Rate My Professor Nese Conway

Dr. Nese Ituaso Conway is a Senior Lecturer at the Va’a o Tautai – Centre for Pacific Health, Otago Medical School, University of Otago, where she also holds the position of Acting Co-Deputy Director alongside Talai Nabalagi. Originally from Tuvalu, she was one of the first Tuvaluan females to graduate as a medical doctor. Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Master of Public Health (MPH), Diploma in Public Health and Community (DPHC), and Postgraduate Diploma in Health Service Management (PGDHSM). Before joining the University of Otago, Dr. Conway served in prominent roles in Tuvalu, including Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister and Director of Public Health. She possesses extensive regional experience and networks in the Pacific, spanning healthcare, climate change, labour mobility schemes, and good governance. Her background in health services management informs her current contributions to health community education and addressing emerging burdens of disease in the Pacific region.

In her current roles, Dr. Conway leads the delivery of the Pacific Health curriculum at the Otago Medical School, collaborating with educators from other campuses to ensure comprehensive teaching. She actively supports and promotes the development of Pacific health research and services, engaging with students and Pacific communities both in New Zealand and across the region. Her scholarly output includes several peer-reviewed publications focused on public health issues in Pacific Island nations. Notable works are: Emont et al. (2017), 'Epidemiological investigation of a diarrhea outbreak in the South Pacific island nation of Tuvalu during a severe La Niña-associated drought emergency in 2011,' published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene; Asher et al. (2017), 'Global Asthma Network survey suggests more national asthma strategies could reduce burden of asthma,' in Allergologia et Immunopathologia; Lan et al. (2015), 'Dermatological disorders in Tuvalu between 2009 and 2012,' in Molecular Medicine Reports; Gass et al. (2012), 'A multicenter evaluation of diagnostic tools to define endpoints for programs to eliminate Bancroftian Filariasis,' in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases; and Massey et al. (2011), 'Ten years on: Highlights and challenges of directly observed treatment short-course as the recommended TB control strategy in four Pacific Island nations,' in Journal of Rural & Tropical Public Health. Through her teaching leadership and research, Dr. Conway enhances understanding of Pacific health challenges and strengthens academic-community partnerships.