Preparing Future Doctors for a Globalized World
Founded in 2004, AUA is a fully accredited international medical school and part of the Manipal Education and Medical Group. Its mission is to address the global shortage of physicians and advance medical education. The institution is composed of two schools: AUA College of Medicine (AUACOM) and AUA College of Arts and Sciences (AUACAS).
Educational Approach
AUA emphasizes small class sizes, active learning, and horizontal and vertical curriculum integration of preclinical and clinical sciences. It employs advanced teaching methods, including high-fidelity simulation technologies and virtual reality. The curriculum is modelled after U.S. medical school curricula.
“The AUA curriculum is designed to meet learners where they are academically and help them develop the required level of mastery—able to pass their board exams on the way to becoming knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate physicians,” said Dr. Karron James, Associate Dean of Curriculum.
The university provides a robust student support system addressing academic and non-academic areas through its Education Enhancement Department, counseling services, health clinic and professional development services.
“EED academic support services are essential in fostering student success, offering personalized guidance that complements classroom learning and enhances overall academic performance,” said Dr. Jobila Sy, Associate Professor for the Clinical Education Enhancement Department.
“We aim to empower students to overcome challenges and/or learn new active learning strategies, leading to improved retention and progression toward their educational goals,” Dr. Sy continued. “Our dedicated faculty advisors/coaches are committed to helping every student realize their full potential and thrive in their academic journey from their first day until graduation.”
Clinical Training and Partnerships
AUA has a broad network of hospital affiliations across the U.S., Canada, and the UK. It collaborates with institutions like Florida International University (FIU) in the U.S. and University of Warwick Medical School in the UK to enhance medical training of its students.
The Global Health Track (GHT), which is conducted in collaboration with (FIU) Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, is designed to broaden students’ understanding of healthcare from a global perspective. “The impact on our student body and faculty includes enhanced global awareness, improved cultural competence, and a stronger, more supportive community that reflects the global nature of medicine today,” explained Dr. Peter Bell, President of AUA.
AUA is also a participating clinical site for a U.S. ACGME-accredited residency program and collaborates with Charles R. Drew University and other historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to increase opportunities for underrepresented minorities in medicine.
Experienced faculty and mentors guide students throughout their education, promoting professionalism and ethical behavior. “AUA was the perfect place for me to thrive and fulfill my dream of being a physician,” said Dr. Margaret Furtado, Class of 2020.
Community Outreach and Global Impact
AUA engages students in community outreach by providing health services and education locally and globally. Initiatives include health fairs, breast cancer screenings, and global volunteer work through the Student Doctors Without Borders Club.
“The biggest benefit [of the community outreach program] is confidence,” said Dr. Andrea Vaughans, Chair of the Community Outreach Department. “Knowing that the information students studied, they’re now able to apply it on someone who is not a simulated patient and to see that they were part of the machinery that helped the patient.”
Diversity and Inclusion
AUA promotes a diverse and inclusive academic environment, welcoming students and faculty from various backgrounds and partnering with institutions to support underrepresented minorities in medicine.
“Our initiatives aim to increase diversity in medical education and address the predicted physician shortages by supporting students of color,” said Dr. Bell.
Present Milestone and a Vision for the Future
In 2024, AUA celebrated its 20th anniversary with the opening of a 1,200-seat conference center, which hosted a United Nation’s Conference attended by global leaders and over 5,000 delegates.
Focusing on the next decade, the university aims to expand partnerships with teaching hospitals, enhance research, and integrate global health principles and cutting-edge technologies, like virtual reality, into its curriculum. AUA’s comprehensive approach to medical education, commitment to community service, and focus on global health establishes itself as a prominent institution in preparing future doctors for a globalized world.
By focusing on these strategic priorities, AUA positions itself to continue to deliver a top-notch medical education while adapting to the changing demands of global healthcare.
For More Info: https://www.auamed.org/