The College Dean also challenged the new students to develop a sense of belonging with their new journey and be leaders in their own right.

Fiji National University’s Pasifika Campus was full of excited and passionate first year students who were officially welcomed to the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) during the Orientation Ceremony earlier today.

Thousands of students with their families and friends gathered at the campus eagerly waiting to hear from their College Dean and Heads of Schools. College Dean, Dr William May advised all that despite the different medical fields they would venture into, being a team player is pivotal.

“One of the most important things you must be when you graduate and go into your different fields, and at whatever level, is to be a good team player.

“It’s not an easy task working with other people from different backgrounds in the same health centre, same hospital ward, same pharmacy or dental department, but we will prepare you to get over that. We need you to learn to work with other people; by that we mean we will develop essential soft skills to help you,” Dr May said.

The College Dean also challenged the new students to develop a sense of belonging with their new journey and be leaders in their own right.

“As the country’s medical college, it is our duty to train aspiring medical professionals to be successful in life. We want to train you to be leaders as well, in your different fields, you may think you will never be a leader, but I was in your shoes 24 years ago as well.

“I wish you the very best in the years you will be studying with us. Manage your time wisely and your life well,” said Dr May.

First year student, Erema Panapasa, currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Medical Lab Sciences programme,= said she is a step closer to embracing her dream job.

“My ultimate desire is to be a doctor. I wish to specialise in gynaecology. The dream began when my older sister was pregnant and I had to accompany her on hospital trips to the gynaecologists. I found it very fascinating and realised it was something I wanted to do.

“ I intend to pursue MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, and Bachelor of Surgery) after completing this programme,” said the 18-year-old.

Originally from the island of Rotuma, Ms Panapasa hopes to follow in her older brother’s footsteps who is a pharmacist in Norway.

The college orientation will continue today at the FNU Pasifika campus in Suva.

As the country’s medical college, it is our duty to train aspiring medical professionals to be successful in life. We want to train you to be leaders as well, in your different fields, you may think you will never be a leader.

Dr William May

College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Dean

Source: Fiji National University