Fijian Radiology Leader Inspires Resilience

Rajiv Chand

Rajiv Chand

Rajiv Chand, a proud son of Rewa with maternal links to Macuata, initially thought he would be a teacher or vet. Instead, he found his true calling in medical diagnostics, specialising in what he calls “the eyes of medicine”: Medical Imaging Technology (MIT).

Now the Head of Department at Health Radiology Centre PTE Limited in Nakasi, Rajiv’s five-year journey is a testament to dedication and purpose-driven pivoting.

“Aiding in diagnosis for patients and doctors… identifying pathologies on X-rays and ultrasound to get proper and timely treatment,” is the most rewarding part of his job.

His path was challenging, clinical placements were limited during the 2019-2020 COVID period. Despite this, Rajiv persevered, rotating as a relieving MIT across multiple key hospitals and health centers, from Labasa to Navua. This demanding period cemented the value of humility and resilience in serving Fiji’s health needs, where professionals often attend to over 100 patients daily.

For those considering the CMNHS Radiology programme, Rajiv’s advice is simple: “Follow your heart.” He stresses that while the journey is tough, the “ultimate end goal is satisfying.” His key to success? Mastering time management.

Rajiv Chand’s journey from discovering the Bachelor’s in Medical Imaging programme at FNU to becoming a Department Head is a powerful example of how the Fiji National University not only guided his passion for science into a vital health service career but also equipped him with the resilience and expertise to tackle Fiji’s healthcare challenges. He is a proud FNU alumnus turning academic knowledge into tangible health benefits across the nation.