Dr Maelen Tagelagi, a general practitioner based in Auckland has been awarded a Community Service Medal by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.
A Community Service Medal recognises members of the College who have made an outstanding contribution to general practice through work in their communities.
Dr Tagelagi is one of five GPs who founded Health New Lynn in 2013, (an amalgamation of four general practices) that currently serves over 18,000 patients. By creating one centre for the people of New Lynn and the surrounding areas, patients have access to a wide range of services all under one roof.
Dr Samantha Murton, College President says, “Dr Tagelagi is an asset to the New Lynn community.
“His contributions to improving community health, supporting doctors during their training, and advocating for general practice is admirable.
“He is seen as a leader within his practice and has worked to provide his community with valuable mental health initiatives and addiction services.”
He has also supported the education and training of many general practice registrars.
Dr Tagelagi served on the advisory board for the bowel screening pilot in West Auckland, the first in the country, and has been an active member of the ProCare Primary Health Organisation (PHO) Quality Committee. ProCare is New Zealand’s largest cooperative of GPs, nurses and general practice teams providing community healthcare to over 800,000 people across the Auckland region.