Dr Lawrence has served Pacific families in South Auckland and Northland and is currently based in Whangārei. She was recently appointed as an Academic Co-ordinator at the University of Auckland (Northland Clinical site) while continuing to work in General Practice for Te Whareora O Tikipunga.
Reflecting on her own journey with PMA, Dr Lawrence is honoured to have received a PMA Life Award.
“Receiving the award was very humbling as I was one of the younger recipients amongst the great Pacific leaders acknowledged that evening.
I can remember in the early days of PMA as a medical student going to Dr Juliet Walker’s home to help fill conference bags for one of the early conferences and it’s grown so much since then. It was particularly special to see so many young students at this year’s PMA Conference.”
Dr Lawrence has a heart for serving communities in Northland, where she currently resides.
“I love to serve my enrolled population in Northland. Many of my patients are part Māori and part Pacific which will reflect more of the future generations to come. It’s wonderful looking after our elderly through to our new born babies which always keeps me learning and growing as a GP.
I especially love my national and regional leadership roles which have allowed me to help shine a light on equity and Pacific health in mainstream organisations and the Ministry of Health. My ultimate goal is to get our national medical leaders to value the expertise that our Pasifika practitioners have, including their core beliefs and traditional knowledge. This will often strengthen new service delivery frameworks and holds the answers to our Pasifika wellness into the future.”
As she continues to serve, Dr Lawrence acknowledges those who have helped mentor and shape her into the leader she is today.
“I want to acknowledge all the Pasifika mentors that have helped me grow my leadership skills over the years and I look forward to being part of growing the next generations of PMA leaders for the future.”
Date: Friday 18 November 2022
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