As TMA celebrated and looked back on 80 years of progress and success, the theme of the conference was 'Investing in the future of TMA; learning, developing, cultivating - 80 years on'. In this theme, many of those who shared spoke of those who went before them, the giants whose shoulders they stood on. The view each generation has is different, as Isaac Newton stated 'if I see further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants'. The beauty in these stories describes that those who come before not only teach us what they know, their teaching elevates us to be able to see further, dream bigger and aim higher built on the empire of this past knowledge and experience. The story telling at this conference of those past and present, all looking forward, was targeted to inspire the young doctors to invest in and grow TMA as an association for their future.
In 2005 as an excited final year medical student, I arrived in Tonga for my 6th year elective. I was assigned to Paediatrics under the supervision of Dr Toakase Fakakovikaetau. It was an eye opening time for me for, despite spending my high school years in Tonga, I had never had reason to be in the Tongan Health system at that time and my only hospital experience was in New Zealand. I was fascinated by the stoicism of the Tongan children as they underwent painful procedures, the small babies in their incubators that at the time were only expected to survive after 28 weeks, the skill the young doctors a year ahead of me had in canulating tiny babies and the seeming fearless confidence the parents had in handing over their children to Toa's care. It contrasted to the high anxiety expressed by many New Zealand parents I encountered, and the subsequent high anxiety and fear in many of the children we managed. Some of this difference in reaction was culturally based in the attitudes and assumptions made by parents in each country, some was based on the perceived freedom or appropriateness to question the medical professional, but I am sure much was based on the confidence and calmness of Toa and her Paeds team.
The period of 2005 that I was in Tonga coincided with the Public Servant Association strikes for improved and fair renumeration. It was a unique time politically to be in Tonga and observe the unification of workers in peaceful protest to support each others rights to fair treatment. As a medical student I was also happy to have a day or two off to enjoy the sun when the Healthcare workers joined the strike action in August. From my perspective it was exciting to see the progress and success of a peaceful protest, although many health care providers were worried for the well being of their patients. This activism in support of themselves and their colleagues in government employment, was a strong and brave show of progressive and passionate forward thinking.
During and after the TMA celebration I had the opportunity to meet with precious friends who had lost their home and much more in the Hunga-Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and the ensuing tsunami in 2022. It was a both wonderful and sad time to connect, to recognise what had passed and been lost, to celebrate what we had shared together, and look to the future. These friends have invested deeply in Tonga, and see all that a community of support brings even in times of sorrow and loss. Among the stories of the past as they walked though their old home site, were findings of joy and acts of kindness from those who had known them for years in returning things that were thought gone and in memories shared. The emotions fit well with the theme of the conference.
There is still the excited medical student in me, wowed by the knowledge of the wise. The learning from many mentors inspires me to claim confidence and reach out to calm the anxious parent or patient. The passion of equity and fairness inspires me to advocate for improved services for our patients and better support for our peers. And the shoulders I stand on give me vision for a future that is brighter than that seen today.
As I write this the beatitudes come to mind, where we are encouraged in the hard times and blessed with the centering focus of our service to keep looking forward, service for our people for the glory of God.
Matthew 5: 3- 10
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.