Medical School
UQ-Ochsner
Doctor of Medicine
An opportunity for US students studying medicine to
gain a world class education spanning two continents
The UQ-Ochsner Doctor of Medicine (MD-Ochsner) is
a postgraduate-entry program that aims to nurture and
educate future medical graduates who are clinically capable,
team players, kind and compassionate, serve responsibly
and are dedicated to the continual improvement of the
health of people and communities in Queensland, New
Orleans and across the globe.
The program has been designed to capture and build on
the enthusiasm, maturity and diversity of our graduate
entrants. It features a streamlined, cohesive structure
that takes an integrated approach to active learning.
The MD program is built around 6 key themes: Safe and
Eective Clinician; Critical Thinker, Scientist and Scholar;
Advocate for Health Improvement; Dynamic Learner and
Educator; Kind and Compassionate Professional; and
Partner and Team Player.
You will be allocated a learning community, prior to
entering the program. Each learning community brings
together dierent clinical partners and provides a clinical
home for early, meaningful clinical experiences as well as
your ongoing learning through the program.
You will be able to build your own unique medical
degree through a range of student choices and exciting
enrichment opportunities. During your final semester of
For almost 16 years, The University of Queensland and Ochsner Health have worked
together to train future physician leaders. We have developed a unique pathway,
which enables students to train across two continents, leveraging the resources of
two world class institutions.
study, you will also benefit from a dedicated transition
to practice term – this will help you make the safe and
eective transition to internship/residency and to your
ongoing successful medical career.
How you will study
Your 4-year medical journey will begin in Year 1 with the
foundations of medicine. You will learn the fundamental
concepts of medical sciences, clinical and professional
skills and the role of the doctor and the health system.
Year 2 will concentrate on developing the knowledge
and skills required for medical practice, with a focus on
the pathophysiology of common conditions. Importantly,
almost half of your learning opportunities will be in
clinical settings in Year 2. From Year 3 onwards, you
will be based in New Orleans at Ochsner Health (OH)
and immersed in various clinical environments – both in
hospital and the community.
Your learning will be grounded in the clinical ‘workplace’
setting, supported by structured teaching and learning
activities. This clinical immersion will culminate in a
‘transition to practice semester’ in Year 4, which will be
focused on providing you with the opportunity to be an
active pre-resident member of a clinical team.
UQ ranked #36 Best Global Universities.
(U.S.News & World Report 2022-23)
OH nationally ranked, 1 adult and 2 children’s
specialty. (US News Best Hospitals)
OH owns, manages or is aliated with 46
hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent
care centers across the Gulf South.
TOP REASONS TO STUDY AT UQ OCHSNER
Secure residencies in highly competitive
programs – 99% match rate (2024).
Learning in the clinical ‘workplace’ setting with
early patient contact.
Dedicated USMLE Step 1 preparation course.
Incorporate research into your medical degree.
Doctor of Medicine (MD-Ochsner)
Program duration: 4 years full-time
Location: Brisbane, Australia and New Orleans, Louisiana
English language proficiency requirements: If you completed high
school or a degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) in the United States of
America, you will meet the English language proficiency requirements.
future-students.uq.edu.au/english-requirements
Apply online: ochsner.uq.edu.au
Number of places: Approximately 90 places ^ are available each year.
^ subject to change
Fees: USD $67,456 (Indicative annual fee for 2024). The “indicative annual
fee” is the cost of tuition in the Doctor of Medicine (MD-Ochsner) for the
2023 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study
load. UQ is accredited by the United States Department of Education to
administer various need-based loans to eligible US students as part of the
William D. Ford Direct Loan Program.
Other requirements and additional costs: There are other requirements
and associated costs with enrolling in the MD-Ochsner program. For
example, students are required to maintain a current First Aid Certificate
(including CPR), provide a criminal history check, complete Immunisation
requirements and fund travel and living expenses. medicine.uq.edu.au/
current-students/work-integrated-learning-wil-requirements
2024 cohort demographics:
“Growing up I always wanted to
pursue a career in helping others
and the medical eld allowed me
to pursue this passion.
Having had education in two
dierent health systems has really
given me a global perspective
in the way I wish to practice
medicine.
During my time at Ochsner Health
I was very fortunate to get the
exposure into so many specialties
and I’m really grateful for the
mentors and friends I’ve made on
the way.”
Rohit Rajendran
UQ-Ochsner
Medicine Graduate
Watch a video
about Rohit
Gender and age:
45% male, 55% female
Average age: 26 years
Average MCAT Score:
Ave: 510
Top States:
California, Texas, New York,
Florida and Louisiana
Terminal degree:
Masters Degree 21%
Bachelors Degree 78%
Application Process
Interviews:
March until class fills
Oers:
April to November
Enroll for classes:
From late November
Orientation:
End of January
Commence classes:
End of January
Academic entry requirements
Entry requirements:
The UQ-Ochsner Doctor of Medicine (MD-Ochsner) program is available to
citizens or permanent residents of the United States of America. Applications will
be assessed on the following criteria:
1. MCAT
A minimum score in MCAT of 504 is required. A score of 504 is not a guarantee
that you will receive an oer. This is a very competitive program and the final
cut-o MCAT scores may be higher than 504. The minimum MCAT score must be
achieved in the four years prior to the intended start date of the program.
2. GPA and pre-requisites
You will require a B average in your most recently completed degree (Bachelor
or Masters degree). This degree must have been completed within the ten year
period preceding the proposed commencement date. If you have completed both
a Bachelors degree, and a Masters degree, the GPA from your masters degree will
be calculated as this is the most recent.
All MD students must have evidence of prior experience in two subject pre-
requisites: Integrative Cell and Tissue Biology, and Systems Physiology. The UQ-
Ochsner Enrollment team will work to assess your academic history to determine
this requirement has been met at application. The team will provide further advice
and assistance to help you meet the requirement as necessary. We’ve developed
four online short courses to aid assessed applicants who don’t meet the subject
prerequisites at no cost to the applicant.
3. Multiple Mini Interviews
Eligible applicants will be invited to participate in a Multiple-Mini Interview (MMI).
Invitations to interview are based on MCAT, GPA, and places available.
How to apply:
If you have satisfied the admissions criteria, submit your application directly to
the UQ-Ochsner Enrollment team. The Enrollment team will
work with you to make sure your application is complete.
They will calculate your GPA, assess MCAT validity, and
confirm all other requirements.
ochsner.uq.edu.au/admissions
“I chose the UQ-Ochsner MD
program because of the ability to
study medicine in a more clinical
based setting compared to a US
medical school. The program is
hands-on from rst year and
it is very insightful to have this
exposure while studying from a
textbook. I also didn’t want to
limit myself to just one place. I
wanted to expand my knowledge
and push my boundaries.”
Brian Gutierrez
UQ-Ochsner
Medical Student
Watch a video
about Brian
Match rates
Our graduates secure residencies in highly competitive programs, at leading
hospitals across the US. In 2024 our graduates achieved a match rate of 99 per
cent. For a full list of programs visit: ochsner.uq.edu.au/match-rates
Matched residency specialties:
Anesthesiology
Child Neurology
Dermatology
Emergency Medicine
Family Medicine
General Surgery
Internal Medicine
Medical Pediatrics
Medicine Preliminary
Neurology
Neurosurgery
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Otolaryngology
Pathology
Pediatrics
Pediatric Genetics
Physical Medicine &
Rehabilitation
Plastic Surgery
Psychiatry
Radiology Diagnostic
Urology
Vascular Surgery
Student support
Moving overseas to pursue your career
in medicine is a big step and at times
you may need some support. We
recognize that personalized support
is a critical factor to your success and
satisfaction. To ensure you get the most
out of your medical studies and enjoy
your time at UQ and Ochsner, you’ll be
provided with easy access to a network
of sta and students who are there to
assist you every step along the way.
Medical School Student Support Team:
The dedicated Medical School Student
Support Team provides dedicated
support to Medical School students
for all wellbeing needs and refers to
other services as required. The Medical
School Student Support Team can
assist students with their:
• Pastoral needs (e.g. individualized
advice and referral to other
services for accommodation and
financial advice)
• Generic academic and learning
needs (e.g. mentoring, time
management and skills
development)
• Physical and mental health needs
• International needs (e.g. adjusting
to life in Australia)
UQ-Ochsner Medical Societies:
You will be assigned to one of five
medical societies which provide
structure for educational advising
and coaching from both faculty
members and peers. Societies
are also social units organized to
promote a sense of community
within the larger UQ-Ochsner cohort.
Each medical society is led by a
faculty member who was chosen for
expertise in advising and coaching.
Personal Advisor Network:
This network provides targeted and
individualized support for medical
students and fosters a spirit of
community and connectedness. Each
student entering the Medical Program
is assigned a personal advisor. Personal
advisors play a significant and valuable
role in guiding and shaping the
experience of medical students, one
to one. In years 1 and 2, your personal
advisor will supplement the support
provided by your Society Head.
USMLE Support:
As a student, you will have access to a
suite of initiatives that will support you
in your preparation for the Step 1 and
Step 2 examinations. The curriculum
that all UQ students complete during
years 1 and 2 will prepare you well
for the Step 1 exam; there is a strong
correlation between success in these
courses and Step 1 results. In addition,
you will undertake a dedicated
course in Year 2 to assist you in your
preparation for USMLE Step 1.
Support for families:
Thinking of bringing your family
down under for the first two years of
the program? UQ has developed a
family friendly guide for international
students travelling to UQ with their
family. This includes information about
visa obligations, finding appropriate
schools for your children, activities for
families, and general life in Brisbane.
Inclusive Medical Education Guidelines
for studying medicine
The UQ Medical School is committed
to supporting the physical and mental
health of all applicants. We encourage
you to familiarize yourself with the
Medical Deans of Australia and New
Zealand publication, Inclusive Medical
Education - Guidance on medical
program applicants and students with
a disability, before applying.
bit.ly/3xB7xe5
Feel free to contact the Medical
School Student Support Team for a
confidential discussion before you
apply. Email med.mss@uq.edu.au.
Student Societies:
The Ochsner Medical Student
Association (OMSA) represents the UQ
Ochsner student body in matters related
to their medical education. Academics,
research, community outreach, and
social events are a few of the facets of
student life in which OMSA is involved.
The University of Queensland Medical
Society (UQMS) also aims to enrich
the medical student experience and
provide members with once in a life
time opportunities to develop skills,
friendships and life long memories.
ochsneromsa.org; uqms.org
Scholarships
There are several scholarships available
to UQ-Ochsner medical students.
• UQ-Ochsner MD-PhD Scholarship
• Dr. and Mrs. Roy Gregory Family
Medicine Scholarship
• Perla S. Gil, MD Scholarship
• Ochsner Physician Scholars Program
ochsner.uq.edu.au/admissions/
scholarships
“I get to study abroad in Australia
but also I get to end up back at
Ochsner Health which is exactly
where I want to be for my
medical education.
The best part of studying
medicine at UQ-Ochsner is
knowing I’ll have a global
network of friends and colleagues
I can lean on and consult at
anytime.”
Gracy Juba
UQ-Ochsner
Medical Student
Watch a video
about Gracy
Living in Brisbane
Perth
Brisbane UQ St Lucia
UQ Herston
UQ is located in Brisbane, the capital of the state of
Queensland. Medical students in Years 1 and 2 of the
Doctor of Medicine (MD-Ochsner) program study at
the University’s St Lucia campus, only 4.3 miles from
Brisbane’s vibrant city center.
Brisbane is a gateway to some of Australia’s most magical
experiences including the Great Barrier Reef, World
Heritage-listed rainforests, pristine surf beaches as well as
encounters with koalas, kangaroos and wild dolphins.
Popular activities in Brisbane include swimming at
Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach at South
Bank, kayaking on the Brisbane River, or climbing the
Story Bridge for a 360 degree view of this river city. With
a subtropical climate, Brisbane delivers an average of 283
days of sunshine every year.
CRICOS Provider 00025B • TEQSA PRV12080
Gold
Coast
Sunshine Coast
UQ Gatton
Darwin
Melbourne
Canberra
Sydney
Hobart
Adelaide
Student inquiries:
E: ochsner[email protected].edu.au
T: 504-703-6163
M: 504-343-9495
W: ochsner.uq.edu.au
UQOchsnerMedicine
UQOchsner
The University of Queensland Medical School - Ochsner
More information about UQ for international students, including the study environment, links to estimated living
costs, tuition fees, refund policies, support services, information for students with families, and your legal rights as
an international student can be found at ochsner.uq.edu.au
Brisbane 3rd best student city
in Australia
QS Best Student Cities 2024
+60°F - +80°F max
temperature most
days of the year
Brisbane named 8
th
most
beautiful city in the world
by Rough Guides (September 2021)
Living in New Orleans
The UQ-Ochsner Clinical School is located in New Orleans
at the Ochsner Medical Center. New Orleans is home to
one of the world’s largest and busiest ports, nurtures a
rapidly growing, entrepreneurial and creative industries
sector and is renowned for its friendly locals and multi-
billion dollar tourism industry.
From its world-class gastronomy and eclectic art scene
to its distinctive architecture and proud neighborhoods,
New Orleans has something for everyone. When you study
medicine in New Orleans, you’ll join a community of more
than 50,000 students in the region and train at one of the
nation’s leading health systems
More than 100 miles of
on- and o-street bikeways
and home to more than
1,200 restaurants
+62°F - +90°F max
temperature most
days of the year
New Orleans voted No. 1
music city in the USA
by National Geographic
New Orleans
Seattle
San Francisco
Denver
Los Angeles
Dallas
Chicago
New York City
Washington D.C.
Miami
Barrier Reef