We’re all about shining a light on real people who make a real impact. And sometimes it’s the quiet, tireless work that shapes communities. Healthcare is one of those spaces where dedication rarely pauses, and where the human stories matter as much as the statistics.
That’s why I Am A Doctor feels so significant, especially as we seek out more connection and meaning in this digital age. This powerful short-form documentary series celebrates the essential care, support and expertise that Resident Doctors (or Resident Medical Officers/RMOs) provide across New Zealand’s health sector.
RMOs are an integral part of our hospitals and healthcare. They’re highly qualified medical practitioners who dedicate years to mastering their craft in a wide range of specialties, including General Practice, Psychiatry, Surgery and Oncology.
With approximately 3,500 RMOs active in New Zealand, and at a time when many are lost to Australia, they are the backbone of our healthcare system. Each RMO brings 7-13 years of postgraduate training on top of their six years of medical school, often at considerable personal sacrifice. They are committed to serving in our hospitals, GP clinics and specialist facilities, despite the mentally demanding and physically exhausting nature of it all.
The I Am A Doctor series features a diverse range of personal stories sharing the experiences, drive and dedication of RMOs across the country:
In Hamilton’s NICU, Nina Luo navigates the delicate balance of caring for vulnerable newborns while reassuring anxious parents. Her journey is enriched by her personal duty as a mother, affording her a deeper sense of meaning, empathy and understanding in her work. “We really do sacrifice the best years of our life to eventually become a specialist,” says Nina. “NICU can be a confronting and emotional place, and it’s my job as a doctor to stay clear-headed, to see the bigger picture and help parents make the best decisions for their babies. Life is precious, and that’s what drives me. Every single day going to work, I know that I’m making a huge difference to someone’s life. I can do a lot more things in this field than I could ever have imagined.”
Kat Foster’s role in Christchurch’s ICU reflects her belief that doctors do their best healing while fueled by their drive for human connection. Her work sees patients through critical and often harrowing moments, while drawing strength and resilience from her own experience of loss and the support of fellow colleagues. “In intensive care and in medicine in general, we’re healers first, and the most valuable thing we can give our patients is time,” says Kat. “The specialty I’ve chosen has 50% night shifts. You miss sleep, you ask your adrenaline and cortisol to keep you running at 4 o’clock in the morning to do strange things it’s not supposed to do. In ICU, you’re the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. We look after anyone who’s having the worst day of their life… basically, the sickest of the sick, and we help them back from the edge.”
In Taranaki, Dr. Leah Porima has stepped into her first year as a GP trainee, balancing demanding study with the realities of full-time practice. Inspired by the care she once received as a teenager, she’s now focused on building the same kind of long-term, supportive relationships with her own patients. “What I really like about general practice is being able to form relationships with your patients and follow them through a journey from diagnosis to treatment and post treatment,” says Leah. “You get to know your patient as a person outside of their medical condition. I finally feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be in my medical career. There are so many different options and such an incredible opportunity to give back to my community.”
“RMOs are crucial for the future of healthcare in New Zealand,” says New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association President Rosa Tobin Stickings. “They’re actively shaping patient care every day. Their knowledge, expertise and acts of service can make a huge impact in someone’s life, often at the most difficult moments. We invite the public to view these documentaries on the I Am A Doctor website and leave messages of support for the RMOs working tirelessly for the safety and well-being of New Zealanders.”
While public discussion often centres on the pressures facing the healthcare system, these stories highlight the dedication, skill and positive impact of this essential workforce. The I Am A Doctor series can be viewed at www.iamadoctor.nz.