Kaiser Permanente joins UH Mānoa School of Medicine in program to inspire future neighbor island physicians

Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine team up to tackle the state’s ongoing physician shortage while inspiring the next generation of Hawaiʻi physicians.

Last week, nine high school students participating in the Neighbor Island Medical Scholars Program flew to Oʻahu to attend the Medical Diagnosis and Treatment program — a weeklong, hands-on experience at the John A. Burns School of Medicine.

Following the program, students return to their home islands to shadow local Kaiser Permanente physicians and other health care partners in their communities, gaining real-world exposure to clinical care while applying what they’ve learned in the classroom.

“Having these bright and motivated students on our campus last week was incredibly rewarding,” said Dr. Jill Omori, director of the Office of Medical Education. “For the students to have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned at Medical Diagnosis and Treatment in a real clinical setting with physicians from Kaiser Permanente is truly invaluable in nurturing their growth and commitment to health care careers.”

The Neighbor Island Medical Scholars Program aims to inspire local students to pursue careers in medicine and return home to care for their communities. By removing financial and geographical barriers and creating meaningful learning experiences, the School of Medicine and Kaiser Permanente cultivate a homegrown workforce that reflects Hawaiʻi’s diversity and values.

“Our partnership with the John A. Burns School of Medicine is one of the most meaningful ways we can support the development of future physicians — especially those from the neighbor islands,” said Dr. John Yang, president and medical director of Hawaiʻi Permanente Medical Group. “When students feel connected to their home communities and a deep sense of kuleana to give back, they’re more likely to return and serve where they’re needed most. That’s one of the ways we can address the physician shortage across Hawaiʻi.”

Nea Portillo, a student at Kīhei Charter School on Maui, expressed her gratitude to the John A. Burns School of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, and all the partners that made this program possible.

“After seeing how my community was impacted by the Maui wildfires and knowing that there is a great need for more people to serve in our health care industry, it makes me want to step up and help fill a role,” Portillo said. “That way, if our community is ever in a crisis moment in the future, I want to be able to help take care of our community.”

This is the first year Kaiser Permanente has joined the three-year-old Neighbor Island Medical Scholars Program as a partner, and the addition has proven invaluable for some students interested in the medical field.

Colten Clarke, a student at Kealakehe High School in Kona, was ecstatic to experience how physicians use what they learned in school in their daily lives.

“I love getting to actually do what I’m learning in school, what I’m interested in, and getting awesome hands-on experience,” Clarke said. “I love all the labs we’re doing about anatomy and learning more about patient encounters. I can’t express how awesome it is that I’m getting to do what I want to do at only 16 years old.”