Studying abroad can be a challenging experience, but with a strong support system from family and friends, individuals can achieve remarkable success. Sainimere Boladuadua made the courageous choice to move to Dunedin, New Zealand, years ago with the goal of becoming a doctor to serve her community.
Hailing from Somosomo in Cakaudrove and with maternal roots in Levuka, Yale in Kadavu, she is one of 15 recipients of the renowned Fulbright Science and Innovation Graduate Scholarship for 2024/25. This scholarship allows New Zealand graduate students to pursue postgraduate study or research at institutions in the United States.
Sainimere noted that among the 15 Fulbright graduate awardees for the upcoming year, two are from the Pacific region, both hailing from Fiji. She emphasized that the Pasifika community represents eight percent of New Zealand’s population, with Samoans making up a significant portion. However, she pointed out that Fijians constitute a smaller percentage, making the recognition of two Fijians this year particularly noteworthy. She has been encouraging others from Fiji to apply for such opportunities.
At 29, Sainimere holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Otago obtained in 2002, a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the Fiji School of Medicine in 2006, and a Master of Public Health (Distinction) from the University of Otago in 2011. Additionally, she is a Fellow of the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine and is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Auckland.
After completing her medical studies, she worked in both New Zealand and Fiji. Her PhD research focuses on healthcare access, specifically exploring childhood acute respiratory infections. Her thesis incorporates both quantitative and qualitative methods, with studies being conducted in Fiji and among Pacific families in New Zealand.
Sainimere credits her parents and grandparents as her role models, instilling in her the value of education. She believes her family is fortunate to have a lineage that prioritizes learning. Her parents were the first in their family to attend university, having been encouraged to pursue education beyond their village upbringing despite their parents’ limited educational opportunities. She admires their quest for education and the sacrifices they made.
She aspires to expand her understanding and experience in indigenous health and health systems research. Her advice to others in pursuit of their potential is to “dream big” and “not limit yourself.”
This award has drawn considerable attention, with many individuals expressing pride in her achievements and finding her journey inspiring. Sainimere remarked on the positive impact of her story, recognizing its significance in motivating others.
She believes that Fijians sometimes harbor a mindset of limitation, particularly regarding access to global opportunities, a perception she attributes to lingering colonial attitudes. However, she has observed that when Fijians venture abroad for education or work, they tend to excel and hold their own.
According to Sainimere, it’s essential for her community to recognize and embrace their achievements in both national and international arenas, underpinned by their faith and a belief that everyone has a unique purpose and vision from God.