Aloha!
I pursued the practice and calling of medicine because I’ve always been interested in science and love talking to people and helping them in times of need. I deeply appreciate being able to come to work every day and combine my interests while making a difference in the lives of others.
Part of making that difference is caring for our members and patients today, while inspiring, educating, and supporting the physicians of tomorrow, so they’re able to continue that vital calling of caregiving. Residency programs are such an important part of shaping the next generation of physicians and providers, and I’m thrilled that we honored our inaugural graduating class on June 11. This critical milestone was framed in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony, during which our graduating residents and chief residents received kihei (textile wraps printed with symbols representing their educational experience) and lei hulu (feather lei symbolizing these cherished students).
We also hosted the annual white coat ceremony for our new residents in front of our HPMG providers and administrative staff, and it was a truly special moment and significant development for our program.
These graduates (and those who follow) are well-prepared to pass the ABIM Internal Medicine Board Certification Examination and begin a career that leverages comprehensive internal medicine training. Some are continuing on to subspecialty fellowships, and we’re excited to see their careers in medicine unfold.
Mahalo to our residency program sponsors, faculty, administrative staff, and the many other hands that support the growth of our resident physicians, and congratulations to our first residency program graduates!
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Residency Program Focused on Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement is a philosophy embedded throughout our residency program’s three-year curriculum. In alignment with Graduate Medical Education accreditation standards, residents are trained in improvement methods and apply skills in continuous improvement toward individual, group, and interdisciplinary projects. Two notable resident initiatives focused on vitamin D quality and new type 2 diabetes medications. Residents met with faculty mentors to take these projects from current state analysis and problem identification to presenting continuing medical education segments on their projects and trialing tools and processes to support operational changes.
“It’s my hope that our graduates apply their learnings in continuous improvement and strive to make health care better in all areas in which they practice in this next phase of their careers,” said Todd Kuwaye, MD (Residency Program Sponsor; AAMD, Continuous Improvement; AAMD, Primary Care Operations, Oahu; Chief, Lihue Clinic).
Other continuous improvement projects being undertaken by residents include:
- Increasing the number of patients with advance health care directives
- Improving physician/provider-patient communication after urgent imaging studies
- Partnering with co-residents to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in the hospital setting
- Increasing colorectal cancer screening rates
The New Type 2 Diabetes Medication Quality Improvement Initiative reviewed the evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of newer diabetes medications and developed operational tools within KP HealthConnect® to help providers apply the evidence through point-of-care resources.
Did You Know?
Hawaii Permanente Medical Group is the state’s largest group practice. Building on over five decades of innovation, our 600+ physicians and providers in over 120 specialties are dedicated to ensuring that every member receives the best care possible. Our physicians and other providers are required to demonstrate the core values of professional competency, integrity, flexibility, reliability, compassionate caring, and a commitment to excellence.
The Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Internal Medicine Residency Program is founded on these values and sets you on the path to a fulfilling, successful career in medicine. If this sounds like an environment where you would like to learn and practice medicine, applications for our 2019-2020 class will be accepted starting in September.