Waterloo students looking to pursue medical school have a new option within the Faculty of Science’s Medical School Pathways Program. The American Canadian School of Medicine (ACSOM), located in the Commonwealth of Dominica, has signed an agreement with the University of Waterloo for Science and Health students to attend both educational institutes in a 3+4 arrangement. Students will spend their first three years studying at Waterloo, followed by four years of medical school at ACSOM.
In their second year at Waterloo, students can apply for the Conditional Admissions to Medical School (CAMS) Program and receive priority interview consideration to help secure one of our 50 spots per intake (January and August each year). Selected students will receive specialized pre-med programming to increase their chance of success in the first year of medical school and will start their four years at ACSOM after completing their 3B term. Their first year at ACSOM will double as the last year of their undergraduate program, ensuring students complete their degree from the University of Waterloo.
At ACSOM, a uniquely not-for-profit medical school, students are placed in small classes of 10 led by a physician tutor. The rich curriculum emphasizes case-based learning, early clinical integrations, and research opportunities, all within a state-of-the-art campus in beautiful Domenica. ACSOM’s educational model also integrates social, global, and Indigenous programming into their modern, North American-based curriculum, creating well-rounded graduates.
Thanks to its comprehensive curriculum and robust clinical training, ACSOM has partnerships with teaching hospitals in the United States and Canada giving students the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in North America.
The campus, located in the beautiful Commonwealth of Dominica, is surrounded by lush rainforests and picturesque beaches, making it an outdoor-lovers' dream. From snorkeling and hiking to swimming and birding, there is no shortage of outdoor adventure on this island. Students will have ample time to explore the island with classmates in their downtime.
To make their dream of attending ACSOM’s medical school more attainable, Waterloo Science and Health students can take advantage of ACSOM’s commitment to Canadian dollar parity with the US dollar, which provides a 25% tuition reduction for Canadian students. On top of that, Waterloo students in the 3+4 articulation pathway will receive an additional tuition reduction of 10% spread over 4 years and be eligible for entrance awards, scholarships and bursaries.
To learn more about the partnership and whether it might be right for you, visit ACSOM’s Waterloo page on their website or talk to your Science academic advisor.