Curriculum Overview

Medical schools are constantly improving their programs to keep up with the changes in medical education in the United States and Canada. US national standards for medical school curriculum have begun to reflect the need for an integrative approach to basic sciences and the importance of early introduction of clinical cases. Our College is adapting and improving the medical program to reflect these aspects as well.

Basic Sciences Program

The Basic Sciences Program is currently offered in five semesters – the first four semesters at the St. Lucia Campus and the fifth semester in the US. Basic Science students prepare team presentations of cases compiled by the faculty. They are required to identify relevant objectives of the case, and give short presentations based on the assigned objectives. The depth and difficulty will increase as the students progress through the Basic Sciences program. Students are also exposed to patient care through local primary care clinics from the first semester. They are trained to learn the history taking, vital signs monitoring, and diagnosis process through these clinics.

Clinical Sciences Program

Study in the Clinical Science Division encompasses the sixth through tenth semesters. While rotating through various medical specialties in cooperating teaching hospitals or other approved health care facilities, students are under the guidance of clinical faculty, and under the general supervision of IAU Dean of Clinical Sciences. The University currently offers clinical rotations in Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Denver and New York. Students may choose a preferred location or complete rotations at multiple sites subject to availability. The University currently requires all core rotations (48 weeks) to be completed at affiliate teaching hospitals, while students are free to schedule elective rotations on their own, provided such rotations are approved by the Office of Clinical Affairs. Students may appear for the Step 2 CK/CS soon after completing the 48 week core requirement.