When Dr Chun-yen Wu applied to practise surgery in Aotearoa New Zealand, he retrieved a folder he had kept for years in South Africa. It contained assessments, feedback and records from his surgical training. “I never thought I would use it again,” he says.

The folder became central to his application. His training records and verified operative logbooks helped RACS assess his experience and competence, first for vocational registration and later through its Specialist Assessment Pathway to Fellowship.

Seven years on, Dr Wu sits on the RACS Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee, where he brings firsthand experience to the IMG (International Medical Graduate) portfolio and advocates for fair assessment of internationally trained specialists. "I understand what is expected of an Australasian-qualified surgeon. As Fellows we are obligated to ensure standards are maintained."

His own experience also gives him an understanding of the challenges applicants face. "Sometimes it's the terminology used that's different," he says. A surgeon trained overseas may describe a skill or a stage of their career differently, and unfamiliar terminology can be misread as a gap in training when it is not.

Originally from Taiwan, Dr Wu grew up in Ficksburg, South Africa. He would then go on to study medicine and train in General Surgery in Bloemfontein, University of the Free State. His interest began with anatomy. "I remember many students didn’t particularly like dissection, but I just had a liking for it and would often take my atlas and go to the anatomy museum to look at the samples.” 

His first clinical placement, in General Surgery, confirmed his choice. "I really admired the decisiveness of surgeons and wanting to get the job done no matter the challenges. Having observed how surgeon’s go about their work, I quickly realised having a sound knowledge of anatomy was non-negotiable. Equally important was observing the surgeon’s dexterity and careful handling of tissue, which left a lasting impression. Surgery is in a lot of aspects a reflection of one’s work and when done well is both rewarding and humbling." He went on to specialise in General Surgery and pursue an interest in upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.

Years later, with two young children, Dr Wu and his wife decided to move to Aotearoa New Zealand after a former classmate, already living there, encouraged him to consider it. That experience of the Pathway to Vocational Registration left him with practical advice for other international medical graduates: keep good records and documentation of your training and experience. 

"I can't emphasise that enough. When you get to the interview, all the College has is the documentation you provide. They don't really know you and are not obliged to assume comparability if certain records are missing. Having verified operative logbooks including having credible referees are essential."

Working in Rotorua also changed the way he practises. Caring for Māori patients taught him the importance of whānau in decisions about treatment. "You don't always have to operate. Sometimes it's about getting the family together, explaining what needs to be done and giving them the options. If they'd rather not proceed, you have to respect that."

For Dr Wu, unequal access to healthcare often comes down to everyday barriers—a patient's job, income or circumstances can determine how easily they see a doctor at all. He believes surgeons need to look beyond the immediate problem. "Patients don't just come in with a diabetic foot infection. They often have uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension including cardiac comorbidities. You might not provide their primary care, but you can get the ball rolling."

That thinking extends into the community. Dr Wu and his colleagues take bowel-screening information directly to the community. "We tell them, this test you do in the toilet could save your life, and it's simple to do," he says, adding that participation has since improved. The team also runs weekly clinics and endoscopy lists in Taupō. He has helped establish upper GI surgery in Rotorua, so patients no longer need to travel too far for treatment. "Travel can be stressful for patients and many would prefer to have their care locally."

Becoming a Fellow of RACS marked another turning point. "It feels in a way I have come full circle, now that I know I am officially part of the RACS surgical community. I will always be grateful for what South Africa did for me, but Aotearoa New Zealand is home now. "

Having recently assumed the head of department role, Dr Wu is also focused on the next generation of surgeons. “No matter the upheaval in healthcare, we should not forget our Trainees. We, as surgeons, have a duty to pass on our skills to the next generation. Because these are the colleagues who might be looking after us one day.”

Research is part of that responsibility. Dr Wu supervises students and Trainees on their research projects. "Good quality research is the only way you measure whether you're still doing the right thing. You have to measure yourself against international standards."

Next year, he hopes to work with an aspiring surgical Trainee comparing traditional laparoscopic and endoscopic anti-reflux procedures. It is another chance to bring together the things that have come to define his journey in Aotearoa New Zealand: training, maintain standards, governance and better patient care.