{"id":218211,"date":"2025-07-01T12:29:19","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T22:29:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=218211"},"modified":"2025-07-09T14:54:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T00:54:40","slug":"growing-native-hawaiian-physician-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2025\/07\/01\/growing-native-hawaiian-physician-network\/","title":{"rendered":"Growing the Native Hawaiian Physician Network"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
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2024 kīhei (traditional wrap) ceremony at JABSOM<\/abbr>. (Photo credit: Kara Wong-Ramsey)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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This article by JABSOM<\/abbr> Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence and ʻAhahui<\/span> o nā Kauka was first published in Ka Wai Ola on June 1<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/em> <\/p>\n

The health of our lāhui has long been a critical concern. From the impacts of smallpox and Hansen\u2019s disease (leprosy) in the 1800s to today\u2019s high rates of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and mental health challenges, Native Hawaiians continue to bear a heavy burden.<\/p>\n

Our kūpuna knew that health is central to our people\u2019s strength and survival. From aliʻi<\/span> who established hospitals to kahuna who practiced lāʻau<\/span> lapaʻau,<\/span> we inherit a powerful legacy of healing and service.<\/p>\n

Yet Native Hawaiians still face the highest rates of chronic illness in the state. At the same time, Hawaiʻi<\/span> is facing a severe physician shortage—currently lacking 757 doctors statewide, especially in primary care.<\/p>\n

Fewer than 6% of Hawaiʻi\u2019s<\/span> practicing physicians are of Native Hawaiian descent. Addressing this crisis begins with us—by training and supporting more Native Hawaiian physicians who are rooted in culture and committed to our communities.<\/p>\n

At the Department of Native Hawaiian Health at the University of Hawaiʻi\u2019s<\/span> John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM<\/abbr>), the Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence (NHCOE<\/abbr>) is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Native Hawaiian physicians. NHCOE<\/abbr> supports students throughout the medical pathway—from high schoolers exploring health careers, to post-baccalaureate students applying to medical school, to medical students growing in their clinical practice. We also support physicians and trainees on their journey as K\u0101naka Maoli healers.<\/p>\n

Our mentorship model follows the kaikaina\u2013kaikuaʻana<\/span> (older-younger sibling) tradition, connecting those further along in their path with those just beginning. This approach strengthens cultural identity, academic achievement, and a sense of pilina—relationship and responsibility.<\/p>\n

Together with ʻAhahui<\/span> o nā Kauka, the Association of Native Hawaiian Physicians, we are building a Native Hawaiian Physician Network—a living system of support linking students, physician trainees, and physicians. According to recent data, over 400 Native Hawaiian physicians are in practice or retired. We aim to connect with and expand this community.<\/p>\n

We invite the following to join us:<\/p>\n