With the aim of bridging the gap between medicine and law, and a long-term goal of helping patients better understand their rights while supporting medical professionals in dealing with medico legal issues, Dr Anish Chandra has graduated with a law degree from the University of the South Pacific.
The 34-year-old from Lautoka believes that improving understanding on both sides will lead to better outcomes and stronger trust within the healthcare system.
Chandra received a scholarship to pursue medicine and enrolled in a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programme in 2010. After completing his MBBS at the Fiji School of Medicine in 2015, he went on to build a career in emergency medicine, later obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine from Fiji National University in 2022.
Years of hard work on the frontline exposed him to the realities of patient care, where decisions are often urgent and the consequences immediate.
Dr Chandra also served internationally as part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force through the Republic of Fiji Military Forces from 2017 to 2018.
Upon his return, he developed a strong interest in international law, which led him to pursue a Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy at the University of Fiji, completing it in 2021.
In addition to his clinical role, he is one of five Designated Aviation Medical Examiners for the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji.
It was through his medical work that he began to recognise that many challenges faced in healthcare are closely linked to the law.
He says from patient consent and confidentiality to professional responsibility and decision-making, medicine and law are deeply connected.
This realisation led him to pursue a law degree, not to leave medicine behind, but to strengthen his ability to serve.
Dr Chandra says the combination of medicine and law has the potential to make a real difference, adding that it can help protect patients’ rights, support doctors in making safe and informed decisions, and improve trust within the healthcare system.
He hopes to play a role in guiding both patients and healthcare professionals through medico legal issues, an area that is often misunderstood but increasingly important.
Dr Chandra says one of the biggest challenges he faced was balancing a demanding medical career with studying law.
He says managing this alongside academic commitments was not easy, and there were times it required a lot of sacrifice, discipline and consistency, however, staying focused on his purpose helped him push through.
Dr Chandra says his parents, who are both farmers, have been a strong foundation throughout his journey, with their hard work, sacrifice and support playing a key role in his success.
He is currently enrolled in the Professional Diploma in Legal Practice programme at USP and expects to complete it within the next eight weeks.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr Chandra encourages others not to limit themselves to one path.
He says no matter where one starts, it is always possible to grow, learn and contribute in new and meaningful ways.
As he graduates, Chandra carries forward a clear sense of purpose. For him, this achievement is not an endpoint, but the beginning of a broader role in contributing to both the medical and legal fields, and a reminder that it is never too late to build something more.
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