Ross University School of Medicine Logo
To speak to a representative, call:
754.707.5547
Ross University School of Medicine Logo
To speak to a representative, call:
754.707.5547754.707.5547
Ross University School of Medicine Logo
To speak to a representative, call:
754.707.5547754.707.5547

Build a Successful Medical Career

Hands- on From the Start.

BUILD A SUCCESSFUL MEDICAL CAREER

Your path to becoming a physician starts in: 

 DAYS 

 HOURS 

 MINS 

 SECS. 

MD VS. DO:
WHICH PATH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Get the Best of Both Worlds at Ross Med

Grow into a medical leader with a global mindset, developing the skills to practice in diverse patient care environments.
  • An integrated organ systems-based curricuulum that looks at prevention and intervention holistically.
  • A dynamic cross-cultural medical school opportunity with hands-on experiences caring for patients alongside physicians outside of the classroom, and across the Barbados community within your first month as an MD student.
  • A curriculum that will prepare you to be practice-ready in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
  • Diverse career options. In 2023, over half of our graduates attained residencies in primary care, while others pursued specialties across 25 different disciplines.

How does an MD differ from a DO?

Real talk. There isn’t much difference between Doctors of Medicine (MD) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). MDs and DOs are fully licensed physicians with medical degrees and post-doctoral residency training that enables them to practice in any medical specialty.
While the decision is highly personal, there are several factors that could help determine which path you wish to pursue:
  • Schooling is similar, but DO programs have additional curriculum hours in musculoskeletal/holistic care
  • DOs tend to pursue primary care and more MDs tend to go into specialized fields
  • While an MD from the U.S. is recognized throughout most of the world and can work internationally, a DO may be limited
The differences don’t necessarily define the way MDs and DOs practice medicine. MDs provide whole-person and preventive care, and DOs use all types of modern medical treatments. In fact, in many physician offices, you’ll see MDs and DOs practicing side-by-side.
No matter which path you choose to take, you should consider the school and curriculum that best suits you.

Benefits of Pursuing Your MD at Ross Med

  • Modern, technologically advanced classrooms, laboratories, simulation centers, and study areas
  • Hands-on clinical experiences that will carry over to you professionally working with patients
  • A variety of teaching methods including lectures, laboratories, case-based seminars, team-based learning, and early community-based clinical opportunities
  • A diverse community, with dedicated, caring faculty and students from all over the globe
  • Personalized student supports with your success in mind-from your first day through residency
91.6%

91.6% USMLE Step 1 first-time pass rate from 2017-2021***

***First time pass rate is the number of students passing the USMLE Step 1 exam on the first attempt divided by the number of students whose first attempt was 201-2021. In order to sit for the USMLE Step 1 exam students must successfully complete the Medical Sciences curriculum and earn a satisfactory score on the NBME CBSE exam as listed in the student handbook.

91.3%

Ross Med students' five-year cumulative first-time pass rate for the USMLE Step 2 CK exam is 91.3% from 2017-2021*

*First-time pass rate is the number of students passing the USMLE Step 2 CK exam on the first attempt divided by the number of students whose first attempt was in 2017-21. To sit for the exam students must earn the minimum passing score on the NBME CCSE as listed in the student handbook.

97%

97% first time residency attainment rate for 2022-2023 grads**

**First-time residency attainment rate is the percent of students attaining a 2023-24 residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2022-23 who were active applicants in the 2023 NRMP match or who attained a residency position outside the NRMP match.

1According to 2020–2021 AOA figures, nearly 57% of DOs practice in primary care specialties: 30% are family physicians, 19% are internists and 7.5% are pediatricians.
By comparison, 28% of active U.S. physicians with MDs practice in primary care specialties: 11% are family physicians or in general practice, 10.4% are internists and 6.8% are pediatricians. This data comes from the Association of American Medical Colleges.

$100M+

$100M+ (USD) in scholarships and grants awarded to students since 2020

15k+ alumni

Practicing throughout U.S. and Canada

25

Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Surgery, Neurology, Pathology, Radiation Oncology, and more through 40 U.S. states and territories

Why Wait? 3 Flexible Start Dates

With three start dates to choose from, you can pursue your MD when it’s convenient for you and your own personal journey. Session starts are available in May, September, and January. Talk to our supportive admission advisors to learn more

Upcoming Start Dates

Which start date is right for you?
Our three flexible start dates help you begin -and finish- your medical education on your schedule.
REQUEST MORE INFORMATIONOpens in a new window.

Our Accreditation Makes It Possible

We’re accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP, www.caam-hp.org).* As a Ross Med graduate, you’ll be eligible for Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates® (ECFMG®) certification and can apply for U.S. and Canadian residencies and licensure.
Tuition Back Gaurantee

Hands-on Experience, Real-World Impact

We believe so strongly in your success that we are offering a Tuition Back Guarantee if you don’t pass. You must complete the entire first semester, including final exams. Only tuition is included in this guarantee—any fees and other expenses and/or charges are excluded.

New, first-time matriculating MD students who complete semester 1, including final exams, and do not advance to semester 2 because they earned a failing grade in a semester 1 course/modules required for advancement are eligible for the guarantee. Students eligible for the guarantee receive a reimbursement of tuition based on the following formula: tuition assessed minus institutional scholarships or grants received. Please note, only tuition is included in this guarantee, any fees and other expenses and/or charges are excluded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can MDs and DOs practice internationally?
International opportunities are a significant difference between an MD and a DO. An MD from the United States is recognized throughout most of the world. A DO is not, so international work can be limited for a DO.
What undergraduate prerequisites do I need as an MD and DO?

As a prospective undergraduate, you should:

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree with a strong emphasis on coursework including chemistry, biology and physics
  • Take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), and
  • Gain additional experience through work/volunteer experiences and related extracurricular activities
How are MD and DO medical schools similar?

Most allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) programs feature:

  • Competitive admissions process
  • Four years of didactic and clinical training, followed by residencies
  • Similar coursework including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and more.
What are MD and DO licensing requirements?

What are MD and DO licensing requirements? The licensing requirements for MDs and DOs are the same:

  • Both can prescribe medication
  • Both can practice in all 50 U.S. states
  • Both can pursue all medical specialties
What additional training do DOs receive?

In addition to receiving the same medical training as other physicians, osteopathic medical students are trained in osteopathic principles and practice and receive 200+ hours of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).

What is required for medical school?

Applying to Caribbean medical schools is very similar to a U.S. medical school. At Ross Med, our Admissions team looks at a variety of factors when reviewing your application to medical school, including:

  • Academic achievement (GPA and MCAT score)
  • Course Requirements – The minimum prerequisite requirements are:
    • Inorganic or General Chemistry: Two semesters (eight semester hours) with laboratories
    • Organic Chemistry: Two semesters (eight semester hours) with laboratories
    • General Biology or Zoology: Two semesters of biology or zoology with laboratories
    • Physics: One semester (four semester hours) with laboratory
    • Mathematics: One semester of college-level mathematics (three semester hours), preferably calculus or statistics
    • English: Two semesters (six semester hours)
      • Canadian students may satisfy the English requirements in 3 possible ways: (1) 2 semesters of University humanities where essays composed at least 40% of the overall mark, (2) International Baccalaureate English and (3) Advanced Placement English. 
  • Extracurriculars, including clinical experience, community service, and/or involvement in clubs or other organizations
  • Personal qualities, such as compassion and leadership

As medical school admissions criteria may vary slightly, it is important for applicants to become knowledgeable about each institution’s requirements prior to applying.
​A full list of Ross Med’s application requirements can be found here.

FEATURED EVENTS

Meet Ross Med in Toronto
June 03, 2023 |
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT
Dinner with Doctors in Ottowa Feb 8
Dinner with a Doctor in Victoria
June 22, 2023 |
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM PDT
Dinner with a Doctor in San Juan
July 20, 2023 |
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM AST
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* Ross University School of Medicine is an accredited medical school, determined by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP, www.caam-hp.org). CAAM-HP is the legally constituted body established in 2003 under the aegis of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), 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.

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

Through this accreditation, the CAAM-HP provides assurance to medical students, graduates, the medical profession, healthcare institutions and the public that programs leading to qualifications in medicine meet appropriate national and international standards for educational quality, and that the graduates have a sufficiently complete and valid educational experience.