Press Release
29 June 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences (FNMHS) has bid farewell to Dr. Rosalie Schultz, who has served with the faculty since June 2025.
Dr. Schultz, a medical doctor and academic, was recruited through a special arrangement with Australian Volunteers International (AVI) to coordinate the implementation of the Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Generalist Medicine (PGDRGM).
The PGDRGM is an 18-month postgraduate programme designed for junior medical doctors. It aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to provide effective healthcare services in rural and remote communities across the Solomon Islands.
Speaking during a farewell ceremony held at the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences at Kukum campus on Friday, 19 June, Faculty Dean Dr. Humphress Harrington praised Dr. Schultz and AVI for their invaluable support and commitment to the programme.
“It has been encouraging to witness Dr. Schultz ‘s enthusiasm and dedication to ensuring that the junior doctors enrolled in this programme receive high-quality training and develop the skills needed to serve our rural communities effectively,” Dr. Harrington said.
He noted that Dr. Schultz visited all nine provincial hospitals in the Solomon Islands and prepared detailed reports on the conditions and challenges facing each facility. She also produced a report outlining her recommendations and personal reflections on the establishment of a School of Medicine at SINU.
“Her work has laid an important foundation for the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences as we move towards establishing the School of Medicine. Based on her recommendations, the faculty plans to appoint its first Head of School and Head of Department before the end of 2026,” Dr. Harrington said.
He added that although Dr. Schultz departed for Alice Springs, Australia, on Tuesday, 23 June, her contributions would continue to have a lasting impact on the development of the School of Medicine.
“We will greatly miss Dr. Schultz. She has been an integral part of our team over the past 12 months, and we look forward to maintaining a close professional relationship with her in the future,” he said.
In her farewell remarks, Dr. Schultz highlighted the need to strengthen health service delivery across the provinces. She observed that many provincial health facilities are in poor condition and require significant repairs and upgrades.
She also noted that several provinces continue to face challenges in delivering basic healthcare services, emphasising that each province has its own unique circumstances and healthcare needs.
Dr. Schultz expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve at SINU and said she would welcome the chance to return to the Solomon Islands should another opportunity arise in the future.
ENDS//