Our Local Hero: National Recognition for Dr Matthew Born

From L-R in the photo is Dr Matthew Born and Dr Andrew Laurenson, Chair of the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine.

Photo credit: SMOKE photography.

At Dunstan Hospital, we see every day the difference that passionate, dedicated healthcare professionals make in the lives of our patients and community. This is why we are absolutely delighted to celebrate one of our own, Dr Matthew Born, on receiving the prestigious James Reid Award from the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.

Awarded to a rural medical practitioner who has demonstrated excellence or innovation in rural health education or research, the James Reid Award recognises individuals who are helping shape the future of rural healthcare in New Zealand. Matthew's contribution to rural medicine, particularly through ultrasound education, makes him a truly deserving recipient.

As a Rural Hospital Consultant at Dunstan Hospital and Teaching Fellow for the University of Otago's clinician-performed ultrasound programme, Matthew has dedicated years to helping rural clinicians gain the skills and confidence to use Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in their everyday practice. His commitment to teaching has impacted countless healthcare professionals across New Zealand and beyond, improving the care available to patients in rural communities.

His influence reaches well beyond our shores, with Matthew travelling to Africa and Nepal to support and teach medical colleagues while continuing to play an active role in the wider international POCUS community.

In characteristic fashion, Matthew accepted the award with humility and gratitude, recognising the many people who helped build the programme's success:

“I gratefully receive this College award on behalf of all those who have developed the postgraduate certificate programme, especially Wendy Finnie, Jill Muirhead, and Professor Garry Nixon, who through their vision and ultrasound education skills have contributed to its success over the last 15 years.”

At Dunstan Hospital, we know this recognition reflects not only Matthew's clinical expertise, but also his generosity as a mentor, educator and colleague. He is passionate about sharing knowledge, supporting others, and ensuring rural communities have access to high-quality healthcare close to home.

For the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, this achievement is made even more meaningful by a recent community-funded success story.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, supporters, fundraising events, local businesses and wider community, the Foundation recently funded a new Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) machine for Dunstan Hospital. This equipment enables clinicians to provide faster bedside assessments, support earlier diagnosis, and make informed treatment decisions when every minute matters.

The connection between Matthew's award and this community investment could not be more fitting.

For years, Matthew has championed ultrasound education, helping healthcare professionals understand the value of POCUS and develop the skills needed to use it effectively. Today, thanks to our community's generosity, those skills are supported by state-of-the-art equipment right here at Dunstan Hospital.

The result is better care for our patients, closer to home.

This is the perfect example of what can happen when exceptional people and a caring community come together. Our supporters have helped fund the technology, and healthcare professionals like Matthew ensure it delivers real benefits for patients across Central Otago.

From all of us at Dunstan Hospital and the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, we offer our heartfelt congratulations.

Well done, Matthew. We are incredibly proud of your achievement and proud to have you as part of our Dunstan whānau.

Your dedication to rural healthcare, commitment to education, and passion for improving patient outcomes continue to make a lasting difference in our community and beyond.

You are one of our local heroes, and this recognition is thoroughly deserved.

💙 Together, community generosity and clinical excellence are helping build a stronger, healthier future for our region.