CARIBBEAN MEDICAL SCHOOL RANKINGS
Choosing the Right Institution for your Future
Identifying "Top Caribbean Medical Schools"
One of the most common things prospective applicants ask when researching off-shore medical schools is “What are the top Caribbean medical schools?” While it makes sense to look for an objective assessment of the options as a starting point, perspective students must first understand what makes a “top Caribbean medical school.”
There are number of ranking platforms available from trusted publications that provide useful data on U.S. and Canadian schools, allowing students and their families to make an informed decision. Unfortunately, this just doesn’t exist for Caribbean medical schools.
While there is no official unbiased ranking system, below is a quick overview of what is important to look for when considering a Caribbean medical school.
Are They an Accredited Caribbean Medical School?
Trinity Has Placed 96% of it's Graduates in Residencies Over the Last 5 Years
When looking for an off-shore medical school, one should only consider schools that are accredited by an internationally recognized body. Accreditation ensures that the medical school has been independently evaluated. This evaluation typically includes a visit to the school as well as an assessment of the quality of the school’s administration, facility and education to confirm that it meets the accreditation body’s standards.
- CAAM-HP
The Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) developed a clear and authoritative mandate for accreditation that includes site visits, preset standards, self-evaluation, and external reviewers to accredit medical schools. - WFME
The World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) compares accreditation agencies against globally-accepted criteria for quality measures that demonstrate that a medical school meets rigorous standards. - FAIMER
The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) is a non-profit foundation of the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). It produces a comprehensive resource detailing information about foreign medical schools. Known as the World Directory of Medical Schools, it provides data regarding a school’s curriculum, enrollment, and accreditation or program recognition.
What Are Their Residency Placement Rates?
The next statistic you’ll want to identify is the school’s match rate. Trinity prides itself on ensuring that its graduates are afforded excellent opportunities for residencies. We’re proud to hold a 96% residency placement rate over the last 5 years at some of the finest institutions in the country. Graduates of Trinity have gone on to apply and succeed in residencies across the U.S. and Canada.
What Are Their Average Medical Student Board Scores?
A medical school’s board scores are a reflection of its curriculum and the methods it uses to prepare students to practice medicine. Schools with a high pass rate and competitive scores indicate continuous attention and adaptation of standards to reflect the needs of the healthcare community.
Trinity is proud to note that our USMLE Step 2 CK pass rate is 96% with an average score of 228.
Where are the School's Clinical Locations?
One thing applicants may overlook when identifying a “top Caribbean medical school” is the location of clinical rotations (and the number of times they will have to move). The founders of Trinity set out to build a top-quality medical school recognized for excellence among all medical schools. We achieve that excellence through the personal investment we make in each student who enters our school, starting from the admissions process and continuing through their academic and clinical studies, residencies, and medical practice. U.S. and Canadian residency directors recognize the quality of Trinity graduates, who continue to secure top-choice residencies in the national annual match programs.
There are Caribbean medical schools that spread their clinicals across the U.S., requiring students to move every eight weeks for years on end to complete their medical education.
Trinity School of Medicine students have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations within the Emory Hospital in Warner Robins, Georgia as well as with our additional partnering hospitals in the surrounding area, and in Baltimore, Maryland. Emory Hospital Warner Robin's facilities, include the acute care Emory Medical Center, Emory Hospital Perry, and the Emory Hospital Pavilion.
Trinity provides students the kind of clinical experience you would expect from a U.S. medical school. All rotations are scheduled by a Trinity clerkship administrator. Students rotate with a low preceptor-to-student ratio and can complete their full 48 weeks of core rotations in one location at our affiliated hospitals and clinics – no moving around from city to city, no waiting for rotations slots to open, and no gaps between rotations. This is a huge benefit for both quality of life and cost of living.
The Trinity Difference
No matter where you hope to attend medical school, remember this: academic culture matters. Trinity’s small class size and supportive atmosphere is cultivated to create a safe, distraction-free environment where students can meet their full potential as future doctors.
At Trinity, we do not “gate” our published numbers based on test scores, nor do we throw the door wide and let everyone sink or swim. Rather, we strive to select candidates that have been overlooked by the United States medical school system and give them a supportive environment to thrive and achieve success.
When you make the decision to attend Trinity, you aren’t just earning a quality medical education; you are also gaining a strong support network that will help you succeed from the minute you arrive in St. Vincent to your final clinical rotation and beyond.
Caribbean Medical School FAQs
Is Trinity accredited?
Yes! Trinity’s accreditation by CAAM-HP, the primary accrediting authority for Caribbean medical schools, enables our graduates to participate in the residency match processes in the United States and Canada, as well as apply for residencies and licensure in both countries.
Do I have to schedule my own rotations?
All clinical rotations are scheduled by a Trinity clerkship administrator. Students rotate with a low preceptor-to-student ratio and can complete their full 48 weeks of core clinical rotations in one location at our affiliated hospitals and clinics. There’s no moving around from city to city, no waiting for rotations slots to open, and no gaps between rotations.
Can I match if I graduate from Trinity?
Trinity School of Medicine is accredited by CAAM-HP, which means eligible graduates can participate in the medical residency match process and pursue licensure in the United States and Canada.
Trinity students have a residency placement rate of 96% over the last 5 years, with many graduates going on to become chief residents within their programs.
What clinical training does Trinity offer?
Trinity School of Medicine has an exceptionally high volume of clinical training. There are two main phases to Trinity’s formal clinical offering. The first is in St. Vincent, the second is in the United States. Trinity students spend their first four terms in St. Vincent, utilizing the classrooms and labs on campus while also gaining practical experience at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, a 230-bed teaching hospital affiliated with the campus.
The second phase of Trinity School of Medicine’s MD program consists of clinical clerkships in the U.S., conducted in hospitals and medical facilities where students utilize what they’ve learned in the basic science courses and the Introduction to Clinical and Community Medicine courses. Under the supervision of faculty physicians, students participate in 48 weeks of required core clerkships and 27 weeks of elective clerkships. From the different clerkships, students obtain clinical expertise in the basic disciplines in preparation for advanced training during their residencies. There are no waiting lists for core rotations at Trinity School of Medicine. No student is admitted to the school without us knowing there is a slot available for them when they start their rotations.
The 27 weeks of elective clerkships are strategically chosen on an individual basis to strengthen students’ skills and visibility within specialties or geographies of specific interests for their postgraduate education (residency).
Is Trinity approved in California?
Trinity School of Medicine is accredited by CAAM-HP, a recognized accrediting body. California does not rely solely on a fixed “approved schools” list; instead, the Medical Board of California evaluates eligibility based on multiple factors, including accreditation, ECFMG certification, and other requirements.
Graduates of Trinity may pursue residency training and licensure in California, subject to meeting all applicable state requirements.
Are there research opportunities?
Yes! Ground-breaking medical innovation starts with research. At Trinity, we offer numerous research opportunities to students driven by their desire to solve a problem. Research at Trinity is not limited to a specific area and students are encouraged to partner with professors, peers and preceptors on publications, projects, and presentations in their areas of interest.
What is student life like at Trinity?
As is the case with any medical school, the students are busy. However, while students are bright and competitive, the stereotype of the cutthroat medical student is largely absent at Trinity. This is by design. Trinity’s small class size and supportive atmosphere is cultivated to create a safe, distraction-free environment where students can meet their full potential as future doctors.
Trinity’s small class sizes also mean students aren’t just building knowledge—they are building friendships. Building strong and lasting friendships is impossible at most medical schools, where students are in a sea of hundreds. Trinity is proud to provide a setting where students can build lasting relationships and benefit from the constant support only close peer groups provide.
Although the majority of students’ time is focused on their studies, St. Vincent provides a beautiful, tropical background with ecotourism opportunities, beautiful beaches, and wonderfully welcoming people. There are many opportunities to explore the island, participate in group activities, and relax between exams.
For a full list of official student groups and activities, click here.
How do I get to campus?
The Argyle International Airport is located about fifteen minutes from Trinity’s campus and is serviced by regional carriers, including Delta, American Airlines, and SVG Air as well as Caribbean Airlines and Air Canada. Delta flies direct from Atlanta, American Airlines flies direct from Miami, Air Canada flies direct from Toronto, and Caribbean Airlines flies direct from New York City. Other international flights are routed first through nearby Barbados before making a connection to St. Vincent. Upon arrival on St. Vincent, a welcoming committee from Trinity will pick you up for the short 15-minute drive to campus.
Can I speak to an alum?
Yes! We frequently host “From an Insider” webinars where we have an alum as a guest. This is a great way to ask questions and have them answered live in a group setting. If you prefer a one-on-one conversation, just reach out to admissions and they will connect you with a graduate.
We also encourage you to read detailed success stories from graduates of Trinity School of Medicine’s MD program.
What is the culture of Trinity’s campus?
Studies have shown that higher academic results are achieved in an inclusive and diverse campus environment. This type of campus culture promotes the ability to hear and understand someone of a different background and creates a higher level of self-awareness that future doctors need to be successful in their practice.
Trinity School of Medicine continues to build upon the groundwork of our founders and their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. We believe educating students in environments that value diversity and inclusion has a positive impact on students’ attitudes regarding access to care. Additionally, these environments produce graduates who are better prepared to practice in a variety of communities. This approach is in keeping with our mission to improve access to quality healthcare.
How long do students live on the island?
Students in Trinity’s MD Program spend their first 4 terms (16 months) at our Basic Science Campus in St. Vincent. As with most medical schools, Trinity students enjoy breaks between terms, during which they can explore the islands or travel home to visit family and friends.
What global volunteer opportunities are available to Trinity students?
Trinity students have a truly unique opportunity to participate in the pediatric care mission of a remarkable organization: World Pediatrics. World Pediatrics serves at-risk children throughout the Caribbean region through its teams of volunteer physicians and a world-class operating facility in St. Vincent for specialty surgeries. Trinity students may volunteer to serve supporting roles in surgical cases and participate in care discussions with surgical teams.
In addition to World Pediatrics, Trinity students have many other medical volunteer opportunities to serve and learn within the community. The Rotary Village Doctor program allows the people of St. Vincent the opportunity to be seen by a number of volunteer specialists on a single day, in a single location. Trinity students triage over 100 patients a day at these scheduled events. Early patient interaction and exposure to clinical situations provide a great benefit to Trinity students and also allow the student the opportunity to give back to the community of St. Vincent.
Participating in these unique opportunities provides not only a sense of personal fulfillment, but also strengthens students’ applications to residency programs by spotlighting qualities of compassion, humanity, and desire to be a force for good.
What does the networking landscape look like for Trinity students and are there networking opportunities?
Trinity has a wide variety of student organizations, all of which lead to deep lasting personal and professional relationships. Beyond that, Trinity’s guest lecturers, visiting faculty, and full-time faculty all take special interest in our students. Small class sizes allow for professional relationships to develop early on, offering both mentorship opportunities and a connection to the greater healthcare community.
Trinity students spend their 3rd and 4th years in one location for clerkships, where relationships with program directors, hospital administrators, and physicians can be built and nurtured. The ability to spend 4 terms in the same community with the same medical professionals provides the opportunity to build a strong foundation for lifelong relationships. This experience is unique to Trinity due to our clerkship program structure.
