By The Pacific Health Science Academy (PHSA) is making waves in New Zealand by encouraging Pacific Island students to pursue careers in health. This innovative program, offered in schools with high Pacific student enrolments, focuses on students from Year 11 to Year 13 who are studying at least two science subjects. By providing additional tutorial support and leadership development opportunities, the PHSA aims to ensure these students achieve the necessary qualifications to continue into undergraduate health courses, ultimately addressing the need for more Pacific health professionals.
Empowering Future Health Professionals
The PHSA program is designed to inspire and support Pacific Island students in their pursuit of health careers. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes specialized science courses, leadership development events, and site visits to hospitals and healthcare providers. These experiences allow students to see firsthand the possibilities within the health sector and envision themselves in various roles.
Students like Adra Kaufusi and Allie Fa’aumu, both Year 11 students at Mt Roskill Grammar in Auckland, are thriving in the program. Adra, who enjoys learning about physics, engineering, and biology, hopes to become a nurse. She appreciates the supportive environment created by teachers and peers, which makes learning both challenging and enjoyable. Allie, on the other hand, finds science fascinating and enjoys the sense of accomplishment that comes with understanding complex concepts.
The program also emphasizes the importance of family and community support. Pauline Fuimaono Sanders, head of Pacific Workforce in the Pacific Health Group for Health NZ, highlights how parents and families play a crucial role in helping students choose the right subjects and stay motivated. This holistic approach ensures that students are well-prepared for their future careers in health.
Addressing Health Disparities
One of the primary goals of the PHSA is to address health disparities within the Pacific Island community by increasing the number of Pacific health professionals. The program aims to create a workforce that better reflects the community it serves, thereby improving health outcomes and access to care. By encouraging students to pursue careers in health, the PHSA is helping to build a more equitable healthcare system.
Year 13 student Josefa Ratabuamataika is a testament to the program’s success. With a family background in nursing, Josefa is keen to follow in his mother and sister’s footsteps. He recognizes the importance of having more Pacific doctors and healthcare workers to address the unique health challenges faced by the community. His commitment to contributing to the family tradition and improving Pacific health outcomes is a powerful example of the program’s impact.
The PHSA also collaborates with Pacific health professionals to provide mentorship and guidance to students. This connection allows students to see role models who share their cultural background and understand their experiences. As the saying goes, “If you can see it, you can be it,” and the PHSA is making this a reality for many Pacific Island students.
Expanding Opportunities and Future Plans
Since its inception in 2011, the PHSA has grown and evolved, continuously expanding its reach and impact. The program’s success has led to calls for its replication in other schools and regions. By increasing the number of Health Science Academies, the initiative aims to ensure that more Pacific students have access to the support and opportunities needed to pursue health careers.
The PHSA’s future plans include further collaboration with healthcare providers and educational institutions to enhance the program’s offerings. This includes more field trips, internships, and hands-on learning experiences that will provide students with a deeper understanding of the health sector. Additionally, the program aims to strengthen its support network for students, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.
The PHSA’s commitment to empowering Pacific Island students and addressing health disparities is a vital step towards creating a more inclusive and effective healthcare system. By inspiring the next generation of health professionals, the program is not only changing individual lives but also making a lasting impact on the broader community.