the curriculum for the doctor of medicine degree spans four years. first- and second-year students study basic science courses on the curaçao campus. third-year students attend an 8-week course at the admissions office in youngstown, ohio for orientation in clinical studies, preparation for the usmle step 1 examination and an overview of us residency application. students who pass the usmle exam spend the final 18 months in clinical clerkships in the united states, including 24 weeks of elective clerkships for fourth-year students.