Medical Assurance Society (MAS) is expanding its focus on governance capability with a new development program for medical, dental, and veterinary professionals and the appointment of a seasoned financial services executive to its board.
In an effort to cultivate governance expertise within its member base, MAS will open applications in May 2025 for the Future Practitioner Director Programme.
The initiative is tailored to support doctors, dentists, and veterinarians who are MAS members and interested in governance roles, particularly those aiming for future positions on the MAS board.
The program is intended to offer flexible development pathways that reflect the professional and personal demands of health practitioners. It includes:
Successful applicants will also receive structured training in insurance, investment, and regulatory fundamentals.
MAS has affirmed its commitment to offering at least one placement annually, with additional spots possible based on applicant demand and program scope.
MAS chief executive Suzanne Wolton said the program was created in response to the increasing difficulty of sourcing practitioner directors with relevant governance experience for a complex financial services organisation.
“MAS appreciates that it can be challenging for busy health professionals to get the necessary skills and experience to transition into governance roles. Through the MAS Future Practitioner Director Programme, MAS hopes to contribute to lifting corporate governance skills across the medical, dental, and veterinary professions,” she said.
Applicants must be New Zealand residents, hold a current practising certificate in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, and be active MAS members.
Submissions require a CV, cover letter outlining governance goals and development plans, and optionally, a video presentation.
The program can be completed over multiple years to accommodate practitioners’ schedules, and MAS will consider other governance-related development activities proposed by applicants.
The announcement of the governance program follows the appointment of Melissa Macfarlane to MAS’s board of directors, effective Feb. 1. The appointment will be confirmed at the MAS annual general meeting scheduled for August.
Macfarlane brings a background in strategic leadership across banking and insurance. She previously held senior roles at Westpac Bank, including chief digital officer and chief operating officer for wealth and insurance. In those capacities, she led initiatives across insurance partnerships, digital strategy, and operational transformation.
She currently serves as country head for New Zealand at Constantinople, a banking technology and services provider.
MAS board chair Brett Sutton said Macfarlane’s expertise is aligned with the board’s ongoing efforts to meet evolving regulatory expectations.
Macfarlane noted her interest in supporting MAS’s digital and member service strategies.
“As the financial landscape evolves, there are a whole host of opportunities to enhance our digital services and technology foundations while maintaining the personal touch that makes MAS special. I look forward to working with the team on the exciting journey ahead,” she said.
