BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has farewelled Australian medical academic Dr Rosalie Schultz after a year of service helping to strengthen postgraduate medical training and laying the groundwork for the university’s planned School of Medicine.
According to a SINU statement yesterday, Schultz joined SINU’s Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences in June 2025 through Australian Volunteers International.
“She coordinates the 18-month Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Generalist Medicine, which trains junior doctors to work in rural and remote communities across Solomon Islands,” the statement said.
Speaking during a farewell ceremony at SINU’s Kukum campus, Faculty Dean Dr Humphress Harrington praised Schultz for her commitment to improve medical education.
“It has been encouraging to witness Dr. Schultz’s enthusiasm and dedication to ensuring that the junior doctors enrolled in this programme receive high-quality training and develop the skills needed to serve our rural communities effectively,” Harrington said.
He said Schultz visited all nine provincial hospitals, producing detailed reports on the conditions and challenges facing each facility, as well as recommendations to support the establishment of SINU’s future School of Medicine.
“Her work has laid an important foundation for the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences as we move towards establishing the School of Medicine. Based on her recommendations, the faculty plans to appoint its first Head of School and Head of Department before the end of 2026,” he said.
He said although Schultz has returned to Alice Springs, Australia, her contribution will continue to benefit the university.
“We will greatly miss Dr Schultz. She has been an integral part of our team over the past 12 months, and we look forward to maintaining a close professional relationship with her in the future,” he said.
In her farewell remarks, Dr. Schultz said improving healthcare services in the provinces remains a priority, noting that many health facilities require major repairs and upgrades.
She said provinces continue to face different healthcare challenges and stressed the importance of strengthening health service delivery to meet local needs.
Schultz also thanked SINU for the opportunity to serve and said she would gladly return to the Solomon Islands if another opportunity arose in the future.
“The Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Generalist Medicine is designed to equip junior medical doctors with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver quality healthcare in rural and remote communities throughout the country,” the SINU statement said.
Photo credit: SINU
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