Observations

American University of Antigua (AUA)

Despite numerous complaints and legal actions from students, CAAM-HP has chosen to accredit AUA for a four-year period, from 2024 to 2028. The accreditation documentation has highlighted high attrition rates at AUA since 2013. This trend is primarily attributed to the school's practice of admitting large incoming cohorts, often exceeding 1,000 students. Considering CAAM-HP's revenue structure, which stipulates that schools with accredited programs pay an annual fee of US$3,000.00 for every 100 new students admitted in a calendar year, AUA alone pays CAAM-HP at least $30,000 USD for each incoming class. This significant revenue stream may be a factor in CAAM-HP's decision to continue accrediting AUA despite ongoing issues.

American University of Antigua College of Medicine – Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (caam-hp.org)

LETTER: AUA Financial Aid Crisis - Antigua News Room

American University of Antigua most Currpted University : r/medschool (reddit.com)

American university of Antigua experience : r/medschool (reddit.com)

Original reason for withdrawal.

Later Redacted - What's going on?

Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM)

An intriguing development has unfolded regarding SJSM. Initially accredited, SJSM had their accreditation withdrawn following allegations related to the Federal Trade Commission. An image of the original CAAM-HP decision is provided. However, a recent check on the CAAM-HP website reveals that their decision has reverted to "Pending." Meanwhile, SJSM has obtained full accreditation from ACCM, which has been in effect since May 2019. The ACCN accreditation is valid for three years, until December 31, 2025.

Saint James School of Medicine – Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (caam-hp.org)

St. Georges University

A notable case is St. George's University's decision to pursue local accreditation, leading to its departure from CAAM-HP. St. George's is considered one of the top Caribbean medical schools. It is indeed unusual for a country such as Grenada, to suddenly decide to be responsible for accrediting its only medical school (That's another discussion). Prior to this move, SGU was placed on probation by CAAM-HP. Was SGU not willing to play CAAM-HP's games? Perhaps competitor for-profit schools which had the responsibility of accrediting SGU were not onboard with its success?

"CAAM-HP accorded Accreditation on Probation, which status was suspended pending a hearing of the School’s appeal. The School’s status of Accredited with conditions remained in effect while the School was appealing CAAM-HP’s determination on its accreditation in respect of the period 2019-2022. "

St George’s University School of Medicine – Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (caam-hp.org)

Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM)

A new medical school with candidacy status with CAAM-HP presents an intriguing case. Initial reports from CAAM-HP indicate that the Authority accepted the report but expressed a desire to have been informed prior to the admission of the first cohort of students, anticipating the completion of the site visit.

The accreditation of the school prior to a site visit raises questions about the accreditation process. Additionally, it should be noted that ECFMG will not allow students from such schools to take the USMLE examinations. This raises concerns about the purpose of attending a medical school with this status and the role of CAAM-HP in such cases. One possible explanation for the accreditation could be the significant overlap in principles between the new school and Ross University, one of CAAM-HP's largest "clients." The majority of WAUSM's principles are former administrators of Ross University, which may have influenced the accreditation decision.

What's interesting is that WAUSM's application for ACCM accreditation was denied, but somehow obtained CAAM-HP accreditation despite numerous issues even before a site visit!!

Western Atlantic University School of Medicine - Thoughts/Experiences? | Student Doctor Network

Western Atlantic University School of Medicine – Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (caam-hp.org).

Why are schools moving to ACCM?

There is a common trend where schools are choosing to withdraw from CAAM-HP altogether, or also receiving accreditation from the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine. Below is an example of schools that either have both accrediting bodies, or have left CAAM-HP.

All Saints University School of Medicine

CAAM-HP - Not Accredited
ACCM - Accredited for three years until December 31, 2025

Avalon University School of Medicine

CAAM-HP - Accreditation, 2023-2027
ACCM - Accredited for six years until December 31, 2028

Saint James School of Medicine

CAAM-HP - Accreditation Withdrawn
ACCM - Accredited for three years until December 31, 2025

Texila American University College of Medicine

CAAM-HP - Accreditation for 3 years, 2023 - 2026
ACCM - Accredited for six years until June 30, 2029

Xavier University School of Medicine

CAAM-HP - Accreditation Withdrawn
ACCM - Accredited for six years until December 31, 2028

All American Institute of Medical Sciences

CAAM-HP - Accreditation Withdrawn

Commonwealth University College of Medicine

CAAM-HP - Accreditation Withdrawn

Global University Schools of Medicine and Public Health (GU-MED)

CAAM-HP - Accreditation Withdrawn

International American University College of Medicine

CAAM-HP - Accreditation Withdrawn

St George's University School of Medicine

CAAM-HP - Accreditation Withdrawn

Western Atlantic University School of Medicine

CAAM-HP - Accreditation Candidacy
ACCM - Accreditation Denied (2020 annual report)

Page updated

Google Sites