A PROGRESSIVE CURRICULUM
In many medical schools students are exposed solely to classroom- based didactics during the duration of their basic science coursework. After approximatly two years they are then required to apply their knowledge to actual cases.

At International American University College of Medicine, similar to many of the best medical schools in the United States, we take a more progressive approach to medical education in that our students are immediately exposed to a case-based, problem-oriented curriculum ("problem based learning", or PBL), which places far more emphasis on learning that is active (researching, discussing) rather than passive (sitting, memorizing). Our curriculum helps build the student’s confidence in their own presentation skills which must be honed by the time they are presenting their cases to a room full of medical doctors.

CASE STUDIES
Beginning with the first week of class, students are presented with a specific case and are required to present and discuss this case the following week. With each case comes a plethora of questions compiled by various faculty members. The student group is required to prepare an oral presentation which addresses each of these questions. The background required to effectively “solve” each case will depend on the specific case discussed during that week. The depth and difficulty of the cases will increase as the students progress towards their final semester in St. Lucia. In addition to case studies, students also participate extensively in local clinics and in the local St. Lucian hospital, St. Jude.

COURSES
The first four semesters of the Basic Sciences are carried out on in St. Lucia; the fifth, or “bridge” semester, is done back in the United States. No student can begin their clinical clerkships until Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination is successfully completed.

The breakdown of the Basic Sciences curriculum, which will take effect in Fall 2008, is as follows:
Semester 1: Anatomy and Doctoring I
Semester 2: Physiology and Biochemistry
Semester 3: Pharmacology and Microbiology
Semester 4: Pathology and Doctoring II

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Tuition for the Basic Sciences is US$8000 per semester. Housing and other costs will vary depending on the student’s lifestyle.

IAU College of Medicine offers financial assistance for the duration of their studies (Basic and Clinical Sciences). Interested students should contact our Dallas office for more details on this private loan program.