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Harry Kim <br />Mali or <br />July 13, 2017 <br />Wil Okabe <br />Atanaging Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <br />�IIUnfVi of (P- t funi'i <br />OfficE of for MaVar <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • I'lilo, 1.1awa1'l 96720 . (808) 961-8211 • Pax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole I Iwy., Bldg. C • Kailua-Kona, I lawai'i 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • 17ax (808) 323-0440 <br />Elizabeth Tam, MD <br />Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine <br />University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine <br />1356 Lusitania Street <br />Honolulu, Hawaii 96613-2427 <br />Re: University of Hawaii Integrated Residency Program Rural Health Elective <br />Hui Kahu Malama <br />Dear Dr. Tam: <br />This letter is to express my deep concern regarding the dire shortage of primary care physicians <br />on Hawai'i Island, which is compounded by the impending retirement of doctors currently in <br />practice many of them who have spent 30 to 35 years serving the community. <br />I would like to recognize the program initiated by local physicians to mentor University of Hawai'i <br />John A. Burns School of Medicine's residents and medical students and their efforts to sustain <br />this vital program by creating a non-profit entity. <br />There are many components within our healthcare system; training doctors within hospitals <br />addresses only one part of the healthcare system. Community practices undertaken by <br />independent doctors are a key link, especially for our rural communities — which this non-profit <br />will address. <br />Please know that the County of Hawaii stands ready to support this initiative with funding, and <br />any other means appropriate to mitigate this doctor shortage crisis. <br />Please contact me should you have any questions about my support and commitment to this <br />important initiative. <br />4cerely, <br />Harry Kim <br />MAYOR <br />County of I Iawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />