Rural Health Initiatives

Jill Omori, MD

Director, Office of Medical Education jill.omori@hawaii.edu (808) 692-0932

Rural training opportunities are available and encouraged in every year of medical school.

Rural Health Training Initiatives:

PBL on the Neighbor Islands

 Since 2011, we have been sending 1st year medical students to Hilo and

Waimea on the Big Island for one of their curricular units.  They are mentored and trained by local physicians in those communities and participate in community health experiences that teach them about the local health care systems while providing a service to the community.  Starting in 2022, we will have this experience on Lanai and Kaua‘i islands.

Longitudinal Clerkship and other Rural Electives

 The 3rd year longitudinal clerkship is divided into two parts: 6 months of mini-inpatient blocks and6 months ofambulatory training. In addition to

Oahu sites, students can complete their ambulatory semester in Hilo,

Waimea, and Kona on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, and Kauaʻi.  Approximately 25% of the 3rd year class completes their longitudinal clerkship on one of the Neighbor Islands.  Fourth year students have the opportunity to complete their required geriatrics and emergency medicine rotations on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, or Kauaʻi.  Students also have the opportunity to do electives in rural Hawaiʻi and throughout the Pacific Basin during the summer between 1st and 2nd year and during their 4th year.

Rural Health Certificate of Distinction

 Students that have a special interest in rural health and that show a commitment to rural medicine can apply for the Dean’s Certificate of

Distinction in Rural Health.  As part of this program, students participate in specific rural electives and rotations, attend rural health seminars, provide leadership for the rural health interest group, and participate in research or projects targeting rural health issues.

AHEC partners with the Hawaii Veteran’s Association to support 30 students a year to work in inter-professional teams in rural areas including Hilo, American Samoa, Guam, and Palau. Students from Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, Pharmacy and PublicHealth live and work together in clinical settings and perform a joint research project. For more information contact Dr. Kelley Withy at withy@hawaii.edu.