Studying abroad can be a challenging experience, but with a robust support network from loved ones, significant accomplishments are within reach. Sainimere Boladuadua made a courageous choice years ago to relocate to Dunedin, New Zealand, motivated by her ambition to become a doctor and serve her community.
Hailing from Somosomo in Cakaudrove, with maternal connections to Levuka and Yale in Kadavu, she has been recognized as one of the 15 recipients of the esteemed Fulbright Science and Innovation Graduate Scholarship. This award allows New Zealand graduates to pursue postgraduate studies or research at institutions in the United States.
“I learned that out of the 15 Fulbright graduate awardees for 2024/25, two are from the Pacific, and both are Fijians,” Sainimere stated. She noted that the Pasifika population constitutes about eight percent of New Zealand’s population, with Samoans representing roughly half of that demographic. “Fijians form a smaller percentage of the Pasifika population. To have two Fijians this year demonstrates that we can achieve our goals! I have been encouraging other Fijians to apply for this opportunity.”
At 29 years old, Sainimere graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Otago in 2002, a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the Fiji School of Medicine in 2006, and a Master of Public Health with Distinction from the University of Otago in 2011. She is a Fellow of the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine and is currently pursuing her PhD at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland.
After obtaining her medical degree, Sainimere worked in both New Zealand and Fiji. Her doctoral research focuses on access to healthcare, specifically examining childhood acute respiratory infections. Her thesis includes both quantitative and qualitative research components involving studies conducted in Fiji and with Pacific families in New Zealand.
Sainimere credits her parents and grandparents as her role models, highlighting their commitment to education. “My siblings and I are fortunate to have parents and grandparents who prioritize learning,” she said. “They were the first in their families to attend university, having grown up in a village where education was not readily accessible. The sacrifices they made for us are truly admirable.”
She aspires to deepen her knowledge and experience in indigenous health and health systems research. Her encouragement to others is to “dream big” and “not limit yourself.” Sainimere remarked on the impact of her award, stating, “I’ve received numerous messages from people expressing their pride and inspiration regarding this achievement, some who I don’t even know.”
She acknowledged the importance of such stories in uplifting the community. “As Fijians, we often mistakenly think that there are limits to what we can achieve, especially in global contexts. This mindset stems from historical factors,” she said. “What I’ve discovered is that when we go overseas for studies or work, we excel and hold our own. It’s essential for us to acknowledge this reality. Witnessing our people succeed on national and international stages illustrates our potential.”
Sainimere emphasized that faith underlies all of this, believing that God has a unique vision and purpose for each individual.