TY - JOUR T1 - A Caribbean experience JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract SP - 442 LP - 443 DO - 10.3399/bjgp08X302844 VL - 58 IS - 551 AU - M Gwawr AU - J David Y1 - 2008/06/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/58/551/442.abstract N2 - I am not the first to write of their sabbatical experience in the West Indies.1 So why write another? Each experience is unique and not sharing mine would be a missed opportunity for others to see its huge potential.This started over a year in advance. I looked into the possibility of extended study-leave funding. However, since the GP contract of 2004, funding is at the discretion of the PCT.2A locum already known to the practice was secured; handover was seamless. Relevant personnel were informed, notably the local trust, defence union, and of course, my patients. Time with the accountant was invaluable. Many subscriptions can be suspended, which is a financial saving and avoids pole-vaulting over a mountain of journals on return. With computer access, e-learning has made keeping up-to-date possible.With an educational background and holder of a Certificate in Medical Education, I looked into teaching abroad. Some excellent universities were keen to offer me work without financial support. Although a salary was low on my list of priorities, I would at least try to avoid severe fiscal injury.In order to enhance my teaching skills, I completed a course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).I accessed the WHO's list of medical schools and was surprised to note that there are a number of international schools listed in the West Indies. It was at one such school that I spent a fascinating 6 months teaching undergraduates clinical medicine.I accessed The American University of Antigua's website, completed the … ER -