The School of Health Sciences and Technology (SOHST) at UPES, a multi-disciplinary university in India, announced a strategic first-of-its-kind partnership with the Medical University of the Americas (MUA). This collaboration marks a significant breakthrough in advancing medical education opportunities for aspiring doctors in India.
Under this partnership with MUA, UPES will offer an accelerated pathway into medical education with admissions to the prestigious 5-Year BSc/MD undergraduate program (1+2+2 years), with applications commencing in February 2025 for August 2025 intake. The program consists of one year at UPES, followed by two years of pre-clinical education at MUA’s campus on St. Kitts, Nevis Island, and two years of clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals in the U.S.
In the first year, students will be enrolled at the School of Health Sciences and Technology (SOHST) at UPES, in the Pre-Medical Certificate Program. Upon successful completion of the first year, they will earn around 47 credits which can be transferred for progression to the MUA. This fully residential, highly rigorous program will require students to maintain a minimum 3 on a scale of 4 GPA to progress to MUA in the second year. The next 2 years of the program will cover the foundations of medical school education. Delivered at the MUA academic campus on the island of Nevis, students will study Basic Sciences over 5 semesters. Students then travel to the U.S. to complete five semesters of clinical rotations at teaching hospitals, clinics and medical centres that are affiliated with MUA.
MUA is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) which is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME). MUA also prepares its graduates to appear for USMLE®.
Speaking on announcement, Dr. Padma Venkat, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Technology (SOHST), UPES, stated: “The demand for medical education in India far exceeds the available seats, leaving many academically bright students without opportunities to pursue their dream of becoming doctors. More than 2.3 million students appear for NEET annually to compete for just 91,900 MBBS seats, with an overall acceptance rate of less than 4%. As a result, more than 50,000 Indian students seek medical education abroad each year. Through this partnership with the MUA, the School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES will create opportunities by offering a world-class alternative for talented students. This partnership will give them access to high-quality medical education, global exposure, and a structured pathway to practice internationally while addressing the critical need for doctors in India.”
