‘Those six long, hard years of studying and sacrifice were worth it when I was on that big stage in Dunedin Town Hall getting capped. ’ Sacrifice and success
A career as an army doctor meant a mature medical student could carry on with his training.
THRUSTback into poverty while studying medicine as an mature adult, Lincoln Nicholls turned to theNewZealand Army for help. His successful medical career and the mana that comes with it is an inspiration to his whanau, other Maori and anyone considering mature-age study.
‘‘Those six long, hard years of studying and sacrifice were worth it when I was on that big stage in Dunedin Town Hall getting capped,’’ he said.
‘‘This was a huge honour forme andmywhanau. I knew I wanted to be a doctor when I was a 14-year-old lad. However, I saw the funmyPE teacher had so I set off on a pathway that realised that dream. I had many great experiences but, at 27, I decided I didn’t want to regret not having a go at being a doctor when I was older. 2001 was new century and represented a set of new steps – many of them not easy – but which led tomy new and exciting career in medicine.
‘‘It was a real challenge forme being a mature-age medical student, a father and a former professional used to earning a wage.
‘‘Inmyfourth year of study, when I was really struggling financially, I heard about the Medical Officer Cadet scheme where the army paid your last three years of study and provided a salary in return for four years of service. So I signed up.
‘‘Working as aNewZealand Army doctor, every part ofmyjob makes meproud. I make a positive difference in people’s lives every day and that’s an intrinsically rewarding part of the job. I get to share good news withmypatients and have to face some pretty sad times when outcomes are bad.
‘‘I’m also part of a high readiness group and havemypack andmedkit all packed up, stored away, ready to go overseas at short notice. This happened on our mission to Samoa in 2009. Wewere there on day two following the tsunami and during our three-week rapid deployment, my medics and I had a real satisfying sense of making a big difference to
Linton
Medical Officer NZ Army,
House Officer, Palmerston North Hospital
Teacher Queen Elizabeth College, Palmerston North
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. Membership Royal NZ College of General Practice. Bachelor of Education Diploma of Teaching people’s lives. Myrole was to provide health support to the Samoan people. It was very exciting and rewarding and I was proud to help people who were in need and hurting.
‘‘I also had a strong sense of pride duringmydeployment to Tokelau on Exercise Tropic Twilight 2011.
‘‘Physical training is part ofmy job nearly every day. It is very sweet thing to exercise and get paid for it. I also get weapons and adventure training and I do minor surgery such as vasectomies and vein surgery which is always very cool. I get to wear a uniform which is great because you don’t have to think about what you are going to wear each day.
‘‘The ability to inspire young Maori is hugely important. Despite the medical schools becoming better at recruiting Maori into medicine, we are under-represented in this career at just 3 per cent.
‘‘One of the biggest challenges I have as a doctor in general practice is the 15-minute consultation appointment. This is almost a nationwide phenomenon and I believe that it’s impossible to do patients justice in 15 minutes.
‘‘Nevertheless, mycareer is one of great privilege and that is something that I will never lose sight of.’’