UQ-Ochsner 2020 Cohort

[canquito]

Making a new thread for the people interested in or applying to the 2020 entry cohort.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Melcelia]

Great! So many questions...


Has any US premed student applied through the provisional entry route?

Meaning, you do your undergrad for 3 years and your 4th year is your first year of medical school.

Did you have to take the UCAT before applying?

Is the UCAT just the equivalent to the MCAT and I'd be dumb to take it with only 5 months of studying... Right?

Better to just do a normie undergrad route and take the MCAT and apply, right?



I'm here in Brisbane on a working holiday visa. One of the best cities I've been to: super livable, rent is decent, weather is amazing, people are friendly, and I've been creeping around the Heston campus, which is connected with a massive research institute and women's hospital.

The campus is gorgeous (although it's under construction ATM) and right next to a bus station. Public transport here is really efficient, and parking here is a nightmate so take the ferry every chance you get. Library is...small.
But, there are cafes everywhere. And not just at the Heston campus.

Everywhere in Brisbane. It is not unusual to have 3 European -esque chic coffee shops right next to each other here.

 

[seujplgi]

Will be applying this cycle! Taking the MCAT in May. I hope that's not too late I'm going to submit the application and the transcripts soon, though. Better to have things processed ahead of time haha

 

[akinetopsia]

Great! So many questions...


Has any US premed student applied through the provisional entry route?

Unlikely. Provisional entry is generally for domestic applicants. This thread is specifically for UQ-Ochsner, a graduate entry program where you do years 1 & 2 of the MD program in Brisbane & years 3 & 4 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Meaning, you do your undergrad for 3 years and your 4th year is your first year of medical school.

You could do this, but you wouldn't be in the UQ-Ochsner cohort. Many domestics do this - it's a three year undergrad, typically in biomedical sciences at UQ, and then start the MD program when they're 20 or 21.

Did you have to take the UCAT before applying?

No, UQ-Ochsner requires the MCAT, not UCAT.

Is the UCAT just the equivalent to the MCAT and I'd be dumb to take it with only 5 months of studying... Right?

There is no point in taking the UCAT if you are considering the UQ-Ochsner program. If you're an American citizen or permanent resident interested in UQ-Ochsner, take the MCAT.

Better to just do a normie undergrad route and take the MCAT and apply, right?

That's up to you. The vast majority of the class has done undergrad +/- postgraduate studies in the U.S. (about ~20-30% have a Master's degree annually). Some have studied abroad, including those who have previously done semesters abroad at UQ - usually a handful at most.

I'm here in Brisbane on a working holiday visa. One of the best cities I've been to: super livable, rent is decent, weather is amazing, people are friendly, and I've been creeping around the Heston campus, which is connected with a massive research institute and women's hospital.

That's wonderful you're enjoying Brisbane. Agree on most points, rent tends to be on the higher side IMO depending on location and what other cities you're comparing it to, weather is great if you enjoy warm/hot weather for 80% of the year, and you actually won't spend much time at Herston at all unless your clinical site is RBWH (Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, which isn't actually just a women's hospital). There are a lot of different research institutes in and around Brisbane - lots of research at RBWH/UQCCR/QIMR, PAH/TRI, etc.

The campus is gorgeous (although it's under construction ATM) and right next to a bus station. Public transport here is really efficient, and parking here is a nightmate so take the ferry every chance you get. Library is...small.
But, there are cafes everywhere. And not just at the Heston campus.

You spend a fair bit of time on campus during 1st year of med, but less as you progress further (and even less if you stream lectures or watch online later).

Everywhere in Brisbane. It is not unusual to have 3 European -esque chic coffee shops right next to each other here.

And you'll learn who makes the best coffee at each place pretty quickly by trying them out!

 

[canquito]

Last document sent on Jan 24, application was verified on Jan 27, and recieved interview invite today for mid March!

 

[petitemed]

Last document sent on Jan 24, application was verified on Jan 27, and recieved interview invite today for mid March!

So exciting! Are you doing an in-person interview or skype?

 

[canquito]

So exciting! Are you doing an in-person interview or skype?

So the interview dates varied, skype was sooner than on-site. I chose on-site despite it being on April.

 

[sodapopsmiles]

Applying this cycle! Taking my MCAT next Friday (March 15 - wish me luck!) I'm trying to mentally prepare for what my timeline will look like. If I submit my app April 15, when will I receive my interview? Acceptance? How long has it been taking for those who already applied?

 

[canquito]

@sodapopsmiles From my experience, it took about a month after submitting my docs to get an interview invite for either Skype (2.5 weeks ahead) or On-Site (6 weeks ahead), and from past threads the decision time after passing an interview is 8 weeks. Assuming your application process were to take the same amount of time, my guess is that sometime in July you'd have an acceptance.

Also, good luck with the MCAT!!

 

[Allosteopath]

Hi everyone,

I am considering applying for the program, but see there are recommended course requirements. I am confused as the headline had recommended two new courses in addition to physics, biology and biology. So are these all recommended courses, or are the basic sciences required?

This was on the "How to Apply" page of mededpath.

 

[sean80439]

Match list is up, 93% match rate. Had a plastics match this year

 

[canquito]

Hi everyone,

I am considering applying for the program, but see there are recommended course requirements. I am confused as the headline had recommended two new courses in addition to physics, biology and biology. So are these all recommended courses, or are the basic sciences required?

UQ is phasing in new requirements (System Physiology and Integrative Tissue & Cell Biology), but these are not required for the 2020 starting class. The rest of the premed coursework is required however.

 

[seujplgi]

Match list is up, 93% match rate. Had a plastics match this year

Is the match list released to the public yet or is it just for the students? I read the news on Ochsner's site, but I haven't seen the actual list yet.

 

[Intenslikcampin]

Has anyone interviewed yet? What was it like? I heard they changed the format to multiple mini interviews.

 

[sean80439]

Is the match list released to the public yet or is it just for the students? I read the news on Ochsner's site, but I haven't seen the actual list yet.

It was emailed to all students and alumni. It has photos and names though so I won't link it here. Anyway, had a couple categorical GS matches, a plastics, some neurology, a pathology, a couple radiology, a couple obgyn, a bunch of internal med, family, pediatrics, and anesthesia.

 

[seujplgi]

It was emailed to all students and alumni. It has photos and names though so I won't link it here. Anyway, had a couple categorical GS matches, a plastics, some neurology, a pathology, a couple radiology, a couple obgyn, a bunch of internal med, family, pediatrics, and anesthesia.

Thank you for replying! I came across the Class of 2017 version of that, so the 2018 version will probably be available sooner or later.
I saw that the Class of 2018 had 105 students. However, only 85 entered the match. Do you have any idea what the rest (~20%) of the graduates are doing? (pre-match, practicing in Australia, not practicing medicine at all, etc.)

 

[sean80439]

Thank you for replying! I came across the Class of 2017 version of that, so the 2018 version will probably be available sooner or later.
I saw that the Class of 2018 had 105 students. However, only 85 entered the match. Do you have any idea what the rest (~20%) of the graduates are doing? (pre-match, practicing in Australia, not practicing medicine at all, etc.)

One decided they didn't want to go into medicine, six went to Australia. Not sure on the rest. Probably didn't have a competitive app for what they wanted to do and are doing a research year.

 

[aloevera123]

For those who have interviewed thus far: How long from when you received a notification that your application was complete did you receive an interview notification? Also, has anyone been rejected despite meeting the requirements for interview consideration? Is sending in an application at this point in time considered late for the application cycle?

 

[canquito]

For those who have interviewed thus far: How long from when you received a notification that your application was complete did you receive an interview notification?

I haven't interviewed yet, but after submitting my app and pertinent docs, I got an interview invite after about 4 weeks.

Also, has anyone been rejected despite meeting the requirements for interview consideration?

From previous UQ-Ochsner threads, people have mentioned that they knew of others who have been rejected (i.e. not passed the interview) based on exceptionally poor interview performance.

Is sending in an application at this point in time considered late for the application cycle?

My guess is that is not, but to maximize your shot of getting in, applying now rather than later is better since the program has rolling admission.

 

[Intenslikcampin]

Just got my official invite!! Scheduled for onsite interview 2nd week of April

Same! I'm waiting for conformation but it looks like I'll be there too!

 

[seujplgi]

2019 match results are up on the UQO webpage now!!! Residency Match - UQ Ochsner

More Med/Surg prelim matches than the previous years hmm...

 

[canquito]

Attending the on-site interview/tour today. I'll update with my general impressions, but obviously won't be able to disclose any MMI details.

 

[Intenslikcampin]

Attending the on-site interview/tour today. I'll update with my general impressions, but obviously won't be able to disclose any MMI details.

Thanks and good luck!!!

 

[canquito]

Thanks and good luck!!!

Thank you!

So the MMI pretty much aligned with the general prep guides out there. I don't think I did as well as I could have in all the stations, so I recommend you practice and follow guidelines. (Shout out to Dr. Desai's book). The WashU site was really helpful imo, and youtube vids were surpringly helpful too. I will say this, time flies. Once you start fleshing out your talking-points, time seemingly evaporates.

The Ochsner clinical school was nice, but the tour felt a bit rushed and cursory (obvs because we couldn't stroll through the more busy parts of the hospital). The MS4s seemed happier than those I've met at USMD schools I've visited, and they were very willing to talk and answer our questions. They shared their experience both here and at Australia, and I think they enjoyed meeting us and answering our questions/sharing advice.

 

[petitemed]

Thank you!

So the MMI pretty much aligned with the general prep guides out there. I don't think I did as well as I could have in all the stations, so I recommend you practice and follow guidelines. (Shout out to Dr. Desai's book). The WashU site was really helpful imo, and youtube vids were surpringly helpful too. I will say this, time flies. Once you start fleshing out your talking-points, time seemingly evaporates.

The Ocshner clinical school was nice, but the tour felt a bit rushed and cursory (obvs because we couldn't stroll through the more busy parts of the hospital). The MS4s seemed happier than those I've met at USMD schools I've visited, and they were very willing to talk and answer our questions. They shared their experience both here and at Australia, and I think they enjoyed meeting us and answering our questions/sharing advice.

Thank you for the tips!! Hoping you hear good news soon!!

Did they have y’all do the interviews first and then the tour? Or vice versa?

 

[canquito]

Thank you for the tips!! Hoping you hear good news soon!!

Did they have y’all do the interviews first and then the tour? Or vice versa?

I hope so too.

There were two groups of people. One group toured while the other interviewed, and then they switched. Personally, I think people would generally find the tour more enjoyable if they interview first. During the tour, the MS4s were very candid and genuine because they weren't escorted and pressured to give artificial answers. This time is best used by asking questions about things you are unsure of. People asked about obtaining a Higher Degree by Research (MPhil = MS and DPhil = PhD), USMLE prep, clinical experiences before and during MS3/4, and the process UQ-Ochsner students undertake to apply and rotate for elective rotations. Oh and there was a shared curiosity about Australian wildlife. It was a wonderful opportunity.

 

[petitemed]

I hope so too.

There were two groups of people. One group toured while the other interviewed, and then they switched. Personally, I think people would generally find the tour more enjoyable if they interview first. During the tour, the MS4s were very candid and genuine because they weren't escorted and pressured to give artificial answers. This time is best used by asking questions about things you are unsure of. People asked about obtaining a Higher Degree by Research (MPhil = MS and DPhil = PhD), USMLE prep, clinical experiences before and during MS3/4, and the process UQ-Ochsner students undertake to apply and rotate for elective rotations. Oh and there was a shared curiosity about Australian wildlife. It was a wonderful opportunity.

Thank you for your detailed insight!

 

[Intenslikcampin]

I hope so too.

There were two groups of people. One group toured while the other interviewed, and then they switched. Personally, I think people would generally find the tour more enjoyable if they interview first. During the tour, the MS4s were very candid and genuine because they weren't escorted and pressured to give artificial answers. This time is best used by asking questions about things you are unsure of. People asked about obtaining a Higher Degree by Research (MPhil = MS and DPhil = PhD), USMLE prep, clinical experiences before and during MS3/4, and the process UQ-Ochsner students undertake to apply and rotate for elective rotations. Oh and there was a shared curiosity about Australian wildlife. It was a wonderful opportunity.

Thanks for the updates!

 

[mcat_taker]

More Med/Surg prelim matches than the previous years hmm...

Every class has different strengths. This year we had a lot of stars in peds. Some amazing matches in peds with UCSD, UCLA, children's LA, wash U, USC.

My understanding is that the EM match was very good as well couple of big university EM programs with detroit medical center wayne state, Kentucky, and LSU NOLA.

 

[seujplgi]

Every class has different strengths. This year we had a lot of stars in peds. Some amazing matches in peds with UCSD, UCLA, children's LA, wash U, USC.

My understanding is that the EM match was very good as well couple of big university EM programs with detroit medical center wayne state, Kentucky, and LSU NOLA.

People don't just choose to apply for prelim programs, do they? They're usually those who apply and fail to match at an advanced program, like anesthesia or radiology, right?

 

[mcat_taker]

People don't just choose to apply for prelim programs, do they? They're usually those who apply and fail to match at an advanced program, like anesthesia or radiology, right?

Correct. Prelim means that they will then need to re-apply again the following year. It's just a job for intern year.

 

[Melcelia]

Do y'all know if most applicants choose UQ-O as their ... hmm... back up school?

Seeing as they're international and there isn't really much raving about the program.


I'm asking because as soon as I heard about UQ-O it quickly became my first choice.
How is UQ-O seen in the states?
What about internationally with accredited organizations such as WHO and MSF?


Thank you.

 

[Melcelia]

Thank you. Very helpful.

 

[canquito]

Do y'all know if most applicants choose UQ-O as their ... hmm... back up school?

I do think most applicants choose UQ-O as a back up, because in older threads people have mentioned how applicants withdraw their applications or do not accept their acceptance offers after getting into a US school. However, there are also few anecdotes of people choosing UQ-O over DO. Lastly in a blog post I read, the blogger discussed his experience at UQ-O and his motivation to attend due the 6-year MD/PhD which would have otherwise taken 7-8 years at an US MD/DO-PhD or MSTP.

Seeing as they're international and there isn't really much raving about the program.

Being an IMG does carry stigma, and people, at least those most active in pre-medical forums (ValueMD is practically so I don't count it), don't share much about studying medicine outside the US besides generally advising to not do it. Although the three Israeli schools and UQ-O constitute an exception to the sub-50% match rates and real horror stories, the people who rave, are interested or even know about these programs are a minority.

I personally believe that there isn't much raving about the program simply because the program just isn't advocated by graduates who are occupied pursing residencies and careers instead of marketing their program. More importantly, for most American and Canadians students, UQ is a less-desirable (but not necessarily inferior) alternative to studying in their home countries. With this mind, the MS4's that I met at Ochsner did rave about the program, and they went on to say that the challenges they faced were eclipsed by the benefits and opportunities they were given. I do believe that the program's (and your own) residency match success as well as the reputation of UQ and the Ochsner Health System give the program more than enough academic ethos to overcome the IMG stigma among peers and inquisitive PD's. Just looking at the pre-clinical side, UQ is number 62 in TimesHigherEducation's Rankings for Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health. Less than 20 US schools can boast a higher number.

I'm asking because as soon as I heard about UQ-O it quickly became my first choice.

Same, I stumbled accidentally when I mixed up the name of a local test-prep company. How'd you discover it?

How is UQ-O seen in the states?

Judging by the recent 70% match rate in top 3 choice programs and overall 90+% match rate, I think that UQ-O graduates benefit from applying strategically and being seen favorably by residency PDs. Even the uber competitive specialties have their champions, so the foundation is certainly there for one to make the most of opportunities. Above all else, UQ-O is recognized by all 50 states, so the US is your oyster.

What about internationally with accredited organizations such as WHO and MSF?

UQ's medical schools, including the UQ-Ochsner Clinical School program, are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and WHO. This means its students and graduates are eligible to obtain ECFMG certification, take the Steps and apply for US residencies. To my knowledge, MSF is not an accrediting body, but to join meeting the organization's essential requirements in addition to having relevant experience 2 years post-residency, experience working in a developing country, and being able to work for 9-12 months on the field matter much, much more than being a UQ-O or US grad.

I apologize if I come off as a know-it-all. Everything you brought up has basically been a condensed version of my thoughts/questions ever since learning about this program, and I wanted to share my what I've found on my online browsing.

 

[sean80439]

Correct. Prelim means that they will then need to re-apply again the following year. It's just a job for intern year.

No, when you apply to advanced programs, they don't always have the option to do the internship at the same facility, so you apply to both prelim and advanced programs at the same time and interview for both. Anesthesia and PM&R are examples of programs that have an intern year that can be separate.

 

[Intenslikcampin]

Lastly in a blog post I read, the blogger discussed his experience at UQ-O and his motivation to attend due the 6-year MD/PhD which would have otherwise taken 7-8 years at an US MD/DO-PhD or MSTP.

Is there any chance you remember the blog or have the URL for that? I'm thinking about pursuing an MD/PhD and I'd love to take a look at it!

 

[canquito]

Is there any chance you remember the blog or have the URL for that? I'm thinking about pursuing an MD/PhD and I'd love to take a look at it!

I'm a 3rd-year at University of Queensland. Here are pros/cons of the program:

I'm a third-year at UQ and am one of the three Americans (40 total) in my cohort who's not in Ochsner (i.e. I'm doing the full degree in Aus...

gamestarc.blogspot.com

 

[Intenslikcampin]

I'm a 3rd-year at University of Queensland. Here are pros/cons of the program:

I'm a third-year at UQ and am one of the three Americans (40 total) in my cohort who's not in Ochsner (i.e. I'm doing the full degree in Aus...

gamestarc.blogspot.com

Thanks!

 

[akinetopsia]

No, when you apply to advanced programs, they don't always have the option to do the internship at the same facility, so you apply to both prelim and advanced programs at the same time and interview for both. Anesthesia and PM&R are examples of programs that have an intern year that can be separate.

Prelims are sometimes just prelims, if you fail to match and have to scramble into a prelim, or if you don't match into your advanced position for PGY-2 but match into your prelim position. Some prelims do have to re-enter the match. Granted, I haven't been through the Match but I've educated myself about it and have known a lot of people that have gone through it.

Fortunately, sometimes a prelim PGY-1 position can also turn into a categorical PGY-2 position, so there's that possibility too, if you don't match an advanced position and impress your PD & faculty, and there's a spot available for a variety of reasons.

 

[sean80439]

Prelims are sometimes just prelims, if you fail to match and have to scramble into a prelim, or if you don't match into your advanced position for PGY-2 but match into your prelim position. Some prelims do have to re-enter the match. Granted, I haven't been through the Match but I've educated myself about it and have known a lot of people that have gone through it.

Fortunately, sometimes a prelim PGY-1 position can also turn into a categorical PGY-2 position, so there's that possibility too, if you don't match an advanced position and impress your PD & faculty, and there's a spot available for a variety of reasons.

I know how it works. The question was specifically regarding the people that matched prelim spots and what that meant. I went through it all personally with my friends whom I graduated with. I just took a position in Australia instead. Prelim spots are mandatory for many residenciee regardless.

 

[Melcelia]

I do think most applicants choose UQ-O as a back up, because in older threads people have mentioned how applicants withdraw their applications or do not accept their acceptance offers after getting into a US school. However, there are also few anecdotes of people choosing UQ-O over DO. Lastly in a blog post I read, the blogger discussed his experience at UQ-O and his motivation to attend due the 6-year MD/PhD which would have otherwise taken 7-8 years at an US MD/DO-PhD or MSTP.

Being an IMG does carry stigma, and people, at least those most active in pre-medical forums (ValueMD is practically so I don't count it), don't share much about studying medicine outside the US besides generally advising to not do it. Although the three Israeli schools and UQ-O constitute an exception to the sub-50% match rates and real horror stories, the people who rave, are interested or even know about these programs are a minority.

I personally believe that there isn't much raving about the program simply because the program just isn't advocated by graduates who are occupied pursing residencies and careers instead of marketing their program. More importantly, for most American and Canadians students, UQ is a less-desirable (but not necessarily inferior) alternative to studying in their home countries. With this mind, the MS4's that I met at Ochsner did rave about the program, and they went on to say that the challenges they faced were eclipsed by the benefits and opportunities they were given. I do believe that the program's (and your own) residency match success as well as the reputation of UQ and the Ochsner Health System give the program more than enough academic ethos to overcome the IMG stigma among peers and inquisitive PD's. Just looking at the pre-clinical side, UQ is number 62 in TimesHigherEducation's Rankings for Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health. Less than 20 US schools can boast a higher number.

Same, I stumbled accidentally when I mixed up the name of a local test-prep company. How'd you discover it?

Judging by the recent 70% match rate in top 3 choice programs and overall 90+% match rate, I think that UQ-O graduates benefit from applying strategically and being seen favorably by residency PDs. Even the uber competitive specialties have their champions, so the foundation is certainly there for one to make the most of opportunities. Above all else, UQ-O is recognized by all 50 states, so the US is your oyster.

UQ's medical schools, including the UQ-Ochsner Clinical School program, are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and WHO. This means its students and graduates are eligible to obtain ECFMG certification, take the Steps and apply for US residencies. To my knowledge, MSF is not an accrediting body, but to join meeting the organization's essential requirements in addition to having relevant experience 2 years post-residency, experience working in a developing country, and being able to work for 9-12 months on the field matter much, much more than being a UQ-O or US grad.

I apologize if I come off as a know-it-all. Everything you brought up has basically been a condensed version of my thoughts/questions ever since learning about this program, and I wanted to share my what I've found on my online browsing.

Wow, thank you so much. You're an informational godsend. Seriously.

Same, I stumbled accidentally when I mixed up the name of a local test-prep company. How'd you discover it?

I wanted to move to Australia for a better healthcare system and a more flexible lifestyle if I decided to work in the field. Transferred to UQ for microbiology and in the process discovered their medical program.

What about you?!


And you're not coming off as "know it all" in the slightest, seriously- thank you for the help.

 

[Gallagher9375]

Hello everyone! For those of you who applied thus far this cycle, how long was the turn around time before you heard back about interviews, etc.? And would anyone happen to know how many interview dates they have per month? Thanks!

 

[canquito]

Hello everyone! For those of you who applied thus far this cycle, how long was the turn around time before you heard back about interviews, etc.? And would anyone happen to know how many interview dates they have per month? Thanks!

From my experience, it took about a month after submitting my docs to get an interview invite for either Skype (2.5 weeks ahead) or On-Site (6 weeks ahead), and from past threads the decision time after passing an interview is 8 weeks.

On-site and skype interviews are only offered on Friday's iirc which would make 4 dates per month. Tomorrow, a couple of the members will have interviewed. Hopefully they can add their fresh insight.

 

[Intenslikcampin]

Hey if anyone is interviewing on site tomorrow and wants walk around the French Quarter this afternoon, shoot me a DM. There is a festival going on and I think I'll check it out.

 

[Gallagher9375]

Great, thank you! Also if anyone opted for the skype interview and wants to share their experience with that I would love to get some insight! Thanks!

 

[Intenslikcampin]

Quick update. The festival is awesome. Definitely check it out if you can!

 

[canquito]

Best of luck @petitemed and @Intenslikcampin

 

[Intenslikcampin]

So I can't get into specifics but I'll say that I thought the interview questions were fare and not super overwhelming if you've practiced. The biggest advice I would give is to practice the whole format in advance with a friend or someone and use questions or practice assessments you can find online. I was nervous during my practice questions but I really wasn't nervous at all today because I knew what to expect.

Best of luck to everyone!

 

[piotrkol1]

My application packet was completed a few days so now I'm just waiting for the interview invite. I actually studied abroad at UQ for a semester during undergrad so its sort of crazy to think that I might be going back. Alex, the applications manager, informed me via email that "The next interview date is May 17th, with Tech Check dates 5/13 and 5/14 (required)." Can anyone elaborate on the "Tech Check"?

 

[Intenslikcampin]

My application packet was completed a few days so now I'm just waiting for the interview invite. I actually studied abroad at UQ for a semester during undergrad so its sort of crazy to think that I might be going back. Alex, the applications manager, informed me via email that "The next interview date is May 17th, with Tech Check dates 5/13 and 5/14 (required)." Can anyone elaborate on the "Tech Check"?

I’m pretty sure tech checks are computer performance checks for the skype interview if you choose to interview via skype.