The LBJ Hospital hosted a luncheon to honor two local doctors who have completed their medical education and training at Fiji National University (FNU), and to formally send off three medical students beginning their studies, and two continuing students at FNU.
The students received scholarships under the Medical Scholarship Program coordinated through the Governor’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Special Programs Office in partnership with the LBJ Tropical Medical Center.
Speaking at the luncheon, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula expressed gratitude to the returning doctors for their perseverance, dedication, and decision to return home to serve their people. He also offered strong words of encouragement to the students preparing to depart, acknowledging the sacrifices they and their families are making in pursuit of a profession that will one day benefit the entire territory.
The Governor said, “It’s nothing easy…It’s very important that we have a solid and able hospital—on all levels.”
He further emphasized the broader impact of a strong healthcare system, stating, “Many of our people who live abroad want to come back home, but due to limitations in healthcare and assistance, they are unable to move back. If we have a good healthcare system, people and families will be able to come back.”
The doctors who have graduated from FNU are: Dr. Jasmine Muasau, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Dr. Talimeli Taufetee, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
They shared words of wisdom and encouragement with the students preparing to depart for Fiji, urging them to stay grounded in faith and to remember the purpose behind their journey.
The new and continuing medical students are: June Peau, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Meghan Paletaoga, MBBS I, Gillian Leziton, MBBS I, Maturi Leilua, MBBS III and Elisapeta Vavatau, MBBS III.
(ASG Press Release & Photo)
