Participants with the FNU staff members and the speakers at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Symposium at the Pearl Resort.

In a move that signals a major shift in healthcare education, the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) at Fiji National University is hosting the Health Professionals Education Symposium. The symposium, currently underway at Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour, emphasises CMNHS’s commitment to building a stronger health sector for the Pacific region.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (CMNHS) Acting Chief Medical Advisor, Dr Luisa Cikamatana, was the Chief Guest who opened the symposium currently underway at the Pearl in Pacific Harbour.

“Our journey commences with the extensive knowledge derived from centuries of traditional practices and wisdom. The Pacific Islands have a prolonged history of health practices anchored in natural medicine, community-based care, and a profound respect for the environment,” Dr Cikamatana said.

CMNHS Associate Dean Learning and Teaching Dr Odille Chang and CMNHS Acting Dean Dr Amelia Turagabeci.

“Traditional healers have played a pivotal role in maintaining the health of our communities. Their knowledge of herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and holistic health approaches offers invaluable insights that continue to provide valuable insights and modern health practices. This heritage underscores the significance of comprehensively viewing health through its physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of well-being.”

“Today, we find ourselves at the junction of tradition and innovation. The challenges we face in the Pacific region—ranging from non-communicable diseases to the impacts of climate change necessitates inventive and alternative solutions.”

Participants at the Symposium.

“I convey my appreciation to the Fiji National University and the organising committee for their commendable efforts in bringing this symposium to fruition.”

The theme for this year’s symposium is Fostering Pacific Health Learnings: Past Insight, Present Innovations, Future Inspirations.

This year’s symposium promises a deep dive into pressing issues within healthcare. The symposium will discuss Indigenous health workforce topics, exploring effective pedagogical models tailored for adult learners in this domain.

The event also features a yet-to-be-announced transformative experience with valuable insights for healthcare professionals. The experts will also explore the topic of interprofessional education, offering a practical framework to integrate teamwork and collaboration into the curriculum, policy, and advocacy initiatives shaping healthcare.

CMNHS Acting Dean, Dr Ameilia Turagabeci, said the sub-themes for individual days will discuss Innovative Teaching in Health Education. Day 2 is on Equity, Inclusivity, and Sustainability in Health Education, and the final day’s sub-theme is Ethics, Empathy, and Professionalism.

“Our theme this year, “Fostering Pacific Health Learnings: Past Insights, Present Innovations, Future Inspirations” encapsulates the spirit of our times. We are at a pivotal moment in healthcare, where the confluence of cutting-edge technology, groundbreaking research, and compassionate care is transforming lives across the globe,” Dr Turagabeci said.

The symposium ends tomorrow.