Dr. Semiti Vakabua is making strides towards becoming Fiji’s first Itaukei cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, a significant ambition in a country with limited resources in these specialized medical fields. Currently, there are only a handful of heart surgeons in Fiji who perform cardiothoracic surgeries, and Dr. Vakabua aims to bridge this gap.

Raised in Vunikura village, Cakaudrove, and coming from a background of farmers in the small settlement of Nakauvadra, Dr. Vakabua reflects on his challenging yet inspiring journey. His academic path included schooling at Niusawa Methodist Secondary School and Sila Central High School, before earning a medical scholarship to the Fiji School of Medicine, where he completed his training in 2010.

Beginning his medical career at Labasa Hospital, Dr. Vakabua showed an early interest in surgery and has since navigated through various roles, including an important stint in the Golan Heights as part of his service with the Fiji Military Forces Medical Corp. His postgraduate training journey faced hurdles, particularly due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he persevered and completed his master’s in surgery in 2022, currently serving as a junior surgical consultant specializing in general surgery.

A pivotal moment in his career came when Dr. Vakabua connected with Dr. Sanjeev Khulbey, a renowned cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon from India, who is guiding him through an essential phase of his training. Dr. Khulbey’s mentorship offers Dr. Vakabua a unique opportunity to learn locally, rather than traveling abroad for fellowship training. He is currently involved in hands-on training at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) hospital in Nadi, where he has assisted in multiple open-heart surgeries.

Dr. Vakabua’s achievement is not just personal—his efforts symbolize a substantial advancement in Fiji’s surgical capabilities. He expresses hope that his journey will encourage other Itaukei Fijians to enter specialized fields in medicine, thus enhancing healthcare access and quality in Fiji. His commitment not only aims at personal accomplishment but also focuses on serving and improving healthcare for his community.

The developments in Fiji’s healthcare, including Dr. Vakabua’s journey and the recent successful cardiac surgeries at PSH, highlight a positive shift towards making advanced medical care more accessible and affordable for Fijians. This reflects a broader vision of improving local healthcare systems and fostering a community that can rely more on homegrown medical expertise, promising a healthier future for all.