“I chose Tairāwhiti because I was looking for a small critical care unit where I could share my knowledge and make a difference in a region that needs it,” he said.
“Equity of care is an area of interest for me and I’m keen to learn about the challenges in critical care here and how I can help.
“If I can support the team to build capacity and keep more critical patients here closer to whānau rather than transferring them to larger hospitals, then I’ll be achieving my goal.”
Anne Aitcheson, Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti interim lead for hospital and specialist services, said the team is excited by the learning opportunities provided by having
Dr Shah here.
“This is an opportunity for our excellent nursing and medical staff to learn new skills from someone at the top of their scope,” she said.
Dr Shah was born in Florida and grew up a short drive from surfer Kelly Slater’s childhood home.
Although he did not know the multiple world champion surfer personally, it was not unusual to
be at social occasions and surfing with other renown professional surfers such as Damian and CJ Hobgood.
“Being somewhere near the surf was definitely an aim for me and I’m keen to get out there whenever possible.”
