Q4 - 2025 Newsletter

Written By PMAH
 
 

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Dear PMAH Members,

As this year ends, my term as President of the Philippine Medical Association of Hawai‘i also comes to a close. Serving you these past two years has been an honor and a privilege. Together we have faced challenges, built partnerships, and strengthened our voice as a unified Filipino medical community in Hawai‘i.

Over the last two years we have expanded our outreach programs, supported continuing medical education, and deepened our commitment to community health. We showed what it means to lead with compassion, collaboration, and cultural pride. Every success we achieved was made possible by your dedication and service.

As we close the year, I also want to thank our officers, committee chairs, and volunteers for their hard work and steady leadership. Your efforts have kept PMAH active, relevant, and strong.

Looking ahead, the association is in capable hands. Let us continue to support one another, mentor the next generation, and stay engaged in advancing the health and well-being of our community. As we enter the holiday season, please continue to promote vaccination and safe practices to protect your families and patients.

From my family to yours, thank you for the privilege of serving you. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay united.

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

 
 

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

Memorial Weekend CME (May 24–25, 2025)
PMAH held its 38th Memorial Weekend CME at the Four Seasons Ko Olina, centered on “2025 Updates in Patient Care.” The event brought together physicians for clinical updates, specialty lectures, and peer collaboration, reaffirming PMAH’s commitment to medical excellence and community leadership.

Menopause Health Seminar at the Philippine Consulate (July 21, 2025)
In partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, PMAH hosted an educational session on perimenopause and menopause provided by Dr. Lyla Cachola Prather. The program provided medical guidance for women’s health, opened community dialogue on aging and wellness, and highlighted PMAH’s public health outreach role within the Filipino community.

Ohana Medical Mission Gala (October 12, 2025)
The Ohana Medical Mission held its benefit gala in Waipahu to support future medical missions to the Philippines and underserved areas in Hawai‘i. Featuring cultural performances and community generosity, the event raised funds for medical supplies and volunteer operations, reinforcing Filipino physicians’ commitment to service and global care.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Leadership Promotions in Hawaiʻi Medical Community

Two Hawaiʻi physicians with Filipino roots have recently been recognized with academic promotions at the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM):

  • Dr. Melissa Faith Natavio
    Promoted to Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health at JABSOM. Dr. Natavio has been active in medical education and women’s health and continues to bring leadership to academic medicine in Hawaiʻi.

  • Dr. Corrie Miller
    Promoted to Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health at JABSOM. Dr. Miller contributes to clinical training and mentorship within JABSOM and has been involved in advancing medical curriculum and student development.

These achievements highlight the growing presence and leadership of Filipino physicians in academic medicine and serve as inspiration for the broader PMAH community.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Halloween Bowling Fundraiser

  • 10/25/2025 - Aiea Bowl

  • A community event that combines fun and purpose. Members, families, and friends come together for a night of bowling to raise funds for medical student and pre-med scholarships. The goal is to support the next generation of Filipino physicians and healthcare professionals in Hawai‘i.

Ohana Medical Mission

  • February 2026

  • An international outreach trip bringing volunteer physicians, nurses, and healthcare workers to underserved areas in the Philippines. The mission provides free medical, dental, and surgical services while strengthening ties between Hawai‘i’s Filipino medical community and local healthcare providers abroad.

Memorial Weekend CME

  • May 23-24, 2026 at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

  • The association’s flagship continuing medical education (CME) event. Physicians gather for two days of learning, networking, and relaxation. The program features expert speakers, clinical updates, and opportunities to earn CME credits in a scenic and collegial setting.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Get your scientific research shared with the rest of the PMAH community. Submissions will be accepted in Spring 2026 for a chance to be selected for a poster presentation. If selected, your poster will be displayed on-site during MWCME, thereby increasing your chances of getting published at a local scientific journal, meeting potential mentors and future colleagues, and facilitating networking throughout your medical career.

MWCME 2026 Scientific research abstract requirements:

1.     Research abstract should be original and has not been presented previously.

2.     Word limit: 750 words (consisting of title, authors’ names and titles, purpose, methods, results, conclusion, sources of support. Text only, no tables or figures.)

3.     Topic areas: Primary Care, Adult and Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Outpatient Medicine, Mental Health, Rehabilitation Medicine, Pharmacotherapeutics, OB GYN, and Surgery. Research topics are preferably in line with serving the Filipino community.

4.     Submit your research abstract with the first author’s CV in PDF format to info@pmah-hawaii.org. DEADLINE to submit TBD.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Medicare Telehealth Coverage Alert
Medicare is no longer covering certain telehealth visits.
Read the full article here →

Feature in the Hawai‘i Filipino Chronicle
Three PMAH physicians were featured in the Hawai‘i Filipino Chronicle’s September 2025 Community and Women’s Health supplement, each addressing important topics that impact health and wellness in Hawai‘i’s Filipino community.

  • “Hepatitis B: The Silent Illness in Hawai‘i’s Filipino Community” by Rainier Dennis D. Bautista, MD, DABFM, FAAFP shares the story of a patient’s diagnosis and highlights the importance of screening, early detection, and vaccination in preventing serious complications from hepatitis B.

  • “How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs” by Rhea Bautista, MD offers practical guidance to help families manage medication costs, including using generic alternatives, assistance programs, and insurance formularies to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

  • “You Have Cancer” by Dr. Marel Ver, MD provides an overview of cancer stages, treatment options, and the critical role of early diagnosis. She emphasizes the need for patient education and timely medical care to improve survival and quality of life.
    Link to Articles →

PMAH on the Air
Tune in to “Kalusugan ng Kababayan,” a weekly AlohaCare radio show hosted by Larry Ordonez, Dr. Noelani Coreen C. Hobbs, and Clemen Montero, sharing health insights in English, Tagalog, and Ilocano every Sunday on KNDI 1270AM from 6:00–6:30 PM.

PROVIDER OPPORTUNITIES

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.

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

PMAH
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