As 2024 comes to a close, the Oceania University of Medicine (OUM) celebrates a year filled with milestones, new initiatives, and student success. This year, 24 new doctors earned their medical degrees from OUM — representing Australia, North America, and Aotearoa New Zealand — marking the culmination of their hard work (highlighted by a memorable graduation in Brisbane, July 2024). Meanwhile, 85 new students embarked on their medical school journey, joining OUM’s January and July intakes.
Student achievements were front and center, with 100% first-time pass rates for USMLE Step 2 and 84% for Step 1, alongside a 100% Match Day success rate, where all 8 applying students secured residency placements in the US and Canada. Research also flourished, with 24 students publishing their research projects and ongoing contributions through initiatives like the Digicel Healthy Minds program, benefiting mental health screening in Samoa.
OUM also welcomed new leadership, faculty, and staff across key roles, and started the Student Success Advisor Program, emphasizing holistic student support. The university’s impact extended beyond the classroom, as graduates and students alike took part in addressing community mental health challenges and local workforce wellbeing.
With these accomplishments, OUM remains dedicated to shaping future medical leaders and contributing to healthier communities. Read on for more highlights, achievements, and inspiring stories from an extraordinary year. Explore OUM’s 2024 highlights below!
BY THE NUMBERS:
GRADUATES:
“24 new doctors earned their medical degrees from OUM in 2024” — 14 from Australia, 7 from North America, 3 from Aotearoa New Zealand. Congratulations! (Pictured: Graduation in Brisbane, July 2024)
NEW STUDENTS:
85 individuals matriculated as first-year medical students at OUM in 2024 — 43 in January, 42 in July.
January 2024 Cohort:
July 2024 Cohort:
OSCEs:
38 took their Objective Structured Clinical Examination in 2024 — 29 from Australia, 5 from Aotearoa New Zealand, 4 from the United States (and 35 passed)
STUDENT RESEARCH:
24 students had their research projects published this year — read each one at https://oum.edu.ws/student_research/
USMLE PASS RATES:
100 percent for USMLE Step 2 first-time students
84 percent for USMLE Step 1 first-time students
MATCH DAY SUCCESS:
100 percent — 8 students applied, 8 students matched — 7 NRMP (US Match) + 1 CaRMS (Canadian Match). See where at https://oum.edu.ws/news/100-percent-match-day-success/
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS:
NEW STUDENT PROGRAM:
Student Success Advisor (SSA) — OUM understands that the medical school journey is about more than mastering a medical sciences curriculum; it’s about thriving in a challenging and rewarding environment. Dr. Chinwe Okeke, SSA Manager, and all SSAs walk alongside students in their journey, supporting them every step of the way. Learn more here.
NEW PROJECT LAUNCHED:
Digicel Healthy Minds Initiative — A collaborative effort which benefits the Samoan Ministry of Health’s mental health screening requirements, the Healthy Minds Initiative also addresses Digicel’s desire to contribute to community and employee wellbeing, and provides ongoing opportunities to engage OUM students in community outreach.
UPDATED MISSION STATEMENT:
IN THE NEWS:
24 GRADUATE FROM OUM (Samoa Observer, July 2024)
Twenty-four students graduated from the Oceania University of Medicine (OUM) on Saturday, 20 July, and are eager to step into the medical field.
OUM STUDENTS HELP LOCAL COMMUNITIES (Samoa Observer, July 2024)
Within a few days after returning from their graduation, OUM students straight away started looking into mental health issues in local communities.
MENTAL ILLNESS IMPACTING WORKFORCE (Samoa Observer, July 2024)
Urban residents and those in the workforce are more prone to suffer from mental illnesses, says psychiatrist Seiuliali’i Dr. George Tuitama.
Thank You for an Incredible Year
As we close out 2024, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners for their unwavering dedication and hard work. Your contributions have not only driven individual successes but have also strengthened OUM’s mission to shape compassionate, skilled medical professionals who make a lasting impact on communities around the world.
To our graduates — congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone. To our current and incoming students — we are excited to support you as you continue your journey toward becoming the doctors of tomorrow.
Thank you for being part of the OUM family. Here’s to an even more successful and inspiring 2025!