Aureus University School of Medicine — MD Pathways
Two pathways to becoming a skilled, compassionate physician — whether you are a high school graduate or hold a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences.
Overview
Aureus University School of Medicine offers two pathways to becoming a skilled, compassionate physician. Whether you are a high school graduate or hold a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, we have a curriculum designed for your success.
MD Pathways
- 5-Year MD Program: For students requiring foundational science courses before core MD studies.
- 4-Year MD Program: For students who have completed a Bachelor's Degree or required pre-med coursework, in Biological Sciences.
- 1-Year USMLE-bridge Program: For students who have completed a Medical Degree / MBBS and are preparing for USMLE.
5-Year MD Program: Pre-Med Foundation
Students complete this three-trimester sequence to bridge the gap between high school and medical school.
| Trimester | Focus | Key Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Premed 1 | Foundation | English 1, Biology 1, Organic/Gen Chem 1, Physics 1, Math 1 |
| Premed 2 | Deepening | English 2, Biology 2, Organic/Gen Chem 2, Physics 2, Math 2 |
| Premed 3 | Bridge | Anatomy, Histology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Psychology, Med Terminology |
4-Year MD Program: Basic Sciences
Building on the foundation, the MD program integrates basic science with clinical application.
| Semester | Core Focus | Key Modules |
|---|---|---|
| MD-1 | Foundation | Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Physiology I, Biochemistry/Genetics, Ethics |
| MD-2 | Systems | Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Physiology II, Biochemistry/Genetics, Biostatistics/Epidemiology |
| MD-3 | Pathology | Pathology I, Microbiology/Immunology I, Pharmacology I, Clinical Exam I |
| MD-4 | Pharmacology | Pathology II, Microbiology/Immunology II, Pharmacology II, Clinical Exam II |
| MD-5 | Review | Intro to Clinical Med, CBSE/Board Prep, Clinical Practice |
| MD-6 | Board Preparation | Pass the NBME/CBSE exam during MD5 to qualify for USMLE Step 1. |
Textbooks and Course Materials
- Textbook lists are provided upon admission.
- The student library and e-library offer extensive resources.
- PreMed students receive materials from professors, with optional book orders.
For further details or specific queries about textbooks and other course materials, incoming students are encouraged to speak with their Academic Advisor.
This curriculum framework at Aureus University ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare environments, with a strong foundation in both the sciences and clinical practice.
Clinical Rotations
Our academic program is meticulously structured to ensure students receive a holistic and diverse clinical training experience. We offer an expansive range of core and elective rotations across various clinical affiliate sites, primarily located in Chicago for core rotations and extending into the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for elective experiences. Below is a detailed overview of the clinical education opportunities available to our students.
Core Clinical Rotations — Chicago Sites
Chicago's Medical Hub: Chicago boasts a vibrant medical community and is home to some of the nation's most prestigious hospitals and clinics. This city serves as the central hub for our core clinical rotations, providing students with exposure to a wide array of medical disciplines in highly regarded medical institutions.
Rotation Disciplines
Internal Medicine
- Objective: To familiarize students with a broad spectrum of diseases affecting adults, focusing on chronic and acute disease management, preventative healthcare, and treatment continuity.
- Settings: Major hospitals and outpatient clinics across Chicago, facilitating a deep dive into diverse patient demographics and health conditions.
General Surgery
- Objective: To provide practical skills in preoperative, operative, and postoperative care across a variety of surgical specialties.
- Experience: Hands-on participation in both minor and major surgical procedures under the supervision of experienced surgeons.
Pediatrics
- Objective: To engage students in the comprehensive care of infants, children, and adolescents, encompassing preventive, acute, and chronic care.
- Exposure: Pediatric hospitals and community health clinics, focusing on developmental milestones and pediatric-specific diseases.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Objective: To develop proficiency in managing women's health issues, including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health, and gynecological disorders.
- Training: Inpatient and outpatient settings, offering experiences from prenatal visits to labor and delivery, including surgical procedures.
Psychiatry
- Objective: To understand and treat mental health disorders, focusing on diagnostic assessment, therapeutic approaches, and psychiatric medications.
- Environment: Psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, and community health centers, emphasizing evidence-based mental health care.
Family Practice
- Objective: To provide comprehensive care across all ages, genders, diseases, and parts of the body, emphasizing continuity of care and patient-centered approaches.
- Setting: Family practice clinics and community health centers, providing hands-on experience in preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of common conditions.
Elective Rotations — Chicago and GTA
Expanding Clinical Perspectives: Elective rotations allow students to explore specialized medical fields beyond the core requirements, fostering a tailored educational experience that aligns with individual career goals. Students are required to complete a total of 24 weeks in elective subjects, with each elective lasting at least one week.
Elective Specialties
Cardiology
- Facilities: State-of-the-art cardiac units equipped with modern diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
- Learning: In-depth exposure to cardiac diagnostics, interventional procedures, and ongoing patient care management.
Dermatology
- Focus: Comprehensive treatment of skin disorders, including medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
- Skills: Techniques such as biopsies, cryotherapy, and laser treatments, alongside common dermatological assessments.
Emergency Medicine
- Setting: High-paced emergency departments.
- Skills: Critical care decision-making, acute patient management, and emergency medical procedures.
Neurology
- Scope: Diagnosis and management of neurological conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.
- Techniques: Use of EEG, EMG, and other neurodiagnostic tools.
Oncology
- Training: Direct involvement in the care of cancer patients, from diagnostic imaging to chemotherapy and palliative care.
- Innovation: Exposure to the latest in oncologic treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
Clinical Training Support
Mentorship and Guidance: All rotations, core and elective, are supported by a dedicated team of faculty and seasoned clinicians who provide continuous mentorship. Our clinical training is enhanced by regular feedback sessions, practical assessments, and supportive academic resources to ensure comprehensive learning.
Affiliate Sites: Our chosen clinical affiliate sites are recognized for their commitment to medical education and their capacity to offer a rich, supportive, and diverse training environment.
Clinical Clerkship
Clinical training develops real-world proficiency in patient care.
Year 3: Core Rotations
- Rotations: Internal Medicine (12 wks), General Surgery (12 wks), OB/GYN (6 wks), Pediatrics (6 wks), Psychiatry (6 wks), Family Practice (6 wks).
- Goal: Hands-on experience in essential clinical disciplines.
Year 4: Electives
- Duration: 24–30 weeks of specialized rotations (e.g., Radiology, Orthopedics).
Path to MD Certification
- Basic Medical Sciences: Complete five semesters of foundational science in Aruba.
- Board Preparation: Pass the NBME/CBSE exam during MD5 to qualify for USMLE Step 1.
- Clinical Rotations: Complete core and elective rotations in the USA (Canada options available).
- Step 2 & ECFMG: Pass USMLE Step 2 to achieve ECFMG certification for U.S. residency.
- Graduation: Successfully complete all rotations and exams to earn your MD degree.
Begin Your Journey
Ready to pursue your medical career? Apply now to join Aureus University School of Medicine.