“There are challenges on the horizon”
Meet the New Vice President: Dr. Michael Peebles

We caught up with Dr Michael Peebles, Obstetrics & Gynaecology registrar and the new vice president of the NZRDA.

Where do you work and what do you do?

I’m a fourth year RANZCOG trainee based at Auckland City Hospital. I’m also the new vice president of the NZRDA.

What is the best part of your job?

I love the learning that goes into my job. I’m currently doing a rotation in gynae oncology at Auckland, which compared to the rest of O&G is a very busy surgical run with over two full days in theatre a week. While challenging at times, I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to keep developing new skills. I also find acute obstetrics incredibly rewarding. It’s always an amazing moment when you’re involved in the delivery of a baby and get to see the parents meeting their new child for the first time.

Why and how did you become involved with the RDA?

I’ve been involved in the RDA basically since I became a doctor. I’m a believer in strong unions. When we work together, we achieve so much more than what we can when we’re just looking out for ourselves. I strongly believe in the RDA’s mahi and kaupapa as the union that prioritises welfare, and as the union that is always looking to leave the medical profession in a better place than we found it in. I became the delegate at Southland Hospital as a PGY1 many years ago and then stepped onto the NZRDA national executive when I was in PGY2 in Auckland. I’ve since been on the executive in a variety of roles ever since then.

What is the best part of being a delegate?

I think the best bit of being a delegate is trying to make change for good in your workplace. And I think that goes along with the ethos of the RDA, which is trying to leave the workplace in a better place than it was before you got there. And so, some of the sorts of wins that I’ve been involved in have been about improving rosters or just even helping individual members actually on the ground with different issues. It’s always quite rewarding when you tangibly improve your workplace.

Is there anything in particular that stands out from your involvement in the 2024 bargaining?

Medical specialty exams are an absolutely brutal part of the life of an RMO. I personally spent over nine months studying for my written examinations and then three months studying for my oral examinations. You miss out on so much during that time – time at home with family, friends, significant life events – so much really. So, I think to keep some recognition of that hard work in the exam step is key. I’m not one that believes that we have to give up terms and conditions to try and advance our interests.

How do you feel stepping into the Vice President role?

I’m looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of setting the direction of the RDA. We’ve had so many big successes over the years and have been involved in influencing the health sector behind the scenes to a much greater extent than most people would realise. Guaranteed SMO employment, and the RDSS aren’t things that get across the line unless you’ve built the connections with health leadership that we have. But there’s still more to do.

Anything in particular?

I think one of the things that I’d like to work on is engaging better with RMOs embarking on a career in a surgical specialty. In my experience being an RDA member and an aspiring surgeon goes together hand in hand, but not everyone sees it like that.

How do you see that working?

We need to remind RMOs heading into surgery the RDA will always be here to protect our wellbeing and help build our careers. After the exam step, RDA members now get paid better on the same category than others, get their RDOs, and get the benefit of being part of the strongest union for RMOs. There are many challenges on the horizon in health and being a part of the union that looks to the future, not just into the way that things have always been done, means a better future for everyone.

Finally, what do you like to do outside of work?

I love cycling so I try to spend as much time cycling when the opportunity presents itself! I’ve also become a big fan of DIY projects – my wife and I have been transforming a battered and bruised old house in central Auckland into our home over the past two years.