gross anatomy in the USC Dental School during medical school as well as leading breast cancer clinical courses at the University of California, San Diego during his fellowship there, it is clear Chris is passionate about sharing his knowledge and lifting others up along the way.
Alumni Making A Difference Dr. Christopher Tokin ‘95 ~ by Kellie James ’95 Schmidtke (Sullivan ‘26, Parker ‘28)
T
o Dr. Christopher Tokin ’95, the many floors of the Hanahau‘oli Library, filled with endless books and resources, was a favorite place to spend free time during his elementary school career. Alongside then Librarian Mrs. Susanna Loftis, Chris spent hours reading books of every kind and even volunteered to lovingly and painstakingly convert every book in our library from the Dewey Decimal system to bar codes in his 5th-6th Grade years. To this day, he remembers where his favorite books were on the shelves: “The right hand stack at the top of the staircase on the second floor,” says Chris of his beloved Space Books. Are they still there, Ms. Gabby, Mrs. Donn, or Kuāliwi students learning in the Library this school year? Report back if you know! After graduating from Hanahau‘oli in 1995, Chris moved on to Punahou for middle and high school, University of Notre Dame for undergraduate studies then on to University of Southern California for medical school. Throughout his higher education, Chris always found the time to educate others as well. From tutoring chemistry and Mandarin at Notre Dame to teaching
Chris ‘95, Robin, and Lucas Tokin at the Outrigger Canoe Club
His professional career has fortunately brought him home to Honolulu where he is now a Breast Surgical Oncologist and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Hawai‘i Pacific Health’s Pali Momi and Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children. Dr. Tokin is the only breast fellowship trained surgeon in the state of Hawai‘i and one of few surgeons in the country to have specialty training in both breast cancer and breast reconstruction. Dr. Tokin works diligently every day to explain to his patients the options for the surgical treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Tokin shares, “Women aren’t always offered reconstruction. The standard should be greater than 75% nationwide, but Hawaii’s reconstruction rates have been reported as low as 20%. It was mandated in the 1990s by Congress that breast reconstruction be covered by insurance, but I still see many patients who are not offered it. I worry that anxiety or not knowing better are some of the reasons women are not choosing the reconstruction option. Most patients with breast cancer don’t need to lose their breasts at all and I feel privileged to offer them breast conservation or oncoplastic surgical options. I know patients appreciate being able to save their breast(s).” Dr. Tokin conChris Tokin ‘95 in JK gainin g initial suture skills at pla tinues his y. leadership role at Hawai‘i Pacific Health where he recently became the Program Director of the Pali Momi Breast Program Leadership Committee. “There is a shortage of physicians in Hawaii and we need to bring more research here, such as large surgicalbased trials so patients here can access great care. Trials like these are mostly on the mainland and traveling back and forth may not be an option for all patients. We hope to have Phase 1 clinical trials at the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center soon which is great but we need more practitioners and trials.” Dr. Tokin and his wife Robin who teaches high school mathematics at ‘Iolani School, have two children, Lucas (age 2) and a newborn daughter Juliette (born January 14, 2021).
Lucas (2) and his new baby sister Juliette born January 2021 Winter 2021 <
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