American University of the Caribbean

The DUE has been taking students from the American University of the Caribbean for many years now. Although some distance from London, it has always proved a popular option because of the high quality of the placements on offer and the lower cost of living compared to the south.

The Site Directors are Drs Anna Sibley and Helen Coutts who have many years of experience in Undergraduate education as well as specifically regarding the AUC programme.

Placements for AUC students are based at both Royal Blackburn Hospital and Burnley General Hospital sites. We are able to offer the following specialities, and most students attend for full core rotations (although it may sometimes be possible to arrange shorter rotations):

General Internal Medicine

12 weeks subdivided into 3 x 4 week blocks in different medical specialities

General Surgery

6 weeks

Extended Surgery

6 weeks subdivided into 3 weeks in Orthopaedics and 3 weeks in Urology

Paediatrics

6 weeks

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

6 weeks

Psychiatry

6 weeks

Unfortunately we are not able to offer placements in Family Practice or Neuroscience.

Placements on firms will include activities such as ward rounds, out-patient clinics, theatre lists and attendance on-call. In additional a range of additional teaching activities are offered:

  • Bedside teaching of examination skills
  • Weekly problem-based learning tutorial with case presentations
  • Weekly clinical skills sessions
  • Radiology tutorials
  • Communication skills teaching

Much of the formal teaching takes place in the purpose-built Learning Centre at Royal Blackburn site. To see more about the facilities on offer, click on the link.

It is usually possible to offer students low-cost accommodation on-site although many students choose to arrange a private rental of an apartment or house if they are staying for several months.

Blackburn may be some distance from London, but it has its own attractions! There is a busy city centre with shopping, cinemas, sports centres and ice skating arena. The beautiful countryside of the Ribble Valley is just up the road, and the Lake District is only a short drive away. Have a look at what is on offer in the local area and what amenities are to be found nearby.

We aim to offer high quality placements and a very warm welcome to our American students. If you have any enquiries then you are very welcome to contact the department.