Ochsner Health, The University of Queensland to continue partnership

Photo courtesy Ochsner Health.

Ochsner Health and The University of Queensland are building on their existing partnership by extending their Doctor of Medicine (MD) program through 2030. Officials from both organizations signed the contract on Monday, September 11 renewing the joint venture, The University of Queensland-Ochsner Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

With its first class in 2009, medical students in the program spend time at both The University of Queensland and at Ochsner. Students spend their first two years at UQ’s Brisbane, Australia campus, before completing two years of clinical immersion at Ochsner’s facilities. After completion of the MD, graduates are qualified to enter both U.S. residency and Australian internships.

“When given the opportunity to partner with The University of Queensland, one of the world’s top universities, we saw so much possibility – and this partnership continues to make a difference for our community and beyond,” said Pete November, CEO of Ochsner Health. “By training and investing in physicians through the UQ-Ochsner MD program, we are addressing the critical physician shortage, improving the quality of life in our region and investing in our future.”

The program has graduated 856 medical students since 2009 with approximately 30% remaining in Louisiana. The UQ-Ochsner MD program averages a 95% match rate through the National Residency Match Program.

“UQ is extremely proud to continue this collaboration with Ochsner Health,” said Professor Deborah Terry, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Queensland. “Learning in both Brisbane and New Orleans gives medical students the opportunity to foster unique perspectives and address a wide variety of healthcare challenges.”

For more information on the UQ-Ochsner MD program, click here.