6 year programme            July

The programme consists of two parts and the course of study is a minimum of five years - Part I is two years and Part II is three years. The programme takes place either at the University Hospital of the West Indies or at institutions in the contributing territories recognized by the University for this purpose. Teaching and training in teaching methods and research methodology/epidemiology are integral components of the programme. Candidates will be eligible to sit the Part II examination three years but no greater than four years after successful completion of the Part I examination.

Part I - Two years

• During this period, students will be assigned to rotations in General Surgery and the surgical subspecialties. A rotation may also be taken through the Newborn Special Care Nursery. 
• A maximum of six months may be spent in the Basic Medical Sciences Department (Sections of Anatomy, Biochemistry or Physiology), the Department of Pathology, or in an approved Clinical Research Project provided that prior approval has been obtained from the Specialty Board in Surgery.
• Provided the in-course assessments are satisfactory, the Part I examination is taken at the end of two years.

Part II – Three years

• An elective period of no longer than one year may be spent at institutions in or out of the Caribbean provided prior approval is obtained from the Specialty Board in Surgery. Such approval must be obtained at least six months prior to the commencement of the elective period. The elective period must be concluded before the final year of the programme.
• During the final year, the student is normally appointed to the post of Chief Resident. At least six months of the final year of the Part II programme must be spent at the University Hospital of the West Indies.