Colin Chan Chui crossed the stage to receive a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree and a Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) degree on 10 December, with the full blessing of not only his family but the patients he met while completing his studies.
The 27-year-old Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland graduate, says a highlight of his studies was the experience of clinical placement.
“I got the chance to see the applicability and value of the theory I had learnt. The moments I shared with patients were important, especially translating consultations for elderly Sāmoan patients. These conversations would often conclude with their blessings and prayers for my studies, for which I am grateful.”
Chan Chui (Afega, Fagali’i, Sataoa) was born and raised in Aotearoa; he moved with his family to Sāmoa where he spent his earlier years before returning as a 10-year-old in 2007 to complete his education. He also had to learn English at the same time but proved to be a quick study, going on to become head prefect at Onehunga High School.
“I had the privilege of carrying the trust and respect of my peers, and teachers as a head prefect in my final year.”
It was during this period he developed a keen interest in sciences and became aware of how inequitable health outcomes adversely affected Pacific communities.
“This was important to me as these are some of the key factors that drive my passion for serving people in health care, particularly our Māori and Pacific communities.”
Completing his studies took longer than the required six years, with a gap year taken and the addition of an extra year for an honours degree. The competing demands of study, clinical placement, and responsibilities of family life in a Sāmoan community meant he had to learn how to manage his time and find a balance.
“I often felt like I was making sacrifices at the cost of my family and health.”
However, the experiences will help prepare him for his new role at Middlemore Hospital as a junior doctor next year.
Looking back, he’s grateful to his faith and family for supporting him toward becoming a medical doctor.
“Jeremiah 29: 11 says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future,’” says Chan Chui.
“There have been countless times in my studies where I have lost sight of this scripture but never once has God fallen short of fulfilling his promises.”
He is especially thankful to his mother Pulemagafa Sina, his aunty So’oa’emalelagi, and sister Fauali’i Desiree as his role models.
“They instilled in me the values of resilience, service, and grace. They carried me throughout my studies, and reaching this milestone would not be possible without them.
“Alongside them, my father Patrick and brothers Conrad, Cordon, and TJ built the foundation that allowed me to pursue my goals of tertiary study and medicine.”
Chan Chui says he was always confident in his decision to become a doctor but occasionally doubted himself when imposter syndrome kicked in.
“There were moments where I had to overcome—and will likely continue to overcome—the challenges of imposter syndrome. I often doubted where I was and what I was doing. Going through this journey with friends from similar backgrounds, who can relate to this challenge, assured me I was not alone.”
Although physically far from his homeland, visiting Sāmoa every year to see his father has helped to maintain strong connections with his villages and remain involved in the community.
“There is a Sāmoan proverb that says, ‘o le tagata ma lona aiga, o le tagata ma lona fa’asinomaga.’
“This reflects the essence of community as a Sāmoan; it translates to ‘I am my family, and my family is me,’ and one of the great things about being Sāmoan is that I had a whole village backing me throughout my studies. Because of this, I knew that I would always reach my goal, regardless of its challenges.”
He also paid tribute to the University’s Pacific community, including the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific and the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS), for their invaluable support throughout his years of study.
“My village includes my wider family but also the University support services that cared for me, including the Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Office and MAPAS.”
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