10:05 am today

The award-winning doctor fighting for fairness in our healthcare system

From Nine To Noon, 10:05 am today
Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri

Photo: Supplied by Jamie-Lee Rahiri

Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri is on a mission to tackle inequities in the health care system.  A third-year general surgery trainee at North Shore Hospital, Dr Rahiri is researching Māori experiences of healthcare, including the impacts of bariatric - or weight-loss - surgery. From Tokoroa, Jamie-Lee shifted to Auckland, gaining a medical degree in 2014. She then completed a PhD in Māori experiences of weight loss surgery. She has recently been awarded two prestigious prizes: the John Corboy medal - which is the highest honour a surgical trainee receives from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and last month, she was named the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellow for Aotearoa New Zealand in 2025. Jamie-Lee Rahiri speaks to Kathryn.