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, called Saint Martin, is an overseas collectivity of France. Read More

XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Founded by physicians practicing teaching basic and clinical medicine in the United States. Although the rigorous course of medical school can be a challenging process, students can enjoy the Bonaire island life and culture while pursuing their academic goals. XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE offers Pre-Med and M.D. programs designed for highly motivated high school and college graduates.

Our curriculum is designed to challenge our students. We aim to graduate physicians who have mastered both the basic medical and clinical sciences so that they may safely and competently practice medicine in any setting.

XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE is located on the beautiful island of Bonaire, a hurricane-free, tranquil and safe Caribbean island. This environment promotes academic growth and entails dedication, discipline and direction that are fundamental in the development of a skilled physician.

At XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE we motivate students in the art of medicine utilizing a curriculum which parallels that of any U.S. based allopathic medical school.
We look forward to corresponding with you and helping you decide whether XAVIER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE at Bonaire is where you can begin a satisfying, lifelong journey as a physician.

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Dear prospective student, welcome to Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire.

We at Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire, believe that the pursuit of a career in medicine requires a tremendous amount of sacrifice, patience, and effort to succeed.

Our curriculum is designed to challenge our students. We aim to graduate physicians who have mastered both the basic medical and clinical sciences so that they may safely and competently practice medicine in any setting.

We offer two programs at Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire:

• Premed/M.D. Program: This program is designed for highly motivated high school graduates, and provides a thorough premedical background. Once this program is completed, our students are guaranteed admission into our Medical Program.
• M.D. Program: This program is designed for those who have completed college and/or meet the minimum requirements to enter directly into medical school.

We look forward to corresponding with you and helping you decide whether Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire, is where you can begin a satisfying, lifelong journey as a physician.

Please feel free to contact us by either phone or e-mail if you require more information.

SELECTION FACTORS

Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire seeks students of integrity and maturity who have concern for others, leadership potential and an aptitude for working with people.

The Admissions Committee evaluates applications based on several factors, including:

• Academic Records
• Applicant's essay
• College Admission Test scores
• Extracurricular activities
• Life experiences
• Work Experience
• Letters of Recommendation

PREMED/MD PROGRAM

This is a rewarding program for highly motivated students, which involves four semesters of focused pre-medical studies. This program prepares students for the 3 1/2 year MD Program.

Our typical high school graduates tend to be prepared for residency before the age of 23.

Premed coursework done at Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire, allows its students to be qualified candidates for medical licensure in the United States.

ll students successfully completing the Pre-Med coursework as listed above will automatically gain advancement into the 3 1⁄2 year MD Program.

MD PROGRAM

Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire's accelerated program groups four academic years of medical education into 3 1/2 years, without compromising neither the total number of hours credited nor clinical exposure. Twenty months of pre-clinical courses in biomedical sciences are combined with Clinical Board Series utilizing patient and physician educators to maximize the experience for each student.

This is followed by 72 weeks of clinical opportunities in core and elective clerkships, as well as clinical research. The curriculum has sufficient flexibility for students to do extensive research, pursue advanced degrees, participate in special tracks or explore other avenues of professional growth.

Fifth MD Semester (United States)

Unique to the Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire curriculum is its fifth MD semester. Coursework during this semester includes Introduction to Clinical Medicine, Getting into Residency, and a United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 review course by KAPLAN (leaders in preparation for the USMLE) at our facilities in Atlanta, Georgia. This semester prepares our students not only for USMLE Step 1 but also for a smooth transition into clinical medicine in the United States. Our students gain valuable clinical and USMLE-oriented knowledge during this time and a clear comprehension of the American health care system and post graduate medical training in the United States.

Selection Factors

Admission to Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire, is very selective. We seek students of integrity and maturity who have concern for others, leadership potential, and an aptitude for working with people. For those students who have finished a bachelor or associates degree or some type of premedical training, XUSOM’s accredited medical school is a great alternative for those who want to practice medicine in the United States or in any other country. The minimum requirements are:

For 3 1⁄2 Year MD Program:

All applicants applying for the 3 1/2 year MD Program are required to finish at least 2 academic years and 90 credit hours of undergraduate studies including the following subjects:

• English 6 credit hours
• Biology 8 credit hours
• General Chemistry 8 credit hours
• Organic Chemistry 8 credit hours
• Physics 8 credit hours
• Calculus/Precalculus 8 credit hours

These requirements are laid down by State Medical Boards and are required for future licensure in each respective state.

Clinical Sciences Program

The clinical sciences program is the next step in your pursuit of a medical degree. We are glad to offer you clinical rotations that will help you to integrate the Basic Sciences with practical clinical experience.

These rotations can be done in the following locations: Illinois, Georgia, Washington DC, Maryland, and Nevada

Clinical Rotations:

• Clinical rotations in the US are guaranteed to qualified students
• Many clinical sites to select from
• Option of completing clinical rotations in one city

The clinical science program is a 2- part program, composed of both Core Rotations, and Electives. The total curriculum for Clinical rotations is 72 weeks which equates to approximately 18 months. Of that time, 48 weeks is spent in Core Clinical Clerkships, and the remaining 24 weeks are spent completing electives of your choice.

Fourth Year Medical Students are required to complete 24 weeks of elective of their choice. Below is a non-inclusive listing of some available electives.

Cardiology Radiology
Pulmonology Hematology/Oncology Orthopedics Otolaryngology Gastroenterology Neurology Dermatology

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire, accepts many transfer students each semester. We believe in students' right to seek education at any academic institution where they feel they will receive the best education possible. Our Admissions Department takes every transfer application into consideration.

1) Transfer students are responsible for all previous medical school transcripts.

2) Transfer students must complete 36 weeks (clinicals) to graduate from Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire.

Clinical Rotations:
Clinical rotations are to begin after the basic science semesters are completed. We do not require you to have taken or passed STEP 1 to start.

Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire, accepts many transfer students each semester. We believe in students right to seek education at any academic institution where they feel they will receive the best education possible. Our Admissions Department takes every transfer application into consideration.

*Clinical Medicine Transitional Semester (5th semester)
This semester will be done in the US immediately following completion of the basic medical sciences.

**Seat Deposit Fee
There is a nonrefundable $1,000 seat deposit fee which is applied towards the first semester's tuition.

***Health Insurance
This health insurance only applies to you if you are going to be a student on the island of Bonaire (not if you are in the U.S. engaged in clinical clerkships).

****There is an additional $1200 fee per semester if you have not pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 Exam

Average Cost of Living Per Month

Cost of living varies from student to student, but on average you will need to budget about $700.00 US to $1000.00 US per month.

Roommates, conserving utilities, cooking at home, and budgeting daily spending will help bring these costs down. Every student has different needs, so these amounts are only meant as average ranges. The average cost of books is around $600.00 per semester and the average cost of transportation will vary depending on what type.

$100.00 Financial Aid Processing Fee per disbursement

Fees are subject to change per semester without notification

FINANCIAL AID

Monthly Payment Plan
The Xavier Monthly Payment Plan enables you to budget your tuition and student fees for the academic year in 10 monthly installments (August 1 - May 1). To calculate the monthly payment you simply take the cost of tuition and fees spent in one year and divide by 10.

For example, if entering the MD program and you are able to complete three semesters per year then:
$5800.00 X 3= $17,400.00 (for the year) then take $17,400.00 / 10= $1740.00 due per month.
All payments are due before the 15th of each month.

The Xavier Monthly Payment Plan is not a loan and there are no interest charges involved. Participation in this plan is on an annual basis. There is a $90 annual enrollment fee assessed.

Scholarships
Xavier Univeristy School of Medicine, Bonaire, offers scholarships to currently enrolled students that have achieved high academic standards. This is not a government funded scholarship.

ACCREDITATION

Netherlands Antilles
Xavier University School of Medicine was chartered by the government of Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles on November 7, 2003. The inauguration semester began on May 17, 2004 with the assembly of all pre-medical and medical school classes.

International Medical Education Directory (IMED)
Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire, is recognized and listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED). This accreditation allows the graduates of Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire, to be eligible to take the United States Medical Licensing Examinations and enter Postgraduate Medical (Residency) training in United States. IMED accreditation is recognized by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) for eligibility of graduates to obtain certification and Licensure.

World Health Organizaion (WHO)
Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire, is listed in the World Health Organization listing of medical schools.

LICENSURE

Licensure in United States
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) & United States Medical Licensing Examinations(USMLE)

The students and graduates of Xavier University School of Medicine are eligible to participate in the United States Medical Licensing Examination & receive ECFMG certification. The ECFMG certification requires all graduates to have passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 (both sections), submit a final transcript, and provide a copy of the graduate's diploma for verification. Once ECFMG certification has been granted the graduates are eligible for Postgraduate Medical education (Residency Training) in the United States. Graduates are later eligible for licensure in respective states.

Note:
All prospective and current students who wish to practice in the United States are encouraged to educate themselves on the licensure policies in their respective states. This information can be obtained by going to the Federation of State Medical Boards of United States (FSMB) website or contacting them at www.fsmb.org

Licensure in Canada
Xavier University School of Medicine graduates may practice medicine in Canada. In order to qualify for the Licensure of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), a graduate must have passing scores on the Qualifying Examination Part I (QE Part I) and the Qualifying Examination Part II (QE Part II). International medical graduates are also required to have a passing score on the MCC Evaluating Examination (MCCEE) as one of the eligibility criteria for the Qualifying Examination Part I. For more information regarding licensure in Canada, please visit the Medical Council of Canada's website.
If you are a resident of Ontario, please vist The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

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