KAUAI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Medical students at the University of Hawaiʻi are looking to practice their medicine on Kauaʻi, helping them gain experience while addressing the island’s physician shortage.
The Kauaʻi Medical Training Track, which is administered by the John A. Burns School of Medicine, allows students to train on the Garden Isle for up to 15 months throughout their schooling.
“Rather than a brief rotation, this pathway integrates students into the fabric of Kauaʻi so when they graduate, it will be an easier transition for them to return to the community,” said JABSOM Director of Rural Training Travis Hong. “In addition to building medical knowledge, we’re developing community connections and long-term commitment.”
Students in the program receive support in fields such as tuition, housing and transportation should they commit to four years of practice in Kauaʻi once they graduate. While all are welcome to apply, the program specifically prioritizes those with local ties or an interest in rural medicine.
For Thomas Gausepohl, who was born in Kapaʻa, the program has him excited to give back to his home community.
“Learning alongside doctors and preceptors who serve in Kauaʻi’s rural health system will be invaluable,” he said. “I think it will definitely help me see what this kind of work looks like day to day, and what it means to be part of a team that’s truly serving the community.”
Now in its fourth cohort, the Kauaʻi Medical Training Track has seen an expansion in applications and strong support from local physicians. Approximately 40 doctors on the island have volunteered as educators and 22 are serving as core faculty.
The program was established by a $10 million gift from Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg.