Outstanding Māori and Pacific medical students have been recognised through ProCare’s scholarship programme for achieving top marks in the GP pathway of Auckland University’s Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).
The awards come as general practice continues to face pressures across Aotearoa, alongside a need for care that better reflects the communities it serves.
Bindi Norwell, CEO at ProCare says supporting the next generation of GPs is critical to the future of primary care.
“General practice is under pressure so supporting our future workforce is one of the most important things we can do for the future of care. This scholarship is about backing them early — giving them the support and space to focus on their training, their wellbeing, and the communities they want to serve.”
“It’s the same approach we take with the practices we support. When you back the people delivering care, it has a ripple effect for patients, whānau and communities,” she continues.
This year’s recipients are Laura Barr as the top Māori GP (Te Ātiawa and Ngāpuhi, a previous nurse graduate) and Claudia Bloy as the top Pacific GP (Cook Islands, a previous biomed graduate). The ProCare Scholarship for medical students, established in 2003, is awarded annually to the top-performing fifth-year students in the programme.
Barr says her clinical placements have strengthened her interest in general practice, particularly the opportunity to build long-term relationships and support whānau over time.
“What stands out to me about general practice is the ability to build ongoing relationships and support people across their health journey.”
Bloy received the Fuimaono Ben Taufua Award for the top GP, which also recognises a Pacific medical student who demonstrates a strong commitment to Pacific health and community, and reflects the legacy of an influential Pacific health leader.
She is passionate about giving back and hopes to return to the Cook Islands later in her career to practise medicine.
“To other Pacific students, I’d say stay connected to your ‘why’ and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Medicine is a community, and this journey is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Norwell said initiatives like the scholarship play an important role in building a workforce that is both sustainable and culturally connected.
“These students represent the future of primary care. By supporting them early in their careers, we’re helping grow a workforce that can better meet the needs of our communities now and into the future.”
About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.
As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz