Scholars celebrate 140 yrs of medical education in Fiji

University of Auckland’s Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga paid tribute to the visionaries who paved the way to train medical professionals at Fiji National University (FNU) over the past 140 years.

The university's College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences CMNHS (formerly the Fiji School of Medicine FSM) celebrated its 140th anniversary with an inaugural alumni dinner on 12 September.

The event, “A Night of a Thousand Sunsets and Perpetual Dawns,” brought together generations of health professionals to honour the legacy of FSM and envision its future; and included the University of Auckland's delegation present for the annual Pacific Island Health Research Symposium held at FNU. 

Among the keynote speakers was Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health. A proud FSM alumnus (Class of 1979), Sir Collin’s address spoke to his personal and visionary journey.

Legacy rooted in service and innovation

“Tonight marks a historic first - the inaugural gathering of FSM alumni since the school’s founding in 1885,” Sir Collin began.

“From its humble beginnings as the Central Medical School, FSM has evolved into a regional beacon of excellence. This Ball is not merely a celebration; it is a tribute to the visionaries who began all our journeys.”

He paid tribute to alumni who have passed, acknowledging their contributions to health systems across the Pacific, and celebrated the diversity and reach of FSM graduates - from remote islands to global institutions.

“FSM graduates have shaped not just health care in our region, but many have gone on to become leaders in their own countries. We are healers, educators, and change agents.”

A personal journey of transformation

Sir Collin shared vivid memories of his time at FSM, describing the rigorous and hands-on nature of the training.

“I recall having to undertake dental extractions, deliver babies, and assist with post-mortems before we could sit our final exams. When I lost my post-mortem record card, I approached Professor Benjamin Canlas for help. He simply said, ‘The best I can do is give you a new card!’ That’s FSM—resilient, resourceful, and real.”

He credited FSM with shaping his career and worldview.

“Our training was transformational. We learned to do a great job with minimal resources. As Ernest Rutherford once said, ‘We don’t have any money, so we need to think.’ That’s my enduring memory of FSM - thinking creatively, acting decisively.”

After completing his Masters of Public Health at the University of Sydney in 1984, Sir Collin returned to FSM to teach, though political events in Fiji in 1987 cut his teaching tenure short. His career since has spanned leadership roles in New Zealand’s Ministry of Health, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, and the World Health Organization in Geneva.

Knighted in 2022 for services to public health, he now leads Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa at the University of Auckland, a centre dedicated to advancing Pacific and global health equity.

“My connection to FSM is lifelong. It laid the foundation for everything I’ve done since. And now, through Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, we continue that legacy - building bridges between research, policy, and Pacific communities.”

Facing the future: Demographic shifts and workforce needs

Sir Collin addressed the region’s demographic and epidemiological transitions, noting that aging populations and rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose significant challenges.

“One-third of Pacific populations live with one or more NCDs. Despite our best efforts, we’re not making the impact we need. Unless we change course, health systems will not cope.”

He called for a reimagining of the health workforce, suggesting a shift toward generalists, nurse practitioners, and new categories of health professionals.

“Continuing reliance on medical graduates for small island states is not sustainable. We need new dialogue, new models, and new roles. AI won’t replace doctors and nurses, but it will change how we work.”

A message of hope and continuity

“FSM has been training leaders, healers, and change agents since 1885—even if it hasn’t always been explicit. I am confident that FSM will continue to train the majority of health care workers needed in the region.”

Sir Collin closed with a heartfelt toast to the future: “Here’s to another 140 years of health care, leadership, training and research. Vinaka vaka levu.”