Dr Fonua hails from the villages of 'Utulau, Fo'ui, Vainī, Kolonga and Hā’ano, in the island of Tonga. Having studied a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Auckland, he credits his family as a key reason in pursuing the field.
“My interest in medicine was fueled by my love of the sciences and consolidated further by the examples set in healthcare by my paternal grandmother, who served as a nurse in Tonga for many decades, as well as by other relatives working as doctors and nurses both in Aotearoa and back home in the kingdom.”
“The biggest influence on my journey by far would be my family. My aspirations in the health sector are driven by the aspirations I hold for them personally, and what I hope they would attain in terms of living a healthy, fruitful and fulfilling life. They ground me continually, and guide my purpose with love and intent.”
Dr Fonua received a PMA Scholarship in 2020 and says it helped ease the financial pressure during the remainder of his studies.
“The PMA scholarship was invaluable in helping ease financial stresses of study. The scholarship was a real godsend, particularly in 2020 with pandemic pressures and economic uncertainty. It helped cover the cost of academic materials and resources for the year following, which I remain immensely grateful for.”
As he continues to serve communities and families in his current role, he encourages aspiring medical students to stay rooted in their identity and values.
“Just after I graduated, my great-aunt who is a GP here in Auckland told me “Ko ho’o ‘ofa mai´ te ke ‘alu ‘o fai e ngāue´, pea fai ke lelei” – “Your love for me will be shown through your carrying out of this work, and through carrying it out well”. Careers in healthcare are extremely grueling, but rewarding.
“There are points where you may feel intimidated or overwhelmed, but know that your cultural insight, understanding and love for our families resounds deeply and adds to the waves of change that are sorely needed in this fragmented health system that often underserves our communities. You have a growing number of Pasifika health role models from whom you can seek help and support.”
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.
Funds for the PMA Scholarships are raised at our annual Charity Ball, with tickets now on sale. The event will be taking place at the Cordis in Auckland Friday 18 August 2023.
Purchase a Charity Ball ticket here: membership.pacifichealth.org.nz/charity-ball-2023
Apply for a scholarship here: https://membership.pacifichealth.org.nz/Scholarships-2023