A passion for helping others runs in the Taranaki whaanau.
Kiwi Taranaki works as the Maaori Chaplain based at Middlemore Hospital and his son Keanu is studying to be a doctor.
On Thursday, 5 October father and son were together at Middlemore Hospital as Keanu attended the FOU hospital tour for Hikitia Te Ora – Certificate in Health Sciences (CertHSc) students. The tour gives students an overview of life working in healthcare in a hospital setting.
“As I stood next to my dad at this Middlemore Hospital trip, it further confirmed my desire to become a doctor, not just for my own family, but to make my parents proud.
“This is what inspired me to become a doctor, to serve in a greater capacity not only to help people in their lives but to make my parents proud, provide for my family, and be in a crucial position to help my children at their port-of-call.”
For Keanu, the moment he knew he wanted to be a doctor was when his first child was born. It was during COVID-19 and there were complications during labour which saw his wife rushed to the operating theatre for an emergency C-section.
“Never in my life have I felt such an assurance of what I wanted to do and become! From that day forward, I have had a motivational drive like no other to become a doctor.
“This tour helped me see the reality of what I am getting myself into - it was both insightful and enlightening.”
Groups of students visited multiple specialities such as radiology, laboratory, theatres, and the Histology lab.
“We had awesome staff showing us around and explaining what was going on at different specialities. We also had the opportunity to hear from great Maaori and Pacific health professionals who currently work at Middlemore Hospital and share stories about the importance of implementing Maaori and Pacific values with patients they see.
“Overall, the experience at Middlemore Hospital helped me understand the vast health professions there are and how the health system works to strive and achieve better health for all people.”
Mahi tika ana! Thank you to all staff involved with these tours and encouraging and inspiring the next generations of health professionals.
You can find out more about FOU - the Future is Open to Us here:
https://www.countiesmanukau.health.nz/our-services/pacific-workforce-development/
