Last updated: July 18th, 2022 at 01:02 pm

Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) has received Candidacy Status by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP).

Established in 2003 under the aegis of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), CAAM-HP is a legally constituted body that is empowered to determine and prescribe standards and to accredit programs of medical, dental, veterinary, and other health professions education on behalf of the contracting parties in CARICOM, and is recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education/Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (WFME/FAIMER). This is important, because after 2024, the Educational Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) will issue certification only for degrees from a school accredited by a WFME-recognized agency.

Accreditation by CAAM-HP is a rigorous, peer review process that examines all aspects of a medical program. The CAAM-HP board, an independent and autonomous body of professionals, only certifies medical schools that are operating at the highest levels of industry standards.

The CAAM-HP accreditation process progresses in sequence – from candidacy status to full accreditation. The survey for a full accreditation review is usually conducted early in the fourth year of the program.

Any individual who may have concerns regarding WAUSM’s compliance with accreditation standards can share their concerns with the Office of Student Affairs. Any complaint regarding accreditation may be filed anonymously without fear of retaliation through the University’s online reporting system. If the complaint cannot be resolved internally or if the complainant prefers, concerns may be directed to CAAM-HP; please contact the Office of Student Affairs regarding the procedure for such filings. All inquiries and complaints received by the University regarding accreditation will be considered confidential. Any individual or entity making such inquiry or filing a complaint in good faith shall not be subject to retaliation irrespective of final adjudication of the matter. All records of such inquiries or complaints shall be held by the University and subject to review by the CAAM-HP or other regulatory agencies as may be required by law.