For Nathan Au-Yeung, becoming a doctor wasn’t always the plan but during his undergraduate years at UC San Diego, a shift in perspective changed everything.
Nathan Au-Yeung said, “I didn’t plan to go into medicine at first, but during my time at UCSD, I made a lot of pre-med friends and their influence rubbed off on me, and I decided to go for it right before I graduated.
When it came time to apply for medical school, Nathan faced the challenges of applying during the pandemic.
But The University of Queensland Ochsner Doctor of Medicine (MD) program stood out to him.
“The opportunity to train halfway across the world in a completely different health system and culture, while furthering my professional goals, was incredibly appealing,” he said.
This international experience became a key reason Nathan chose the UQ-Ochsner MD program.
Making the leap from Southern California to Australia was no small feat, but Nathan saw it as an opportunity for personal growth.
“I lived my entire life in Southern California, so moving across the world felt like a great opportunity for career development,” he said.
He found the transition easier than expected, thanks to the support of students who had already made the move.
Studying with classmates from around the world added a new layer of enrichment to Nathan’s medical school journey.
“It felt easy to become part of the UQ community,” he said, highlighting the wonderful cultural exchange and the deep friendships he made.
This international cohort allowed him to see healthcare through a global lens, enhancing both his academic and personal growth.
As Nathan’s clinical training took him to New Orleans, the exposure to a wide variety of diseases and conditions, such as sickle cell anemia and alcoholic liver disease, solidified his desire to pursue internal medicine.
“The variety keeps things exciting and is a great learning experience, helping me refine my diagnostic and problem-solving skills,” he said.
Reflecting on his experiences, Nathan feels prepared for the next step in his career.
“Training under two healthcare systems has made me a better-rounded doctor, ready for residency with a strong foundation,” he said.
He credits the program with helping him develop cultural humility, while gaining exposure to rare diseases and understanding the complexities of different healthcare systems.
Looking back at his journey, Nathan is excited to take on the future.
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and ready to give back to my community,” he said, summarizing his thoughts as he prepares to graduate.
For future medical students, Nathan’s advice is clear: “Brisbane is such a fun place, and you meet people from all over the world, creating memories you can’t make anywhere else.
“Immerse yourself in New Orleans and the amazing culture—it’s truly something special,” he said.
Nathan’s journey shows how medicine is more than just a profession—it’s a chance to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and make a lasting impact on health, no matter where you are in the world.
