Meet the first Native Hawaiian to be inducted into National Academy of Medicine

Photo retrieved from researchgate.net

In an exciting development for Native Hawaiian representation in medicine, Dr. Keawe Kaholokula, a prominent health professor and chair of the Department of Native Hawaiian Health at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, has made history by being elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM).

This honor is one of the highest recognitions a medical scientist can receive in the United States and reflects Dr. Kaholokula’s dedication to improving health outcomes for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

The National Academy of Medicine is an organization that focuses on health and medicine. It aims to provide expert advice on important health issues, promote policies to improve health care, and advance the science of medicine.

Each year, NAM elects about 100 new members who have made significant contributions to the field. Being inducted is a remarkable achievement in order to highlight not only individual success but also the importance of community impact.

Dr. Kaholokula explained the significance of this recognition.