Chelsea Brewer

I am a 28-year-old from Christchurch, with a unique background in competitive and professional dance, having trained full-time in Australia after high school. From a young age, dance instilled in me a deep appreciation for the human body—its precision, resilience, and vulnerability—which naturally evolved into a passion for health and science. This ultimately led me to pursue a career in medicine, where I now bring the same discipline, commitment, and attention to detail I developed through dance.

I aspire to become either an anaesthetist or a general practitioner—fields that, while quite different, align with my interests. Anaesthetics appeals to my love of physiology and pharmacology, developed during my previous degree, and my ability to remain calm and focused in high-stakes environments. General practice, on the other hand, offers the opportunity to build long-term, trusted relationships and improve everyday health outcomes within my community. I hold a deep sense of responsibility to my community and whānau and I value the privilege of supporting people through every day health concerns and pivotal moments in their lives. Alongside my medical training, I serve in the New Zealand Defence Force Medical Corps, where I continue to strengthen my skills in trauma care, field medicine, and leadership—all while maintaining my physical fitness. Outside of medicine, I remain connected to my roots by teaching dance to the next generation and finding balance with my fiancé and our dog, whether hiking one of Aotearoa’s great tracks or enjoying time at home gardening and baking. These parts of my life keep me grounded, connected, and continually inspired to grow as a compassionate and capable clinician.

• Awarded University of Otago Scholarship in Biomedical Sciences | 2020
• Awarded Council Commendation for Exceptional Performance (PHAL305) | 2020
• Awarded University of Otago Scholarship in Medicine for Overall Distinction | 2022

• St. Johns First Aid Training
• Combat Life Saver (CLS) Course — New Zealand Defence Force, 2023
• MARS-L (Modular Assault Rifle System - Light) Qualification — New Zealand Defence Force, 2024
• GLOCK Weapons Qualification Course — New Zealand Defence Force, 2024
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification, 2025
• Future Leaders Programme — Te Papa Hauora, 2025

Q4 2025, TI - Anaesthetics Elective, Christchurch

Q3 2025, TI - General Medicine, Christchurch

Q3 2025, TI - General Surgery, Christchurch

Q2 2025, TI - Cardiology Selective, Christchurch

Q2 2025, TI - Critical Care (Anaesthetics, ED, ICU), Christchurch

Q2 2025, TI - Paediatrics, Christchurch

Q1 2025, TI - Psychiatry, Christchurch 

Q1 2025, TI - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Christchurch 

Q1 2025, TI - General Practice, Christchurch 

Q4 2024, ALM5 - Women's Health/Developmental Medicine, Christchurch

Q3 2024, ALM5 - Paediatrics, Christchurch

Q3 2024, ALM5 - Psychiatry, Christchurch

Q2 2024, ALM5 - Orthopaedics and Advanced Surgery

Q1 2024, ALM5 - Advanced Medicine (including Neurology and Rheumatology), Christchurch

Q4 2023, ALM4 - Older Persons' Health, Christchurch

Q4 2023, ALM4 - Public Health, Christchurch

Q3 2023, ALM4 - General Medicine, Dunedin

Q3 2023, ALM4 - Public Health, Dunedin

Q2 2023, ALM4 - Older Persons' Health, Dunedin

Q1 2023, ALM4 - Advanced Surgery (General Surgery and Urology), Invercargill

Volunteer | CANCER SOCIETY NZ, Dunedin | Oct – Dec 2018

• Supported public awareness efforts by delivering flyers, promoted fundraising initiatives such as Daffodil Day, and strategically placed posters around Dunedin to promote cancer education.

Voluntary Tutor | ASTRA GYMNASTICS, Dunedin | Jan 2022 - Jan 2023

• Provided weekly coaching and lead dance sessions for young gymnasts aged between 4-16 years.

Volunteer | PACIFIC ISLAND HEALTH PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION, Christchurch | Feb 2025 - Current

• Volunteered at community events, including PolyFest Christchurch, to promote and educate people on heart health

Trainee Intern Mentoring Programme | CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, Christchurch | Jan 2025 - Current

• Mentored fourth and fifth year medical students to assist with their learning and confidence and help support their transition into clinical practice.

Outside of medicine, I am actively involved in teaching and choreographing dance, sharing my passion with the next generation, and staying connected to my performing arts roots by performing when I can. I enjoy spending time at home with my fiancé, whether baking, gardening, reading or playing with our dog.  Staying physically active and learning new things are also important to me, having recently taken up baking sourdough and beginner surfing, which I've found both humbling and rewarding. I maintain my fitness through my involvement with the NZDF and regular gym training. One of my goals is to hike all of Aotearoa’s Great tracks with my fiancé and friends. Spending time with my wider friends and family, particularly my baby nephew in Christchurch is also a deeply valued part of my life, which keeps me anchored to what matters most, people.