20 April 2010
Congratulations Pacific award recipients
Talofa lava, malo e lelei, kia orana, ni sa bula vinaka, fakaalofa lahi atu, halo olaketa, kam na mauri, taloha ni, kia ora koutou
On this page:
- Unprecedented applications
- A message from Dr Api Talemaitoga
- Outreach
- Congratulations
- Thank you to our panel
- Profile | Lana Hughes
- Profile | Canaan Aumua
- New PMA programmes
Unprecedented applications
At present change is a dominant feature in New Zealand’s health workforce landscape - which comes with its challenges and opportunities. One thing that remains constant though is the enthusiasm and determination of our young Pacific students to achieve a successful career in health. It was great to witness this energy first hand when I was given the privilege of engaging with Pacific students at various fono around the country as part of our targeted promotions campaign - to ensure the right people are informed of these awards. A big thank you to those that attended and CONGRATULATIONS to those that are successful recipients! The quantity and quality of applications was unprecedented.
Another constant that remains is the commitment of our Pacific health and education sector leaders to growing a quality Pacific health workforce. I’d like to acknowledge and thank our assessment panel for their leadership and dedication.
In this edition you can read more on funding in a special message from the Ministry of Health Chief Advisor Pacific, Dr Api Taleimatoga. You can also access more information on the demographic breakdown and make-up of recipients for 2009 and 2010, and read the profiles of Lana and Canaan, two inspirational medical school students.
Be well,
Monique Faleafa
National manager, Le Va
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Peter Drucker.
A message from Chief Advisor Pacific, Ministry of Health
Ni sa bula vinaka, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Taloha ni, Fakalofa lahi atu, Kia Orana, Talofa, Kia ora and Pacific greetings
This year an unprecedented 288 applications were received for the Ministry of Health's Pacific Health Workforce Awards scheme. Thank you to all those that submitted an application. After a robust assessment process, I am pleased to announce that approximately 246 out of the 288 will be funded in 2010. The government committed $4 million of the Pacific Provider and Workforce Development Fund to invest in strategies to ensure we future proof our Pacific health and disability workforce by having the right Pacific people with the right skills in the right places. Of that $4 million, $1 million was set aside to target and invest in workforce priority groups such as medicine, nursing, midwifery, oral health and some allied health specialties, and to continue to support non-priority workforce groups through the Pacific Health Workforce Awards scheme. Given the overwhelming response in applications this year, the Ministry of Health agreed to increase the funding to $1.6 million for 2010.
However, the increase in funding reflects an increase in expectations. This year as part of the strategy to target an increase in Pacific students enrolled in priority workforce groups, we committed ourselves to funding 100 per cent of course fees for the priority workforce groups to remove the financial barrier for Pacific students studying in these areas. We are confident this lever will yield results in the short/medium and long term and we are excited about the prospects. Through Le Va, we intend to monitor this lever closely to ensure value for money, transparency, accountability and results.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Monique Faleafa and her team at Le Va for the extraordinary efforts they have undertaken, to make this first round of applications a success. The experience has been very much a learning one for both parties but we are confident our waka is solid and capable of withstanding the challenging times ahead.
Vinaka vakalevu
Dr Api Talemaitoga
Chief Advisor Pacific, Ministry of Health
Outreach
Targeted promotions and outreach to both students studying health and the health workforce enabled Le Va to take the message “Right people, right skills, right place, right time” right across the country. The large success of the promotion of the awards provided the opportunity to meet with both secondary and tertiary students face-to-face at fonos and camps, which made a real difference.
The nationwide email, newspaper, poster and radio campaign, and website launch, associated with our presence at events such as ASB Secondary School Polynesian Cultural Festival, Pasifika Festival and Parachute, was a large contributing factor to the unprecedented amount of applications received this year.
Shana Malio and the team at the University of Auckland Medical School Maori and Pacific Admission Scheme Camp in Ngaruawahia.
Congratulations
Congratulations to all recipients of Pacific Health Workforce Awards, both 2009 reimbursement awards and 2010 awards. Le Va is proud to announce that 246 Pacific Health Workforce Awards are being distributed to students for funding of their health related studies.
From a total of 246 allocated awards, 62 related to 2009 and 184 to 2010.
Of the awards, 202 were allocated to targeted priority workforce qualifications as set down by the Ministry of Health, with the remaining 44 allocated to other health related areas.
Thank you to our panel
In association with the Ministry of Health, a newly formed Pacific Health Workforce Awards Assessment Panel was formed for 2010. The panel was tasked with the large role of assessing all 2009 and 2010 applications.
Le Va, in association with the Ministry of Health, would like to thank the assessment panel for their time and expertise in assessing the unprecedented number of applications received. Your input was valuable, your time appreciated and your dedicated work is acknowledged.
From here, Le Va will be working with the successful recipients to ensure all awards are processed within the next few weeks.
Fa’afetai Lava ma ia manuia
Assessment panel biographies (from left to right)
Mr Michael Chan is CEO of Pacific Trust Canterbury in Christchurch. He is also an SIA committee member for Partnership Health and member of Pegasus Health Pacific reference group.
Dr Debbie Ryan is a consultant based in Wellington. Previously she held the position of chief advisor, Pacific, Ministry of Health. Debbie was also chief executive for South Seas Healthcare where she was instrumental in establishing the first Primary Health Organisation (PHO) which is based in South Auckland.
Mr Malakai Ofanoa is deputy director and senior lecturer of Pacific health at The University of Auckland. He is also chairman of Tongan Health Incorporated and a church leader for the Tongan Methodist Church in West Auckland.
Dr Api Talemaitoga (Chair) is Chief Advisor Pacific, with the Ministry of Health. He is also a general practitioner and works one day a week at his clinic in Christchurch.
Dr Monique Faleafa is the national manager for Le Va, the Pacific workforce development programme that sits within Te Pou, the national centre of mental health research, information and workforce development.
Mrs Anne Fitisemanu currently holds the position of Pacific workforce development and special projects at Auckland District Health Board, including the Tamaki Transformation Project.
Ms Hilda Fa’asalele is General Manager of Pacific Health for Auckland District Health Board. She is also a member of the National Breastfeeding Advisory Committee and ADHB Working Group.
Mr Michael Laufiso is a community advisor at the Dunedin City Council. He is also chair for the Otago Pacific Peoples Health Trust, Advisory Group, Dunedin.
Student profile | Lana Hughes
What are you studying and why have you chosen this field to study in?
I'm in my third year of studying the MBChB or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. I have wanted to do medicine since I was a child. Initially it was my family who pushed the idea but later the idea of pursuing a career in health became my own dream. In high school whenever I thought about what job I wanted to have in the future the most important thing to me was finding a job where I could help people. In my first year of tertiary study I completed the Certificate in Health Sciences. The certificate taught me a lot about the inequalities that currently exist for Pacific people in health. This knowledge drove me to pursue medicine with more determination because I hope to be part of a healthcare system that addresses and reduces disparities.
You are a standout student. What's your secret to success?
I don't really feel like a stand-out student! I don't know that there is a secret. I know that I wouldn't be in medicine without the love and support of my family. I also want to stress the fact that I wasn't particularly gifted in the sciences at school but I persevered with the study and once I got to university I began to see more positive results. I think that if I were to give any advice it would be to not give up when it comes to pursuing a career. Some people doubted that I would get into medicine, I even doubted it myself, but it was my dream so I kept on trying and eventually that faith and hard work paid off. I would also recommend asking for advice or help when you need it and not trying to face every hardship or test on your own.
How does culture impact on your studies?
I'm proud of the fact that I come from a mixed cultural background. My main experience of Cook Island culture has been through my grandmother. It is difficult to find the words to adequately convey what culture is or what its impact on my life and studies has been but she has brought me up to embrace the importance of family, community and faith. Something that I believe is true of all Pacific cultures and a source of great strength.
How will this degree help you achieve your goals in terms of the Pacific community?
I hope to use the skills and knowledge I gain through my medical training to help all of my patients and indirectly their families and communities. I would love an opportunity to work in the Cook Islands for part of my training and professional career. I also hope to find a position where I feel that I am giving back to Pacific communities living in New Zealand.
Have you faced many obstacles/challenges relating to studying in your chosen area?
One of the obstacles I faced was that I hadn't taken all of the right subjects at a high school level. I also found that initially my own self-doubt was a big obstacle because I didn't think that I was clever enough to attempt to get into medicine and I had heard how difficult it was.
How have you overcome these challenges?
I applied for the Certificate in Health Sciences because I hadn't taken physics at high school and my chemistry was terrible. The certificate taught me the skills I needed to get through the first year of my degree and gave me University Entrance. I still have doubts but my family is a huge source of strength for me and they give me a lot of encouragement when I find studying hard.
How have you balanced the workload of university and demands of your personal life? i.e. Church, family…
Finding the right balance is a struggle and I'm still trying to find it! I think it's very important to have life outside of study. However, at the same time setting aside time to study is vital. I think that getting your family on-board is really important. Let them know when you have upcoming tests or if you need extra time to study one week. Keep them informed. Study timetables can be useful but it's important to stick to them. The first year of the degree is arguably the most challenging so for that year it is important not to over commit yourself. I love playing soccer but I gave it up for my first year of university because I thought it was important to focus on my study.
What would be your advice to first year students starting their Bachelor of Medicine?
My advice would be to not give up. It's an awesome degree and you get an amazing career at the end of it. Make sure you're organised from the beginning. If you need help with study investigate where you can find help. Stay informed. Make use of the resources that are there for you whether that means attending tutorials or making use of a study space. Make sure you have a life outside of medical school and give yourself some time to relax when your exams or tests are over.
What do you hope to have achieved by 2015?
I hope to have finished my degree and be working as a house officer in the community. I also hope that by then I have picked a specialty.
Student profile | Canaan Aumua
What are you studying and why have you chosen this field to study in?
I am studying a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Auckland and currently in my second year. Medicine is an area that has always been of interest to me since a young age, and my family is also heavily involved in the health sector and have had a significant influence on my career choice. However regardless of my personal interest in medicine and family influence it’s something I really felt a calling towards and dedicated a lot of prayer to when making the decision. In the end I felt that medicine was the best option for me to make the biggest difference not only in the lives of my Pacific brothers and sisters but also in the world. 
You are a stand-out student. What's your secret to success?
Everyone has their own personal tips and tricks for success, though I don’t think mine are any secret. Good support networks, including church, family and friends are probably what are to be most credited for my success in studies so far. Knowing that there are people behind you that genuinely love and care about you and are willing to play a part in your life to see you through successfully. That and of course making sure you always have the "Big Guy" upstairs on your side, and allowing Him to take control of the driver's seat and fulfilling your part of his promise. You can use every tip and trick in the book, but at the end of the day it’s His grace that will pull you through.
How does culture impact on your studies?
My Samoan and Fijian culture has very much been an asset in regards to the success i've had in my studies. In particular the values and virtues that are more than abundant in both my cultures, such as generosity, service and respect. Simple values that I believe are protective but less prevalent, particularly in our youth as our culture and identity start to dissipate amongst the many other influences of today. We all know the "lecture" from grandparents/parents, you're either going to be an All Black, a lawyer or a doctor, which usually doesn’t go down well and is easily dismissed. However, it's a reminder about the challenges faced by those before us, our Pacific people came to New Zealand to see a better life for their families. So as abrasive as some "lectures" may be, and as stressful as family pressure can get, I feel it's only right to adhere to our cultural values and respect their efforts to see that their hardships and sacrifices were not made in vain.
How will this degree help you achieve your goals in terms of the pacific community?
Health has always been an area where Pacific people have struggled, and although there is improvement we still have a long way to go. We are all mindful of the need for culturally appropriate health services, and as a Pacific face I am aware that I can serve this cause. There are many young Pacific peoples today that are highly qualified, and I believe this degree will allow me to combine efforts with other Pacific peoples to contribute to the leadership and development of our Pacific communities.
Have you faced many obstacles/challenges relating to studying in your chosen area?
There are challenges in everything you do, and everyone usually faces the same ones every year. As interesting and exciting as medicine is, it is a very demanding course, and extremely time consuming. It very much changes from a career choice into a way of life; it becomes a part of you. It’s always on your conscience, how many hours can I study today? Can I squeeze in an hour at my sister's dance practice? I don’t need that much sleep! There’s a lot of stress, exhaustion, sacrifice, and sometimes it’s easy to very quickly become isolated from many aspects of your "previous" life, i.e. church, friends outside of university, family, and clubs.
How have you overcome these challenges?
Despite these challenges, there is another side to it all and as mentioned everyone experiences them. Seeing students who are in higher year levels are a reminder that "it can be done” and they always have great advice to pass on to those who are up and coming. One of the best things that helps get through such challenges is the friends you have at university. You go through every day together, the same struggles, day and night, side by side. Friends very quickly become family away from family, and we all help and support each other. Having people like that in your life also allows it to be fun! As Pacific people we all know we have an excessively loud laugh that cannot be contained, particularly in the presence of Pacific humour. I can definitely testify, there are more laughs than tears!
How have you balanced the work load of university and demands of your personal life? i.e. Church, family
Finding the balance is hard and so far something I can say I haven't mastered yet. So far it’s been more or less prioritising and switching between "lives" and roles within Church, family, and university. It’s definitely something i'm working on, because as mentioned medicine is something that can very quickly consume many aspects of your life. Miraculously I have managed to squeeze in a various range of events, but it does take its toll. You don’t always see your family, make everyone’s birthday, or get to every Sunday service in the front row, but those who love you and genuinely care for you have an understanding of your situation and realise how important it is for you. I have been overly blessed in a way that I am surrounded by people as such, which allows me to do my best!
What would be your advise to first year students starting their Bachelor of medicine?
Give it all your best, in the end there's nothing to lose. It's a big competitive year, you end up learning a lot about yourself, your friends, and family as you go through. Try and remember even in the hardest times that it’s a blessing to be that far, studying towards becoming something that can change the lives of many. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and remember that your Pacific identity is an asset, so use it to your advantage! You hear the phrase "study hard, play harder", however my greatest advice would be "study hard, PRAY HARDER"!
What do you hope to have achieved by 2015?
By 2015 I hope to have graduated with the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, and completing my first year as a house surgeon. I also hope to be involved in Pacific health at a population level, and have some involvement in health policy. I truly believe our progression as Pacific peoples needs the input of all government sectors, and I have had my eye on the education sector for a while now. We are a collectivist culture, and therefore it should be a collective effort, and I very much hope I am a part of our people’s progress in the near future.
New Pacific Medical Association programmes
The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is committed to strengthening the Pacific health workforce in New Zealand.
The PMA is about to launch a new Healthcare Heroes programme in mid May, that will promote rewarding careers in health to Pacific high school students from years 9 to 13. Healthcare Heroes will encourage students to consider career options in health science by offering mentoring opportunities to strengthen science abilities. The programme also offers gateways to scholarships and chances for work experience.
Across Auckland 20 high schools have agreed to take part in the Healthcare Heroes programme and believe that it could encourage those less confident in science.
Successful students who go on to tertiary level study in health science will then be entered into the programme Students are our Future.
Students are our Future is another new programme the PMA is introducing, designed for current tertiary students who are studying towards a health science related qualification. It will ensure pastoral care, workshops, further work experience and networking within the health sector, as well as opportunities for financial assistance.
This programme will run on a national scale, covering:
- greater Auckland (North Shore, Waitakere, south and central Auckland)
- Hamilton/Tokoroa
- Gisborne/Hawke's Bay
- Taranaki/Palmerston North
- Wellington
- Christchurch
- Dunedin.
The PMA will be visiting AUT on 29 April to give Pacific health science students the opportunity to be part of this mentoring programme, which will give them an advantage in completing their qualification with success. For more information email pma "at" pacifichealth.org.nz.
Page last updated: 14 April 2011