Hi Maddy,

I think coming down here to study at PCUMM is a great idea. You can do it anyway you like... although I think you might be waisting time if you choose to do your undergrad in the states. I say this only because not all schools down here accept credits from other schools. You might end up starting in pre-med down here anyway. I dont know if that is necessarily the case for PCUMM, but either way why go about it that way when you can just do pre med here?
Another reason why I wouldnt bother doing the undergrad in the states is that I dont think the point of doing your undergrad in the states is going to make much of a difference on your application for residency in the states. The main thing board officials look at when applying for residency is your USMLE scores and experiences (like clinical or research electives). You can read about this in some of our other topics listed under "beyond medical school".
Lastly, do not listen those who try to discourage you from studying here in the carribean because there have been plenty of cases where people have gone to the states after studying abroad and gotten great jobs afterwards. Besides, like you said, you have family that has done it, right?!
So, that's my input. I hope it was helpful. GOod luck!