Rate My Professor Jenny Bennett

The Va'a o Tautai – Centre for Pacific Health operates within the Division of Health Sciences, providing a range of academic programmes and support services for Pacific students across all University of Otago campuses. Led by Faumuina Professor Fa'afetai Sopoaga, the centre drives Pacific health teaching and research efforts in alignment with the University of Otago Pacific Strategic Framework 2022-2030. It coordinates the Takiala Pacific Health Leadership Network, involving Associate Deans (Pacific) to advance strategic leadership, development, and regional engagement in Pacific health matters. Student support through programmes such as the Pacific Origins Programme at Otago (POPO) facilitates recruitment, retention, and academic success for Pacific students entering health professional courses, including the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY). Additional offerings include POPO PLUS mentoring, internships, and foundation scholarships, alongside teaching in Pacific and Global Health majors within the Bachelor of Health Sciences. Postgraduate support for doctors in Pacific Island countries pursuing rural and provincial hospital practice qualifications is also provided. The centre emphasises Pacific perspectives in health systems to address inequities.