Some people like the allure of city life and many would expect that from a doctor, but not this doctor.

Nick Giblin, a physician from New Zealand with iTaukei origins says his literal lifesaving career has been a ‘journey of a lifetime’.

Born to Fijian parents in  Hamilton, New Zealand, his journey commenced with the harmonious intersection of two distinct cultures.

“My father’s family is Fijian. My mother’s family is from the East Coast of New Zealand,” Dr Giblin says.

“My parents were both primary school teachers and met at teachers’ college in Auckland because my father got a scholarship to go from Suva to Auckland.

“They met and got married and then they came back to live in Fiji.”

Their love story transcended geographical boundaries, leading them back to Fiji where they embarked on a shared journey as teachers at Ratu Kadavulevu School.

“When it was time for me to be born, my mother went back to New Zealand, and that was quite useful to me because then I became a citizen of two countries.

“But then we came back, and I grew up in Suva. We lived in Muanikau.”

From his educational pursuits at Suva Grammar School to the warmth of community gatherings, each moment etched indelible memories in his heart. Yet, destiny had more adventures in store.

The relocation of his parents to Vatukola marked a pivotal juncture in Dr Giblin’s odyssey.

“Because as they moved to Vatukola, they sent me to boarding school in Auckland for two years.

“And we would come and visit them on the holidays.”

He enjoyed his time in boarding school and his holiday trips were marked with great nostalgia.

For many, inspiration strikes in unexpected moments, shaping the trajectory of their lives in profound ways. Recalling his first brush with a medical emergency, Dr Giblin reminisces about 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 up.

“My brother had cut his hand accidentally and we went to a doctor called Dr Malani.

“I remember feeling sick, like I would vomit, just watching Dr Malani stitch him up.

“But as I watched him closely, I realised that looks like something I would want to do in the future.”

The notion of being able to mend the broken and restore wholeness resonated deeply, igniting a spark of aspiration within his young heart. Engaging in conversation with Dr Malani further fuelled his curiosity, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of the medical profession and the profound impact it carries in the lives of others.

“So, I guess that was my inspiration.

“And years after that I went to university as I was offered the Ratu Kamisese Mara Position at the Otago Medical School.”

Despite initial intentions of returning to Fiji swiftly after university, fate had other plans guiding him on a path of service and growth in New Zealand.

A brief interlude saw Dr Giblin’s return to Fiji, where he dedicated two years to serving the community in Vatukola.

Yet, the call to further his training beckoned once again, propelling him back to New Zealand’s shores.

“I came back for a while, I worked in Vatukola for two years, and then decided to go back to New Zealand to do more training.

“Then I ended staying there in New Zealand, because I was asked to join a primary care general practice as a doctor and I told myself ‘I would do it for a few years’ but few came and went, and I began to build my profession.”

Eventually, in 1986, he graduated from medical school at the University of Otago.

Years turned into decades as he devoted himself wholeheartedly to his patients, building a reputation as a compassionate and skilled practitioner.

Among the many chapters of his career, his involvement in a clinic in Christchurch stands out as a defining moment, embodying the essence of culturally centered healthcare and community-focused service.

“This clinic, after consultations with the Pacific people in Christchurch, was designed to set up a clinic that has the Pacific cultural aspect and one that is family centre focused.

“So, this clinic is led by Pacific families that provides a type of medical care that is an integrated effort.

“An integrated effort is a care where everybody is involved, not just doctor focused, but a great team of nurses and all these other people all helping you out.

“These people called health coaches and these general practitioners and more, are all there, to help people navigate with people who are going through social issues.

“And that is working very well for the people of Christchurch.

“This clinic came years in my medical career but for me it was the highlight.”

This holistic approach has yielded remarkable results, resonating deeply with the diverse population of Christchurch.

The doctor’s commitment to improving healthcare extends beyond the confines of medical facilities, as he actively engages in addressing the underlying social determinants contributing to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Fiji.

“There are a lot of barriers here in Fiji, that stop people from accessing health services but there are also barriers that prevent people from changing their lifestyle.

“And changing someone’s lifestyle in this modern world is difficult especially in Fiji, where we transitioned from having full plant-based diet to unhealthy dishes and it becomes hard to turn back.

“We are working hard on this issue right now, with our doctors in Christ church with that one.”

For Dr Giblin, the time has come to return to his roots in Fiji, to give back to the community that shaped his formative years and to rediscover the simple joys of island life. Amidst the tranquil shores and azure waters, he envisions days spent fishing, connecting with nature, and immersing himself in the vibrant culture of his homeland.

“It’s time to come back to Fiji and give back something to the community.

“But also looking at the part of life, where I can spend my days in Fiji, relax and go fishing.”

“Maybe do a little bit of work in the medical field here.”

In contemplating his return to Fiji, Dr Giblin also feels compelled to share his insights and experiences with the next generation of aspiring medical professionals.

“The work is not easy and getting in is not easy.

“I think the biggest barriers that people here in Fiji face is the access getting in.

“To say ‘yeah I want to do this and have a job in the medical field that helps me find satisfaction in giving back or helping out my family, my friends and my community’ we have got to apply ourselves and work hard.

“The greatest among those is getting that academic standard.”

“Go to school, learn and work hard.”

As he prepares to embark on this new chapter, Dr Giblin leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication to the betterment of others. He has served as a doctor for more than 30 years

“I started my primary health care career in Fiji and until a few months ago worked full time as a General Practitioner in Dunedin. I am chair(person) of the Board of Etu Pasifika Ltd in Christchurch.

“It’s the simple things that can make the biggest differences.”