Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon
The University of Otago has launched a new brand. Find out more

Contact Details

Email
vanda.symon@otago.ac.nz
Position
Associate Dean Pacific (Pharmacy) and Research Fellow
Qualifications
BPharm(Hons) PG Cert Pharm Research PhD
Research summary
Health services research into dementia for aged Pacific people
Memberships
Te Tītoki Mataora Health Tech Capability Programme Executive

Research

My research areas look into health services research for Pacific people and their families in access to medicines, and also into dementia.

My current research is researching the feasibility of developing a dementia app for aged pacific people, their whānau and caregivers.

I am a Fijian New Zealander and research that can improve the health outcomes of Pacific people is of vital importance to me.

Additional details

Dr Vanda Symon is a Research Fellow with expertise in science communication, working with Pacific families managing age-related cognitive impairment. Vanda has worked in community and palliative care pharmacy, including pharmacy ownership.

While raising two sons, Vanda embarked on a career in crime fiction before returning to university to complete her PhD and discover the pleasure of research.

Publications

Symon, V. (2022, November). Engagement in Pasifika health and MedTech research. Verbal presentation at the Bioengineering@Otago Showcase, [Online]. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Symon, V., Nada-Raja, S., Sopoaga, F., Sopoaga, L., Norris, P., Ruhe, T., Kokaua, J., Richards, R., … Isno, L., George, M., Iosua, E., & Keown, S. (2022, November). The show must go on: Research in a time of COVID. Verbal presentation at the COVID-19’s Impact on Teaching and Learning at the University of Otago: Lessons Learned Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Symon, V., Richards, R., Norris, P., Mapusua, T., & Hale, L. (2021). The needs of Pacific families affected by age-related cognitive impairment in New Zealand: Interviews with providers from health-care organisations. Journal of Primary Health Care, 13(4), 317-322. doi: 10.1071/hc21082 Journal - Research Article

Symon, V., Norris, P., Richards, R., & Mapusua, T. (2021). Metaphorically speaking: Exploring the needs of Pacific families affected by age-related cognitive impairment. New Zealand Medical Journal, 134(1539), (pp. 90). Retrieved from https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Kumpula, E.-K., Richards, R., Norris, P., Symon, V., & Pomerleau, A. C. (2021). A retrospective analysis of calls to the New Zealand National Poisons Centre regarding Pacific patients. New Zealand Medical Journal, 134(1528), 26-34. Retrieved from https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal Journal - Research Article

Back to top