*The 3-year first-time residency attainment rate is the weighted average of the 2022-23, through 2024-25 academic years. For each year, the rate is the percent of students attaining a residency out of all graduates or expected graduates in the year who were active applicants in the NRMP match in that year or who attained a residency outside the NRMP match in that year. The 1-year first-time residency attainment rate is 95% for 2024-2025 graduates.
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U.S. Clinical Rotations for Caribbean Medical Students
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Clinical rotations are an exciting time for many medical students, because it takes students one step closer to their goal of becoming a physician. For Caribbean medical students, completing clinical rotations in the U.S. allows them to gain experience in a dynamic and rigorous environment.
U.S. clinical rotations allow medical students to apply their knowledge in real settings, adapt to the demands of new systems, and form professional relationships that can impact future residency opportunities.
What Are Clinical Rotations?
Clinical rotations, sometimes called clerkships, are supervised training experiences in teaching hospitals affiliated with your school of choice. You’ll assist in providing patient care under the mentorship of licensed physicians. Clinical rotations typically consist of core and elective rotations, and specific time frame requirements can vary.
Core rotations are medical specialties you’re required to study as part of your medical training. Elective rotations allow you to further your knowledge of a specialty, or specialties, that interests you. You’ll spend a few weeks in one medical specialty before moving on to the next specialty.
At American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), students complete 80 weeks of clinical training, including:
- 12 weeks in Internal Medicine
- 12 weeks in Surgery
- Six weeks in Pediatrics
- Six weeks in Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Six weeks in Psychiatry
- 38 weeks of electives
- Four to six weeks in family medicine is strongly recommended since it’s required for licensure in most states
As an AUC student, you’ll work closely with a clinical advisor before starting your rotations to choose your elective rotations.
Why Are Clinical Rotations Important?
Typically, clinical rotations are the first time medical students begin providing care for real patients. These experiences expose you to the fast-paced reality of patient care while teaching you to trust your clinical judgement, effectively communicate with patients and healthcare teams, and develop your bedside manner. Clinical rotations show the human side of medicine that a textbook can’t fully prepare you for.
Why Should Caribbean Medical Students Complete Clinical Rotations in the U.S.?
Transitioning from classroom studies to clinical practice is a huge shift for any medical student. For those attending medical school abroad, clinical rotations in the U.S. will help you learn the structure, flow, and expectations of practicing within the American healthcare system.
Increase Residency Match Chances
While accredited Caribbean medical schools meet the same academic standards as their U.S. counterparts, clinical rotations in the U.S. are where these students learn how to work effectively within the American healthcare system. This includes working with multidisciplinary teams, operating under the latest healthcare protocols, providing the appropriate clinical documentation, and more.
Residency program directors in the U.S. often prefer applicants who have experience with U.S. healthcare systems, since they’ll hit the ground running once their residency program begins.
More Chances to Network With Physicians in the U.S.
Just as having clinical experience in the U.S. can boost your residency placement chances, receiving a strong letter of recommendation from a U.S. physician on your behalf can increase those chances even more. Their words can validate your professionalism and competence as a budding physician, regardless of where you completed your medical studies.
Improved Confidence Interviewing for Residency Placements in the U.S.
As you complete your clinical training in the U.S., you’ll gain a collection of experiences you can draw on for both your personal statements and residency interviews. You’ll be able to discuss medical scenarios you’ve encountered and the patient’s outcome within a U.S. context, allowing you to come across as the knowledgeable, prepared applicant you truly are.
How Can Caribbean Medical Students Get Clinical Rotations in the U.S.?
Clinical rotations require planning and the right institutional support. Every school has its own approach to preparing for clinical rotations. AUC offers guided assistance leading up to your rotations to help you know what to expect, explore your options, and narrow choices based on your interests.
Secure Clinical Rotations in Five Steps at AUC
- Complete the medical sciences curriculum.
- Pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam® (USMLE®) Step 1 and submit your score report to AUC.
- Complete a background check and receive necessary clearances.
- Meet with an advisor from the Office of Clinical Advising and Clerkships.
- Explore core and elective rotation scheduling options based on your schedule and the program’s availability.
As an AUC student, you’ll work with both our advisors and individual hospitals to arrange the elective rotations that interest you. For more details, reach out to our Admissions team.
AUC also has a Clinical Return Home offer that allows students to gain clinical experience in or near their hometown. There are a limited number of spots available each term, so the earlier you apply, the better. If you miss this window, no worries. AUC has affiliate hospitals across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and abroad. AUC’s partnerships with a broad range of teaching hospitals allow students to gain exposure treating diverse patient populations while deepening their understanding of healthcare from a global perspective.
How To Make the Most of Your Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are more than a requirement for graduation; they’re often your first chance to show the kind of physician you want to be. Go into your rotations eager to learn and willing to try. No one expects perfection, but they do want to see you have the makings of a competent physician.
Take the initiative and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Learn as much as you can while you’re there and be respectful to everyone you meet. There’s no task too big or small for a medical student completing their clinical rotations.
Remember, every hospital and specialty works differently. Prepare to adjust your expectations and workflow at the start of each rotation, as adaptability will be incredibly important to you as a physician.
Finally, don’t forget to reflect on your experiences. This can help you better understand your interests and goals and narrow down your specialty options for elective rotations and residency programs.
Ready to start your medical studies on the beautiful island of St. Maarten? Apply to AUC today or request more info to get started.
The information and material contained in this article and on this website are for informational purposes only and should not be considered, or used in place of, professional medical advice. Please speak with a licensed medical provider for specific questions or concerns. AUC is not responsible for the information maintained or provided on third-party websites or external links.
