Pictured: (Left) ʻAhahui o nā Kauka & Kauka Haumana in kīhei (L to R) Nick Simon, Kaʻahukane Leite-Ah Yo (MS2), Dr. Wesley Sumida, Dr. Martina Kamaka (JABSOM MD 1986), Dr. Dee-Ann Carpenter (JABSOM MD 1993), Kanoe Quibelan (MS2), Kayla Murata (MS2), Cori Sutton.
By Kanoe Quibelan, Kaʻahukane Leite-Ah Yo and Kayla Murata
MD Candidates, JABSOM Class of 2020
As physicians in training, we are taught the importance of connecting with our patients as a tool to put people at ease during an encounter, but it is also a way to express our humanity. Connections—whether they are to people, places, objects, or memories—serve to anchor us in various ways and provide a framework of support as we go forward in our lives.
This past August we had the opportunity to experience new ways of making connections to people, the land, and to the Native Hawaiian culture at Hoʻokuʻikahi I Puʻukoholā (To Unify at Puʻukoholā). Held annually at the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site in Kawaihae on Hawaiʻi Island, this event brings different ʻōhua (groups) together with the purpose of actively practicing Hawaiian culture through protocol, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), re-enactment of a spear throwing battle, ʻawa ceremony, and various gatherings to share manaʻo (thoughts). At the culmination of the event, the community at-large is welcome to attend a cultural fair. As medical students, we had the privilege of attending this gathering with ‘Ahahui o nā Kauka, the Association of Native Hawaiian Physicians, to provide health screenings for participants and community support in maintaining health and safety throughout the four-day event.
