Oceania's academic year is comprised of five, eight-week academic terms. Students may begin the program during one of those designated terms each year. Students interested in beginning the Introduction to Medicine course in Samoa during 2010 may begin March 22, May 31, or August 9; during 2011, March 21, May 30, August 8; and in 2012: March 19, May 28, or August 6. Affiliate schools in the US offer the Introduction to Medicine (ITM) course three times per year. Remaining dates for 2010 are April 23 and September 10. Course dates for 2011 and beyond are pending, but typically begin in January, April and September each year. 

The program is a full-scale, rigorous medical school curriculum, which is typically completed in four years. Because the OUM program is flexible, students may take longer if they need extended time for work or family matters, but a minimum of three terms must be completed each year. A new term starts every ten weeks, so one may resume studies at a time mutually agreed upon by the OUM administration and the student.

Designed and supervised by some of Australia's brightest medical professors, instruction is through problem-based case studies - even during the pre-clinical courses - rather than lengthy lectures about physiology or biochemistry in a full auditorium with little chance for interaction. All OUM students enrolled in the same course, all over the world, study the same case during the same week, attend live lectures, and interact with the instructor and other students in the virtual classroom.

Many US medical schools are adapting their curricula to problem-based, or case-based, learning. This method uses a detailed patient scenario to present medical issues and problems that students work through to diagnose and treat, while at the same time, learning about the basic medical sciences that are pertinent to the disease or medical condition. For example, an asthma case would take students through diagnosis and treatment, then the physiology of respiration, the chemistry of how various treatments interact with the body, the anatomy of the lungs, and such subjects.

The Introduction to Medicine module is taught for eight weeks on the campus in Samoa or at a US affiliate college in a 16-week, alternating weekend format. Students who successfully complete the ITM course may enter the OUM distance learning modules, returning home to continue the pre-clinical curriculum online, continuing the use of weekly problem-based learning cases and "meeting" regularly with online instructors and classmates for lectures and to discuss the cases, complete assignments, and work through key learning objectives. Students independently research assignments, typically spending 40 hours per week, covering required case readings, preparing for/participating in small group discussions and virtual classroom sessions, and making summarized notes for exam preparation. Individual, real-time chat sessions may be arranged, as needed, with your instructor. Additionally, some students form study groups, both online and in-person when geographically feasible. OUM makes time available in its virtual classrooms for students to meet and interact.

A self-assessment (quiz) is taken at the end of each weekly case, and a summative examination is given at the end of each module. For a minimum of two hours each week, students are also required to meet face-to-face with a physician mentor in their community. The mentor does not teach but acts as a coach and role model, answering clinical questions and discussing non-academic issues associated with the practice of medicine, such as professionalism, motivation, and compassion. Each student is responsible for the selection of his/her own mentor, supported by OUM materials prepared for presentation to prospects. The Dean approves each prospective mentor. Halfway through the program, upon passing the USMLE Step 1, clinical rotations are arranged and taken at teaching hospitals, as they are in traditional medical schools. The OUM curriculum is a rigorous program, suited only to those who are self-motivated and disciplined to independently meet program requirements and deadlines.

Yes, OUM has several alumni in post-graduate training programs. Students are eligible to apply for US residency programs through the National Residency Match Program upon satisfactory completion of their USMLE Step 2. Certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is also a requirement, both to begin a residency and to obtain a medical license in many US states. That certification process begins when students first apply to take the USMLE Step 1 and finishes upon verification of OUM graduation. For more information, visit ECFMG's website at www.ecfmg.org.

Oceania University of Medicine is listed in the World Health Organization's World Directory of Medical Schools and is recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. Students and graduates of schools listed by these authorities, who have passed the necessary USMLE, are eligible to apply for licensure in many US states. OUM has surveyed all 50 US states, and though each state has its own regulations for licensing physicians, many have already indicated that OUM meets their requirements. Some states are reserving judgment until our graduates apply for their licenses, saying that if the graduate has passed the USMLE and has met other residency requirements, licensure should not be a problem. Recalling correspondence schools of long ago, some states do not yet recognize distance learning in medical education. Since many of the world's leading medical schools now have computer-assisted instruction and distance-learning courses in their curricula, the University is confident that together with the success its students are experiencing in the USMLE and residencies, more states will look favorably upon a distance-learning curriculum. Regardless of the institution one attends, medical school graduation does not assure that a medical license will be issued. That action is ultimately a regulatory matter decided upon by states.

We recommend that all applicants check with their state licensing authorities before enrolling at OUM or any other international medical school. Many states have censured certain international schools and may not grant their graduates licenses to practice. Students and applicants can access the website of each state's medical licensing board through the Federation of State Medical Boards at www.fsmb.org.

Students have three options for clinical rotations: 1) complete clinical rotations near the OUM campus at the National Hospital Complex in Samoa; or 2) complete clinical rotations at a regional accredited teaching hospital formally affiliated with OUM; or 3) OUM will work with students to seek clinical rotations at an accredited teaching hospital that is geographically convenient.

In order to qualify for a reputable residency-training program, students planning to practice in the US ideally should do rotations at a teaching hospital that has postgraduate training programs (residencies/fellowships) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). At the teaching hospital, students should work side-by-side with students from other medical schools on clinical activities established by the host hospital. During this portion of the curriculum, OUM will also provide students with case assignments and other relevant curriculum materials that support and enhance the clinical rotation. OUM cannot guarantee that a student will find clinical rotations near his/her home, but as an OUM student in good standing, one can be guaranteed clinical rotations in Samoa's National Hospital.

Your local physician mentor is your guide to the practice of medicine. You will meet with him or her for at least two hours each week - number of visits varies -- to discuss your studies and other medical practice issues. You may even have an opportunity to tag along on rounds or to shadow the doctor as he or she sees patients, dependent upon patient approval. You are responsible for finding a mentor in your community and securing approval from OUM. Materials are provided for you to approach prospective mentors. It is recommended that you secure your mentor before beginning the Introduction to Medicine module, so that he or she is ready upon your return. Students may not begin their second module without an approved mentor. OUM provides an honorarium and guidelines for the mentor relationship.

Yes, during the first half of the curriculum but not during the final eight terms (clinical rotations). The opportunity for students to work a full schedule during the first two years (pre-clinical terms, 1-10) is one feature that sets OUM apart from a traditional medical school setting. While many OUM students continue working during the first ten modules, a commitment of approximately 40 hours per week is required for research, study, class attendance, and meeting with one’s mentor. During these pre-clinical terms, students typically revise and reduce their work schedules to prepare for the last two years of clinical clerkship training. Once the clinical clerkships begin, the schedule of an OUM student is the same as that of any medical student -- subject to the uncertainties of hospital and physician scheduling -- and requiring 24/7 availability in order to complete clinical rotations and maximize the experience.

OUM cannot offer advance standing, for several reasons: a) Our program is case based so it would be impossible to isolate which courses you may have had and which you have not; b) If you have been out of school for 10-15 years, you are going to need the review to pass the licensing exams; c) Some students who have attended Caribbean medical programs that offer advanced standing, after investing the time and money, have been denied medical licensure in certain states. If you're looking for a school with this option, OUM is not for you. Be diligent about understanding your state's requirements regarding advanced standing or credit for previous training. The advantage that your prior education will give you at OUM is that these past studies should make learning the material easier for you. Also check with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (www.ecfmg.org.) In order to receive your certification upon graduation, which all graduates of foreign medical schools need if they want to practice in the US, you need to spend four years in medical school. Sometimes one simply cannot cut corners.

Your previous schooling in health sciences, together with more than five years of clinical experience, may exempt you from taking the MCAT for entrance. Healthcare professionals with that level of expertise already have demonstrated that they are likely to be successful in medical school. Please contact the OUM admissions office for details.

Applicants who have at least five years of extensive clinical experience may be able to study the Introduction to Medicine module at an affiliate college. For more information, visit www.medintro.org. For those with limited or no clinical experience, this first module must be completed on-campus in Samoa.

During this orientation to medical school study, students focus on basic science fundamentals which prepare students for the independent, case-based distance-learning modules that follow.  The course brings all students to a common minimum level of basic science knowledge, whether it is a refresher for those from health science backgrounds, or an introduction for newcomers to the medical sciences. The Introduction to Medicine module is also an evaluation period for the school and the student. The faculty meets students personally to get a sense of their academic abilities and their commitment to becoming physicians. From the beginning, the curriculum is rigorous, and this initial face-to-face orientation is essential, often creating life-long bonds among everyone involved. For more information, visit www.medintro.org.

Yes, in fact, OUM's Samoan scholarship recipients are required to serve the country's health system for four years. Citizens from other countries wishing to practice medicine in Samoa must meet the country's immigration requirements and successfully apply to the Samoan Ministry of Health. In fact, being eligible to practice in a foreign medical school’s home country helps to meet US licensing requirements in some states. Again, students and prospective students are advised to check with their respective state licensing boards for specific information.

OUM is located on the grounds of the National Hospital Complex, the major hospital in the capital city of Apia. Many medical students from British Commonwealth countries spend a semester in Samoa, working in the hospital on clinical rotations. The OUM building is a newly re-designed learning space with an air-conditioned computer lab, classroom and administrative space, all convenient and available to faculty and students.

Samoa is a peaceful country. Located in the tropics, it is hot and humid with beautiful beaches and rainforest. The diving and snorkeling are great. It's not unlike visiting an island nation in the Caribbean. The people are warm and friendly.

The school was founded in 2002, in close collaboration with the Samoan government, so its future is secure. The program began by making sure that the computer-assisted curriculum worked well before opening it to large numbers of students. The school deliberately started small and at the end of 2008 had approximately 100 students enrolled worldwide. OUM is selective about the students it accepts, making certain they have the self-motivation and discipline necessary to complete the course.

OUM’s first graduates, from Australia, Samoa, and the US are in residency training and eventually plan to practice in their home countries. Several other advanced students are completing clinical rotations in Samoa, Australia, and the US. The medical school’s first official graduation ceremony was held on May 5, 2007.

Absolutely. OUM encourages you to do so. The best way to initiate conversation is through e-mail, and the two of you can arrange a telephone appointment, if you choose. If you provide your e-mail address to your OUM admissions counselor, s/he will forward it to one or two current students who will contact you.

Many medical schools are moving away from cadaver laboratory work toward high-quality electronic teaching material. Many medical school accrediting bodies now acknowledge that laboratory exercises may be "real or simulated." There are several computer models today that accurately simulate the body, often with better views than you would see in an anatomy class. The US National Institutes of Health developed many of the most popular and accurate models that are used in online instruction.

In addition to gross anatomy, a good portion of laboratory work involves acquiring skills to collect and analyze raw data from graphs, blood work, and other pathological results. To develop these skills, OUM students receive simulated lab assignments during the course of each pre-clinical module that are completed and posted for online discussion with the instructor and classmates. While most assignments test physiological theory, others explore interpretation of clinical concepts in order to build and strengthen diagnostic skills.

US and Canadian applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and a minimum score of 24 on the MCAT, if you are required to take it. If you are a healthcare professional with five or more years of clinical experience, you still need the bachelor's degree and 3.0 GPA, but the MCAT requirement may be waived. Your clinical education and healthcare experience indicate that you are capable of doing well in this environment. A science major is not required, but the student should have at least one year of college chemistry.

OUM selects students that it believes will successfully complete the rigorous and demanding OUM medical degree. The admissions decision is based on academic success, test scores, healthcare experience where applicable, letters of recommendation, and the interview.

OUM offers scholarships to academically qualified students, ranging from full tuition arrangements, to those covering 50 percent of your tuition. Institutional loans for up to 50 percent of tuition are also available to financially qualified US citizens and legal permanent residents. While the process can be lengthy, the National Bank of Samoa may consider loans to financially qualified OUM students, as will some Australian banks. You also may wish to check with your own banking institution. Applications are available on the OUM website in the financial aid section (www.oceaniamed.org.)

Not yet. In order to qualify for US federally guaranteed loans and educational grants, students must attend an accredited school that has graduated students for at least two years. OUM is currently amid the accreditation process with the Philippines Accrediting Association for Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). The long and extensive process hopefully will be complete with a positive outcome in 2010. Once OUM has gained accreditation, it will apply to the US Department of Education to gain eligibility for federal loan and grant programs.

OUM’s flexible program appeals to a wide variety of students—from new college graduates, to working professionals interested in changing careers. The distance-learning component is attractive to many nurse practitioners, nurses, chiropractors, physical therapists, physician assistants, paramedics, respiratory therapists, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals. In addition, OUM has some students with non-science backgrounds such as business, accounting, art, and information technology.

American authorities do not accredit non-US medical schools, but international graduates are approved to begin residency training if they achieve ECFMG certification.OUM is recognized by ECFMG, which facilitates licensing examinations and the residency match process in the US. OUM currently has "Candidate" status with the Philippine Accrediting Association for Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU), which is recognized as an international accrediting body which evaluates institutions in the manner in which US schools are reviewed. When OUM achieves its accreditation by PAASCU, the school will be considered comparable to those accredited in the US. OUM expects to be fully accredited by the end of 2010.

Matriculation in OUM qualifies you to sit for the three-part United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). Students must pass these examinations in order to become a licensed physician. Step 1 is taken between the completion of pre-clinical courses and start of clinical rotations to ensure that students have a working knowledge of the basic sciences before entering clinical training to begin working with patients.

The Step 2 examinations also feature a clinical skills assessment, usually taken upon completion of core rotations. Passage of these exams ensures that the student has the necessary clinical knowledge and patient care skills to begin an internship or residency program under the supervision of an attending physician. At OUM, passage of Step 1 and Step 2 are graduation requirements for students who plan to practice in the US.

To help its students excel on the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams, OUM requires that a preparatory course be taken prior to sitting for each examination. OUM makes available to its students a variety of resources, including an extra module that brings together the elements of the first 10 modules, study aids, exam-taking strategies, and USMLE Step 1 practice questions. There are many good review courses available and OUM academic advisors work with students to identify the one most appropriate for their learning styles.

The Step 3 examination is given as students finish their first year of residency, to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills needed to practice medicine independently. For students of non-US medical schools, the ECFMG facilitates the USMLE Step 3 exam in a location and time arranged directly with the student. For more information about the USMLE, visit www.usmle.org and/or www.ecfmg.org.

As mentioned earlier, since each US state is responsible for licensing its own physicians, prospective students should check with their state medical board or other physician licensing authority to ensure that they will meet requirements. For more information, visit the Federation of State Medical Boards website at www.fsmb.org.

Since OUM is a young school, only a handful of students have completed the required coursework and taken their respective licensing exams. The first OUM students to take the USMLE Step 1 passed the examination, both in the US and in Australia. Additional students have passed the USMLE Step 2 and have begun US residencies. Several more students are scheduled to take both the Step 1 and Step 2 exams in the coming months, and they are expected to perform as well as their predecessors have done.

For US applicants, if you have only recently earned a bachelor’s degree and have less than five years of clinical work experience, the MCAT is required. Healthcare professionals with a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and five or more years of clinical work experience (nurse practitioners, chiropractors, nurses, physician assistants, physical/respiratory therapists, paramedics, etc.) may be MCAT exempt. If the student wishes to enroll before MCAT scores are known, he/she may do so, contingent upon OUM's receipt of acceptable scores (24 or above). The MCAT is optional for applicants from other countries.

OUM was created in partnership with the Samoan government, which is committed to its success. The school's founders have made the necessary legal and financial provisions to guarantee that students will be able to complete their education.