Māori doctors achieve College fellowships

On Saturday 28 July, 10 Māori doctors will be formally recognised as Fellows of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College).

Congratulations to:

Eleanor Regeling (Northland faculty, Ngati Wai, Nga Puhi and Ngati Maniapoto)

Casey Rafills (Auckland, Te Whanau-a-Apanui)

Courtenay White (Auckland, Ngapuhi)

Moana Taylor (Auckland, Ngati Ranginui, Ngati Hangarau)

Casey Van Vliet (Waikato, Te Arawa, Hapu Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Rangiwewehi)

Audrey Robin (Wellington, Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Porou, Ngati Maniapoto)

Suzanne Tamapeau (Wellington, Ngati Maniapoto)

Sara Simmons (Nelson/Marlborough, Ngai Tahu, Hapu Ngati Huirapa)

Alexander Mcleod (Nelson/Marlborough, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa/Ngai Tumapuhia-a-rangi)

Maira Patu (Canterbury, Ngai Tahu and Te Arawa)

Fellowship is the culmination of at least 11 years’ work, which typically includes six years’ medical study, two years’ pre-vocational training and three years completing the College’s General Practice Education Programme (GPEP).

The College now has more than 120 Māori Fellows and, through its Māori strategy He Rautaki Māori, is committed to supporting the GP workforce in improving the health outcomes of Māori and their whānau.

College President Dr Tim Malloy says: “The strategy aims to increase the number of Māori general practitioners, as part of our plan to enable a culturally and clinically competent general practitioner workforce, and to provide leadership and advocacy across the primary health sector. The ultimate aim is achieving equitable health outcomes for Māori.

“It is pleasing to see progress being made in this area, but we recognise that this is an ambitious undertaking.

“We look forward to welcoming our new Māori Fellows at the awards ceremony, and to meeting the whānau who have supported them on their journey to Fellowship.”

The Fellowships will be presented at the College Fellowship Award Ceremony at the Aotea Centre in Auckland on Saturday 28 July and will be one of the highlights of the College’s annual conference.