International Institutional and Programme Accreditation of Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine

From 23 to 25 February 2026, an international expert panel of the Agency for Accreditation of Educational Programs and Organizations (AAEPO) conducted an external expert visit to Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine in Willemstad, Curaçao, as part of the international institutional and programme accreditation procedures.

The external evaluation was conducted in accordance with AAEPO international standards developed on the basis of the Global Standards of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). It was aimed at carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the quality of the University’s educational activities and the medical education programmes it delivers.

A distinctive feature of medical education in Curaçao is its international orientation. Most medical schools deliver their programmes in English and primarily serve international students, particularly those from the United States, Canada, and other countries. The educational process follows the American model of medical training leading to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and comprises pre-clinical and clinical stages. A substantial portion of clinical training is provided at affiliated healthcare institutions outside Curaçao, mainly in the United States and other Caribbean countries.

An important component of future physicians’ training is the systematic preparation of students for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Successful completion of these examinations is one of the key requirements for subsequent admission to Graduate Medical Education residency programmes and professional practice in the United States. Accordingly, during the international accreditation process, the AAEPO expert panel paid particular attention to the alignment of the educational programmes with international quality standards, the organisation of clinical training, the development of students’ professional competencies, and the effectiveness of internal quality assurance mechanisms that prepare graduates for international professional certification.

Over the course of three days, the international expert panel reviewed the University’s self-evaluation materials, internal regulatory documents, and evidence of the functioning of its quality assurance system. Particular attention was given to the University’s strategic development, the effectiveness of its governance system, the content of its educational programmes, the organisation of pre-clinical and clinical training, staffing, research activities, international cooperation, the digital learning environment, and the conditions created for students’ professional development.

As part of the visit programme, the experts held meetings with the University’s leadership, academic staff, students, graduates, representatives of clinical training sites, and employers. This format enabled a comprehensive assessment of the quality of future physicians’ training, the effectiveness of the University’s engagement with healthcare practice, and the extent to which the educational process complies with contemporary international requirements.

Following the visit, the expert panel prepared a detailed report containing conclusions and recommendations for the University’s further development. The external evaluation materials were submitted to the AAEPO Accreditation Council for consideration and decision-making on the outcomes of the international institutional and programme accreditation.

The international accreditation of Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine represents an important milestone in the development of AAEPO’s international activities and confirms the Agency’s contribution to quality assurance in medical education beyond the Kyrgyz Republic.