AUC Clinical Sciences Curriculum

The Clinical Sciences curriculum is designed to offer students hands-on patient care experiences while integrating clinical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and professional development—building on foundational concepts introduced during the first two years of medical school.

Medical students complete 80 weeks of clinical training during semesters 6 through 10 (years 3-4) at AUC's affiliated clinical sites in the United States and the United Kingdom.

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AUC Clinical Rotations in the U.S. and U.K.

During the clinical portion of AUC's medical program, students perform as active members of a team comprised of students, residents, and attending physicians.

Under supervision, clinical students take medical histories and give physicals, evaluate laboratory data, analyze information to diagnose patient cases, and undertake limited procedures. 

Each clinical site is staffed by a program director, faculty members and a medical education coordinator who work together to facilitate the learning experience for AUC students. Additionally, AUC’s Office of Clinical Advising and Clerkships is available to assist students at any point during their clinical rotations.

Year

1 - 2

Medical Sciences >

and Hands-On Experience

On campus in Sint Maarten or U.K.

 

Medical Sciences 1

Year 

3

Clinical Rotations >

At U.S. or U.K. Affiliated Hospitals 

 

 

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Year 

4

Elective Rotations >

At U.S. or U.K. Affiliated Hospitals 

 

 

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Year 

4+

Graduation & Residency >

At any hospital

 

 

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On Campus in Sint Maarten or UK

At any hospital

YEAR 3-4

Core Rotations


Elective clerkships are medical subspecialties under each of the main core rotations. Students choose their electives according to their preferred area of postgraduate residency training.

*For students matriculating beginning in September 2019 or later

Students are advised to take four to eight weeks of electives in a primary field of interest. Four to six weeks of family practice is highly recommended, as this is a condition of licensure in many states. Additionally, it is recommended that each student take emergency medicine and neurology, as well as 18–22 weeks of electives in internal medicine subspecialties. See course description section for full listing of subspecialties.

In consultation with their Clinical Advisor in the Office of Clinical Advising and Clerkships, each student selects elective rotations in the US and UK from the list of approved practice areas found under Elective Rotations. Clinical Advisors and Physician Match Advisors (PMAs) will provide students with information on which specialties will be the most competitive.
 

Internal Medicine (12 weeks)

60-80 hours per week

Surgery (12 weeks)

65-80 hours per week

Pediatrics (6 weeks)

50-80 hours per week

Obstetrics & Gynecology  (6 weeks)

60-80 hours per week

Psychiatry (6 weeks)

40-80 hours per week

Electives (30/38 weeks*)

45-80 hours per week

Internal Medicine (12 weeks)

60-80 hours per week

Surgery (12 week)

65-80 hours per week

Pediatrics (6 weeks)

50-80 hours per week

Obstetrics & Gynecology (6 weeks)

60-80 hours per week

Psychiatry (6 weeks)

40-80 hours per week

Electives (30/38 weeks*)

45-80 hours per week

Core Rotational Details

Internal Medicine

Students are exposed to a broad range of adult diseases and conditions, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving. Students participate in patient rounds, diagnostic evaluations, and treatment planning under the supervision of attending physicians, strengthening foundational clinical skills, including history-taking, physical examination, and evidence-based medical decision-making.

Chris Elsayad, MD, MBA, FACP, Chair


Surgery

Students gain hands-on experience in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient care assisting in surgical procedures, learning sterile techniques, and developing an understanding of surgical decision-making. This rotation enhances students’ technical skills and deepens their knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and patient management in both elective and emergency surgical settings.

Thomas Dekoj, MD, FACS, FASCRS, Chair


Pediatrics

Students work closely with pediatricians to assess growth and development, diagnose common childhood illnesses, and provide preventive care. They also gain experience in neonatal care, vaccinations, and pediatric emergencies, while developing communication skills essential for interacting with young patients and their families.

Erika Regalado, MD, Chair


Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN)

Students learn about women’s health, pregnancy, labor and delivery, and reproductive medicine. They assist in prenatal visits, childbirth, and gynecologic procedures while managing common conditions related to female reproductive health. This rotation provides valuable insight into both surgical and non-surgical aspects of obstetric and gynecologic care.

Henry Lam, MD, Chair


Psychiatry

Introduction to the diagnosis and management of mental health disorders, including mood disorders, psychosis, substance use disorders, and anxiety disorders. Students conduct psychiatric evaluations and participate in ward rounds and outpatient clinics and may also engage in therapy sessions and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive patient care. Emphasis on developing strong communication skills and understanding the biopsychosocial model of mental health.

Elizabeth Walker, (MBBS BSc (hons), MRCPsych, Chair


Family Medicine

The Family Medicine rotation provides exposure to primary care and preventive medicine across all age groups. Students learn to manage chronic conditions, conduct routine health screenings, and provide patient education on lifestyle and wellness. This rotation highlights the importance of continuity of care and the physician-patient relationship in managing long-term health outcomes.

Derek Anderson, Chair


Electives

Clinical electives allow students to explore specialty interests and tailor their education by selecting rotations in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and subspecialties. Students benefit from direct patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship from attending physicians, preparing them for residency and their chosen careers with confidence.

Dr. Regalado

Resources Available to Help AUC Students Prepare for the Match

Residency Workshops

 Students gain an understanding of the different components of the residency application process.

Webinar Series

Students learn about best practices for writing personal statements, developing CVs, requesting letters of recommendation, and conducting residency program interviews.

Student and Professional Development 

AUC's Office of Career Advisement (OCA), assists students who are preparing for residency, as well as numerous professional clubs.

Personal Advising

 Residency advisers meet virtually in person at clinical sites to provide individualized guidance and match strategies. 

Physician Match Advisers

Students are "matched" with an adviser who can coach him or her through the residency application process and provide specific counseling related to desired specialty or program.

Specialty Interest Groups

Students interested in a particular area of medicine meet routinely and host AUC graduates, faculty and deans who made a career in that field to provide unique perspectives.