Overview of IUB School of Medicine Academic Advantage

The MD program at the International University of Barbados – School of Medicine (IUB-SOM) combines rigorous Basic Sciences coursework taken at our St. Michael campus in Barbados with Clinical Science coursework undertaken at top Teaching Hospitals across the United States. This program is designed to provide students with a strong scientific foundation for their future careers as physicians. You will develop essential research and analytical skills, preparing you to critically assess medical knowledge and contribute to the ongoing evolution of healthcare.

What sets our program apart is its integration of theory with practice. At the end of each course module, students engage in patient-oriented examinations, combining academic learning with real-world clinical experience. The goal of the IUB-SOM program is to help you become the physician you aspire to be, with an emphasis on both your intellectual and professional development.

Academy of International Medical Scholars (AIMS)

AIMS is a unique initiative at IUB-SOM that supports the development of educational, clinical, population health, and basic science research projects. The Academy encourages the spirit of inquiry and fosters learning within a community of faculty scholars. Students actively engage in presenting their research outcomes to a broad academic community, gaining exposure and networking opportunities with professionals in the field.

Evidence-Based Medicine and Clinical Outcomes Research Training

The IUB-SOM curriculum emphasizes the application of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) and Clinical Outcomes Research. Students engage with assigned articles for self-directed learning, guided by Learning Goals and Objectives. In-class discussions are driven by the Socratic Questioning approach, encouraging students to contribute meaningfully to the learning process and become well-versed in evidence-based practices.

Capstone Program

IUB-SOM offers a Capstone Program for students who wish to deepen their knowledge in specific medical fields. Through this program, students select a research project aligned with their interests and work closely with a Capstone Program Mentor. The culmination of this project is a presentation at the Interdisciplinary Student Research Day before graduation. Graduates who successfully complete the Capstone Program are awarded the diploma "Doctor of Medicine with Distinction in Research".

Early Clinical Skills Development (ICE, ACE, 5th Semester Hybrid)

The Early Clinical Experience (ICE) and Advanced Clinical Experience (ACE) courses are structured to develop students' clinical skills over the course of the program.

  • Pre ICE (1st Semester): This foundational course introduces students to the core elements of Clinical Skills development: professionalism, patient communication, medical writing, ethics, and physical examination. Students gain hands-on experience through peer-standardized patients and live patient interactions at Community Clinics.

  • ICE (2nd Semester): This course builds upon the Pre-ICE experience, incorporating simulated patients and further exposure to patient experiences in Community Clinics and the Student-Run Community Health Assessment Center.

  • PreACE (3rd Semester): The PreACE course enhances the skills developed in ICE with more advanced clinical tasks, including presenting patients in a "Grand Rounds"-style format.

  • ACE (4th Semester): Students serve as peer mentors in Community Clinics, assisting junior students while gaining insight into team-based collaborative care settings.

  • Introduction to Clinical Medicine (5th Semester): This course bridges the gap between Early Clinical Experience and Clinical Clerkships, preparing students for more advanced clinical training.

Community Clinics, Public Health Screening Center, and Student-Run Clinic

IUB-SOM offers a comprehensive clinical experience through partnerships with Community Clinics. Students practice the clinical skills learned in ICE and ACE, under the supervision of licensed physicians. The Public Health Screening Center (PHSC) allows students to evaluate the health of walk-in patients, while senior students mentor junior peers in assessing patients and applying clinical skills. This experience is crucial for students' growth as physicians.

Seniors as Mentors Program (SAM)

The Seniors as Mentors Program (SAM) is designed for third-year students to provide guidance and mentorship to junior students. Senior students offer valuable insight into formal licensure testing (such as Step 1) and Clinical Clerkships, helping junior students understand what to expect in their future medical education.

Conductors of Interactive Learning (COIL)

The COIL Program introduces a higher-order learning approach, promoting self-directed learning and peer-to-peer engagement. Students participate in interactive learning sessions guided by the Interactive Learning Conductor, who uses probing, open-ended questions inspired by the Socratic method. This approach encourages deeper understanding and higher-level discussions among students, creating a dynamic and enriching learning environment.

Contact Information:

International University of Barbados – School of Medicine
Address: One Welches Welches, St. Thomas BB22025 Barbados

Through this comprehensive and engaging curriculum, IUB-SOM aims to produce well-rounded, competent physicians equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience to excel in the medical field.