Hailing from the Fiji Islands, – his father from Taveuni with links to Somosomo and his mother from Nadi – Dr Nair was born in Whangārei and is currently based in Christchurch. Reflecting on his decision to pursue a career in health, Dr Nair was confident that it was the pathway he wanted to follow. 

"I've always had an interest in health, human physiology and helping people. My mother trained as a doctor in Fiji then retrained as a nurse in New Zealand, which exposed me to the field. Throughout high school, we also experienced a number of family members becoming unwell or passing away from medical conditions which pushed me further into a career in healthcare.  

"When I was at university, I was exposed to amazing brown doctors, academics, researchers and healthcare professionals through the Otago Pacific Health Sciences division and that was it, I was hooked. We had amazing support from the faculty and the resources to succeed." 

Dr Nair was a recipient of PMA's Papa'ali'i Dr Semisi Ma'ia'i University of Otago Scholarship in 2019 which helped assist him during his studies, as well as helping get him to Fiji to see where his parents were raised – a reminder of his 'why' as he neared the completion of his studies.  

"A career in health is hugely rewarding and challenging but there are so many ways you can contribute. It's also important to make sure your 'why' is strong and to come back to it often and to not forget who you are or where you come from." 

Dr Nair is grateful to his family and wife for their constant support and encouragement. He also acknowledges the support from Pacific staff and the Pacific Island Health Professional Students' Association (PIHPSA) during his time at the University of Otago. 

"The weekly check ins with my parents and messages from my brothers, grandmother and broader family were always motivating. I'm now doing life with my wife Holly who has been my rock, my sounding board, my encourager and my number one supporter. 

"I am now in my fourth year as a Junior Doctor working in the Emergency Department at Christchurch Hospital. Last year I also experienced life as a Surgical Registrar. Long term I have desires to work in Pacific Health alongside PMA and a specialisation in Clinical/Interventional Radiology." 

The annual PMA Pacific Health Education Scholarships are still open for applications and close at 5pm Friday 16 June, 2023. There are 11 scholarship categories, with 19 individual awards available for Pacific students and professionals, valued at $140,000.  

Apply now here: https://membership.pacifichealth.org.nz/Scholarships-2023