Mai i te Tumuaki | From the Chair

Ngā mihi maioha o te wā o Hine Raumati ki a koutou – summer greetings to you all

Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa confirms its commitment to achieving health equity for all communities through culturally safe medical practice. Our focus on health equity for Māori and Pasifika continues, and we are working in partnership with Māori doctors, specialist medical colleges and others in the health sector to achieve this goal.

We also have a commitment to a diverse medical workforce which reflects the communities we serve. We need more Māori and Pasifika doctors, and doctors who come from (and will work in) rural communities. 

Becoming a doctor begins with selection into medical school, and this is supported by the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) programme in Auckland and Te Kauae Parāoa at Otago. We have seen increasing numbers of doctors from under-represented communities in recent years, which is an encouraging start – but more needs to be done. I am proud to be a graduate of the MAPAS programme.

Maintaining professionalism in challenging times 

Social media is a powerful connector and communication tool. Many doctors use social media in their professional and personal lives, across an increasing number of platforms and channels.

Although social media can be a very effective way of connecting and communicating, Council is receiving an increasing number of concerns and notifications about the content posted by doctors on social media.

While we appreciate the diversity of opinions in the profession, it is essential to acknowledge the potential impact of expressing strong views on matters of public debate, particularly in public forums, and particularly when you are identifiable as a doctor. The overarching concern is the potential to alienate patients or colleagues who may hold different perspectives.

As medical professionals, our primary commitment is to the well-being of patients. This requires us to be mindful of the potential consequences our words may have. Respectful communication is paramount, especially when disseminating information publicly. It is crucial to consider the diverse backgrounds and beliefs within our communities, maintaining a focus on our shared goal of providing high-quality healthcare.

 In June 2021 Council published our statement on the use of the internet and electronic communication. You can read more about the statement here.

We highlight that a doctor should:

• Not to disclose information that might undermine relationships with patients, including information about themselves.
• Exercise caution when publishing information where it can be accessed by members of the public.
• Not disclose information or make comments that might identify and cause distress to colleagues, patients and their families. 

 The partner to this is our Statement on Unprofessional Behaviour, which provides that unprofessional behaviour includes ‘racial, ethnic or sexist slurs’. This can be found here.

In this final MC News for 2023, I would like to thank you for continuing to uphold the values of professionalism, empathy, and understanding that define the medical profession, and which support the ongoing trust and confidence New Zealanders have in us as doctors.

Your dedication and hard work in 2023 are appreciated and you have very earnt a restorative festive season.

Ahakoa tōwhakapono | Whatever seasonal traditions you follow …

Kia tau te mahana o Hine Raumati | May the warmth of the Summer Maiden

Ki runga i ō koutou kāinga, i ō koutou whānau! | Descend upon your homes and families!

Kia manawanui

Dr Curtis Walker
Tumuaki | Chair