QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Dear PMAH Members,
As we close out 2024 and look ahead to 2025, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all that the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii (PMAH) has accomplished this year. Together, we have celebrated milestones, fostered connections, and worked tirelessly to serve our community and advance our mission.
This year was marked by exciting and meaningful events that showcased the strength of our organization and the dedication of our members. In April, our Spring Into Health initiative brought healthcare awareness to the forefront, engaging families and individuals with preventive health education and resources. The event was a vibrant reminder of the positive impact we can have on our community.
In May, our Memorial Weekend CME Conference provided an unparalleled opportunity for professional growth and collaboration. Bringing together experts, physicians, and healthcare professionals, we delved into topics that are shaping the future of medicine. It was an inspiring weekend that reaffirmed the importance of lifelong learning in our profession.
In September, we hosted the Glow Bowl Fundraiser, a fun and engaging evening that brought members, families, and friends together to support our initiatives. The glow of camaraderie and shared purpose filled the lanes, reminding us that our strength lies in our unity and passion for giving back.
Another highlight of the year was our continued collaboration with Hawaii Residency Programs, Hawaii Young Healthcare Professionals (HYHP) group, and UH Manoa. These partnerships allowed us to connect with residency programs and future doctors, fostering mentorship and guidance while paving the way for the next generation of compassionate and skilled healthcare providers. By engaging with UH Manoa, we expanded our reach to include more students and professionals eager to make an impact in medicine. These collaborations have been invaluable in inspiring and preparing future leaders in healthcare.
As we look ahead to 2025, I am excited to share that I have been working on a project that is very near and dear to my heart. This initiative is something I am deeply passionate about, and I look forward to unveiling it in the middle of 2025. It is my hope that it will make a lasting impact and further the mission of PMAH in a meaningful way.
We will also expand our efforts to strengthen community engagement, deepen our partnerships, and create more opportunities for our members to thrive. Plans are already underway for our Memorial Weekend CME, community outreach programs, and fundraising events that will not only bring us closer as an organization but also extend our reach and impact.
To my fellow healthcare professionals—physicians, providers, residents, pre-med students, medical students, and preceptees—I personally invite you to join PMAH’s mission. PMAH is more than an organization; it is a community where your dedication, expertise, and aspirations can thrive. By becoming a member, you will not only contribute to the betterment of our medical community but also gain access to invaluable mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources that will support your growth in healthcare.
Your support and involvement are vital to keeping this organization strong. We also have opportunities for you to serve on our committees, where you can actively shape the future of PMAH and make your voice heard. Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for our community.
Let’s make 2025 a year of deeper connection, greater impact, and meaningful progress. I can’t wait to work alongside each of you to achieve our shared vision.
Thank you for your dedication and belief in PMAH’s mission. Together, we will continue to make a lasting difference.
Wishing you all a prosperous and fulfilling new year!
Warm regards,
Rainier Dennis D. Bautista, MD
President, Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii
UPCOMING EVENTS
Q1 General Meeting - TBA
Ohana Medical Mission - 2/3-2/9, 2025
Feb 3 Gerona
Feb 4 Sta. Ignacia
Feb 5 Paniqui
Feb 6 Urdaneta
Feb 7 Lingayen
Feb 9 Bagong Silang
Spring into Health - TBA
Memorial Weekend CME - May 24-25, 2025 at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Glow Bowl - TBA
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.
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/
COVID Vaccine Access
https://www.filcomcares.org/events
https://www.oneoahu.org/find-vaccine
https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/hph-covid-19-updates/vaccine-update/
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
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!
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
