For Makenna Moore, a graduate of The University of Queensland Ochsner Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, the path to medicine started with a toy stethoscope and a deep-seated calling.
Originally from Huntington Beach, California, Makenna’s journey has taken her from playing doctor as a child to preparing for residency in obstetrics and gynecology or family medicine.
Makenna Moore said, “I think deep in my mind, I’ve always known that I wanted to be a doctor.”
The pivotal moment came when her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Witnessing the compassionate care provided by his doctors inspired Makenna to follow in their footsteps.
“I wanted to emulate them and be a resource for people like they were for my grandfather and my family,” she said.
Makenna’s journey to medical school was deliberate.
After earning her undergraduate degree at Tulane University, she pursued a master’s degree before taking time to gain work experience and prepare for the rigors of medical training.
When it came time to choose a medical school, Makenna was drawn to the UQ-Ochsner MD program, thanks to a recommendation from a physician mentor.
“He told me about some wonderful residents he knew who graduated from The University of Queensland. He said it was a quality education combined with a unique experience,” she said.
That unique experience included two years of study in Australia, an opportunity Makenna found irresistible.
“The biggest pro? Living in Australia for two years—how could you turn that down?” she said with a laugh.
While moving halfway across the world was daunting, Makenna embraced the adventure.
“The sense of adventure and potential far outweighed any fears I had,” she said.
The program’s international perspective proved invaluable.
“In my second-year case-based learning group, we had two Ochsner students, a Canadian, a student from Singapore, and the rest were domestic Australians. We clicked instantly—it felt like we had been friends forever,” she said.
Returning to the U.S. for clinical training at Ochsner Health in New Orleans, Makenna found herself in an environment rich with opportunities to learn.
“Ochsner offers fantastic clinical opportunities. New Orleans is a wonderful city to practice in, with a wide variety of conditions and patients. It’s excellent exposure for any specialty,” she said.
Having lived in New Orleans for over 11 years, Makenna considers the city home and hopes to stay local for her residency.
Reflecting on the UQ-Ochsner MD program, she praised its emphasis on fostering independence and resilience.
“It’s helped me become more confident, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next,” she said.
As Makenna prepares to graduate and take the next step in her medical career, she describes the moment as surreal.
“My first year was on Zoom at my parents' house, and now I’m graduating and applying for residency—it doesn’t feel real,” she said.
Looking back, she sees immense growth in herself academically, professionally, and personally.
Makenna’s advice to her younger self? “Hold on—it’s going to be a wild ride, but it’ll be so worth it. You’ll meet amazing people, accomplish incredible things, and it’s going to be great.”
