Graduate Success Stories
OUM graduates are successful and we are proud of them. Through their hard work, they are inspiring their colleagues and making a mark on their careers. Browse through their video profiles to see their achievements and how they are impacting their local medical communities.
Graduate Testimonials
“I liked that OUM provided a way to study and gain a medical degree via distance learning. This allowed me to stay at home and be close to friends and family. This was particularly important to me as I did not want such a drastic change in lifestyle and routine back when I enrolled in 2013.”
Rakin Chowdhury, MD, Class of 2018, New Zealand“I appreciated OUM’s flexibility and my clinical rotations, especially learning in Samoa, which was amazing. Gaining hands-on experience in a variety of different areas in Samoa, such as assisting with surgical procedures, performing deliveries, working in emergency, pediatrics and internal medicine departments really allowed me to hone my clinical skills and facilitated my comfort level working in rural and remote settings.”
Sonja Bruin, MBBS, CCFP-EM, Family Physician, Class of 2014, Canada
“My advice: enjoy the journey. Medical school is a tough but rewarding experience. Make sure you have a good support system of people around you to keep you motivated and also have interests and hobbies outside of study so you can maintain some form of work-life balance.”
Vafa Lalehzari, MD, MPH, Class of 2021, NSW, Australia“While I was a local and could have stayed near my home, I decided to live in OUM’s dormitory, which is no longer there. I made new friends from all walks of life and from different parts of the globe. I also got to learn different study techniques and managed to perfect what works for me. OUM instilled in me the value of self motivation and perseverance.”
Tapa Fidow, MBBS, MMed, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Class of 2007, Samoa“If it wasn’t for OUM, I wouldn’t have been able to go to medical school when I did. OUM allows you to become a doctor, and practice in your home country. It allows you more flexibility in your work and study, but it is not a shortcut. You still have to study just as hard. And I don’t believe it’s easier than in-person medical school. It has different advantages and obstacles.”
Wendy Chen, MD, Hospitalist, Class of 2017, US
