Change can foster innovation says new OMS Dean

People shouldn’t be scared of change as it can create great opportunities, says new Otago Medical School Dean Professor Suzanne Pitama (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whare).

She acknowledges there are plenty of current challenges, such as the University’s financial constraints, research funding changes, pressures on Health NZ and the health sector, and the possibility of a third medical school.

But Suzanne knows that challenges and change can be a catalyst for innovation and success.

“The ground is shaking a bit, but I’m from Christchurch, I’ve lived through the earthquakes and while change can be really traumatic, something wonderful can come from it.”

She’s aware University staff have also had to adapt to recent leadership and staffing changes and in the case of the Division of Health Sciences, there has also been the structure review. As a result of the review, the current existing entities – the Otago Medical School (OMS), Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch and University of Otago, Wellington – will be merged into a new entity called the Faculty of Medicine.

“I want our staff to feel confident that we’re going to move together within the Faculty of Medicine, as a collective, to create a safe and happy work and learning environment that really allows our strengths to shine.

“We’re going to refine the teaching, research and service excellence that we already have.”

Suzanne is excited to be able to lead changes to support a smooth transition to the Faculty of Medicine in coming months.

“The Otago Medical School structure has been viewed by both University staff and external stakeholders as quite complicated, and difficult to define. The move to a faculty is a rebrand, but it won’t just be a pretty sticker on an old package, we’ll be building on what we have now.

“Our kaupapa is improving the health of Aotearoa and that doesn’t change, it’s just how best to achieve that. I want people to feel proud to be part of the Faculty of Medicine.”

Moving to the faculty model will mean improving systems, processes and policies so they align with University values and making more visible our social accountability role in the community.

Suzanne says stakeholder engagement is critical and she intends to build on the good work that is already happening, which includes community-based research, student placements, support for the health workforce and roles on Government health-related committees.

Health issues are front of mind even when not at work, with Suzanne saying she likes to be involved in community projects and “talk hauora”. Hosting whānau, cooking and watching British crime dramas are her other favourite ways to relax.

Suzanne is the first wahine Māori and only the second woman to be appointed as OMS Dean (Professor Dame Linda Holloway held the position in 2005-06). Suzanne started in the role in late January and is currently still Dean and Head of Campus at the University of Otago, Christchurch as well. When a new UOC Dean and Head of Campus is in place, Suzanne will still retain project oversight of Wai-Ora, the new Christchurch campus research building which is under construction.

Suzanne, a psychologist, is also the first non-medical doctor to become OMS Dean. However, after 24 years working at the University, her role as Dean and Head of Campus, a PhD in medical education and a vast amount of governance experience in the health and medical sectors, she believes she has the knowledge and experience for the job.

This significant experience includes serving on the boards of the Health Research Council of New Zealand and the Australian Medical Council, and being the Otago representative on the Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (Lime) Reference Group.

The previous head of OMS was Professor Tim Wilkinson, who was Acting Dean for the past three years. Suzanne is very grateful for the work he has done, encouraging innovation and leading projects such as the alignment of the Advanced Learning in Medicine curriculum across the Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington campuses.

“I really want to acknowledge Tim – the reason I’m stepping into such an amazing medical school is because of his legacy. I’m in calmer waters because he’s been at the helm.”

This year is also a key one for the Medical School, which celebrates its 150^th anniversary at King’s Birthday weekend.

Suzanne says the weight and responsibility of the Dean’s role hit home when she visited the “vault” where records, such as handwritten meeting minutes, dating back to 1875 are stored.

“Until then I hadn’t had time to reflect on the legacy I get to contribute to. The reunion will be a wonderful time to celebrate our whakapapa and show the importance of our past to lead our present and shape our future.”

Read more about Suzanne’s appointment and background here.

-  Kōrero by Andrea Jones, Team Leader, Divisional Communications