Dr. Jade Tamatea is an emerging leader in endocrinology and thyroid disease in the Waikato region.

An excess of thyroid hormones can have a number of undesirable effects on a person’s physical and mental health. Radioactive iodine is the common, definitive treatment for an over-active thyroid. Dr. Tamatea’s work has shown that this treatment is not as effective in M􀀂ori patients as in other cohorts. M􀀂ori patients often require a second radioactive iodine treatment, which can increase their cancer risk. Dr. Tamatea is helping to develop equitable, evidence-based healthcare options for M􀀂ori based on a study of one of the largest cohorts of thyrotoxic patients ever gathered. Her research has improved understanding of the factors that influence thyrotoxicosis and considers the patients’ journey to and through health services. In 2015, Dr. Tamatea was awarded the Ng􀀂 Rangatira Matah􀀃apo Award by Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa, which recognises M􀀂ori doctors who pave the way and contribute to the learning of M􀀂ori medical students.

Dr. Jade Tamatea

Te Kupenga Hauora Maori

2017 Waikato District Health Board Medical Science Award Winner

Dr. Jade Tamatea is an emerging leader in endocrinology and thyroid disease in the Waikato region.

An excess of thyroid hormones can have a number of undesirable effects on a person’s physical and mental health. Radioactive iodine is the common, definitive treatment for an over-active thyroid. Dr. Tamatea’s work has shown that this treatment is not as effective in M􀀂ori patients as in other cohorts. M􀀂ori patients often require a second radioactive iodine treatment, which can increase their cancer risk. Dr. Tamatea is helping to develop equitable, evidence-based healthcare options for M􀀂ori based on a study of one of the largest cohorts of thyrotoxic patients ever gathered. Her research has improved understanding of the factors that influence thyrotoxicosis and considers the patients’ journey to and through health services. In 2015, Dr. Tamatea was awarded the Ng􀀂 Rangatira Matah􀀃apo Award by Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa, which recognises M􀀂ori doctors who pave the way and contribute to the learning of M􀀂ori medical students.