HOUSTON, HERE WE COME
Multi-hospital system in Texas provides newest OUM clinical sites
Oceania University of Medicine students now have the opportunity to complete clinical rotations at an impressive group of teaching hospitals in Houston, Texas, USA. Rotations will be arranged through OUM’s agreement with Pinnacle Educational Services.
“The full complement of core and elective rotations is available to OUM students, both US and non-US students,” says Sarmad Ghazi, MBChB, Associate Dean for North America. “Pinnacle’s ability to place OUM’s global student body in many accredited teaching hospitals throughout the city is another step forward for the school’s clinical program.”
Dr. Ghazi — himself a resident of Houston — helped to negotiate the contract for OUM students and will supervise and approve rotations arranged by Pinnacle. Third-year student Robert Duprey became OUM’s first to rotate in Houston, beginning his Family Medicine rotation at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital in early April.
Good resources and facilities
It is expected that OUM clinical students will be placed at the 547-bed Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and the 444-bed Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, both part of the Memorial Hermann Health System in Southeast Texas. Students may also rotate through facilities in the Houston Methodist Hospital System.
In addition to arranging rotations, Pinnacle Educational Services provides USMLE prep, visa paperwork assistance, and clinical skills training.
Living arrangements are largely the responsibility of the student, though Pinnacle may make recommendations and Dr. Ghazi is arranging for a real estate colleague to advise students. Houston rotations may be more desirable for single students or those traveling without their families. That way, students may share living expenses as Houston has a rather expensive rental market. Dr. Ghazi also advises that a car is likely needed while in Houston as rotation sites may be located in the suburbs, as far as 20 miles outside of the city.
Exam and other requirements
While medical students planning to go through the American National Residency Match Program cannot begin core rotations until they have passed USMLE Step 1, students not planning to go through the US match—including those from Australia, New Zealand, and other countries—may complete rotations arranged by Pinnacle on a space available basis if approved in advance by OUM and the hospital. International students will need to obtain necessary visas through the US Embassy in their country and must meet other requirements of the US Department of Customs and Border Protection.
A Student Information Session regarding Houston clinical rotation opportunities is being scheduled. Watch the Moodle Newsfeed for the date, likely to be held by the end of April. Students interested in pursuing rotations in Houston should contact Philip Sherman for information.
The upcoming North American Student Conference in Houston will include tours of the hospitals. Click here for details on the July conference.
