Committed to Student Success

The Oceania University of Medicine (OUM) continues to demonstrate its commitment to student success by expanding a wide range of support initiatives designed to guide students throughout their medical school journey. From peer mentoring to leadership representation, OUM’s student support programs ensure that every student has access to academic, professional, and personal support.

OUMSA Executive Officers

At the heart of the student community is the OUM Student Association (OUMSA), which serves as a unified voice for students, promotes a positive learning environment, and enriching the overall medical school experience. As a recognized chapter of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), OUMSA fosters collaboration and advocacy at both local and international levels.

Current OUMSA executive officers include Chapter President Kelly Battersby, Chapter Advocacy Officer Lilian Atieno, and Chapter Membership Officer Rojina Karki. Students are encouraged to connect with OUMSA at oumsa@oum.edu.ws for representation and support.

Student Ambassadors

OUM’s Student Ambassadors play an important role in easing the transition into medical school. These student leaders share personal insights about the OUM experience, from navigating online classrooms and assessments to preparing for clinical rotations. Ambassadors also provide invaluable advice to prospective students exploring OUM’s unique approach to medical education. Among the current Ambassadors are: 

• Atousa Zare (Clinical, New South Wales, Australia)
• Gabriel Faleniu Asaua Siua (Clinical, Samoa)
• Kereng Modise (Clinical, Western Australia, Australia)
• Lilian Peres Atieno (Clinical, Victoria, Australia)
• Michele Kealy (Med Sci Preclinical, Queensland, Australia)
• Savannah Gomboso (Med Sci Clinical, New South Wales, Australia)
• Norman Chu (Clinical, Queensland, Australia)
• Seyifunmi Afolabi (Clinical, Western Australia, Australia)
• Sumy Francis (Med Sci Clinical, Victoria, Australia)
• Dawda Bolton (USMLE, Texas, United States)

Student Ambassadors may be reached at studentambassadors@oum.edu.ws.

Peer Supporters

Recognizing that medical education can be both rewarding and challenging, OUM also offers a Peer Support Program. This initiative connects students with trained peers who provide confidential, compassionate guidance to those facing academic pressures, personal struggles, or simply needing encouragement.

Current Peer Supporters include

• Arnold Silvano (Clinical, Queensland, Australia)
• Nabil Hashemi (Clinical, New South Wales, Australia)
• Seyifunmi Afolabi (Clinical, Western Australia, Australia)
• Shannett Fischer (Clinical, New South Wales, Australia)
• Tarisai Mutuma (Clinical, Western Australia, Australia)
• Affan Shahzad (Pre-clinical, Tasmania, Australia)
• Emma Zeratsky (Pre-clinical, Nebraska, USA)

Students may reach Peer Supporters at peersupport@oum.edu.ws. 

Commitment to Student Engagement

Associate Professor Nicolette McGuire, OUM’s Associate Dean for Student Engagement, emphasized the importance of these initiatives in fostering student success. “OUM is a collaborative medical school aimed toward supporting each student’s success,” she said. “Whether through OUMSA, our Student Ambassadors, or Peer Supporters, we encourage students to reach out for individual or group support whenever needed.”

With these programs, OUM continues to strengthen its mission of producing not only skilled physicians but also a supportive, resilient medical community.

For more information, contact assocdean.se@oum.edu.ws.