Caribbean medical schools have long been the butt of jokes but their graduates are the ones having the last laugh. There are thousands of licensed physicians from Caribbean schools practicing all across the country. Over 25% of all doctors in the US are from international schools. Do you know where your primary care physician went to medical school? This is the field where Caribbean graduates are expected to dominate with a large percentage of graduates training in Internal and Family Medicine. They are expected to fill a nationwide shortage that is currently occupied by Physicians Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.

Picture this. A 17 year old high school graduate enrolls in a pre-medical program at a Caribbean university. Schools will automatically accept students to their medical programs as long as they maintain a certain GPA in the pre-program. This means there is no need to take the MCAT so you can save yourself the headaches from preparing for that. The program is completed in 2 years and the student enrolls in the first year of the medical degree program at 19 years old.

Numerous Caribbean schools offer an accelerated curriculum that divide the year into trimesters. Students attend school year round and are able to complete their M.D. in less than 36 months. Not to mention you only spend 18 months studying on the island. The clinical years are spent training alongside American medical student at hospitals in the US. St. George’s medical school has hospital affiliations that match any US school. Our fictional student graduates with his Doctorate in Medicine at the ripe age of 22 (going on 23). » Read more: Caribbean Medical School: Fastest Way to Be a Doctor?

Grants are funds provided to specific departments of a university. They are generally, offered by the government. Most reputed schools and colleges of medicine have a grants office within their premises. They are responsible for reviewing all the proposals and transfer of materials associated with external funding.

The intention of American Councils Medical Education Grants Program is to support the growth of projects concerning the career development and curriculum reform of a medical student. Information regarding numerous project ideas eligible for funding is available with various grant offices. This office also answers queries on the substance of proposals, correctness of costs, current indirect costs, award submissions and receipts. The Grants Office helps faculty and administrators in preparing grant proposals, clinical trials and material transfer agreements. The staff reviews each proposal carefully to make certain that administrative, federal, and legal policies are met.

Any U.S. medical chapter that is American Medical School Association recognized, and is involved in conducting a mission that involves medical students and medical education is eligible to apply for a grant. Generally two grants of up to $200 each are awarded through the academic year. Applications are available online and also with the local chapter president. » Read more: Medical School Grants