In April 2025, I delivered an international oral presentation at the 58th Pacific Association of Paediatric Surgeons (PAPS) Conference in Melbourne, Australia. This meeting hosts paediatric surgeons and trainees from across the world at different locations each year. I presented data from my recent medical elective in paediatric surgery and intensive care in New Zealand. It was a privilege to be a part of PAPS, make new connections and touch base with colleagues.
Initially, the prospect of even submitting an abstract to a conference in Australia seemed so far-fetched. I’m grateful to my supervisor, Dr Udaya Samarakkody, fellow clinicians in New Zealand and to our medical school for encouraging and supporting me towards this career opportunity. Having collected data from New Zealand, presenting at PAPS felt especially relevant and well understood by Pacific delegates.
Public speaking and responding to questions can be difficult, particularly on an international stage. I hope I can continue to improve and work towards similar rewarding opportunities in future. I would encourage other medical students to strive towards presenting or publishing their own work following their electives. Every clinician I met in Melbourne was extremely supportive and approachable throughout the week’s events.
