Leni Leota, graduating today with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery, fell in love with the West Coast during her time on the Rural Medical Immersion Programme (RMIP).
While most people get bitten by sandflies on the West Coast, Otago tauira Leni Leota was bitten by the love bug.
Leni – who will graduate today with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) – fell in love with the West Coast after spending time there as part of the Rural Medical Immersion Programme (RMIP).
The RMIP is a one-year academic programme available to Otago fifth year medical students, which sees students spend a year living and learning in small groups in one of nine rural communities.
One of the highlights for Leni, who grew up in Samoa and Auckland, was the chance to get to know the West Coast through work placements in Greymouth, Westport and South Westland (in Fox Glacier and Franz Josef).
“I thoroughly enjoyed my RMIP experience, where I had the chance to build relationships and immerse myself within the communities.
“I fell in love with the West Coast. Greymouth reminded me a lot of Samoa with its tall mountains and beautiful beaches. The coastline drive is one of the most scenic drives. There was nothing better than finishing the day at the hospital and watching the sunset from the ED staff room window."
Pictured on their first day in Greymouth are RMIP students and good friends Christine Peters, Lathan Thomas, Leni Leota and Michaela Peters. “Fun fact – we’re all Samoan,” Leni says.
“Being able to explore the nature around the West Coast got me into hiking and going on adventures, which really helped with my personal growth. In addition to this, the community were welcoming, and the people were lovely. It felt like a home away from home. I’d love to move back to Greymouth to work if the opportunity ever arises and maybe even settle down there in the future.”
Leni applied for RMIP as a way to build her knowledge and confidence in clinical skills.
“The curriculum was quite different from what we were used to, with a strong focus on general practice compared to hospital-based learning. I now feel much more comfortable interacting with patients and handling tasks independently.”
Leni also embraced the opportunity to do an elective in the Philippines earlier this year, which illustrated how much we take for granted in New Zealand, she says.
“Although our healthcare system’s not perfect, it’s certainly better than what I saw in the Philippines.
“The hospital I was placed at was very under resourced and patients would have to buy medications and equipment for their procedures.”
This was Leni’s first time travelling beyond Australia on her own and turned out to be the best six weeks of her year.
“I got to immerse myself in a different culture and meet new people. Gaining a sense of independence and experiencing a glimpse of the wider world was truly thrilling.”
Leni, in the white hat, enjoyed immersing herself in a different culture and meeting new people during her placement at a hospital in the Philippines. Here she competes with fellow interns in an all-you-can-eat mango competition on Guimaras Island.
Leni will celebrate her graduation today with her parents and siblings, who are arriving from Auckland, and her aunt and uncle who are coming from Samoa.
“It’s going to be a very exciting and emotional time for everyone. My parents have been looking forward to this day, and they’re already so proud of me.”
Leni is also proud of herself, she says.
“Getting into medicine, reading that acceptance letter, was one of the most exciting days of my life.
“It’s been a challenging six-year journey filled with obstacles, but the incredible support I received along the way helped me persevere through the toughest moments.”
One of these sources of support was Otago’s EQ (Socioeconomic Equity) Programme, which aims to help students from lower-decile school communities achieve educational success to progress into health professional programmes, and ultimately into the health workforce.
“EQ reached out to me during my first few weeks at University. Although, I wasn’t initially aware of the programme or what it involved, I decided to attend the first meet and greet and thoroughly enjoyed it,” Leni says.
“The staff were approachable and kind, creating a comfortable environment where I felt at ease seeking help whenever I needed it. Special mentions to Ana and Ange, who were always so lovely.”
Leni wholeheartedly recommends that any prospective students considering health professional studies at Otago engage with EQ.
“I’m truly grateful I was part of their first cohort. Their dedication to encouraging students from disadvantaged backgrounds to thrive in health professional careers is truly inspiring and their ongoing support and commitment was invaluable.”
“There’s a critical need for more Pacific health professionals to advocate for and empower Pacific communities, especially in addressing the disparities that exist in the healthcare system."
Studies complete, Leni’s next move will be to Invercargill to take up a position of House Officer.
“I really enjoyed my placements in fourth and sixth year at Southland Hospital. The people there were welcoming, and the team was great to work with.
“During my time there, I noticed that while there were some Pacific patients, there weren’t many Pacific doctors. So, I’m hoping to be a friendly face for those patients.”
Leni saw firsthand how her own grandparents struggled with health issues as they got older, which was part of her motivation to pursue medicine.
“There’s a critical need for more Pacific health professionals to advocate for and empower Pacific communities, especially in addressing the disparities that exist in the healthcare system.
“Medicine also offers endless opportunities for growth and discovery. As they say, medicine is a lifelong career of learning.”
As well as her qualification, Leni will be leaving Otago with great memories and solid friendships.
“The friends I’ve made at Otago have been the highlight of my six years. There’s nothing better than having a group of friends that you can laugh and cry with through all the ups and downs.
“While it’s crucial to focus on your academic studies, it’s equally important to take time to enjoy life and be adventurous. You’re only in your 20s once and most of that time will be studying, so it’s essential to balance it with a bit of fun.”
– Kōrero by Internal Communications Adviser Laura Hewson