PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Dear PMAH Members,

July in Hawai'i brings an air of celebration and reflection as we honor both U.S. Independence Day and Philippine Republic Day (also known as Philippine American Friendship Day) on the Fourth of July. These occasions remind us of the shared history and enduring bonds between our nations, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration that strengthens our community. It's a time to appreciate the diverse cultures that define us and to acknowledge the contributions of both Filipino and American heritage to our shared identity.

We recently celebrated a significant legislative victory with the passage of Senate Bill 1035—a testament to the robust advocacy of our medical community. Through collective efforts, including testimony from our board and members, personal appearances at the legislature, and support rallied through social media and word of mouth, we've achieved a landmark success. This legislation, which exempts certain medical services from the General Excise Tax (GET), will take effect on January 1, 2026, saving our health industry an estimated $74 million annually. This is a major step towards reducing the financial strain on healthcare providers and enhancing the accessibility of medical services across our state. It highlights our commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare remains accessible and affordable for all residents of Hawai'i.

In May, we held the "Spring into Health" Fair at the Filipino Community Center, providing a prime opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to engage in health awareness through preventive screenings, educational activities, and insightful discussions on local and state health services. It was a chance for our community to gather, learn, and inspire one another towards healthier lifestyles and proactive healthcare management. The fair was not just about medical screenings; it was about building a community that values health and wellness. The participation of local health organizations, volunteers, and our members was instrumental in making this event a success, showcasing our collective dedication to improving public health.

Following the health fair, we gathered for the CME event at the Four Seasons Resort Ko Olina over Memorial Day weekend. This event offered a comprehensive exploration of current medical challenges and innovations, from disease prevention to health disparities and end-of-life care. Set against Ko Olina's tranquil backdrop, it provided both professional growth and a moment to recharge in the company of colleagues. The sessions were enriching, covering a wide range of topics relevant to today's healthcare landscape. Networking opportunities allowed us to share knowledge and experiences, fostering a collaborative environment that will undoubtedly benefit our practice and our patients. As we move forward, let’s also recognize the importance of our continuous learning and adaptation. The healthcare field is ever-evolving, and our commitment to staying informed and educated is crucial. Our proactive approach to professional development ensures that we can provide the best care possible to our community.

July is a month of celebration and reflection for us. Let us use this time to deepen our impact and continue our mission to improve health and well-being across our community. Thank you for your dedication and active participation in these important initiatives. Together, we can achieve remarkable things and continue to uphold the values that define the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii.

Warm regards,
Rainier Dennis D. Bautista, MD
President, Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii

RECENT EVENTS

Hawaii Governor Josh Green, MD Signs SB 1035 into Law!

Mark June 3, 2024 as a day to remember, for it was the day Hawaii Governor (and HMA member) Josh Green, MD signed SB1035 - the General Excise Tax Exemption Bill - into law!

Now known as Act 47, view the Governor's Message No. 1147 and the signed bill HERE.

This measure exempts hospitals, infirmaries, medical clinics, health care facilities, pharmacies, and medical and dental providers from General Excise Tax on goods and services that are reimbursed through Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE. It was unanimously passed by both the Hawaii House and Senate.

To read more about SB1035 and to read the official Hawaii Senate press release, click here.

View the dedicated General Excise Tax (GET) webpage by clicking HERE.

Graduation Dinner at 53 by the Sea

We recently gathered to celebrate our residents, medical students, and future medical school entrants at a memorable Graduation Dinner. Held on May 7, 2024, the evening honored their dedication and marked the beginning of their medical careers.

Amidst heartfelt congratulations and reflections, we recognized the impact these individuals will have on healthcare. We extend our gratitude to all who supported this event, from sponsors to organizers.

Congratulations once again to our graduates! We look forward to seeing their continued success in healthcare.

Physician Career Pathways Reception

We recently participated in an exclusive networking event aimed at exploring physician career pathways, with a special focus on opportunities across our neighbor islands. The event provided participants with:

Insights into employment opportunities in health systems and private practice settings on neighbor islands.
Networking opportunities with peers across various specialties, fostering connections that can shape careers.
A delightful evening featuring food stations with heavy pupus and mocktails.

The event was held on May 15, 2024 at JABSOM. It was a great opportunity to connect, learn, and discover diverse career paths beyond our main island.

2024 HSCADV Conference on Gender-Based Violence: Illuminating Gender Inequity in Crises: Breakthroughs to Liberation

We are pleased to share the highlights of the 2024 HSCADV Conference on Gender-Based Violence, themed "Illuminating Gender Inequity in Crises: Breakthroughs to Liberation," held on May 16 – 17, 2024, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. PMAH was proud to attend this impactful event alongside a diverse group of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique impacts of gender-based violence in Hawaiʻi.

From insightful discussions on the intersection of domestic violence with community issues like homelessness and wildfires to fostering collaborative efforts for collective liberation, the conference provided a crucial platform for dialogue, experience-sharing, and strategic collaboration.

Attendees included domestic violence service providers, victim/survivor advocates, violence preventionists, mental health professionals, legal experts, educators, and advocates for survivor justice. Together, we explored innovative approaches and strategies to support survivors and advance anti-violence efforts.

We encourage those who did not attend this year to mark their calendars for next year's conference. Join us in continuing our vital work towards ending gender-based violence and promoting equity in our communities.

More…

Spring into Health

We recently celebrated "Spring into Health," a vibrant event dedicated to embracing wellness and fostering a healthier community. The event featured:

Interactive activities promoting healthy lifestyles for individuals and families.
Raffle prizes where everyone was a winner!

The event was held on May 18, 2024 at The Filipino Community Center. It was a fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate health and wellness. We're excited to announce that due to its success, we plan to host "Spring into Health" again next year. Mark your calendars and join us for another enriching experience!

Memorial Weekend CME - May 25-26, 2024 - Four Seasons Resort at KoOlina

The Memorial Weekend CME, PMAH's 37th Annual CME event themed "Exploring Concepts in Primary Care," was a resounding success. Healthcare professionals gathered to explore innovative concepts and best practices in primary care, engaging in enriching discussions and workshops aimed at enhancing patient care.

Topics ranged from emerging treatments to patient-centered care models, reflecting our commitment to advancing healthcare excellence.

Thank you to all participants, speakers, and organizers for contributing to this successful event. We look forward to continuing our educational journey together.

Event Photos

PPMAH Picnic

On June 9, 2024, the PPMAH Picnic brought together future healthcare leaders alongside residents, attendings, and PMAH board members for a day of fun in the sun! Held in Waipahu, this lively event was a perfect blend of relaxation, networking, and camaraderie.

Amidst delicious food, exciting games, and great conversations, attendees enjoyed a memorable day connecting with peers and experienced healthcare professionals. It was an excellent opportunity to unwind and build relationships with those who share a passion for medicine and healthcare.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this fantastic event. Stay tuned for more exciting gatherings where we can continue to foster friendships and support each other on our journey to becoming healthcare professionals!

PMAH Board of Governors Meeting

On June 18, 2024, the PMAH Board convened for an impactful meeting where we discussed and strategized upcoming events and initiatives. We are diligently putting plans together to ensure these events are informative and engaging for our community.

We invite anyone interested in contributing to our efforts to join our committees. Please email us at info@pmah-hawaii.org if you would like to participate.

Committees with open positions:

Events Planning Committee
Fundraising Committee
Membership Engagement Committee
Public Relations and Marketing Committee
Advocacy and Policy Committee

Your involvement will help shape the future of PMAH and support our mission to serve our community effectively.

Join a committee

Congratulations to all the graduates!

The next generation of Filipino OB/GYNS in Hawaii!

Preceptor Brunch at JABSOM

JABSOM hosted a thank you preceptor brunch on June 23, 2024 at the medical school to acknowledge doctors that take the time to educate medical students in our busy practices.

L-R: Dr Mark Valdez, Critical Care; Dr Hazel Abinsay, Pediatrics; Interim Dean Dr Lee Buenconsejo-Lum, Family Medicine; Dr Gary Dela Cruz, Pediatrics; Dr Anthony Guerrero Child Psychology

UPCOMING EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Bowling Fundraiser on September 12, 2024

COMMITEE UPDATES

1. On the MONEY front, local legislative bills SB397/HB1367, to raise Medicaid/QUEST pay, and SB1035/HB662, bills to eliminate the GET on healthcare, are moving through the Hawaii Legislature. Also progressing are the loan repayment (SB164/HB661) and Preceptor Tax Credit (for specialists as well as PCPs SB1215/HB82) bills. If you want to voice your opinion, itʻs easy to do: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/

2. Help us raise Hawaii's Medicare rates! -- We are working with our Federal Legislators to try to get Medicare rates raised. To do this, we need to assess the cost of having a practice in Hawaii. If you own or run a practice, please complete our brief anonymous survey about costs of practicing in Hawaii: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/37RLWDV

Join the PMAH Legislative Committee!

Do you want to know more about what bills are being introduced that potentially affect healthcare in Hawaii?
Are you passionate about advocacy and effecting change in Hawaii's healthcare landscape?

Email PMAHinfo@gmail.com and let us know you're interested, and will pass it along to committee chair, Dr. Jerald Garcia.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR AFFILIATES

Aloha from BCWW,

The Lanakila Easy Access ProjeCt or LEAP has referred at least 163 newly-arrived immigrants to BCWW providers since January of this year. This a far cry from pre-pandemic levels when 314 patients where referred by LEAP during the same period in 2019. For those of who you who see or have seen uninsured immigrants, BCWW will be more than willing to give you a small honorarium to compensate you for the invaluable service you have rendered to these uninsured immigrants.

BCWW is currently involved with Tulayan Transport, a non-profit organization comprised of pre-med students that volunteer transportation services to patients of BCWW providers who need a ride to their doctors' appointments. To avail of their services, please contact Andrew Mettias at tulayantransport@gmail.com.

We are currently looking for a volunteer dentist in the Leeward Oahu area and are seeking to expand to the island of Maui so if you or anyone you know would like to become a BCWW volunteer, please contact JP Orias at jporias808@aol.com.

Lastly, we are in the planning stages of the next Doctor's-on-Stage concert fundraiser. If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer their singing, acting and dancing skills, please do not hesitate to contact JP as well.

Thank you so much for your service to the underserved immigrant community in the State of Hawaii!

Sincerely,

Jay Flores, DPT

BCWW President

The end of an academic school year is always a busy but joyous time for us at PMAH Foundation.

Several events that were held in the past two months include:

- “How to Write a Personal Statement Workshop” was led by family resident and board member, Dr. Aly Baniqued, where she shared with our premedical students applying this cycle on how to write an effective and meaningful personal statement.

- PMAH Foundation Graduation Dinner where we celebrated our new Filipino resident physicians and attendings at 53 by the Sea Restaurant in Kakaako.

- PMAH Foundation presented Dr. Austin Corpuz the PMAH Foundation Service Award during the JABSOM Awards Ceremony for his years of mentoring pre-medical and medical students throughout his medical school journey

- A “Transition to Clerkship” Pau Hana was hosted where the senior members of JABSOM’s PMSAH (Philippine Medical School Association of Hawaii) provided advice and shared stories to the incoming third year students on how to survive and excel during their clerkship rotations.

- Lastly, in early June we ended the year with our premedical students at PPMAH (Philippine Premedical Student Association of Hawaii) hosting a Fiesta Picnic at Waipio Central Oahu Regional Park where many of our premedical and medical students, residents and attendings came to catch up, play games, eat delicious food, and enjoy the spirit of bayanihan (community).

In addition, PMAH Foundation is proud that three of our students have been accepted to MD and DO schools as well as the Imi Hoola Program! We wish all our students who are embarking on new chapters of their lives the biggest Congratulations and Best Wishes!

We look forward to the upcoming academic year and already have several workshops and events planned for the rest of 2024. We even started our own Instagram page (Ig: pmahfoundation)! We’re always looking for other physicians who are passionate about mentorship. Email us at pmahmentorship@gmail.com or DM us on our Instagram page if you’d like to learn more.

Aloha,

Hazel Abinsay MD

PMAH Foundation President

Dear Colleagues!

The feeling is more intense when there are people who are in need.

The Ohana Medical Missions Inc. , the missionary arm of the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii is happy to announce it’s upcoming project/initiatives:

2024 Charity Ball/Fundraiser: Trick or Treat yourself at OMM’s Masquerade Ball at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Tapa Ballroom, October 26, 2024, Saturday, 5-11pm. Let’s have Fun for a cause.

2025 Missions:

OMM’s 22 nd Medical mission is from February 1- 10, 2025 in Tarlac Province (Gerona, Paniqui and Santa Ignacia), Pangasinan province ( Urdaneta and Lingayen) and Metro Manila (Bagong Silang).

OMM’s 23 rd Medical mission will be the Bicol express run on July/August 2025 from Naga city in Camarines Sur to Sto. Domingo, in Albay and Payatas in Metro Manila.

OMM’s All year round Free Medicine drive:

OMM has identified the most commonly sought medications during our missions. We usually procure our medications thru MAP International and AMERICARES and also free samples from our providers. We give each recipient a 3 month supply. Sometimes these are not enough.

In order to augment this, we encourage the membership to provide any unexpired medicine samples you have ( allowable expiry date is 6 months onwards from the time of dispensing per Philippine law )

The medicines that are high on demand are as follows:

1. Antihypertensives ( ARB;s, ACE-I, Betablockers, CCB’s)

2. AntiDiabetics ( Janumet, synjardy/Jardiance, xigduo/farxiga, glipizide, metformin etc.)

3. COPD/Asthma inhalers ( Trelegy, breztri, Symbicort, Spiriva, Stiolto, Advair, short-acting rescue inhalers)

4. Anti-LUTS like tamsulosin

5. Antivertigo like meclizine

6. Antihistamines for adult and peds like cetirizine/loratadine

7. Cough and cold preparations /solutions for adult and peds

8. Multivitamins for adult and peds

9. NSAIDS ( Naproxen, meloxicam, indomethacin , diclofenac etc. )

10. Dermatological (steroid cream, clotrimazole cream, permethrin cream)

11. Eye drops for bacterial, viral and allergic conjunctivitis/ dry eyes .

We are always encouraged and energized by your continued support and generosity to OMM through all the years. We are once again knocking on your doors as we embark on the hard work ahead of us.

Please attend our upcoming Masquerade Ball on October 26, 2024 and/or be a donor, sponsor and advertiser. Send your check to PMAH Ohana Medical Missions Inc. P.O Box 1294, Pearl city, HI 96782. You can also send your donation thru Zelle via PMAH Ohana Medical Missions Inc. at 808-518-8929 . For any inquiries/details on any of our initiatives/projects, please contact Mr. Jose Pedro Orias, OMM’s executive director at 808-387-8297, OMM’s number at 808-518-8929 and jporias808@aol.com

We love you all. Maraming Maraming Salamat po!

Ian E. Guerrerro MD

President

PMAH-Ohana Medical Missions Inc.

The Philippine Pre-Medical Association of Hawaiʻi (PPMAH) is a group of dedicated and driven Filipino pre-medical students who share the common goal of one day becoming future physicians who will care for our communities. PPMAH is advised by the PMAH Foundation physicians (Dr. Hazel Abinsay, Dr. Emilio Ganitano, Dr. Marel Ver, Dr. Mark Villarin, and Dr. Alyssandra Baniqued) and works in partnership with the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaiʻi (PMAH) to provide additional physician mentorship and community health outreach opportunities.

On Sunday, June 9th, 2024, PPMAH celebrated the end of the 2023-2024 school year with a summer fiesta picnic at Waipio Central Oahu Regional Park. During the picnic, attendees participated in Filipino activities (Patintero, Filipino Dodgeball, Sungkâ, Calamansi Relay Race, etc.) and ate delicious food from Pampanga Kitchen. Our DIY halo-halo bar was sweet, but socializing with a network of attending physicians, resident physicians, JABSOM medical students, and pre-medical students was even sweeter!

As we look forward to the future, we invite you to stay up to date on our upcoming events by following us on Instagram (@ppmah.premed). We are excited to continue our journey with your support. Thank you for being a part of our community!

PROVIDER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you a specialist who is willing to provide telehealth to rural areas of Hawaii? Email kelleywithy@gmail.com for more information.

Do you want to advertise an open position? Do you want to find a job in Hawaii? Do you want to meet a resident who may be interested in joining your practice? Email Your Hawaii Physician Recruiter: Thomas Hao hao4@hawaii.edu

For HMSA formularies, save this link (https://hmsa.com/help-center/your-hmsa-drug-formulary-list/). You can just put the three digit drug code from the patient's HMSA card (DRUG: xxx) and it will tell you which formulary to look at: https://hmsa.com/help-center/your-hmsa-drug-formulary-list/

The Hawai‘i/Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center is pleased to announce the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program (HELP), funded by the Hawai‘i State Legislature. HELP provides qualified educational loan debt repayment to health professionals licensed, or otherwise certified, to practice in and provide care to patients in Hawai‘i. The Internal Revenue Service defines Qualified Educational Loans under 26 USC 221(d)(1). The State expects HELP to help improve the number of providers in medically underserved areas of Hawai‘i, as well as improve the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers caring for the people of Hawai‘i by lessening the burden of large educational debt.

COVID Vaccine Information

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html

https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine-faqs/

https://www.filcomcares.org/

COVID Vaccine Access

https://www.filcomcares.org/events

https://www.oneoahu.org/find-vaccine

https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/hph-covid-19-updates/vaccine-update/

https://covid.queens.org/vaccine-clinics/

PMAH is a proud partner of the FilCom CARES project to provide COVID-19 resources our Filipino Communities.

To subscribe to the FilCom CARES newsletter, click HERE

Follow FilCom CARES on Facebook and Instagram for updates

We encourage you to dive into the latest edition of the Hawaii Journal of Health and Social Welfare. This journal is a valuable resource featuring insightful articles and research on critical topics impacting healthcare and social welfare in our community.

Whether you're interested in healthcare innovations, social determinants of health, or community welfare initiatives, the journal offers valuable perspectives and information. Reading it will enrich your understanding and keep you informed about current trends and developments in our field.

Access the journal online by clicking HERE.

Interested in becoming a member?

Benefits of PMAH Membership

As a member of the PMAH you will be able to:

1. Engage Filipino healthcare leaders in advancing the health and well-being of communities in Hawaii and abroad.

2. Be allowed to participate in a number of unparalleled networking opportunities to connect with your peers, mentors, and other medical leaders in Hawaii.

3. Attend conventions, seminars, dinners and other related events with like-minded professionals in the field

4. Keep up with the newest developments through our CME Courses and other educational opportunities

5. Become involved with Ohana Medical Missions, providing healthcare and health education to indigent patients in the Philippines, Hawaii, and other countries

Learn more

Want to be more involved in PMAH?

We welcome and encourage PMAH membership engagement!!
If you have a special interest, please ask us!
We also are always looking for potential new board members.
New ideas, suggestions, concerns, and comments welcome!
Please reach out to us!

Email us

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

DONATE to PMAH and our Affiliates

Your donations are greatly appreciated !
https://pmah-hawaii.org/take-action

All affiliates are non-profit charitable organizations 501(c)(3).
*When making a donation, please specify in comments preferred use ie general fund, mentorship, etc.

CONTACT US

We'd love to learn about announcements / education / opportunities / events
Please email info@pmah-hawaii.org

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER