Top Medical Professionals in Papua New Guinea

Dr. Sarah Taman is a pioneering psychiatrist who has transformed mental healthcare in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining her medical degree from UPNG, she completed specialist training in Australia with a focus on cross-cultural psychiatry.

Dr. Taman established the first community-based mental health program that integrates traditional healing practices with evidence-based psychiatric care. She has trained over 100 community health workers in mental health first aid and basic counseling techniques.

Her work has significantly reduced the stigma associated with mental illness in the communities she serves. Dr. Taman has developed culturally appropriate assessment tools that are now used throughout the country and has advocated successfully for the inclusion of mental health in primary care services.

• Established 8 community mental health centers
• Developed the first Tok Pisin mental health assessment tool
• Successfully advocated for mental health legislation reform

Dr. Robert Matanga is a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon known for his innovative approaches to trauma care in resource-limited settings. He completed his medical degree at UPNG and received specialist training in orthopedic surgery in New Zealand.

Dr. Matanga has developed low-cost external fixation devices and surgical techniques specifically designed for the Papua New Guinean context. He regularly conducts surgical workshops across the country to train doctors in essential orthopedic procedures.

He established the national trauma registry that has provided valuable data for injury prevention programs. Dr. Matanga has also worked with traditional healers to improve initial management of fractures before patients reach medical facilities.

• Designed 3 low-cost orthopedic devices now used nationwide
• Established the national trauma registry system
• Reduced complications from fractures by 45% in participating health centers

Dr. Maria Philip is a leading ophthalmologist who has dedicated her career to eliminating preventable blindness in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining her medical degree from UPNG, she completed specialist training in Australia and then returned to serve her country.

Dr. Philip established the national cataract surgery program that has restored sight to thousands of Papua New Guineans. She developed a network of eye care nurses who provide screening and basic treatment in remote communities.

Her research on tropical eye diseases has been published in international journals and has influenced treatment protocols throughout the Pacific region. Dr. Philip has successfully secured ongoing funding for eye care services through partnerships with international NGOs.

• Performed over 5,000 cataract surgeries
• Established vision screening programs in 200+ schools
• Reduced prevalence of trachoma by 70% in target provinces

Dr. John Wiak is a highly respected physician with extensive experience in internal medicine. He completed his medical degree at UPNG and received further training in Australia before returning to Papua New Guinea to serve his community.

Dr. Wiak has played a key role in developing treatment guidelines for non-communicable diseases that have become increasingly prevalent in PNG. He established the first dedicated diabetes clinic in the Highlands region and has trained numerous healthcare workers in chronic disease management.

He has been instrumental in establishing telehealth services that connect rural health centers with specialists at major hospitals. Dr. Wiak's research on hypertension patterns in different ethnic groups has contributed to more targeted prevention programs.

• Established 10 chronic disease management clinics
• Developed the national diabetes management protocol
• Implemented telehealth services in 15 rural hospitals

Dr. Grace Maraga is a public health specialist who has made significant contributions to health policy and planning in Papua New Guinea. She completed her medical degree at UPNG and obtained a Master of Public Health from the University of Sydney.

Dr. Maraga played a key role in developing the National Health Plan 2021-2030 and has led numerous successful health promotion campaigns. She established the health monitoring and evaluation system that tracks progress toward national health targets.

Her work in health systems strengthening has improved drug supply chains, health workforce distribution, and health facility management. Dr. Maraga has represented PNG at international health forums and has secured funding for major health initiatives from development partners.

• Led development of the National Health Plan 2021-2030
• Secured $50M in funding for health system strengthening
• Reduced vaccine stockouts by 80% through improved supply chain management

Dr. David Simoi is a specialist in emergency medicine who has revolutionized trauma care in Papua New Guinea. After completing his medical degree at UPNG, he pursued advanced training in emergency medicine in Australia.

Dr. Simoi developed the first standardized emergency response protocols for PNG and established the emergency medicine training program for doctors and nurses. He introduced triage systems that have significantly improved patient outcomes in busy emergency departments.

He has been instrumental in establishing medical retrieval services that transport critically ill patients from remote areas to tertiary hospitals. Dr. Simoi's work in disaster preparedness has strengthened PNG's capacity to respond to natural disasters and mass casualty incidents.

• Established the first emergency medicine training program in PNG
• Developed national emergency response protocols
• Reduced emergency department mortality by 30% through improved triage

Dr. Ruth Konio is Papua New Guinea's first locally trained dermatologist. After obtaining her medical degree from UPNG, she completed specialized training in dermatology through a partnership program with Australian universities.

Dr. Konio has focused on treating tropical skin diseases that are prevalent in PNG, including fungal infections, parasitic infestations, and skin manifestations of systemic diseases. She established the first dedicated dermatology clinic at Port Moresby General Hospital.

Her research on traditional skin treatments has led to the integration of effective traditional remedies with modern dermatological care. Dr. Konio has trained health workers across the country in recognizing and managing common skin conditions.

• Established the first dermatology department in PNG
• Developed treatment guidelines for 20+ tropical skin diseases
• Integrated traditional remedies with modern dermatological practice

Dr. Peter Yawi is a pioneering oncologist who established the first cancer treatment center in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining his medical degree from UPNG, he completed specialist training in oncology in the United States.

Dr. Yawi has been instrumental in developing cancer care services in PNG, where cancer diagnosis often occurs at advanced stages. He introduced chemotherapy services and established palliative care programs for terminal cancer patients.

His research on cancer patterns in PNG has revealed unique epidemiological trends that have informed national cancer control strategies. Dr. Yawi has successfully advocated for the inclusion of essential cancer drugs in the national formulary.

• Established the first cancer treatment center in PNG
• Developed the national cancer control strategy
• Introduced palliative care services across 8 provinces

Dr. Helen Morou is a leading radiologist who has modernized diagnostic imaging services in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining her medical degree from UPNG, she completed specialized training in radiology in Australia.

Dr. Morou introduced ultrasound and CT scanning services to several provincial hospitals and trained local staff in diagnostic imaging techniques. She established teleradiology services that allow remote health facilities to receive expert interpretation of imaging studies.

Her work has significantly improved diagnostic accuracy across PNG, leading to better patient outcomes. Dr. Morou has developed radiation safety protocols that are now standard practice in all imaging facilities nationwide.

• Introduced CT scanning services to 5 provincial hospitals
• Established the national teleradiology network
• Developed radiation safety protocols adopted nationwide

Dr. Thomas Paliau is a senior anesthesiologist who has significantly improved surgical safety in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining his medical degree from UPNG, he completed specialist training in anesthesiology in New Zealand.

Dr. Paliau developed the first anesthesia training program for doctors and nurses in PNG and established safety protocols that have reduced anesthesia-related complications. He introduced regional anesthesia techniques that are particularly valuable in resource-limited settings.

His work in pain management has led to the establishment of acute pain services in major hospitals. Dr. Paliau has trained over 50 anesthesia providers who now work across the country, significantly improving access to safe surgical care.

• Established the first anesthesia training program in PNG
• Reduced anesthesia-related complications by 60%
• Introduced regional anesthesia techniques to 15 hospitals

Dr. Julie Anis is a family medicine specialist who has worked extensively in rural and remote areas of Papua New Guinea. After obtaining her medical degree from UPNG, she completed advanced training in family medicine through a program supported by Australian medical institutions.

Dr. Anis has developed comprehensive primary care models that address the diverse health needs of communities. She established training programs for community health workers that have improved healthcare delivery in areas without doctors.

Her work in integrating traditional healing practices with modern medicine has been particularly successful in gaining community trust and improving health outcomes. Dr. Anis has played a key role in developing the national primary healthcare strategy.

• Developed the national primary healthcare strategy
• Trained over 200 community health workers
• Integrated traditional healing with modern medical practice

Dr. Mark Kumul is Papua New Guinea's first neurosurgeon. After obtaining his medical degree from UPNG, he completed extensive neurosurgery training in Australia and the United Kingdom before returning to serve his country.

Dr. Kumul established the first neurosurgery unit at Port Moresby General Hospital and introduced modern techniques for managing head injuries, brain tumors, and spinal conditions. He developed protocols for the management of neurotrauma that are now used nationwide.

His work has significantly reduced disability and mortality from neurological conditions. Dr. Kumul has trained a team of local healthcare professionals in neurosurgical care and established telehealth consultations with international experts for complex cases.

• Established the first neurosurgery unit in PNG
• Introduced modern neurosurgical techniques to PNG
• Reduced mortality from head injuries by 45%

Dr. Sophie Manua is a leading endocrinologist who has focused on addressing the growing burden of diabetes in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining her medical degree from UPNG, she completed specialist training in endocrinology in Australia.

Dr. Manua established the first dedicated diabetes clinic in PNG and developed comprehensive management protocols that are now used nationwide. She introduced patient education programs that have significantly improved diabetes control and reduced complications.

Her research on diabetes patterns in different ethnic groups has revealed unique characteristics that have informed targeted prevention strategies. Dr. Manua has successfully advocated for improved access to essential diabetes medications.

• Established the first diabetes clinic in PNG
• Developed national diabetes management protocols
• Reduced diabetes complications by 40% in registered patients

Dr. Benjamin Tamtu is a urologist who has made significant contributions to surgical care in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining his medical degree from UPNG, he completed specialist training in urology in Australia.

Dr. Tamtu established the first urology service in PNG and introduced minimally invasive techniques for prostate and kidney conditions. He developed training programs for surgeons in basic urological procedures that can be performed in regional hospitals.

His work has significantly improved access to urological care across the country. Dr. Tamtu has conducted research on urinary tract infections and stone disease that are common in PNG, leading to more effective treatment protocols.

• Established the first urology service in PNG
• Introduced minimally invasive urological techniques
• Developed training programs for surgeons in urological procedures

Dr. Rebecca Siwi is a pathologist who has transformed laboratory medicine in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining her medical degree from UPNG, she completed specialist training in pathology in Australia.

Dr. Siwi established the first quality assurance program for medical laboratories in PNG and introduced modern diagnostic techniques. She developed training programs for laboratory technicians that have significantly improved the accuracy of diagnostic testing.

Her work has been crucial in improving diagnostic accuracy across the country. Dr. Siwi has conducted research on disease patterns in PNG that has informed public health strategies and clinical practice.

• Established the first laboratory quality assurance program in PNG
• Introduced modern diagnostic techniques to 10 provincial laboratories
• Trained over 100 laboratory technicians

Dr. Daniel Wemin is a gastroenterologist who has pioneered digestive disease care in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining his medical degree from UPNG, he completed specialist training in gastroenterology in Australia.

Dr. Wemin established the first endoscopy service in PNG and introduced techniques for diagnosing and treating digestive diseases. He developed training programs for doctors in managing common gastrointestinal conditions that are prevalent in PNG.

His work has significantly improved the diagnosis and management of digestive diseases across the country. Dr. Wemin has conducted research on Helicobacter pylori infection and its relationship to gastric cancer in PNG populations.

• Established the first endoscopy service in PNG
• Introduced techniques for diagnosing digestive diseases
• Developed training programs for managing gastrointestinal conditions

Dr. Esther Palme is a pulmonary medicine specialist who has focused on addressing respiratory diseases in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining her medical degree from UPNG, she completed specialist training in respiratory medicine in Australia.

Dr. Palme established the first dedicated respiratory clinic in PNG and developed protocols for managing tuberculosis, asthma, and COPD. She introduced spirometry services that have improved the diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory conditions.

Her work has been particularly important in the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Dr. Palme has trained healthcare workers across the country in respiratory care and established a network of directly observed therapy for tuberculosis patients.

• Established the first respiratory clinic in PNG
• Developed protocols for managing tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases
• Introduced spirometry services to 8 provincial hospitals

Dr. Samuel Kapa is a nephrologist who has established kidney disease care in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining his medical degree from UPNG, he completed specialist training in nephrology in Australia.

Dr. Kapa established the first dialysis unit in PNG and developed protocols for managing kidney diseases. He introduced peritoneal dialysis as a cost-effective alternative to hemodialysis in resource-limited settings.

His work has been life-saving for patients with kidney failure. Dr. Kapa has conducted research on kidney disease patterns in PNG and developed prevention strategies targeting common causes such as infections and diabetes.

• Established the first dialysis unit in PNG
• Introduced peritoneal dialysis as a cost-effective alternative
• Developed protocols for managing kidney diseases

Dr. Rachel Metepa is a rheumatologist who has focused on addressing autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining her medical degree from UPNG, she completed specialist training in rheumatology in Australia.

Dr. Metepa established the first rheumatology service in PNG and developed protocols for managing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. She introduced rehabilitation programs that have improved quality of life for patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Her work has been particularly important in managing rheumatic fever and its complications. Dr. Metepa has trained healthcare workers in recognizing and managing common musculoskeletal conditions.

• Established the first rheumatology service in PNG
• Developed protocols for managing autoimmune diseases
• Introduced rehabilitation programs for chronic musculoskeletal conditions

Dr. Joseph Wemin is a plastic surgeon who has made significant contributions to reconstructive surgery in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining his medical degree from UPNG, he completed specialist training in plastic surgery in Australia.

Dr. Wemin established the first plastic surgery service in PNG and developed techniques for managing burns, trauma, and congenital anomalies. He introduced microsurgery techniques that have enabled complex reconstructive procedures.

His work has been particularly important in managing burn injuries, which are common in PNG. Dr. Wemin has trained healthcare workers in basic wound care and established burn care protocols that are now used nationwide.

• Established the first plastic surgery service in PNG
• Introduced microsurgery techniques for complex reconstructive procedures
• Developed burn care protocols used nationwide

Dr. Sarah Konio is a hematologist who has focused on addressing blood disorders in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining her medical degree from UPNG, she completed specialist training in hematology in Australia.

Dr. Konio established the first hematology service in PNG and developed protocols for managing anemia, bleeding disorders, and blood cancers. She introduced blood transfusion services that have improved safety and availability of blood products.

Her work has been particularly important in managing thalassemia and sickle cell disease, which are prevalent in certain populations in PNG. Dr. Konio has trained healthcare workers in basic hematology and established laboratory services for diagnosing blood disorders.

• Established the first hematology service in PNG
• Introduced safe blood transfusion services
• Developed protocols for managing blood disorders

Dr. Philip Maketu is an otolaryngologist who has established ear, nose, and throat care in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining his medical degree from UPNG, he completed specialist training in otolaryngology in Australia.

Dr. Maketu established the first ENT service in PNG and developed protocols for managing common conditions such as hearing loss, sinusitis, and throat infections. He introduced hearing screening programs that have improved early detection of hearing impairment in children.

His work has been particularly important in managing chronic ear infections, which are common in PNG. Dr. Maketu has trained healthcare workers in basic ENT care and established surgical services for conditions requiring intervention.

• Established the first ENT service in PNG
• Introduced hearing screening programs for children
• Developed protocols for managing common ENT conditions

Dr. Ruth Wemin is a geriatrician who has focused on addressing the healthcare needs of older adults in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining her medical degree from UPNG, she completed specialist training in geriatrics in Australia.

Dr. Wemin established the first geriatrics service in PNG and developed protocols for managing age-related conditions such as dementia, frailty, and multiple chronic diseases. She introduced caregiver support programs that have improved quality of life for older adults and their families.

Her work has been particularly important in promoting healthy aging and preventing disability in older adults. Dr. Wemin has trained healthcare workers in geriatric assessment and established community-based services for older adults.

• Established the first geriatrics service in PNG
• Developed protocols for managing age-related conditions
• Introduced caregiver support programs

Dr. David Palme is a palliative medicine specialist who has established end-of-life care in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining his medical degree from UPNG, he completed specialist training in palliative medicine in Australia.

Dr. Palme established the first palliative care service in PNG and developed protocols for managing pain and other symptoms in patients with life-limiting illnesses. He introduced home-based care programs that have allowed patients to receive care in their communities.

His work has been particularly important in improving quality of life for patients with advanced cancer and other terminal conditions. Dr. Palme has trained healthcare workers in basic palliative care and established opioid availability for pain management.

• Established the first palliative care service in PNG
• Developed protocols for pain and symptom management
• Introduced home-based care programs

Dr. Elizabeth Kapa is a medical educator who has played a crucial role in training healthcare professionals in Papua New Guinea. After obtaining her medical degree from UPNG, she completed advanced training in medical education in Australia.

Dr. Kapa established the first medical education unit at the University of Papua New Guinea and developed curricula for training doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. She introduced innovative teaching methods that have improved the quality of medical education in PNG.

Her work has been instrumental in building the healthcare workforce in PNG. Dr. Kapa has trained hundreds of healthcare professionals who now serve across the country and has established continuing professional development programs for practicing clinicians.

• Established the first medical education unit in PNG
• Developed curricula for training healthcare professionals
• Trained hundreds of healthcare professionals serving across PNG