General Information and Overview

General Information and Overview

Last updated: January 19th, 2023 at 01:02 pm

The policies and procedures set forth in this catalog and the student handbook represent the most current information available at the time of publication and can be found on the WAUSM Student Hub Canvas Course. Changes in the content may be expected and can be made without prior notice; however, adequate notice will be given to students, whenever possible. 

Students are held responsible for degree requirements from the time of enrollment, inclusive of any changes made during the student’s progress toward degree completion. Failure to read this catalog does not excuse students from the rules, policies, or procedures. 

Mission

Drawing on the collective success of distinguished medical educators and administrators who have recruited, educated, and trained thousands of practicing physicians in North America, Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) is committed to offering the opportunity for qualified and diverse US, Canadian, and international students who seek to acquire the knowledge and skills to succeed in medical school, earn residency positions, and become outstanding, patient-centered MDs. 

Vision

Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) will be a premier leader in international medical education delivering an outstanding student experience for aspiring physicians. Boasting a state-of-the-art pre-clerkship campus, leading faculty, best-in-class student services, and respected US clinical partner hospitals. WAUSM will train culturally and medical sophisticated students, ready to serve and positively impact the global healthcare community. 

Core Values

  • Excellence in medical education and student services. 
  • Commitment to our local and global communities. 
  • Diversity that is reflected in actions inclusive of all individuals. 
  • Integrity that embraces the highest standards of ethical behavior and moral character. 
  • Respect for all individuals who are affiliated with WAUSM students, staff, faculty, partners, communities, patients, and families. 
  • Cooperation that is manifested in all interpersonal communication and collaboration in pursuit of medical education. 

Accreditation

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.

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 ACCREDITING AGENCY(S) OR ASSOCIATION(S) LISTED BELOW IS/ARE NOT RECOGNIZED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AS AN APPROVED ACCREDITING AGENCY. THEREFORE, IF YOU ENROLL IN THIS INSTITUTION, YOU MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR TITLE IV FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, STATE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, OR PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION. IN ADDITION, CREDITS EARNED AT THIS INSTITUTION MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR TRANSFER TO ANOTHER INSTITUTION, AND MAY NOT BE RECOGNIZED BY EMPLOYERS.

2023

ACADEMIC CATALOG

The academic catalog describes the educational program and activities available at WAUSM. WAUSM’s curriculum is designed to build a solid foundation and positions students for success.

2023

STUDENT HANDBOOK

The information contained in the student handbook serves as a guide for students throughout their academic, clinical,  and extracurricular life as members of the WAUSM community.

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