FAQs

Yes, OUM’s Samoan scholarship recipients are required to serve the country’s health system for five (5) years following their medical training.

Yes, Samoan scholarship students must complete their rotations in Samoa to receive the scholarship for the Clinical Phase of the MD program. However, they may apply to complete rotations in other locations. There will be additional costs related to clinical rotations outside of Samoa that are not covered by the scholarship.

Yes, OUM’s American Samoan scholarship recipients are required to serve the country’s health system for five (5) years following their medical training.

American Samoan graduates of OUM are qualified to practice medicine in American Samoa.

NOTE: Students who graduate from OUM with an MD will be considered International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in their home country. We recommend that students do their own research, as this is 5-6 years in the future, and information may change from when it was posted.

Yes. In fact, OUM’s American Samoan scholarship recipients are required to serve the country’s health system for five (5) years following their medical training.

American Samoan scholarship students will do their rotations in American Samoa; however, they may apply to complete rotations in other locations. There will be additional costs related to clinical rotations outside of American Samoa that are not covered by the scholarship.

OUM is internationally accredited. OUM’s MD program is accredited by PAASCU, recognized by the WFME, and meets standards comparable to those of US medical schools, enabling its international graduates to pursue licensure and residency in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada, Samoa, and the United States. OUM is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Please refer to our Accreditation page for more information.

OUM’s distance-learning program appeals to a wide variety of students, from recent university graduates to working professionals interested in changing careers. OUM accepts students with healthcare and non-science backgrounds. Find out more about our students by exploring the testimonials and videos on our Student Life page.

OUM is selective about the students it accepts, making certain they have the self-motivation and discipline necessary to complete the hybrid curriculum. Find out more about current student numbers by visiting our Student Life page.

The University was founded in 2002 to aid the South Pacific island of Samoa in addressing its shortage of doctors. Since the school was established in close collaboration with the Government of Samoa, its future is secure. The program began small, making sure that the computer-assisted curriculum worked well before opening it to a larger number of students. For more information about OUM, please visit our About Us page.

Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited tertiary educational institution, with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, 5.5 on a 7.0 scale, or its equivalent. The admissions decision is based upon a candidate’s previous academic success, healthcare experience where applicable, letters of recommendation, and the Admissions interview. For more information, review our Entry Requirements page.

No, standardized admissions tests such as MCAT or GAMSAT are not required.

OUM welcomes two intakes each year – in January and July. Application deadlines are September 1 for the January term and March 1 for the July term.

OUM currently accepts citizens and permanent residents from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Samoa, and the United States (includes American Samoa), where OUM has well-established relationships with teaching hospitals and clinics and is most knowledgeable about the licensing requirements for international medical graduates (IMGs). This allows our students access to their requisite clinical rotations and ensures a smoother transition through their hurdle exams into postgraduate training and clinical practice.

The Application Fee is $250, and it covers the cost of processing your application. It must be paid prior to submitting your application and is non-refundable. The Application Fee is paid in your local currency: Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Samoa, or the US (including US territories).

We greatly value the knowledge and experience you bring from your healthcare background. However, OUM does not offer advanced standing or credit for prior studies. Most countries require a minimum of four years in medical school to qualify for licensure, and completing the full program ensures eligibility for certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), which is required for residency and medical licensure in most US states. Attempting to bypass this requirement, as some students from other programs have experienced, can create challenges with licensure.

Completing the entire OUM program keeps all pathways to residency and licensure open. To learn more about the program structure, visit our Curriculum page.

The University does not offer any bridge programs in the health professions. While we greatly value the experience that Nurse Practitioners bring, medical boards require all physicians to complete at least four years of medical study. This means that advanced standing or credits cannot be granted, and all students complete OUM’s full Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program. We encourage you to visit our Curriculum page to learn more about the MD program.

Yes. Contact your Admissions Counselor to connect you with a current student or graduate. If you don’t have a Counselor yet, please send your contact information to admissions@oum.edu.ws and one will be in touch. Also, complete a form on our Webinars page to hear from members of the OUM community via “Meet a Student” and “Meet a Graduate” webinar recordings.

OUM does not have the authority to issue visas or guarantee the approval of student visa applications. It is the sole responsibility of the student to obtain and maintain the necessary visa or other legal authorization required to reside in the relevant country throughout the duration of the MD program. OUM cannot be held liable for visa-related issues, including delays, denials, expirations, or revocations, as those are managed by the countries where students apply for the visas. The inability to comply with visa requirements may result in a student’s enrollment being overturned, including bearing any associated costs or consequences.

We have found that a solid foundation in the following subjects may help ease a student’s transition into the study of medicine: Human Physiology, Human Anatomy, Human Genetics, and Human Pathophysiology. For applicants who wish to strengthen their academic foundation further, Biochemistry and Statistics may also be beneficial.

Yes. OUM’s MD curriculum is designed to meet international medical education standards and is informed by guidelines from bodies such as the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). It covers foundational biomedical sciences, clinical skills, and professional development, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for medical practice and licensure pathways in various countries.

It’s completely normal to have concerns about online study, especially for a rigorous program like medicine. At OUM, the MD program is delivered through a blended learning model that combines online coursework with in-person clinical training. The online components are designed to be interactive, engaging, and academically rigorous, supported by experienced faculty and a strong student support system. OUM’s curriculum follows international medical education standards, and students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements in hospitals and clinics. Many graduates have successfully transitioned into medical practice across various countries, demonstrating that online learning—when done right—can be both effective and transformative.

No, the MD program at OUM is a full-time, structured program and cannot be studied part-time or at your own pace. While the online format offers flexibility in terms of where and when you access your learning materials, students are expected to follow a set schedule of units, classes, and assessments. This ensures academic rigor and prepares students for the demands of medical practice. Regular participation in live sessions is essential to progress through the program successfully.

A typical week during the pre-clinical years includes live online classes, self-directed study, quizzes, and group discussions. Students may also meet with a Student Success Advisor. During the pre-clinical years, students are expected to dedicate 50+ hours to coursework, preparation, and participation. During clinical rotations, the schedule shifts to full-time, in-person training at approved healthcare facilities.

OUM offers two pathways, each designed to meet the requirements of different regions, though the educational content and curriculum remain the same. The Standard Pathway is intended for students in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Samoa, and is typically completed in ~4.5 years. The USMLE Pathway is designed for students residing in, or planning to practice in, the United States or Canada. Students in this pathway usually take ~5 years to complete the program, as it includes scheduled study periods to prepare for licensing exams such as USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, MCCQE, NAC, and ECFMG Pathway 3. Passing USMLE Steps 1 and 2 is also a graduation requirement for students intending to practice in the US.

Yes, all USMLE Pathway students need to pass USMLE Step 1 before they are permitted to start clinical rotations. Most US teaching hospitals do not allow students to begin rotations in their institutions before they pass Step 1. In addition, USMLE Step 2 must be completed as a graduation requirement before students may begin most North American residency programs and for all students intending to practice in the US and many Canadian locations.

No. Due to accreditation or other agreements, students residing in the US and Canada must complete the USMLE Pathway.

No, you can choose between the USMLE Pathway and Standard Pathway. If you intend to work as a doctor in the US, you must take the USMLE Pathway. OUM’s American Samoan scholarship recipients are required to serve the American Samoa’s health system for five (5) years following their medical training.

While the academic components are delivered online, clinical training is completed in person. OUM students undertake clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics, often in their home country. These placements are arranged in collaboration with approved teaching sites and supervised by qualified medical professionals, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.

OUM students use “Complete Anatomy,” an advanced 3D anatomy platform produced by Elsevier Publishing. Rather than taking a separate anatomy course and memorizing the human anatomical structures independently, Complete Anatomy is integrated into every organ system curriculum. For example, students learn the anatomy of the heart and blood vessels and immediately relate that knowledge to physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Learn more at “Complete Anatomy: This 3D Learning Platform is a Fan Favorite”.

Each pre-clinical unit requires mastering a large amount of information in a relatively short period. Students should expect to spend at least 40–50 hours per week on studying and class participation, which is comparable to a full-time job. During the clinical phase, the time commitment increases to about 40+ hours per week, as students engage in hands-on rotations along with clinical curriculum requirements. For a helpful example of the time commitment required, refer to the Pre-clinical Phase of either the Standard Pathway or USMLE Pathway curriculum.

Classes are delivered live via Zoom in interactive, student-led sessions facilitated by instructors. These take place three days a week—typically Tuesday to Thursday—from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM (time zone varies by region). To accommodate different locations, two time options are available. All live sessions are recorded, and students also receive weekly on-demand interactive lectures. For the current schedule and full curriculum details, please visit our Curriculum page.

Exams are taken and proctored online via the Honorlock platform. OUM students must have a functioning microphone and external webcam and are required to complete a video room scan of their test-taking environment before each exam. To accommodate different schedules and time zones, exams are available during a designated 24-hour window, generally over a weekend, so it is important to keep your weekend schedule flexible.

OUM’s online pre-clinical curriculum allows many students to work reduced schedules during that phase of the program. However, medical school demands a significant time commitment to absorb and master extensive scientific material. You may find it difficult to balance work with your studies, so you should be prepared to adjust outside commitments. During clinical rotations, outside employment is not feasible, as rotations require a full-time commitment with hours set by the facility or supervisor.

Yes, all students are required to complete a 4-week clinical rotation in Samoa. It’s often considered a highlight of the program, offering hands-on experience and cultural immersion.

Clinical rotations require a full-time commitment, with hours set by the facility or supervisor, so outside employment is not feasible. You are not paid for rotations, as they are an essential part of your medical education, focused on learning and practicing clinical skills under supervision in real healthcare settings.

OUM will arrange your clinical rotations however, your clinical rotation sites will be varied, and travel is a necessary part of the OUM MD program. It’s essential that you consider your flexibility and willingness to travel for placements. Students should move away from the expectation that all rotations will be local or based in their hometown. In reality, considerable travel within Australia is required. Being open to this not only broadens your clinical experience but also expands your professional network—both of which are critical to your progression as a future doctor. Additionally, all students are expected to complete a four-week rotation in Samoa as part of the program.

For specific state and territory information, please contact admissions@oum.edu.ws.

Most hospitals charge a placement fee. These fees vary depending on the health facility and length of placement, and are payable by the student. Students are also responsible for accommodation and travel costs associated with their clinical rotations.

OUM’s primary affiliated hospitals in the U.S. for clinical rotations are located in Chicago, Illinois, and Beckley, West Virginia. Additionally, there are opportunities in Hawaii and California for permanent residents who apply through the Dean’s office. Students may also work with OUM’s Dean for Australia and North America and the Clinical Placement Team to attempt to arrange rotations closer to home.

Yes. Fees generally range from $0 to $500 per week of clinical rotation and are charged to the student by the hospital.

At this time, all Canadian OUM students are required to complete their clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals in the United States – supporting eligibility to still apply for both the Match and CaRMS residency systems. While clinical rotations in Canada have been arranged in the past with joint approval from the regional Dean and the hospital or health system, these are not currently available.

American Samoan students will complete their rotations in American Samoa and must travel to Samoa for the 4-week rotation.

There are limited opportunities available in Aotearoa New Zealand and you may need to travel both within Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia to complete clinical rotations. For further information, please contact admissions@oum.edu.ws.

For detailed information about MD tuition and fees, please see our Tuition & Fees page and the country-specific PDFs available there.

Additional fees do arise during the program. For more information, please refer to Other Fees on the Tuition & Fees page.

Students pay tuition and fees in their local currency (i.e. AUD, CAD, NZD, SAT, or USD).

OUM offers several payment options for tuition fees. For full details, please refer to the Tuition & Fees page and download your country-specific PDF.

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, US: All students are encouraged to check with banks and other lenders as potential funding sources.

Australia: As OUM is an internationally accredited university, Australian students are not eligible to apply for Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) assistance.

Canada: Please see the following FAQ for financial aid information in Canada, “What details can you provide regarding financial assistance in Canada?”

US: As OUM is an internationally accredited university, US students are not currently eligible to apply for government-funded financial aid.

Samoa: Tuition scholarships are available to Samoan citizens who meet all entry requirements of the MD program. OUM scholarships are available only to Samoan students who must also commit to 5-years of practice for the Ministry of Health following graduation.

Not at this time. OUM is internationally accredited, which is the first step towards gaining loan eligibility for its students, and is in the process of meeting additional eligibility requirements. Students are encouraged to check with banks and other lenders as potential funding sources.

There are a variety of financial assistance options available for Canadian students depending on which province or territory you reside in.

• Financial assistance options are available for eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those eligible to become permanent residents. Permanent resident status must be gained prior to applying for financial assistance.
• Student grants and loans are managed by provincial and territorial student aid offices; application forms are available on their websites. Applicants are responsible for checking their provincial and territorial student aid websites to determine their eligibility for student aid and what student aid is available.
• OUM is a designated institution for Canadian financial aid purposes. (CODE ZUDG)
• OUM does not calculate eligibility for financial aid for Canadian students seeking financial aid; those decisions are made by the granting body.
• Some provinces/territories might need additional information from OUM for application completion.
• Additional support options are available for underrepresented student groups. Please consult Canada Student Grants and Loans or your provincial/territorial student aid office for further information.
• Students may be eligible to apply for professional lines of credit with their financial institution.
• In addition to potential grants and loans, Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) and/or the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) funds may be used to cover medical school expenses.
• OUM encourages applicants to check the amount of funding available to them prior to commencing their studies. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they can cover the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses for the MD Program.

Note: All students planning to practice in the US must follow the USMLE Pathway. This link outlines grant and loan options available in Canada and how to apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans.html

OUM was first accredited in 2010 by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). That accreditation was renewed in 2015, 2020, and 2025 and is valid through May 2030. See the Accreditation page for more information.

Yes. As an accredited medical school, OUM provides the requisite credentials which graduates of international medical schools need to practice in most countries. Graduates who take and pass the required exams for licensure/registration and successfully complete an internship/residency in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Samoa, the United States, or other jurisdictions, are able to practice medicine there. All applicants should research the locations where they wish to practice in order to understand the licensing and registration requirements for international medical graduates in those regions. OUM has graduates who are completing residency training or practicing medicine in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Samoa, South Africa, and the United States.

Students who score well on OUM’s final Pre-Clinical Exam (PCE) and Final Clinical Exam (FCE) score well on the Australian Medical Council exams (AMC), the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE), the New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREZ), or the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). As the USMLE is more focused on the basic sciences, OUM offers the USMLE Prep Program to prepare students who intend to practice in the US for their USMLE Step 1 and 2 exams.

OUM’s AMC Preparation Program provides comprehensive support to graduates and students nearing the completion of their final graduation requirements who are seeking registration in Australia. Designed to help candidates succeed on the AMC Part 1 (MCQ) examination, the program features structured guidance, expert faculty-led instruction, and targeted study resources. Since the AMC MCQ is one of the prerequisite examination options prior to the NZREX Clinical test, this preparation course offers an additional route to medical registration for graduates of Aotearoa New Zealand.

No, internships are not arranged by OUM; It is the responsibility of graduates to arrange their own internships after fulfilling relevant registration or licensing steps in accordance with local requirements. However, OUM’s MD program is designed to prepare graduates for medical practice in a variety of healthcare settings and many OUM graduates have successfully pursued internships and careers in Australia and other countries.

OUM graduates planning to practice medicine in Australia are eligible to sit the Australian Medical Council (AMC) licensing exams.

NOTE: Students who graduate from OUM with an MD will be considered International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in their home country. We recommend that students do their own research as this is 5-6 years in the future, and information may change from when it was posted.

OUM graduates are eligible to obtain ECFMG certification. In the US, in addition to passing the United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLE), students of foreign medical schools must obtain ECFMG certification to begin a US residency program. For more information, visit https://www.ecfmg.org. OUM provides both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 prep courses for students intending to practice in the US.

NOTE: Students who graduate from OUM with an MD will be considered International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in their home country. We recommend that students do their own research as this is 5-6 years in the future, and information may change from when it was posted.

The Match process is a uniform system by which residency candidates and residency programs simultaneously “match” to fill post-graduate training positions accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The NRMP maintains the Match system and uses a computerized mathematical algorithm, the “matching algorithm,” to place applicants into their most preferred residency and fellowship positions at programs that also prefer them.

Learn More About How the Matching Algorithm Works

Yes. OUM students who have successfully completed USMLE Steps 1 and 2 are eligible to apply for US residency programs through the National Residency Match Program. Certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is also a requirement, both to begin a residency and to obtain a medical license in many US states. That certification process begins when students first apply to take the USMLE Step 1 and finishes upon verification of OUM graduation. For more information, visit ECFMG’s website at www.ecfmg.org.

OUM graduates have received full or preliminary licensure to practice in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and the US-territory of American Samoa. In addition to the US, OUM graduates are licensed practicing physicians working in Australia, Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa.

All international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking US licensure must be certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and complete a US residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Before applying to a State Medical Board for licensure, IMGs must successfully pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 3. Every medical graduate must apply for a license in the state(s) in which they intend to practice, and each state has its own requirements and processes for application and a separate dues structure.

Canadian medical licensure for international graduates requires passing the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 1 and the National Assessment Collaboration Examination (NAC). OUM’s Canadian graduates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents to take the Canadian licensing examinations.

NOTE: Students who graduate from OUM with an MD will be considered International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in their home country. We recommend that students do their own research as this is 5-6 years in the future, and information may change from when it was posted.

International medical graduates (IMGs) typically sign Return-of-Service agreements with their province/territory in Canada at the time they begin their residencies. These agreements refer to your commitment to serve in the geographic area of your residency for a defined period of time. Further information about Return-of-Service agreements may be found on provincial/territorial government/Ministry of Health websites.

Yes. Most provinces have dedicated residency positions for international medical graduates (IMGs).  As you may know, Canada has a physician shortage – in particular in rural, remote, and other underserved areas. IMG residency positions are designed both to provide optimal training to the resident and to address the physician shortage. OUM’s mission to improve the health of underserved communities in Oceania and beyond is very well aligned with Canada’s needs.

OUM is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) with Canada Sponsor Notes and is recognized under the Model Standards for Medical Registration in Canada of the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). This means that Canadian students who graduate with an MD from OUM can move forward with the steps needed to become licensed in Canada. After graduation, they will need to complete the additional exams and training to become a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and register with their provincial medical authority.

OUM is also listed in the WDOMS with a US Sponsor Note from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). This allows Canadian graduates who want to practice in the United States to take the United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3). They must also complete a U.S. residency program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) before applying for a state medical license.

As an OUM graduate, you will be eligible to participate in the first iteration of the R-1 Match as an international medical graduate (IMG). In addition to obtaining an MD degree from OUM, you will need to pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam (MCCQE) and the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Exam. The USMLE Step Exams are not required for residency match or licensure in Canada.

OUM graduates planning to practice in Aotearoa New Zealand are eligible to sit for the New Zealand Registration Exam (NZREX) and AMC.

NOTE: Students who graduate from OUM with an MD will be considered International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in their home country. We recommend that students do their own research as this is 5-6 years in the future, and information may change from when it was posted.

Yes. In fact, OUM’s Samoan scholarship recipients are required to serve the country’s health system for five years following their medical training. Citizens from other countries wishing to practice medicine in Samoa must meet the country’s immigration requirements and successfully apply to the Samoan Ministry of Health. Being eligible to practice in a foreign medical school’s home country helps to meet US licensing requirements in some states. Students and prospective students are advised to check with their respective state licensing boards for specific information.

Samoan graduates of OUM are qualified to practice medicine in Samoa. They must submit a written application to the Director General of the Ministry of Health for employment contracts at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital and register with the Samoa Medical Council. Graduates then commence their two-year internship program. They have a Temporary Practicing Licence that allows them to practice under supervision in the hospital. After that, they will receive their full Annual Practicing Certificate.

NOTE: Students who graduate from OUM with an MD will be considered International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in their home country. We recommend that students do their own research, as this is 5-6 years in the future, and information may change from when it was posted.

Yes, completing a research project is a graduation requirement at OUM.

Many students begin with little to no research experience. The program is designed to support you step by step, providing the skills, tools, and mentorship you need to succeed.

You will be guided through the process, from identifying a question to collecting and analyzing data, and finally presenting your findings. Your Research Advisor, along with Research Program resources, will help you navigate each stage. Completing a research project is a graduation requirement at OUM.

While some areas of research may be suggested, you are encouraged to pursue topics that align with your interests and career goals, with guidance from the Director or Deputy Director of Research.

A research prospectus is a written plan that outlines your research question, objectives, methods, and the significance of your research. After the prospectus is written and reviewed by the Director or Deputy Director of Research, it is presented to the Research Club. Final prospectus approval is then required from the Research and Ethics Committees. Students must submit their prospectus before beginning clinical rotations, so it is strongly recommended to start the process early.

A Research Advisor is a faculty mentor who supports OUM students throughout the research process. They provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement as students design, conduct, and present their projects. As part of the Research Program, Research Advisors assist with selecting a research topic, developing a clear research question, designing the study or project framework, conducting a focused literature review, identifying appropriate methods for statistical analysis, and reviewing the prospectus and manuscript drafts prior to submission.

You will be introduced to your Research Advisor once you are ready to begin your research project. Meeting frequency depends on your stage of research progress. Students typically schedule meetings as needed for guidance and feedback. Research Club attendance is also beneficial for exploring ideas and strengthening your understanding of the process.

Completing a research project is a graduation requirement at OUM, and Research Advisors are here to guide you from selecting a topic to submitting your final manuscript. After finishing the Ethics and Methods in Research Unit, students meet with the Director or Deputy Director of Research to be assigned a Research Advisor. Meetings are student-initiated and provide support with developing a research question, designing the study and statistical methods, conducting a literature review, and preparing the prospectus and manuscript drafts. A prospectus must be completed and approved before beginning clinical rotations. Students first present their prospectus to the Research Club for feedback, then obtain approval from the Research and Ethics Committees. The program is built around structured milestones that provide feedback and keep you on track, with the ultimate goal of completing a publishable research project required for graduation. Throughout this process, you will also have access to resources such as the Research Project Unit, Research Club, Journal Club, the Library, the Research Committee, and the Ethics Committee.

Journal Club focuses on reviewing and discussing published research. Once in practice, doctors must be able to read and understand the implications and possible role in patient care of information found in medical journals. All OUM students are required to participate in Journal Club meetings, which involve presenting a peer-reviewed article and then engaging in a faculty-led discussion. Students must attend a minimum of 50 Journal Club sessions, with at least 30 sessions required to be attended during the Pre-clinical Phase of the MD program.

Research Club highlights student projects and progress. Research Club attendance, although not compulsory, offers students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the research process and hear a variety of research ideas, as well as receive feedback on other students’ prospectuses.

Students are not required to publish their research manuscript; however, it should be of publishable quality. Students, after consulting with the Director or Deputy Director of Research, may decide to submit their work to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

You may use previously collected data of your, or other, published studies to generate new questions, statistics, and results for your OUM research project.

Yes. Students may work together on collaborative research projects. These collaborative projects are usually larger-scale studies involving more in-depth statistical analysis. As a result, these types of studies have the potential to be published in high-impact journals.

Yes! Support and connection are central to the OUM experience. While the MD program is delivered primarily online, students are never alone in their journey. OUM provides a robust support system that includes research advisors, student success advisors, faculty mentors, and student services staff who are accessible and responsive. Students also engage regularly with peers through live virtual classes, group discussions, collaborative projects, and student-led study groups. Many students form strong bonds and networks that extend beyond graduation. In addition, OUM’s learning platform is designed to foster interaction and community, making it easy to stay connected and engaged throughout your studies. Please refer to Student Support for more information.

Yes. There are numerous opportunities for students to meet informally online in student study groups and face-to-face with faculty and staff at student conferences and graduations as well as regional meet-ups. You will have access to an OUM Zoom account, including the ability to schedule meetings and invite others, inside and outside OUM. Students and graduates may join the Oceania University of Medicine Student Association (OUMSA) and the Oceania University of Medicine Alumni Association (OUMAA). Please refer to Student Support for more information.

Yes. OUM provides both peer and faculty support throughout the MD program, most notably a Student Success Advisor (SSA), and a Research Advisor to assist with the required research project. Please refer to Student Support for more information.

The Student Success Advisor (SSA) Program encourages students to be proactive in finding ideal study styles, study aids, time-management resources, and overall techniques for maximal medical school performance. SSAs are faculty/staff who serve as mentors, bringing their education and lived experience to sessions with their student advisees. They may also assist with making referrals for students to other staff members or support services.

Please refer to Student Support for more information.

The OUM Peer Support Program is a student-led initiative to support students’ mental health and well-being throughout their medical school journey. The Peer Support Program allows students to discuss topics and issues with a trained medical student peer in a confidential, non-judgmental, and safe environment.

Please refer to Student Support for more information.

OUM’s Student Ambassadors assist prospective students and support first-year colleagues during their transition to medical school. They serve for one year, which they spend sharing their OUM journeys, discussing course content, our interactive classrooms, remote exams, preparing for clinical rotations, and much more. Student Ambassadors take calls from prospects and peers and attend our live webinars and orientation sessions. The experience is also a great mentoring and leadership experience which strengthens a student’s CV.

Please refer to Student Support for more information.

Yes, academic support is provided during faculty office hours.

Yes. These referrals are given to the Dean’s staff, who research the clinical site and make arrangements. As the relationship with a teaching hospital is a contractual arrangement between the site and the University, you should not contact the facility yourself. As you near your USMLE preparation and rotations, provide your personal and hospital contacts to the Dean’s staff. It may take 7-9 months to organize the rotations and arrange an affiliation agreement/contract with a teaching facility.

OUM currently offers established Career Progression Programs, designed to support our students as they advance in their medical careers. These programs offer structured mentorship and targeted licensure preparation to facilitate a successful transition into the next phase of training. For Australian and New Zealand students, the university offers the possibility for graduates (and students completing their final graduation requirements) to register for the AMC Preparatory Program, also known as the AMC Prep Program. For the US and Canada, this includes a USMLE Preparatory Program, also known as the USMLE Prep Program.