Leslie Ding - Chinese doctor who became a role model for his community

While working on an event for the Kai Xin Xing Dong Project in Christchurch, Vaea Hutchen, mental health promoter, discovered the story of an inspiring individual

When I was working on the Kai Xin Xing Dong Project, Simon Tam, my Chinese mentor, asked me ‘Did you speak to Dr Leslie Ding about the project?’ I told him I did not know who Dr Ding was. Sadly, Dr Ding had passed away in July 2009, but his achievements in mental health continue to make an impact. I would like to share those with you in this post.

Leslie Ding attended Otago University in 1958. He was the first New Zealand medical graduate of Chinese descent to qualify in psychiatry at Otago. Dr Ding moved to Christchurch and later became the consultant psychiatrist at Princess Margaret Hospital, where he established the eating disorders clinic.

He had a part-time private practice, lectured and supervised students at the University of Otago’s Christchurch clinical school, as well as working in forensic psychiatry.

Later, he was promoted to medical superintendent of Sunnyside Hospital, a position he held for four years before he became divisional manager of Canterbury’s psychiatric and geriatric services. 

In these two roles, he was involved with the change from institutional care to community-based services.
Dr Ding was closely involved with setting up the Comcare Charitable Trust in Canterbury where he remained involved for more than 20 years, including 11 years as chairman.

He was also active in other roles associated with his profession, including working as an accredited supervisor in postgraduate training, serving on the Mental Health Review Tribunal and the Medical Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.

Dr Ding was very highly regarded and had risen through the ranks of his profession but he was quiet about his achievements and never boasted about them.

A man who maintained strong links with his own cultural heritage, he was also sensitive to the needs of other cultures. He was respected within his profession and was a role model in his community. 

In acknowledgement of Dr Leslie Ding and his passing in 2009 an invitation was extended to his nephew Dr Colin Ding to be part of the Kai Xin Xing Dong project in Christchurch.    

Read more about the Kai Xin Xing Dong project

Vaea Hutchen, Mental Health Promoter