Tongan Woman Wins Pacific General Practice Prize

Tongan Woman Wins Procare’s Pacific Prize In General Practice

AUCKLAND – 3 May 2010 – Mele Tupou of Auckland received the ProCare Prize in General Practice today as the top-rated Pacific medical student at the fifth-year undergraduate medical course at University of Auckland's School of Medicine.

“As a medical student, having been exposed to the burden of disease affecting our Pacific people, I strongly feel towards helping to improve health outcomes for our population,” said Mele, who is of Tongan descent. “General Practice will greatly offer the opportunity to do just that.”

The annual award was created to encourage Pacific medical students to choose general practice as a career. ProCare serves the largest Pacific population within general practice in New Zealand, with about 75,000 enrolled patients in greater Auckland.

ProCare board chairman, Dr Peter Didsbury said at today’s award presentation: “ProCare is honoured to recognise Mele’s success and her commitment to serve our Pacific populations. Having qualified Pacific GPs is critical to providing culturally appropriate primary care for Pacific people and delivering the best health outcomes for our Pacific populations.”

Mele said the $2,000 prize will be used for her eight-week clinical elective in Tonga, which begins later this month.

“It is an extreme honour to have been nominated and I hope this award will continue to acknowledge achievements of Pacific students,” she said.

The award is presented in conjunction with the University of Auckland, School of Medicine.

ProCare also awards an annual Prize in General Practice to a top-rated Maori medical student, which was awarded last month to Leah Te Weehi of Auckland.

ENDS

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