HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-07-13 Letter to Elizabeth Tam re University of Hawaii Intergrated Residency Program Rural Health Elective Hui Kahu MalamaHarry Kim
Mali or
July 13, 2017
Wil Okabe
Atanaging Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
�IIUnfVi of (P- t funi'i
OfficE of for MaVar
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • I'lilo, 1.1awa1'l 96720 . (808) 961-8211 • Pax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole I Iwy., Bldg. C • Kailua-Kona, I lawai'i 96740
(808) 323-4444 • 17ax (808) 323-0440
Elizabeth Tam, MD
Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine
University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine
1356 Lusitania Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96613-2427
Re: University of Hawaii Integrated Residency Program Rural Health Elective
Hui Kahu Malama
Dear Dr. Tam:
This letter is to express my deep concern regarding the dire shortage of primary care physicians
on Hawai'i Island, which is compounded by the impending retirement of doctors currently in
practice many of them who have spent 30 to 35 years serving the community.
I would like to recognize the program initiated by local physicians to mentor University of Hawai'i
John A. Burns School of Medicine's residents and medical students and their efforts to sustain
this vital program by creating a non-profit entity.
There are many components within our healthcare system; training doctors within hospitals
addresses only one part of the healthcare system. Community practices undertaken by
independent doctors are a key link, especially for our rural communities — which this non-profit
will address.
Please know that the County of Hawaii stands ready to support this initiative with funding, and
any other means appropriate to mitigate this doctor shortage crisis.
Please contact me should you have any questions about my support and commitment to this
important initiative.
4cerely,
Harry Kim
MAYOR
County of I Iawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.