Studying Medicine in the Caribbean for U.S. Students
Aspiring medical doctors from the United States find academic and personal success at St. Matthew’s University.
St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine (SMUSOM) educates and trains U.S. students who dream of becoming Doctors of Medicine.
If you are considering Caribbean institutions for your medical school journey, read on to explore how we can help you achieve your USMLE, residency and career practice goals.
Why Choose the Caribbean for Your Medical Studies?
Accessible Costs
At SMUSOM, we are committed to supporting future doctors by offering an expansive Caribbean medical school education that is financially accessible for students from across the United States.
We proudly offer a 4-Year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program that features cost-effective tuition and fees, and financial support is available for eligible U.S. students via St. Matthews University scholarships and federal financial aid.
Admissions Cycle With Three Intakes Each Year
SMUSOM operates a rolling admissions cycle, with new incoming classes beginning three times per year, in January, May or September. This means you can apply at any time and enroll shortly thereafter. Future MD program participants never have to wait long to begin their journey to medical school and residency success!
Importantly, applications are considered holistically, meaning we want to know as much about our applicants as individuals as we do about their academic achievements and medical experience. Highlighting personal passions, goals and motivations is a great way to have your personal statement and letters of recommendation stand out.
Personalized Support
At St. Matthew’s University, our dedicated faculty members and Student Support Services work in concert to provide students with any academic and personal guidance they need to achieve their goals. From your first day at medical school in the Caribbean, through clinical rotations in the United States, our team will be invested and committed to your success.
U.S.-Style Curriculum with Instruction in English
Our MD program curriculum was created by faculty who were trained in the United States. It has been designed to foster success in USMLE examinations, on-site rotations, residency placements and clinical practice.
Delivered over 10 semesters, it features classroom and lab-based learning on our Basic Science campus (semesters 1-5), and Clinical Medicine rotation opportunities in the U.S. (semesters 6-10). Successful MD students take the USMLE Step 1 after Basic Science and the USMLE Step 2 CK after Clinical Medicine. Step 3 occurs during residency in the United States.
English is our language of instruction – future students must be prepared to understand faculty members and be able to communicate effectively. English is also the official language of the Cayman Islands and is widely used throughout Grand Cayman (our campus home). This is another appealing reason for U.S. students to study medicine in the Caribbean.
Interested in Learning More?
Contact our expert admissions team to ask any questions you may have and gain valuable guidance.
Why Choose St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine?
International Accreditation
SMUSOM is an accredited Caribbean medical school, with recognition by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM). The ACCM is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) and WFME standards have been deemed comparable to the standards used to accredit medical schools in the United States by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA). St. Matthew’s University also holds key state approvals, and our students can undertake clerkships and pursue licensure in the United States.
USMLE Success Rates
St. Matthew’s University is dedicated to fostering MD student success on the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK. Exam preparation is an essential part of the curriculum and there are a variety of support services available to help our community members study effectively, manage exam challenges and more.
Notably, our MD program students have recently achieved 90% USMLE Step 11 and 97% Step 2 CK2 first-time pass rates.
Residency Placement Outcomes
We know that earning your place in a U.S. residency program and going on to practice is the long-term goal. That’s why we are pleased to share that St. Matthew’s University MD program participants have achieved a 96% Three-Year Residency Placement Rate!3
Our residency placements are achieved at teaching hospitals and medical centers across the United States, and specialties range from Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine to competitive placements like Diagnostic Radiology and Otolaryngology.
Clinical Medicine Rotations in the U.S.
Over the second half of our 4-year MD program, successful students undertake five semesters of Clinical Medicine rotations at hospitals, clinics and medical centers in the United States (with elective options in Canada). This period features 42 weeks of core rotations and 30 weeks of elective rotations. Core rotations include:
- Internal Medicine – 12 Weeks
- Surgery – 12 Weeks
- OB/GYN – 6 Weeks
- Pediatrics – 6 Weeks
- Psychiatry – 6 Weeks
Explore our partial list of affiliated hospitals to learn where you may be able to experience your own rotations in the U.S.
96%
Three-Year Residency
Placement Rate1
90%
USMLE Step 1 First-Time
Pass Rate Over Three Years2
97%
USMLE Step 2 CK First-Time
Pass Rate (2024)3
ACCM
Accreditation
St. Matthew’s University Programs
Explore our Caribbean MD program and pre-medical programs for aspiring U.S. physicians.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
2,300+ alumni have achieved success in our Caribbean MD program. Alumni practice in the U.S., Canada and internationally.
- Four years (10 semesters) of full-time, in-person instruction and training.
- Basic Science (semesters 1-5) on the island of Grand Cayman.
- Clinical Medicine rotations (semesters 6-10) in the U.S. (core and electives) and Canada (select electives).
Pre-Med Master’s
Experience an accelerated medical education program for career changers with an undergraduate-level degree and some foundational science coursework.
- 8 months (2 semesters) of full-time studies, or part-time over a longer timeline.
- In-person or online attendance options.
- Delivered through Medical University of the Americas (our fellow GUS Med & Vet institution).
Gateway Medical
Prepare for the MD program with the Gateway Medical Program, a preparatory course for students who have received conditional MD program acceptance.
- Choose between 15 weeks of full-time studies or 30 weeks of part-time studies.
- In-person or online attendance options.
- Delivered through Medical University of the Americas (our fellow GUS Med & Vet institution).
SMUSOM Admissions Process for U.S Students
Submitting An Application
Future medical doctors from the United States are encouraged to explore our Caribbean medical school admissions process by exploring our application requirements. Importantly, you can submit an incomplete SMUSOM application and then upload outstanding documentation (such as official transcripts) as it becomes available. This early submission option provides you with a decision sooner by accelerating the review process.
To further support your application efforts, you can either apply through our portal or by simply submitting a verified copy of your AMCAS, AACOMAS or TMDSAS application via our common app form.
Necessary Support Documents
All required support documents must be received before an official offer can be tendered. As part of the application process, successful applicants will also need to complete an admissions interview.
- MCAT scores
- Official transcript(s)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statement
When sourcing your two required letters of recommendation, it is advisable that one come from a current or former coworker (in a medical work or volunteer role) and the other come from a former pre-med professor or academic advisor. It is also recommended that the letters come from contacts who can speak in-depth about your personal qualities, medical knowledge and academic/work abilities.
Your personal statement should make clear what makes you a good fit for medical school, why you are passionate about medicine and how you think you will handle the rigours of becoming a physician (in under 500 words). Highlight what inspires you, your soft skills, why you chose St. Matthew’s University and what you hope to achieve as a doctor.
Available Admissions Support
Our expert admissions team is available to support you throughout your journey to medical school. They can provide advice about developing a successful application, prepping for your interview, securing financial aid, applying for a student visa, getting to Grand Cayman and so much more!
Connect with them today: admissions@stmatthews.edu.
The Caribbean Med Student Experience
Balancing Medical Studies and Personal Wellness
The well-being of students is always a priority for the faculty and administration teams at St. Matthew’s University. They understand that studying medicine presents many challenges and work hard to help students manage them effectively while also staying healthy.
As part of our continued efforts to offer meaningful wellness programming, students have access to the Stay Healthy at School Program, which provides holistic counseling services (in more than 100 languages) that can help with a range of mental health issues. Never think that you are alone while attending SMUSOM – reach out for help at any time and let us support you.
Tropical Fun and Exploration
The island of Grand Cayman, one of the top destinations in the Caribbean, is a wonderful place to experience white sand beaches, diving opportunities in crystal blue waters and other exhilarating excursions. Your studies must always come first, but taking some time for yourself can help you enjoy all the benefits of life in the tropics. If you are looking for a medical school experience that combines meaningful education with lasting memories of fun with friends and classmates, St. Matthew’s University is the choice for you!
Supportive Student Community
Our student body members form bonds and friendships that last a lifetime. They organize and participate in a variety of clubs and support groups, which allow them to develop new skills, explore existing passions and meet new people.
Life on Grand Cayman also fosters further connections by offering students many opportunities to explore local offerings together, like shops, restaurants, beaches and more. Community and connection are at the heart of the SMUSOM MD student experience.
Grand Cayman Housing
Our MD students benefit from the variety of rental options on Grand Cayman – the housing market presents opportunities to find both partially and fully-furnished homes. Please connect with our Housing and Settlement Coordinator as early as possible in the admissions process. The admissions team can put you in contact with them.
Graduate Success Stories
Watch our alumni testimonials to learn more about the success of U.S. students, and to gain insights about our academic community, faculty, campus and more:
FAQs About Caribbean Medical School
Students from the United States who have been accepted into the St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine 4-year MD program are eligible for academic merit scholarships, as well as the Opportunity Grant.
The SMUSOM MD program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine, which is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME). WFME standards have been deemed comparable to the standards used to accredit medical schools in the United States by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation. St. Matthew’s University students are eligible to pursue licensure in the United States.
SMUSOM offers a 4-year MD program, as well as two pre-med programs, the Gateway Medical Program and Pre-Med Master’s Program (both delivered through our sister institution, Medical University of the Americas). Gateway is a preparatory course for students who have received conditional acceptance into the MD program, and the Master’s Program is designed for career-changers with an undergraduate-level degree and some foundational science coursework.
SMUSOM offers a variety of support services for new and existing students. Specific to any moving needs, the Admissions team can help with travel options and visa application recommendations, and the Housing Coordinator can support your efforts in finding a rental property.
Ready to Start Your Journey to SMUSOM?
Aspiring medical doctors achieve success at St. Matthew’s University. Apply today to study medicine in the Caribbean, with a clear pathway to rotations, residency and practice in the U.S.
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1. 96% Three-Year Residency Placement Rate is the percent of students attaining a residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 who were active applicants in the NRMP match or attained a residency outside the NRMP match.
2. Based on 2022-2024 data. First-time pass rate defined as total number of students passing the USMLE Step 1 on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 1 for the first time during the calendar years 2022-2024. In order to sit for the USMLE Step 1 exam, the student must successfully complete the Basic Science curriculum and such other prerequisites as the school may establish at its discretion.
3. First-time pass rate defined as total number of students passing the USMLE Step 2 CK on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 2 CK for the first time in calendar year 2024. In order to sit for the USMLE Step 2 CK exam, the student must successfully complete the Clinical Medicine curriculum and such other prerequisites as the school may establish at its discretion.