MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS - 2018-2020 CATALOG

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MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS - 2018-2020 CATALOG
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
  OF THE AMERICAS
        2018–2020 CATALOG
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS - 2018-2020 CATALOG
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS

                                                   “INTEGRITY IN EDUCATION”

                                                           P.O. Box 701
                                                 Charlestown, Nevis, West Indies
                                          Telephone: (869) 469-9177 Fax: (869) 469-9180
                                                      Website: www.mua.edu

                                                     U.S. Information Office:
                                                       c/o R3 Education Inc.
                                                    27 Jackson Road, Suite 302
                                            Devens, Massachusetts 01434, United States
                                          Telephone: (978) 862-9500 Fax: (978) 862-9599
                                                  E-mail: admissions@mua.edu

                                                             DISCLAIMER
The information in this catalog is subject to change. Such changes may be without notice. Potential students should not consider this catalog
                   to represent a contract between Medical University of the Americas (MUA) and an entering student.

      MUA disclaims any misrepresentation that may have occurred as a result of errors in preparation or typesetting of the catalog.

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MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS - 2018-2020 CATALOG
SABA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
   TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                            CONTENTS
WELCOME................................................ 1      Clinical Medicine Clerkships                            FINANCIAL INFORMATION...................... 27
  Mission Statement                                            Elective Clinical Rotations                              Tuition and Fees
  History                                                      Hospital Affiliations                                    Tuition Payment Policies
  Recognition, Approvals                                       Doctor of Medicine                                       Tuition Refund
  and Accreditation                                            Graduation Requirements                                  Late Fees
  The Island of Nevis                                          National Resident Matching Program                       Deferment Fee
  Goals and Objectives
                                                             BACHELOR OF HEALTH SCIENCE............ 20                  Foreign Check Policy

ACADEMIC CALENDAR.............................. 4              Educational Requirements                                 Financial Aid Information
                                                               General Requirements                                     Canadian Student Loans
ADMISSION.............................................. 5
                                                               Core Requirements
  Education Requirements                                                                                               LIVING ON NEVIS.................................... 30
  Admission Process                                          ACADEMIC POLICIES.............................. 21         Nevis Facts at a Glance
  Required Documents for Applying                              Honor Code of Professional Conduct                       Airlines Serving St. Kitts-Nevis
  MCAT Requirement                                             Attendance                                               Language and Currency
  Provisional Acceptance                                       Withdrawal                                               Hospital
  Re-Application                                               Leave of Absence                                         Driving and Public Transportation
  International Applicants                                     Grievance and Appeals Process                            Utilities
  Applicants with Advanced Degrees                             Academic Guidelines and                                  Accommodations
  Visiting the Campus                                          Grading Policy                                           Immigration Requirements
  Student Orientation                                          Office of the Registrar                                  Communications
  Transfer Applicants and                                      Transcript Requests                                      Shipping
  Advanced Standing                                            Student Promotions Committee                             Banking
  Deferred Enrollment                                          Dismissal                                                Pets
                                                               Educational Commission for Foreign Medical               Schools
CAMPUS................................................. 10     Graduates (ECFMG)
                                                                                                                        Churches
GATEWAY MEDICAL PROGRAM................ 11                     Ceremonies
  Admission Requirements                                       Academic Recognition and Awards                         ADMINISTRATION AND FACULTY............. 32
  Matriculation to the M.D. Program                            Student Responsibilities 		                              Administration
                                                                                                                        Faculty
BASIC SCIENCES CURRICULUM............. 12                    STUDENT LIFE........................................ 25
  Basic Sciences Curriculum                                    Dress Requirements                                      RESIDENCY PLACEMENTS...................... 35
  Basic Sciences Course Descriptions                           MUA Dormitories
  Required Equipment and Materials                             Off-Campus Housing
                                                               Meal Plan
CLINICAL MEDICINE CURRICULUM........ 17
                                                               Smoke-Free Environment Policy
  Requirements for Clinical Placement
                                                               Substance Abuse
  Research: Literature Review & Analysis
                                                               Student Organizations
  Clinical Placement
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS - 2018-2020 CATALOG
HIPPOCRATIC OATH

                      I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

                I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk,
                       and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

                      I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required,
                       avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

                        I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science,
     and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug.

                  I will not be ashamed to say “I know not,” nor will I fail to call in my colleagues
                            when the skills of another are needed for a patient’s recovery.

  I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know.
  Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given to me to save a life, all thanks.
But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness
                        and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

         I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being,
    whose illness may affect the person’s family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related
                                  problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

                     I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

    I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings,
                              those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

    If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection
                   thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling
                         and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS - 2018-2020 CATALOG
WELCOME

By focusing on key fundamentals—excellent faculty, small class sizes, a modern campus, a wide range of clinical affiliations
and a cost-effective tuition—Medical University of the Americas (MUA) has enjoyed more than a decade of rapid growth
and achievement.

MUA was founded in 1998 by a group of educators who were active in international
medical education. Since the seating of the first class, more than 900 physicians have
earned their M.D. at MUA.                                                                           The Board of Trustees for
                                                                                                    the Medical University of the
Medical University of the Americas is proud of its track record:                                    Americas wishes to express
   • Residency placement rates.                                                                     its profound gratitude to
                                                                                                    the Government of St.
   • USMLE licensing exam performance.
                                                                                                    Christopher (St. Kitts)-
   • Recognition by key medical licensing authorities of the quality of an MUA education.           Nevis, as well as the Nevis
Medical education, globally, now emphasizes greater integration between the basic                   Island Administration for
and clinical sciences portions of the medical school curriculum. At MUA, case-based                 their overwhelming support
learning and clinical skills development are a prominent part of the Basic Sciences                 and assistance in the
curriculum. Learning objectives are fully integrated across all courses. This gives students        continued development of
the opportunity to maintain perspective on critical learning objectives and enables                 the university.
faculty to evaluate students based on patient-centered competencies, rather than just
their medical knowledge.

In addition to integrating more clinical experience into the first five semesters, MUA is also focused on extending its wide
range of affiliations with teaching hospitals in the U.S. and Canada where our students complete their clinical rotations.

MUA continually invests in its campus and is committed to implementing the latest instructional technologies and
information systems. Recent years have seen significant campus expansion, including new buildings and the addition
of faculty and administrative resources.

                                                              1
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS - 2018-2020 CATALOG
MISSION STATEMENT
            MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS
                    MISSION STATEMENT
 To provide students of diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to acquire the medical and clinical
 expertise needed for a successful career as a practicing clinician, along with the skills and confidence
 needed to critically evaluate and apply new information.
 In order to fulfill its mission, the university’s program is structured around certain ideals which
 embody its view of the essential qualities of today’s practicing physician. These ideals are defined in the
 six competencies adopted by the university and summarized below:

    1. Patient Care: Students must be able to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate,
       and effective for the treatment of illness and the promotion of health.
    2. Scientific & Medical Knowledge: Students must demonstrate knowledge about established and
       evolving biomedical, clinical, and associated sciences and application of this knowledge to the
       practice of medicine throughout the life cycle.
    3. Lifelong Learning, Scholarship, & Collaboration: Students must be able to examine and
       evaluate their patient care practices, appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, and use this
       information to improve their abilities.
    4. Professionalism: Students must demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of
       professional responsibility, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity in all interactions
       with patients, families, colleagues, and others with whom physicians must interact in their
       professional lives.
    5. Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Students must display interpersonal and
       communication skills that foster effective information exchange and build rapport with patients,
       their families, and professional associates.
    6. Social & Community Context of Healthcare: Students must demonstrate knowledge of and
       responsiveness to the larger context of health care and the ability to effectively call on system
       resources to provide care that is of optimal value to the health of the individual and of the
       community.

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MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS - 2018-2020 CATALOG
HISTORY                                                             RECOGNITION, APPROVALS
After extensive research and collaboration with medical             AND ACCREDITATION
educators from the United States and abroad, MUA was                MUA is accredited by the St. Kitts and Nevis Accreditation
established to provide a comprehensive program leading to           Board and graduates are eligible for licensure within the
the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.                               federation. MUA is also accredited by the Accreditation
                                                                    Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM). The
MUA is approved and chartered by the Government of St.
                                                                    ACCM, Nevis’ accrediting body, undertook its accreditation
Christopher (St. Kitts)-Nevis. Since its inception in 1998,
                                                                    process for MUA in 2009. The ACCM initially granted
MUA, in close collaboration with the Government of
                                                                    MUA accreditation on June 30, 2010 for a period of six
Nevis, has continued to develop into a dynamic, successful
                                                                    years (the longest period available under the ACCM
medical school that stresses quality and integrity. The
                                                                    protocols). Contact details for the ACCM are: ACCM
cooperative relationship with the local government and
                                                                    Secretariat, 131 Belmont, Southern Cross Road, Bray,
health authorities, and the rapid expansion of the physical
                                                                    Co Wicklow, Ireland, Phone: +353 872388502, www.
campus, has produced an excellent learning environment
                                                                    accredmed.org.
for completion of the M.D. degree.
                                                                    In 2012, the United States Department of Education
MUA’s 10-acre campus is located on what was once a                  determined that Nevis’ accreditation standards are
sugar plantation and enjoys a constant breeze along                 comparable to those set by the Liaison Committee on
with breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding                Medical Education (LCME) to accredit medical schools
mountains. The physical structure has expanded step                 in the United States and Canada.
by step with the completion of a laboratory building
(containing the anatomy, histology and microbiology labs)           The Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program at the Medical
and a two-story library with extensive learning resources.          University of the Americas is listed in the latest
A multipurpose complex with on-site health care clinics,            International Medical Education Directory (IMED).1 The
a computer testing center, as well as additional classrooms         Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
and faculty office space, was added in 2009. The campus             (ECFMG) has declared that students from MUA are
also boasts on-site recreation for students with tennis             eligible to take the United States Medical Licensing Exam
courts, a basketball court and a fitness center. While              (USMLE), which is required for residency and medical
preclinical and clinical enrollment has grown, MUA has              licensure in the United States.
maintained its focus on faculty accessibility and small class       The New York State Education Department/State Board
sizes. This strong academic environment has produced high           for Medicine approved MUA in 2006 for clerkships and
USMLE passing rates and excellent residency placement.              residencies in the State of New York.
                                                                    Medical University of the Americas is licensed by
THE ISLAND OF NEVIS                                                 the Commission for Independent Education, Florida
Nevis is located in the eastern Caribbean, 2 miles from St.         Department of Education. Additional information may be
Kitts and easily reached by air via connecting flights from         obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines
San Juan, Antigua, St. Maarten or St. Kitts. Nevis, also            Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400, toll-free
called the “Paradise Island,” is 36 square miles in area            telephone number (888) 224-6684.
with a population of approximately 12,000. It is a safe
                                                                    Medical University of the Americas is recognized by the
island, conducive to study, family life and recreation.
                                                                    Medical Board of California.
Much of Nevis slopes gently down from a 3,000-foot
                                                                    1 Published by the Foundation for Advancement in International Medical Education and
mountain peak to the palm-fringed, silver sand beaches,             Research (FAIMER) in partnership with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical
                                                                    Graduates (ECFMG).
coconut groves and turquoise sea. Nevis has a pleasant
year-round climate with an average temperature of 79
degrees. Humidity is low and constant northeast trade
winds keep the island cool. Although there is no defined
rainy season, the average annual rainfall is 55 inches.
The capital of Nevis is Charlestown. The twin-island
federation of St. Christopher (St. Kitts)-Nevis gained its
independence from the United Kingdom in 1983, but
still remains a member of the British Commonwealth.
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MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS - 2018-2020 CATALOG
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
                                                              FOR 2018–2020
JANUARY SEMESTER 2018                                         MAY SEMESTER 2019
Orientation & Registration            January 8, 2018         Orientation & Registration                May 6, 2019
Classes Begin                         January 9, 2018         Classes Begin                             May 7, 2019
MD Graduation                         January 5, 2018         MD Graduation                           May 17, 2019
MD Graduation                         March 16, 2018          MD Commencement Ceremony                          TBD
Tuition Due for Next Semester             April 1, 2018       Tuition Due for Next Semester         August 1, 2019
Last Day of Classes                     April 17, 2018        Last Day of Classes                  August 13, 2019
Basic Science Awards Ceremony           April 19, 2018        Basic Science Awards Ceremony        August 15, 2019
Reading Day and Final Exams         April 18–20, 2018         Reading Day & Final Exams         August 14–16, 2019

MAY SEMESTER 2018                                             SEPTEMBER SEMESTER 2019
Orientation & Registration               May 7, 2018          Orientation & Registration          September 2, 2019
Classes Begin                            May 8, 2018          Classes Begin                       September 3, 2019
MD Graduation                           May 18, 2018          MD Graduation                       September 6, 2019
MD Commencement Ceremony                         TBD          Tuition Due for Next Semester        December 1, 2019
Tuition Due for Next Semester         August 1, 2018          Last Day of Classes                December 10, 2019
Last Day of Classes                  August 14, 2018          Basic Science Awards Ceremony      December 12, 2019
Basic Science Awards Ceremony        August 16, 2018          Reading Day and Final Exams     December 11–13, 2019
Reading Day & Final Exams         August 15–17, 2018
                                                              JANUARY SEMESTER 2020
SEPTEMBER SEMESTER 2018                                       First Day of Enrollment               January 6, 2020
Orientation & Registration          September 3, 2018         Orientation & Registration            January 6, 2020
Classes Begin                       September 4, 2018         Classes Begin                         January 7, 2020
MD Graduation                       September 7, 2018         MD Graduation – no ceremony          January 10, 2020
Tuition Due for Next Semester        December 1, 2018         MD Graduation – no ceremony           March 13, 2020
Last Day of Classes                December 11, 2018          Tuition Due for Next Semester             April 1, 2020
Basic Science Awards Ceremony      December 13, 2018          Last Day of Classes                     April 15, 2020
Reading Day and Final Exams     December 12–14, 2018          Basic Science Awards Ceremony           April 16, 2020
                                                              Reading Day and Final Exams         April 15–17, 2020
JANUARY SEMESTER 2019
Orientation & Registration            January 7, 2019         MAY SEMESTER 2020
Classes Begin                         January 8, 2019         First Day of Enrollment                   May 4, 2020
MD Graduation                         January 4, 2019         Orientation & Registration                May 4, 2020
MD Graduation                         March 15, 2019          Classes Begin                             May 5, 2020
Tuition Due for Next Semester             April 1, 2019       MD Graduation                           May 22, 2020
Last Day of Classes                     April 16, 2019        Commencement                                      TBD
Basic Science Awards Ceremony           April 18, 2019        Tuition Due for Next Semester         August 1, 2020
Reading Day and Final Exams         April 17–19, 2019         Last Day of Classes                  August 12, 2020
                                                              Basic Science Awards Ceremony        August 13, 2020
                                                              Reading Day and Final Exams       August 12–14, 2020

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MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS - 2018-2020 CATALOG
ADMISSION
Medical University of the Americas                                 data, and perform in a reasonably                                  or if the student is registered, dismiss
encourages applications from students                              independent manner. MUA accepts                                    the student.
who are dedicated, enthusiastic,                                   students from wide educational and
and well suited for the rigorous                                   geographic backgrounds, with the                                   Students or graduates of any
study of medicine. Prospective                                     belief that such a diverse student body                            accredited college or university in
students must have a solid pre-                                    can only enrich the overall educational                            the world are invited to apply to
medical undergraduate education                                    experience.                                                        MUA. Applicants from the United
incorporating appropriate science                                                                                                     States (who are U.S. citizens or have
courses. Students are also expected                                Applicants are accepted based upon the                             permanent visas) or Canada are
to have a mature sense of values and                               presumption that all of their statements,                          expected to have a minimum of three
sound goals for pursuing a career in                               both oral and written, are true and                                years of undergraduate studies or the
medicine. Once enrolled at MUA, each                               that all documents are authentic. If it is                         equivalent of 90 semester hours or 135
student must be able to integrate all                              later discovered that false or inaccurate                          quarter hours, including pre-medical
information received, demonstrate the                              information was submitted, MUA may                                 requirements from an accredited
ability to learn, analyze and synthesize                           nullify acceptance into the program,                               college or university.

NOTE: MUA’s program of study is principally designed to meet the guidelines for medical education set forth by the LCME. Students whose anticipated or preferred career path is subject to other
guidelines or requirements should carefully consider whether MUA’s program would satisfy those other requirements.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO NON-U.S AND NON-CANADIAN STUDENTS: In order to complete the program in medicine, students from outside the U.S. and Canada may need to obtain certain visas in
order to undertake all or a portion of the requisite clinical training in affiliated hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, all students from outside the U.S. and Canada will need certain
visas to take one or more segments of the USMLE exams in the U.S. These visas are solely the student’s responsibility to obtain. Medical University of the Americas understands that as a result
of policies or practices adopted by the U.S. State Department, a number of medical students from outside the U.S. and Canada have been unable to obtain the required visas. Students from
outside the U.S. and Canada who are unable to obtain the necessary visas will not be able to complete the school’s degree program. In such a case, no refund of tuition or other expenses
incurred in connection with his or her attendance at MUA will be made.

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MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS - 2018-2020 CATALOG
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
The following courses are considered standard pre-medical        Course                Length of Study         Credits
requirements for admission. Exceptions will be considered        General Biology or
on an individual basis.                                          Zoology               One academic year       6+ credits
                                                                 Inorganic Chemistry
Biology: A one-year general biology or zoology course            (with lab)            One academic year       6+ credits
with a laboratory component. Students who elect to pursue        Organic Chemistry
additional coursework in the biological sciences should          (with lab)            One academic year       6+ credits
consider genetics, embryology, cell and molecular biology,       English
or comparative anatomy.                                          (recommended)         One academic year       6+ credits
                                                                 Physics
Chemistry: One year of inorganic chemistry and one year of       (recommended)         One academic year       6+ credits
organic chemistry with laboratory component. Biochemistry        Mathematics
can be considered an option for Organic Chemistry.               (recommended)         One academic year       6+ credits
                                                                 Other                 A broad background in
English: One year of college-level English literature or                               humanities, social
composition. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in                                or physical sciences,
writing, reading and oral communication.                                               and computer skills

                                                             6
ADMISSION PROCESS                                                    REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR
MUA operates on a trimester system and admits a limited              APPLYING
number of students for the January, May, and September               The following documents are required to complete the
semesters. Prospective students may apply for admission              application process:
to MUA at any time throughout the year. Applicants are
encouraged to submit their application and supporting                  • Completed application form along with a personal
documents early (generally six to eight months in advance).              statement.
Since the number of students in each class is limited, early           • Application fee of US$75.00.
applicants have a better chance of securing a place in the             • Official transcript(s) sent directly from each college/
semester of choice.                                                      university attended.
Completed applications are reviewed and evaluated within               • MCAT official report (MCAT scores are required for
two weeks by the Pre-Screening Committee. Qualified                      all U.S. citizens, nationals or permanent residents prior
applicants will be scheduled for a telephone or an in-person             to matriculation).
interview.                                                             • Two letters of recommendation (at least one should
                                                                         be from an individual capable of assessing the
The Admissions Committee will evaluate the candidate’s                   applicant’s academic ability), or a Pre-medical advisor’s
potential based upon the following criteria:                             committee report.
  1. Intellectual and academic ability.                                • TOEFL scores, official report if applicable.
  2. Communication skills, both oral and written.                      • Two passport-size (2” x 2”), color photographs.
  3. Goals for entering the medical field.                           These additional documents are required once admission
                                                                     has been granted:
  4. Letters of recommendation and personal statement.
  5. Knowledge of international medical education.                     • Health certificate/immunization form to include:
                                                                         MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, and
  6. Special talents, hobbies, interests and international
                                                                         tuberculin.
     travel.
                                                                       • Negative HIV test within six months (requirement of
  7. Personal qualities such as spontaneity, enthusiasm,
                                                                         the Government of St. Christopher-Nevis).
     motivation, perseverance and sound judgment.
                                                                       • Police report or letter of clearance from the applicant’s
  8. Willingness to work as a team member, function
                                                                         local police department.
     effectively under stress and display flexibility.
                                                                       • Four passport photographs.
  9. Community service and leadership skills.
                                                                       • Completed dormitory form.
 10. Volunteer experience, work or research in the
     medical field.                                                    • Valid passport.
Decisions regarding admission are made within ten business
days. All interviewed applicants will receive a final decision
in writing. Upon receiving a letter of acceptance, students
will be required to acknowledge their candidacy within 30
days by submitting a signed registration form along with a
nonrefundable tuition deposit of US$500. The tuition deposit
will be credited toward tuition once the student matriculates.

                                                                 7
MCAT                                    INTERNATIONAL                             APPLICANTS
REQUIREMENT                             APPLICANTS                                WITH ADVANCED
The MCAT is requested of North          The Admissions Committee actively         DEGREES
American resident students. Admitted    seeks to enhance the international        Medical University of the Americas
students are to submit their test       representation of its student body        encourages applications from
results prior to enrolling into MUA.    and therefore takes into account the      individuals who hold advanced,
The Admissions Committee at MUA         variety of academic and scholastic        graduate, or doctoral degrees in the
will use MCAT scores to assist in the   differences that exist throughout other   basic science areas. Each applicant will
admissions decision, but does not       countries of the world. Students from     be evaluated on an individual basis.
base decisions solely on MCAT scores.   all countries can be assured equal
There is no minimum score below         consideration for admission to MUA.
which an application is automatically
                                                                                  TRANSFER
rejected.                               Applicants from countries with            APPLICANTS
The MCAT is offered online multiple
                                        educational standards similar to
                                        the U.S. will be evaluated by the
                                                                                  AND ADVANCED
times per year. Information on the      Admissions Committee. Each                STANDING
MCAT testing dates is available at      applicant, in general, should meet        MUA does not support M.D. programs
www.aamc.org.                           the educational requirements for          that do not reflect a solid foundation
                                        admission to a medical school in their    of traditional medical education.
Application for the test must be made   country of origin. Students who have      Therefore, MUA will not accept
approximately one month prior to the    attended institutions outside the U.S.    any transfer credits earned through
designated testing date. If using the   and Canada and whose transcripts          distance learning.
MCAT (THx) system, please use the       are not in English must obtain an
school name. MCAT scores must be        interpretation in U.S. equivalency from   Programs of this nature may seriously
submitted to the Admissions Office in   a translation service. Students who       jeopardize a student’s potential
Devens, Massachusetts.                  have attended a college or university     for medical licensure in the U.S.,
                                        outside the U.S. or Canada are            Canada, and other countries. MUA
PROVISIONAL                             required to obtain a course-by-course     does not offer advanced standing to
ACCEPTANCE                              evaluation of their transcript through    students for courses taken in Doctor
                                        the World Education Services (www.        of Chiropractic, Physician Assistant,
Applicants who have not met all of      wes.org) or from other accredited         Podiatry, or Doctor of Dentistry
the admission requirements may be       agencies that are members of the          degree programs.
provisionally accepted. However, if     National Association of Credential
the requirements stipulated in the                                                Students with unsatisfactory records or
                                        Evaluation Services (www.naces.org).
provisional letter of acceptance have                                             dismissal for any reason from another
not been successfully fulfilled, the    Since English is the language of          medical school will not be considered
applicant will not be permitted to      instruction at MUA, it is important       for advanced standing. Acceptance is
register for classes.                   that applicants be prepared               contingent upon the recommendation
                                        academically to pursue the curriculum     of the Admissions Committee on the
RE-APPLICATION                          and be able to communicate effectively.   basis of space availability within the
                                                                                  class. Basic Sciences transfer applicants
                                        Applicants whose principal language
Application materials are maintained    is not English may be required to         may be accepted to the second, third,
on file for one year, after which       take the Test of English as a Foreign     or fourth semester.
students must re-apply for admission.   Language (TOEFL).
Unsuccessful candidates may re-apply                                              Transfer students are admitted on a
by submitting a new application form,                                             space-available basis into the Basic
a US$75 application fee, an updated                                               Sciences portion of the program.
personal statement and updated                                                    Transfer credits are only accepted from
transcripts when applicable.                                                      schools listed by the World Health
                                                                                  Organization (or successor).

                                                           8
Transfer applicants must submit the
following documents:
                                            DEFERRED
                                            ENROLLMENT                                   STUDENT ORIENTATION
  1. Official transcript(s) sent directly                                                Attendance at the student orientation is
     from the current institution, and      Students who have already secured            required for all new incoming students.
     all colleges/universities attended.    placement by paying their tuition            The orientation session is conducted on
                                            deposit may request to defer their           the day before the first day of class. During
  2. Verification that the student was                                                   orientation, incoming students will officially
                                            enrollment to a future semester.
     a registered medical student and                                                    register for classes, submit documents
     coursework was taken while the         Deferment requests will be considered        required for temporary residence, tour the
     student was “in residence.”            on a case-by-case basis. Deferments          campus, meet the deans and faculty, and
                                            will be granted only if space is available   learn about MUA policies and procedures.
  3. Students who wish to transfer
                                            in the requested semester. Students
     directly into the Clinical
     Medicine program will be               requesting to defer their date of
     required to:                           enrollment must submit a Deferment
                                            Application along with a US$500              VISITING THE CAMPUS
     a) Provide documentation that
                                            nonrefundable deferment fee to the           MUA maintains an open-door policy and
     they have successfully passed the                                                   encourages students and their families
                                            Admissions Department. If approved,
     USMLE Step 1 with a score of                                                        to visit the campus on Nevis. Visiting
     200 or better.                         the tuition deposit and the deferment        the campus will allow students to meet
                                            fee will be credited toward the first        current students and faculty, tour the
     b) Schedule a personal interview       semester’s tuition. Only one deferment       campus facilities, sit in on classes and
     with the Associate Dean of                                                          visit the dormitories. To avoid arriving
                                            request will be honored.
     Clinical Medicine.                                                                  during semester breaks and exam periods,
                                                                                         please contact the campus Administration
                                            In the event the student is still unable
                                                                                         Office
                                            to attend the deferred semester,             (869-469-9177) for assistance in schedul-
                                            s/he will forfeit their tuition deposit      ing your visit.
                                            and deferment fee and be required to
                                            reapply for admission.

                                                                9
CAMPUS
Located on 10 acres of land generously
provided by the Government of
                                          pathology laboratories provide
                                          each student with a medical-quality
                                                                                    LORRAINE HANLEY
St. Christopher-Nevis, the Medical        binocular microscope and prepared         BROWNE MEDICAL
University of the Americas Basic          slides. Faculty has access to dual-       LIBRARY
Sciences campus is situated on the        binocular and trinocular microscopes
                                                                                    The Lorraine Hanley Browne Medical
eastern side of Nevis, overlooking        to facilitate student learning.
                                                                                    Library is a two-story 10,000 square
the Atlantic Ocean, three miles from
                                          The cafeteria on campus is open to        foot facility that houses computer
Newcastle airport and one mile from
                                          all students, faculty, and staff from     terminals, individual-study carrels
Nisbet Plantation Beach.
                                          7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Services include      with monitors and videotape
Currently, the MUA campus consists        breakfast, lunch, and snacks, with food   recorders. In addition, students have
of an administration building,            prices subsidized by MUA.                 access to an extensive selection of
classroom buildings, a student                                                      journals and textbooks, as well as
cafeteria, a multipurpose building with   Recreational facilities on campus         extensive access to on-line medical
gross anatomy, microbiology, histology    include two tennis courts, a basketball   journals and resources. The Learning
and pathology laboratories, as well as    court, a volleyball court, a children’s   Resource Center (LRC) also contains
a medical reference library with free     play area and a fitness center.           printed USMLE reference material so
wireless Internet access. The teaching                                              that students can start preparing for
microbiology lab includes a wet lab                                                 their board exams throughout their
and facilities for incubating and                                                   Basic Sciences program.
evaluating microbiological cultures.

A 38,500 square foot building
was completed in 2009 and houses
additional classrooms, administrative
and faculty offices, laboratories,
meeting rooms, a clinic, a general
function room and a fitness center.

All classrooms are air-conditioned
and contain a wide variety of teaching
resources such as classroom monitors,
slide and overhead projectors,
microscopes with video capability,
LCD projectors, and computers.

The gross anatomy laboratory
utilizes human cadavers that have
been specially prepared for medical
dissection. In addition, there is a
dry anatomy laboratory with many
teaching aids, as well as, tutorials
in X-Ray, CT and MRI imaging
technologies. The histology and

                                                            10
GATEWAY MEDICAL
                        PROGRAM
MUA offers a highly structured, one-
semester Gateway Medical Program
                                         CURRICULUM
designed to allow students a smooth      Course                                                     Credit Hours
transition into the Doctor of Medicine
Basic Sciences program. The Gateway      GMP 400 - Clinical Anatomy                                        6
Medical program consists of one          GMP 401 - Medical Physiology                                      6
semester of science coursework.
Students may enter the Gateway           GMP 402 - Cell and Molecular Biology                              6
Medical Program during any of the
academic semesters (January, May or      GMP 403 - Principles of Medicine                                  4
September).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE GATEWAY
                                         MATRICULATION TO THE M.D. PROGRAM
MEDICAL PROGRAM:                         Students enrolled in the Gateway Medical program must meet the following
  1. Applicants must demonstrate         criteria, as well as all requirements, in order to qualify for matriculation to the
     proficiency in writing, reading,    Doctor of Medicine program:
     and oral communications.
                                           1. Complete the entire Gateway Medical Program.
  2. A completed application form.
                                           2. Achieve an overall GPA of 3.0 (B) and be in good standing.
  3. A nonrefundable application fee
     of US$75.
  4. A personal statement.
  5. Official transcripts from each
     college/university attended.
  6. Two letters of recommendation.
  7. Two passport-size (2” x 2”),
     color photographs.
Coursework in general biology,
zoology, genetics, immunology,
physics, psychology, and human
growth and development are highly
recommended, but not required.

                                                            11
BASIC SCIENCES
                                   CURRICULUM
                                             BASIC SCIENCES CURRICULUM
                                          Course                               Course Name                              Credits   Contact
                                                                                                                                   Hours
                                         Semester 1
                                         MED 502      Human Body Structure & Function                                        15       231
                                         MED 504      Human Histology & Physiology                                           13       180
                                         MED 506      Clinical Skills I                                                       2        30
                                                                                                 SEMESTER ONE TOTAL:         30       441
                                         Semester 2
The Medical University of the            MED 601      Metabolism & Nutrition                                                  9       133
Americas curriculum in the Doctor        MED 602      Genetics & Development                                                  4        65
of Medicine (M.D.) program parallels     MED 603      Infection / Defense / Response                                         12       186
the courses and training offered
                                         MED 604      Medical Ethics                                                          2        37
by medical schools in the United
                                         MED 606      Clinical Skills II                                                      3        44
States and Canada and is principally
designed to meet the guidelines set      MED 609      Research Curriculum - Evidence Based Medicine                           1        19
forth by the Liaison Committee on                                                                SEMESTER TWO TOTAL:         31       484
Medical Education. The Basic Sciences    Semester 3
program is five semesters in length.     MED 704      Neuroscience and Neurology                                             10       143
The Clinical Medicine program            MED 705      Systems & Disease I (Introduction/Endocrine)                           11       158
consists of 72 weeks of clinical         MED 706      Clinical Skills III                                                     3        40
rotations at hospitals in the United
                                         MED 709      Behavioral Medicine                                                     8       127
States and abroad, and eight weeks of
the Research: Literature Review and                                                           SEMESTER THREE TOTAL:          32       468
Analysis module.                         Semester 4
                                         MED 801      Systems & Disease II (Repro/GI/Peds)                                   13       196
The first five semesters comprising      MED 802      Systems & Disease III (CV/Resp/Renal)                                  13       199
the Basic Sciences program are
                                         MED 806      Clinical Skills IV                                                      6        96
taught on Nevis by qualified M.D.
and Ph.D. medical school faculty                                                              SEMESTER FOUR TOTAL:           32       491
who are dedicated to providing the       Semester 5
highest quality instruction. The low     MED 901      Systems & Disease IV (MSK/Heme/Immuno/Integ/Multi)                     12       189
student-professor ratio provides ample   MED 908      Foundations of Clinical Medicine                                       16       241
opportunity for students to interact     MED 906      Clinical Skills V                                                       3        45
with the teaching faculty.               MED 909      Research Curriculum - Critical Appraisal                                1        14
The Basic Sciences program consists                                                              SEMESTER FIVE TOTAL:        32       489
of five 15-week semesters of
coursework with two-week breaks
between each semester.

                                                                 12
BASIC SCIENCES
  COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FIRST SEMESTER                                        MED 506 CLINICAL SKILLS I
                                                      This is the first course in a five-part series that
                                                                                                              MED 602 GENETICS &
                                                                                                              DEVELOPMENT
                                                      focuses on communication skills, eliciting the          This course provides students with an under-
MED 502 HUMAN BODY                                    patient’s history, performing a physical exam,          standing of the principles and concepts upon
STRUCTURE & FUNCTION                                  and communicating their findings to health-             which current clinical genetic practice (diag-
This course explores basic gross human                care professionals through oral presentations           nosis, treatment, and genetic counselling) is
anatomy, allowing students to understand              and written notes. In this course, students will        based. It also incorporates human development,
anatomical relationships, development, structure      learn and practice the foundations of patient-          allowing students to understand the relationship
and function. Through lectures, regional dissec-      physician communication skills, including               between development and the underlying genetic
tions of cadavers and evaluation of radiographs       initiating the session, building the relationship,      mechanisms of congenital abnormalities. This
(including CT and MRI), students acquire a            exploration of problems, understanding the              course covers the genetics of human populations
basic knowledge of the normal gross structure,        patient agenda and structuring the consultation.        and introduces recent and ongoing discoveries
embryologic development, functional and clinical      Students will also learn the first steps of eliciting   so that their future applications may be under-
anatomy of organs and systems of the adult            the patient’s story in a patient centered manner        stood. (4 credits; 65 hrs.)
human body, including the brain and spinal            and the initial components of a physical exam.
cord. Computer-based tutorial programs and            In addition, students will begin to develop their
structured reviews are used to supplement the         skills documenting their findings in a patient          MED 603 INFECTION /
lectures and labs. (15 credits; 231 hrs.)             note. (2 credits; 30 hrs.)                              DEFENSE / RESPONSE
                                                                                                              This course considers the characteristics and
MED 504 HUMAN HISTOLOGY &                             SECOND SEMESTER                                         properties of microorganisms, their role in the
                                                                                                              disease processes and selected aspects of
PHYSIOLOGY                                                                                                    diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease.
This course examines the microanatomy of cells,       MED 601 METABOLISM &                                    Other topics include the basic principles of
tissues and organs as well as the basic compo-        NUTRITION                                               bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology,
nents of human physiology. Lectures illustrate                                                                immunology and microbial genetics, including
the microstructure of major tissues and organs        The biochemical pathways of living organisms
                                                      are studied with a focus on metabolic processes.        cultural characteristics and pathogenic proper-
in relation to their function. This program pres-                                                             ties of medically important species of bacteria,
ents the molecular biology and histology of nor-      Topics include pathways linking nutritional
                                                      intake and energy yielding processes as well            fungi, and viruses. This course covers the basic
mal cells, tissues and organ systems at various                                                               immunologic concepts of the cells and humoral
developmental functional stages. Students learn       as the application of underlying principles
                                                      discussed in the first semester. Broad content          products of the immune system. Lectures include
how individual cell functions interact with one                                                               the molecular biology and genetics of antigen
another and how such interactions are accom-          includes a study of the chemistry and reac-
                                                      tions of constituents of living matter, including       recognition and immunoglobulin production
plished from the tissue levels to the organ levels.                                                           plus the characteristics and detection of
The course prepares students for an understand-       carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids,
                                                      vitamins, coenzymes, and minerals. In addition,         antigen-antibody reactions. The approach
ing of normal (homeostasis) structure of the                                                                  is to correlate these basic concepts with clinical
systems and furnishes the background for ap-          the chemistry and regulation of the reactions
                                                      and processes of whole organisms will be                manifestations of disease, the immunopatho-
preciating pathological conditions. In addition,                                                              logic mechanisms of hypersensitivity, autoim-
students learn how molecular building blocks          examined including: endocrinology, enzymology,
                                                      nutrition, intermediary metabolism and                  munity, transplantation, tumor immunology,
are utilized for growth and differentiation, wound                                                            hematology, reproduction, infectious diseases,
healing and tissue repair, defense mechanisms         biochemical mechanisms involved in select
                                                      disease states. (9 credits; 133 hrs.)                   immunodefiency and pharmacotherapy. (12
and transfer of hereditary characters. Physiology                                                             credits; 186 hrs.)
topics include the basic components of all organ
systems. (13 credits; 180 hrs.)

                                                                              13
MED 604 MEDICAL ETHICS
(WEEKS 9-14)
                                                      THIRD SEMESTER                                        MED 706 CLINICAL SKILLS III
                                                                                                            (WEEKS 4-12)
This course provides a comprehensive study            MED 704 NEUROSCIENCE AND                              After a review of the skills developed in Clinical
of the legal and ethical issues involved in the                                                             Skills I & II, students will learn to communicate
practice of medicine. Medical ethics will consist     NEUROLOGY                                             in a patient-centered manner in other specific
of a series of seminars devoted to discussion of      This course will include an interdisciplin-           situations including patients with mental illness,
various topics such as dis­closure, confidential-     ary investigation of the pathology, physiology        obtaining information from other caregivers,
ity, informed consent, and death and dying.           and the gross and microscopic structure of            providing advocacy and support and medically
The inclusion of ethics case discussions will         the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system of         unexplained symptoms. Students will continue
allow students to discuss and debate ethical          humans. Aspects of brain energy metabolism,           to refine their ability to obtain a complete history
scenarios. Legal cases posing dilemmas that           neurotransmitter synthesis and degradation,           and conduct a complete physical exam. Students
relate to each case will be presented, along with     and psychopharmacology are presented. This            will also refine their ability to obtain a complete
abstract material to facilitate conceptual and        course integrates anatomical and physiological        history and physical exam in a patient-centered
ethical analysis. (2 credits; 37 hrs.)                material to assist the student in understand-         manner, and will begin to learn to obtain a
                                                      ing common neurological disease processes.            problem-focused history. Documentation skills
MED 606 CLINICAL SKILLS II                            Laboratory exercises will provide slides and          will focus on the complete history and physical
After a review of the skills developed in Clinical    dissection of the human brain, spinal cord, and       exam with oral presentations and the patient
Skills I, students will learn additional compo-       relevant structures. Students will be introduced      note. (3 credits; 40 hrs.)
nents of a patient-centered history, including        to modern methods of neuroimaging, including
explaining and planning a treatment plan and          CT scans and MRI. Weekly sessions will intro-
                                                      duce students to the relationship between basic       MED 709 BEHAVIORAL
communication skills in specific situations
including delivering bad news, cultural and           science and clinical medicine with emphasis on        MEDICINE
social diversity, and demonstration of empathy.       diagnostics, therapeutics and disease causa-          This course presents the basic principles of
Instruction on the history continues with the past    tion. In addition, there will be integration of       human behavior including biological, social, and
medical history, family history, social history and   concepts learned in MED 706 - Clinical Skills III,    cultural substrates. Both normal and abnormal
a complete review of systems. Students will also      MED 705 - Systems & Disease I, and MED 709 -          behavior theories will be included in an overview
learn to perform a complete screening physical        Behavioral Medicine. Each of these interactive        of personality development. Workshops will cover
exam, and will continue to develop documen-           sessions will include group problem-solving           areas such as interviewing techniques, death
tation skills with oral presentations and the         exercises and critical appraisal of the primary       education, human sexuality, and psychophysi-
patient note. (3 credits; 44 hrs.)                    literature. Students will present different aspects   ological disorders including stress management
                                                      of contemporary scientific and medical literature     and biofeedback. Additional lectures present
                                                      including the background, current understanding       various classes of psychotropic drugs and their
MED 609 RESEARCH                                      and future directions. (10 credits; 143 hrs.)         indications. The course will also address the
CURRICULUM - EVIDENCE-                                                                                      fundamental principles of the distribution of
BASED MEDICINE                                        MED 705 SYSTEMS & DISEASE I                           diseases and their causes in human populations.
                                                                                                            Students will learn how to conduct epidemiologic
Student will have an opportunity to develop re-       (INTRODUCTION/ENDOCRINE)                              investigations, how to critically review medical
search skills related to Evidence-Based Medicine      Basic principles of human physiology, pathology       literature and how to use this information in a
(EBM). Students will be introduced to concepts        and pharmacology are studied followed by an in-       clinical environment. Students will acquire a
of research analysis and critical thinking. At        vestigation of the Endocrine System. This course      basic level of proficiency in epidemiologic prin-
the end of this course, students will be able to      employs the Endocrine System as a transition to       ciples, biostatistics and be able to apply these in
identify and frame a clinical question based on       semesters 4 and 5 where the remainder of the          clinical practice. (8 credits; 127 hrs.)
therapy, diagnosis, prognosis or etiology; develop    systems will be discussed. As with the rest of
a focused search strategy to identify articles        the Systems & Disease courses, each system will
that best answer the clinical question; find the      begin with a detailed review of pertinent human
appropriate medical database; and critically          body structure and function as well as cell/tis-
appraise articles for validity. Students will be      sue structure and function. This will be followed
required to independently utilize various types       by the presentation of the individual systems in
of EBM resources. Students will use technologi-       detail, including relevant pathology, physiology,
cal resources that are available online and in        pharmacology, clinical skills and clinical presen-
the Medical University of the Americas library.       tations of disease. All content will be integrated.
Skills acquired in this course will allow students    (11 credits; 158 hrs.)
to successfully complete the research module,
Research: Literature Review and Analysis (RLRA).
(1 credit; 19 hrs.)

                                                                             14
FOURTH SEMESTER                                      FIFTH SEMESTER –                                      FIFTH SEMESTER –
MED 801 SYSTEMS & DISEASE II
                                                     FIRST BLOCK                                           SECOND BLOCK
(REPRO/GI/PEDS)                                      MED 901 SYSTEMS & DISEASE IV                          MED 908 FOUNDATIONS OF
The Systems & Disease series of courses begin        (MSK/HEME/IMMUNO/INTEG/                               CLINICAL MEDICINE
with a detailed review of pertinent human body
structure & function as well as cell / tissue        MULTI)                                                This course utilizes daily live lectures and other
structure & function. This will be followed by       This course covers the Hematologic, Immune,           materials to provide a structured, integrated
the presentation of the individual systems in        Integumentary and Musculoskeletal systems as          review of the basic sciences. An emphasis is
detail, including relevant pathology, physiol-       well as Multisystem disease. It follows the struc-    placed on understanding of disease processes
ogy, pharmacology, clinical skills and clinical      ture described in MED 801 - Systems & Disease         and clinical problem solving. Students attend
presentations of disease. All content will be        II. (12 credits; 189 hrs.)                            daily live lectures. Early in the course students
integrated. Additionally, Clinical Correlate ses-                                                          are given a diagnostic pre-test to help identify
sions will introduce students to the relationship                                                          problem areas and individualize learning goals.
                                                     MED 906 CLINICAL SKILLS V                             At the end of the course students are adminis-
between individual systems, pharmacology and
clinical medicine with emphasis on diagnostics,      After a review of the skills developed in Clinical    tered a full-length, simulated comprehensive
therapeutics and disease causation. These            Skills I– IV, students will continue to develop       exam. (16 credits; 241 hrs.)
sessions will include didactic instruction, group    their communication skills and ability to perform
problem-solving exercises and critical appraisal
of the primary literature. This course covers the
                                                     a complete history and physical exam. Physical
                                                     exam skills will be reinforced by more in-depth       RESEARCH
                                                     instruction in the physical exam skills that          Students and faculty are encouraged to
Reproductive and Gastrointestinal systems, and
                                                     correspond to the systems studied in MED 901          participate in research projects. Students
Pediatrics. (13 credits; 196 hrs.)
                                                     - Systems & Disease V, concentrating on the           are able to engage in projects focused on the
                                                     gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, and        advancement of patient-focused care, especially
MED 802 SYSTEMS & DISEASE III                        musculoskeletal systems. Students will further        as related to primary care and underserved
(CV/RESP/RENAL)                                      develop their ability to complete a problem-          populations.
This course covers the Cardiovascular, Respira-      focused history and physical exam. Documenta-
tory and Renal systems, and follows the struc-       tion skills will be further developed with focused    ELEC 104 RESEARCH
ture described in MED 801 - Systems & Disease        patient visits, with additional instruction on        Students are invited to participate in research
II. (13 credits; 199 hrs.)                           medical order writing, diagnostic decision-mak-       projects at the discretion of the professor. The
                                                     ing, and prescription writing. (3 credits; 45 hrs.)   amount of credit and time will be determined on
                                                                                                           a case-by-case basis.
MED 806 CLINICAL SKILLS IV
                                                     MED 909 RESEARCH
After a review of the skills developed in Clinical                                                         MED 515 INDEPENDENT STUDY
Skills I–III, students will continue to develop      CURRICULUM – CRITICAL
their communication skills and ability to perform    APPRAISAL                                             In this course, students learn the skills of a
a complete history and physical exam. Physical                                                             systematic approach to acquiring important
                                                     Students will participate in the critical appraisal
exam skills will be reinforced by more in-depth                                                            medical data via independent study. Medical
                                                     of contemporary medical literature, including
instruction in the physical exam skills that                                                               information acquisition and further review of
                                                     publications representing various study designs
correspond to the systems studied in Systems                                                               topics of interest will be accomplished under
                                                     as well as the incorporation of basic science
& Disease, concentrating on the integumentary,                                                             the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students will
                                                     principles. Selected primary literature will range
cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and neurologi-                                                          develop their skills by working with an individual
                                                     from preclinical investigation through the vari-
cal systems. Students will further develop their                                                           professor who agrees to monitor their experience.
                                                     ous phases of clinical trials. Templates such as
ability to complete a problem-focused history                                                              Students will be responsible for defining their area
                                                     PICOT (population, intervention, comparison,
and physical exam. Documentation skills will                                                               of interests and arranging the experience with
                                                     outcome and time) will be introduced and
focus on the complete history and physical exam                                                            their faculty mentor (variable hours and credits).
                                                     utilized. This course will be integrated with
with oral presentations and the patient notes for                                                          May be taken any semester with permission of
                                                     the content presented in MED 901 - Systems
both a complete history and physical exam and a                                                            the Associate Dean of Basic Sciences and the
                                                     & Disease V. Skills acquired in this course will
focused patient visit. (6 credits; 96 hrs.)                                                                instructor.
                                                     allow students to successfully complete the
                                                     research module, Research: Literature Review
                                                     and Analysis (RLRA).
                                                     (1 credit; 14 hrs.)

                                                                            15
REQUIRED                                            Textbooks: Students will be given a list of
                                                    required textbooks and other equipment at the
EQUIPMENT AND                                       time of admission. A complete listing is avail-
                                                    able on the MUA website. Faculty may make
MATERIALS                                           changes to the booklist up to two months prior
Medical Apparel: Students must purchase their       to the first day of class. MUA reserves the right
own medical apparel (laboratory coats, scrubs,      to change the book list. To prevent unnecessary
short white coat, etc.).                            expenditures, it is suggested that students pur-
                                                    chase their textbooks one semester at a time.
Computer: Students should consider bringing a
laptop for note taking during classes. The major-
ity of lectures are presented using PowerPoint.

                                                                           16
CLINICAL MEDICINE

Once students have successfully            goals. Students, however, are required         • Provide proof of personal health
completed the Basic Sciences, they are     to complete at least four weeks of a             insurance.
eligible to enter the Clinical Medicine    Primary Care elective (e.g., Family            • Submit an updated resume.
portion of the M.D. program. The           Medicine, Ambulatory Internal
                                                                                          • Submit a USMLE release form.
80-week Clinical Medicine Program          Medicine, or Ambulatory Pediatrics).
component consists of a required                                                          • Pass the USMLE Step 1.
eight-week research module followed        REQUIREMENTS                                   • Pay liability insurance premium.
by 72 weeks of clinical clerkships in
various medical specialties in selected
                                           FOR CLINICAL                                   • Research: Literature Review and
                                                                                            Analysis final paper approved
teaching hospitals in the United States    PLACEMENT                                        by sponsor for presentation to
and abroad. During this time, students     Students must meet the following criteria        committee
attain broad experience in conducting      in order to qualify for matriculation to
physical examinations, taking              the Clinical Medicine program:              RESEARCH:
thorough histories while focusing                                                      LITERATURE REVIEW
                                              • Be considered in good standing
on the fundamentals of diagnosis
and gaining an introduction to the              at the completion of the Basic         AND ANALYSIS
management of health care problems.             Sciences program.                      The Research: Literature Review and
                                              • Receive a recommendation by the        Analysis course, a required portion of
The 72 weeks of clinical clerkships             Promotions Committee and the           the curriculum (effective September,
include 42 weeks of required core               Associate Dean of Basic Sciences.      2012), is designed to further develop
clinical hospital rotations and 30 weeks                                               students’ abilities to evaluate and
                                              • Submit a complete and updated
of elective rotations. Core rotations                                                  assimilate scientific evidence and
                                                Immunization Form.
consist of Internal Medicine, Surgery,                                                 to reinforce the skills required to
Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Obstetrics        • Participate in a Clinical
                                                Orientation Session on the             critically appraise the ever-changing
and Gynecology.                                                                        body of medical knowledge.
                                                MUA campus.
Elective rotations may be in any of the       • Sign the MUA Clinical Medicine
various medical specialties, depending          contract.
upon the student’s future

                                                              17
These skills are essential to modern            clinical rotation within an approved                     commonly encountered disease
practicing physicians who will have to          U.S. Hospital/Medical Center. This                       processes as well as an introduction to
continuously improve their medical              placement is subject to United States                    the use of diagnostic procedures.
knowledge and clinical skills over the          government regulations.
course of their career.                                                                                  SURGERY
                                                Clinical clerkships are scheduled
Students are expected to apply the              through the MUA Office of Clinical                       Students will be introduced to disease
knowledge and understanding from                Medicine. Students are not permitted                     processes that require various levels
their Basic Sciences courses to analyze         to contact affiliated hospitals directly                 of surgical intervention. Initially,
a current and complex medical                   until official assignment to the site is                 students will be taught the policies
care question, using evidence from              received via a clerkship confirmation                    and procedures of the operating
published medical literature. As part           form. Special arrangements for                           room including scrubbing and the
of this course, students are required to        electives or other clerkships should                     maintaining of sterile technique.
write a paper that is evaluated by              be cleared first through the Office of                   They will have opportunities to do
a faculty committee.                            Clinical Medicine, which will provide                    presurgical histories and physical
                                                proof of insurance and liaison contacts                  examinations. Opportunities will
While working independently, students           with the hospital or preceptor.                          be provided for direct practice of
will interact on a regular basis with                                                                    simple procedures such as suturing,
a faculty mentor who will provide
oversight throughout the project
                                                CLINICAL                                                 debridement and wound care. Under
                                                                                                         close supervision of a preceptor,
including: selection of an appropriate          MEDICINE                                                 students will be able to observe and
topic; identification of relevant literature;   CLERKSHIPS                                               assist during various procedures in
formulating conclusions; and the                                                                         the operating room and participate
preparation of a final paper. The sponsor       CORE ROTATIONS*                                          in the follow-up and treatment of the
will also review the written paper to           Internal Medicine ..................... 12 weeks         postsurgical patient in the hospital and
ensure that it meets university standards       Surgery...................................... 12 weeks   in ambulatory practice settings.
prior to approval for submittal to the          Obstetrics and Gynecology ....... 6 weeks                (12 weeks)
faculty committee for review.                   Pediatrics ................................. 6 weeks
                                                                                                         OBSTETRICS AND
                                                Psychiatry................................. 6 weeks
CLINICAL                                        TOTAL........................................ 42 weeks
                                                                                                         GYNECOLOGY
PLACEMENT                                                                                                Students will be introduced to the
                                                *Note: Students are required to take                     normal course of pregnancy to include
Geographical mobility is required of            Core Clinical Examinations at the                        prenatal care, labor, delivery and the
all students in the Clinical Medicine           completion of each core rotation.                        postpartum period. Students will be
program. Students are given an
                                                                                                         taught the fundamentals of a proper
opportunity to fill out a geographical          INTERNAL MEDICINE                                        obstetric and gynecologic history
preference form prior to entering the
                                                Students build on skills acquired in                     and examination. Observation and
Clinical Medicine program. Special
                                                Foundations of Clinical Medicine to                      participation in a number of live
consideration is given to engaged
                                                include the completion of a thorough                     births will be provided. Students will
students, married students and students
                                                history and physical examination of                      also participate in discussions and
with school-age children. Scores on
                                                primarily adult patients. Students will                  receive direct experience with various
the USMLE Step 1 may also be taken
                                                be a part of the clinical management                     disease processes and complications
into consideration, as some hospitals/
                                                team and given responsibilities for                      of pregnancy and delivery. Students
medical centers have set cutoff scores
                                                certain aspects of direct patient care                   will learn the fundamentals of family
for acceptance into a clinical rotation at
                                                under the close supervision of a                         planning and dealing with patients with
their respective centers.
                                                preceptor. Students will have clerkship                  sexually transmitted diseases. (6 weeks)
For students requiring visas, Medical           experiences in both inpatient and
University of the Americas will make            ambulatory care settings. Instruction
every attempt to place a student in a           will include the management of

                                                                              18
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