University of Auckland Year 5 Medical Students Welcomed to Te Tai Tokerau Northland
Two dozen medical interns have been welcomed to Te Tai Tokerau Northland with a pōwhiri at Terenga Paraoa Marae in Whangārei this week.
This is the 17th year of the Pukawakawa training initiative to encourage more graduating doctors to the Northland region, giving them valuable experience in regional and rural healthcare.
The partnership was established by the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and the Northland District Health Board in 2007. Pukawakawa placements are extremely sought after, with 24 students selected on the basis of their interest in regional or rural medicine
During their fifth year, each student spends time in Whangārei Hospital and time in one of the rural hospitals in Kaitaia, Bay of Islands, Dargaville or Rawene. The students also experience working with GPs in outpatient settings, as well as a range of community health expert practitioners.
In addition to helping them understand the unique skills and challenges in practicing rural medicine, the placements help students develop their own links with Te Tai Tokerau Northland.
The pōwhiri was led by Kaumatua Rex Nathan and Kaunihera Kaumātua.
Chief Medical Officer Jenny Walker and Pou Takawaenga Mal Robson gave mihimihi welcome speeches on behalf of Health NZ|Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau.
And, on behalf of the University of Auckland, speakers were Professor Papaarangi Reid - Tumuaki, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and Professor Phillippa Poole - Head of School of Medicine.
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