OUM’s Roots in Independent Samoa
Addressing the Global Physician Shortage
Addressing the Global Physician Shortage
OUM was founded in the South Pacific island nation of Samoa to address its serious physician shortage, a situation which is today faced globally. Students have the opportunity to train in Samoa, completing a required four-week elective rotation at Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital, OUM’s primary teaching facility.
Samoa’s Parliament established Oceania University of Medicine in 2002. Today, the University has evolved from a local mission to better meet the health needs of underserved island communities into an internationally accredited medical school with a global student body and alumni practicing in many countries.
Located south of the equator and just west of the International Dateline, Samoa is home to warm, friendly people with a rich Polynesian culture. Two-thirds of the country’s population lives on the largest island, Upolu, where the capital city of Apia, the business commercial center, and the main national port are located. All OUM students are required to complete at least one four-week elective clinical rotation in Samoa, most of which take place at TTM Hospital in the village of Motootua, an Apia suburb where student housing is within walking distance.
