“To be acknowledged first and foremost as a nurse – that was very special.
“I think historically with the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, it’s always been this big scientific conference with all these cardiology rock stars that you aspire to and deeply respect.
“But this conference was incredible,” Low said.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been to a conference where nurses and allied staff have felt so included.”
The New Zealand Cardiac Medal is awarded biannually and recognises an outstanding member who has made exceptional contributions to advancing heart care and improving cardiovascular outcomes for New Zealand.
Low began working as a registered nurse in the early 1990s at Gisborne Hospital, spent time working in the United Kingdom and then returned to Gisborne, where she has worked across coronary care, intensive care, emergency medicine and in cardiology over the past 24 years.
In that time, she has progressed into senior nursing roles and became a nurse practitioner in 2020, helping to shape and deliver cardiac services in a district that has often faced workforce shortages and limited access to specialist care.
Her contribution was highlighted in the CSANZ citation, which recognised her as “emblematic of many working tirelessly at a regional level, often with fewer resources than larger tertiary hospitals, while continuing to advocate strongly for their patients and deliver excellent care”.
“My passion has always been improving access to cardiovascular care for people of the rural East Coast,” Low said.
Health New Zealand Tairāwhiti interim group manager for shared services, Debbie Cordiner, said Low was a well-deserved recipient.
“Tracy has been an exceptional team member,” Cordiner said.
“She has demonstrated exemplary practice within her nurse practitioner role, ensuring that patients in Tairāwhiti continue to receive timely, professional and appropriate care.
“Through her collaborative approach, she has played a key role in ensuring the ongoing delivery of cardiology services to Tairāwhiti.”