Isaac Samuels | McCall MacBain Kupe Leadership Scholar

Isaac (Tainui, Ngāti Hauā)

Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata he tangata he tangata

What is the most important thing in this world? It is the people, the people, the people.

This whakatauki (proverb) has directed my development through medical school. As a young Māori medical student, I have had the privilege to witness first-hand, how our healthcare system engages with the people of Aotearoa. This has both inspired me to carry on the incredible work this system currently provides, and sparked my passion for remedying health inequities within this.

As an aspiring doctor, I believe the key to addressing these health inequities is not only acknowledging they exist, but also actively being part of a positive solution. I am excited to learn, listen and to lead as I embark on this journey, and I feel very fortunate to have the Kupe support behind me. 

Sponsor: McCall MacBain Foundation

Mentors: Dr Dale Bramley (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Hine, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) CEO of the Waitematā District Health Board. He is also Chair of the Health Quality & Safety Commission (HQSC) and a Member of the Māori Expert Advisory Committee advising the Health and Disability Review Group.

Dr Mataroria Lyndon (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Wai, Waikato) Co-founder and clinical director for primary healthcare provider Tend, Senior Lecturer at The University of Auckland and on the Board of the Māori Health Authority