the patient. It is conducted in hospitals and related clinical facilities in the Miami area.

The remaining 78 weeks consist of 48 weeks of required ("core") clerkships and 30 weeks of elective. During this time, the student participates in patient care while rotating through various medical specialties in affiliated teaching hospitals and other approved healthcare facilities in the United States.

Foundations of Medicine

During semesters 1-4, you will live in Dominica and complete the Foundations of Medicine curriculum at the Portsmouth campus.

The Foundations of Medicine curriculum consists of 64 credits of specifically prescribed coursework. There are four semesters of Foundations of Medicine classes for a total of two academic years (normally completed in 16 months). All Foundations of Medicine coursework must be satisfactorily completed in Dominica.

The Foundations of Medicine curriculum is designed to:

The curriculum is designed so that the classes and examinations are based upon the programmatic and module learning objectives designed to meet the core competencies established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). ACGME competencies are: System-based practice, Professionalism, Improvement of practice, Relationship-centered care, Interpersonal communication and Tenets of medicine (SPIRIT).

TRADITIONAL CURRICULUM

For students entering the program prior to September 2010 (and for students remediating semesters of the new modular program):

Electives
Case Studies in Normal Mechanisms
History of Medicine I
Case Studies in Mechanisms of Diseases
History of Medicine II
Case Studies in Introduction to Clinical Medicine
Global Health Issues
Pathophysiology of Clinical Diseases
Suplementary Problem Based Learning

ORGAN SYSTEMS-BASED CURRICULUM

Clinical Sciences Program

Your clinical studies will begin with the fifth semester studies in Miramar, Florida.

Semester 5
12 week-course, "Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine." This course incorporates previously acquired knowledge and skills, and augments them to create a bridge to further learning. It is intended to prepare students for a successful transition to the clinical clerkships through additional patient contact in U.S. clinical facilities. Emphasis is placed on improving techniques of the physical examination and diagnostic skills. Critical thinking will be refined to strengthen the ability to formulate rational clinical hypotheses and differential diagnoses. By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate their improved critical thinking skills, their fund of knowledge on mechanism of disease processes, and their clinical acumen, by making cogent written and oral presentations, in a patient-care setting.

USMLE STEP 1:
After completing Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine, and prior to beginning your clinical clerkships, you will take Step 1 of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Semesters 6 -10:
After passing the USMLE Step 1, students are eligible to enter clinical clerkships, in rotation, in specific fields. There are 48 weeks of required clinical core clerkships and 30 weeks of electives.

The required core clerkships are:

The core clerkships in medicine, surgery, pediatrics, family medicine, obstetrics/gynecology and psychiatry are the basic areas of medical practice about which all physicians need to be knowledgeable. They are included in the curriculum of every medical school. Participation in these clerkships also provides students with an understanding of the various specializations in medicine.

Electives:
The 30 additional weeks are spent in elective clerkships; these must include eight additional weeks of Medicine, which may be spent in general medicine or in medical subspecialties, and four additional weeks of surgery, which may be spent in general surgery or in surgical subspecialties.

USMLE STEP 2:
After completing the 48 weeks of required clerkships, you will take the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills and Clinical Knowledge. Unlike some U.S. schools of medicine, Ross requires passage of the USMLE Step 2 for graduation.

USMLE STEP 3:
After you graduate from Ross University School of Medicine, and either during or after your residency, you will also take the USMLE Step 3.

School of Medicine Academic Calendar

Ross University School of Medicine is dedicated to providing students with the educational opportunity to accelerate their professional careers. Our school year is divided into three academic semesters each calendar year. This allows students to enroll into any of the three semesters without waiting for a new academic year.

The terms correspond to the following months:

• Fall term is September–December.
• Spring term is January–April.
• Summer term is May–August.

School of Medicine Hospital Affiliations

Ross University School of Medicine currently has affiliation agreements for core clerkships with more than 70 teaching hospitals. Participation in this U.S. clinical training program, alongside students from U.S. medical schools, provides Ross University School of Medicine students with an equal opportunity in the residency match.

Placement of clinical clerkship students into various hospital clerkships is done by the Office of the Dean of Clinical Sciences.

Medical School Admissions

Ross University has developed an approach to admissions that enables us to identify candidates who possess the drive and determination to both successfully complete the medical school curriculum and perform as skilled medical professionals. While our admissions process assesses the grade point averages and Medical College Admission Test scores of our applicants, we also take a holistic view and give consideration to applicants who demonstrate the potential to handle the rigorous academic challenges of the University. In doing so, we focus as much on the applicant's life experiences and determination as we do on his/her academic background.

Admissions Process

Ross University strives to accept students who will excel in our program, and we look for applicants who take the medical profession seriously. Our medical school admissions process focuses on identifying candidates who possess the drive and determination to successfully complete the rigorous curriculum and become skilled medical professionals.

Requirements

The number of seats for medical students in the United States has remained constant for the last 30 years, and the admissions requirements are extremely competitive. As a result, it is extremely important for you to be able to exhibit the necessary requirements throughout the admissions process. Prior to beginning your application, take some time to consider why you want to become a physician and the experiences that have led you to make this rewarding, but extremely challenging, career choice. You should also consider putting your interest into action with your academic work, employment and/or volunteer work, and in your personal life as these experiences will guide the questions that will be asked of you during the personal interview.

We trust that you will choose Ross University School of Medicine as your primary option for attending medical school in the future. For more information, please use the links above to request a viewbook or find out about our Information Seminars, which are held several times throughout the year in the US and Canada.

2012-2013 Schedule of Tuition & Fees

Medical School Financial Aid Information

Making the decision to go to medical school is both a major life decision and a major financial commitment. Ross University is committed to doing everything possible to prevent financial concerns from keeping any student from pursuing his or her dream of becoming a doctor.

Ross University maintains a competitive tuition and provides the support that enables students to obtain loans and cost-effective living arrangements during their four semesters at the Ross campus on Dominica.

Student Loans

Students accepted for admission to Ross University School of Medicine, and those who are in attendance and maintaining standards of satisfactory academic progress, may apply for student loans through both government and private programs to meet direct and indirect educational expenses. The maximum loan amount for which a student is eligible may not exceed the Cost of Attendance for the academic period in which the student is enrolled.

Families should make every possible effort to attain the needed resources for education. Financial aid is intended to fill the gap that may exist between a family's ability to afford educational expenses and the cost of attendance at the school.

The Office of Student Finance assists students in applying for several types of financial aid from a variety of sources. Typically, students at Ross University finance the cost of their education by combining family resources, federal student loans, and scholarships and loans from other sources. It is advisable for all students -- including those who have applied for financial aid -- to bring sufficient funds with them to cover their initial month's living and housing expenses.

Financial aid is available to all eligible students. Approximately 85% of Ross University students receive some assistance.

Ross University School of Medicine Scholarships

Making the decision to become a physician is both a major life decision and a significant financial commitment. RUSM is committed to preventing financial concerns from keeping any student from pursuing his or her dream and offers several scholarships designed to recognize students who have shown exceptional community and academic achievements.

Dean's Award of Excellence Scholarship: The prestigious Dean's Award of Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that provides tuition assistance to select students who have shown superior academic achievement and a demonstrated desire to serve the community, as shown through their extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and MCAT/GPA scores.

Alumni Legacy Scholarship/Alumni Book Scholarship: Students with a compelling letter of recommendation from a RUSM alumnus or alumna who have demonstrated exceptional community and academic achievements have the opportunity to receive an Alumni Legacy Scholarship, which is a merit-based scholarship covering the cost of tuition for first semester. All accepted students with a compelling letter of recommendation from a RUSM alumnus or alumna who meet these requirements will also be reviewed for the Alumni Book Scholarship.

The Eliza Anna Grier Scholarship: honors the memory of Dr. Eliza Grier, the first African-American medical doctor in the state of Georgia.

Futher Information

For detailed information, please contact us.