Message from the Head of School
Kia ora koutou katoa,
I hope that you all have had a restful and refreshing break. It is with great honour that I introduce myself as the new Head of the School of Medical Sciences. I am truly privileged to step into this role and to lead such a committed community of educators, researchers, students, and professional staff who support those functions. I want to thank Malcolm for acting as Head of School for the last 7 months. He has done an excellent job steering the School through some very challenging times. Thank you also to the school executive for supporting him.
The School of Medical Sciences has a remarkable legacy of excellence in education, research, and innovation. I am eager to build on this strong foundation and to work alongside you to further advance a shared mission to promote excellence in the medical sciences through world-class teaching, groundbreaking research, and meaningful collaboration.
I recognise that change brings both opportunities and challenges, and I am committed to fostering an environment that values diversity, inclusivity, collaboration, well-being and professional growth. Your insights, ideas, and feedback will be invaluable as we navigate the year ahead, and I encourage open dialogue to ensure we continue to thrive as a School.
As you are all aware, the tertiary sector faces a shifting landscape, and we will need to be strategic and resourceful in addressing financial and structural challenges. However, I am confident that with our collective expertise, and dedication, we will sustain and enhance the high standards of excellence that define our School.
I look forward to meeting and working with each of you in the coming weeks and months. On 25 February, we will be holding a School forum where we will introduce our new Heads of Departments and provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore how we can best work together to address matters impacting our School.
Please feel free to reach out, whether to introduce yourself, share your thoughts, or discuss ways we can collaborate.
Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua I Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Clare
New staff
We welcome Claire Heffernan, a Professional Teaching Fellow from the Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging who has joined the Faculty and the Cardiac Ultrasound team.
New Director of Cancer Trials New Zealand
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Nicky Lawrence as our new Director of Cancer Trials New Zealand.
PhD success
Please join me in congratulating Hossein Jahedi, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology for successfully defending his PhD thesis.
Gavin and Ann Kellaway Medical Research Fellowship
Congratulations to Dr Ana Luiza Sayegh, Department of Physiology, on being awarded the Gavin and Ann Kellaway Medical Research Fellowship.
PhD student success
Please join me in congratulating Alice McDouall, Department of Physiology for successfully defending her PhD thesis.
High impact articles
Professor Julian Paton, is leading attempts to develop a revolutionary new heart valve and improve the lives of children with rheumatic heart disease.
Staff success
Clare Wallis, Professional Teaching Fellow from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, has been nominated to represent the School of Medical Sciences on the Faculty of Medical Health Sciences People and Culture Strategy Working Group.
Academic promotions
Congratulations to the academic staff below who have been promoted in the academic staff promotion round 2024.
New PhD student
We welcome PhD student Amanda Groenewald from the Department of Physiology.