Dr. Semiti Vakabua is ambitiously pursuing the goal of becoming Fiji’s first Itaukei specialist in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. Currently, Fiji’s medical landscape has only limited resources for heart surgery, particularly in the fields of cardiothoracic operations.

Dr. Vakabua draws inspiration and guidance from Dr. Sanjeev Khulbey, an internationally recognized cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon from India. This mentorship comes as a welcome opportunity for Dr. Vakabua, who originates from Vunikura village in Buca Bay. He fondly recalls his upbringing in a small farming settlement called Nakauvadra, where his parents raised him and his two sisters. His academic journey began at Niusawa Methodist Secondary School and continued at Sila Central High School, leading him into the medical field with a scholarship to the Fiji School of Medicine.

After graduating as a doctor in 2010, Dr. Vakabua began his surgical career at Labasa Hospital, eventually transitioning to various roles across healthcare establishments in Fiji. Notably, he contributed significantly to surgical departments at both Labasa and Lautoka Hospitals. His experiences in the medical field were briefly interrupted by his deployment with the Fiji Military Forces Medical Corps in the Golan Heights, but his return to Fiji marked the beginning of his postgraduate diploma studies in surgery.

Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the completion of his master’s program, Dr. Vakabua persevered and graduated in 2022. Presently, he serves as a junior surgical consultant while planning to specialize further in vascular surgery through local training opportunities, rather than traveling abroad for fellowship programs.

The collaboration with Dr. Khulbey allows Dr. Vakabua to engage in hands-on training and participate in critical surgeries, including open-heart procedures. This training represents not just personal advancement for Dr. Vakabua, but also a significant step towards bolstering Fiji’s healthcare system in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery.

Dr. Vakabua reflects on the importance of multiplying local skills and ensuring that high-quality surgical care becomes accessible within Fiji. His dedication symbolizes hope for the future of healthcare in Fiji, potentially paving the way for more Itaukei professionals to enter specialized fields and serve their communities effectively.

This development is promising, demonstrating the potential for transforming healthcare services locally, and illustrating how mentorship can play a crucial role in nurturing future medical leaders. Ultimately, Dr. Vakabua’s journey inspires a collective vision where residents can benefit significantly from enhanced local healthcare capabilities.