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• Events
  - We host a number of events in the year, including milestone events like our PMA Scholarships, PMA Conference and PMA Charity Ball, as well as smaller events for our membership network and partners.

• Join
  - Lead the change in our Pacific communities by serving as a member of our PMA network. Join us and discover the unique opportunities to make a difference in your own way.

• Moana Women's Network
  - The Moana Pacific Women's Network is the beginning of an ecosystem that connects, uplifts and celebrates Pacific women who are emerging and established leaders.

• Our Journals
  - The Pasifika Medical Association Group owns two medical journals: the Pacific Health Dialog (PHD) and the New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ). Both journals are fundamental in providing research and written pieces from the health and medical industry, both in New Zealand and in the region.

• Our Story
  - The Pasifika Medical Association is a network of more than 7,000 Pacific health professionals, working collaboratively to strengthen the Pacific health workforce capacity and capability and meet the health needs of our Pacific people in New Zealand and the region.

• PACMAT Emergency Response
  - The Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) is a multidisciplinary team of Pacific medical professionals ready and able to assist international medical institutions in the event of a sudden onset disaster or disease outbreak.

• Scholarships
  - The Pasifika Medical Association offers a number of scholarships to assist Pacific people into medical and health related careers from its Education Fund. The PMA Scholarship Awards have all been named after distinguished Life Members who have demonstrated exemplary service to improving the health and well-being of Pacific communities.

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• Updates
  - Read our latest stories, updates and press releases from our membership network.

• "Be a champion" - Dr Maryann Heather encourages returning students
  - Dr Maryann Heather, Board Member for Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Membership and Senior Lecturer for the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Science, has served in the medical field for twenty-five years, working both in primary care and as an educator. Currently the Clinical Director at Etu Pasifika South Auckland, Dr Heather is an avid champion for investing knowledge and skills into the next generation of healthcare specialists.

• "Building a legacy that prides my people" - Cullen Haym, Cook Islands dentist
  - Kia orana, my name is Cullen Haym Ryan. I am a dentist based at Waikato Hospital, working for Te Whatu Ora. I am of Cook Islands Māori and Irish descent.

• "Showing up and being ready to listen and serve is enough to make a difference," says Samoan Junior Doctor, Tiare Jones
  - Dr Tiare Jones is a proud Samoan Junior Doctor currently working at Middlemore Hospital, Auckland. This year for Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa (Samoan Language Week) Dr Tiare shares her reflections as a tama’ita’i Samoa.

• A legacy of advocacy and social justice: PMA remembers Māori King Kīngi Tūheitia
  - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group joins Aotearoa New Zealand in expressing their heartfelt condolences to the family of the Māori King, Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, who peacefully passed away at the age of 69 last week. Thousands have gathered at Tūrangawaewae Marae to pay their respects to the Kīngitanga, including guests from around the Pacific region, remembering him for his legacy of social justice and advocacy.

• ANZAC Day 2024: Tongan doctor reflects on her time as a Medical Officer in NZ Defence Force
  - At the first light of dawn today, many people across the country will have gathered at their local war memorial to pay their respects to the servicemen and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the New Zealand military. As accounts are shared around the country to commemorate ANZAC Day 2024, Pacific communities are also reminded of the service and sacrifice of Pacific soldiers, specifically contingents from Niue and the Cook Islands, who were enlisted to support New Zealand during the First World War.

• Australasia's only Pacific female vascular surgeon joins PMA Group Board of Directors
  - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is pleased to announce Dr Lupe Taumoepeau (FRACS) as the newest Board Director of the PMA Group Board. As New Zealand’s first female vascular surgeon and the only Pacific Island female vascular surgeon in Australasia, Dr Taumoepeau comes with an extensive background in leadership and a passion in developing the Pacific health workforce. Dr Taumoepeau previously served as a Board Director on the Pasifika Medical Association Membership (PMAM) Board.

• Collaborative medical treatment a lifeline for young Fijian patient
  - In the Pacific, countless families grapple with the devastating reality that life-saving medical treatments are often out of reach. For one young Fijian boy, this was his lived experience. Struggling with Cushing’s Disease, a hormonal condition with devastating implications, his chances of diagnosis and treatment were challenging in the Pacific.

• Dr Kiki Maoate named new chair of Pacific Health Senate
  - Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has announced Dr Kiki Maoate as the new Chair of Fatu Fono Ola (the National Pacific Health Senate).

• Fijian neurosurgeon awarded President's Medal at the RACS Annual Scientific Congress 2024
  - Dr Alan Biribo, a seasoned neurosurgeon who has spent years devoted to championing health outcomes for Fijians, was recognised at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) 2024 Annual Scientific Congress, where he received the President's Medal in addition to presenting the Rowan Nicks Scholarship Lecture.

• Fostering my Lea Faka-Tonga as a child of the diaspora
  - Malo e lelei, My name is Dr. Sela Finau and I am a proud daughter of the Pacific. I am currently in my second year of being a junior doctor at Middlemore Hospital in South Auckland. I hail from the villages of Tatakamotonga, Haveluloto, Niutoua and Lofanga from the Kingdom of Tonga.

• HRH Princess Sālote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita opens PMA's Tonga Language Week 2024
  - The Pasifika Medical Association (Group) is privileged to have been granted an exclusive interview with Her Royal Highness Princess Sālote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita to signify Uike Katoanga'i 'o e Lea Faka-Tonga – Tonga Language Week for 2024.

• International Nurses Day 2024: Cook Islands Nurses Association Aotearoa
  - For International Nurses Day 2024, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) connected with the Cook Islands Nurses Association Aotearoa (CINAA) to learn more about their journey as a network for Cook Islands nurses in New Zealand and around the world.

• Living Our Best Lives: Pasifika Medical Association gears up for 2024 conference in Christchurch
  - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is gearing up for its 2024 Conference in Christchurch this November. Themed "Living Our Best Lives”, the conference will bring together medical practitioners from across the Pacific to address pressing health issues and highlight the resilience of Pacific health providers.

• NZMJ: Cancer outcomes in New Zealand compared to other countries
  - This edition’s editorial piece is written by Mark Elwood. Its title, Cancer outcomes in New Zealand and other countries: how are we doing?

• NZMJ: Legalising smokeless tobacco and/or oral nicotine products: some implications for population health
  - The New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) releases its latest journal for their April 12th 2024 edition. This edition’s editorial piece is written by Jude Ball, Janine Nip and Janet Hoek, under the title, Legalising smokeless tobacco and/or oral nicotine products: some implications for population health, which has generated a growing interest from various media with this as a response to New Zealand (NZ) previously having had the smokefree legislation in place.

• NZMTS: Gynecological oncology team's visit to Samoa highlights value of partnership in the Pacific region
  - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group's recent deployment of a specialised gynecological oncology team to Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Apia, Samoa, was a testament to the value of partnership and supportive networks in the region.

• NZMTS: Ni-Vanuatu patient is one step closer to achieving dreams of becoming a pilot
  - The New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) does not only provide access to lifesaving medical treatment in the Pacific region, buts allows for the fostering of dreams and transforming of lives.

• NZMTS: Solomon Islands paediatric cardiologist deployed to help strengthen services in Kiribati
  - The World Health Organization reports more than 288,000 lives are claimed every year from Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), with a high concentration of these cases being located in the Pacific. It's prevalence highlights the significant inequality and inequity faced in the region, with limited resources available for people who suffer from this preventable disease. Amidst these dire statistics, we are introduced to Dr. Maryanne Kora’ai, a paediatric cardiologist, who has dedicated the past two decades of her career to addressing RHD.

• NZMTS: Tongan specialist returns home to serve people through the NZMTS
  - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is pleased to announce the successful deployment of a specialist colorectal team to the Kingdom of Tonga. This mission, facilitated by the PMA through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) which is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, aims to enhance healthcare capabilities and surgical services at Vaiola Hospital, Nuku’alofa.

• Pacific dentists achieve prestigious ICD Fellowship
  - Three esteemed regional dentists from the Oral Health Pacific Islands Alliance, have achieved a remarkable milestone by being inducted as Fellows of the International College of Dentists (ICD). Through the support of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), the three oral health specialists were able to attend and celebrate their ceremony, held at the Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch. 

• Pacific Mental Health Commissioner launched at Pasifika Futures Whānau Ora Conference 2023
  - The Pacific Mental Health Commissioner was officially launched today at the Pasifika Futures (PFL) Whānau Ora Conference. The work of the commissioner will be delivered through PFL's Ngalu Fānifo mental health service. This initiative has been established with the purpose of improving mental health and well-being outcomes for Pacific people, families, and communities.

• PACMAT deployed to Tonga to support 53rd Pacific Islands Forum 
  - At the request of the Tonga Government, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group deployed the PMA Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) last Friday to support the annual Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) leaders meeting, starting today in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, until August 30th 2024. The meeting has seen a significant influx of Pacific leaders gathered in the country's capital to discuss regional issues, solutions and other key items on the agenda.

• Paediatric palliative care workshop brings together Pacific specialists for important talanoa about palliative care
  - Recently, the University of Auckland (UoA) hosted the Pacific Paediatric Palliative Care Education Programme workshop, bringing together a group of dedicated medical professionals from Fiji, Kiribati, Sāmoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu to explore paediatric palliative care and how it can be applied in their respective countries. The two-day workshop is the first component of the multi-phased paediatric palliative care programme, and was guided by specialist palliative care nurse, Dr. Gemma Aburn, fostering a space to talanoa about best practices in this field who spoke to its criticality.

• Pasifika Medical Association 2024 Conference to explore theme "Vunilagi ni Bula Sautu: Living our best lives"
  - The Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) 28th annual conference is set to take place in Christchurch, New Zealand, from November 26-27, 2024. This year’s theme, "Vunilagi ni Bula Sautu: Living our best lives", explores a holistic approach to health and well-being across all stages of life, envisioning a horizon where individuals live lives of good health and abundance.

• PMA and Australian Government announce partnership to improve mental health and wellbeing in Tonga and Vanuatu
  - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group has partnered with the Australian Government to deliver a three-year programme, the Ngalu Fānifo Regional Project, in Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to improve mental health and wellbeing by strengthening the capacity of health and community providers to provide mental health care.

• PMA Inaugural International Women's Day Market Celebrates Women Entrepreneurs
  - This year, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group and Moana Women’s Network saw an amazing opportunity to kick off the celebrations for International Women’s Day (IWD) with a bang, hosting the very first IWD Market Day at Fale Ma'ama. The aim was to shine a spotlight on the talented Pasifika female entrepreneurs in our community.

• PMA Membership welcomes Tongan Geriatrician and Senior Lecturer to their Board of Directors
  - The Pasifika Medical Association Membership (PMAM) formally announces the appointment of Dr Xaviour Walker to the PMAM Board as the newest Board Director. Dr Walker comes with a wealth of experience in the space of academia and is a Consultant Geriatrician in Internal Medicine at Te Whatu Ora Southern, Dunedin Hospital in addition to being a Senior Lecturer for the University of Otago.

• PMA partners with Pacific Media Network to Amplify Voices of Pacific Athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024
  - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is proud to announce its partnership with Pacific Media Network (PMN), sponsoring their 2024 Paris Olympics coverage as they follow Pacific athletes competing at the games.

• PMA Scholarships 2023 Recipient, Dr Cloe Posimani: Dr Sitaleki Finau Scholarship
  - 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.

• PMA Scholarships 2023 recipient, Dr William May: Sir Terepai Tuamure Maoate International Study Award
  - Dr William May was the recipient of the Pasifika Medical Association's Sir Terepai Tuamure Maoate International Study Award for 2023. Hailing from the island of Vanua Levu in Fiji, Dr May's journey reflects a commitment to social accountability and equity in medical education.

• PMA welcomes Budget 2024 investment into health and education
  - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is pleased to see the government's investment into health, announced last week as part of Budget 2024. $8.15 billion is to be invested in health over the next four years, including $3.4 billion in hospital and specialty services and $2.12 billion for primary care and public health.

• PMA's Pacific Health Education Scholarships 2024 now open for applications
  - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is excited to announce the launch of its annual Pacific Health Education Scholarships, designed to assist students and professionals in health-related fields.

• Promoting mental wellness for Pasifika men: Men's Health Week NZ
  - In a society that often encourages men to uphold stoicism and suppress emotions, this week marks a significant stride towards dismantling these stereotypes with Men's Health Week.

• Rising seas, rising voices: A call for action to address climate change
  - Kam na bane ni Mauri! My name is Hele-Christopher Ikimotu. I was born on the rock of Polynesia, Niue, but also blessed with roots in the islands of Banaba and Kiribati.

• Rotuman Language Week 2024: Sustaining Our Language and Culture
  - Noa‘ia ‘e mạuri gagaj ‘atakoa, meet Dr Jewin Michael Fuatau, who is serving as a Senior Medical Officer within the Internal Medicine Department at Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) in Suva.

• ️Samoan Anesthesiologist and Physician appointed Vice Dean of ANZCA's Faculty of Pain Medicine
  - In a momentous stride forward for both the field of pain medicine and Pacific communities, Fuimaono Satualafaalagilagi Dr Leinani Aiono-Le-Tagaloa has been appointed as the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Pain Medicine, ANZCA (Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists). With a background steeped in dedication, expertise, and advocacy, Dr Aiono-Le-Tagaloa brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to her new role.

• Samoan Master's student highlights impact of cardiovascular disease on Pacific families through research
  - Fetuoleaniva (Aniva) Hunkin, is on a heartfelt mission to improve Pacific health outcomes. As a recipient of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Knowledge Hub Masters Scholarship, Aniva shares with us the motivations that drive her to pursue a Master of Science, majoring in Psychology.

• Third New Zealand Medical Journal issue released under new open access model
  - The New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) releases its third issue for the year since announcing its open access model at the end of 2023.

• Tonga & Tiaras
  - The courage, the whispers, the drama. The year 2024 marks the 45th year since Miss Heilala was established. To each household, the legacy of the Miss Heilala pageant sits on a spectrum of excitement and enthusiasm to toxicity and disappointment. Yet, every year the Tongan community both local as well as amongst the diaspora tune in to watch as the contestants vie for the title of Miss Heilala.

• Trajectory for Medical Treatment Scheme continues to rise after successful first year with PMA
  - It has been over a year since the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group was formally awarded the contract to deliver the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) program, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Since then, the program has seen significant impact in the six Pacific countries the NZMTS supports, including Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Kiribati and Tonga.

• WATCH: The fight for diverse doctors in Aotearoa | Sunday Investigates
  - TVNZ Sunday recently followed the journey of former PMA Scholarship recipient and aspiring doctor, Tatila Helu. Watch the episode below.

• WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Piukala, visits Aotearoa New Zealand
  - Dr Saia Piukala, the inaugural Pacific islander to assume the role of WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, was welcomed yesterday at the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group office, sharing that he felt he had "returned home" as a PMA Life Member and long-time colleague of the Group. His visit came after delivering a powerful keynote address at the University of Auckland, marking his 168th day in office.

• Workforce loss is top challenge for Pacific health | Samoa Observer
  - The biggest challenge faced by Pacific nations in maintaining consistent public health is the loss of its workforce says Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Pasifika Medical Association Group, Debbie Sorensen.

• World Physiotherapy Day: Eti Televave
  - For World Physiotherapy Day, Eti Televave reflects on his journey as a physiotherapist, facing unique challenges and celebrating triumphs in serving the Pacific and Māori community.