Highlights of 2011, Trinity School of Medicine, Caribbean Medical School

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2011 was a fantastic year for Trinity School of Medicine

• The addition of many new clerkship sites in Washington DC, Connecticut, Georgia, New Jersey and Utah expanding our students clerkship options beyond existing sites in Illinois, New York and North Carolina.
• 2011 Step 1 results will be released in February. We're on track for maintaining the strong pass rate achieved in 2010, once again validating the strength of our faculty and the value of our comprehensive Step 1 preparation program.
• 100% Pass Rate for USMLE Step 2 CK & CS.
• Our 4th year students applied for both the National Residency Match Program in the U.S. and CaRMs in Canada. Look for our announcement in March on our students success in achieving residency placements.
• Two of Trinity's Senior Med students were selected to join the medical corp of the Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity in Haiti.
• While many Caribbean medical schools lost their student loan offerings due to the volatile financial markets, Trinity was able to maintain and add programs to enable students to finance their medical school education and related needs such as housing, living expenses, books and travel.
• We increased enrollment by over 200% while holding our attrition rate to a mere 2%. And though we're growing, our signature small incoming classes still provide students with a unique level of personal attention.

Trinity from an Applicants Perspective: Part Three

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There is so much to be said about my trip to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that perhaps I should author a short novel. But I’ll spare you the long-windedness -- since after all, you’re all busy Pre-Med’s or perhaps already Medical Students -- and simply address that which we are all curious about: the academics. 

After meeting with Dean Johnson in person for over two hours (I still can't believe he was willing to meet with a prospective student for such a long time), speaking with both permanent and visiting professors, and pestering students (JOKE -- I hope I wasn’t too bothersome with my extensive questioning), I have acquired answers to all of the pertinent questions I had in choosing the right medical school. The transparency of the faculty as well as the student body was so refreshing, and I feel that I have gained a true understanding of the technical aspects of Trinity. So without further delay, here is what I found:

1. Does Trinity adhere to more of an advocacy curriculum, or one of global health?
   Global health. In fact, many of the Trinity students have a particular interest in treating underserved populations, such as the two students who recently travelled to serve in Haiti (see previous Trinity blog post below)
2. Are the clinical clerkship rotations already established, or must we apply for them like some of the other Caribbean Schools?
   Trinity is different from other Caribbean medical schools in that the clinical clerkships are already scheduled for you. You do not need to apply for them separately. They are completed in a number of places including Chicago, Atlanta, NY and Washington DC.
3. Is there an option to apply separately for Away Rotations during the 3rd and 4th year, that may be at hospitals/private clinics back home?
   Yes! The core rotations must be completed through Trinity's affiliated hospitals, but for electives, students may opt to apply for away rotations elsewhere!
4. Typically, US medical students have a break between 1st and 2nd year of medical school. Trinity, being based on a trimester system, does not. If a student is interested in pursuing medical research (i.e. applying to one of many Research Institutes that sponsor summer research for medical students), could Trinity work with that student to allow them to conduct research?
   Absolutely! Dean Johnson is extremely supportive of anyone wanting to pursue medical research, and seems open to working with students to incorporate any research endeavor into their education. Not only that, but I was ecstatic to learn that Trinity itself has several research opportunities available for students; namely, research involving acute rheumatic fever and RHD (Streptococcal study).
5. Is Trinity considered an off-shore US medical school, or an international medical school?
   The academic curriculum is US-based, and rigorously prepares students for their USMLE Board exams - the certification exams for all physicians wanting to practice in the US. That being said, students who have studied at a school outside of the US are considered International Medical Graduates or IMGs.
6. How are the exams structured? Specifically, how much emphasis is placed on Clinical Vignettes?
   At least 80% of questions are vignettes! In fact, Dean Johnson even let me glance at an exam. This is extremely important because the Board certification exams will be structured in this way, with a patient history presented before asking about a particular signaling pathway involved.
7. Although the residency match for 2012 has not yet occurred (it will in March 2012), can you possibly tell me the ratio of number of residencies applied for versus number of interviews received? Also, is there an available list of residency types for which your 2012 graduating class applied?
   Students are encouraged to apply to at least 10 different hospitals for residency. There is no data as of yet about matching (the residency Match does not occur until March for US-hospitals), but most if not all of the students have received interviews. The most common residency picks of Trinity students are Internal Medicine and Surgery.

I hope this information has been as helpful to you as it was for me. With these questions answered, I am absolutely confident that Trinity School of Medicine is an excellent institution, and one that will push, challenge, and prepare me to be the best Doctor I can be.

Mission Trip to Haiti Recap by Trinity School of Medicine Students

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After being sponsored by Trinity School of Medicine to participate on the medical services team for the Carter Work Project with Habitat for Humanity International in Haiti, Senior Medicine Students Crystal Shaw and Sarah Theart discuss their experience and how it reinforced why they are pursuing their Doctor of Medicine degrees—to provide health care to the under-served, a common thread amongst many Trinity MD students.

Sarah:  Arriving in Haiti for the week of service with Habitat of Humanity was a dream come true. Being Haitian American, I longed to go back to the country of my birth to help in anyway possible. It was hard work in modest accommodations but I received so much more than I gave. I was able to be resourceful yet patient, compassionate, and understanding. I found it humbling to receive such gratitude from the families and volunteers by providing access to health care with very limited supplies. This experience only reinforced my commitment and dedication to providing access to health care to the under-served not only here in the United States but abroad. I'm so grateful again to Trinity for the opportunity to represent our school in Haiti.

Crystal:  It was a blessing and honor to spend a week serving with Habitat for Humanity in Haiti. We were part of the emergency medical team, working long hours in the heat, providing first aid, medical management and trauma care for more than 600 volunteers and local homeowners. The inspirational volunteers worked hand-in-hand with President Jimmy Carter to build houses for over 100 families whose lives were devastated following the earthquake. I am grateful to Trinity School of Medicine for the fun adventure and useful training, but much more so for reminding me of my true motivation in the pursuit of medicine, to help the under-served.

Doctor and Medical Team Supervisor:  Both Sarah and Crystal were welcome additions to our medical team. Even though there were no traumatic events, I feel both students benefitted and learned from the experience. The hours were long, weather hot and humid and the living conditions were spartan, however they did all that was asked of them enthusiastically without complaint. By the end of the week they were well established as members of the "medical team" and if schedule permits, I look forward to them joining us each year.

Read more about the Habitat for Humanity Int'l Carter Work Project in Haiti

Trinity School of Medicine from an Applicant's Perspective: Part 2

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This is Gily, reporting to you live from 25,000 feet in the air, on a plane from Barbados to Grenada, and subsequently St. Vincent. It has been a long, exhausting day full of airport  security checks and connecting flights, but the adrenaline rush of finally arriving at Trinity is overpowering my fatigue.  Instead of worrying about my luggage (which has been lost somewhere en route from Miami to Barbados), I have been busying myself with writing down the scope of everything I want to ask the Dean, Chancellor, professors, and students during my preview visit.

In a way, for me it’s sort of symbolic that my luggage has been lost in transition; for you see, that is exactly the kind of thinking I have in choosing Trinity as the school for me: minimalism. I am ready to cast aside the comforts of everyday life, the high heels and HDTV, and focus solely on my ultimate goal: my MD. And what better place to do it than on a beautiful Caribbean Island? The calm ocean-view outside the window, the distractions of life back home far away, and nothing but medicine and me for the next 20 months.

I spoke with my friend Rachel (a current 4th year student at a US medical school and future OB/GYN resident) just before boarding my flight in Atlanta, and she suggested I investigate as much as I can about Trinity’s residency match. As she is currently undergoing the US residency match, she knows what to look for in a medical school that will prepare you for residency, and so she shared her thoughts with me. 

Essentially, as I see it, medical school may be triaged to two primary aspects: Board scores and residency. The first two years of core curriculum are intended to prepare students for the Step 1 exam. The next two years of clinical clerkships and the Step 2 exam, prepare students for their residency. Thus, I too will tackle my search for medical school as a two-pronged investigation, reporting to you my findings in the coming days. 

I will present to you here the questions I have formulated which I plan to ask the faculty and students of Trinity. My hope is that some of you out there are wondering the very same things, and so will be able to garner insight about Trinity alongside me as I visit the school for the first time. The questions I have thusfar are as follow:

1. Does Trinity adhere to more of an advocacy curriculum, or one of global health? (Note: most US medical schools adhere to either one or the other)
2. Are the clinical clerkship rotations already established, or must we apply for them like some of the other Caribbean Schools?
3. Is there an option to apply separately for Away Rotations during the 3rd and 4th year, that may be at hospitals / private clinics back home (ones unaffiliated with Trinity -- i.e. with my primary care physician)?
4. Typically, US medical students have a break between 1st and 2nd year of medical school. Trinity, being based on a trimester system, does not. If a student is interested in pursuing medical research (i.e. applying to one of many Research Institutes that sponsor summer research for medical students), could Trinity work with that student to allow them to conduct research?
5. Is Trinity considered an off-shore US medical school, or an international medical school?
6. How are the exams structured? Specifically, how much emphasis is placed on Clinical Vignettes? 
7. Although the residency match for 2012 has not yet occurred (it will in March 2012), can you possibly tell me the ratio of number of residencies applied for versus number of interviews received? Also, is there an available list of residency types for which your 2012 graduating class applied?

I encourage you to leave a comment on this blog if you want, with a pertinent question you have, and I will ask your question to the faculty and students in person, and report back on my blog their answers verbatim.

If you notice, I haven’t included any questions as of yet about Island life. I figure that will come naturally once I arrive on the Island... so stay tuned!  I must go, as the cabin is preparing for landing in St. Vincent now. So goodnight to all, and I will be in touch soon. 

Yours, Gily

Trinity School of Medicine from an Applicant's Perspective

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Gily is preparing for her latest adventure, one in a long line of adventures and experiences that the future medical school student and world-traveler has embarked upon in her 24 years of life.  Gily's trip starts tomorrow, she's leaving Augusta, Georgia for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and more specifically Trinity School of Medicine.  This is the last step in Gily's extensive research to determine if she's found the medical school program that is ideal for her.  We asked Gily if she would share her experiences with other prospective students, honest and unfiltered:

GILY - I'd be thrilled to share my experiences, and I think it will be a wonderful "First Impression" guide for future students / applicants visiting the Island.

A little background on Gily, she graduated from the University of Georgia in December of 2009 Cum Laude with a double major in Biology and English.  Additionally she was a 2009 National Amgen Science Foundation Scholar, 4 year member of the UGA RedCoat Marching band and was a study-abroad student at Oxford University.

GILY - As you well know me by now, I have networked with dozens of medical professionals, physicians, nurse practitioners, admissions directors, etc., in the US, inquiring about Caribbean Studies, about St. Vincent itself, and about Trinity School of Medicine. I have to tell you that every single person I have sat down with (and that's a lot of Starbucks coffee dates - let me tell you!) has been wholeheartedly supportive of my endeavour. There are so many IMGs {International Medical Graduates} around, so many graduates who have gone on to do phenomenal things. I met with an opthalmologist who owns a private practice in Columbus, GA. He had studied at St. George's in 1984 (just 7 years after it had opened), and was on the St. Vincent campus, so he had much to say in the way of Island exploration. In his words, "I took a risk, but I had no doubt I would succeed. Us doctors are a different breed. When we've got the drive within us, we're unstoppable!".

The amount of positive feedback I have received has been overwhelming, and I can confidently say that I know that I am absolutely making the right decision by attending Trinity. In fact, (and I may have to wait until I return from my preview trip to confirm this) I think Trinity is a better fit for my medical education than most mainland US schools. The amount of support and encouragement from Trinity's student body has been unprecedented. They have thrown open their doors with open arms, and have warmingly invited me to stay with them -- to get the full medical-student experience, and to sleep in their dorms. These are people I have never met before in my life... simply students doing a favor for another! This sense of community, this closeknit family, is unlike most other academic institutions. Bianca and her friends have planned dinner for me when I arrive on Thursday night, despite having a quiz Friday morning. Hector has offered space at his house to store anything. Beatriz has kindly extended her room, and Madison and I have going-out plans Friday night. I am beyond thrilled, and cannot wait to meet these people in person! It seems as though every person at Trinity is a truly dynamic individual. They have a zest for learning, interlaced with a passion and love of life. They are exactly the kind of people I want to surround myself with, and whom I want to be my colleagues.

We'll be looking forward to Gily's next installment upon arrival, later in the week.

Trinity School of Medicine Students Selected to Serve in Haiti

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A common thread that unites many students from Trinity School of Medicine is their desire to assist under-served communities through the power of medicine.  Two Trinity students, Ms. Crystal Shaw and Ms. Sarah Theart accepted the call and on November 5, 2011 began what will be a challenging and rewarding journey. 

Senior MD students, Crystal Shaw and Sarah Theart were selected to partipate in the Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity. From Nov. 5 to Nov. 12, 2011, the former U.S. president and First Lady will join hundreds of volunteers in Haiti to help Haitian partner families rebuild their homes and lives since the devastation of the 2010 earthquake.  During the Carter Work Project, volunteers will build 100 earthquake-resistant homes in the city of Léogâne, located less than 20 miles from the epicenter in Port-au-Prince. 

Ms. Shaw and Ms. Theart will be playing a critical role during the mission trip, utilizing what they've learned in their years of medical school by supporing the Physicians within the Medical Corp at the Léogâne build site.  Their volunteer participation will likely be extremely challenging given the existing conditions and long hours that everyone involved will be devoting.  From their endeavors they are sure to return with a genuine sense of accomplishment and having learned a great deal as well.  Both Trinity Students have special connections that will offer even more personal meaning for each.  Ms. Shaw has been involved with Habitat for Humanity builds for many years and was previously scheduled to serve in Haiti, but the trip was cancelled for security reasons.  For Ms. Theart, being of Haitian descent, the opportunity to serve in Haiti was a way to give back to the country of her ancestors and of her current family.

We look forward to sharing pictures and additional stories from these two fantastic students at the end of their experience and wish them the very best as they are serving the volunteers and the the community in Haiti.

Question & Answer with Trinity Med Student Seth Clohosey

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What factors led you to select Trinity School of Medicine for your medical education?

I chose to attend Trinity for a few reasons. First was the caliber of the professors, both full time and visiting faculty. Second was the personal attention that would be available to me due to small class sizes. Another was the the quality of the clerkship program, all in US teaching hospitals, with no wait time to get in, as opposed to many other Caribbean schools. And finally the island itself, it's a beautiful place with interesting people.

You've just completed the first five terms of the Basic Sciences, what was your most memorable experience?

My most personally rewarding experience so far was the trip a group of us took to St. Benedict's, the local orphanage, (Seth and Shanique are pictured at left) to paint a mural with the children. Although Trinity provided a number of community outreach programs and research projects, this was my most memorable experience.

Did you find the small class experience to be beneficial?

Absolutely. The small class experience is great. First of all, there is significantly less competition. You get to know all of your classmates and with them you share a sense of being 'in it together'. As such you end up supporting each other instead of competing for the top mark. Additionally, you develop a one on one relationship with your professors. This makes you comfortable approaching them, and gives them the ability to track your progress and counsel you if you need help.

Would you say having studied abroad expanded your horizons?

Yes. Studying in St. Vincent and the Grenadines afforded me a significant appreciation of another culture that I would never have received otherwise. Coming to the island, there was a bit of a learning curve - getting familiar with the local customs, currency, and accents but the people are friendly and the culture is vibrant and all in all it was a great experience.

What will you miss most about St. Vincent?

By the end of my time in St. Vincent I had developed a number of meaningful relationships with my peers, the staff, the faculty, and the local population. I felt a part of a community and it is that sense of community I will miss the most.

Of course the next question has to be, what will you miss the least?

Going into the town to get things like food and other personal supplies is a really neat experience. It is a vibrant atmosphere unlike anything you would experience in North America and in that regard I enjoyed it very much. However, it took much longer than it would take at home and it can become stressful when you are busy with school. Most of the time it was not a problem, you learn to plan ahead for periods of high stress like exams, presentations, etc.

You aced your USMLE Step 1 exam, congratulations! What are you looking forward to as you embark on the clerkship terms?

I am most excited about transitioning from the classroom to the clinic. As important as the first two years of my medical education were, one of my main drives to enter the medical profession was the clinical environment itself. I can't wait to take on a more active role in patient care, and to continue learning in a real world environment.

Do you have a sense for what type of medicine you'd like to practice?

I know that I like to work with with my hands, I enjoy interacting with patients, and I want to make an observable difference in people's lives. Although I am completely willing to accept that my preference might change as I gain more clinical experience I think Emergency Medicine is most in line with my interests right now.

Any words of wisdom for others evaluating their medical school options?

Admissions to North American medical schools are extremely competitive and many qualified applicants are turned down every admissions cycle. Additionally, there is no doubt that choosing to study abroad will present you with many challenges not seen otherwise. Ultimately, you have to ask yourself how much do you really want to be a doctor? What are your true motives? It is my belief that Trinity provides a firm path for you to become a physician, and to return home afterwards if that is your desire. At the end of the day, no matter where you go to med school, it all comes down to you and whether or not you are willing to commit to the work, and the lifestyle that follows.

Seth Studied at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec and is from From Ontario, Canada and began his medical education at Trinity School of Medicine in September, 2009

FAQ's for getting an MD from foreign medical schools

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There are many reasons an aspiring physician may choose to pursue studies at foreign medical schools. Tuition rates at domestic institutions may be out of reach. You may want to expand the breadth and scope of your studies by gaining an international perspective. Academic or personal circumstances may limit the options which are available to you at home. Regardless of your reasons, you can rest assured that your dream of becoming a doctor is still well within reach.

In most cases, students who get their training at foreign medical schools are still eligible to sit for medical licensing examinations in the United States and Canada, as long as certain criteria are met. First, the institution at which you study must be listed with the World Health Organization (WHO) and IMED/FAIMER. Then, you will have to pass the USMLE exams and/or Canadian board examinations and finally, you must double-check with your state or province's medical licensing board to ensure that you are eligible for licensure.  

If you're looking into foreign medical schools, chances are you have many questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about foreign or international medical schools:

• What are the admissions requirements? Typically, you will need to have an undergraduate academic background in chemistry, biology, biochemistry or a related subject. In non-English speaking countries, you may require TOEFL certification, and you should also take the MCAT examination so you can submit your score if and when it is requested. You will likely need to submit transcripts and letters of recommendation.
• Will I need a visa? In many cases, you will need to apply with the embassy or consulate of the country in which you plan to study to get a student visa, however this differs on a country by country basis so check with your intended school.
• What will my tuition fees and living expenses be like? It is difficult to generalize about tuition fees and living expenses, and this really depends on the country and institution you plan to attend. It's best to do this research before applying to specific foreign medical schools to ensure you'll be able to meet the financial demands of your studies.
• Is financial aid available? Scholarships and other forms of financial aid such as private loans may be available to international students through the medical school. 

Trinity School of Medicine is an accredited medical school located in the Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We prepare students to become licensed, practicing doctors in North America.  If your goal is to become a physician, we want to help you reach it.  

How Trinity School of Medicine compares to other Caribbean Medical Schools

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If you have looked into medical school options in North America, you know how competitive it is these days. When exploring other options such as Caribbean medical schools, it is important to compare their USMLE pass rates. These pass rates mean a lot because they demonstrate just how secure the path to United States licensing is at a given school. So these rates are key for anyone trying to compare Caribbean medical schools.

In particular, a school's Step 1 pass rate (Basic Science) is crucial to understanding how it compares to other schools. If a school does a good job of preparing its students for this examination, that goes a long way toward ensuring their long-term success in medical school and beyond.

For decades, Saint George's University has boasted a high Step 1 pass rate. They often point to this table as evidence of their success. Because the table is broken down by nation, though, it fails to give the whole picture. Although the study shows that Grenada (where Saint George's is the only assessed medical school) has an 84.4% Step 1 pass rate, it does not reveal recent data on particular schools.

From it's inception, Trinity School of Medicine has taken a thorough and proven approach to preparing tomorrow's physicians. It has offered students the personalized attention that only a small, tightly-knit school can give. Utilizing visiting faculty from established North American medical schools and regional clinical instructors provides students with a broad range of exposure to modern medical practice. In addition, Trinity has provided students with weekly hospital experience starting with their first month of school.

According to newly available data, this approach, together with a strong emphasis on preparing students for the USMLE, has produced exemplary results. At the end of 2010, Trinity School of Medicine reported a Step 1 pass rate of just over 90%, with an 86% first-attempt pass rate. In light of Saint George's 84.4% Step 1 pass rate, these results indicate that Trinity is among the best Caribbean medical schools.

Obviously, one year of data does equal scientific analysis, but it is enough to show that Trinity School of Medicine's personalized approach offers a demonstrated pathway for qualified students to become licensed US and Canadian physicians. These early results point to the fact that Trinity has the right approach. 

From the start, Trinity has worked to provide the best medical education possible. Trinity hired highly qualified faculty and brought in top-notch visiting faculty members. Meanwhile, the school built a relationship with Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown, St. Vincent. Now, a USMLE Step 1 pass rate over 90% is an early indication that Trinity School of Medicine is doing it right.

Is Trinity an Accredited Caribbean Medical School?

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Is Trinity an Accredited Caribbean Medical School?

This is one of our most frequently asked questions and an area that can get confusing as the words accredited and approved are often used interchangeably, but do not hold the same meaning.

Accreditation

Trinity School of Medicine was granted full accreditation by the National Accreditation Board (NAB) of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines effective April 11, 2008.

Approvals

When most prospective students ask about our accreditation, what they usually want to know is whether they can go on to be licensed in the US, and in their home state in particular.   At the time of this post, nineteen US states maintain or use a list of approved medical schools for the purpose of issuing licenses to graduates of international medical schools. 

• California has it's own approval process, identical to the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), that accredits US medical schools.  Nine other states use California's approved list and they include:  Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee and Vermont.  Trinity has not yet applied to be on California's "Approved List" therefore Trinity School of Medicine graduates are not presently eligible for licensure in the states that use California's List. 

• Texas reviews schools for approval when the first graduate applies for licensure.  Trinity will begin this process in near future when one of our graduates applies for licensure in Texas.
• Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey and Rhode Island use the World Health Organization (WHO) and/or IMED/FAIMER lists.  Trinity is listed with these organizations and graduates are eligible for licensure there.
• Alabama and North Dakota use California's Disapproved Schools List, Trinity is not on that list and graduates are eligible for licensure there.

Trinity graduates are currently eligible for licensure in 39 states.  Additional information about state licensure requirements can be found on the web site of the Federation of State Medical Boards: http://www.fsmb.org/. While this site contains valuable information, the medical licensing boards of the individual states are the final authority on questions of licensure for their states.  Always consult directly with the individual state medical licensure board regarding licensure issues or questions about being licensed in that state.