A Brief History of the Antigua and Barbuda by The World Factbook 2008
The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak Indians populated the islands when COLUMBUS landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981. Read More.
About UHSA
Welcome Message
Welcome to the website of the University of Health Sciences Antigua School of Medicine. We are pleased that you are considering us as you evaluate a university in which to pursue your medical education. UHSA is a privately endowed institution, founded in 1982 and chartered by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. Since 1983 the university has been listed with the World Health Organization (WHO) and this confers eligibility on the medical graduates of the university to take the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE). These examinations are mandatory for all graduates of foreign or American medical schools for licensure to practice in the United States of America (USA). We are proud to say that more than 90% of our graduates pass the USMLE on their first attempt at taking the test.
President's Message
 Welcome to the University of Health Sciences Antigua School of Medicine. I appreciate that you have chosen to attend our Medical School. We take pride in the fact that the University of Health Sciences Antigua (UHSA) founded in 1982, is the first and oldest medical school in the country and that UHSA continues to be a very distinctive place, characterized by scientific excellence, high clinical standards, collegiality and commitment to teaching.
UHSA is in constant pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, professional and community services. The University educates for life, provides continuing education to working professionals and addresses national, regional and international challenges in the medical and agricultural sciences. At UHSA we pride ourselves in providing a quality educational experience for our students and in producing highly trained and competent physicians who will provide healthcare throughout the world. We wish you best of luck in your academic and professional endeavors.
Akin Omitowoju, M.D., F.L.C.S., F.A.A.D.E.P.
President of UHSA
Mission Statement
The University of Health Sciences Antigua (UHSA), located at Dowhill Campus, Piccadilly in Antigua is an outstanding, privately endowed institution that is in constant pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and community services. Further, the University educates for life, provides continuing education to working professionals and addresses national, regional and international challenges in medical, agricultural and liberal sciences.
Vision Statement
The University of Health Sciences Antigua is a professionally-oriented institution, which is (i.) unique in the effective utilization of information technology in supporting and complementing the educational delivery activities of the institution to students globally, (ii.) second to none in extending education to working healthcare professionals such as Nurses, Physician Assistants, etc. in an effort to globally increase the number of primary healthcare physicians practicing in the rural and medically under-served areas around the world, including the United States and (iii.) outstanding in the use of innovative instructional methodologies and didactic methods in the teaching of medical and Agricultural Sciences as well as Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Goals and Objectives
The medical school seeks to recruit highly motivated and well qualified students who, as physicians, will:
- Deliver healthcare that is accessible, responsible, humanistic, competent, and current.
- Work as members of a health team to provide the community with multidimensional services.
- Have an awareness, sensitivity, responsiveness and commitment to the problems of others.
- Be cognizant of legal, socio-economic, and cultural problems related to health maintenance and disease causation.
- Be prepared for specialty training with an emphasis on primary healthcare and its principles.
- The medical school endeavors to recruit faculty members with significant interests and achievements in research, so that the student's interest will be stimulated and graduates will be encouraged to enter careers in teaching as well as scientific research.
- Finally, the school strives to instill in it graduates the habit of lifelong learning through continuous independent study and self-development.
Accreditation
Accreditation is originally an American concept. Each accrediting body within the United States of America is a private association, agency, or organization. In Europe and other parts of the world, colleges, universities including medical schools are recognized and accredited by ministries of education, and in essence by governments. The United States Department of Education in America does not accredit a college, university or medical school. Our institution is recognized and accredited by the Ministry of Education of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda where it is located. No United States organization in the United States like LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education) accredits foreign medical schools. However, our institution subscribes to the recommendations of the LCME and the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association.
In the evaluation of the medical training program, our institution received favorable findings by the medical team experts from the United States of America. On June 23rd, 1992 the team was directed by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to evaluate the medical training program at UHSA School of Medicine.
Once our students pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examinations) they are equalized with those individuals who have graduated from LCME accredited institutions in the United States. Consequently, our students are able to do their residencies and practices in any part of the United States. Inclusion in the World Directory of Medical Schools certifies that our institution is recognized and accredited by our own national government as a bonafide medical school. Consequently, our students are eligible to take the USMLE for certification in the United States.
USMLE and Student Profile
Approximately 90% of our graduates pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) on their first attempt. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is administered by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). The Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification is a pre-requisite for licensure to practice Medicine in the United States. The Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), through a program of certification, assesses the readiness of graduates of foreign Medical Schools to enter Residency.
The success rate of University of Health Sciences Antigua (UHSA) graduates in these examinations attests to the fact that our institution provides students with an excellent foundation in basic and clinical sciences. Our grassroots approach (i.e., small classroom sizes and low student to professor ratios) and our careful curricula planning are the other contributing factors to the success of our graduates in the board examinations.
Recent graduates from the University of Health Sciences Antigua School of Medicine have served in residencies in major healthcare and teaching facilities in various parts of the Unites States. In addition, UHSA graduates also have high success rate in the Medical Council Canada Qualifying Examinations (MCCQE), Canadian Medical Residency Training/Assessment Examination and the United Kingdom Professional Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB). The above examinations are required in order to practice in the respective countries.
UHSA Graduates are practicing in the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa & Asia.
Licenses in the United States
In over 26 years, UHSA alumni have been licensed in the following states:
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
California
Florida
Georgia |
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts |
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Jersey
New York |
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Virginia
West Virginia |
If the name of the state does not appear on this list, it does not mean that the graduate cannot be licensed in that particular state. It is important to know as well, that some states have reciprocity whereby medical graduates who are licensed in one state could practice in several states. Such information can be obtained from the various State Boards.
Medical Programs
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Medical Program A |
Medical Program B |
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The Medical Program A consists of the Basic Sciences studies and clinical work leading to the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. The program is 10 trimesters in duration. The Basic Sciences portion of the program consists of 5 trimesters (20 months) while the clinical portion of the program consists of 78 weeks (approximately 20 months), totaling 40 months to complete the M.D. program. |
The Medical Program B consists of the Basic Sciences studies and clinical work leading to the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. The program is 10 trimesters in duration. The Basic Sciences portion of the program consists of 5 trimesters (20 months) while the clinical portion of the program consists of 78 weeks (approximately 20 months), totaling 40 months to complete the M.D. Program. |
| 1st through 4th Trimester |
The first 4 trimesters of the Basic Sciences segment is conducted in Antigua. At the completion of the 1st trimester in Antigua, students have the option to fulfill the 2nd to the 4th trimester either in Antigua or at any of our affiliated Basic Sciences sites in the United States, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The option is to expose students to quality, broad based teaching and obtain knowledge from various faculties of our affiliated Basic Sciences sites. This option of mobility within our medical curriculum is unique and copyrighted to UHSA School of Medicine.
Beginning in the 1st trimester, students are exposed to patients care at the hospital and various health clinics in Antigua. Those students fulfilling the Basic Sciences course requirements are also exposed to patients care at our affiliated teaching hospitals. Community outreach, both inside and outside of Antigua, provides valuable experience to student’s learning at the UHSA School of Medicine. |
The first 4 trimesters of the Basic Sciences segment is conducted in Antigua. At the completion of the 1st trimester in Antigua, students have the option to fulfill the 2nd to the 4th trimester either in Antigua or at any of our affiliated Basic Sciences sites in the United States, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The option is to expose students to quality, broad based teaching and obtain knowledge from various faculties of our affiliated Basic Sciences sites. This option of mobility within our medical curriculum is unique and copyrighted to UHSA School of Medicine.
Beginning in the 1st trimester, students are exposed to patients care at the hospital and various health clinics in Antigua. Those students fulfilling the Basic Sciences course requirements are also exposed to patients care at our affiliated teaching hospitals. Community outreach, both inside and outside of Antigua, provides valuable experience to student’s learning at the UHSA School of Medicine.
Beginning in the 1st trimester, students are exposed to patients care at the hospital and various health clinics in Antigua. Those students fulfilling the Basic Sciences course requirements are also exposed to patients care at our affiliated teaching hospitals. Community outreach outside of Antigua provides invaluable experience to student’s learning at the UHSA School of Medicine.
One of the highlights of the curriculum is the tutorials. Approximately 10% to 20% of the course is presented in a tutorial fashion with the use of high information technology ranging from software especially selected and designed for the course, to interactive on-line learning through the UHSA specialized website. |
| Pre-clinical Elective |
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During the Basic Sciences segment, students also fulfill their pre-clinical elective requirements with their mentor(s). The pre-clinical electives provide students with observational experience with physicians in primary care settings such as hospitals, a physician’s office or a nursing home. By participating in pre-clinical electives, students can directly observe the practical application of some of their clinical classroom learning. In addition, students can also learn the elements of a good doctor-patient relationship and communication skills that are essential in their practice of medicine.
Students/Faculty contact between the sessions and the pre-clinical electives are integral parts of the Medical Program B curriculum, and they make the program continuous. |
| Decelerated Program |
A decelerated program is available whereby students are allowed to spread the course work of the first year of the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program over two years. The student may be invited into the program if the Academic Committee believes that the student’s preparation for the program would be strengthened by deceleration in the first year course work. |
A decelerated program is available whereby students are allowed to spread the course work of the first year of the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program over two years. The student may be invited into the program if the Academic Committee believes that the student’s preparation for the program would be strengthened by deceleration in the first year course work. |
| 5th Trimester |
At the completion of the 4th trimester in the Basic Sciences curriculum, students commence the fifth (5th) trimester (Pre-Clinical Sciences) at the hospitals in the United States and Puerto Rico and other affiliated teaching hospitals sites around the world. During this period, the university offers a comprehensive review of the USMLE (United State Medical Licensure Examination) to help in passing the examination. Students are presented with essential concepts in each subject area. Presentation is done by experienced members of the faculty, guest lecturers, review agencies such as Kaplan Medical Review®, Northwestern Learning Center® (live lectures with TALLP™ methodology), and problem-based computer modules. In addition, the students are given practice exams and structured curriculum review materials to enhance their test-taking skills with the use of the shelf exam prepared by NBME®. They also have a chance to discuss the difficult areas identified by the practice tests with the resource persons and experienced members of the faculty.
At the conclusion of the 5th trimester course work, students are required to pass the School Comprehensive Examination or the USMLE Step I before allowing them to commence the clinical portion of the curriculum. |
At the completion of the 4th trimester in the Basic Sciences curriculum, students commence the fifth (5th) trimester (Pre-Clinical Sciences) at the hospitals in the United States and Puerto Rico and other affiliated teaching hospitals sites around the world. During this period, the university offers a comprehensive review of the USMLE (United State Medical Licensure Examination) to help in passing the examination. Students are presented with essential concepts in each subject area. Presentation is done by experienced members of the faculty, guest lecturers, review agencies such as Kaplan Medical Review®, Northwestern Learning Center® (live lectures with TALLP™ methodology), and problem-based computer modules. In addition, the students are given practice exams and structured curriculum review materials to enhance their test-taking skills with the use of the shelf exam prepared by NBME®. They also have a chance to discuss the difficult areas identified by the practice tests with the resource persons and experienced members of the faculty.
At the conclusion of the 5th trimester course work, students are required to pass the School Comprehensive Examination or the USMLE Step I before allowing them to commence the clinical portion of the curriculum. |
| 6th through 10th Trimester |
Clinical rotation is done in the 6th to the 10th trimesters. The student spends 48 weeks for the core clinical rotations and 30 weeks of electives, totaling 78 weeks.
The major strengths of the curriculum include a small class size, a highly diversified faculty, and courses that are taught by departmental and/or interdisciplinary faculty. The University uses a combination of formal classes on campus in Antigua and advanced communication information technology to execute the curriculum. It is expected that through this curriculum each student will attain proficiency and understanding of medicine while being permitted the freedom to develop his or her own individual interests and characteristics.
Instruction at the medical school is given in English by reputable medical educators from around the world. However, it should be mentioned that our faculty members are bilingual (English plus the local language of where the affiliated institution/hospital is located). |
Clinical rotation is done in the 6th to the 10th trimesters. The student spends 48 weeks for the core clinical rotations and 30 weeks of electives, totaling 78 weeks.
The major strengths of the curriculum include a small class size, a highly diversified faculty, and courses that are taught by departmental and/or interdisciplinary faculty. The University uses a combination of formal classes on campus in Antigua and advanced communication information technology to execute the curriculum. It is expected that through this curriculum each student will attain proficiency and understanding of medicine while being permitted the freedom to develop his or her own individual interests and characteristics.
Instruction at the medical school is given in English by reputable medical educators from around the world. However, it should be mentioned that our faculty members are bilingual (English plus the local language of where the affiliated institution/hospital is located). |
Integrated Premedical
The special program for high school graduates is designed for qualified and motivated high school students who seek a career in medicine. The Integrated Premedical – Medical Program (INTEPREM) is an attempt to eliminate the sharp division between premedical and medical education and also to shorten the time required for obtaining the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree to six (6) years.
The program (INTEPREM) also allows the matriculation of students from around the world regardless of the individual variations of the educational system of their home country.
Students are selected for the program (INTEPREM) in the senior year of high school. There are no specific high school course requirements, but applicants are required to take either SAT, ACT or College Board examinations. Of great importance to the Admission Committee are such factors as interest in the humanities, sciences, evidence of intellectual curiosity and extracurricular activities.
The first year of the program is devoted to the study of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English Composition, Medical Terminology and Spanish.
The second year is devoted to courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology. In addition, weekly seminars are also given by the medical faculty to introduce students to a wide range of medical specialties and problems.
The premedical phase also includes two summers of structured academic enrichment or two summers of volunteer human services in a health related agency (Red Cross, U.S. Corps, etc.) usually in a developing nation or urban setting.
Biomedical - MD Program
The School of Medicine and London Metropolitan University offer a combined Biomedical-MD Program that enables qualified individuals to complete requirements of both the B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees. The program enables students to be accepted to both, the Biomedical Sciences and Medical School through a single joint admission process.
Admission to the program is limited to individuals who have not initiated fulltime undergraduate study in Biomedical Sciences and also who display maturity, motivation and intellectual capacity necessary for the combined program.
Awarding of the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree is contingent upon successful completion of both the prescribed Biomedical Sciences undergraduate and Medical School curriculum requirements.
Special Programs
- Post-baccalaureate Pre-medical Program for Science Graduates (Biomedical Enrichment)
- Post-baccalaureate Pre-medical Program for Non-Science Graduates
- Pre-medical Enrichment Program
- Access to Medicine Program
- Joint Medical Program
- Pre-matriculation Program
- Early Assurance Program
- Medical Scholars Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of degree do I receive after completing the Medical Program A?
A: At the completion of the 10-trimester Medical Program A at UHSA, you will be awarded a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.
Q: What type of degree do I receive after completing the Medical Program B?
A: At the completion of the 10 trimester Medical Program B at UHSA, you will be awarded a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.
Q: I need to know if the medical school accepts individuals with a B.S. degree in other disciplines but lack science requirements as specified in your bulletin.
A: Yes. Individuals with a B.S. degree in other disciplines that lack science requirements as specified in our bulletin may enroll in our Access to Medicine Program. Upon completion of the Access to Medicine Program such individuals are automatically accepted into our medical program.
Q. What is the Access to Medicine Program?
A. The Access to Medicine Program is designed for applicants who either lack academic record or an adequate knowledge of science to gain qualification which is acceptable for entry into medical school. The program runs for one academic year of 36 weeks. Students will be required to study several units to demonstrate their understanding of different aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Psychology in addition to units in Mathematics, Physics, Health Issues and a project. Upon completion of Access to Medicine courses the student automatically joins the first year class of the medical program.
Q: If I lack one course in Organic Chemistry or Inorganic Chemistry, or both, will I be considered for acceptance into your medical program?
A: Yes. Individuals lacking one course in Organic Chemistry or Inorganic Chemistry, or both, can be offered acceptance into our medical program. However, those deficiencies will be fulfilled at our Medical School.
Q: Is there a preferred undergraduate major for admission into your medical program?
A: No. There is no preferred undergraduate major for admission into our medical program. However, it is most important that you do well in pre-medical requisite courses.
Q. To enhance my chances of admission, will it help to have a graduate degree?
A: No. Applicants are not recommended to obtain a graduate degree since the Admission Committee places emphasis on undergraduate performance in science courses and not on graduate courses.
Q: If I work in a healthcare field, will it enhance my chances of admission into your medical program?
A: No. However, it will only help if you have competitive grades.
Q: I am in my junior year, can I be considered for acceptance into your medical program?
A: Yes. We have accepted junior year students into our medical program.
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