Frequently Asked Questions | Medical Education Readiness Program

When was MERP started, and how many people have completed the program?

Since its inception, more than 3,000 students have successfully completed MERP and advanced to Ross University School of Medicine and American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine.

What courses are taught in the MERP program?

MERP is designed to provide aspiring medical students with a strong foundation in the basic medical sciences. The course of study includes four basic science courses: Medical Anatomy/Histology, Medical Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Medical Microbiology/Immunology and Medical Physiology/Biophysics. These courses provide similar content and depth to those taught in the medical school curriculum at American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine or Ross University School of Medicine.

What qualifications are held by MERP's instructors?

All MERP instructors hold either a PhD, MD (or equivalent), or both in their field and have significant experience teaching medical, undergraduate or graduate-level students. MERP instructors have extensive research experience and have published numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts in national and international journals.

In addition, MERP has teaching fellows that hold an MD or a PhD and have typically graduated from RUSM or AUC.

What is the typical class size of a MERP session?

MERP session sizes vary from semester to semester; however, past sessions have ranged from 80-180 participants.

What happens if a student does not pass MERP?

In 2014, the Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP) instituted a new policy that allows students who do not successfully complete the program to receive a refund of the full program fee. The refund is limited to program fees only and does not reimburse the costs of health insurance, housing, travel or living expenses incurred. Students who have taken out a private loan will have their tuition refunded back to the loan provider. Funds must be returned to the lender within 60 days. Students are responsible for paying any interest on loans, even if their program fees are refunded

What is the process for payment of doctor visits and our insurance?

You must pay out of pocket at the doctor's office and complete a claims form to submit to Aetna. Please call 1-877-381-3551 or click here for more information.

What is the attendance policy?

Attending every lecture is mandatory. In addition to mandatory lectures, MERP will hold optional activities to enhance student study skills.

I am still trying to make a decision about MERP. Can I talk to a current MERP student or a MERP graduate?

Absolutely! Reach out to your admissions advisor and he/she will connect you with a MERP graduate. Or, contact Frank Demaria, Director of MERP Student Services, at [email protected]