CCOM vs UQ-Ochsner

[coolcatsandkittens]

Hello! I’m deciding between CCOM and UQ-Ochsner for med school. Stats: 510 MCAT, 3.4 undergrad GPA, 3.79 grad GPA (MPH). I’m interested in general surgery, plastics, otolaryngology, derm, and ob gyn, but plan to go in with an open mind in regard to specialty. I want to eventually work in the field of global health (either as a physician consultant for an NGO or just volunteer abroad). Tuition for CCOM is 78k, UQ-O is 68k plus health insurance and travel.

CCOM

Pros

• Remain in same location for four years, build stronger relations with mentors and opportunity to invest in getting a house vs just renting
• Opportunities and resources at other med schools in Chicago
• Match rate 97.4% for c/o 2022
• “safer” option in terms of residency matching

Cons

• DO stigma, not recognized in every country, if I want to volunteer/work abroad this is a potential limiting factor
• Reviews that administration is in it for the money, not supportive for board prep and matching advise, and specialty mentorship is limited
• Seasonal depression
• Don’t love the idea of living in Chicago/don’t want to stay in Chicago for residency

UQ Ochsner

Pros

• MD
• Match rate 98% for c/o 2022, 96% for c/o 20023
• “top 50” university worldwide
• Studying across two healthcare systems / gain global perspective on healthcare
• First two years in Brisbane Australia, clinical years in US (NOLA)
• Sense of adventure, mental health/happiness
• Emphasis on medical ethics/law
• Ochsner system, I like the south and wouldn’t mind staying in the area for residency

Cons

• Risk of IMG for matching, (US grads preferred over IMGs) however another applicant had mentioned that the program has connections to keep applicants out of IMG pile?
• Starts in January 2024 instead of Aug 2023 and pushes back residency
• Potentially skewed match rate d/t attrition
• Not allowed to do research first year to prioritize Step One and successful progression of MD program (research encouraged 2nd year onwards)

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[Princeton Medical Student]

DO >>>>>> IMG every single day. Go CCOM and don’t look back.

 

[tzuyu&yuqi]

If you want to match back into the United States, CCOM would give you the best chance, going international for medical school would make it very hard to come back here ESPECIALLY with p/f step 1

 

[Numpostrophe]

I’m a bit familiar with the UQ-Ochsner partnership and did some digging for their true match rate. The 96% match rate seems suspect as their class size is capped at 120 yet they only had 78 enter the match. Maybe their class size doesn’t hit the 120 every year but those numbers were somewhat concerning to me.

 

[Futmob]

I’m a bit familiar with the UQ-Ochsner partnership and did some digging for their true match rate. The 96% match rate seems suspect as their class size is capped at 120 yet they only had 78 enter the match. Maybe their class size doesn’t hit the 120 every year but those numbers were somewhat concerning to me.

I agree, going to UQ-Ochsner program is equivelent of going to a caribbean medical school. The only chance practice medicine after you graduate is matching back to united states. Unlike UQ tradiational MD program, vast majority of international students are able to get internship inside Australia. but most of states put UQ-Ochsner in the lowest possible catagory for internships in Australia. If a UQ-O student fail in the US, the chances in AU is slimmer.