International University Of The Health Sciences (IUHS)
Medical Doctor Program
Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
M.D.
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
May 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 18,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Blended
* Monthly payment plans available, discount for upfront payment
Key Summary
Everything you need to know about IUHS School of Medicine
1. Location: Our study centre is based on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, but there is no requirement to travel there. The administrative office is in Winnipeg, Canada.
2. Program Structure & Exams:
· Preclinical Phase (Years 1 & 2): Fully online, divided into 11 study blocks. The first block is 12 weeks, the rest are 8 weeks each. After completion, students take the IUHS Exit Exam, and U.S. students also prepare for Step 1.
· Clinical Phase (Years 3 & 4): 80 weeks of rotations—48 weeks core, 32 weeks electives. Students then take the IUHS Exit Exam 2 and officially graduate. U.S. students also take Step 2 before graduation.
3. Assessments:
· End-of-block graded exams
· DxR Clinician virtual patient simulation graded assignments
· Non-graded DAR exams (at the end of Blocks 3, 6, 9) to identify knowledge gaps
· Lecturio self-assessments which are mandatory but not graded
4. Teaching methods:
· Systems-based learning: Integrates anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology within each body system.
· Problem-based learning: Encourages critical thinking and challenges students to draw on all the knowledge they have acquired as they would in a real-life scenario when treating a patient.
· Spaced repetition: Reinforces knowledge through periodic review, enhancing long-term retention.
5. Clinical rotations:
· U.S. students can complete all rotations at the main affiliated hospital in Chicago, Illinois with additional sites in Texas, West Virginia, California, Nevada, Missouri and Arizona (subject to availability). Clinical rotation preparation starts around Block 8.
· Australian students have a dedicated clinical director assisting them with the arrangements for clinical placements.
- DxR Clinician: is a medical education software designed to help students develop clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills. It provides virtual patient cases that simulate real-life medical scenarios, allowing students to practice taking patient histories, ordering diagnostic tests, making differential diagnoses, and developing treatment plans.
Key Features:
- Interactive case-based learning with simulated patient encounters
- Clinical reasoning training to improve diagnostic accuracy
- Access to medical history, physical exams, and lab results
- Immediate feedback on decision-making and reasoning
DxR Clinician is integrated into IUHS’s problem-based learning (PBL) and case-based learning (CBL) curricula to enhance students' ability to apply medical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
7. Live lectures: Learn from top-tier professors who also teach at prestigious universities through live, interactive lectures. Sessions are scheduled on weekdays, and if you miss one, you can easily catch up with recorded lectures available in the virtual library at your convenience.
8. Question and Concept Sessions: In addition to live lectures, students can participate in weekly live Q&C sessions with the academic advisor for their current block of study. These sessions provide valuable support for students studying from home, fostering engagement with both peers and faculty.
9. Lecturio: is a digital learning platform providing medical education resources. It offers a comprehensive, AI-driven learning system designed to support medical education through high-quality video lectures, question banks, and advanced learning tools.
Key Features:
· Comprehensive Medical Curriculum Support – Covers preclinical and clinical subjects aligned with USMLE, NBME, and other global medical exams.
· High-Quality Video Lectures – Taught by expert professors from leading medical institutions.
· AI-Powered Adaptive Learning – Personalized study recommendations based on student performance.
· Question Banks & Clinical Case Scenarios – USMLE-style questions, explanations, and performance tracking.
· Spaced Repetition & Smart Recall – Helps reinforce learning and improve long-term retention.
Lecturio supplements the education delivered, improves student performance, and provide flexible, self-paced learning opportunities.
10. Mentorship: IUHS integrates the Integrated Clinical Medicine program into the preclinical years of the MD curriculum, allowing students to gain early exposure to clinical settings. This hands-on experience gives IUHS students a competitive edge over their peers from other universities.
IUHS students become comfortable and confident in a clinical environment before starting clinical rotations having developed the necessary clinical skills. Working alongside a local physician mentor, each student spends 20 hours per month shadowing and discussing cases with their mentor, a doctor from their own community.
Under the guidance of IUHS’s clinical director, students select a mentor who fits their needs and location. This early integration of clinical skills enhances learning, bridging the gap between theory and practice, and making the transition to full-time clinical training more seamless and rewarding.
11. Get in Touch: You can ask me anything about IUHS if you still have more questions!
If you’re a self-motivated learner who values flexibility, IUHS could be the right fit for you. Our MD program is designed for students who want the freedom to study pre-clinical sciences virtually from home while balancing other commitments. You’ll have the chance to connect theory with practice through mentorship, shadowing a local physician as you prepare for the transition into hands-on clinical training. If you’re driven, adaptable, and ready to take charge of your medical journey, IUHS will give you the tools, support, and real-world experience you need to succeed in residency and beyond.
All students are welcome to apply for one of IUHS's Research or Merit-based Partial Scholarships, which can be done during the enrollment process.
St. Kitts and Nevis nationals may apply for a Full Scholarship through the SKN Resident Scholarship at the time of applying.
Email the Admissions Team if you have more questions admissions@iuhs.edu
Year 1
- Block 0 – Introduction to Medicine, Biochemistry Primer, Physiology, Basic Physics, Medical Ethics, and Academic Foundations
- Block 1 – Introduction to Basic Medical Science
- Block 2 – Microbiology & Immunology
- Block 3 – Respiratory & Cardiovascular Systems
- Block 4 – Endocrine & Reproductive Systems
Year 2
- Block 5 – Gastrointestinal and Renal Systems
- Block 6 – Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
- Block 7 – Haematology, Muscle Disorders, Extremity Anatomy, Pathology, Dermatology, Behavioural Sciences, and Febrile Exanthemas
- Block 8 – HEENT, Dermatology, Congenital Anomalies, Tropical Diseases, Autoimmune Disorders, Legal Issues, and Introduction to Epidemiology & Biostatistics
- Blocks 9 & 10 – Integrated Review, Clinical Skills Consolidation, and USMLE Step 1 / Other Licensing Preparation
Year 3
Core Rotations - 48 weeks
- 12 Weeks - Internal Medicine
- 12 Weeks - Surgery
- 6 Weeks - Obstetrics and Gynecology
- 6 Weeks - Pediatrics
- 6 Weeks - Psychiatry
- 6 Weeks - General Family Practice
Year 4
Electives - 32 weeks
- The 32 weeks of elective rotations are sub-specialties. Students can choose to specialise in areas of most interest to them and to their future career.
US-based students are eligible to sit USMLE Step examinations and enter the National Resident Matching Program to pursue a clinical career in the United States of America.
Canadians and Australians are also eligible to sit the licensure exams set by their repsective medical councils.
IUHS's degree is recognised in many more nations worldwide, please ask our Admissions Team via email admissionsiuhs.edu
Why Choose IUHS School of Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Physicians
Choosing a medical school is one of the most critical decisions in the journey toward becoming a doctor. It’s a choice that will shape your future, define your career, and influence your professional network. Among the many options available, the International University of the Health Sciences (IUHS) School of Medicine in St. Kitts stands out as a compelling choice for a variety of reasons. Here’s why IUHS could be the right fit for your medical education.
1. Innovative Hybrid Learning Model
IUHS offers a unique and flexible hybrid learning model that combines online education with hands-on clinical experience. This model allows students to complete the basic sciences portion of their curriculum online, giving them the flexibility to learn from anywhere in the world. For those balancing family, work, or other commitments, this flexibility can be a game-changer. The clinical rotations, conducted at affiliated hospitals, ensure that students receive the essential hands-on experience needed to succeed as physicians.
2. Global Recognition
Graduates from IUHS are eligible to apply for residency programs and licensure in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, making it an excellent choice for those looking to practice medicine globally.
3. Experienced Faculty and Personalized Learning
The faculty at IUHS is composed of experienced professionals from around the world who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to their teaching. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, IUHS offers personalized attention, allowing students to engage deeply with their instructors and receive tailored support throughout their studies. This personalized approach helps ensure that students are not just another face in the crowd but are given the guidance and mentorship needed to excel.
4. Focus on Affordable Medical Education
Medical education can be prohibitively expensive, but IUHS is committed to making it more accessible. The university offers competitive tuition rates and financial aid options are available for Canadians, making it an attractive choice for students who want to minimize debt while still receiving a high-quality education. Additionally, the hybrid learning model reduces costs associated with relocation and living expenses, further easing the financial burden on students.
5. Global Clinical Rotations and Diverse Learning Opportunities
IUHS provides students with the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in a variety of locations, both in the United States and internationally. This exposure to different healthcare systems and patient populations enriches the educational experience and prepares students for the realities of global medical practice. Moreover, the diverse learning environment at IUHS fosters a multicultural perspective, which is increasingly important in today’s interconnected world.
6. Proven Track Record of Success
Graduates of IUHS have gone on to secure residencies in competitive programs and have successful careers in various specialties. The university’s emphasis on preparing students for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and other licensure exams has led to strong pass rates, reflecting the quality of education provided. The success stories of IUHS alumni serve as a testament to the effectiveness of the university’s approach to medical education. Visit IUHS’s YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instragram accounts for alumni and student reviews.
Conclusion
Choosing IUHS School of Medicine is an investment in a flexible, affordable, and high-quality medical education that prepares students for global success. With its innovative hybrid model, strong support system, and commitment to excellence, IUHS offers a unique pathway for aspiring physicians who are looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of medicine. If you’re seeking a medical school that values flexibility, diversity, and academic rigor, IUHS could be the perfect choice for you.
The Medical Doctor (MD) Program is a four-year postgraduate degree.
During the first two years (Pre-Clinical), students study from home through live virtual lectures, online assessments, and examinations in the pre-clinical sciences. Alongside this, they participate in a mentorship program, shadowing a local physician to connect classroom learning with real-world medical practice.
The final two years (Clinical) consist of 80 weeks of in-person, hospital-based training under the supervision of experienced physicians, equipping student doctors with the skills and experience needed to transition into residency.