Buddle Findlay launches scholarship for undergraduate Māori and Pasifika medical students

Buddle Findlay has partnered with a children’s hospital in Auckland to launch a new research scholarship programme for undergraduate Māori and Pasifika medical students.

The new student research scholarship programme, led by the Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation and Counties Manukau Health’s Kidz First Children’s Hospital, encourages undergraduate Māori and Pasifika medical students to complete research projects covering a range of critical health issues faced by Māori and Pasifika adolescents, or tamariki.

In a statement, the firm said that the scholarship aims to encourage and support students who are considering or have the potential to have a future career in health research.

“Every child in New Zealand deserves the right to health equity and research is a key factor in driving equitable health outcomes,” said Lisette Hood, trustee at the Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation. “The Kidz First Children’s Hospital programme provides an opportunity to develop and strengthen the Māori and Pasifika health research workforce. Medical research is fundamental to the future of our health care, particularly for those in Māori and Pasifika communities. Engaging with undergraduate students during a time when they are planning the direction of their career is a strong opportunity to showcase this.”

The Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation is a charitable trust established by the partners of Buddle Findlay in 2005 and supports tamariki receiving residential medical care in New Zealand.