A different path. A clearer outcome.
For many U.S. pre-med students, the goal is pretty simple: become a confident doctor and match into a U.S. residency. The challenge is choosing a medical school pathway that actually supports that outcome.
The University of Queensland–Ochsner Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program was built for students who want more than proximity or tradition. It was designed to prepare graduates for real clinical practice in the United States, while offering a broader life experience along the way.
This is not about doing medical school differently for the sake of it, it’s about doing it deliberately.
Learn the science in Australia and apply it in the U.S.
The first two years of the program are based in Brisbane, Australia, where students complete their pre-clinical training at a globally recognised medical school.
This first phase builds a strong academic and scientific foundation, while allowing students to focus on learning medicine without the immediate pressure of clinical service.
Students then transition to New Orleans for their clinical placements in the third and fourth years, where theory becomes practice.
How the program delivers this:
- A clear handover from pre-clinical to clinical training
- No split focus between different health systems at the same time
- Support during the transition from Australia back to the United States
Why it matters: Students develop depth first, then apply it fully. That separation helps build confidence, clarity, and clinical reasoning.
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.
Built for U.S. residency from day one
Many medical programs focus heavily on pre-clinical content, then expect students to adapt later. The UQ-Ochsner MD program takes the opposite approach.
From the start, the program is structured around the expectations of the U.S. healthcare system. Students complete their clinical years embedded within a major U.S. health system, learning medicine in the same environment where they will apply for residency.
How the program delivers this:
- Clinical training takes place in the United States, not overseas observerships
- Students work within U.S. hospital teams and clinical workflows
- Residency preparation is integrated, not an afterthought
Why it matters: UQ-Ochsner graduates enter residency familiar with the pace, expectations, and culture of U.S. hospitals. They are prepared to contribute early, not adjust on the fly.
Confidence comes from experience, not just exams
Doing well on exams is important but feeling comfortable and capable with real patients is essential.
UQ-Ochsner places strong emphasis on hands-on clinical exposure, communication, and decision-making. Students are expected to engage and not observe from the sidelines.
How the program delivers this:
- Early responsibility during clinical years
- Structured supervision and feedback
- Emphasis on clinical reasoning and patient interaction
Why it matters: Graduates don’t just know the content. They trust their judgment, communicate clearly, and step into residency with confidence.
A global experience that shapes better doctors
Living and studying overseas changes people for the better. It builds independence, adaptability, and perspective, all qualities that matter in medicine.
Studying in Australia exposes students to a different healthcare system, culture, and way of life, while still keeping U.S. career goals front and center.
How the program delivers this:
- A built-in international experience, not an optional extra
- A close-knit cohort of fellow Americans navigating the journey together
- Strong student support while living abroad
Why it matters: Graduates bring maturity, cultural awareness, and resilience into clinical practice, qualities residency directors value but rarely see taught.
Undoubtedly, the dual-campus model—two years in Australia, followed by two in New Orleans—is one of 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.
A support system that carries students through
Medical school is demanding and success depends on more than intelligence.
UQ-Ochsner offers academic and wellbeing support in both Brisbane and New Orleans, ensuring students are not navigating the program alone.
How the program delivers this:
- Dedicated student support teams in both cities
- Small cohort feel within two large institutions
- Faculty who are actively involved in student development
Why it matters: Students are supported through challenges, not left to figure things out independently.
More than an MD
For students who want a traditional, familiar medical school experience, there are plenty of options. For those who want preparation, perspective, and momentum, the UQ-Ochsner MD program offers something different.
It’s not about standing out on paper, it’s about being ready for what comes next.