Founded in 2003, Avalon University School of Medicine (AUSOM) is a private medical school located on the Caribbean island of Curaçao. It is chartered and recognized by the Government of Curaçao, and the charter entitles AUSOM to grant the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree to students who have successfully completed the medical school’s curricular requirements. As a fully accredited medical school, AUSOM adopts a North American curriculum-based medical program, and the graduates are geared for medical practice in the United States and Canada. AUSOM has taken all necessary steps to ensure that its graduates are eligible for the United States and Canadian medical licensure, as its academic team and curriculum focus on the success of its student body. While the emphasis is on student academic success, the administration also focuses on students’ personal needs to make sure both students and parents are comfortable and at ease.
AUSOM’s faculty consists of professors who are qualified and experienced PhDs and MDs with excellent knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences, which makes them an integral part of the success of AUSOM graduates. The objective at AUSOM is to make sure that all students obtain a sufficient level of medical knowledge to understand the concepts and principles needed for a successful medical practice.
The island of Curaçao is one of the most developed and modern islands in the Caribbean, which allows AUSOM to operate the medical program in an up-to-date and conducive environment for the students, faculty members, and administration. AUSOM takes great pride in making sure that all students are pointed in the right direction to succeed, and our small class sizes allow AUSOM to provide one-on-one attention from the teachers, and more personalized education. Our faculty members provide the leadership needed for a healthy and exciting learning environment, with the goal to mold all students into well-rounded physicians who exhibit the compassion, integrity, and honesty which are essential for medical practice and to serve humanity.
Why do students call Avalon University, AUSOM?
Our Core Values
Education
Our unique curriculum allows the student to learn through group and independent study and hands-on experiences from the very first day.
Empathy
Showing care and compassion to your patient is just as important as providing the care itself. We teach our students the importance of listening to the needs and concerns of their patients.
Integrity
Honesty to yourself and to your patients is paramount. We must uphold this standard in the classroom and when providing quality care.
Respect
Respect for one another in healthcare is pivotal. Providing quality care does not come from an individual, it takes a team to do it.
Commitment
Commitment to the practice of medicine takes leadership and drive. You never stop learning as a physician. You will always look for new and improved ways of healing.
Chancellor’s Message
Shokat Fatteh, M.D.
There’s nothing like a warm welcome!
The start of each new semester is always exciting. Nothing warms my heart more than seeing our campus bursting with energy, laughter, and a sense of purpose. It’s an undeniable feeling.
At Avalon University School of Medicine, you will be accepted with open arms. It’s a welcome like nothing you’ve felt before. We embrace you for all that makes you special. Then we push you to become so much more. To keep an open mind. To appreciate the challenges before you.
I encourage each of you to study hard, but also to get involved. To venture out of your comfort zone. To become a better version of you than you are today because you see a future that you never imagined possible.
A sense of belonging promotes achievement and well-being – and it builds community. You will find our AUSOM family supports one another, protects one another, and cheers one another on to ever-greater accomplishments. And no one will be cheering louder than me as you pursue your purpose in life.
So, my wishes for your new academic year are simple: Work smart. Celebrate. Learn from your mistakes. Take care of yourself and the people around you. And always reach out to us when you or someone you know may need help. Together, we will be stronger.
Let’s go make the world a better place, one patient at a time!
President’s Message
Samir Fatteh, M.D.
Dear Prospective Students,
Avalon University School of Medicine realizes the importance of building a solid educational foundation in both the basic and clinical sciences. The time spent in medical school is a critical phase in which students must understand and grasp the knowledge needed to succeed in the field of medicine.
Dedication, discipline and desire are a few traits needed to fulfill the ultimate goal of becoming a physician. This is what we exemplify and expect in all of our students. Even more and in accordance with our mission statement and our core values, our goal is for you to be educated and trained so that you will have the ability of serving communities locally and around the world, while maintaining the highest standard of professionalism and ethical behavior. Avalon’s Core values are – Education, Commitment, Empathy, Respect and Integrity. Our mission statement and core values are important to Avalon, and how our program is structured exemplifies the importance of both our mission statement and core values.
Medical school involves a lot of hard work and it is our job to make sure that you are supported academically and in a setting that will allow you to strive. Our campus and facilities provide students the ability to learn in a conducive environment, and our on-campus housing allows students to be within a walking distance to our beautiful campus.
Welcome to Avalon University School of Medicine, I look forward to meeting you.
85%
Over 85% USMLE Step 1 First Time Pass Rate since 2019
500+
Over 500 practicing physicians in the US, Canada & around the world!
8
Practicing Graduates in 8 Countries
Small class sizes for a more personalized education
