In today’s health landscape, interpersonal connection has never been more important to overcoming complex challenges. Historically minoritised communities continue to face discrimination in health care, especially Indigenous peoples, women, and transgender folk. Climate disasters are ever-increasing and disproportionately affect rural and coastal communities’ health. Social media has impacted an entire generation of young people, the extent to which we cannot yet fully comprehend. And even so, Aotearoa has risen to these challenges by championing world-leading COVID-19 public health strategy, smoking legislation, and indigenous health policy.

 

But, what happens when governments change and public health priorities shift? What happens to our underserved communities when the cost of living increases and climate disasters threaten their livelihoods? And what role will Aotearoa play on the international stage in the face of contentious humanitarian crises? Medical students of today will inherit the health system of tomorrow, and it is essential that we are equipped with the skills to address these health issues with equity, justice, and kindness.

 

We believe that this aspiration can be achieved through strong, mutual relationships. The aim of VĀ 2025 is to foster a space where we can explore what it means to build meaningful relationships with diverse communities. We will explore the meaning of the doctor-patient relationship and where the line is drawn between ‘professional’ and ‘friend’. We will hear from clinical and non-clinical leaders who prioritise relationships in their practice, and learn from the challenges they face when employing this approach.

 

As medical students, we have develope strategies to EVOLVE to new environments and learned ways to GROW into competent health leaders. We have been inspired to IGNITE the spark of passion within ourselves. But all sparks need to be nurtured and maintained, else they will go out. We hope that by focusing on the VĀ - the relational space - between each of us, we can continue to feed our passion for good and build towards a future of equity-focused health practitioners.

 

The VĀ team places relationships at the forefront of our work. We come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ideologies, and yet we are connected by our mutual love for our community. Between us, we have several dozen decades worth of leadership, service, and event planning that make us suitable hosts for the NZMSA Conference 2025.

 

Ngā manaakitanga, kia manuia,

Your VĀ 2025 Conference Committee