Kia ora. I am an MBChB student, currently completing a PhD between my fifth and six years of medical school. My research is in medical informatics. I use electronic prescribing data to measure appropriate use of medicines in hospital. In New Zealand, medical informatics is gaining importance with increasing use of electronic systems in healthcare. By obtaining a PhD, I hope to blend academic research and clinical work into my future career.
Outside of university I am the deputy editor of the New Zealand Medical Student Journal (NZMSJ). This means I liaise with student and expert reviewers, organise events, and oversee the process of journal publication. We recently published issue 37 of the NZMSJ, marking 20 years since the journal inception and making it one of the longest running student journals internationally. I am also the co-chair of the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists (ASCEPT) Student Forum, whereby I organise an annual student symposium, careers workshop, and a networking event.
When not completing research work, I have strong interests in music and sport. I am a keen advocate for the blind community, and I volunteer for Achilles International, an organisation that promotes the accessibility of sport for all. In Christchurch many members of Achilles are blind, and I guide a variety of athletes on their runs. Training sessions are held fortnightly and each week I am paired with someone different, helping me to become proficient in aiding athletes with a wide variety of abilities. The athletes are inspirational to me; they see beyond disability, and complete challenging events. I also enjoy classical music and this year performed with the New Zealand Doctors’ Orchestra in Nelson. I hope to be able to continue my engagement in music and sport throughout my medical and research career.