Oceania University of Medicine’s global community came together in Brisbane on Saturday, 20 June 2026, to celebrate one of the University’s proudest milestones: the conferral of Doctor of Medicine degrees on the Class of 2026.
Held at the historic Customs House on the Brisbane River, the ceremony brought together graduates, families, friends, faculty, and staff for what is believed to be OUM’s largest graduation ceremony to date. The landmark venue, originally opened in 1889 and now one of Brisbane’s most recognisable heritage buildings, provided a fitting setting for a day shaped by achievement, tradition, and celebration.
Thirty-two graduates were awarded their medical degrees, with 23 graduates attending in person and a further nine graduating in absentia. For many, the ceremony marked the culmination of years of study, clinical training, persistence, and personal sacrifice.
The ceremony was hosted by Mrs Carmel Sang, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President. Graduates were presented to the stage by Dr Vikas Sethi, Acting Dean for Samoa, American Samoa, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Asia Pacific, before receiving their degrees from Asiata Professor Dr Satupaitea Viali, Vice Chancellor and President. A treat for all involved was the inclusion of OUM Founder and Chairman Mrs Taffy Gould. Without Taffy’s dream so many years ago, this graduation event, as well as all that have come before it, would not have been possible. Mrs Gould delivered the Welcome Address and congratulated graduates on reaching this significant milestone.
The event also reflected OUM’s strong connection to Samoa and the wider Pacific region, with guests enjoying a Traditional Samoan Dance performed by the Tilomai Dance Group of Queensland.
Academic Excellence
Special acknowledgement was given to two graduates for outstanding academic achievement during their medical studies. The Honours Medal Cum Laude was presented to Dr Jessica Bell and Dr Anthony Condina. Also receiving this prestigious distinction was Dr Melissa Lafferty of the United States, who was awarded the Honours Medal Cum Laude in absentia in recognition of her exceptional academic achievement. Dr Condina addressed the ceremony with heartfelt reflection as the 2026 Valedictorian, speaking on behalf of the graduating class.
Following the presentation of degrees, graduates were led in an emotional recitation of the Hippocratic Oath by Clinical Professor Chris May. Recited together as a graduating class, the Oath was a powerful shared moment, marking their transition from medical students to doctors and affirming the values that will guide their future practice.
Faculty Honours
In addition to celebrating the achievements of graduates, OUM also recognised the contribution of two valued members of its academic and clinical community.
Dr Ali Ghahreman, a respected Sydney neurosurgeon, was awarded the title of Adjunct Clinical Professor in recognition of his contribution to the clinical education, supervision, and mentorship of OUM students.
OUM was also honoured to announce the appointment of Clinical Professor Chris May as the University’s first Emeritus Professor. Professor May has been connected with OUM for more than 20 years, serving the University across teaching, leadership, student support, clinical training, and assessment. His contribution has helped shape the experience of generations of OUM medical students.
While Professor May is retiring from his more extensive duties, he will continue to support OUM through hands-on clinical training and assessment.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026
OUM warmly congratulates every member of the Class of 2026. This graduation represents not only the completion of a medical degree, but the beginning of the next chapter in service to patients, communities, and the profession of medicine.
The June 2026 graduates earning their Doctor of Medicine degrees both in person and absentia were:
Dr. Oluwaseyifunmi Afolabi (AUS)
Dr. Nassar Abudu, AUS
Dr. Mitra Ahmadi, AUS
Dr. Noor Al-Jaberi, AUS
Dr. Cecilia Amosa Siō, Samoa
Dr. David Ashard, AUS
Dr. Rachel Ashelford, AUS
Dr. Johannes Bakker, AUS
Dr. Arthit Barnes, AUS
Dr. Simon Barty, AUS
Dr. Jessica Bell, AUS
Dr. Terri Brewis, USA
Dr. Nunta Campbell, USA
Dr. Jason Chua, AUS
Dr. Anthony Condina, AUS
Dr. Anshul Das, NZ
Dr. Rashella D’Amico, USA
Dr. William Flentri, AUS
Dr. Suby George, AUS
Dr. Rojina Karki, AUS
Dr. Melissa Lafferty, USA
Dr. Kereng Modise, AUS
Dr. Feeba Mootheril, AUS
Dr. Neha Patel, AUS
Dr. Manju Paul, AUS
Dr. Phillip Prosia, AUS
Dr. Garrett Quill, AUS
Dr. Arivazhaki Rajamani, AUS
Dr. Amandeep Randhawa, AUS
Dr. Amandeep Sivian, AUS
Dr. Jurieaster Tuilagi, Samoa
Dr. Oi Shan Wong, Hong Kong
Relive the Celebration Through the Graduation Photo Gallery
Were you unable to attend?
View the ceremony in full here: https://www.youtube.com/live/hMZSXES_m2Q
Wish to recapture the memories?
Link to the 2026 Graduation Photo Gallery: https://gallery.sebharman.com/oumgrad2026/
Photos are available to download, or for those interested in prints, they may be ordered directly from the photographer.