Hawaii is facing a severe problem with a shortage of physicians.
According to University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine research in the report from the Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Project for the 2018 Legislature, there is a shortage of 769 full-time equivalent physicians across the state. The shortage is expected to continue to increase to an estimated 1,500, partially due to current physicians reaching retirement age and younger physicians choosing the mainland for better pay and lower cost of living.
Hawaii Island tops the list with the highest physician shortage, estimated to be at 196, or 38.7 percent. To address the growing concern, the state Legislature, the University of Hawaii and community organizations are aiming to work together to increase the number of physicians in the state.
Hawaii Island’s own Community First has set a course to do just that. Community First is instrumental in the recruitment and retention of medical professionals for East Hawaii. Bringing together a team of donors, Community First offers a program to fund the retention of physicians for East Hawaii.
In July 2018, the Community First physician selection committee awarded its first funds in the amount of $100,000 to Hui Malama Ola Na ‘Oiwi for the hiring of Dr. Gaku Yamaguchi. The award was acknowledged and celebrated at the Hui Malama office on Dec. 12 with Dr. Yamaguchi, the committee, the Hui Malama medical team, and the donors who made the $100,000 possible. Donors include UHA, Hilo Medical Center, East Hawaii Independent Physicians Association, Hilo Medical Center Foundation and HMSA.
Community First Board member and chair of the committee, Charlene Iboshi, shared about the purpose of Community First, which is to work together as a community on health care needs, with the vision that we all take personal responsibility for our health and well-being, and that we work together to improve the health care system.
In addressing the physician shortage, Mrs. Iboshi commented on the evolving issue: “We need to hui together to recruit and retain physicians. Like lava, the landscape is changing. What do we need to do today?” The award program provides the support needed to bring more physicians to the island.
Community First is making an impact, and the hiring of Dr. Yamaguchi is proof. He joins the newly formed Hui Malama medical team that includes Ka‘ohimanu Dang Akiona, MD.; Ikaika Moreno, MSN., NP-C; Donna Dennerlein, LCSW; and Stacy Haumea, RDN, CDE.
Dr. Yamaguchi expressed his mahalo: “I’m happy and grateful to be part of the team. Hui Malama offers all kinds of services — medical, behavioral, dietary and nutrition, education, exercise classes, and more.”
For this award, a physician, new to East Hawaii, must be willing to practice in East Hawaii for four years. Dr. Yamaguchi was born in Japan and raised in Singapore. After attending medical school in Dominica, he moved to Hilo and completed the Family Medicine Residency program at Hilo Medical Center.
Hui Malama Executive Director Louis Hao said, “Dr. Yamaguchi’s decision to stay and serve the people of Hawaii Island is a great benefit for the community.” He went on to express his sincere mahalo for the support of Community First and the donors.
“With a significant physician shortage for Hawaii island, Hui Malama is appreciative of Community First efforts and support to improve health care,” Hao said. “It’s a great thing to see the health community coming close together. Our needs are great, and together, we need to work to address the physician shortage, attract and retain doctors.”
Hui Malama is one of five Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems in the state established under the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act of 1988. Hui Malama aims to address the health disparities of the Native Hawaiian population specifically, but services are open to the public.
With the re-establishment of medical services, Mr. Hao shares: “We are open, we are here. We are open to everybody. This is just the beginning of something bigger; more services to expand and offer more comprehensive health care.”
The medical program is rolling out in phases. Through January, free health screenings for medical and behavioral health are offered for adults 18 and older at the Hui Malama office in Hilo. Insurance not required.
With mobile trips across the island, the medical team also will bring health screenings and services to underserved and remote areas, with a focus on Native Hawaiian communities. A medical site is planned to open in Hilo in spring. To learn more, please call (808) 969-9220.
Jasmine LeFever is director of community relations for Hui Malama Ola Na ‘Oiwi. This column was prepared by Community First, a nonprofit organization led by KTA’s Barry Taniguchi and supported by a volunteer board of local community leaders.