Humble beginnings: from Lalaura to the board rooms of Papua New Guinea--the story of Dr Evelyn Lavu.

This article explores the life and professional achievements of Dr Evelyn Lavu, the Director of the Central Public Health Laboratory at Port Moresby General Hospital in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The article documents Dr Lavu's journey from the happy village in which she grew up to her internationally recognized status as a leading pathologist of the Pacific region. Never limited by her gender, Dr Lavu has served as an executive committee member of the Medical Society of Papua New Guinea. She has also served as the President of the Women Doctors' Association of PNG. Exploring the factors that have enabled Dr Lavu's achievements, the article documents her quiet tenacity and confidence.