Student Life at IUHS
By: Dr. Avi Verma, MD
At IUHS, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of enriching activities
beyond their academic studies.
Students can serve as Student Ambassadors, creating user-generated content for the
university’s official social media platforms. They can conduct interviews, write articles
for the Student Newsletter, and share their advice during in-house webinars designed
specifically for IUHS students. Additionally, students have the chance to mentor
newcomers through a Buddy System, and speak at webinars for prospective students,
offering insight into what it’s really like to be a medical student at IUHS.
For those with an interest in research, students can join group or individual research
projects, collaborating with experienced physicians. There are also opportunities to
attend in-person medical conferences and participate in volunteer initiatives both
within their local communities and on the island of St. Kitts, where IUHS’s study center
is located. Students and staff engage in charity work and support local fundraising
events on the island.
Students can also become part of the IUHS chapter of the American Medical Students
Association (AMSA), taking part in advocacy and activism initiatives.
To support their studies, students often form virtual study groups for peer support and
guidance, especially considering the global nature of the university. These groups are
often organized by time zones, with students from different countries coming together
to collaborate. Over time, these friendships grow, and it is not uncommon for students
to live together during their clinical rotations, especially when completing clerkships
may require relocation.
IUHS also encourages its alumni to give back by working as tutors or providing support
in other capacities. Alumni, having experienced the unique IUHS journey firsthand, are
well-positioned to help guide current students toward success. Despite geographical
distances, IUHS fosters a close-knit community where students receive ample support
and engage in extracurricular activities that prepare them for their professional careers
as medical doctors.
