Professor Ifereimi Waqainabete Represents Pacific Islands Surgical Association and University of Fiji at Prestigious RACS Conference

Professor Ifereimi Waqainabete, President of the Pacific Islands Surgical Association (PISA), proudly represented both PISA and the University of Fiji at the recent Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Annual Scientific Conference (ASC), one of the most prestigious gatherings in the field of surgery in the region.

PISA, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, was originally established with the support of RACS and comprises members from across the Pacific—many of whom are graduates of the Master of Medicine in Surgery programs offered by the University of Papua New Guinea and the Fiji National University.

For the past three consecutive years, Professor Waqainabete has been a prominent voice for the Pacific at the ASC, where he has delivered invited presentations and participated in expert panels on critical issues related to surgery and global health. His contributions have continuously highlighted the role of the University of Fiji in advancing surgical education and regional health outcomes.

The Pacific Islands Surgical Association is also preparing for its own conference in October this year. This event will bring together surgeons from across the Pacific, Australasia, and beyond—providing a unique platform for academic exchange and professional collaboration. The University of Fiji sees this as a valuable opportunity to further strengthen its engagement with regional medical professionals and promote innovation in surgical care.

The Vice Chancellor of UniFiji Professor Shaista Shameem said that Professor Waqainabete’s contributions to such forums shows the University’s leading role as a think tank and advocacy in the varied medical fields in Fiji and the region, with far reaching influence due to the seniority of its lecturers in medicine and health science