Dominica: American Canadian School of Medicine expects first batch of students in September

Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, shared ongoing progress in the construction of the American Canadian School of Medicine. He added that the school expects its first batch of students in September this year.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister added that over 50 students have already enrolled into the school, adding that more enrolments are also expected over time. He also promised to give full support in the smooth functioning of the medical school.

“As it prepares to welcome its first batch of students in September following the departure of Ross University, we explored several options for a replacement of the school. We eventually signed an agreement with the operators of the American Canadian School of Medicine, and I’m happy to report that the school is on track to begin operations in September with a role of approximately 50 students. Enrolment is expected to increase at the start of the spring semester in January of 2024.”

Further, he noted in the first week of May, the Government held discussions with the representatives of the International Agency for Accreditation and Rating. The members of the school’s administration also participated in discussing areas of collaboration between the Government of Dominica and the University.

“I assured the accreditors and the university personnel of our government support for the school’s mission to provide high-quality education to medical students from Dominica and abroad. We are seeking to build a strong mutually beneficial partnership with the school from which our students and people can realise long-term benefits,” PM Skerrit stated.

Prime Minister Skerrit continued that the Government of Dominica intends to enter into a social partnership agreement with the American Canadian School of Medicine. He added that it would provide them with access to the medical facilities for teaching at the school, which will assist with the country’s efforts to ensure superior health care delivery.

While emphasising employment creation, he stated that they have already started with that venture, and several medical and other professionals will be considered for employment at the school.

“If you visit the school’s website at acsom.edu.dm, a number of job openings have recently been posted which will also seek support to develop coursework on the Dominica State College and Dominican students,” he said.

The students from Dominica will be able to access medical studies at the school campus with the opportunity to complete their clinical rotations in the state of California in the USA but full scholarship studies for Dominican students.

The American Canadian School of Medicine will be operated at the former Ross University Campus in Picard Portsmouth by CSOM Holdings Limited. The medical school was announced by the Prime Minister in his 2022 budget address.

As per reports, the school will offer 4-year medical degree and is expected to strengthen the medical education in Dominica.