Registrations for the PMA Conference are now open! Click here for more information.

PMA Scholarships 2023 Recipient, Dr Cloe Posimani: Dr Sitaleki Finau Scholarship
Updates / Community, 19 Feb 24
Dr Cloe Posimani, a recipient of Dr Sitaleki Finau Scholarship 2023 from the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), exemplifies her commitment to the well-being of Pacific communities through her journey in medicine and public health. She proudly represents her Niuean roots and highlights the influence of her father in her career choices.

Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health, Dr Posimani is involved in research focusing on how Niue people perceive food and its connection to leading happy, healthy lives. Additionally, she is partway through her General Practice training, driven by a desire to combine working with people and problem-solving. 

Her inspiration to enter the medical field stems from her father's experiences as a Niuean, Māori man navigating the New Zealand health system while living with illness. Witnessing the broader impacts on health, such as housing, food availability, and systemic equity, inspired her to delve into Public Health training. Dr Posimani aims to address the social determinants of health to improve overall well-being. 

“Through working with Pasifika patients in General Practice and the hospital system, I found that many Pacific peoples live with chronic illnesses that stem from wider influences than just the clinical aspects.” 

“I was inspired to take up Public Health training to learn more about how the social determinants of health can be improved to create a better environment for people to live the best lives they can.”  

Receiving the Dr Sitaleki Finau scholarship was met with surprise and gratitude. 

“I feel very grateful to have received the Dr Sitaleki Finau scholarship as this allows me to continue with my research project in Niue.” 

 Dr Posimani expresses her hope that her research project on food in Niue will contribute to the country's research base and amplify Niuean voices regarding their experiences with food. 

 “My father was inspirational in my choice to work with Pasifika and Māori people. This was through walking alongside him while he lived with illness and experienced the NZ health system as a Niue, Māori man.” 

 "My father has been one of my biggest influences in what I do. He taught me some valuable life lessons that I hold close to me today. I do what I do for my family and my people." 

 Her vision for the future involves contributing to the progress of the Pacific health workforce. Dr. Posimani emphasizes the importance of relatable role models in healthcare, especially for Pasifika and Māori patients. 

 “I would like to contribute my experience and knowledge to help Niue in achieving their goals of healthy, happy living for Niue people.”