He Wānanga Whakarite: preparing Māori for surgical selection interviews

Abstract

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.

Review of Māori equity in surgical trainee selection

“…4 Despite comprising 17.4% of Aotearoa New Zealand's population, M aori account for just 4.4% of the medical workforce, and their representation in the surgical field may be as low as 1.6%. [5][6][7] The limited presence of M aori in the provision of surgical care reflects a workforce that is not optimally responsive to M aori healthcare needs and aspirations. 8 In 2015, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) established an Indigenous Health Committee and set forward M aori Health Strategy and Action Plans to address M aori inequity in surgery.…”

“…While there are several drivers contributing to ethnic differences, the provision of culturally safe care for Māori patients relies on appropriately training healthcare workers and achieving Māori representation in peri‐operative care 4 . Despite comprising 17.4% of Aotearoa New Zealand's population, Māori account for just 4.4% of the medical workforce, and their representation in the surgical field may be as low as 1.6% 5–7 . The limited presence of Māori in the provision of surgical care reflects a workforce that is not optimally responsive to Māori healthcare needs and aspirations 8…”