Televave's career began with a deep sense of purpose—to provide healthcare that resonates with the cultural values and needs of his community. However, within the healthcare organisation he joined, he quickly realised the complexities of navigating a system largely shaped by Western norms and practices. 

As one of the few Pacific physiotherapists, Televave faced the challenge of ensuring that the care provided was not only effective but also culturally competent. 

"One of the biggest challenges I have faced is working in isolation as one of the very few Pacific physiotherapists within an organisation that serves a community that is mostly Pacific and Māori," he explains. 

Many of his colleagues, while well-intentioned, came from backgrounds unfamiliar with the nuances of Pacific and Māori cultures. This sometimes created barriers to truly understanding and meeting the unique healthcare needs of their community members. 

Amidst these challenges, Televave found solace and support through the Pasifika Physiotherapy Association (PPA). The association became a pivotal platform for him to voice these concerns and advocate for change. 

"PPA has supported me to overcome this particular obstacle because it has given me a louder voice," Eti explains.  

"It’s making problems like these a lot more well-known, and it’s easier now to advocate for our people. We’re working on getting more non-Pacific allies to serve our Pacific people in a more culturally competent and safe way." 

One of his proudest moments before PPA's establishment was his role as a student coordinator. 

"In this capacity, I took it upon myself to ensure that Pacific and Māori students undergoing clinical placements felt supported and valued," he says.  

"This meant providing better support to our Pacific and Māori students who were coming through on their placements and ensuring that they felt culturally safe, supported, and assisted to transition into careers they wanted to be in, also into careers within this organisation that need more of our people to serve the community." 

Today, as Televave looks back on his journey, he sees both the challenges and triumphs as integral parts of his growth as a physiotherapist and advocate for cultural inclusivity in healthcare.