ABOUT US

At a meeting in 2000, members of three indigenous doctors organizations identified both need and interest in bringing together indigenous doctors from throughout the Pacific. It was envisioned as a forum for mutual support and for the sharing of resources and expertise. As many of our communities face similar challenges, it was felt that we had much to learn from, and to teach, one another. A formal organization was also considered that would serve to influence public health policies that affect indigenous communities, and would provide a mechanism to attract and manage resources for future PRIDoC activities.

An organizing committee began planning the first Pacific Region Indigenous Doctors Congress (PRIDoC). Core organizing members have been representatives of:

•   'Ahahui o nā Kauka (Association of Native Hawaiian Physicians)   www.kauka.org
•      Te Ora-Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa (Maori Medical Practitioners Association of Aotearoa)  www.teora.maori.nz
•    AIDA (Australian Indigenous Doctors association)  www.aida.org.au
•      IPAC (Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada)  www.ipac-amic.org
•     AAIP (Association of American Indian Physicians)  www.aaip.org
•       PBMA (Pacific Basin Medical Association)  www.pbma-pac.org

With the support of Eli Lilly and Company, the international organizing committee set about planning for the first Congress and the establishment of a representative entity for the indigenous doctors associations of the Pacific region.

The inaugural Pacific Region Indigenous Doctors Congress was held in Honolulu, Hawai'i from May 29 to June 2, 2002 and was hosted by 'Ahahui o nā Kauka (Association of Native Hawaiian Physicians). There were 120 physicians and healthcare workers in attendance from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the continental US, Palau, Pohnpei, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Guam and, of course, Hawai'i.

The next Congress was in Cairns, Queensland, Australia from 31st May to the 2nd of June 2004, hosted by the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA). There were over 200 attendees.

The third PRIDoC was held in Rotorua, Aotearoa (New Zealand) from the 6th through the 10th of December 2006. The hosts were Te Ora (Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa), the Maori Medical Practitioners of Aotearoa. Again, over 200 doctors and healthcare providers attended. At that gathering, bylaws and a constitution were drafted, reviewed and accepted, marking the official formation of the Pacific Region Indigenous Doctors Congress. Membership is available to all organizing or steering committee delegations.

All of the past congresses have proven to be exciting and inspirational. Cultural exchange and the ensuing relationships are highlights of each meeting. We continue to learn, teach and inspire one another.

'Ahahui o nā Kauka is proud to host the 4th Pacific Region Indigenous Doctors Congress which will be held from June 10-15th, 2008 at Waimea, on the Island of Kaua'i, Hawai'i. Come join us… hele mai….