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Year of study: 4

From: Lafayette, CA

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of Notre Dame (go Irish!)

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

I have always been interested in the intersection of health and policy, especially in the context of poverty, but for a long time I wasn’t sure if I wanted to approach health equity issues from a more clinical perspective or policy-based perspective. At Notre Dame, I completed an honors thesis for poverty studies that allowed me to explore both, and I realized that pursuing a career in medicine would allow me to continue to explore both areas of interest.

What do you like most about the program?

I’ve loved having the opportunity to explore two different health systems— we are uniquely exposed to both the American and Australian health and medical education systems, and we are able to draw upon the expertise of Australian healthcare! I learned so much from my time in Australia, and was able to get involved in health policy while living there which was really interesting because it was so different to what I was used to here in the states! There’s lots of opportunity to learn from the things that Australia does differently, and bring that back to the states with us.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

Feel free to chat to previous students—we’re more than happy to share about our experiences, and help you discover if this could be a good fit for you! 

Year of study: 4

From: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of California San Diego

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

I never thought I would pursue medical school in undergrad, so I took a bit of a roundabout journey. In fact, I didn't believe I was ambitious or passionate enough about medicine to become a doctor. It was only after I trained as an EMT and worked as a medical assistant that I discovered that desire to pursue a greater scope of practice. Purely by happenstance and word of mouth, I discovered the UQ-Ochsner program and it seemed like a door to a new and exciting future had opened.

What do you like most about the program?

The most unique and exciting thing about this program is being able to experience different health systems and perspectives on healthcare. I never thought I would be able to travel to Australia and had never really considered how other countries manage the health and wellbeing of their population. I value the ways in which this program has broadened my understanding of global health and cultural differences.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

Be prepared to be outside your comfort zone, but seize this opportunity if becoming a physician is truly what you want. It's a great opportunity for personal growth and you'll meet amazing people in a truly collaborative environment. You'll be able to find support in your classmates, upperclassmen, and mentors. The UQ-Ochsner program has a strong reputation and successful residents, which ensures a great match rate in many different specialties. 

Year of study: 4

From: California

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of California San Diego

Year of study: 4

From: Erie, PA

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience, followed by a master's degree in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University. After several years of gaining professional experience, I discovered the UQ Ochsner program and was drawn to its incredibly unique structure and the invaluable opportunity for both personal and professional growth.

What do you like most about the program:

Undoubtedly, the dual-campus model—two years in Australia, followed by two in New Orleans—is one of the UQ Ochsner's greatest strengths. Being immersed in two distinct healthcare systems exposes you to a wide range of clinical approaches, communication styles, and cultural perspectives. It significantly broadens your understanding of medicine and challenges you to critically evaluate and improve upon existing medical systems. This approach encourages UQ Ochsner students to become more adaptable and thoughtful future physicians.

What advice would you give to students interested in the program:

This program attracts students who are eager to expand their horizons—both in and out of the classroom. It pushes you to be adaptable, self-sufficient, and open to different perspectives. Living in Australia adds a layer of personal growth that goes far beyond traditional medical training. If you’re looking for a challenge that will shape you into a more capable and well-rounded physician, please reach out, and I'd be happy to answer any questions that you may have!

Year of study: 4

From: Chicago, IL

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: Carnegie Mellon University

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

I decided to pursue a medical career after finishing my undergraduate degree, allowing me to gain work and research experience before beginning medical school. After graduating from CMU, I spent 2 years working for Saga Education, a non-profit educational organization. In 2019, I completed a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and then did a short internship at the Smithsonian Institution, studying skeletal anthropology. Finally, I spent 3 years at Northwestern University conducting translational research investigating mineral metabolism and the regulation of FGF23 in mineral bone disease of CKD.

What do you like most about the program:

Like many of my classmates, my favorite aspect of the UQ – Ochsner program is the opportunity to live and study medicine in two different countries. I’m beyond grateful that I got to spend 2 years living in Australia. Moving to and living in another country can be stressful and challenging even without beginning medical school, but living in Brisbane was amazing. It was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that gave me incredible memories and helped me grow as a person and as a future physician.

What advice would you give students interested in the program:

My advice to prospective students would be to think about their priorities and values when it comes to starting their medical career. Medical school is hard no matter where you study and most schools offer similar academic support and research and clinical opportunities. But how many programs teach medicine in two countries? And, what do you want your journey to look like when you’re not studying or in lecture?

Year of study: 4

From: Savannah, GA

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: Mercer University

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

I graduated from Mercer University with a BS in Neuroscience and minor in Business Administration. I was feeling burnt out by the time I finished my degree and had a desire to see what the world has to offer outside of Southern Georgia. I was working on applying for US med schools when I found out about this program. Australia was definitely a bucket list item for me, and I was already in love with New Orleans. The program seemed too good to be true!

What do you like most about the program?

I really appreciate that the program makes it possible to join into Australian culture and see how their healthcare model takes care of their population. It has been a wonderful privilege to share perspectives through yarning with Australian classmates to develop as both a clinician and a global citizen.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

It is hard to move to the other side of the world! Be prepared for struggles, but know that you are standing at the beginning of something truly amazing. There are so many people and resources within UQ and Ochsner that want to answer your questions and see you succeed! 

Year of study: 4

From: Florida

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of North Carolina - Asheville

Year of study: 4

From: College Station, TX

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: Texas A&M University

Tell us about your journey to med school:

I took a very long meandering path through my undergraduate years due to gastrointestinal health issues. This created a deep and personal interest in human physiology, nutrition, and medicine. I got married shortly before graduating Texas A&M with a degree in nutrition. After that, I applied and was accepted to the UQ-Ochsner MD Program.

What do you like most about the program:

My favorite part of this program is the inherent sense of adventure. Getting to move to a different country, live in Australia, study in a rigorous and respected academic setting, and then move back to the U.S. and have the opportunity to live in New Orleans while training at an esteemed institution like Ochsner— there has never been a dull moment and each year is a different adventure.

What advice would you give students interested in the program:

If you're on the fence, just do it. You get the absolute best of both worlds in terms of an exciting and fun academic years one and two, and then you also get excellent U.S. clinical training setting you up very well to practice as a U.S. physician.

Year of study: 4

From: Tulsa, OK

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of Tulsa

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

I'm a non-traditional student, from a non-medical family. My entry in to medicine was as a Physician Assistant. It didn't take me long after I started clinical rotations that I realized I was in love with medicine. When I started working as a hospitalist in Oklahoma through the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic I realized how high the knowledge ceiling is in medicine while working with the specialists. So I came back to school to become one of those specialists!

What do you like most about the program?

It's been a lifelong goal of my wife and I to live outside the US, and this program gave us that opportunity. We got to do a little bit of travel in a part of the world that's not as accessible from the US. Living in Australia gave us a whole new suite of unique experiences from getting my teeth knocked in playing rugby, to snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. Plus, it's a solid opportunity to learn a whole new language: Aussie!

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

As a pre-med student, you're life can be just consumed with the rat-race. I think this program is for people who are no less dedicated to becoming a doctor, but who like to stop and enjoy the process every once in a while; who want to do something a little different. By all means, reflect on what you want to do as a doctor, what your career goals are as best as you can appreciate now. But then take a look at our match list, and if you see yourself there and want to see some kangaroos and maybe be peer-pressured into doing a shoey, you should think about it.

Year of study: 4

From: Urbana, MD

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of Georgia

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

Growing up, I was always drawn to medicine—dressing up as a doctor for Halloween and watching the medical channel with my grandpa. I’ve always had a love for lifelong learning and a deep desire to serve others, so pursuing a career in medicine felt like the perfect blend of both passions.

What do you like most about the program?

I love that the UQ-Ochsner program allows me to train in two healthcare systems while caring for diverse patient populations. Living in New Orleans has given me the opportunity to understand the South and connect with a patient population very different from the Northeast, where I’m from. The global perspective and strong clinical training foster adaptability and cultural competence.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

Be open to growth and embrace the unique experience this program offers. Studying abroad can feel daunting at first, but it challenges you in ways that build independence, resilience, and global awareness. Take every opportunity to learn from both patients and peers. Don't forget to have fun and embrace the experience.

Year of study: 4

From: Burlingame, CA

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of California Los Angeles

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

I graduated with a B.A. in English from UCLA, then went on to do a M.S. in Biomedical Sciences at Regis University in Denver. After that, I took several gap years and worked in a variety of roles at an OBGYN private practice, and then moved on to be a Clinical Research Coordinator in oncology and women's health. I actually had heard about the UQ-Ochsner program very early in my pursuit of medical school, and ultimately applied after a former grad school professor put me in contact with a Regis alumni and UQ-Ochsner graduate.

What do you like most about the program?

From the moment you receive your acceptance, you have a built in community. UQ-Ochsner does a great job of connecting you with your classmates before the move, but beyond that, in Australia, there is a real sense of camaraderie and family within the cohort. The feeling of community and the support you get from that community really got me through the stressful times and made such a big difference in the process of studying for and taking Step 1.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

Do the thing that feels hard, because those are the experiences you'll probably get the most out of. Moving to Australia and leaving your home and your family may seem daunting, but it just might end up being the best decision of your life. 

Year: 4

From: Texas

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of Texas - Houston

Year of study: 4

From: Los Angeles, CA

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of California, Irvine

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

After graduating undergrad, I took a few years off before going to medical school. I worked with my dad in his small construction business and then covid hit. Not really sure what to do, I did what every student in a mid-life crisis does... go to more school! I did my post bacc/masters program in Biomedical Sciences at the peak of the pandemic. While applying and looking into med schools, I heard about UQ from a mentor of mine and decided to apply and then the rest is history!

What do you like most about the program?

This program offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to study in two different countries with two very different cultures. I've met the best people and my best friends in this program. I've had the chance to travel to a whole new part of the world and tons of memories.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

Don't forget to enjoy the journey. Medical school is hard and it will challenge you in so many different ways. You'll have to learn to adapt constantly and will probably get homesick. But don't forget to embrace the good moments and lean into those around you!

Year: 4

From: Louisiana

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: Louisiana State University

Year: 4

From: Los Angeles, CA

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of Southern California

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

After working in education, outreach, and research, I realized I was seeking a profession that could integrate my diverse interests while continuously challenging me to grow. At the same time, growing up with a chronically ill parent gave me a deep and personal appreciation for the medical field. These experiences collectively led me to discover medicine, a field that not only demands intellectual rigor and compassion but also allows me to serve others in a meaningful, lasting way. I wanted a unique, yet reliable program and through internet research found Ochsner and here I am!

What do you like most about the program?

I was drawn to the international-domestic structure of the program, with the first two years in Australia and clinical training in New Orleans. This global perspective not only enriched my medical education but also shaped me personally, deepening my understanding of healthcare across diverse cultural and systemic contexts. It also reinforced the importance of adaptability, which I believe is one of the most valuable traits a person can develop.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

Do your research (reach out to student ambassadors beforehand!) and understand that self-regulation is essential not just for an international medical program, but for any medical training. I noticed that those who struggled the most often expected more structure or hands-on guidance than the program could realistically provide. While their concerns were valid, it became clear that success in this environment requires a high degree of independence, self-motivation, and the ability to seek support proactively. Developing these habits early makes the experience more manageable and ultimately more rewarding.

Year: 4

From: Metairie, LA

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of Chicago

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

My journey began in New Orleans. I was born at Ochsner Baptist, where I would eventually rotate as a medical student. I went to high school in New Orleans at Brother Martin. After high school, I wanted to go to college out of state and was able to attend the University of Chicago where I majored in Biology and was a varsity wrestler for four years. After graduating from UC, I completed a postbaccalaureate program at UNO and took the MCAT. I learned about UQ from a MCAT class I took at Loyola. The tutor had been accepted to UQ and told us she was going to school there. After learning about UQ, I applied and was accepted.

What do you like most about the program?

I love that it's the most unique program on the planet. I love that I was able to study at one of the most prestigious institutions in Australia and then return to my hometown and receive excellent training at Ochsner. During my pre-clinical years, I was finally able to travel abroad and see new countries, meet new people, and try a variety of new foods. The education I have received in my two phases of learning have helped me become the most successful student I can be.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

I would advise students interested in UQ to have an open mind about living abroad and find a proper work/life balance. Moving out of the country was one of the greatest experiences of my life and opened my eyes to a variety of new cultural norms. However, the temptation to only travel and have fun is there, so finding an appropriate work/life balance is critical to becoming a successful student.

Year: 4

From: Hartford, CT

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: Boston University

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

When I started college at Boston University, I explored different interests, taking finance courses and even considering history with the idea of law. Then I was recruited to conduct research in psychiatry, and the rest, fittingly, was history. That experience sparked my fascination with medical sciences and led me to complete a B.A. in psychology. Wanting a stronger foundation, I earned an M.S. in Medical Sciences at BU before working two years in psychiatry in Connecticut, gaining clinical and research experience that solidified my decision to pursue medicine. Each step prepared me to pursue medicine and share my journey with others.

What do you like most about the program?

What I like most about the program is the unique balance it offers. Living and studying in Brisbane was an unbelievable experience. The city is vibrant, welcoming, and gave me the chance to learn medicine in a new cultural and healthcare setting. Returning to the U.S. for clinical training at Ochsner has been equally rewarding. I genuinely love the hospital here: the teaching is excellent, the community is supportive, and the opportunities to grow are unmatched. Having both experiences side by side gives you the best of both worlds and prepares you to be adaptable, well-rounded, and confident in your future path.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

My biggest advice is to embrace the unique opportunity this program offers. You’ll study in Australia, gaining exposure to a different healthcare system and culture, then return to the U.S. for clinical training at Ochsner, a major leader in healthcare. The combination gives you the best of both worlds: an international perspective and U.S. clinical excellence. It prepares you to be adaptable, well-rounded, and ready for any path in medicine. Keep an open mind and dive into each stage, you’ll grow in ways you can’t fully appreciate until you experience it.

Year: 4

From: Louisiana

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: Nicholls State University

Year: 4

From: Houston, TX

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of Houston

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

I majored in biomedical sciences at the University of Houston and during my senior year I worked as a scribe, and it really solidified my desire to go to medical school. After undergrad, I worked in research at Baylor/TCH in neonatology and as I was applying to medical schools I heard about the UQ-Ochsner program from a friend. Having spent my childhood outside the US, I was very excited about the idea of another international experience, and it was an easy decision to apply.

What do you like most about the program?

I think what I like most about the program is the community that we build going through medical school. Moving to another country away from family and friends really allows us to bond as we go through the first two years of medical school and forms very close friendships. We also get to learn about and explore two different healthcare systems. While we get an initial idea our first two years through placements, we still learn about and compare the health systems in our third year as we learn differences in management between the US and Australia. It is a very unique experience!

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

The idea of moving to a brand-new country and learning medicine can be very scary but it is a very rewarding experience. You'll get to meet people from all over the world and form life-long friendships while exploring the challenges of studying medicine together. At the end of the day, you will be a much better doctor for it, and it will definitely be worth it.

Year: 4

From: Florida

Where did you do your undergraduate degree? Brown University

Year: 4

From: San Francisco, CA

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: Colorado College

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

It wasn't until well after college, out in the working world, that my journey to medical school began. Through a series of rewarding professional clinical experiences, particularly in the non-profit sector and public health advocacy, I recognized the unique role that doctors can hold in the lives of their patients; To be a realist about the pain that goes along with the human condition and an idealist about minimizing that pain and preventing it. I have been working towards fulfilling that role ever since!

What do you like most about the program?

The UQ-Ochsner program gave me the chance to live and explore internationally in a country as beautiful as Australia while also receiving world-class clinical exposures in the U.S. that will properly prepare me for the match and residency - it's the best of both worlds.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

While it's important to look to your goals as motivation to move forward, remember that your life is still happening while you're in medical school! Think about where and how you'd want to spend your time both inside AND outside of the classroom - if you're someone who values a global health perspective and enjoys exploring new places and cultures, UQ-Ochsner could be a great fit.

Year of study: 4

From: Tucson, AZ

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of Arizona

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

I studied psychology in undergrad but becoming a doctor was always in the back of my mind. Various experiences in undergrad really solidified my decision to pursue medicine and while applying to US med schools, I stumbled upon UQ-Ochsner. I hadn’t been able to study abroad and always wanted to travel to Australia, so I was sold on the program pretty quickly. I took a gap year & then was on my way to Aus!

What do you like most about the program?

This program is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Getting to undergo half of my medical education in Australia and being immersed in a different culture & environment—one that felt new and exciting but also similar to home in many ways—has been one of the best experiences of my life so far. The people I’ve met, the places I’ve been, and the things I’ve learned in Australia and now here in New Orleans are all shaping me into the type of doctor that I could only dream of becoming.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

Take the leap & don’t look back!! It’s definitely scary to think about moving across the world while also starting medical school but if you are motivated and have the drive & ambition, it’ll be so worth it. You’ll get to have the time of your life with like-minded people who’ll become some of your best friends and experience and learn things that will make you that much better of a doctor. It’ll all be worth it in the end & you’ll have amazing stories to tell. 

Year: 4

From: Texas

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of Miami

Year: 4

From: Baton Rouge, LA

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: Louisiana State University

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

I got my undergraduate degree in Biological engineering at LSU. While studying there, I also worked in a pediatric cardiology clinic as a MA/Scribe. After I graduated, I worked for a year in clinical research. My cousin had done the UQ-Ochsner program already and recommended it highly to me so I applied to UQ-Ochsner. When I got in here, I immediately accepted because I knew I would be able to achieve all my goals in becoming a great doctor and I would get the experience of a lifetime learning and living in Australia for 2 years.

What do you like most about the program?

The support staff at Ochsner have made the transition to clinical rotations smooth and are very helpful during the rotations to make sure our needs are met. The attendings at Ochsner are very interested in teaching and helping us develop our skills. Ochsner has a diverse set of specialties and subspecialties that are able to provide learning and experience in almost any field of medicine a student is interested in. Staff is extremely supportive for Step and The Match process.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

Don’t let the IMG tag scare you. There are only a few residency specialties that still have tendencies against it but UQ-Ochsner students are constantly breaking that trend. Australia is a great experience and those 2 years go by extremely fast. Take advantage of your time there by traveling during your studies.

Year: 4

From: Los Angeles, CA

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: University of California Davis

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

I've wanted to be a doctor since childhood—my cousins and I even dreamed up a future where we'd open our own hospital. After earning my degree from UC Davis, I completed a master's at the University of Southern California and worked in cancer research before starting medical school. Having spent over a decade living abroad when I was younger, I was eager for another international experience, so when I discovered this program, it was an easy decision.

What do you like most about the program?

I love how unique this program is! When else would you get the chance to live in Australia for two years while meeting incredible people from all over the world? Plus, the opportunity to start placements in second year is rare in medical school. It provides invaluable hands-on experience before transitioning to third year in New Orleans, helping me feel more comfortable in clinical settings (and as they say—practice makes perfect).

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

The path to medical school—and the journey beyond—is full of uncertainty. But that’s exactly why it’s worth taking a leap of faith. Choosing to study in Australia isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about embracing new experiences, immersing yourself in a different healthcare system, and building lifelong friendships with people from all over the world. Stepping outside your comfort zone can be daunting, but it’s often the most rewarding decisions that shape us the most. So why not take the adventure and head down under for a bit? 

Year of study: 4

From: Prairieville, LA

Where did you do your undergraduate degree: Louisiana State University

Tell us about your journey to medical school:

My journey to medical school was an involved one. I was a student-athlete at my undergraduate university and spent a lot of time juggling academics and athletics. Once I completed my athletic career, I was able to commit significantly more time to academics. I completed a second undergraduate degree and worked as a stress test technician for a large cardiology group in Baton Rouge. Eventually, I applied to the UQ-Ochsner program, and now I’m here!

What do you like most about the program?

My favorite part of the program is the willingness to teach by the attending and resident physicians. I have had a fantastic time during my clinical learning in both New Orleans and Brisbane. I have learned a lot and feel more confident in clinical settings. I believe that this is a direct result of our clinical supervisors’ enthusiastic approach to teaching.

What advice would you give students interested in the program?

I would advise anybody applying to the program, or applying to medical school in general, to learn how to study before beginning medical school. There is a ton of material that is covered in quick fashion, and if you can’t study effectively, it makes learning very difficult. Just taking time to determine how you study best before starting medical school could save you a lot of worry and put you on the path to success.