Otago University Medical Students' Association
2025 ELM Executive
Cameron Dickey
(he/him)
President
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
president@oumsa.org
Kia ora ELM whānau!
Ko Cam tōku ingoa, Ko Ngāti Maniapoto, ko Waikato Tainui ngā iwi.
I’m humbled to have the opportunity to lead these amazing people in ensuring you have a memorable and enjoyable experience in ELM.
Education, welfare, socials and advocacy, your exceptional team here at OUMSA composed of officers and reps, do it all, including bringing you a year packed with academic, welfare, and social events. My role allows me to advocate for us as students and aim to build a safe, inviting environment where you feel empowered to engage with our community and make the most of these preclinical years.
Feel free to pop into the OUMSA office and spin a yarn, steal a Red Bull, or just say hi! I’m looking forward to seeing you all in 2026 <3
Kohikohi ngā kākano, whakaritea te pārekereke, kia puāwai ngā hua.
Keana Virmani
(she/her)
Vice President – Administration
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
vpa@oumsa.org
Kia ora e te whānau, my name is Keana and I feel so proud to represent you as your VPA for 2026!
My role involves looking after administration for our Exec which involves internal affairs, general enquiries, liaising with staff and other clubs within the uni, scheduling, elections and updating our OUMSA Constitution. I also have a huge focus on mental health and wellbeing for ELM students. My goal for 2026 is to ensure everyone feels well-supported and connected to our med community. It’s not an easy degree, and it’s important for us to be here to lift each other!
I’m originally from Welly, love exploring new things to see and meeting new people! I’m always here for a chat, especially on a day when chem path or pharm seems a bit overwhelming – please don’t hesitate to reach out, here for you! 🙂
Lei Smith
(she/her)
Vice President – External
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
vpe@oumsa.org
Kia ora rā 👋
I’m happy to serve as your 2026 VPE. I will be organising our ASCEND leadership programme, UNITY cultural safety project. I also take care of our awesome affiliated clubs and groups that cover a range of specialties and interests, which are all free to join!
You can drop by the OUMSA office when it’s open for anything you need. We are all here to support you 🙂
See you in the Hunter Centre 😸 #wtl
Esther Leo
(she/her)
Treasurer
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
treasurer@oumsa.org
Hello med squad!
I’m Esther, your 2026 treasurer. I’m the person who manages all our money and helps decide our budget and prices for all the year’s events. I’ll also be your contact for things like refunds and reimbursements this year.
Feel free to reach out if you’re keen to talk about OUMSA finances, money allocation, pricing feedback, or anything else money- transparency, accountability and cohort input are big priorities for me so I’m always willing to listen!
Melia Brett
(she/her)
Education Officer – Internal
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
educationinternal@oumsa.org
Kia ora everyone!
Ko Melia Brett tōku ingoa. Ko Kai Tahu tōku iwi. I am excited to be your Education Officer Internal for 2026!
My main role for the year is to organise the Study buddy tutorials. These are extra study sessions taught by ELM3 and ALM students who have excelled in their fields. They explain complex concepts, provide memory hooks and tips for exams.
I’m also here to support those balancing parenthood while studying medicine, as well as students preparing for special exams. I’ll also be attending and taking minutes for the education meetings.
Mahita Gottumukkala
(she/her)
Education Officer – External
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
education@oumsa.org
Hello, hello, everyone!
My name is Mahita, and I’m your Education Officer External for 2026! My role mainly includes chairing the Education Meetings with the course convenors and leadership team, to make sure students’ education issues/concerns are passed on – I act as the point of liaison between students and staff. Part of this is running the fortnightly feedback forms. I also update the cohort on education-related notices, and run the Teaching Awards later in the year!
I’m from Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Outside of med, I like performing, painting, watching horror movies and eating – emphasis on the last part. I’m also an older sister, which I’ve been told is obvious.
You can always reach out for a chat, whether it be about concerns you have about the med curriculum, or just about life in general!
Julianna Apoldo
(she/her)
Welfare Officer
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
welfare@oumsa.org
Kia ora! 𐔌՞. .՞𐦯 ᢉ𐭩.ᐟ
I’m Julianna, and I am excited to be your Welfare Officer for 2026! My job involves chairing a subcommittee, promoting available support services, providing you with welfare support throughout the year, and organising a week-long event. You will see me present at every event to ensure your safety, and most of the time, in a cool hi-vis!
I have been living in Dunedin for the past 2 years and have definitely been loving it, thanks to the wonderful people around me. In my spare time, I cook, work out, go for runs, ponder by a body of water, or do something creative, like junk journaling!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out when you see me. I’m always happy to give a smile, a wave, a chat, or even a hug! You can also reach me via email for any issues or concerns, as provided above.
Hayley McQuade
(she/her)
Social Officer
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
social@oumsa.org
Hey everyone!
My name is Hayley McQuade, and I’m super excited to be your Social Officer for 2026! I’m originally from Palmerston North, and when I’m not buried in med school life, you’ll probably find me hanging out with friends, grabbing a good coffee, or planning the next big event.
This year I’ll be in charge of organising all the iconic OUMSA events – think O-Week social, Flat Crawl, Med Wine & Cheese, and of course, Med Ball! These nights are always such a highlight of the year and the best way to make memories (and maybe forget a few too 😉).
If you’ve got any ideas, questions, or feedback about events, I’m always keen to chat – these are your nights, after all! Can’t wait to see everyone getting amongst it and making 2026 an absolute banger of a year!
Jessica Fastier
(she/her)
Sports Officer
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
sports@oumsa.org
Kia Ora ELM!
Kia Ora everyone!
I’m Jessica, your 2026 Sports Rep. I’m super excited to get everyone involved in all the awesome events we’ve got lined up this year, from Med Tramp and ski trip to interfaculty sports and weekly social games. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just in it to have a good time with your friends (or make some new friends), there’s something for you. My goal is to make sport and adventure a fun, welcoming part of our year, so grab your shoes, skis, or hiking boots and get involved!
Nadia Zhou
(she/her)
Community Outreach Officer
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
communityoutreach@oumsa.org
Kia ora ELM whānau!
I’m Nadia and am honoured to be your Community Outreach Officer for 2026! My role involves organising events such as Relay for Life and Teddy Bear hospital. My goals for 2026 is to focus on connection building within the med school but also with the wider community, and provide opportunities to cultivate initiative and compassion towards volunteering.
This year will be my 5th year in Dunedin, so outside of med I’m trying to explore more and finally tick off my bucket list! I love exploring cafes, running, going for walks on the Dunedin hills, baking, reading and a wee bit of art.
I’m always keen for a chat and so feel free to reach out anytime! To 2026, make the most of it, explore new opportunities, embrace the journey and be proud of yourself every step along the way. I am soo pumped to see where this year will take us.
Luka Lee
(he/him)
Communications/Sponsorship Officer
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
sponsorship@oumsa.org
Kia ora everyone,
I’m Luka and I am looking forward to serving as your Communications and Sponsorship Officer for 2026.
This means that I’ll be securing sponsorships that help OUMSA do all the fun (or nerdy) stuff that they do. I’ll also be trying to make your favourite meals a bit more affordable by bringing discounts for nice food spots around town.
On the communication side of things, I’ll be letting you know about what’s going on via our Instagram at @oumsanz (follow us!) and sorting out Med Merch so at least you’ll look good doing your 9362 Anki cards.
If you ever wanna chat I’m always keen to listen! Come find me in the Hunter Centre, or if I’m not there then I’m probably just rotting away in Central so go have a look there. 🥀
Melody Zhuang
(she/her)
ECCO Convenor
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
ecco@oumsa.org
Kia ora koutou, hello everyone, and dajiahao! 👋
I’m Melody, and it is my privilege to serve as your ECCO (ELM Clinical Conference Otago) Convenor for 2026! 🫡😆 ECCO is our annual conference for ELM students here in Ōtepoti Dunedin, a weekend filled with inspiring speakers, engaging workshops, and an elegant Gala celebrating our shared journey through medicine✨. It is a special opportunity to connect what we have learned in ELM with the clinical training ahead. 🩺🏥
For those joining us for the first time, get ready for an unforgettable experience that will spark your passion for medicine. And for those who have been to ECCO before, all the things you loved are staying, but with a fresh new look. 🌟 My committee members and I are putting in all the mahi to make ECCO 2026 the best one yet! 🤩
Smt more about me: I love playing music (yes just like my name haha), watching anime and being in nature. My MBTI is ENTJ, so I love meeting new people and I am always up for a chat. Get involved in ECCO while you’re here and make the most of it! 🎉I cannot wait to welcome you all at ECCO 2026! 🥳
Mathew Sung
(he/him)
Website/Store Administrator
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
webmaster@oumsa.org
Kia ora ELM 2 whānau!
I am Mathew, and I will be your webmaster for the 2026 OUMSA Executive. As the name says I am responsible for upkeep of the website, managing the store and purchases via our website. I as well manage the ticket sales and all areas to our website!
I enjoy going for to the gym, chatting to people and learning random stuff!
Feel free to say hi or chat to me around the med school!
Haozhen (Gloria) Li
(she/her)
Gap Year Rep
Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours
gapyear@oumsa.org
Hi everyone!
I’m Haozhen (but I also go by Gloria), your Gap Year Representative for this year. I know that stepping away from the main cohort can feel like a big step, and my main goal is to make sure every gap year student feels supported and connected.
I will be your advocate with the faculty and will be working to foster a strong community among us through regular social events. If you have any questions at all – about the logistics of a gap year, potential opportunities, or just want to chat – please don’t hesitate to reach out!
A bit about me: I’m from Ürümqi, Xinjiang in Northwestern China and outside of medicine, I love reading and doing yoga.
I’m really looking forward to meeting you all and making sure we have a fantastic year!
Laurence Guité
(she/her)
3rd Year Rep
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
3rdyear@oumsa.org
Kia Ora everyone!!!
My name is Laurence, and I’ll be your ELM3 Representative for 2026!
One of my big roles is my involvement in the Class Division process, where I’ll be advocating for third year students, and keeping you informed and up to date on the process. Outside of this, I’ll also be organising the Med mentoring programme, the Class photos and Demigrad!
I live in Christchurch, but am originally from Québec, Canada. Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading (when I can find the time), going to cafés and lounging in the sun in my backyard!
Please feel free to reach out for any questions, concerns, ideas or recommendations! You’ll find me in the Hunter center or the Health Science Library on most days. Good luck for this year, and I hope everyone is able to make the most of it!
Sungyun Kim
(she/her)
NZMSA General Rep
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
nzmsa_rep@oumsa.org
Kia ora e te whānau!
‘I’m Sungyun Kim (Yun), and I’m from very sunny Hawke’s Bay. As a member of the OUMSA executive, I’ll serve as your preclinical representative for the New Zealand Medical Students’ Association (NZMSA). My main role is to ensure your voice is heard at the national level and to make your medical school journey enjoyable. Additionally, I’m here to increase engagement among medical students across the country and encourage connections with other medical students outside your cohort.
I’m always open to a chat, so please feel free to reach out anytime with any ideas, questions, or concerns. I look forward to seeing you all around!
Jasmine Emile & Milan Burch
(…)
TOKŌ Rep
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
toko_rep@oumsa.org
Tēnā koutou,
Nau mai, haere mai, Tenei rōpū hoū ki 2026.
E mihi ana ki a koutou, Kei te kuhu mai a tērā tau, i pukumahi koutou , ināianei me whakatā ana.
Jasmine and I are super excited to welcome you all and represent Māori tauira across the whare wānanga.
We look forward to welcoming you, supporting, and giving you a Māori taiao in your medical journey.
We are here for you — feel free to reach out at any point and connect with us to represent TOKŌ ō OUMSA.
We want to foster a positive and thriving Māori space free from the whakamā that health science may bring.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jas ( Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whakaue) and Milan (Ngāpuhi)
Devesh Kumar
(he/him)
Pacific (PIHPSA) Rep
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
pihpsa_rep@oumsa.org
Ni sa bula vinaka, my name is Devesh and I am honoured to serve as your PIHPSA Representative for 2026. My family is from Fiji and I grew up in Hamilton. In this role, I want to ensure Pacific students feel supported, visible, and celebrated within medicine. This means strengthening collaboration between PIHPSA and OUMSA, and advocating for Pasifika perspectives to be woven into our learning and experiences. I hope to continue building on the incredible work of previous reps by supporting mentoring, celebrating the Pacific, and creating spaces that reflect our culture and values.
Please feel free to reach out – I’m always happy for a kōrero.
Vinaka vakalevu, and here’s to a year of uplifting Pacific voices in medicine.
Jasmine Glennie
(Any pronouns)
ROMSA Rep
Early Learning in Medicine – 3rd Year
romsa_rep@oumsa.org
Kia Ora!
My name is Jasmine, I use any pronouns and I am super excited to be your ROMSA Rep for 2026. I am exceptionally passionate about the rights of students, Rainbow advocacy within the medical school community, and ensuring that our ELM cohort is a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
I am originally from Christchurch, I love travel and practical arts, and am always down for a chat!
Ngā mihi,
Jasmine