FOHS: School of Nursing- NUS

Congrats Dr. Keresoma & Dr. Kirifi
Malo le galulue👏👏👏

🎉 History Made: First Medical Student Publication 🎉

The School of Medicine is proud to celebrate a historic achievement by Dr Kirifi N. Paoa, a recent MBBS graduate of the school and now an intern doctor at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH).

Dr Paoa has become the first medical student in the history of the School of Medicine to successfully publish his final-year clinical audit and research project in a peer-reviewed international journal, Pacific Health Dialog.

This achievement marks an important milestone for our medical programme and reflects the School's commitment to developing a new generation of hybrid doctors—clinicians who not only provide patient care but also contribute to scientific research that strengthens health systems and improves health outcomes in Samoa and the Pacific region.

This success is only the beginning. Two additional manuscripts from the same graduating cohort are currently in the publication pipeline, while six more student research projects are preparing for Ministry of Health Health Research Committee presentation, review and publication approval.

These achievements demonstrate the growing culture of research, innovation, and evidence-based practice within the School of Medicine and highlight the potential of our students to contribute meaningfully to both clinical care and scientific discovery.

Congratulations to Dr Kirifi Paoa, his supervisors, on this historic accomplishment.

📖 Published Research Summary

The study examined adherence to secondary benzathine penicillin prophylaxis among Samoan children with acute rheumatic fever before and after Samoa's first COVID-19 outbreak. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research found that adherence declined following COVID-19-related service disruptions and became increasingly unequal, with vulnerable children experiencing the greatest challenges in maintaining treatment. The findings highlight the importance of continuity-focused and equity-oriented approaches to chronic disease management during public health emergencies.

Reference:
Paoa KN, Leaupepe K. Adherence to secondary benzathine penicillin prophylaxis among children with acute rheumatic fever before and after COVID-19 in Samoa: a retrospective mixed-methods study. Pacific Health Dialog. 2026;26(3):119–130. doi:10.26635/phd.2026.237

You’re invited! 🌟

Sports, Health and Performance Excellence - SHAPE NUS, warmly welcomes the public to an exciting guest lecture at the NUS Gym.

Join us for an engaging session with a distinguished guest lecturer sharing valuable 🗣️insights into 🤾‍♀️sports, ☘️health, and 🙌performance. Whether you're a 🙍‍♂️student, 👷‍♂️professional, or simply interested in improving your 🧘well-being, this talk is for you.

🎤 Dr Dave Edgar
📍 NUS Gym
🗓 Thursday, 7 May
⏰ 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Check out the attached flyer for more details. We look forward to seeing you there!

Seminar Series 3: Food imports & Dietary transition in Samoa.

Authors- Dr. Keresoma Leaupepe (FOHS-SOM- NUS) & Fuimaono Darryl Pupi (FAO).

​Outstanding presentation today. The data you shared regarding the correlation between imported goods and NCDs is a vital wake-up call. Thank you for your hard work and for sparking such an important discussion.

Agalelei pea le Alii ile soifua auauna.

Please join us at NUS for the FOHS Seminar series 3, with Dr. Keresoma Leaupepe (School of Medicine).

Wednesday 6th May, 2026
Time- 10am- 12pm

FOHS: SEMINAR SERIES

Title - Food Imports and dietary transition in Samoa: implications for non-communicable diseases, 2010-2023

🎤 - Dr Keresoma Leaupepe (PhD)
📅 -Wednesday 6th May, 2026
🕛 - 10-12pm
📍 - AOA Conference Room

All are Welcome!

FOHS: SEMINAR SERIES

Title - Food Imports and dietary transition in Samoa: implications for non-communicable diseases, 2010-2023

🎤 - Dr Keresoma Leaupepe (PhD)
📅 -Wednesday 6th May, 2026
🕛 - 10-12pm
📍 - AOA Conference Room

All are Welcome!

FOHS Seminar Series 2.

​Sincere gratitude to RN/RM Ta'ala Logomai Lualua who made this seminar, "Barriers & facilitators to access Antenatal Care by Women in Savai'i," possible.

​To the Women of Savai'i: Your voices are the heart of this research and the driving force for change.
​
​"Improving maternal health in our islands starts with understanding the path our mothers must walk. Thank you for helping the Medical & Nursing professions map that journey."

FOHS: School of Nursing- NUS Seminar Series

Title - “Barriers and Facilitators to access antenatal care by women in Savai’i.”

🎤 - Ta'ala Feterika Logomai Lualua
📅 - Wed 29th April 2026
🕛 - 10am - 12pm
📍 - AOA Conference Room

All are Welcome!

Appreciation post!

It was an honor to have Dr. Robert Fa'atagā today, sharing his expertise on epidemiology and SSIs at the TTM hospital.

A great opportynity for all students & staff to learn & grow.

Seminar Series 1- FOHS: School of Nursing- NUS

Join us for the Faculty of Health Science Seminar Series, 2026 featuring Dr. Robert Fa’ataga, presenting on surgical site infections following spine surgery at TTMH.

📅 Wednesday, 22 April 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Aoa Conference Room

All are welcome!

Join us at the Lava Hotel tonight.

See you all there👏👏👏

📢Calling all Bachelor of Health Science students 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬

🤝Join us this evening at LAVA Hotel Samoa as our Bachelor of Health Science students host their very first Engagement Session with sponsors.

Come see how connections👐, opportunities🧑‍🔬, and your future in science 🧬 come together.

💉

゚

FOHS: School of Nursing- NUS