Te Reimana wasn't certain what his career path would be, but saw Health Sciences First Year as an option that could open up pathways into various healthcare professions.

I still wanted to pursue the health pathway, even after failing one of my Health Sciences First Year papers. I chose to major in Māori Health because being Māori myself, I believed that I would gain the knowledge and skills needed to improve healthcare delivery in Māori communities.
Te Reimana Parangi
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Māori Health), studying for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Health and biomedical sciences
Study health and biomedical sciences and transform the world around you. Learn from globally-renowned researchers and help shape the future of healthcare, medicine, flora and fauna. With flexibility to go deep into one subject, or combine areas of interest, Biomedical Sciences at Otago allows you to think big, be curious and follow your passions wherever they may lead.
Explore our subjects
Explore the world
“I volunteered at Camp America before starting university. This expanded my view of the world, especially the experience of going overseas by myself at such a young age. I believe that I gained a lot of skills, especially confidence and leadership skills, and I got to know who I was. Also, I met all sorts of people and worked alongside people with various special needs and disabilities.”
Student Exchange
Broaden your university experience by studying overseas at once of our 100+ exchange partner institutions around the world.
Exchange partner institutionsExpand your resume
“During university, I worked as a residential assistant (RA) at one of the colleges. I found the skills I gained at Camp America transferred well to the RA role. I was fortunate to further develop my leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and gain more confidence within myself.”
Accommodation
Leaving home is a big step and finding the right accommodation can make a real difference when it comes to settling in and feeling at home. Most first-year students live in one of our 15 residential colleges, which are located on or close to campus.
Explore accommodation
A new career path
“I'm now studying medicine. My plan for the future is to become a Māori doctor and contribute to our communities, especially Māori, and to be an inspiration for our young tauira. Even if they fail their first year.”
You might be interested in…

Life at Otago
At the University of Otago, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in student life and make the most of your unive...

Te Huka Mātauraka
A home away from home for students of Māori descent

Safety, support, community
Our campus communities and services are here to support you and make you feel at home
More stories
All stories
Aidan O’Malley
What learning environment do you thrive in? For Aidan, who studied for a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Theatre Studies, p...

Magdeline Huang
Prepare to unlock unlimited possibilities! For Magdeline, adding a minor in Entrepreneurship to her Computer Science maj...

Rosie Jerram
Otago’s diverse study options appealed to Rosie, who studied for a Bachelor of Commerce.

Ariana Cann
What if your career goals change? Ariana initially studied Anatomy at Otago. While she loved learning about the human bo...