Studying abroad can be a challenging experience, but with a supportive network of family and friends, great achievements are possible. Sainimere Boladuadua took a bold step years ago when she moved to Dunedin, New Zealand, with the goal of becoming a doctor and giving back to her community.
Originally from Somosomo, Cakaudrove, and with maternal ties to Levuka, Yale in Kadavu, Sainimere is one of 15 recipients of the esteemed Fulbright Science and Innovation Graduate Scholarship. This award allows New Zealand graduate students to pursue postgraduate studies or research at institutions in the United States.
Sainimere noted that among the 15 Fulbright graduate awardees for the 2024/25 academic year, two are from the Pacific Islands, specifically Fiji. The Pasifika community constitutes about eight percent of New Zealand’s population, with Samoans making up nearly half of this demographic. “Fijians represent a relatively small proportion of the Pasifika population, so having two Fijians this year demonstrates that we can succeed too!” she emphasized. She has since been encouraging other Fijians to apply for similar opportunities.
At 29 years old, Sainimere holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Otago, a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the Fiji School of Medicine, and a Master of Public Health with Distinction from the University of Otago. She is a Fellow of the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine and is currently pursuing a PhD at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland.
After earning her medical degree, Sainimere worked in both New Zealand and Fiji. Her PhD research focuses on healthcare access, specifically looking at childhood acute respiratory infections. Her thesis incorporates both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies that are applied to studies in Fiji and among Pacific families in New Zealand.
She attributes her drive to her parents and grandparents, who emphasized the importance of education. “We are fortunate to have a family that values and prioritizes education. My parents were part of the first generation to attend university, having been encouraged to seek opportunities beyond our village,” she shared.
Sainimere aims to deepen her understanding of indigenous health and health systems research. Her advice for others aspiring to reach their potential is to “dream big” and “not limit yourself.”
“This award has drawn attention, with many individuals, including some I don’t even know, expressing their pride and finding inspiration in my journey,” she said. Sainimere acknowledged the impact of her success and the significance of sharing stories like hers.
She believes many Fijians may still carry a mindset that restricts their aspirations in global contexts, a perception linked to historical colonial influences. “When we venture abroad for education or career opportunities, we often excel and can hold our own,” she stated.
Sainimere encouraged her fellow countrymen to recognize and internalize this truth, stressing that seeing Fijians thrive in national and international arenas illustrates their potential. “At the heart of this is our faith—I believe that God has a unique vision and purpose for each of us.”