For Brian Manalansan Guttierez, a graduate of The University of Queensland Ochsner Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, the path to medicine began with a passion for movement and quality of life.
Growing up in San Diego, California, Brian started his career as a fitness trainer, helping people achieve their health goals but it wasn’t long before he realized he wanted to make an even greater impact.
Brian Gutierrez said, "I’ve always been an advocate for movement and quality of life, but as I progressed in college, I realized that we could intervene in people’s lives and health in much bigger ways and that’s when I started considering medicine."
The UQ-Ochsner MD program offered Brian a chance to study medicine across two continents—an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“This program offered a unique opportunity to train in two different healthcare systems,” he said.
“The diversity and multicultural environment in Brisbane and New Orleans were also big draws for me.”
Studying at UQ brought Brian into a global cohort of students, offering fresh perspectives on healthcare.
“Being part of such a diverse cohort was an amazing experience, it taught me cultural humility and how structural barriers can impact people from all walks of life,” he said.
The transition to New Orleans for clinical training presented a new set of challenges and opportunities.
“Louisiana has its own healthcare challenges—it’s ranked as the least healthy state in the US, and this gave me a different perspective on addressing comorbidities and working with urban and rural populations with limited access to healthcare and health literacy,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Brian feels well-prepared for his residency.
“Training across two continents gave me insight into different healthcare systems and helped me develop my clinical and interpersonal skills,” he said.
The program’s emphasis on physical examination and procedural skills, combined with exposure to underserved communities, has set him apart as he approaches the Match.
Graduating from the program is bittersweet for Brian.
“I’ve met so many amazing people and had such great experiences over the past four years,” he said.
“It’s nerve-wracking thinking about the match process and where life will take me, but I’m ready for this next chapter.”
For aspiring medical students, Brian had one piece of advice: embrace the journey.
“Medicine is rigorous, and you make a lot of sacrifices to care for others, but you also need to take care of yourself,” he said.
“There will be times you fail, but what matters is how you get back up and learn from those moments.”
