I was blessed to attend my first Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Conference outside of Vanuatu early this September in Rarotonga, Cook Islands with my partner, Dr Basil Leodoro (a surgeon) and my colleague and friend, Dr Jimmy Obed (our only psychiatrist).

Dr. Sam Manuela, a passionate Cook Islander and lecturer/researcher at the University of Auckland, discusses the significance of Mental Health. We had the opportunity to catch up with him and hear about his highlights from the PMA 2023 Conference in the Cook Islands.

From a young age, Taliah Su'a, a New Zealand-born Samoan medical student, has been passionately committed to raising awareness about rheumatic fever, investing a significant amount of her time researching the impacts and implications of the illness.

Bellaraine (Bella) Hifo, a proud Tongan, is our Auckland office's Pasifika Medical Association Host. She greets everyone with a warm and polite smile when they enter the office. For Tongan Language Week, Bella shares her journey of how she grows and nurtures the Tongan culture.

We were privileged to sit down with recipient of last year's Papa'ali'i Dr Semisi Ma'ia'i Scholarship, Tatila Helu, as she shared a bit of her story and motivations behind pursuing a career in medicine. We also spoke to some of Tatila's family members who shared about some of their personal experiences as well as reflections about Tatila's journey to date.

Hele Christopher-Ikimotu is the Communications Manager for PMA Group and is also the Chair of the Banaban Cultural Community of Auckland Youth in Auckland. He shares a reflection piece in light of Kiribati Language Week.

Jennifer Pereira’s journey extends far beyond her homeland’s shores, as she resides in Christchurch. Jennifer hails from the villages of Matatufu Lotofaga in Upolu and Sagone Salega in Savaii. Currently in her second year of studying a Bachelor of Nursing at Ara Institute of Canterbury, she acknowledges the role that her grandfather played in shaping her journey.

We caught up with Ateliana Taufa, recipient of the inaugural Sorensen Pacific Health Scholarship, following her graduation from the University of Otago. We also spoke with her nana who shared about the significance of Ateliana graduating.

Second year nursing student, mother and Navigator for the South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services (SWPICS), Mel Tearetoa, hopes to influence positive change in the health sector as she pursues a profession in nursing.

Siulolo Palu, a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Nursing from Ara Institute of Canterbury – Te Pūkenga, hails from the Pacific island of Tonga. However, she believes that her true home lies within the embrace of her people, regardless of geographical location.

The eldest of nine children and a proud Tongan, Tatila Helu felt called to pursue a career in health care as a result of her family's personal experiences with the health system. Ms Helu is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours (BMedSci (Hons)), in conjunction with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), at the University of Otago; last year, she was also a recipient of the PMA Papaali'i Dr Semisi Ma'ia'i Scholarship.

Dr. Tomasi Foliaki, who works as a Data Analyst for Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) Primary Care department, weighs in on the importance of #MHW. Dr. Foliaki emphasizes that good health and well-being are essential for experiencing a high quality of life. With his friendly and positive approach, Dr. Foliaki encourages everyone to discover a physical wellness activity that brings them joy, making it easy to stay active.