American medical school opens Jan. 10
THE American International School of Medicine (AISM) will officially commence its operations in Guyana on January 10, 2000 with special offers for local students. This announcement was made by Mr Colin Wilkinson, Administrative Dean of the school at a press conference yesterday at the Woodbine Hotel. Wilkinson said more than $US5.3M will be spent by year two of the project which is to be temporarily located at 301 Church Street, Georgetown. According to Wilkinson, AISM is the result of many years of deliberations and intense studies. Several countries were reviewed for locating the school, but Guyana was selected partly because the overseas-based investors are from this country. The school, which has branches in Europe and the United States of America, offers a pre-medical and a medical programme. The pre-medical programme is an option for those students who have received a high school diploma, Graduate Equivalent Degree or a Bachelor's Degree without completing the pre-medical course work. The basic science and clinical medicine curriculum is said to be similar to those offered in medical schools throughout the United States. Upon successful completion of two years of basic science studies and AISM Comprehensive Examination, students will be granted a Masters in Medical Science. The subsequent two years of clinical medicine studies and success at certain examinations, will lead to the completion of the AISM Medical Doctor's (MD) degree. The minimum time required to complete the MD programme is 40 months. The AISM Medical Curriculum is a four-year programme consisting of two years of basic science studies after which the student will be granted a Masters of Science (MS) in Medical Science. The subsequent two years of clinical work lead to the completion of the MD degree. Guyana is limited to 100 of the most promising applicants per semester and so far, three have been selected with one freshman being awarded a scholarship. Overall, there are 35 students, local and foreign, enrolled in the institution. Wilkinson said there are several concessions for local students. For instance, tuition fees will be cut by 40 per cent once they are qualified and are able to impress the administrative committee that they can handle the medical studies. The pre-medical programme costs US$3,500 but for Guyanese, the price will be reduced to US$1,700. And the medical programme is US$7,000 but AISM is working on special packages, Wilkinson said. Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ovid Isaacs described the school's curriculum as unique and geared towards empowering students. Dr. Thomas said that additionally, AISM has tapped into resources for studies on Alzheimer's disease in Guyana. Alzheimer's is a serious disorder of the brain manifesting itself in premature senility. AISM is to set up a permanent campus in about four years' time and officials said that feasibility studies are currently being done. Lecturers are from the United Kingdom and United States of America. Also at yesterday's press conference were Director of Admissions, Ms. Winifred Austin and Director of Security, Mr. Neville Dundas. (GWEN EVELYN)
|