22 Sep 2023

Med student aims to improve care for rheumatic fever patients

From , 6:00 am on 22 September 2023
University of Otago medical student Taliah Su'a

University of Otago medical student Taliah Su'a Photo: University of Otago

A Samoan medical student in Christchurch, New Zealand has her sights on improving the country's health care system by researching rheumatic fever and its impacts in the Canterbury region. 

Taliah Su'a understands and knows the harsh reality of rheumatic fever having witnessed a relative contract the disease - resulting in intensive, ongoing drug treatment and surgery. 

In order to fulfill the requirements of her honours degree, Talia will spend a year reviewing a decade's worth of clinical data and speak with families to gain their perspective on health care. 

She spoke with Pacific Waves host, Susana Suisuiki.