Pacific trainees take many different paths to becoming Fellows, and the Pacific Peoples Member Advisory Group (PPMAG) and Te Waka Hauora are here to support you throughout your journey.
We offer pastoral care, mentoring, resources, and a range of initiatives to strengthen your training experience, professional growth, and wellbeing, including fostering vā (relationships and connection) through Pacific Trainee Days.
Whether you’re just beginning your training journey or already in advanced training, our programmes and resources are tailored to help you thrive in your career as a physician while fostering cultural connection, leadership capacity and excellence.
Indigenous Scholarships & Prizes
We have a range of scholarships that support medical graduates and current RACP trainees who identify as Pacific on their chosen career path to becoming a physician.
See Indigenous Scholarships & Prizes and Education Development Grants for more information on how to apply.
Indigenous Leadership Fund
The Indigenous Leadership Fund provides funding support to eligible trainees and fellows for activities that contribute to leadership, cultural and professional development. This includes but is not limited to conference attendance and relevant courses.
Coaching program
Pacific trainees are invited to participate in confidential one-on-one coaching through Shepherd Psychology. This support is provided independently from the College, with coaching tailored to individual goals and able to focus on wellbeing, performance, or work-life balance. Sessions can be conducted online or in person, and the programme is fully funded by the College.
The current programme includes:
- Initial kōrero to set goals
- 1 x 90-minute session and up to 2 additional 60-minute sessions
Contact:
Dr Matthew Shepherd | Shepherd Psychology | 027 218 0912
We recognise that in some circumstances trainees may wish to work with a different provider, for example, if they have a pre-existing relationship with a psychologist. If this is the case, contact Te Waka Hauora to discuss the funding support available.
Mentoring and Professional Support
We recognise the value of being able to connect with someone who understands the physician training journey and the unique experiences of Pacific doctors within medicine. Whether you're looking for career guidance, support navigating training, advice about a particular specialty, or simply someone to kōrero with, we can help facilitate connections within the Pacific caucus.
This may include connecting you with:
- a Pacific trainee who is a few years ahead in training
- a Fellow working within your area of interest
- someone with experience in leadership, exams, research, or balancing training and life commitments.
If you're interested in being connected with someone within the Pacific caucus, please get in touch with us.
Pacific Trainees Day
Pacific Trainees are invited to attend the annual Pacific Trainees Day. This is an opportunity to connect with Pacific trainees and Fellows across the College to learn, share experiences, and strengthen peer and professional networks.
The Pacific Trainees Day was held on 24 April 2026. Dates for 2027 will be released later this year.
