The University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine has promoted Philip Verhoef, MD, PhD (Associate Program Director, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Internal Medicine Residency Program), to Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine.
Dr. Verhoef has served a transformative role within KP Hawaii’s residency program, and he’s been instrumental in expanding rotational opportunities for student clerkships at Moanalua Medical Center.
On June 11, 2021 a number of our Internal Medicine Residents, including all five incoming Interns, volunteered at the Special Olympics of Hawaii's (SOHI) MedFest Event as part of the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group's Professional Development Day. Our residents helped perform health screens for individuals who participate in Special Olympics activities. The event was held at SOHI's new headquarters in Kapolei.
Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It's important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It's the way in which we ourselves grow and develop. - Dorothy Height
Five new internal medicine residents began their internship year at Kaiser Permanente Hawaii in June. Choosing a residency program during the COVID-19 pandemic came with additional challenges, as this was the first class for which all interviews were conducted virtually. Prior to receiving their white coats, the new interns volunteered at MedFest, doing intake and escorting Special Olympics athletes through their physicals.
Following an unprecedented year of practicing medicine amid a pandemic, the graduates of the Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Internal Medicine Residency Program safely gathered at Mapunapuna Medical Office on June 5 for the program’s annual banquet. The end of the academic year was celebrated by sharing congratulatory speeches. In recognition of the outstanding work of several faculty members and residents, Dr. Motooka announced the recipients of the Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Internal Medicine Residency Awards.
During the graduation ceremony, residents were presented with expertly crafted kihei (a traditional Hawaiian garment) and lei hulu (prized feather lei), that symbolized their dedication and commitment to residency training.
Congratulations to our IM residency graduates, and mahalo to all of our residency leadership, faculty, preceptors, and administrative staff for their incredible guidance and support during the 2020-2021 program year!
The Hawaii Chapter of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Medical Honor Society recognized Jennifer Katada, MD (Associate Program Director, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Internal Medicine Residency Program), as an Honorary Alumni Inductee on May 13 at a banquet at the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine.
The AΩA Honor Society honors top students from each graduating medical school class, and recognizes contributions in educational achievement, gifted teaching, the development of leaders, humanism, and service. Each year, the Hawaii chapter selects from house staff, faculty, and alumni to name honorary AΩA members.
Dr. Katada was selected by this year’s AΩA students as their Honorary Alumni Inductee. “I was honored to be chosen for this recognition,” said Dr. Katada. “It aligns with my personal and professional goals, such as lifelong learning in the pursuit of clinical excellence and teaching. I aspire to be a role model for medical students and help them achieve their goals.”
Many year-end messages lament the 2020 that was. Certainly the COVID pandemic has created uncertainty and doubt. In my training and early practice, AIDS was the pandemic, and a large quilt was created to honor those who had died. I have no doubt that a similar one perhaps fittingly virtual will honor the lives of COVID victims.
In this message I choose to celebrate and honor 2020 and the potential that exists for 2021.
Here's raising a cup o' kindness to 2020,
Mitch Motooka