Caribbean Medical Schools: The Pathway to American Practice

Every year, thousands of aspiring doctors leave the United States to pursue a medical degree in the Caribbean, hoping to achieve a dream that seemed out of reach at home. For many, these schools provide a second chance to enter one of the world's most demanding professions. In this episode, we explore the complex world of Caribbean medical schools, examining how they have become a crucial source of physicians for the American healthcare system. We trace the success of established institutions that have helped train generations of doctors, while also exposing the risks posed by unaccredited programs, misleading recruitment practices, and the difficult certification process facing international graduates. The story reveals a higher education landscape filled with both opportunity and uncertainty, where careful choices can open the door to a medical career—or leave students burdened with debt and shattered ambitions.https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2026/07/16/the-biggest-schools-training-americas-doctors-are-in-the-caribbean