Summer Studentship 2025-2026: Tom Christie

1.    Can you tell us how you got involved with medical research? 
 

Throughout my medical studies, I have been interested in diabetes and endocrinology, especially the intersection of complex pathophysiology with social and economic factors. I got involved in medical research because I wanted to contribute to work that listens to and reflects the people it aims to serve. I was lucky to have two supportive supervisors who encouraged me to lead my own project, which helped me develop independence and confidence in my own research.

2.    Your research topic is on diabetes prevention following a pregnancy with gestational diabetes. Could you provide a brief overview of the key aspects your study will explore?

Our research examines how mothers and their whānau experience life after a pregnancy affected by diabetes, and what forms of support may be most beneficial in enhancing hauora during this stage of life. This group represents an important focus for diabetes prevention. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is recognised as an early indicator of increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), while serving as an opportunity to identify metabolic risk early and support lifestyle changes that may help delay or prevent diabetes onset.

This study aims to understand the personal, social, and socioeconomic factors that can make healthy lifestyle change easier or more challenging for mothers living in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through kōrero with wāhine who have experienced gestational diabetes, alongside health professionals involved in their care, we aim to generate insights that will inform the development of supportive, person-centred approaches promoting holistic wellbeing and diabetes prevention.

3.    Can you tell us about your motivation and inspiration for your research? 

I was motivated to undertake research that provides a platform for real people’s voices to be heard within the medical literature. I believe that the key to providing person-centred and culturally appropriate healthcare is to first ask and listen to the people we hope to support. I was inspired by the opportunity to meet people from diverse walks of life, listen to their kōrero, and collaborate in ways that foster meaningful change informed by their lived experience. My research is grounded in producing work that is relevant to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand and aligned with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring it addresses and reduces inequities while promoting justice and supporting all Kiwis to live healthy lives.

4.    Can you elaborate on how your research project will positively impact the lives of individuals in Aotearoa living with diabetes? 

Gestational diabetes is a common complication in pregnancies in Aotearoa New Zealand. Without intervention, up to 70% of women with GDM may develop T2D. Preventing this progression, especially in Māori, Pacific, and South Asian communities where GDM and T2D are more prevalent, offers substantial benefits for women and their whānau. It may also have a meaningful reduction for intergenerational diabetes risk.

By taking a personalised, community-informed approach to prevention, this work has the potential to reduce existing inequities while delivering meaningful health and economic benefits. Our research seeks to identify effective, culturally appropriate interventions that can be translated into practice, delivered within communities, and incorporated into national guidelines, enabling wide reach and more equitable access to preventative strategies.

5.    What does it mean to you being selected as one of the five recipients of the Summer Studentships this year? 

I am proud to have the support of the Diabetes Research Foundation for the work we have been doing. I feel privileged to hear the stories of people from across Wellington and gain a deeper understanding of the community I hope to serve as a doctor. This opportunity has inspired a passion in me to continue highlighting voices that are often overlooked. I hope to pursue further research in this field, as I strongly believe that wāhine with a history of gestational diabetes are a key population who deserve focused attention and continued efforts in diabetes prevention.

6.    The Summer Studentships are made possible thanks to donations to the Diabetes Research Foundation. Please tell us how important these Summer Studentships are to others looking to conduct research?

Research was not something I had initially seen myself pursuing, and I might never have discovered my passion for it if it weren’t for this summer studentship. The program offered me the chance to explore medical research in a supportive environment, guided by supervisors who lead the change that I want to be part of. Through this experience, I have gained invaluable skills that I will carry forward into both my clinical practice and future research endeavors. I am sincerely grateful to the Diabetes Research Foundation for their support and for funding this project.