‘Once an ‘Imi, always an ‘Imi’: Meet the graduates

HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Monday, June 10, a significant event occurred at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) in Honolulu. Students from the ‘Imi Ho’ola program, which helps people from disadvantaged backgrounds become doctors, have graduated.

This tight-knit group of ambitious and focused students marked the culmination of a journey filled with determination, hard work and realized dreams.

The Class of 2024 was particularly notable as nine out of twelve students successfully completed the rigorous program, putting them on the path to becoming future healthcare professionals.

Dr. Winona Lee: Shaping the future of medicine

Dr. Winona Lee is the director of the ‘Imi Ho’ola program. She spoke about the transformative impact of the program on her students.

“Over the past 50 years, ‘Imi Ho’ola has shaped and defined the face of medicine in terms of diversity and inclusion,” said Dr. Lee.

She explained how the year-long program provides students from underrepresented backgrounds with the opportunity to strengthen their communication, leadership and science skills to prepare them well for medical school.

Dr Lee acknowledged the challenges the program faces in maintaining its high standards.

“As with all training programs, ensuring that what we teach is timely and relevant to changing health care needs is a constant challenge,” she said.

However, with the support of community organizations, they have been able to provide financial aid and emotional support to students, helping them overcome financial stressors and family obligations.

Looking to the future, Dr. Lee expressed hope that the program will continue to expand.

“We would love to include more students and have our alumni come back to teach and mentor,” she said.

With 315 alumni having earned their medical degrees at JABSOM, she looks forward to their continued involvement in supporting the next generation of physicians.

Kiara Naomi Moffitt: A Journey of Perseverance

Kiara Naomi Moffitt, one of the graduates, shared her story with a sense of triumph. Raised in downtown Honolulu and a graduate of the University of Washington, Moffitt found the ‘Imi Ho’ola program to be the perfect fit.

“They target people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and as a native Hawaiian, they really enriched my knowledge of the culture and helped me develop my science skills,” she said.

Moffitt remembered the day she was accepted into the program in vivid detail.

“I was in Seattle and it was 9 p.m. when I got the email. I immediately broke down, called my parents and friends,” she said.

The most difficult part of the program, she emphasized, was the sacrifice it required, particularly in terms of time.

“You have to be able to say no to a lot of things that you would normally say yes to,” she explained.

Despite the challenges, Moffitt emphasized the value of the skills she learned.

“The most impactful knowledge I gained was how to study and pivot if things weren’t working,” she said.

As she looks forward to her medical training at JABSOM, she is excited to serve underserved or underresourced areas, especially indigenous populations.

“I have always wanted to serve my community, especially as a native Hawaiian,” Moffitt concluded.

Lindney Costa: Resilience in the face of adversity

Lindney Costa, another graduate, highlighted the importance of the program for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Coming from a low socio-economic background and being Filipino, Costa had to face many obstacles.

“When I learned that I had been accepted to ‘Imi Ho’ola, I was very relieved. It was a long journey; and I was ultimately happy that this opportunity was proof that someone like I could succeed,” she shared.

Costa spoke about the challenges of meeting program requirements.

“The most difficult aspect was keeping up with the volume of work. It taught us a lot of time management skills,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Costa learned the importance of taking care of yourself in times of stress.

“Believing in yourself will take you forward,” she added.

Looking forward, Costa hopes to serve his Kalihi community and give back to those who are underserved.

“Even if I go to the mainland to reside, I will definitely come back home to help our people,” Costa said.

Kai Hiroyama: Accepting a vocation

Kai Hiroyama, son of two Japanese immigrants, spoke about his journey from Henry J. Kaiser High School to the ‘Imi Ho’ola program. Initially pursuing his career at Oregon State, Hiroyama realized his true calling was medicine.

“I knew, after interacting with patients and volunteering at clinics, that I wanted to become a doctor, no matter how I got there,” he said.

Hiroyama described the relief he felt after being accepted into the program after initially failing to get into medical school.

“I saw the light at the end of the tunnel,” Hiroyama said. For him, the most difficult part of the program was the sacrifice it required. “Not being able to spend time with family or friends and dedicate 24/7 to studying was difficult,” he admitted.

However, the support of his peers and teachers helped him get through it.

“The most impactful knowledge I gained was the confidence that if I put in the time and effort, things would work out,” he added.

Hiroyama hopes to become a primary care physician and use his Japanese skills to eliminate language barriers in the community.

Dr. Brian Isaac: A Legacy of Perseverance

Dr. Brian Isaac, an alumnus of Imi Ho’ola’s Class of 1980, came from Pohnpei to celebrate and support Imi’s new graduates. He shared his inspiring journey from Micronesia to becoming a doctor.

“I was born in Micronesia and completed high school in San Diego before returning home to teach,” he said.

Dr. Isaac learned about the ‘Imi Ho’ola program through a recruiter while teaching in Pohnpei. “Dr. Chad came across the islands to recruit ‘Imi, and that’s how I got in,” he recalls.

Reflecting on his time in the program, Dr. Isaac emphasized the importance of perseverance.

“‘Imi Ho’ola is very hard, but it prepares students to handle medical school,” he said.

His advice to new graduates was simple but profound: “Be happy. Be happy that you succeeded. If you can get through ‘Imi, medical school will be a lot easier.

List of graduates ‘Imi Ho’ola 2024

• Richelle Hannah Alfonso.
• Aljay Carnate, Jr.
• Lindney Costa.
• Kai Hiroyama.
• Jeannie Ho.
• Christian Llantero.
• Nicolas Loi.
• Kiara Naomi Moffitt
• Leo Wu.\

Each of these students graduates with automatic acceptance into JABSOM’s medical program where they will be trained for Hawaii’s future physicians. The group begins the next phase of their journey in July.

The importance of indigenous health workers

The graduation ceremony highlighted the vital role of Native healthcare workers in Hawaii and beyond. As Dr. Lee mentioned, the ‘Imi Ho’ola program has been instrumental in increasing diversity and inclusion in medicine.

By providing opportunities to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, the program ensures that future physicians reflect the communities they serve.

Moffitt, Costa, Hiroyama and Dr. Isaac all shared a common goal: to serve their community and make a difference. Their stories highlighted the importance of having healthcare professionals who understand and identify with the cultural and social contexts of their patients.

A future of hope and service

Graduating from the ‘Imi Ho’ola program at JABSOM is a testament to the power of resilience, community support and a willingness to serve.

As these nine graduates advance in their medical careers, they take with them the lessons learned and the support of a program dedicated to their success.

Dr. Lee’s words resonated with everyone present:

“Our hope is to continue to grow, include more students and see our alumni return for service and mentorship.” »

Dr Lee

The future of health care in Hawaii looks bright with these dedicated individuals ready to lead the way, embodying the spirit of Imi Ho’ola and commitment to serving their communities with compassion and excellence.

Congratulations, graduates! “Once an ‘Imi, always an ‘Imi!” We are all very excited about your future and what you will bring to our communities.