Vanisi Prescott

8.15.22

“Malo e lelei, my name is Vanisi Prescott, I am a doctor and have a fellowship in both Urgent Care and GP.

I am married and have 3 gorgeous children and a puppy.

My favourite Polynesian food (I have a lot) but my main ones are Raw fish, Chop Suey, Cook Island donuts and Poke.

I went to Onehunga High school in Auckland, NZ and graduated in 2003. I attended the University of Auckland from 2004, first completing Certificate in Health Sciences. From 2005-2008 I completed the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree and from 2008-2012 I completed the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree and started working as a House Officer/Junior doctor in 2012.

I then completed 3 years in the Urgent care programme obtaining a fellowship and another 3 years in the GP programme just recently obtaining another fellowship. I’ve been practicing as a doctor for at least 10 years.”

“Coming from a lower class background, raised by a single parent (my mother), to being bullied at school, being in the learning assistance class and not doing so well to now becoming a doctor. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that someone like myself would be doing what I’m doing today. All praise and glory to God. 🙏”


“I was born in the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga. Both my parents are Tongan, my mother is from Kolomotu’a and my father is from Ha’apai.

My culture and background has shaped me into a respectful, humble, loving woman who has strong faith and love for her family and community. It is in our nature as Polynesians to care and respect our elders, our patients and for each other. We also tend to go above and beyond with everything we do. This is who I am.

I know as Polynesian people we have a lot of commitments, church, family and often need part-time jobs to help our family. We are also often faced with a lot of struggles and obstacles that can potentially get in the way of our studies. But all of this shapes who we are and why we are so unique, anything that life throws at us, we can overcome.

Believe in yourself and don’t let anyone stop you from chasing your dreams. Resilience, perseverance, commitment, support from family and faith is what got me through the hard times. If I can do it, you can too.”

Believe in yourself and don't let anyone stop you from chasing your dreams."