Turaga na Gonesau Doctor Joji Tuwai Malani’s journey into medicine has always been rooted in service — a lifelong commitment to healing and to improving kidney treatment in Fiji and across the Pacific.
That dedication was formally recognised last month when he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science by the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.
The Honorary Doctor of Science is a prestigious academic distinction, conferred by universities on individuals whose outstanding contributions to science, research, and related fields have made a profound and lasting impact on society.
A graduate of the University of Otago, where he earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Dr Malani’s life’s work has helped shape modern healthcare in Fiji and strengthened medical capacity throughout the Pacific region.
Receiving the award
For his profound influence in medicine, Dr Malani received the honorary degree during the Otago Medical School’s 150th anniversary celebrations last month.
He is the first Fijian to be awarded this honour by the university — a remarkable and historic achievement.
Dr Malani said receiving the award during such a milestone anniversary was something he would cherish deeply.
“I receive this honour with deep humility and gratitude. I stand not on my own accomplishments, but on the sure foundation laid by my father and parents – people of faith, integrity and quite courage – who taught me that a life living is a life of service.
“I also honour our Lord Almighty. I did not plan to accomplish all of this; the doors and opportunities were opened ahead of me. By God’s grace, I simply used the training and abilities I had to serve the needs before me.”
In accepting the award, Dr Malani said he viewed it as a generational honour, shaped by strong Christian values, hard work, and resilience instilled in him by his Ratu and Nau.
“We acknowledge the vision of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, whose leadership opened doors for many of us to learn, return and serve.
“The Pacific taught me that medicine is more than diagnosis. It is relationship, context, culture and dignity.
“If I have modelled anything, I hope it is that excellence in our region is measured by our values as much as our outcomes.
“I am a son of Fiji and of the Pacific. Whatever I have achieved belongs to those who formed me – my family, my schools, my teacher at Otago and across the region, my patients who trusted me, and the colleagues and trainees who worked shoulder-to-shoulder from Suva to the islands and beyond.”
Contribution and role in medicine
A specialist physician and nephrologist, Dr Malani pioneered haemodialysis in Fiji, transforming kidney care and establishing the World Gastroenterology Organisation Training Centre in Suva.
He also played a pivotal role in developing Fiji’s postgraduate Master of Medicine (MMed) programme, helping train more than 40 physicians for Fiji and the wider Pacific.
His clinical and academic work spans kidney disease and dialysis, infectious diseases, and gastrointestinal endoscopy.
He has supervised numerous MMed theses and published widely on nephrology, hepatitis, leptospirosis, kava toxicology, telemedicine, and medical education.
Over more than four decades, Dr Malani has held senior roles across Fiji and the Pacific, including positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in Hawaii, as well as in Micronesia and Palau.
His appointments include consultant physician at CWM Hospital, assistant clinical professor at the University of Hawaii, and Associate Director of the Pacific Basin Medical Officers Training Programme, which produced 70 physicians for the Northern Pacific.
He also chaired the Residency Programme at Belau National Hospital.
Though now a retired Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at Fiji National University, Dr Malani continues to serve as Clinical Director of the Kidney Foundation of Fiji (Haemodialysis Unit) and Director of the Suva World Gastroenterology Organization Training Centre.
Raised on good values
Dr Malani was raised on strong traditional and Christian values — to honour God, speak the truth, work diligently, and serve generously.
He was raised by his father, a doctor and the former Turaga na Gonesau (chief of Nakorotubu). His mother was from Tubou in Lakeba, Lau, with strong ties to the chiefly clan of Vuanirewa.
He credits his success to his parents, and most especially to his father, a general practitioner who graduated from the Central Medical School in Suva in 1944 and served extensively throughout Fiji.
“I attribute my success to him, and I honour him with this. It’s no doubt that it was his values and upbringing that made me what I am.”
He described his dad, Dr Wilisoni Tuiketei Malani, as a very strong disciplinarian and a recipient of the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) — a prestigious honour recognising exceptional contributions to science, public service, and community life.
“My father in medicine did quite well. He worked in Makogai with leprosy and was a major campaigner for Filaria.
“He was awarded the OBE – quite a legacy. Mine is nothing compared to his.”
His father became his ultimate role model, particularly in commitment, discipline, and values.
“From my early beginnings in Fiji where I rode horseback with my father, a doctor, to do home visits, to graduating from medical school in 1979 and to having travelled and served in many capacities throughout the Pacific, has been truly a blessing.
“Those early years – moving often for my father’s calling, striving to place his children in good schools, taught us discipline, sacrifice and the power of education. None of my steps were perfectly planned, I see only the steady hand of God guiding and protecting.
Mentored by his dad
“From my father, a physician dedicated to his patients and community, I learned that healing begins with dignity: to see every person as created in the image of God, deserving of respect, compassion, and excellence.
“He taught me that integrity is keeping your word when no one is watching; that duty is doing what is right when it is hard and that humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.
“They showed us that wisdom comes from listening, that leadership is stewardship, and that blessings are meant to be shared.
“Their example kept my feet grounded whether in a clinic in Suva, a ward at CWM Hospital, a training room in the Pacific, or a lecture theatre at the Fiji National University.
“These same values guided my steps – pioneering haemodialysis in Fiji, building training pathways for our young physicians and strengthening regional partnerships.
“Any success I have known – on the wards, in research or in leadership belongs to the many who entrusted us with their care.
“I pay special tribute to my mentor, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, whose example of principled service challenged us to marry knowledge with wisdom and progress with tradition.”
Dr Malani encouraged doctors to serve with clean hands, steadfast hearts, and hopeful faith — for Fiji, for the Pacific, and for all those they are called to heal.
He received the Honorary Doctor of Science alongside three other University of Otago alumni: Dame Margaret Sparrow, Professor Dinah Reddihough, and Emeritus Professor David Gerrard.
Outside medicine, Dr Malani was an avid rugby player, representing Wellington in the National Provincial Championship, where his team famously won the Ranfurly Shield from Waikato.
Dr Malani graduating with the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Otago. Picture: SUPPLIED
Last month, Dr Malani was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Otago. Picture: SUPPLIED
An OBE medal awarded to Dr Malani’s father. Picture: SUPPLIED
Dr Malani with his family after being honoured with the Honorary Doctor of Science award by the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. Picture: SUPPLIED
