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He Wānanga Whakarite: preparing Māori for surgical selection interviews
Author(s) -
Nicholls Lincoln,
Parore Nora,
Buckthought Lance
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/ans.16864
Subject(s) - medicine , selection (genetic algorithm) , general surgery , artificial intelligence , computer science
Background Māori are significantly under‐represented in the surgical workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand. There needs to be more effort and initiative action to address this lack of diversity in order to ultimately achieve proportionality so that more Māori surgeons are available to help treat and care for their communities. Methods An independent kaupapa Māori wānanga (course) initiative, using a ‘by Māori, for Māori’ approach, and adhering to tīkanga Māori (Māori lore and protocols) was developed to support and prepare Māori Non‐Training Surgical Registrars for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Surgical Education and Training (SET) interviews. This paper reviews the inception of the wānanga, its content, and shares experiences had by attendees. Results Those who attended this wānanga agreed unanimously that this initiative dramatically improved their preparation for SET interviews. In 2020, the wānanga produced a significant success rate amongst attendees with 80% of wānanga attendees selected for SET training positions. Conclusion This kaupapa Māori initiative illustrates a successful active measure that can be taken to support Māori doctors seeking selection in surgical training programmes. The initiative seeks to address inequity in the surgical workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand.