The highlight of each year at OUM took place on Saturday, 14 June at Customs House in Brisbane, Australia when 25 of our students graduated and received their Doctor of Medicine degrees at the University’s 2025 Graduation Ceremony.
Graduates received their medical degrees amidst warm applause from family, friends, faculty, and staff on a day which marked not just the end of a journey, but the beginning of new paths for these doctors as they step forward into their medical careers.
Sixteen students were invited to the stage and presented with their Medical Degrees by Asiata Professor Dr. Satupaitea Viali, Vice Chancellor and President. They were congratulated by Mrs. Taffy Gould, OUM Founder and Chairman, who also delivered the Welcome Address. Also congratulating graduates was the Honorable Valasi Luapitofanua Toogamaga Tafito Selesele, Samoa’s Minister of Health, who delivered the Ministers Address. Nine additional graduates’ names were announced and they received their medical degrees in absentia.
Ceremonial Host for the event was Mrs. Carmel Sang, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President, who provided the Acknowledgement of Country: “OUM acknowledges the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we meet today, and recognises their ongoing connection to land, waters, and community.” Graduates, their guests, and others in the audience were also treated to a Traditional Samoan Dance by the Tilomai Dance Group of Queensland.
Academic Accolades
Special acknowledgement was given to four of this year’s graduates for the academic excellence achieved during their medical education. The Honours Medal Cum Laude was presented to Dr. Daniella Berko, Dr. Caroline Harris, and Dr. Patrick Mill. The Honours Medal Magna Cum Laude was presented to Dr. Olivia Bradley who also delivered the Valedictorian Address. Following presentation of their degrees, graduates were led in reciting the Hippocratic Oath by Dr. Chris May, Director of Clinical Training (Australia).
Congratulations, Graduates
The June 2025 graduates earning their degrees both in person and absentia were:
Dr. Uje Akoro (NZ)
Dr. Inez Balon-Rotheram (AUS)
Dr. Daniella Berko (AUS)
Dr. Olivia Bradley (AUS)
Dr. Ronil Chand (AUS)
Dr. Benjamin Chiu (AUS)
Dr. Elsy Christdoss (AUS)
Dr. Meuni Dassanayake (AUS)
Dr. Caroline Harris (AUS)
Dr. Bevan Jay (AUS)
Dr. Roger Lai (AUS)
Dr. Paul Lam (AUS)
Dr. Anne Lazari (AUS)
Dr. Patrick Mill (AUS)
Dr. Yaldaa Mohmand (AUS)
Dr. Eamon Molloy (AUS)
Dr. Md Moniruzzaman (AUS)
Dr. Jason Quick (AUS)
Dr. Tasnia Rafi (AUS)
Dr. Zoran Rakocevic (AUS)
Dr. Peter Redona (AUS)
Dr. Annie Thomas (AUS)
Dr. Florence Wasko (American Samoa)
Dr. Elisa Winterton (AUS)
Relive the Celebration — Video and Photo Gallery Links Provided
Were you unable to attend or watch it live? Anxious to replay the special event?
Link to the Graduation Video: https://www.youtube.com/live/CwNIoyD3C-0
Link to the Graduation Photo Gallery: https://gallery.harmanvisuals.com/oumgraduation2025/