Dr Agnew’s journey into paediatrics wasn’t initially a conscious choice. “When I started out as a student, I didn’t really have an intention to work with children,” he shares. His early interest was in cardiology, drawn to the complexities of heart health, but his experience during paediatric rotations in Waikato and Taranaki changed his course.
“I really ended up enjoying my Paediatric rotations... it left me wanting to spend some more time as a junior doctor giving Paediatrics a try.” It was while working with the Tauranga Paediatric team that Dr Agnew felt at home.
Reflecting on why he preferred paediatrics to adult care, he says: “I think it was the sense of fun that you get working with children that won out. People often ask if it is sad working with sick children, but the truth is we get to have quite a lot of fun on the wards and in clinic. We can be a little bit silly at times, which suits my personality a bit better.”
For Dr Agnew, the most rewarding part of his work is the relationships he builds with children and their families.
“One of the most rewarding things is that we have the privilege of getting to know so many children and their families really well. It is special to be part of a child’s journey and see them develop and flourish.”
Dr Agnew is also grateful for his connection to the Cook Islands, where he has been able to give back to his people.
“As a NZ-born Cook Islander, I am so lucky to be able to spend so much time back in the Cook Islands and reconnect with my culture, my language, and my family.”
Dr Agnew’s appointment to the PMAM Board is deeply tied to his values and vision for the future of Pacific healthcare.
“With my dad (Dr Francis Agnew) being a part of PMA for a long time, I have been lucky to grow in my journey from student to doctor around many of the giants in Pacific healthcare.
“I think the future is bright looking at my fellow board members, and also acknowledge that we are blessed to have so many exceptional Pacific colleagues that we can call on to support us in our work. I see so many excellent young students coming along the path behind us that are so much further along the journey than I was at their career stage, and it fills me with hope for our future.”
Dr Agnew is a strong advocate for Pacific representation in healthcare.
“I think being visible is important. In many hospitals, health spaces that I work in, there are very few Pasifika staff members, especially in senior clinical and management roles. We need to continue to grow our healthcare workforce to match our population needs, so that our values are a norm and not a minority view.”
He stresses that inspiring the next generation is key to achieving this goal: “We need our children to grow up seeing Pasifika in healthcare spaces, to inspire and empower them into a journey in healthcare.”
Looking at his own experiences, Dr Agnew highlights the challenges Pacific healthcare workers face within the system but he is optimistic about the role of PMA in driving change.
“PMA has a longstanding reputation, connections, and is bursting with high-profile Pacific health leaders. This puts PMA in a crucial position to advocate for Pacific communities politically, in our health systems, in our academic institutions, and internationally in our home nations. The outcomes PMA achieves are a testament to this.”
Through his work and leadership, Dr Agnew remains focused on empowering Pacific communities and ensuring that future generations of health professionals are supported and inspired.
