Scholar shares her Pacific world with prestigious US university

University of Auckland doctoral candidate Sainimere Boladuadua recently delivered a lecture at Johns Hopkins University focusing on the Pacific. Before diving into her topic, she had to first locate the region for her audience.

Boladuadua (Somosomo, Cakaudrove, vasu i Levuka-i-Yale, Kadavu/Fiji) is halfway through a ten-month Fulbright fellowship at the Centre for Indigenous Health (JHCIH) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. Her research explores improving access to care for Indigenous populations, focusing on children with acute respiratory infections in Fiji.

Reimagining Global Health - A Pacific Perspective provided her American students with insights into the Pacific and highlighted the current health issues the region faces. However, Boladuadua quickly realised the need to familiarise her audience with the Pacific beforehand.

“I understood most people wouldn’t have much knowledge about the Pacific. This meant covering its history, looking at the arrival of the different waves of our forefathers, and of course, talking about colonisation.”

Although most island nations are now independent, she says the enduring legacy of colonisation has ushered in a new type of colonisation. Coming from a science background, Boladuadua, a public health physician, says her research has given her greater insight into the dynamics of global health.

“From a science background and working in the hospital as a clinician, you treat the patient, that’s your focus. Coming into public health involves taking a step up and you’re ‘treating’ populations, e.g. learning about and developing policies that aim to improve population health.

"Global health involves another step up; you have to consider international agreements, treaties, geopolitics, development agendas and how these impact health. It’s been a very interesting journey; it’s made me reflect on my own journey, where I’ve come from, and where I’m going.”

Boladuadua believes in the power of integrating traditional knowledge with western medical practices, and she’s been inspired working with the team at JHCIH. Collaborating with the Navajo and White Mountain Apache communities, her work involves integrating community-based practices with academic research to develop holistic healthcare solutions.

“I didn’t realise until I got here that there are such innovative systems in place. Most of the professionals I work with are from the communities they serve. Indigenous health knowledge is not just complementary but essential. It provides a holistic understanding of health that includes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being,” she explained.

“By valuing and incorporating Indigenous perspectives, we can create more effective and culturally appropriate healthcare solutions.”

Encouraging Pacific scholars to apply for the Fulbright fellowship

Boladuadua is also encouraging other Pacific doctoral candidates to apply for the Fulbright fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.

“At our Fulbright induction in Wellington last year, alumni told us the experience would be life-changing—but it’s only once you're here, surrounded by incredible thought leaders, immersed in new ways of thinking and a different way of life, that you truly begin to understand the profound impact it has and will continue to have on your life.

“I know not everyone can take the time to do a fellowship like this, but it offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage in cross-cultural exchange, gain invaluable insights, and contribute to meaningful research. I urge my fellow Pacific scholars to consider this incredible programme; it will help to further your academic and professional goals. It will also be life-changing.”

While studying abroad can be a daunting prospect, Boladuadua says, “you can expect to find our people in any part of the world, we are after all travellers and navigators.

“I’ve been fortunate that I have close family here in Washington, D.C. who have provided a vital support system. I hope my journey inspires other Pacific scholars to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities.”