The Faculty of Medical Sciences

Information for Foreign Elective Students

Elective Clerkship Requirements

Electives are available in the subspecialties of the School of Medicine. The Schools of Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy offer elective placements in selected disciplines. Requirements vary according to department.

Electives Available

Eligibility

Applicants should normally have completed the first clinical year of the programme (Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine). Due to the number of applications received, you are advised to apply at least six months in advance of the time of starting. Placement of elective students will be on a first come, first served basis, in accordance with the receipt of your completed application form. A brief curriculum vitae, passport-sized photograph and letter from the Dean of your institution, stating that you are currently enrolled and in good standing, should accompany your application.

While every effort will be made to accommodate students in the department/unit requested, placements in either the primary specialty or subspecialty area is not always guaranteed. Applicants are therefore requested to indicate a secondary specialty. The location(s) of the elective may also vary upon arrival in Trinidad, depending on the number of clinical students (including elective students) and the time of the year.

Fees

Elective students are required to complete a standard application form, which should be returned with a non-refundable application fee of fifty United States dollars (US $50.00). The receipt of this fee is a pre-requisite for processing all elective applications. Upon receipt of the completed application form and fee, notification will be dispatched.

If your application is successful, an additional elective fee payable in advance* will be required for the following periods:

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Information on payment options can be found at the following link: (https://sta.uwi.edu/bursary/payment-options).

Please note that we no longer accept International Money Orders. ALL FOREIGN CHEQUES/TRAVELLERS CHEQUES MUST BE DRAWN ON A US BANK. Cheque(s) should be made payable to: The University of the West Indies.

Application

All correspondence should be sent to: STA-electivestudents@sta.uwi.edu

Notification of Acceptance

Elective applications in the Faculty of Medical Sciences are coordinated in liaison with the various heads of departments, you will therefore be advised regarding the outcome of your application, usually within six (6) weeks of its receipt.

Students accepted to undertake electives are expected to make their own immigration arrangements. The Student Affairs Office will provide additional correspondence in support of elective placements and visa applications, if required. Confirmation of acceptance of elective placements should be made as soon as notification of same is received, so that the space may either be reserved or allocated to another applicant. The name of the head of department and/or preceptor will be included in the notification of acceptance.

You may be asked to present the letter of acceptance from us to the Immigration Department of the Piarco International Airport. Please have this letter readily available.

Requirements vary according to Department. Elective students will be required to adhere to guidelines stipulated by the head of department(s); e.g. prescribed dress code (i.e. wearing of white coats on wards, name badges, attendance requirements, call duty rosters, etc.).

If you are accepted for an elective in a surgical discipline such as obstetrics and gynaecology, you must bring your operating theatre clothes (scrubs).

Elective locations include the Port of Spain General Hospital, San Fernando General Hospital, Caura Chest Hospital, Mt. Hope Maternity Hospital, Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex and Health Centres designated by the Coordinator of Public Health and Primary Care/Family Practice.

Any elective student who requires the University stamp from the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, but is doing his/her elective with the Port-of-Spain General Hospital ELECTIVE PROGRAM will have to pay US $250 in order to get the stamp. The University of the West Indies does not give out seals, but only stamps to elective students.

Indemnity and Health Insurance

Elective students are required to arrange/purchase their own health insurance/malpractice indemnity for the duration of the elective period.

Accommodation

Joyce Gibson Innis Hall, Mt. Hope.
Located within the Faculty of Medical Sciences, on the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, this accommodation is designed in the form of six-room apartment blocks. Approximately twelve (12) rooms are available for elective students at the cost of $36 US per night, and you would also be required to pay a precautionary deposit of $108 US (refundable) upon arrival. The charges are inclusive of electricity and laundry facilities. Students are required to bring their own bed and bath linen.

For further information, you can email Ms. Gwennie Daniels at gwennie.daniels@sta.uwi.edu or Telephone 1-868-645-3473.

Information about alternative accommodation in the Port-of-Spain area may be obtained from:

Student Accommodation Office
The University of the West Indies
St. Augustine, Trinidad
Tel: 1-868-663-0075

Email: UWIHALLS@sta.uwi.edu

Or https://sta.uwi.edu/dssd/student-accommodation

Security

Every attempt will be made to ensure your safety during the precinct of the hospital on the Hall of Residence, but you are advised to take extra security precautions when you venture outside of these places.

Exchange of Currency

TT$6.80 - US$1.00
TT$9.03 - £1.00
TT$7.58 - €1.00

Please be advised that exchange rates are subject to change.

Revised September 2024