Program Overview

Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program

An internationally accredited MD program that parallels the training received at U.S. and Canadian medical schools.

Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program Overview

Saba University School of Medicine’s (SUSOM) curriculum, crafted by U.S.-trained faculty, provides a foundation for success in clinical care and beyond. Aligned with leading U.S. medical schools, our MD program spans ten semesters, encompassing focused academic and clinical studies in both Basic Science and Clinical Medicine. At the end of this medical program, our students are ready to pursue careers as practicing physicians and healthcare leaders in the U.S., Canada, and internationally.

Key Statistics

• 99% USMLE Pass Rates: First-time pass rate for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK.
• 97% Residency Placement Rate: Our graduates have successfully secured placements across the U.S. and Canada.
• 3,000+ MD Program Graduates: SUSOM alumni become practicing physicians and healthcare leaders.
• Internationally Accredited: Accredited by the NVAO, the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders.

Basic Science

Duration: Semesters 1-5

The Basic Science curriculum is delivered over the first half of our MD program. Through five semesters on the Saba campus (two years), you’ll develop a robust understanding of human health and disease, which is essential as you develop your successful medical career.

Clinical Medicine

Duration: Semesters 6-10

The Clinical Medicine curriculum comprises an 8-week research module and 72 weeks of clinical rotations. This is when students begin to diagnose and treat real patients (with expert supervision and support) at teaching hospitals, clinics, and medical centers in the U.S. and Canada.

Medical Program Timeline at Saba

A Medical Program with a History of Success

For more than 30 years, SUSOM has offered extensive medical education and hands-on training in the Caribbean. Our graduates achieve residencies on par with graduates from U.S. and Canadian medical schools, with 97% of our eligible graduates earning residency placements.

Dedicated Medical Faculty

Saba University School of Medicine’s faculty educates, supports, and challenges students to achieve their maximum potential in the field of medicine. All SUSOM professors possess advanced doctoral and medical degrees (e.g., MD or PhD), postgraduate training in a medical or academic specialty, and proven teaching and research experience.

Featured Faculty

• Shruti Singh, MD: A graduate of the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) in Nepal. After her graduation, she acquired expertise in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology through a three-year postgraduate doctoral residency training in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at BPKIHS.
• Vaughn Huckfeldt Jr., PhD: The Director of the Center for Student Learning, and had previously served as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. He is committed to the mission of SUSOM, which is to provide the opportunity to all students to become practicing medical doctors.

Student Testimonials

• "Saba is a welcoming place. The professors are always available and your peers can help you too. There are a lot of resources for you." - Jheanell McFarlane
• "The support you feel at Saba is tremendous. If you want to be a physician and help people, then Saba is a great choice." - Elie Bou-Rzik
• "Bring able to use cadavers the same day that you're learning about these systems really cements what you've learned that day." - Ariana Gammon

FAQs About Medical School

• How many years is medical school?: At SUSOM, as at most medical schools, the MD program lasts for four years. Students spend the first half of this time studying on our Saba campus for Basic Science (Semesters 1-5) and then the second half in the U.S. and Canada for clinical rotations (Semesters 6-10).
• When do medical students start residency?: MD program students start residency after they have successfully graduated. At SUSOM, our students have achieved a strong residency placement rate over the past four years.
• How much does medical school cost?: At SUSOM, we are committed to ensuring that everyone who is passionate about medicine can enter an MD program and pursue a career as a practicing physician. That’s we offer affordable tuition and fees, and financial support via grants and scholarships. Our U.S. and Canadian students are also eligible for government financial aid.
• When does medical school start?: The SUSOM MD program features three start dates every year, in January, May, and September. This gives our students the flexibility to start when they feel completely ready and are prepared to take full advantage of their medical education.