PMA Membership

Helping Pacific families understand newly described immune deficiency

Updates / News, 19 Jul 26

Dr Simone Watkins, of Samoan descent, is currently finishing her General Paediatrics training at Starship Hospital and is a researcher and Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland. Driven to have a lasting positive impact in the health equity space for future generations, she will be presenting at the upcoming Pasifika Medical Association Conference about her research regarding a newly described immune deficiency which is known to only affect Pacific children.

What are you passionate about and why?

I am passionate about research, teaching, leadership, equity, public health, policy and governance, particularly for Pacific and Māori children. I believe this work could positively impact Pacific health and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

You are scheduled to present on "A Qualitative study of Pacific Family Member Experiences of IFNAR1 Deficiency in Aotearoa New Zealand" - what is this about and why is it important for our communities?

My talk is about a newly described immune deficiency which is only known to affect Pacific children and therefore is important for our communities to understand.

Words of advice/inspiration for people who are looking to pursue a similar career to you?

My words of advice would be just trust the process - your career may take detours but always prioritise what you value and what is important to you and work hard and the rest will all work out.

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The PMA Conference will be hosted in Auckland from 5-7 August. For more information and to register, visit the website here.

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