Life comes full circle for new Pacific medical doctor
11 December 2024
Graduate's training to become a medical doctor included a stint back home in Sāmoa.
New junior doctor Tarah Fepulea’i returned to Sāmoa earlier this year completing an elective at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, coming full circle on her long and arduous academic journey.
Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland graduate Fepulea’i (Matautu-uta, Moata’a and Alamagoto) received a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree at the Auckland Town Hall on 10 December. In January, the first-year house officer (junior doctor) will start at Middlemore Hospital.
It's been a long and steep climb to attain her new role; before entering into medicine Fepulea’i first completed a three-year health sciences degree and also a year of postgraduate studies.
“I have been in the academic world for quite some time … it has been quite long and arduous, but now, being past the finish line, it has been well worth it!”
The 27-year-old started out at Vaiala Beach School in Sāmoa before attending Sāmoa College for two years. As a 15-year-old she left her beloved homeland for Auckland in 2012 to complete her secondary schooling. The goal was always to enter tertiary education.
“I was pursuing further educational opportunities and gaining access to resources that otherwise wouldn’t be available to me in Sāmoa.”
She completed her secondary education at Epsom Girls’ Grammar School before coming to the University of Auckland.
For me to return back home to where it all began was a full circle moment, and also it marked the start of my final year of medicine.
She says adjusting to the challenges of university also brought new and lifelong friendships, making the academic experience all the more rewarding. MAPAS, the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme, provided ongoing support over the years.
“There have been many highlights during my clinical experiences, from assisting in the delivery of babies to translating health information for Sāmoan patients,” she says.
Although Fepulea’i was born in Auckland, she most of her youth in Matautu-uta in Sāmoa and shesays returning home for the ten-week hospital elective was a major milestone.
“Growing up in the islands was an absolute dream! For me to return back home to where it all began was a full circle moment, and also it marked the start of my final year of medicine and completion of a long academic journey!
“An added bonus was spending quality time with my parents and grandparents, all of whom live in Samoa.”
She says while studying she has been surrounded by a loving and supportive family and village, giving her encouragement with continuous prayers to help her.
“In particular, I am deeply grateful for the support of my grandparents, who set the foundation for me and fervently pray for my success.”
She says her parents Sina and Lorenzo Fepulea’i have been a constant source of love and support throughout.
“They have made many sacrifices for me and siblings to pursue further educational opportunities and have supported us in our chosen career paths.
“I would also like to acknowledge the constant support from MAPAS, namely my student support advisor Akanesi Moala who has been an invaluable source of pastoral support throughout my academic and cultural journey.”