The PMA Conference started with a Students and Trainees Leadership Forum on Sunday 4 September that focused on career pathways and opportunities for upcoming Pacific health professionals. 

The theme was “Shaping your space as a Pacific Health Professional in Aotearoa” and students were given access to a wide spectrum of established Pacific doctors, nurses and specialists who were open with their experiences and generous with their advice to inform and challenge their intrigued audience. 

In her opening address, the PMA Conference Convenor and PMA Memberships Board Director, Dr Lupe Taumoepeau (FRACS) acknowledged the magnitude of the Leadership Forum and why it is important for our Pacific communities. 

“Today marks another step in the partnership between the PMA and each of you. You are the future of our health workforce, you absolutely deserve to be where you are and I have no doubt that each of you will make an impact. 

Aotearoa deserves and needs a diverse workforce, and the PMA is committed to supporting you to achieve and shape your space; providing opportunities to build on our collective strength is an important priority.

The fact we are starting our PMA Conference with students and trainees demonstrates that you are the priority for us now and in the future”.  

Dr Tomasi Foliaki was a panelist on the Emerging Leaders Panel and says it was a great platform for student doctors to speak on their experiences and aspirations.

“I was grateful for the opportunity and admired the insights offered by the other panelists as well. The PMA Conference was a necessary forum to bring everyone together.

It’s rare to have Pacific medical students from around different universities in one space and I think it was great that the conference had the student day as it allowed students to network with each other.”

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Date: Friday 16 September 2022