Hawaii Welcomes 77 New Medical Students to Combat Physician Shortage

HONOLULU – A group of 77 medical students began their journey to become doctors in a state that desperately needs them.

“We’re about 700 physicians short of what we ideally need, but we are moving mountains to try to train more doctors for the state of Hawaii,” said Dr. Sam Shomaker, dean of the John A. Burns School of Medicine.

Kaela Akina-Magnussen was among those receiving their white coats in a Friday evening ceremony at the Kaimuki High School Auditorium. The white coats symbolize the “cloak of compassion,” but their short length shows they are medical students.

Akina-Magnussen shared her experience with the physician shortage after returning home from college and searching for a primary care doctor.

“When I came back after my bachelor’s degree in New York, I wasn’t connected with any adult doctor. I called around to about eight different doctors, and no one could see me for almost a year,” she said.

Jordan Vedelli of Hawaii Island is the first recipient of a full-tuition scholarship named for Dr. Emmett Aluli, a Native Hawaiian physician who served Molokai, which has a severe shortage of healthcare providers.

“Growing up in Waimea, a small rural ranching town where everybody knows everyone, has its plus sides. You get to be raised by your community. But the downside is sometimes there’s limited access to healthcare,” said Vedelli.

“We have developed partnerships that allow us to place students on all the islands except Niihau,” said Shomaker. “So we have student rotations on Molokai, Lanai, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island.” For some, medicine runs in the family. Jorden Corpuz received his white coat from his brother, Dr. Austin Corpuz.

“I’m really happy and excited to see them together,” said their mother, Edeliza Corpuz, who added that both sons plan to practice on Oahu. “I’m really happy that they’re staying home because staying home is something we can contribute to the community.”

Other students echoed this sentiment. They plan to stay in Hawaii after becoming doctors. “I’d love to end up back on the Big Island, preferably in Waimea, but I love the entire Big Island,” said Vedelli. “I want to make sure fewer people experience the difficulties I had in accessing care,” said Akina-Magnussen.

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