The Medical Clerkship Programme presents a unique opportunity for medical students from affiliated offshore medical schools to undergo immersive clinical training at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona. This program spans 1 to 2 clinical years, allowing students to actively engage in medical practice under the guidance of experienced healthcare practitioners, referred to as preceptors.
Typically commencing in October the Clerkship period serves as a pivotal phase in the educational journey of participating students. During this period, clerkship students have the option to be admitted for either one or two years, providing flexibility to tailor their clinical experience according to their academic and professional goals. This hands-on training experience contributes significantly to the development of their clinical skills, medical knowledge, and overall proficiency as future healthcare professionals. The structure and duration of the Clerkship Programme aim to provide a well-rounded and impactful educational experience within the vibrant and dynamic clinical medical environment in Jamaica.
The application for the Medical Clerkship Programme is done exclusively through the student’s home institution (offshore medical school).
2.3.4 Elective/Clerkship Application Process
Step 1: Initiating Your Application
Express interest in the Medical Clerkship or Elective Programme through your home university or directly with us.
Fill out the Provisional Incoming Mobility Form provided by the Medical Electives Coordinator, along with the latest Information Fact Sheet.
Step 2: Submitting Your Application
After completing the Provisional Incoming Mobility Form, attach necessary documents, such as:
- Passport Data Page (copy)
- CV
- Transcript
- Passport photos
- Malpractice insurance proof
- Reference letters
- Authorization letter
- Application fee
Medical Electives Coordinator reviews your submission and guides you through completing the online application form.
Step 3: Application Review
Medical Electives Coordinator ensures all required documents are received and reviews your application.
If deemed complete, Medical Electives Coordinator forwards your documents to the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) for approval.
Step 4: Acceptance and Further Instructions
Upon acceptance, the Medical Electives Coordinator provides you with an Offer Letter and necessary forms.
- Complete and return the Acceptance Sheet and Health Forms to Medical Electives Coordinator.
Receive further instructions on registration, payments, accommodation, immigration, and orientation from Medical Electives Coordinator.
Step 5: Admission Process Concludes
Medical Electives Coordinator remains available for ongoing support throughout your Elective/Clerkship period.
Medical Elective and Clerkship Fees and Payments
Medical Elective and Clerkship Rotations
Key Things to Note
Language
Students, who are interested in pursuing medical electives or clerkships in Jamaica, must be fluent in English, pursuant to our English Language Proficiency Requirements, as all instructions and discussions will be in English.
Availability
Note that, at times demand exceeds available placements, applicants are advised to state alternative choices, dates and times for clerkships or electives, so that these may be scheduled beforehand.
Equipment
Visiting students should bring their own stethoscope, penlights and diagnostic set(s)
Dress
Visiting students on a clinical elective need to be attired similarly as our students, that is, females should be in dress, skirts or slacks with white coat or bush jacket; males should wear white short-sleeve shirt, white coat or bush jacket, dark trousers, and proper shoes and socks.
Certificate and Approval of Elective by Applicant's Medical School
Since an elective clerkship is a courtesy extended to a student from another medical school, all elective clerkships MUST be conducted with the knowledge and approval of the schools involved. This application has to be certified and approved by the applicant’s medical school, and is to be forwarded well in advance of the proposed date of commencement of the clerkship.
Elective students will be attached to a ‘firm’ that includes students studying at the University of the West Indies; but are not required to carry out night nor weekend duty
To learn more about our Faculty of Medical Sciences please visit: https://www.mona.uwi.edu/fms/
Information Regarding Training Received
Since the curriculum and teaching methods in some medical schools differ, some elective students may encounter difficulties in following the essentially clinical clerkships offered here. In order to ensure that students gain maximum benefit from the clerkships offered, all applicants are required to indicate the type and level of training which they have received, when applying. This will enable us to arrange appropriate learning experiences.
