Jessica Tater

Kia ora, my name is Jess Tater and I'm a third-year Medical Student at the University of Otago with the dream of working for Doctors without Borders. I am passionate about research, education, and outreach. 

I am currently the elected Otago University Medical Students Association's Education Officer Internal. In this role, I work within the Executive to support students with all their academic needs. I organise our 'Study Buddy' tutorials, chair the Education Committee with student representatives and staff, and provide welfare support. 

Alongside my degree, I have also received the Dunedin Medical School Dean's scholarship to conduct a research project about Medical Education with the goal of being published in an academic journal and presenting at a conference. Next year I will be undertaking an Honour's Project about Intermittent Fasting with Continuous Glucose Monitoring. 

Part-time, I am a PASS facilitator for Cell and Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry for first-year students and also tutor NCEA students with Ignition tutoring. I love playing the bass guitar and singing and have done so in many jazz combos, concert bands, chamber choirs, cultural festivals, and most recently in the Med Revue band. 

I am passionate about playing basketball and tennis and attending weekly Salsa classes. I love exploring Aotearoa with a highlight being a 10-day tramp in Stewart Island earlier this year. This coming Summer I am travelling to India for five weeks and can't wait! 

Through the Pinnacle Programme, I have had the wonderful opportunity of being onboard the Spirit of Adventure where I got the unique experience of being the Navigator on Trainee Day. As part of Stage 2, I rafted for 8 amazing days down Te Waiau Toa with Outward Bound (as I had already completed the 21-day Mind, Body, Soul course back in High School). I've also completed the work experience component through volunteering in a rest home as part of my Medical School placement.  

I am beyond grateful for the Pinnacle Programme and the positive impact it continues to have on my life! 

"Don't be afraid to fail, be excited to succeed- you know you've reached success when you've tried your best."