Growing the Native Hawaiian Physician Network

Submitted by JABSOM Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence and ʻAhahui o nā Kauka

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

Our kūpuna knew that health is central to our people’s strength and survival. From aliʻi who established hospitals to kahuna who practiced lāʻau lapaʻau, we inherit a powerful legacy of healing and service.

Yet Native Hawaiians still face the highest rates of chronic illness in the state. At the same time, Hawaiʻi is facing a severe physician shortage – currently lacking 757 doctors statewide, especially in primary care.

Fewer than 6% of Hawaiʻi’s 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.

At the Department of Native Hawaiian Health at the University of Hawaiʻi’s John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), the Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence (NHCOE) is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Native Hawaiian physicians. NHCOE 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 Kānaka Maoli healers.

Our mentorship model follows the kaikaina–kaikuaʻana (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.

Together with ʻAhahui 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.

We invite the following to join us:

• High school, college, and post-bac students exploring medicine
• Medical students and residents seeking mentorship
• Practicing and retired physicians willing to guide the next generation

This network is about more than career support. It is grounded in aloha, kuleana, and a shared commitment to improving the health of our lāhui.

Contributors to this month’s column include Director of the Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence Kanoho Hosoda, Ph.D. (Waimānalo); ʻAhahui o nā Kauka Co-Treasurer Kara Wong-Ramsey, MD (Mānoa); ʻAhahui o nā Kauka President Marcus Iwane, MD (Waimalu); ʻAhahui o nā Kauka board member Associate Professor, Department of Native Hawaiian Health & Office of Medical Education Dee-Ann Carpenter, MD (Moanalua); ʻAhahui o nā Kauka member and Assistant Professor, Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence Kelli-Ann Voloch, MD (Kāneʻohe).