Humans Of The Islands - Dr Semisi Lolohea

Dr Semisi Lolohea

Tongan

General Surgeon, Colorectal Surgeon

I grew up in the Islands where I went to school and I was 17 years old when I moved to New Zealand. It was my first time outside of Tonga and it was quite daunting. My English wasn’t very good. I could have reasonable conversations with people but it was very hard for me adjusting in the first year.

And did you know at that time that you wanted to pursue a medical career?

Yeah I was always quite keen on doing medicine. I worked hard with my studies but it was challenging because of the language barrier. When I made it into Medicine school I could understand what they were talking about but asking questions and actually having a conversation with the Teacher was a struggle. Sometimes I wanted to answer questions but I was a bit embarrassed because I could not speak English properly. It remained a barrier even all throughout my career but over time I gained more confidence.

Can you describe your family background and what it was like for you growing up in Tonga?

I grew up on a small island called ‘Ofu which had a population of about 200 people. My family relied on money made from Copra and Fishing to get us through our education. Our parents worked hard in the plantations and fishing in the sea, and then sold what they could at the markets to pay for our school fees . Basically we were a poor family and we worked pretty hard.

Did you ever think that you would achieve the success you have today?

No, I didn’t actually know that I would get this far. I thought I’d try and get in to Medicine but if it didn’t work out then I’d just try and do something else. I’m very happy with where I am but it has been a lot of hard work and sacrifices made by my family. I got married very young during my training and we had to move around a lot – my wife and kids and I. So there were a lot of sacrifices but I’m thankful for how far I’ve come.

Who have been the most influential people in your life and why?

My parents, because of their struggle to give my siblings and I a better life. It made us strive and work harder for them. There was also my extended family – Aunties, Uncles, Grandparents, who were a huge influence on us. Back home you just go to school, go to church and that’s about it. I was lucky that my Mum and Dad supported me when I got the opportunity to go further. It’s not just hard work too, there was also luck. The opportunities came and I took them.

What would you say are your biggest achievements to date?

Getting in to Medical school was the biggest achievement because it started my career. After medical school I got selected to train as a General Surgeon. I lectured in Wellington for a year and then did further training to become a Colorectal surgeon – for that particular training program they only pick about 5 or 6 people from NZ and Australia every year. So I was lucky. Now I’m a General Surgeon and Colorectal Surgeon.

Do you get much recognition back home?

Well, last year I got given an order of Merit from the Tongan government because of the medical services I’ve provided back home. I’ve been visiting Tonga about twice a year for the last 5 years and I go and work at the hospital and also teach some practices to the local surgeons. Some of the patients who cannot be treated back home are sent to me in New Zealand and I either treat them myself or I organize another surgeon or medical professional to give them treatment.

What’s it like to go back home and give back to the people?

Giving back to the community where I grew up is one of the most satisfying things in my life. My family and I also take in a couple of patients every year who come from Tonga to New Zealand for treatment. We provide their food and accommodation free of charge for them while they are here which helps save some money for the Tongan government. I enjoy helping my people very much. I enjoy giving back to Tonga, it's where I got my start.