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Some people like the glamour of city life, and many expect doctors to have that glamour, but this doctor does not have it.
Nick Giblin, an iTaukei doctor from New Zealand, said his lifesaving career was a “journey of a lifetime”.
Born in Hamilton, New Zealand, to Fijian parents, his life journey began with a harmonious blend of two different cultures.
“My father’s family is Fijian. My mother’s family is from the east coast of New Zealand,” Dr Giblin said.
“My parents were both primary school teachers and they met at Auckland Teachers College because my father won a scholarship to go to Auckland from Suva.
“They met, got married and then returned to live in Fiji.”
Their love story transcended geographical boundaries and returned to Fiji where they began their shared journey as teachers at Ratu Kadavulevu School.
“When I was born, my mother returned to New Zealand, which was very useful for me because I became a citizen of both countries from then on.
“But then we came back and I grew up in Suva. We lived in Munikau.”
From his time at Suva Grammar School to the warmth of community gatherings, every moment left an indelible memory in his heart. However, fate had more adventures in store for him.
The migration of his parents to Watukora was a turning point in Dr. Jiblin’s life.
“Because they moved to Watukora, they sent me to boarding school in Auckland for two years.
“We’ll visit them during the holidays.”
He enjoyed his time at boarding school and the holiday trips filled him with nostalgia.
For many people, inspiration strikes at unexpected moments and profoundly impacts the trajectory of their lives. Dr. Giblin recalls his first medical emergency, the day his brother sought treatment for a hand injury.
“I remember my first impression of the medical field was when my brother went to the doctor to get his hand stitched.
“My brother accidentally cut his hand and we went to see a doctor named Malani.
“I remember feeling so sick, like I was going to throw up, as I watched Dr. Malani stitch him up.
“But when I watched him more closely, I realized this looked like something I’d like to do in the future.”
The idea of being able to mend what is broken and restore wholeness touched him deeply, igniting a spark of desire in his young heart. Conversations with Dr. Malani further fueled his curiosity about the multifaceted nature of the medical profession and the profound impact it can have on the lives of others.
“So, I guess that’s my inspiration.
“A few years later, I went to university and was offered the Ratu Kamisese Mara position at Otago Medical School.”
Although he initially planned to return to Fiji quickly after graduating from university, fate had other plans and led him on a path of service and growth in New Zealand.
After a short break, Dr Giblin returned to Fiji and spent two years serving the community in Watukora.
However, the call of further training called him again, pushing him back to the shores of New Zealand.
“I came back for a while, worked in Watukora for two years, then decided to return to New Zealand for more training.
“I left New Zealand because I was invited to join a primary care GP practice and I told myself ‘I’ll do that for a few years’ but within a few years I was building my career.”
He eventually graduated from Otago University Medical School in 1986.
Year after year, and decades after decades, he dedicated himself to his patients, earning a reputation as a compassionate and skilled physician.
Among the many chapters of his career, his involvement in a Christchurch clinic was a defining moment that embodied the essence of culturally-centred health care and community-focused services.
“The decision to set up this clinic was made in consultation with Pacific Islanders in Christchurch, with the aim of creating a Pacific culturally specific, family-centred clinic.
“So the clinic is led by Pacific families and provides an integrated health service.
“Integrated care is care where everyone is involved, not just the doctor, but there’s a great team of nurses and all these other people to help you.
“These people are called health coaches and GPs and they are all about helping people who are going through social issues.
“This is great for the people of Christchurch.
“This clinic has contributed to my medical career over many years, but for me it is the crowning moment.”
This holistic approach has achieved remarkable results and resonated deeply with a diverse group of people in Christchurch.
The doctor’s commitment to improving healthcare extends beyond medical facilities, and he has actively worked to address the underlying social determinants that have led to the increase in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Fiji.
“There are many barriers in Fiji that prevent people from accessing health services and there are barriers that prevent people from changing their lifestyles.
“In today’s modern society, it is very difficult to change one’s lifestyle, especially in Fiji where we have gone from a completely plant-based diet to an unhealthy one and it is difficult to go back.
“We are working with the doctors at Christ Church right now to try to resolve this.”
For Dr. Giblin, it was time to return to his native Fiji, give back to the community where he grew up, and rediscover the simple pleasures of island life. Amid the tranquil shores and azure waters, he imagined spending his days fishing, connecting with nature, and immersing himself in his country’s vibrant culture.
“Now it’s time to return to Fiji and contribute to the community.
“But also thinking about the part of life where I can spend my days in Fiji, relax and go fishing.”
“Maybe there’s work to be done here in the medical field.”
In considering his return to Fiji, Dr Giblin also felt compelled to share his insights and experiences with the next generation of aspiring medical professionals.
“This job is not easy, and getting into this position is not easy.
“I think the biggest barrier facing the Fijian people is access to Fiji.
“To say, ‘Yes, I want to do this, to have a career in the medical field where I can find fulfillment in giving back or helping my family, friends and community,’ we have to be dedicated and work hard.
“The most important thing is meeting academic standards.”
“Go to school, study, and work hard.”
As he prepares to begin a new chapter, Dr. Giblin leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion and dedication to benefiting others. He was a physician for more than 30 years.
“My career in primary health care began in Fiji and I moved into full-time GP practice in Dunedin a few months ago. I am the Chairman of the Board of Etu Pasifika Ltd in Christchurch.
“Simple things can make the biggest difference.”
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