Growing Our Own: Celebrating Excellence in GP Training

The Fono celebrated a significant milestone on February 10 as two of our dedicated doctors, Dr. Hemi Kaka and Dr. Alvin Belga, successfully passed their clinical and practical examinations - a crucial step toward becoming fully qualified General Practitioners.    This achievement marks not only their personal dedication to excellence in healthcare but also highlights The Fono's ongoing commitment to nurturing medical talent from within our own team. 

Under the mentorship of Dr. Malia Funaki, Clinical Director, who leads our medical education initiatives, both doctors have developed their skills while maintaining strong connections to the communities they serve. "Seeing Dr. Kaka and Dr. Belga develop into skilled practitioners is a proud moment for our team," Dr. Funaki shares. "By growing talent from within our community, we're addressing GP shortages while ensuring culturally responsive care for the people we serve.”  

The journey has been challenging but rewarding for the new doctors, who balanced rigorous training requirements with their ongoing clinical responsibilities. Their success highlights the importance of a supportive learning environment, that prioritises both professional excellence and community connection. 

Sally Dalhousie, The Fono's Chief Operating Officer says: "In the wake of the pandemic, we are thrilled to once again support Registrars and create a positive, progressive environment for both learning and working." 

This celebration comes at a critical time when New Zealand continues to face shortages of General Practitioners across the country. The Fono's "grow our own" approach represents a sustainable solution that simultaneously addresses workforce needs while improving the quality of care available to our diverse patient population. 

By investing in practitioners who reflect and understand the communities we serve, The Fono continues its commitment to reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for our communities. The success of Dr. Kaka and Dr. Belga demonstrates how this approach benefits everyone - doctors gain valuable skills and experience while patients receive culturally informed care from practitioners they know and trust.