HONOLULU (KHON2) -- 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. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 What is the National Academy of Medicine? 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. "The National Academy of Medicine is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon scientists here in the U.S. for their contributions to medicine, public health, and policies that impact community health," said Dr. Kaholokula. His work over the past two decades has focused on finding ways to improve health for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders which makes this induction a collective achievement for his research team and community partners. A recognition of Team Effort Dr. Kaholokula emphasized that this honor reflects the hard work of many people. "It’s a great recognition for the work that we've been doing—not just myself but also other members of my research team and our community partners. We've been working for over 20 years to advance Native Hawaiian health and Pacific Islander health by focusing on prevention strategies to avoid chronic diseases," he said. The journey to this honor involved support from esteemed colleagues, including Dr. Spero Manson, a professor at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus, who played a key role in nominating Dr. Kaholokula. "I was fortunate to have been elected this year," Dr. Kaholokula noted and he highlighted how the nomination process involves a community of peers who recognize each other's contributions. Amplifying voices of Native Hawaiians One of Dr. Kaholokula's goals in joining NAM is to advocate for underrepresented communities. "This position provides an opportunity to amplify the voices of our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, who are often not heard at the national level," he said. He sees this role as a chance to ensure that the needs and concerns of these communities are addressed in health discussions. In addition to advocacy, Dr. Kaholokula hopes to inspire the next generation of Native Hawaiian scientists and health providers. "It's a great opportunity to make way for the next generation so that more Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander researchers can also contribute at this level," he explained. This commitment to mentorship and guidance is essential in creating pathways for future leaders in health care. The importance of representation Dr. Manson, who has collaborated with Dr. Kaholokula for more than 12 years, shared his insights on the importance of having Indigenous representation in prestigious organizations like NAM. "His election to the National Academy of Medicine is important for many reasons," Dr. Manson said. "Not just as a role model for future generations of Native scientists but also because he brings a refined sense of balancing science with cultural values." This connection between science and cultural understanding is a crucial aspect of Dr. Kaholokula’s work. He aims to bridge traditional practices with modern medicine to improve health outcomes. Dr. Manson emphasized that Dr. Kaholokula's contributions extend beyond research; they also involve advocating for policies that reflect Indigenous values. Changing the landscape of medicine Both doctors believe that more Indigenous voices in medicine can fundamentally change the profession. Dr. Manson remarked, "The involvement of more Indigenous people will change the course and character of medicine in the United States and hopefully the world." He pointed out that many Indigenous communities view health as a holistic concept, incorporating mind, body and spirit. "We don't subscribe to the Cartesian dualism, the separation of mind and body," Dr. Manson noted. "Our challenge is to weave together these elements to benefit not only science but the care provided to all people." This holistic approach can lead to better health practices that are inclusive of diverse cultures. A legacy of hope Dr. Kaholokula’s historic induction into the National Academy of Medicine is a moment of pride not just for him but for the entire Native Hawaiian community. "This is not just my journey; it's a step forward for all of us," he said. His achievement serves as a reminder that dedication and collaboration can lead to significant milestones, particularly for marginalized communities. Dr. Kaholokula's election to the National Academy of Medicine highlights the importance of representation and advocacy in health care. It signifies a commitment to improving health outcomes for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders while also inspiring future generations of Indigenous leaders. You can access more information on the 2024 inductees to NAM by clicking here. You can click here to read more about Dr. Kaholokula's induction into the academy. You can click here to learn more about JABSOM's Department of Native Hawaiian Health and here for more information on JABSOM's Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 With passionate advocates like Dr. Kaholokula and Dr. Manson, the future of health care can be more inclusive and culturally aware, benefiting all communities.