Student Body

The University of Medicine and Health Sciences' campus has a vibrant atmosphere, evoking a collegial environment. The student body at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences is extremely diverse - from ages, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, and religious beliefs. Students are primarily from the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Everyone, however, shares at least one thing in common – the desire to become a licensed and practicing physician. By dedicating themselves to this purpose, students find themselves in a supportive, rewarding, and enriching peer group of likeminded people.

The university is open most days from 7 AM to 11 PM with classes typically scheduled throughout the day. However, on weekends our students do spend time enjoying the natural beauty of St. Kitts, the vibrant island nightlife, and the unique opportunity to live and study in another culture.

Faculty Availability

The faculty are on campus every day and maintain open office hours to support students. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor to assist them throughout the course of the semester. Students encountering academic difficulties are required to meet with their respective faculty advisor, as well as the Dean of Basic Science, to develop an action plan to address any deficiencies.

As a relatively small school, we are able to provide students with the support services they need to excel academically. The faculty love to teach and provide students with the personalized attention they deserve. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the various support services including tutoring, mentoring, and counseling. We are dedicated and committed to student success and are relentless in providing students with the tools, resources, and education to succeed.

Campus Access

Campus facilities, including classrooms, breakout rooms, the library and the learning resource center, are all open weekdays from 7 AM to 11 PM and have reduced hours on the weekend. In the evening hours most of the campus is open for student access. The student lounge is open 24 hours a day which also contains student refrigerators, microwaves, vending machines, student lockers, and comfortable seating.

Transportation

Students can opt to purchase or rent a vehicle while they are in St. Kitts. However, the greater majority of students rely upon the university transportation system. The university has contracted with local bus companies to provide transportation to students that live a distance from campus. Buses typically travel throughout the day and evening. They are also utilized to transport students to special events. In addition, students can always choose to utilize the local taxi and bus service on the Island to get to locations not related to the university.

Organizations and Clubs

The University of Medicine and Health Sciences supports a variety of campus organizations and clubs including a Student Government Association (SGA) and a chapter of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). Student Government is made up of elected representatives from each of the classes in St. Kitts. They are the voice of the student body and actively liaison with senior administrators and faculty throughout the semester. They are also involved in coordinating several student functions including the welcome-back party and the senior banquet.

Safety and Security

UMHS takes the safety and security of its students, faculty and staff very seriously. St. Kitts is a relatively safe island, however we urge students to exercise normal precautions as if they were visiting any large city. Be aware of local surroundings and avoid crimes of opportunity by not leaving valuables unattended or doors unlocked. The University has its own full-time security force that is present on campus 24 hours per day. Security staff will come to a student's aid at any time and in any location on the island. There is a security office on campus to assist with any questions or concerns.

Support Services

Support services are provided to help counteract academic concerns, poor health, stress, or other problems that may negatively impact the educational process. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor to provide educational support and guidance when determining future career goals. The promotions committee tracks each student throughout the semester and will identify students that are having academic difficulty. Students will be called into the Dean's office to address any issues and to develop an action plan to remediate any deficiencies. As a result of our early detection plan, we have been able to maintain an extremely low attrition rate of 4%. In addition, the faculty at UMHS are fully dedicated to the success of our students and have daily office hours to meet with students that have questions and concerns.

Health Care

All University students are required to maintain health and evacuation insurance coverage. The university can provide this insurance to students who are not covered. There is a hospital in the capital city, Basseterre, that is accessible to students. In addition, there are also health clinics and private physicians that treat students. UMHS has a campus clinic, staffed by a trained and practicing nurse, who provides students with care or referral for additional medical services. All students are required to obtain the university evacuation insurance which covers the cost of the evacuation in the event of a medical emergency.

Mental Health Care

The mental health of UMHS students and faculty is of vital importance. The University takes several steps to ensure that students are taking preemptive measures to maintain their mental well-being. For immediate needs an on-campus counselor is available to speak-with and treat students. If a student's mental health issues could not be resolved by the University, a referral to an appropriate mental healthcare provider would quickly occur.

Health Care Clinic

The UMHS Health Care Clinic is located on campus, and is staffed with a registered nurse who provides students, faculty and staff with medical care or referral for additional medical services. St. Kitts has health clinics located throughout the island. The main hospital in St. Kitts is the Joseph N. France General Hospital in Basseterre, which is less than a 2 minute drive from the campus.