HONOLULU (KHON2) -- At the intersection of physical activity, healthcare education and community building stands JABSOM Walks for A.L.O.H.A. (Attaining Lasting Optimal Health for All), a unique program created by the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) students. This initiative is their version of Walk with a Doc, where community members and medical students meet to walk, talk and learn about health. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You But what sets this program apart is the deep connections it fosters between future physicians and their potential patients. It's a unique opportunity that allows both sides to engage in meaningful conversations. Kristal Xie, a first-year medical student at JABSOM, is passionate about this program and its potential impact on the community. Xie’s journey to medical school was shaped by personal experiences that began when she was only 13 years old. “My mom almost died at 13, and that really made me realize that I wanted to help people,” Xie explained. Her early exposure to healthcare through volunteering at Kōkua Ke Aloha Medical Center and working at a houseless clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled her desire to become a physician. Xie’s commitment to making a difference in her community is evident in her work with JABSOM Walks for A.L.O.H.A. “At the end of the day, JABSOM exists to serve the community; and we want to make sure that we're doing our part as medical students,” she said. The program's mission is clear: help improve the health and well-being of the community by connecting medical students with people who need it the most. The walks are held every fourth Sunday of the month at Kakaʻako Waterfront Park. The event starts at 9 a.m. with a brief health talk that is followed by a casual walk. “We hope by having our community members talk to medical students one on one, we can really understand the needs of our community,” Xie shared. The topics discussed during the monthly health talks are chosen by the community members themselves as a means of ensuring that the information shared is relevant and valuable to their lives. “Each month we’ll talk about a specific health topic, and it’s determined by what our participants want to learn more about,” Xie explained. This format makes it possible for community members to engage directly with the medical students, ask questions about their health and gain insight into important health topics. The walk itself is a great opportunity to get active and an opportunity to bond with future physicians. “It’s a really great opportunity for them to be physically active, as well as learn about ways they can prevent certain health conditions and cope with conditions they might already have,” Xie said. The program also serves as an invaluable opportunity for students to practice patient interaction skills. “We really want to be able to make sure that our community members trust us and want us in the community,” Xie noted. The soft skills learned during these walks — empathy, communication, and the ability to address health concerns in a comfortable, approachable manner — are critical as these students move forward in their medical careers. As Xie reflected on the program's growth, she was hopeful about expanding its reach. “I hope that this group will expand and increase our exposure so that more people can come to these events,” she explained. "It’s an open invitation to anyone looking to improve their health, whether it’s a simple walk in the park, a chance to talk to a future doctor or just an opportunity to learn more about health and wellness." The walks are not limited to individuals either. Xie encouraged participants to bring their families, friends and even pets. Xie’s passion for the program was especially evident during the holiday-themed walk. “For our Christmas walk, I really enjoyed it because it was a great opportunity for all of our community members to come out. They were really festive, dressed in red and green; and it was nice to see everyone engaging with one another,” she recalled. For Xie, these walks are more than just physical activities. They’re a chance to connect with the community and offer support, particularly during times when people are facing personal struggles. “It’s a really great way to talk to them and support them through what they’re going through,” Xie said. As for advice for those considering joining the walks, Xie offered encouragement. “If you want to come out and maybe work on your New Year's resolution to get more active or be healthier, this is a really great way to start,” she said. Participants are encouraged to join the walk, ask questions and get involved. “It’s a great opportunity to stay active, get active, and bond with medical students and community members,” she said. The walk lasts between 40 to 60 minutes; and with a self-paced format, it’s designed to be accessible for everyone. Whether it’s the chance to get active, learn more about health or build meaningful connections with future physicians, JABSOM Walks for A.L.O.H.A. offers something for everyone. With future walks planned for the coming months, including January 27, Xie hopes the program will continue to grow and help bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the community. For those interested, more information is available on their Instagram and Facebook pages, or by emailing JABSOM Walks for A.L.O.H.A. at [email protected]. Once you sign up via the email, reminders are sent out along with other information regarding the walks. “It’s self-paced and very doable,” she said as she emphasized that the event is inclusive and accessible to all. You can also follow them on social media on Instagram and Facebook. “Please come and join us,” Xie said. “It’s a really great opportunity to learn more about your health, meet new people, and take care of yourself.” The program is free, open to all and offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone in the community. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Again, for those looking to join, JABSOM Walks for A.L.O.H.A. takes place every fourth Sunday of the month at Kakaʻako Waterfront Park. Be sure to follow them on social media for updates, and remember to bring your friends, family and even your pets to share in the experience.