Participants of the Medical Research Workshop
The Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS), through its School of Medical Sciences (SMS), recently hosted a two-day research workshop aimed at strengthening the quality and impact of medical research conducted by postgraduate and master’s students.
The workshop was delivered in collaboration with a visiting academic team from the University of Auckland, led by Professor Andrew Hill and supported by Dr Renato Pitesa and Dr Claudia Paterson. The initiative focused on equipping trainees and supervisors with the skills, tools, and mindset required to improve research standards and increase publication outcomes.
(Left to Right) Dr Renato Pitesa, Professor Andrew Hill and Dr Claudia Paterson
Assistant Professor and Head of Surgery at FNU, Dr Basharat Munshi, highlighted the importance of strengthening research capabilities within Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
Dr Munshi explained that postgraduate trainees in medical specialities
are required to complete both clinical training and a research thesis as part of their academic programme.
“The main purpose of the workshop was to equip our trainees with the right tools and mindset to produce higher quality master’s theses, both written and oral, and to ensure that these research projects are published rather than remaining unused,” Dr Munshi said.
He said the workshop emerged from ongoing discussions with Professor Hill, who serves as a chief external examiner and has been mentoring both staff and students over several years.
Initially planned for surgical trainees, the workshop was expanded to include final-year postgraduate trainees from across the School of Medical Sciences, as well as academic staff involved in research supervision.
“This is not just for students. Faculty members are also involved because research supervision plays a vital role in guiding students to produce meaningful and impactful research,” Dr Munshi said.
Dr Munshi further emphasised the importance of strengthening research output to support evidence-based healthcare improvements in Fiji and the Pacific.
Dr Basharat Munshi
He noted that many healthcare challenges in the region are widely experienced but often lack documented and published data.
“One of the major gaps we face is the lack of published data. Research conducted by our students can help quantify these challenges and provide evidence that can be used to develop solutions suited to Fiji’s healthcare environment,” Dr Munshi said.
He added that generating local research evidence is critical in helping policymakers, clinicians, and healthcare providers better understand health system challenges and improve service delivery.
The collaborative workshop reflects FNU’s ongoing commitment to enhancing academic excellence, strengthening research capacity, and fostering international partnerships that support knowledge sharing and professional development.
Through initiatives such as this, FNU’s CMNHS aims to empower postgraduate trainees to contribute to advancing healthcare knowledge while ensuring research conducted locally informs future healthcare planning and policy development in Fiji and across the Pacific region.