Lance O'Sullivan
Dr. Lance O’Sullivan is a medical and community leader living and working in Kaitaia, a remote and challenged area of rural New Zealand. Lance is an accomplished author1, national and international public speaker, role model, disruptive leader and innovator. From a young boy labeled by society as a trouble maker Lance developed into a passionate advocate for Maori health and in 2014 was named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.
Lance made headlines in June 2012 when he left his former employer after a difference in patient philosophy; he believed in treating patients regardless of whether or not they could afford treatment. He left disillusioned with a system that failed to deliver the care needed for his patients and vowed to change the system for the better. Now ensconced in Northland, New Zealand Lance has set about making this happen. Harnessing the skills he acquired from his cultural heritage and medical training he and his wife Tracy established Navilluso Medical a healthcare company committing to developing innovative ways to ensure appropriate and quality health care reaches the right people at the right time in the right place.
Navilluso Medical established the MOKO (Manawa Ora, Korokoro Owa, “Healthy Heart, Healthy Throat”) programme in 2012, a school based service focused on preventing rheumatic fever (potentially fatal) in mainly Maori children in and around Kaitaia. Moving this project into the digital age Navilluso Medical is pioneering the use of disruptive and innovative health technologies bridging the gap in healthcare that exists for vulnerable communities in particular children. This programme iMOKO has its origins in rural Northland but has a vision of providing services to 300,000 across the country in the next 3 years (2019). iMOKO is currently in 25 schools, Kohanga Reo (Maori immersions language nests) and early childhood centres from Northland to Auckland
As mentioned not one to sit back Lance set about telling his story in his book, The Good Doctor. An honest and inspiring read for all ages.
In 2013 he established The MOKO Foundation a registered charitable trust that works to change the world starting with the Far North of NZ. His aim to support and empower communities with a particular focus on vulnerable children and young people with a particular interest in Education, Youth, Leadership and Health.
In recognition for his achievements, Lance was named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year 2014, received a Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award and Public Health Association Public Health Champion Award in 2013 and named TVNZ Maori of the Year 2012.
Dr Lance O’Sullivan a doctor, creator of revolutionary health programs, pioneer for equal health care in his community and champion for creating a fairer New Zealand. Charismatic and hardworking, making great contributions to healthcare in the Far North and further aboard whilst forging a path for our future leaders taking every opportunity to great heights.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/books/70508203/why-lance-osullivan-really-is-a-good-doctor
Abstracts this author is presenting: