Naing Myat Lwin
Clinical Documentation Specialist; Department of Quality, Safety and Risk; Auckland City Hospital
Master of Disaster Risk Management and Development with Honours (First Class)
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he found himself drawn to health emergency management, says Naing Myat Lwin who has a medical background and came to AUT as an international student from Myanmar to study a Master of Disaster Risk Management and Development.
“I aim to build my knowledge and skills in disaster management, particularly in health-related disasters like pandemics, epidemics, or outbreaks of new and mysterious diseases, while ensuring continuous patient care even when hospitals and healthcare centres are overloaded or closed. My goal is to contribute valuable research to this critical area.
“My studies were supported by the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, and I decided to come to AUT because it’s a modern university known for preparing students to face real-world challenges, offering opportunities for impactful research and providing a supportive environment. Whatever support services you need – from visa requirements and IT help to research assistance and employability – you can easily schedule one-on-one meetings with experienced advisors.”
He had plenty of highlights throughout his time at AUT.
“A major highlight of my time at AUT was being a student ambassador and being part of the Postgraduate Research Student Advisory Group. These roles gave me the chance to develop leadership skills and connect with a diverse array of students and staff, enriching my overall experience at AUT. I’m also proud of completing the Beyond AUT Award for postgraduate students.
“My supervisors, Associate Professor Ailsa Holloway and Dr Samaneh Madanian, were incredibly supportive in guiding me through my complex, multidisciplinary study. Their invaluable expertise, persistent commitment and 'can-do' attitude served as both an inspiration and a driving force in helping me navigate the challenges of my research. I’m also grateful for the support of AUT’s Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship team throughout my academic journey. Thanks to my supervisors and the AUT scholarship team I was able to complete my master’s degree with first-class honours and received the award for the highest achieving postgraduate scholarship recipient.”
Better patient care
After graduating in 2024, Naing now loves being able to use his knowledge to help improve the quality of patient care through proper clinical documentation.
“I now work in the Auckland City Hospital’s Department of Quality, Safety and Risk, and our goal is to enhance the clarity and quality of patient records, ultimately improving patient care. My role involves identifying errors or missing information in clinical notes, and collaborating with clinicians to ensure comprehensive and accurate documentation. On weekends, I also tutor master's degree students, assisting them with their dissertations, and marking and grading health science assignments.
“With eight years of experience as a medical officer, including at one of the most advanced hospitals and two years as a general practitioner in Myanmar, I find great satisfaction in working in clinical environments. I enjoy reviewing clinical notes, staying updated on treatment advancements, and engaging with the latest clinical research, particularly during health emergencies and outbreaks. This allows me to stay connected to the clinical world while contributing to better patient outcomes.”
He is especially proud of his current role and the positive impact he can make through his work.
“This role is relatively new in New Zealand, and is being implemented at Auckland City Hospital and Middlemore Hospital. Being part of this pioneering team and helping to shape the role has been a deeply rewarding achievement for me.”
Advice for other students
Naing’s advice for other students is simple: follow your passion and pursue a career that aligns with your interests and values.
“When you’re passionate about what you do it fuels your motivation and drives you to excel. Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning. Take every opportunity to expand your knowledge, engage in research and stay updated on the latest developments in your field.”
He also stresses the importance of kindness, empathy and compassion.
“Acting with honesty and treating others with respect and dignity is essential. It's important to always be mindful of the feelings and perspectives of those around us. Living with integrity and a commitment to lifelong learning has been crucial to my growth, and I encourage other students to adopt these principles on their own journey.”
