Dr Angela Beard grew up in Martinborough, South Wairarapa. From the age of 12 knew her future was in medicine. After completing a science degree and then medical training at Otago University, she relocated to Western Australia to pursue a laparoscopic surgery fellowship (AGES accredited) specialising in infertility surgery, endometriosis and hysterectomy.

The signature strength of Angela’s practice is her ability to provide the full spectrum of gynaecological and obstetric care to her patients. Given her wide- ranging specialist experience and surgical training she can support patients all the way from conception through to postnatal care.

This is why she is often consulted during pregnancies in which pre-existing gynaecological conditions require management or surgical intervention. Angela’s special interests lie in fertility treatment, high risk obstetrics and the management of endometriosis, particularly in cases where chronic pain is a factor.

Highly regarded by her peers in women’s health, Angela is committed to sharing her extensive knowledge and experience as both a teacher and researcher. A Clinical Senior Lecturer in Otago University’s Māori/Indigenous Health Institute (MIHI), she educates new and migrant doctors to practice medicine in a culturally cognisant manner. As a staunch advocate for a health care system that delivers equitable outcomes for all women, Angela counts her contribution to MIHI as her proudest career achievement.

When asked whether there has been progress in the field of women’s health, Angela affirms there has been – but it’s very slow. An area of personal concern is the inequity in health outcomes for Māori. Māori women are much less likely to be screened for endometriosis and are disproportionately represented in statistics for perinatal depression and anxiety. According to Angela, culturally responsive medical practice is something New Zealand simply must do better.

As a doctor, Angela places great importance on whanaungatanga, or connecting with her patients. She is an excellent listener with deep respect for people and a resolute commitment to practising evidence-based medicine. When patients seek specialist gynaecological treatment there can, quite naturally, be apprehension or nervousness around the process. Angela’s ever- calm and sensitive approach is reassuring to her patients, who appreciate that she ensures complete understanding of procedures.