Here are the FAQ's. Enjoy.
Facts and Questions
How much is the application fee for the DO to MD Program at USAT?
All students must pay a non-refundable application fee of $200.00 USD to accompany the application package. Applications without the application fee will not be processed. Although the application fee is non-refundable, successful applicants to the "DO to MD" program will be able to apply the application fee towards their tuition.
What does the $25,000.00 tuition price cover?
As long as students remain current, the tuition price would include the graduation/degree certificate fee, fee for verification of transfer credits, one set of official transcripts, the two-week USMLE-format review and any clinical rotations (needed to complete the 80-week requirement) not covered by the students' previous DO program.
How can I contact USAT?
USAT c/o Carla M. Konyk, 2288 Gunbarrel Road, Suite 111, PMB 244, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Email:
[email protected]
Inside the US: 1-727-388-2687
US Toll Free: 1-866-596-9577
Local (Montserrat) : 664-491-5364
Website address:
www.usat-edu.co.uk
How can I contact Arlington Development Group, S.A.?
Please mail any correspondence to:
Attention: Arlington Development Group, S.A.
08322745 WTC, Suite #480
Panama City, Republic of Panama
Our package delivery UPS, FEDEX, DHL, etc.:
Calle 50, Edificio Plaza Credicorp Bank
Piso 22, Oficina 2202
Panama City, Republic of Panama
Telephone number: 1-904-257-2370
Is the University of Science, Arts and Technology, Montserrat (USAT) IMED listed?
Yes. Graduates of USAT are permitted to sit for the USLME Exams required for licensure. For more information, click here.
Is USAT on the US State Department list of recommended universities abroad?
Yes. USAT is included among the list of recommended Universities abroad by the US State Department.
Who are the primary faculty members at USAT and what are their credentials?
The faculty locally and abroad are: Dr. Krishmamurthy Gopal, MD, MBBS, Prof of Medicine and Associate Dean, College of Medicine. Dr. Gopal is board certified in Internal Medicine and Tropical Medicine. He is the Chief of Staff at Glendon Hospital, Montserrat. Professor Gopal coordinates hospital clinical instruction and lectures in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Asha Pal, MBBS. Dr Pal is Chief of Pediatrics at Glendon Hospital, Montserrat, and instructor in pediatrics and community medicine.
Dr. Ian Tolan, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry. Dr. Tolan earned his PhD at the University of the West Indies, specializing in Caribbean herbals. Dr. Tolan is an expert in General and Medical Biochemistry, and has conducted extensive research in the chemistry of Caribbean herbals. Dr. Tolan teaches the sequence in medical biochemistry and medical and molecular genetics.
Dr. John Glossop, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics. Professor Glossop is a retired professor at the University of Surrey, and a dual resident of the UK and Montserrat. Professor Glossop is director of the Biostats program at USAT, and lecturer in Mathematics and provides instruction in medical ethics and biostatistics.
Dr. Orien L. Tulp, Ph.D, MD, F.A.C.N., C.N.S., Professor of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, President of USAT, Professor Emeritus. Dr Tulp was a tenured professor at Drexel - MCP Hahneman Medical University, USA. He has extensive (over 25 years) academic experience in the area of medical education. He has held academic appointments at the University of Maryland in Europe, Drexel University, the University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Colby College, the University of Health Sciences, US Army, and others. He is a fellow of the American College of Nutrition and of the American Naturopathic Association, and is certified in clinical nutrition (C.N.S.). He holds several earned degrees, including doctoral degrees in Pharmacology and Medicine, an MS degree in Physiology and Biophysics, and undergraduate degrees (Associate, B.S.) in Medical and Radiographic Technology, and honorary degrees in Naturopathic Medicine and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Tulp has authored nearly 500 publications and presented over 400 invited lectures and presentations in his areas of expertise in the US and abroad. Dr. Tulp is a US citizen residing in the UK with secondary residence in Montserrat.
Dorothea Hazel, BSc, MSc. Ms. Hazel is an instructor in epidemiology and medical microbiology, with extensive training and experience as an Epidemiologist. She is a native of Montserrat and also holds appointment as the chief Epidemiologist for the Country of Montserrat.
Dr. Kathy Anderson, MD, DO, Professor of Dermatology, Tampa Medical Center, Florida. Dr. Anderson is a graduate of the New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Portland, Maine. Dr. Anderson is board certified in Internal Medicine and Dermatology.
Dr. Lorn Miller, MD, DC, Adjunct Associate Professor of Neurology. Dr. Miller earned his chiropractic degree at Life University, Marietta, GA, and his MD degree at the Medical College of Georgia, followed by post graduate training in medicine and neurology at the Georgia Medical Center in Athens, Georgia. Dr. Miller is also an experienced chiropractic physician, and is Board certified in both clinical and chiropractic neurology. Dr. Miller also has extensive experience in Military Medicine, and will direct the clinical neurology program at USAT.
Dr. Adolph Poellman, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Ophthalmology, Diplomat in International Medicine. Dr. Poellman is board certified in Ophthalmology, and a member of the Royal Society of Medicine. Dr. Poellman earned his MD degree at the University of Muchen, and undergraduate degree at the University of Erlangan in Physics. He completed his postgraduate training at the county Hospital, Tegernsee in Surgery. He has served on the staff of the Morefields Eye Hospital and presently owns his own eye clinic in Germany. He is a visiting professor here at the University and lectures in Advanced Medical Physics and Clinical Medicine.
Dr. Douglas A. Dunham, DO, MD. Clinical Professor of Family Medicine. Dr. Dunham is a graduate of the Ohio College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of Science, Arts and Technology, and completed post graduate specialty training in Anesthesiology, Medicine and Cardiology. Dr. Dunham also holds appointments at the West Virginia County Medical Center ,Pittsburgh General Hospital, and Allegheny County Medical Center (PA) for over twenty years. Additionally, Dr. Dunham has over 25 years of experience in Military Medicine, and has served as Chief Surgeon, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He is a founder of the Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, and an experienced Federal Aviation Board Surgeon and consultant physician. Dr. Dunham's research is in clinical evaluation of new drug therapy where he has designed and conducted numerous trials.
What is the average class size at USAT?
25-35 per class meeting.
What percentage of the class is made up of U.S. Citizens or permanent residents?
99%.
What is the school's pass rate on the USMLE?
80%.
What is the acceptance rate for students applying to USAT?
90%
How does USAT prepare its medical students for the USMLE?
A two-week course, including but not limited to, lecture and USMLE style testing simulation.
Can graduates practice medicine in the Caribbean, or is this forbidden by law? Otherwise stated, where could a U.S. graduate practice medicine if return to the United States becomes undesirable or impossible?
Many of Caribbean countries share the same requirements as the U.S. It will have to be a case-by-case decision depending upon where the graduate intends to seek licensure.
Where will students stay while attending USAT?
The Tropical Mansion Suites is one of the finest and newest hotels on the Island of Montserrat. USAT has made arrangements for students of the "DO to MD" program to enjoy a substantial discount on rooms and meals during their stay. More details are available at:
www.tropicalmansion.com. For students attending the USMLE review in Antigua, USAT has made arrangements similar to those made for students attending the USMLE review in Montserrat.
Is transportation to Montserrat, lodging and meals included in the $25,000.00 fee?
No. Students are responsible for any and all cost incurred as a result of transportation to and from Montserrat, lodging while in Montserrat and meals. It is anticipated that lodging expenses will range from $58.00 - $91.00 USD per night. Meals at the hotel range between $20.00-$30.00 USD per day.
Who is responsible for making all housing/staying arrangements for students?
Students will be guided by the USAT Admissions team to reserve their place in the class, flights, transport, accommodation, and other details regarding their stay. For questions, please contact Tracy Scipio or Michelle Giles at 1-727-388-2687.
Are student loans available to students?
At this time, Federal student loans are not available; however, students are offered a choice of payment options including loans through the TFC Finance Corporation in NY, which is among the oldest student loan lenders in the USA. Interest rates vary from around 5 to 8%.
What payment plans are available to students?
Medical students attending USAT will have several options to pay all monies required in order to receive their M.D. degree. The options available are as follows:
1). Pay the full amount ($25,000) immediately following acceptance into the DO to MD program at USAT.
All monies must be paid through the "DO to MD" website, unless you are utilizing a student loan which requires monies to be paid directly to USAT.
2). Immediately following acceptance into the 'DO to MD' program at USAT, pay $8,000 down with the balance being paid in seventy-two (72) monthly installments of $255.00.
*Note: Very low interest of 2.5% will be charged against the outstanding loan balance during the time the student is making monthly payments.* Students choosing payment option #2 will not receive their M.D. degree until such time as the entire program fee has been paid in full.
3). Pay $5,000.00 down immediately following acceptance into the DO to MD program at USAT, with the balance being paid in fifty-seven (57) monthly installments of $395.00.
*Note: Low interest of 5% will be charged against the outstanding loan balance during the time the student is making monthly payments.* Students choosing payment option #3 will not receive their M.D. degree until such time as the entire program fee has been paid in full.
4). Pay $2,500.00 down with the balance being paid in fifty-six (56) monthly installments of $498.00.
*Note: Interest of 9.75% will be charged against the outstanding loan balance during the time that the student is making his/her monthly payments.* Students choosing payment option #4 will not receive their M.D. degree until such time as the entire program fee has been paid in full.
Students choosing the student loan option will begin making payments within 30 days of their acceptance of "DO to MD" program.
*Note: Any student failing to make two consecutive payments will be dropped immediately from the "DO to MD" program. Any and all monies paid towards the M.D. degree will automatically be forfeited.*
Do students have to apply to the ECFMG (Educational Commission Foreign Medical Graduates)?
Yes. If a student wishes to be recognized as a M.D., it is essential that he/she obtains the ECFMG Certification.
Are students required to take the two-week USMLE review?
A two-week USMLE review is included in the $25,000.00 fee. However, if a students does not wish to participate in the USMLE review or has taken an additional USMLE review, then the student is not required, however the student is encouraged to participate in the USMLE review offered. No discount from the original $25,000.00 fee will be given in the event that a student chooses not to participate in the USMLE review offered at USAT. It is important to note that if a student chooses not to participate in the USMLE review, he/she is still REQUIRED to travel to USAT in order to finalize any and all necessary paperwork in order to receive their medical degree.
What dates are slots currently available for the USMLE review?
August 4-18, 2007
September 8-22, 2007
October 6-20, 2007
November 3-17, 2007
2008 slots to be announced October 1, 2007.