The LBJ Hospital is again looking at the Fiji School of Medicine to educate potential medical students from American Samoa.
The territory stopped sending students to FSM about ten years ago because the Hospital Authority Board, and management at the time insisted that local doctors need to be US trained and certified to meet requirements of local law.
Since that time there have only been a few medical students taking up studies in the US, and only 1 or 2 graduates have returned home to work.
Those who did return to LBJ, didn’t stay very long except for one, Dr. Malotumau Tuiolosega who runs a private clinic.
In Fiji now for discussions with the Fiji school of Medicine where many of the older doctors which staffed the hospital in the 1970’ss and 80’s graduated from, are the Chairman of the Hospital Authority Board, Filifaatali Mike Fuiava, Board members Mrs Etenauga Lutu and Dr. Joseph Tufa, Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Tufa and Dr. James Sunia.
Mrs. Lutu’s husband, Senator Afoa Moega Lutu, is traveling with the group at his own expense.
The hospital management and board are hoping to send five students to FSM in the new year. 
A member of the Hospital Board says they are looking for graduate students with Bachelor of Science degrees, rather than sending high school graduates for medical training.
The LBJ Hospital Human Resources Office is to make applications available for these scholarships.
The proposed Fiscal Year 2017 budget for ASG includes $100,000 to help with the tuition costs for students at the Fiji School of Medicine.
There are three students now enrolled at the school in the field of Medical Technology, a four year course:. June Vaifanua-Leo from Public Health in her 3rd year, and Tapa Tufono and Barbara Mafua both from LBJ in their 2nd year.
Also attending a course on specialty surgical procedures at FSM are LBJ doctors, Dr. Tosi Faiaoga and Dr. Kena .
