AAEPO Conducts International Accreditation Site Visit to the John F. Kennedy University School of Medicine, Curaçao

From November 10 to 12, 2025, an international expert panel appointed by the Accreditation Agency for Educational Programs and Organizations (AAEPO) conducted an external accreditation site visit to the John F. Kennedy University School of Medicine in Willemstad, Curaçao. The visit was undertaken as part of the international institutional and program accreditation of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

The evaluation was carried out in accordance with AAEPO International Accreditation Standards, which are aligned with the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) Global Standards for Quality Improvement in Basic Medical Education.

As a medical school operating within the context of transnational medical education, the John F. Kennedy University School of Medicine prepares graduates for postgraduate medical training and professional practice in multiple jurisdictions, with many graduates pursuing residency training and licensure in the United States. In this context, compliance with internationally recognized quality standards, excellence in clinical education, and graduate preparedness for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) are essential indicators of educational quality and international recognition.

During the three-day site visit, the international expert panel conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the MD program. The review included an analysis of the institutional self-study report, an assessment of the university's educational infrastructure and learning resources, a review of academic, regulatory, and quality assurance documentation, as well as interviews with university leadership, faculty members, students, graduates, and representatives of affiliated clinical training sites.

The evaluation focused on the program's educational objectives and learning outcomes, curriculum design and implementation, student assessment processes, the quality of clinical education, faculty qualifications and academic development, research and scholarly activity, academic mobility, learning resources, governance, and the effectiveness of the institution's internal quality assurance system. Particular attention was given to the program's alignment with international standards and its capacity to support continuous quality improvement.

Following the completion of the site visit, the expert panel prepared a comprehensive evaluation report containing commendations, recommendations, and opportunities for further enhancement. The report was submitted to the AAEPO Accreditation Council, which will make the final accreditation decision in accordance with the Agency's established procedures.

The accreditation process represents an important milestone in the University's ongoing commitment to academic excellence, continuous quality enhancement, and compliance with internationally recognized standards for medical education. It further demonstrates the institution's dedication to preparing competent, ethical, and globally competitive physicians capable of meeting the evolving healthcare needs of diverse populations.

As an internationally recognized quality assurance agency, AAEPO continues to support medical schools worldwide in strengthening educational quality through independent external evaluation based on internationally accepted standards and best practices in medical education.