Pacific trainee doctor Sophia Dean is a new mum to a four -month-old daughter, and as a recent patient, she discovered what kind of medical professional she aspires to be.
“Being in the health care system really opened my eyes to how the system works and gave me an insight into the type of doctor that I want to become,” says Dean (30), who is in her final year of her medical degree at Otago university and aims to become either a GP or a cardiologist.
“It made me reflect on how I want to treat my patients and how important communication is; especially for our Pacific families when health literacy is not the best. I realised that I can really make a difference.”
Last year, the Tongan/Fijian student was one of the recipients of the Papa’ali’i Dr Semisi Ma’ia’i Scholarship, an annual award given by the Pacific Medical Association (PMA) for Pacific students who are in their fifth year of study in a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Otago.
Dr Ma’ia’i was a GP in Auckland for more than 40 years and in 2010 published the first modern and comprehensive Samoan dictionary, with the aim of ensuring the Samoan language remained alive and vibrant. In 2011, he received a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Samoan community.
Dean says that receiving a scholarship that honours Dr Ma’ia’i and his achievements inspires her to strive for excellence in the health profession.
“You don’t normally associate Pacific with the healthcare setting because we are such a minority. When we think of going to the doctors or to the hospital, it’s in a palangi context. Knowing that we have pioneers like Dr Ma’ia’i and others that came before him, is empowering.”
Today, the applications for the Pasifika Medical Association Scholarships opened not only for the Papa’ali’i Dr Semisi Ma’ia’i Scholarships but also other scholarships aiming to assist Pacific students into medical and health related careers.
Dean encourages all eligible students to apply. She says receiving financial support made a huge difference.
“Studying in Dunedin and living away from my family in Auckland, especially during Covid, was stressful. Most Pacific students come from limited resources and and don’t have the hedge funds that other students have access to. Receiving this scholarship helped me in many ways and enabled me to continue my studies.”
Applications for the Papa’ali’i Dr Semisi Ma’ia’i Scholarships and the other PMA Scholarships are now open. Please visit – www.pacifichealth.org.nz/2021-pacific-health-education-scholarships/
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Date: Friday 21 May 2021